The holie Bible faithfully translated into English, out of the authentical Latin. Diligently conferred with the Hebrew, Greeke, and other editions in diuers languages. With arguments of the bookes, and chapters: annotations. tables: and other helpes ... By the English College of Doway

THE BOOKES OF MACHABEES PERTEYNING TO THE HI∣STORICAL PART OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. (Book Maccabees)

The argument of the bookes of Machabees, with other prooemial Annotations.

BEFORE we declare the contents, the reader perhaps wil require to* 1.1 know, why they are called the Bookes of MACHABEES: how manie they be; who writ them; in what language; & especially whether al, or anie, or which of them are Canonical Scripture? For satisfaction of al which demandes, distinguishing betwen certaine and vncertaine, we shal briefly shew that which semeth more probable in the doubtful pointes; and the as∣sured certaintie of that which is decided by the Catholique Church of Christ.* 1.2 Concerning therefore the name and inscription. S. Ierom, very probably sup∣poseth that these Bookes haue their title of Iudas MACHABEVS; the nar∣ration of whose heroical vertues, and noble Act••s occupieth the greatest part of this whole historie. And this surname Machabeus signifying valient of streingth (or by an vsual hebrew contraction, Mobi, more explicated, Milchamach Coach bihuda, that is, Force of battel, or Streingth in Iuda) was geuen him by his father Mathathias, when before his death di∣sposing of his sonnes & exhorting them, he sayd to them al: You my sonnes take corege, and doe manfully in the law, because in it you shal be* 1.3 glorious. And behold Simon your brother I know that he is a man of counsel: heare ye him alwayes, and he shal be father to you. Next headdeth: And Iudas Machabeus, valient of streingth from his youth, let him be to you the prince of warfayre, and he shal manage the battel of the people. And from him this name was also a∣scribed* 1.4 to his bretheren, and to al the rest that ioyned with them either in the holie warres, or otherwise shewed their valure, professing Gods law in spiri∣tual combate euen to death. As Nicetas writeth in Orat. 22. S. Greg. Na∣zian.* 1.5 VVherupon old Eleazarus and the seuen young bretheren, with their mother are also called Machabees.

There be in al, foure bookes called Machabees. The first S. Ierom* 1.6 found in Hebrew, the second in Greke, as he testifieth Epist. 106. The third

is also extant in Greke, and Latin in Biblijs Complutensibus. The fourth* 1.7 semeth to be that which is mentioned in the end of the first booke. And either * 1.8 the same, or an other vnder that title, is also extant in Greke, as testifieth Sixtus Senensis, li. 1. Bibliothecae. VVho writte them is more vncertaine: but most probable euerie one had a diuers auctor. Neither are the two last ap∣proued for Canonical by anie authentical auctoritie.

It resteth therfore to speake of the two first, which the Iewes and Prote∣stants* 1.9 denie, because they are not in the Hebrew Canon. The Protestants fur∣ther alleaging that they are not in the former Canon of the Church, before S. Ieroms time. Moreouer obiecting certaine places of these bookes, which they say, are contrarie to sound doctrine, & to the truth of other authentical histo∣ries; or contradictorie in themselues. None of which thinges can procede from the Holie Ghost, the principal auctor of al Diuine Scriptures. Al which textes we shal more conueniently explicate, according to their true sense, in * 1.10 their proper places. As for the exception, that these bookes are not in the Canon of* 1.11 the Iewes, it is answered already (Praef. Tobiae.) that the Canon of the Christian Catholique Church is of souereigne auctoritie, though the Iewes Canon haue them not. Finally wheras these bookes were not canonized in the former Ge∣neral Councels, it sufficeth that they are since declared to be Canonical, & Di∣uine Scripture, as some other partes haue likewise bene, which English Prote∣stants do not denie. As the Epistle of S. Iames, the second of S. Peter, the se∣cond and third of S. Iohn, and S. Iudes epistle: of al which Eusebius, and S. Ierom testifie, that some lerned Fathers doubled sometimes, whether they were Apostolical or no. But afterwards the same, with these two bookes of Machabees, and others were expresly declared to be Diuine Scripture, by the third Councel of Carthage, can. 47. By the Councel of seuentie* 1.12 Bishops vnder Gelasius, though by the name of one booke, as also Esdras and Nehemias as but one booke. Last by the Councels of Florence, and Trent.

If anie further require the iudgement of more ancient Fathers, diuers doe* 1.13 alleage these bookes as Diuine Scriptures. S. Dyonise, c. 2. celest. Hierar. S. Clemens Alexan. li. 1. Stromat. S. Cyprian li. 1. Epist. ep. 3. ad Corne∣lium. li. 4. ep. 1. & de exhort. ad Martyrium. c. 11. Isidorus li. 16. c. 1. Etym. S. Gregorie Nazianzen hath a whole Oration of the seuen Ma∣chabees Martyrs, and their mother. S. Ambrose li. 1. c. 41. Offic. But to omite others, albeit S. Ierom vrged not these bookes against the Iewes, yet he much estemed them, as appeareth in his commentaries vpon Daniel. c. 1. 11. & 12. S. Augustin most clerly auoucheth li. 2. c. 8. de doct. christ. & li. 18. c. 36. de ciuit. that notwithstanding the Iewes denie these bookes, the Church holdeth them Canonical. And wheras one Gaudentius an heretike alleaged for defense of his haeresie the example of Razias, who slew him self. 2. Mac. 14. S. Augustin denieth not the auctoritie of the booke, but discusseth the

fact, and admonisheth that it is not vnprofitably receiued by the Church; si sobrie legatur, vel audiatur: if it be read, or heard soberly. VVhich was a necessarie admonition to those Donatistes: who not vnderstanding the holie Scriptures, depraued them (as S. Peter speaketh of like heretikes, ••p. 2. c. 3.) to their owne perdition.

Now touching the contentes, a great part of the same historie, which is* 1.14 written in the former booke, is repeted in the second, with such varietie of some thinges added, some omitted, as in the bookes of Kinges and Paralipomenon: and as the Gospel is written by the foure Euangelistes. Ioyning therfore these* 1.15 two bookes together, the Concordance therof conteyneth foure prin∣cipal partes. The Preface; the Historie: an Appendix, & the Conclu∣sion. But the three former partes are very extraordinarily disposed. For the* 1.16 writer of the second booke (who doubtles was a distinct person from him that writte the former) first of al added an Appendix to the historie (written before) making mention of two Epistles, and reciting the summe of one of them, in the first chapter and part of the second, as though he meant to haue writte no more of the same matter. But then, as it may seme vpon new resolu∣tion, intending to abridge the historical bookes of Iason, maketh a preface to* 1.17 his worke, in the rest of that second chapter. And so prosecuteth his purpose: and finally maketh a briefe conclusion in the three last verses of the same second booke. The mayne historie conteyneth two special partes. The* 1.18 first sheweth the state of Gods peculiar people, the Iewish nation, from the beginning of the Grecian Monarchie, parted after the death of Alexander amongst his folowers: of which some did exceedingly persecute the Iewes, by diuers both suttle and cruel meanes, to the ruine of manie, and euen to death and martyrdom of some most constant obseruers of Gods Lawes, and true Religion, til the warres of the Machabees, in the first chapter of the first booke, and in the 3. 4 5 6. and 7. chapters of the second booke. In the other fiftene chap∣ters of the former booke, and other eight of the second, are described the bat∣tles, victories, & triumphes of the valient Machabees. Of which holie warres Mathathias was the beginner and first captaine: Iudas the second: the third Ionathas: and Simon the fourth: after whose death his sonne Iohn Hyr∣canus succeded Duke and Hieghpriest.

But because these bookes are intermixed the one with the other, wh••soeuer* 1.19 please to read them in order of the historie, may folow the direction of the Al∣phabet letters, set in the inner margen, beginning with A. at the twentith verse of the second chapter of the second booke, to the end of the same chapter. Thence procede as the signe of a starre directeth to the next letter B. which is at the beginning of the first booke, the first chapter first verse. And so in the rest. And when the capital letters are ended, the smaller wil direct you.

THE FIRST BOOKE OF MACABEES.

CHAP. I. King Alexander conquering manie countries, erecteth a new Monarchie. 6. who dying, his chief folowers succeede in seueral kingdomes of the same* 1.20 Monarchie. 11. King Antiochus approueth that a prophane schole be setup in Ierusalem, 17. subdueth Aegypt; 21. inuadeth Iudea; entreth by force into Ierusalem; spoyleth the temple, 25. and killeth manie. 30. Two yeares after sendeth an other spoyler; who killing manie, robbeth and burneth le∣rusalem:* 1.21 35. fortisieth the towre of Dauid; 38. prophaneth al holie thinges: 4••. commandeth al to committe idolatrie; 47. and to forsake the rites of Gods law, 52. vpon paine of death. 57. He setteth vp an abominable idol in the Temple, 60. persecuteth, and murdereth those that conforme not themselues to these innouations.

AND it came to passe, after that Alexander Philips [ 1] * 1.22 sonne the Macedonian, that :: 1.23 first reigned in Greece, being gone out of the land of Cethim, stroke Darius king of the Persians and the Medes: † he made manie battels, and obteyned the muni∣tion [ 2] of al, and slewe the kinges of the earth: † and he passed [ 3] through euen to the ends of the earth: and tooke the spoiles of the multitude of the Gentils: and the earth was silent in his sight. † And he gathered powre, and an armie exceding strong: [ 4] and his hart was exalted and eleuated: † and he obtayned the [ 5] regions of the Gentils, and the tyrantes: and they were made tributaries to him. † And after these thinges, he fel downe in [ 6] his bed, and he knew that he should dye. † And he called his [ 7] seruants the Nobles, that were brought vp with him from his youth: & he :: 1.24 diuided his kingdom to them, when he yet liued. [ 8] † And Alexander reigned twelue yeares, and he died. † And his [ 9] seruants possessed the kingdom, euerie one in his place: † and [ 10] they did al put crownes on them after his death, & their sonnes after them manie yeares, & euils were multiplied in the earth * 1.25. † And there came forth of them a sinful roote Antiochus :: 1.26 Illu∣stre, [ 11] * 1.27 the sonne of king Antiochus, that had bene at Rome an

hostage: and he reigned in :: 1.28 the hundreth and seuen and thir∣teth yeare of the kingdom of the Greekes. † In those dayes [ 12] there went forth of Israel wicked children, & perswaded ma∣nie, saying: Let vs goe, and make a couenant with the Gentils, that are about vs: because since we departed from them, ma∣nie euils haue found vs. † And the talke semed good in their [ 13] eyes. † And some of the people determined, and went to the [ 14] king: and he gaue them leaue to doe the iustice of the Gentils. † And they built a schoole in Ierusalem, according to the [ 15] lawes of the Nations: † and they made to them selues prepuces, [ 16] and reuolted from the holie testament, and were ioyned to the Nations, and were solde to doe euil. * 1.29

† And the kingdom was prepared in the sight of Antiochus, & [ 17] * 1.30 he begane to reigne in the land of Egypt, :: 1.31 that he might reigne ouer two kingdoms. † And he entered into Aegypt with great [ 18] multitude, with chariots and elephants, and horsemen, and a copious multitude of shippes: † And he made warre agaynst [ 19] Ptolomee the king of Egypt, and Ptolomee was afrayd at his presence, and fled, and manie fel wounded. † And he tooke [ 20] the fensed cities in the land of Aegypt: and he tooke the spoiles of the land of Aegypt. * 1.32

† And Antiochus turned, after he strooke Aegypt in the [ 21] * 1.33 hundreth and three and fourtith yeare: and he went vp to Israel, † and went vp to Ierusalem with a great multitude. [ 22] † And he entered into :: 1.34 the sanctification with pride, & tooke [ 23] the golden altar, and the candlesticke of light, and al the vessels therof, and the table of proposition, and the libatories, and the phials, and the litle morrers of gold, and the vele, and the crownes, and the golden ornament, that was in the face of the temple: and he brake al into p••eces. † And he tooke the siluer [ 24] and gold, and the desiderable vessels: and he tooke the hidden treasures which he found: and carying away he departed into his owne land. † And he made a slaughter of men, and spake [ 25] in great pride. † And great lamentation was made in Israel, [ 26] and in euerie, place of theirs: † and the princes, and the anci∣ents [ 27] mourned, and the youngmen, and the virgins were weak∣ned, and the beautifulnes of the wemen was changed. † E∣uerie husband tooke lamentation: and the wemen that sate [ 28] in the mariage bed, mourned: † and the land was moued [ 29] vpon the inhabitants therein, & al the house of Iacob did put on confusion. † And after two yeares of dayes the king sent [ 30]

a prince of tributes into the cities of Iuda, & :: 1.35 he came to Ie∣rusalem with a great multitude. † And he spake vnto them [ 31] peaceable wordes in guile: and they beleued him. † And he [ 32] fel vpon the citie sodenly, and stroke it with a great plague, and destroyed much people in Israel. † And he tooke the [ 33] spoiles of the citie, and burnt it with fyre, and destroyed the houses therof, and the walles therof round about: † and they [ 34] led the wemen captiue, and the children, and the cattel they possessed. † And they built :: 1.36 the citie of Dauid with a great wal, [ 35] and a strong, and with firme towers, and it was made a castel for them: † and they placed there a :: 1.37 sinful nation, wicked [ 36] men, and they waxed strong therein: And they layd armour, and victuals, and gathered together the spoiles of Ierusalem: † and layd them vp there: and they became a great snare. [ 37] † And this was made for an embushment of the sanctification, [ 38] and to be an il deuil in Israel. † And they shed innocent [ 39] bloud round about the sanctification, and contaminated the sanctification. † And the inhabitants of Ierusalem fled by [ 40] reason of them, and it became the habitation of strangers, and she became stranger to her owne seede, and her children for∣sooke her. † Her sanctification was desolate as a wildernes, her [ 41] festiual dayes were turned into mourning, her sabbaths into reproche, her honours into naught. † According to her glorie [ 42] was her ignominie multiplied, and her highnes was turned into mourning. † And king Antiochus :: 1.38 wrote to al his kingdom, [ 43] that al the people should be one: and euerie one should leaue his owne law. † And al Nations consented according to the [ 44] word of king Antiochus. † and manie of Israel consented to [ 45] his seruice, and they sacrificed to idols, and defiled the sabbath. † And the king sent bookes by the handes of messengers into [ 46] Ierusalem, & into al the cities of Iuda: that they should folow the law of the Nations of the earth, † and should prohibite [ 47] holocausts and sacrifices, & placations to be made in the tem∣ple of God, † and should prohibite the sabbath to be celebra∣ted, [ 48] and the solemne dayes. † And he commanded the holie [ 49] places to be defiled, and the holie people of Israel. † And he [ 50] commanded altars to be built, and temples, and idols, and swines flesh to be immolated, and common beasts, † and to [ 51] leaue their children vncircumcised, and their soules to be con∣taminated in al vncleannesses, and abominations, so that they should forget the law, and should change al the iustifications

of God. † And whosoeuer had not done acording to the word [ 52] of king Antiochus, they should dye. † According to al these [ 53] words wrote he to al his kingdom: and he appoynted princes ouer the people, that should force these thinges to be done. † And they commanded the cities of Iuda to sacrifice. [ 54] † And manie of the people were gathered to them, they that [ 55] had forsaken the law of our Lord: and they did euils vpon the land: † and they chased forth the people of Israel in hidden [ 59] corners, and in the secret places of fugitiues. † The fiftenth day [ 57] of the moneth Casleu, the hundreth fiue and fourtith yeare king Antiochus :: 1.39 built the abominable idol of desolation vpon the altar of God, and through out al the cities of Iuda round about they builded altars: † and before the gates of houses, [ 58] and in the stretes they burnt frankincense, & sacrificed. † and [ 59] the bookes of the law of God they burnt with fyre, cutting them: † and with whomsoeuer were found the bookes of [ 60] the testament of our Lord, and whosoeuer obserued the law of our Lord, they murdered him, according to the edict of the king. † In their powre did they these thinges to the people of [ 61] Israel, that was found in euerie moneth and moneth in the ci∣ties: † And the fiue and twentith day of the moneth they sa∣crificed [ 62] vpon the altar that was agaynst the altar. † And the [ 63] wemen that circumcided their children, were murdered ac∣cording to the commandment of king Antiochus, † and they [ 64] hang vp the children by the necks through out al their houses, and those that had circumcided them, they murdered. † And [ 65] manie of the people of Israel determined with themselues, that they would not eate the vncleane thinges: & they chose rather to dye, then to be defiled with vncleane meates: † & they would [ 66] not breake the holie law of God, & they were murdered, † and [ 67] there was made great wrath vpon the people excedingly * 1.40.

CHAP. II. Mathathias with his fiue sonnes, lamenteth the calamities of the people, 8. and prophanation of holie thinges, 15. resisteth the kings wicked decrees, 23. killeth an idolater, and the kings commissioner, so flyeth into the moun∣taines with others. 31. Manie are slaine not resisting in battel on the sab∣bath dayes. 40. Vpon further consideration the rest defend themselues in the sabbath; 45. kil their enimies, and destroy idolatrie. 49. Mathathias dying exhorteth his sonnes to be zelous in the law: 65. appoynting Simon their counseler, and Iudas their capitaine.

IN those dayes arose Mathathias the sonne of Iohn, the [ 1] * 1.41 * 1.42 sonne of Simeon, priest of the sonnes of Ioarib from Ieru∣salem, and he sate in the mountayne of Modin: † and he had [ 2] fiue sonnes, Iohn who was surnamed Gaddis: † and Simon, [ 3] who was surnamed Thasi: † and Iudas, who was called Ma∣chabeus: [ 4] † and Eleazar, who was surnamed Abaron: and Io∣nathan, [ 5] who was surnamed Apphus. † These saw the euils, that [ 6] were done in the people of Iuda, and in Ierusalem. † And Ma∣thathias [ 7] sayd: Wo is me, wherfore was I borne to see the affli∣ction of my people, and the affliction of the holie citie, and to sitte there, when it is geuen in the handes of the enemies? † The [ 8] holie places are come into the hand of strangers: the temple therof as an ignoble man. † The vessels of her glorie are caried [ 9] away captiue: her old men are murdered in the streets, and her youngmen are fallen by the sword of the enemies. † What [ 10] nation hath not inherited her kingdom, and hath not obtey∣ned her spoiles? † Al her beautie is taken away. She that was [ 11] * 1.43 free, is made a seruant. † And loe our holies, and out beautie, [ 12] and our glorie is desolate, and the Nations haue defiled them. † Whereto then is it for vs yet to liue? † And Mathathias rent [ 13] his garments, & his sonnes: and they couered themselues with [ 14] heareclothes, and lamented excedingly. † And there came [ 15] thither they that were sent from king Antiochus, to compel them, that were fled into the citie of Modin, to immolate, and to burne frankincense, and to depart from the law of God. † And manie of the people of Israel consenting came to them: [ 16] but Mathathias, and his sonnes stood constantly. † And they [ 17] that were sent from Antiochus answering sayd to Mathathias: Thou art the prince, and most honorable, and great in this citie, and adorned with sonnes, and bretheren. † Therfore [ 18] come thou first, and doe the kings commandement, as al Na∣tions haue done, and the men of Iuda, and they that are re∣mayning in Ierusalem: & thou shalt be, and thy sonnes among the kings frends, & amplified with gold, and siluer, and manie giftes. † And Mathathias answered, & sayd with a lowde voice: [ 19] Although al Nations obey king Antiochus, that euerie man reuolt from the seruice of the law of his fathers, and consent to his commandements: † I and my sonnes, and my brethe∣ren [ 20] wil obey the law of our fathers. † God be merciful vnto vs: [ 21] it is not profitable for vs to forsake the law, and the iustices of God: † we wil not heare the wordes of king Antiochus, neither [ 22]

wil we sacrifice, transgressing the commandments of our law, to go an other way. † And as he ceased to speake these [ 23] words, there came a certayne lewe in the eyes of al to sacrifice to the idols vpon the altar in the citie of Modin, according to the kings commandment. † And Mathathias saw, and was [ 24] sorie, and his reynes trembled, and his furie was kindled :: 1.44 ac∣cording to the iudgement of the law, and flying vpon him he slew him vpon the altar: † yea and the man, whom king [ 25] Antiochus had sent, which compelled them to immolate, he slewe in that verie time, and destroyed the altar, † and ze∣led [ 26] the law, as did Phinees to Zamri the sonne of Salomi.* 1.45 † And Mathathias cried out with a lowde voice in the citie, [ 27] saying: Euerie one that hath zele of the law, establishing his testament, let him comeforth after me. † And he fled him∣self, [ 28] and his sonnes into the mountaynes, and left al thinges whatsoeuer they had in the citie. † Then came downe manie [ 29] seeking iudgement, and iustice, into the desert: † and they [ 30] sate there them selues, and their children, and their wiues, and their cattel: because the euils ouerflowed vpon them. † And [ 31] it was reported to the kings men, and to the armie that was in Ierusalem in the citie of Dauid, that certayne men which dis∣sipated the kings commandment, were departed into secrete places in the desert, and manie were gone after them. † And [ 32] forthwith they went forwards towards them, and set battel against them in the day of the Sabbaths, † and they sayd to [ 33] them: Doe you resist now also as yet? comeforth, and doe ac∣cordidg to the word of king Antiochus, and you shal liue. † And they sayd: We wil not come forth, neither wil we doe [ 34] the kings word, to pollute the day of the Sabbaths. † And [ 35] they hastened battel against them. † And they answered them [ 36] not, neither did they cast a stone at them, nor stopped the se∣crete places, † saying: :: 1.46 Let vs dye al in our simplicitie: and [ 37] heauen and earth shal be witnesses, vpon vs that you vniustly destroy vs. † And they gaue them battel on the Sabbaths: and [ 38] there died they, & their wiues, & their children, and their cat∣tel euen to a thousand soules of men. † And Mathathias vnder∣stood [ 39] it and his freinds, and they had lamentation vpon them excedingly. † And euerie man sayd to his neighbour: If we shal [ 49] al doe as our bretheren haue done, and shal not fight against the heathen for our liues, and our iustifications: now wil they quickly destroy vs from the earth. † And they thought in [ 41]

that day, saying: Euerie man whosoeuer shal come vnto vs in battel on the day of the Sabbaths, let vs fight against him: and we wil not al dye, as our bretheren died in secrete places. † Then was there gathered to them the synagoge of :: 1.47 the Asside [ 42] ans strong of force out of Israel, euerie voluntarie in the law: † and al that fled from the euils, were added to them, & were [ 43] made a strength to them. † And they gathered an armie, and [ 44] stroke the sinners in their wrath, and the wicked men in their indignation: and the rest fled to the nations to escape. † And [ 45] Mathathias went round about, and his freindes, and they destroyed the altars: † and they circumcided the vncircumcised [ 46] children, as manie as they found in the costs of Israel: and in strength. † And they persecuted the children of pride, and [ 47] the worke prospered in their handes: † and they obteyned the [ 48] law out of the handes of the nations, and out of the handes of the kinges: & they gaue not the horne to the sinner. † And the [ 49] dayes of Mathathias approched to dye, & he sayd to his sonnes: Now is pride strengthned, and chastisement, and the time of subuersion, & the wrath of indignation: † Now therfore ô my [ 50] sonnes, be ye emulatours of the law, & geue your liues for the testament of your fathers. † And remember the workes of the [ 51] fathers, which they haue done in their generations: & you shal receiue great glorie, and an eternal name. † Abraham was he [ 52] * 1.48 not in tentation found faythful, and it was reputed to him vnto iustice? † Ioseph in the time of his distresse kept the com∣mandment, [ 53] * 1.49 and he was made lord of Aegypt. † Phinees our [ 54] father, feruent in the zele of God, receiued the testament of an euerlasting priesthood. † Iesus whiles he accomplished the [ 55] * 1.50 word, was made the duke in Israel. † Caleb whiles he testifieth [ 56] in the church, receiued an inheritance. † Dauid in his mercie [ 57] obteyned the seate of the kingdom for euer. † Elias whiles he [ 58] * 1.51 zeleth the zele of the law, was receiued into heauen. † Ana∣nias [ 59] and Azarias and Misael beleuing, were deliuered out of the flame. † Daniel in his simplicitie was deliuered out of the [ 60] lions mouth. † And so thinke ye through generation & gene∣ration: [ 61] that al that hope in him, are not weakened. † And of [ 62] the wordes of the sinful man be not afrayd: because his glorie is dung, & worme: † to day he is extolled, & to morow he shal [ 63] not be found: because he is turned into his earth, & his cogita∣tion is perished. † You therfore my sonnes take courege, & doe [ 64] manfully in the law: because in it you shal be glorious. † :: 1.52 And [ 65]

behold Simon your brother, I know that he is a man of coun∣sel: heare ye him alwayes, & he shal be a father to you. † And [ 66] Iudas Machabeus valiant of strength from his youth, let him be to you the prince of warfare, & he shal manage the battel of the people. † And you shal bring to you al the doers of the [ 67] law: and reuenge ye the reuenge of your people. † Repay [ 68] retribution to the Gentiles, and attend to the precept of the law. † And he blessed them, and was layd to his fathers. [ 69] † And he died the hundreth and six and fourtith yeare and he [ 70] was buried by his sonnes in the sepulchers of his fathers in Modin, and al Israel lamented him with great lamentation.

CHAP. III. Iudas Machabeus punisheth the wicked: 10. killeth Apollonius in battel. 13. Seron braggeth, but is also ouerthrowen. 25. Antiochus furiously in∣censed, 29. gathereth money in Persis, 32. leauing Lysias viceroy; 38. who sending a great armie against the Israelites, 42. Iudas and his bretheren commending the cause to God, by prayer and penance, 54. resolue to fight against their enemies.

AND Iudas, that was called Machabeus his sonne :: 1.53 arose [ 1] in his steed: † and al his bretheren helped him, and al [ 2] that had ioyned themselues to his father, and they fought the battel of Israel with ioy. † And he dilated glorie to his people, [ 3] and put on him a brigantine as a giant, and girded about him his warlie armour in battels, and protected the campe with his sword. † He became like a lion in his actes, and as a lions [ 4] whelpe roaring in hunting. † And he persecuted the wicked [ 5] enquiring them out, and such as trubled his people, them he burnt with fyre: † and his enemies were repelled for feare of [ 6] him, al the workers of iniquitie were trubled: and salua∣tion was directed in his hand. † And he exasperated manie kinges, and reioyced Iacob in his workes, and for euer his memorie is in benediction. † And he walked through the ci∣ties [ 8] * 1.54 of Iuda, and destroyed the impious out of them, and turned away wrath from Israel. † And he was renowned euen to the [ 9] vttermost part of the earth, & he gathered thē that perished. * 1.55 † And Apollonius gathered together the Gentils, and from [ 10] * 1.56 Samaria a powre much and great, to make battel against Israel. † And Iudas vnderstood it, and wentforth to meete [ 11] him: and he stroke, and killed him: and there fel manie woun∣ded, and the rest fled away. † And he tooke the spoiles of [ 12]

them, and the sword of Apollonius Iudas tooke away, and he fought with it al his dayes. † And :: 1.57 Seron capitaine of the armie [ 13] of Syria heard that Iudas gathered a congregation of the faith∣ful, and an assemblie with him, † and he sayd: I wil make me a [ 14] name, & wil be glorified in kingdom, & wil ouerthrow Iudas, and those that are with him, that despised the word of the king. † And he prepared himself: and there went vp with him a [ 15] campe of the impious strong helpers, to doe vengeance vpon the children of Israel. † And they approched euen as far as [ 16] Bethoron: & Iudas went forth to meete him with few. † But as [ 17] they saw the armie coming to meete them, they sayd to Iudas: How shal we a few be able to fight against so great a multitude and so strong, and we are wearied with fasting to day? † And [ 18] Iudas sayd: It is an easie matter for manie to be inclosed in the hand of few: & :: 1.58 there is no difference in the sight of the God of heauen to deliuer in manie, and in few. † Because not in [ 19] the multitude of the armie is the victorie of battel, but from heauen is the strength. † They come to vs in an obstinate mul∣titude, [ 20] and in pride, to destroy vs, and our wiues, and our chil∣dren, and to spoile vs. † But we wil fight for our liues, and [ 21] our lawes: † and our Lord himself wil destroy them before [ 22] our face, but you feare them not. † And as he ceased to speake, [ 23] he flew vpon them sodenly: and Seron was destroyed, and his host in his sight: † and he pursewed him in the descent of [ 24] Bethoron euen to the playne, and there fel of them eight hun∣dred men, and the rest fled into the land of the Phylisthims. † And the feare of Iudas and of his bretheren, and the dread [ 25] f••l vpon al the nations round about them. † And his name [ 26] came to the king, and al nations told of the battels of Iudas. † And as king Antiochus heard these wordes he was wrath [ 27] in his mind: and he sent, and gathered the armie of al his king∣dom, a campe exceding strong: † and he opened his treasurie, [ 28] and gaue wages to the armie for a yeare: and he commanded them, that they should be readie at al assayes. † And he saw [ 29] that money fayled out of his treasures, and the tributes of the region smal because of :: 1.59 the dissension, and :: the plague, that he had made in the land, to take away the ordinances, that were from the first dayes: † and he feared lest he should not haue as [ 30] once and twise, for costs and gifts, which he had geuen before with a large hand: and he had abunded aboue the kinges, that had bene before him. † And he was excedingly astonied in [ 31]

minde, & purposed to goe into Persis, and to take the tributes of the regions, and to gather together much siluer. † And he [ 32] left Lysias a noble man of the bloud royal, ouer the kings affayres, from the riuer Euphrates euen to the riuer of Aegypt: † and that he should bring vp Antiochus his sonne, til he re∣turned. [ 33] † And he deliuered to him half the armie, and Ele∣phants: [ 34] and he gaue him in commandment concerning al thinges that he would, & concerning the inhabitants of Iurie,* 1.60 and Ierusalem: † and that he should send an armie to them, [ 35] to destroy and roote out the powre of Israel, and the remnant of Ierusalem, and to take away the memorie of them out of the place: † and that he should appoynt inhabitants in al their [ 36] costs, children strangers, & should by lot distribute their land. † And the king tooke the part of the armie that remayned, [ 37] and went forth from Antioch the citie of his kingdom in the yeare an hundreth and seuen and fourtie: and he passed ouer the riuer Euphrates, & walked through the higher countries. † And Lysias chose Ptolomee the sonne of Doryminus, and [ 38] Nicanor, and Gorgias, mightie men of the kings freindes. † And he sent with them fourtie thousand men, and seuen [ 39] thousand horsemen: that they should come into the land of Iuda, and should destroy it according to the word of the king. † And they went forth with al their power, and came, and [ 40] ioyned nere to Enimaum in the champaine countrie. † And [ 41] the merchants of the countries heard the name of them: and they tooke siluer and gold exceding much, and seruants: and they came into the campe, to take the children of Israel for slaues, and there were added to them the armie of Syria, and of the land of the strangers. † And Iudas saw, and his bretheren, [ 42] that the euils were multiplied, and the armies approched to their borders: and they knew the kings words, which he com∣manded to doe to the people vnto destruction and consumma∣tion: † and they sayd euerie one to his neighbour: Let vs set [ 43] vp the abasing of our people, and let vs fight for our people, and our holies. † And an assemblie was gathered, that they [ 44] should be readie vnto battel: and that they should :: 1.61 pray and desire mercie and miserations. † And Ierusalem was not inha∣bited, [ 45] but was as a desert: there was none that came in and went out of her children: and the holie place was conculca∣ted: and the children of strangers were in the castel, there was the inhabitation of the Gentils, and pleasure was taken

away from Iacob, and there failed their pipe, and harpe. † And [ 46] they gathered together, and came into Maspha against Ierusa∣lem: because the place of prayer in Israel was in Maspha :: 1.62 be∣fore. † And they fasted that day, and clothed themselues with [ 47] heareclothes, and put ashes on their head: and they rent their garments: † and they layd open the bookes of the law, out [ 48] of which the Gentils searched the similitude of their idols: † and they brought the ornaments of priests, and first fruites, [ 49] and tithes, and raysed vp Nazareits, that had fulfilled their dayes: † and they cried with a lowd voice to heauen, saying: [ 50] What shal we doe with these, & whither shal we carie them? † And thy holies are conculcated, and they are contaminated, [ 51] and thy priests are brought into mourning, and into humilia∣tion. † And behold the Nations are come together against vs, [ 52] to destroy vs: thou knowest what thinges they intend against vs. † How shal we be able to stand before their face, vnles [ 53] thou ô God doe helpe vs? † And with trumpets they cried out [ 54] with a lowd voice. † And after these thinges Iudas appointed [ 55] captaynes of the people, tribunes, and centurions, and a sear∣gents,* 1.63 and decurions. † And he sayd to them, that built houses, [ 56] and despoused wiues, and planted vyneyards, and to the fear∣ful, that euerie one should returne into his house according to* 1.64 the law. † And they remoued the campe, and pitched at the [ 57] South of Emmaum. † And Iudas sayd: Gird vp your selues, [ 58] and be mightie sonnes, and be readie agaynst the morning, that you may fight against these nations, which are assembled against vs to destroy vs, and our holies: † because it is better [ 59] for vs to dye in battel, then to see the euils of our nation, and of the holies: † but :: 1.65 as it shal be the wil in heauen, so be it [ 60] done.

CHAP. IIII. Gorgias with six thousand souldiars wel appointed, intending sudenly to de∣stroy the Israelites armie of three thousand not wel armed, 8. is defeated; halfe of his men slaine, the rest running away. 16. Iudas staying his men from spoyling, til the enemies were out of sight, then they take rich prayes; and render thankes to God. 28. The next yeare, Lysias with three score thousand foote, and six thousand horsemen inuading Iurie, Iudas with tenne thousand (making his prayer to God) killeth fiue thousand: 35. the rest flying, Lysias gathereth more souldiars. 36. Iudas with his bretheren, and others clense the temple, and renew holie thinges. 55. Offer Sacrifice, 58. and institute a feast of the dedication of a new Altar.

AND :: 1.66 Gorgias tooke fiue thousand [ 1] chosen horsemen: & they remoued the campe by night, † that they might approch to the campe of the Iewes, and [ 2] might strike them sodenly: and the children that were of the castel, were their guides. † And Iudas :: 1.67 heard, and arose, he [ 3] and the mighties to strike the powre of the kings armie, that were in Emmaum. † For as yet the armie was dispersed from [ 4] the campe. † And Gorgias came into the campe of Iudas by [ 5] night, and found no man, and he sought them in the moun∣taynes: because he sayd: These flee from vs. † And when the [ 6] day was come, Iudas appeared in the filde with three thousand men onlie, which had not harnes, and swords as they would: † and they saw the campe of the Gentils strong, and the men [ 7] in brigantines, and horsemen round about them, and these were skilful to battel. † And Iudas sayd to the men that were [ 8] with him: :: 1.68 Feare not the multitude of them, & of their assault be not afrayd. † Remember in what sort our fathers were [ 9] saued in the redsea, when Pharao with a great armie folowed them. † And now let vs crie towards heauen: and our Lord [ 10] wil haue mercie on vs, and wil be mindful of the testament of our fathers, & wil destroy this armie, before our face this day: † and al Nations shal know that there is one that redemeth [ 11] and deliuereth Israel. † And the aliens lifted vp their eyes, [ 12] and saw them coming against them. † And they went out of [ 13] the campe into battel, and these that were with Iudas, sounded with the trumpet. † And they mette together: and the [ 14] Gentils were discomfited, and fled into the playne. † but [ 15] al the hi•• most fel by the sword, and they pursewed them as far as Gezeron, and euen to the playnes of Idumea, and of Azotus, and of Iamnia: and there fel of them euen to three thousand men. † And Iudas returned, and his armie folowing [ 16] him. † And he sayd to the people: Couet not the spoiles: [ 17] because there is battel against vs, † and Gorgias and his armie [ 18] are neere vs in the mount: but stand ye now against our ene∣mies, and ouerthrow them, and you shal take the spoiles afterwards secure. † And as Iudas was speaking these wordes, [ 19] loe a certaine part appeared looking forth from the montayne. † And Gorgias saw that his men were turned to flight, & that [ 20] they burnt the campe: for the smoke that was sene declared what was done. † Which thinges seene they feared excedingly, [ 21] beholding withal both Iudas, & the armie in the playne readie

to battel. † And they did al flee into the playne of the aliens: [ 22] † and Iudas returned to the spoiles of the campe, & they tooke [ 23] much gold, and siluer, and hiacynth, and purple of the sea, and great riches. † And turning they sung an hymne, and blessed [ 24] * 1.69 God towards heauen, because he is good, because his mercie is for euer. † And great saluation was made in Israel in that day. [ 25] † And whosoeuer escaped of the aliens, they came and told [ 26] Lysias al thinges that had chanced. † Which when he heard [ 27] being amased he faynted in mynd: that such thinges chanced not in Israel, as he would, and such as the king commanded. * 1.70 * 1.71 † And the yeare folowing :: 1.72 Lysias gathered of chosen men [ 28] three score thousand, and of horsemen fiue thousand, to ouer∣throw them. † And they came into Iewrie, and pitched the [ 29] campe in Bethoron, and Iudas mette them with ten thousand men. † And they saw the armie strong, and he prayed, and [ 30] sayd: Blessed art thou ô sauiour of Israel, which brakest the* 1.73 assault of the mightie by the hand of thy seruant Dauid, and didst deliuer the campe of the aliens into the hand of Ionathas Sauls sonne, and of his esquyer. † shut vp this armie in the [ 31] hand of thy people Israel, and let them be confounded in their armie and horsemen. † Geue them feare, and consume the [ 32] bouldnes of their strength, and let them be shaken with their contrition, † cast them downe with the sword of them, that [ 33] loue thee: & let al that know thy name, prayse thee in hymnes. † And they ioyned battel: and there fel of the armie of Lysias [ 34] fiue thousand men. † And Lysias seing the flight of his men, [ 35] and the boldnes of the Iewes, and that they are readie either to liue or to dye manfully, he went to Antioch, and chose souldiars, that being multiplied they might come agayne into Iewrie. † But Iudas, and his bretheren sayd: Behold our ene∣mies [ 36] are discomfited: :: 1.74 let vs goe vp now to clense the holie places, and to renew them. † And al the armie assembled to∣gether, [ 37] and they went vp into mount Sion. † And they saw [ 38] the sanctification desert, and the altar prophaned, and the gates burnt, and in the courts shrubbes growen vp as in a forest, or on the mountaynes, & the chambers throwen downe. † And [ 39] they rent their garments, and lamented with a great lamenta∣tion, and layd ashes vpon their head: † and they fel on their [ 40] face vpon the earth, and cried out with trumpets of significa∣tions, and cried towards heauen. † Then Iudas ordayned men, [ 41] to fight against them that were in the castel, til they clensed

the holie places. † And he chose priests without spotte, ha∣uing [ 42] their wil in the law of God: † and they clensed the holie [ 43] places, and tooke away :: 1.75 the stones of contamination into an vncleane place. † And he considered of the altar of holo∣causts, [ 44] that was prophaned, what he should doe with it. † And [ 45] good counsel came to their mindes, to destroy it: lest perhaps it might be a reproch to them, because the Gentils contami∣nated it, and they threw it downe. † And they layd vp the [ 46] stones in the mount of the house in a place conuenient, til there should come a prophete, and geue answer concerning them. † And they tooke whole stones according to the law, and [ 47] builded a new altar according to that which was before: † and [ 48] they built the holie places, and the thinges that were within the temple inward: and the temple, and the courts they san∣ctified. † And they made the holie vessels new, and brought [ 49] in the candlestike, and the altar of incenses, and the table into the temple. † And they put incense vpon the altar, and lighted [ 50] the lampes, that were vpon the candlesticke, and they gaue light in the temple. † And they set loaues vpon the table, and [ 51] hung vp the veles, and finished al the workes, that they had made. † And before the morning they arose the fiue and [ 52] twentith day of the ninth moneth (this is the moneth of Casleu) of :: 1.76 the hundreth and eight and fourtith yeare: † and [ 53] they offered sacrifice according to the law vpon the new altar of holocausts, which they made. † According to the time and [ 54] according to the day, wherin the heathen contaminated it, in the same was it renewed in canticles, and harps, and lutes, and in cymbals. † And al the people fel on their face, and they a∣dored [ 55] toward heauen, and blessed him that prospered them. † And :: 1.77 they made the dedication of the altar eight dayes, and [ 56] * 1.78 they offered holocausts with ioy, and sacrifice of saluation, and of prayse. † And they adorned the face of the temple with [ 57] golden crownes, & litle shieldes: and they dedicated the gates, and the chambers, and hanged doores vpon them. † And there [ 58] was made exceding great ioy in the people, and the reproch of the Gentils was turned away. † And Iudas decreed, and his [ 59] bretheren, and al the church of Israel, that the day of the de∣dication of the altar be kept in the times therof from yeare to yeare for eight dayes, from the fiue and twentith day of the moneth Casleu, with ioy and gladnes. † And they builded at [ 60] that time mount Sion, & round about high walles, and strong

towres, lest sometime the Gentils should come, & conculcate it as they did before. † And he placed an armie there, to keepe [ 61] it, and he fensed it to keepe Bethsura, that the people might haue a munition against the face of Idumea. * 1.79

CHAP. V. Iudas and his bretheren expugne their bordering enimies, 9. deliuer them that were distressed. 17. Simon prospereth in Galeley, 24. Iudas in Galaad, 45. taketh Ephron, and al returne safe into Ierusalem. 55. Iose∣phus and Azarias attempting ambiciously without order to fight against their enemies, are defeated. 63. And Iudas hath more victories.

AND it came to passe, as :: 1.80 the Gentils round about heard [ 1] * 1.81 that the altar was builded vp, & the sanctuarie as before, they were exceding angrie: † and they thought to take away [ 2] the stocke of Iacob, that were among them, & they began to kil of the people, and to persecute. † And Iudas fought against [ 3] :: 1.82 the children of Esau in Idumea, and them that were in Acra∣bathane: because they besette the Israelites round about, and he stroke them with a great plague. † And he remembred the [ 4] malice of the children :: 1.83 of Bean, which were to the people a snare and a scandal, lying in waite for them in the way. † And [ 5] they were shut vp by him in towres, & he came nere to them, & a 1.84 anathematized them, & burnt their towres with fyre, with al that were in them. † and he passed to the children :: 1.85 of Am∣mon, [ 6] and found a strong band, and a copious people, and Ti∣mothee their captaine: † & he made manie battels with them, [ 7] and they were discomfited in their sight, and he stroke them: † and he tooke Gazer the citie, & her b 1.86 daughters, and returned [ 8] into Iewrie. † And the Gentils that are :: 1.87 in Galaad, gathered [ 9] together agaynst the Israelites, that were in their costs to dis∣patch them: and they fled into the fortresse of Batheman. † And [ 10] they sent letters to Iudas, & his bretheren, saying: The heathen round about are gathered together against vs, to dispatch vs: † and they prepare to come, and to occupie the fortresse into [ 11] which we are fled: and Timothee is the captayne of their host. † Now therfore come, & deliuer vs, out of their handes, [ 12] because a multitude of vs is fallen. † And al our bretheren, that [ 13] were in the places of Tubin, are slaine: & they led away their wiues captiues, and the children, and the spoiles, and they haue slaine there almost a thousand men. † And the epistles were [ 14] yet in reading, and loe other messengers came our of Galilee

their coates rent reporting according to these wordes: † saying [ 15] that there were assembled against them from Ptolemais, and Tyre, and Sidon, and al Galilee is replenished with alienes, to consume vs. † And as Iudas and the people heard these wordes, [ 16] a great assemblie assembled together to consider what they should doe for their bretheren, that were in tribulation, and were expugned of them. † And Iudas sayd to Simon his bro∣ther: [ 17] Choose thee men, and goe, and deliuer thy bretheren in :: 1.88 Galilee: and I, and my brother Ionathas wil goe into the countrie of Galaad. † And he left Ioseph the sonne of zacharie, [ 18] and Azarias captaynes of the people with the residue of the armie in Iurie to keepe it: † and he commanded them, saying: [ 19] Be ye ouer this people: & make no battel against the heathen, til we returne. † And there were parted to Simon three thou∣sand [ 20] men, to goe into Galilee: but to Iudas eight thousand to goe into the countrie of Galaad. † And Simon went into Ga∣lilee, [ 21] and made manie battels with the heathen: & the heathen were discomfited before his face, and he pursewed them euen to the gate of Ptolemais. † And there fel of the heathen almost [ 22] three thousand men, & he tooke the spoiles of them, † and he [ 23] toke them that were in Galilee & in Arbatis with their wiues, and children, & al thinges that they had, and he brought them into Iurie with great ioy. † And Iudas Machabeus, and Iona∣thas [ 24] his brother passed ouer Iordan, and went three dayes iorney through the desert. † And the Nabutheians mette [ 25] them, and receiued them peaceably, and told them al thinges, that had happened to their bretheren in the countrie of Ga∣laad, † and that manie of them were comprehended in Barasa, [ 26] and Bosor, and in Alimis, and in Casphor, and Mageth, and Carnaim, al these cities fensed, and great. † Yea and in the rest [ 27] of the cities of Galaad they are held captiue, & on the morow they appoynted to remoue the armie nere to these cities, and to take them, & to dispatch them in one day. † And Iudas [ 28] turned, and his armie the way into Bosor sodenly, and tooke the citie: and he slew euerie male in the edge of the sword, and tooke al their spoiles, and burnt it with fire. † And they [ 29] arose thence by night, and went euen to the fortresse. † And [ 30] it came to passe early in the morning, when they had lifted vp their eyes, and behold much people, wherof there was no number, carying ladders, and engins, to take the fortresse, and they expugned them. † And Iudas saw that the battel began, [ 31]

and the crie of the battel ascended to heauen as a trumpet, and a great crie out of the citie: † and he sayd to his host: Fight ye [ 32] to day for your bretheren. † And he came with three rankes [ 33] behind them, and they cried out with trumpets, and cried in prayer. † And the campe of Timothee vnderstood that it was [ 34] Machabeus, and they fled backe from his presence: and they stroke them with a great plague: and there fel of them in that day almost eight thousand men. † And Iudas turned aside into [ 35] Maspha, and expugned, and tooke it, and he slew euerie male therof, and he tooke the spoiles therof, and burnt it with fyre. † From thence he marched, and tooke Casbon, and Mageth, [ 36] and Bosor, and the rest of the cities of Galaad. † But after these [ 37] wordes Timothee gathered an other armie, & camped against Raphon beyond the torrent. † And Iudas sent to vewe the [ 38] armie: and they reported vnto him, saying: That al the nations, that are round about vs, are assembled against vs, an armie exceding great: † and they haue hyred the Arabians to helpe [ 39] them, and they haue camped beyond the torrent, being readie to come vnto thee into battel. And Iudas went to meete them. † And Timothee sayd to the princes of his armie: When Iudas [ 40] shal approch, and his armie to the torrent of water: if he passe ouer vnto vs first, we shal not be able to sustaine him: because preuayling he wil preuaile against vs. † but if he be afrayd to [ 41] passe ouer, and campe without the riuer, let vs passe ouer to them, and we shal preuaile against him. † But as Iudas appro∣ched [ 42] to the torrent of water, he set the scribes of the people by the torrent, and commanded them, saying: Leaue not a man: but let al come into the battel. † And he passed ouer to [ 43] them first, and al the people after him, and al the heathen were discomfited at their presence, and they threw away their wea∣pons, and fled to the temple, that was in Carnaim. † And he [ 44] tooke :: 1.89 the citie itself, and the temple he burnt with fire, with al thinges that were therein: & Carnaim was subdewed, and could not stand against the face of Iudas. † And Iudas [ 45] gathered together al the Israelites, that were in the countrie of Galaad, from the least euen to the greatest, and their wiues, and children, and an armie exceding great, to come into the land of Iuda. † And they came as far as :: 1.90 Ephron, and this [ 46] citie was great situate in the entrance, fenced excedingly, and there was no meanes to decline from it on the right hand or on the left, but the way was through the middes. † And [ 47]

they that were in the citie, shut in themselues, and stopped the gates with stones: and Iudas sent to them in peaceable wordes, † saying: Let vs passe through your land, and goe into [ 48] our countrie: and no man shal hurt you, onlie on foote we wil* 1.91 passe. And they would not open vnto them † And Iudas com∣manded [ 49] proclamation to be made in the campe, that they should approch euerie man in the place wherein he was. † and [ 50] the men of strength approched, and he assaulted that citie al the day, and al the night, and the citie was deliuered into his hand: and they slew euerie male in the edge of the sword, [ 51] and he rooted it vp, and tooke the spoiles therof, and passed through al the citie vpon the slaine. † And they p••ssed ouer [ 52] Iordan in the great playne, against the face of Bethsan. † And [ 53] Iudas gathered together :: the hin most, and he :: 1.92 exhorted the people throughout al the way, til they came into the land of Iuda: † and they went vp into mount Sion with ioy, and [ 54] gladnes, & offered holocausts because none of them was fallen til they returned in peace. † And in the dayes, that Iudas and [ 55] Ionathas were in the land of Galaad, and Simon his brother in Galilee against the face of Prolomais, † :: 1.93 Ioseph the sonne [ 56] of Zacharie heard, and Azarias, the princes of the band, the thinges wel atcheiued, and the battels that were made, † and [ 57] he sayd: Let vs also make vs a name, and let vs goe fight a∣gainst the heathen, that are round about vs. † And he com∣manded [ 58] them that were in his armie, and they went to Iam∣nia. † And Gorgias went forth out of the citie, and his [ 59] men to meete them into battel. † And Ioseph and Azarias [ 60] were chased in flight euen vnto the borders of Iurie: and there fel that day of the people of Israel about two thousand men, and there was made a great tumult in the people: † because [ 61] they heard not Iudas, and his bretheren, thinking that they should doe manfully. † But they were not of the seede of [ 62] those men by whom saluation was made in Israel. † And the [ 63] men of Iuda were magnified excedingly in the sight of al Is∣rael, and of al nations where their name was heard † And they [ 64] came together vnto them, with acclamations for their good successe. † And Iudas went out, and his bretheren, and they [ 65] expugned the children of :: 1.94 Esau in the land, that is toward the South, and they stroke Chebron, and her daughters: and the walles therof and the towres he burnt with fyre round about. † And he remoued the campe to goe into the land of [ 66]

the aliens, and he walked through :: 1.95 Samaria. † In that day fel [ 67] the priests in battel, whiles they wil doe manfully, whiles they goe forth without counsel into battel. † And Iudas declined [ 68] :: 1.96 to Azotus into the land of the aliens, and he threw downe their altars, and the sculptils of their goddes he burnt with fyre: and he tooke the spoiles of the cities, and returned into the land of Iuda.

CHAP. VI. Antiochus repulsed from Elimais, 5. and hearing of the ouerthrow of his armie in lurie, falleth vehemently sick: 11. and acknowleging his cala∣mities to haue happened, for he hath done against the Iewes, dyeth. 17. His young sonne Antiochus Eupator succedeth. 18. Iudas besiegeth the Macedonians fortresse. 21. Relapsed Iewes solicite the king, 28. and he cometh with a terrible huge armie. 32. Iudas therfore leauing the siege meeteth the enemie. 43. Eleazar going vnder an elephant killeth him and so himselfe is also slaine. 47. The king taketh Bethsura by composition. 51. and bendeth his forces against Ierusalem. 55. By Lysias aduice the king ma∣keth peace with the Iewes; 62. but breaking his othe destroyeth the wal of Sion; 63. and returning recouereth Antioch from Philippe.

AND king Antiochus walked through the higher coun∣tries, [ 1] and he heard that there was a citie Elymais in Per∣sis most noble, and plentiful in siluer, and gold, † and a temple [ 2] therin exceding rich: and couerings thereof gold, and brigan∣tines, and shildes, which Alexander philips sonne the king of Macedonia that reigned first in Grece left there. † And he [ 3] came, and sought to take the citie, and to spoile it, and he could not, because the word was knowen to them that were in the citie. † And they rose vp into battel, and he fled from thence, [ 4] and departed with great sorow, and returned into :: 1.97 Babylonia.* 1.98 † And there came one that told him in Persis, that the campes [ 5] that were in the land of Iuda, were put to flight: † and that [ 6] Lysias went with great powre with the first, and was put to flight before the face of the Iewes, and they grew strong with armour, and force, and manie spoiles, which they tooke out of the campes, which they destroyed: † and that they [ 7] threw downe the abomination which they had builded vpon the altar that was in Ierusalem, and the sanctification they compassed about as before with high walles, yea and Bethsura his citie. † And it came to passe as the king heard these wordes, [ 8] he was sore afrayd, and was moued excedingly: and he lay

downe vpon his bed, and fel into sicknes for sorow, because it was not chanced to him as he thought. † And he was there [ 9] for manie dayes: because there was renewed in him great so∣rowfulnes, and he made account to dye. † And he called al his [ 10] freindes, and sayd to them: Sleepe is departed from mine eyes, and I am fallen away, & my hart is gone for pensifenes: † and I [ 11] sayd in my hart: Into how great tribulation am I come, & into what waues of sorow, wherin now I am: who was pleasant, and beloued in my powre! † But :: 1.99 now I remember the euils, [ 12] that I haue done in Ierusalem, from whence also I tooke away al the spoiles of gold, and of siluer, that were in it, and I sent to take away the inhabitants of Iewrie, without cause. † I know [ 13] therfore that for this cause haue these euils found me: and loe I perish with great sorow in a strange countrie. † And he cal∣led [ 14] philip, one of his frendes, and he made him chiefe ouer al his kingdom. † And he gaue him the crowne, and his robe, [ 15] and ring, that he should bring Antiochus his sonne, & should bring him vp to reigne. † And Antiochus the king died there [ 16] in the yeare :: 1.100 an hundreth fourtie nine. * 1.101

[ 17] † And Lysias vnderstood that the king was dead, and he ap∣poynted * 1.102 Antiochus his sonne to reigne, whom he brought vp a young man: and he called his name Eupator. * 1.103

† And they that were in the castel, had inclosed Israel round [ 18] * 1.104 about the holie places: and they sought them euils alwayes, and the strengthning of the Gentils, † And Iudas thought [ 19] to destroy them: and he called together al the people, to be∣siege them. † And they came together, and besieged them in [ 20] the yeare an hundredth fiftie, and they made balists and engins. † And certaine of them that were besieged, went forth: [ 21] & some impious men of Israel ioyned them selues vnto them, † and they went to the king, and sayd: How long doest thou [ 22] not iudgements, and reuengest our bretheren? † We decreed [ 23] to serue thy father, and to walke in his precepts, and obey his edicts: † and the children of our people for this alienated [ 24] them selues from vs, and whosoeuer were found of vs, they were slayne, and our inheritances were spoiled. † And not [ 25] to vs only haue they extended the hand, but also into al our coasts. † and behold they haue approched this day to the castel [ 26] in Ierusalem to take it, and they haue fortified a fortresse in Bethsura: † and vnles thou preuent them more spedely, they [ 27] wil doe greater thinges then these, and thou shalt not be able

to winne them. † And the king was angrie, as he heard these [ 28] thinges: and he called together al his freinds, and the princes of his armie, and them that were ouer the horsemen. † Yea [ 29] and of other realmes, and of the ilands by the sea there came vnto him hyred armies. † And the number of his armie was [ 30] an hundred thousand footemen, and twentie thousand horse∣men, and elephants thirtie two, taught to battel. † And they came through Idumea, and approched to Bethsura, and [ 31] fought manie dayes, and they made engins and came forth, and burnt them with fyre, and fought manfully. † And Iudas [ 32] departed from the castel, and remoued the campe to Bethza∣caram against the kings campe. † And the king arose before [ 33] it was light, and stirred the bands into fiercenes against the way to Bethzacaram: and the armies made themselues readie to the battel, and they sounded with trumpets: † and to the [ 34] elephants they shewed :: 1.105 the bloud of the grape, and of the mulberie, to prouoke them to the battel. † And they diuided [ 35] the beasts by the legions: and there stood by euerie elephant a thousand men in coates of maile, & helmets of brasse on their heads: and fiue hundred horsemen set in order were chosen for cuerie beast. † These before the time whersoeuer the beast [ 36] was, there were they: and whither soeuer it went, they went, and they departed not from it. † Yea & vpon them were strong [ 37] woodden to wres prorecting euerie beast: & vpon them en∣gins, and vpon euerie one thirtie two men of strength, which fought from aboue: & within the master of the beast. † And [ 38] the residue of the horsemen he placed on this side and on that side into two parts, with trumpets to stir vp the armie, & to vrge them that stood thicke together in the legions therof. † And [ 39] as the sunne did shine vpon the bucklers of gold, and of brasse, the mountaynes glistered there with, and they glistered as lampes of fire. † And part of the kings armie was seuered by [ 40] the high montaynes, and an other part by the low places: and they marched warely and orderly. † And al the inhabitants of [ 41] the land were moued at the voice of the multitude of them, and the marching of the troupe, & the ratling of the armour, for it was an armie exceding great and strong. † And Iudas [ 42] approched, and his armie into battel: & there fel of the kings armie six hundred men. † And Eleazar the sonne of Saura saw [ 43] one of the beasts harnessed with the kings harnes: and it was eminent aboue the other beasts; and it semed to him that the

king was on it: † and he gaue himself to deliuer his people, [ 44] and to get him self an euerlasting name. † And he ranne to it [ 45] boldly in the middes of the legion, killing on the right hand, & on the left, and they were slaine of him on this side and that side. † And :: 1.106 he went vnder the feete of the elephant, and [ 46] put himself vnder him, and slew him: and it fel to the ground vpon him, and he died there † And they seing the kinges [ 47] powre, and the fiercenes of his armie, turned them selues aside from them. † But the kings campe went vp against them [ 48] vnto Ierusalem: and the kings campe approched to Iurie and mount Sion. † And he made peace with them that were in [ 49] Bethsura: and they came forth out of the citie, because there were no victuals for them there benig shút vp, because it was the sabbaths of the land. † And the king tooke Bethsura: and [ 50] he placed there a garrison to kepe it. † And he turned the [ 51] place of the sanctification manie dayes: & he placed there arba∣lists and engins, and instruments to cast fyre, and peeces to cast stones, and arrowes, & scorpions to shoote arrowes, and slings. † And they also made engins against their engins, and they [ 52] fought manie dayes. † But there were no victuals in the citie, [ 53] for that it was the seuenth yeare: and they that had remayned in Iurie of the Gentils, had consumed their remaynes, that had bene layd vp. † And there remayned in the holies few [ 54] men, because famine had preuailed ouer them: and they were dispersed euerie man into his place. † And Lysias heard that [ 55] Philip, whom king Antiochus when he liued, had appointed to bring vp his sonne to reigne, † was returned from Persis, [ 56] and Media, and the armie that went with him, and that he sought to take vpon him the affayres of the kingdom: † and [ 57] he hastened to goe, and to say to the king, and to the princes of the armie: We decay dayly, and there is litle victual for vs, and the place that we besiege, is fensed, & it lyeth vpon vs to take order for the kingdom. † Now therfore let vs geue the right [ 58] handes to these men, and make peace with them, and with al their nation. † And let vs decree for them, that they walke in [ 59] their owne ordinances as before. For, because of their ordi∣nances which we dispised, they haue bene wrath, and haue done al these thinges. † And the word was liked in the sight [ 60] of the king, and of the princes: and he sent vnto them to make peace: and they receiued it. † And the king and the princes [ 61] sware to them: and they came out of the fortresse. † And the [ 62]

king entred mount Sion, and saw the munition of the place: and he brake quickly the othe which he sware, and comman∣ded to destroy the wal round about. † And he departed in hast, [ 63] and returned to Antioche, and found Philip ruling ouer the citie: and he fought against him and wanne the citie. * 1.107

CHAP. VII. Demetrius commandeth to kil Antiochus and Lysias being eaptiues. 5. Alci∣mus and other wicked Iewes solicite the king, 8. and he sendeth a great armie into Iurie: appointeth Bacchides general, and Alcimus highpriest. 10. Who falsly pretending peace, Iudas doth not credite them, but the Assidians are deceiued: 16. and manie are slayne. 23. Iudas resisting, the persecuters depart. 26. Wherupon Nicanor is sent with an other armie, fighteth, and loseth manie men; 33. parteth in great rage, 39. assaulteth Bethoron, 42. is slayne; and his armie flying is al destroyed. 48. They ce∣lebrate that day with ioy, and haue peace for a while.

IN the yeare an hundreth fiftie first went forth Demetrius [ 1] * 1.108 the sonne :: 1.109 of Seleucus from the citie of Rome, and he ascended with few men into a citie by the sea side, and reig∣ned there. † And it came to passe, as he entered into the house [ 2] of the kingdom of his fathers, the armie tooke Antiochus, and Lysias, to bring them vnto him. † And the king was [ 3] knowne to him: and he sayd: Shew me not their face. † And [ 4] the armie slew them. And Demetrius sate vpon the seate of his kingdom: † and there came to him the wicked and impious [ 5] men of Israel: & Alcimus the captaine of them, who :: 1.110 would be made the priest. † And :: 1.111 they accused the people to the [ 6] king, saying: Iudas and his bretheren haue destroyed al thy freindes, and vs he hath destroyed out of our land. † Now [ 7] therfore send a man, whom thou doest credite, that he may goe, and see al the destruction, that he hath done to vs, and to the kings countries: and let him punish al his freinds, and their ayders. † And the king chose of his freinds Bacchides, that [ 8] ruled beyond the great riuer in the kingdom, and was fayth∣ful to the king: and he sent him, † to see the destruction that [ 9] Iudas hath made: and Alcimus the impious man he appointed to the priesthood, and gaue him in commandment to make reuenge vpon the children of Israel. † And they arose, and [ 10] came with a great armie into the land of Iuda: and they sent messengers, and spake to Iudas, & his brethren with peaceable wordes in guile. † And they attended not to their wordes: for [ 11]

they saw that they came with a great armie. † And there as∣sembled [ 12] to Alcimus & Bacchides a congregation of the scribes to require the thinges that are iust: † and :: 1.112 first, the Assideans [ 13] that were in the children of Israel, and they sought peace of them. † for :: 1.113 they sayd: A man that is a priest of the seede of [ 14] Aaron is come, he wil not deceiue vs. † And he spake with-them [ 15] peaceable wordes: and he sware to them, saying: We wil doe you no harme, nor your freindes. † And they beleued him. [ 16] And he tooke of them threescore men, and slew them in one day according to the word, that is written: † The flesh of thy [ 17] * 1.114 saincts, and the bloud of them they haue shed round about Ierusalem, and there was none to burie them. † And there [ 18] fel feare, and trembling vpon al the people, because they sayd: There is no truth, & iudgement in them: for they haue trans∣gressed the appointment, and the othe which they sware. † And Bacchides remoued the campe from Ierusalem, and [ 19] approched to Bethzecha: and he sent, & tooke manie of them that were fled from him, and certaine of the people he killed, and threw them into a great pitte. † And he committed the [ 20] countrie to Alcimus, and left with him ayde to helpe him. And Bacchides went away to the king: † and Alcimus did what [ 21] he could for the principalitie of his priesthood: † and there [ 22] gathered together vnto him al that disturbed their people, and the obteyned the land of Iuda, & made a great plague in Israel. † And Iudas saw al the euils that Alcimus did, and they [ 23] that were with him, to the children of Israel, much more then the Gentils. † And he went out into al the coasts of Iurie [ 24] round about, and did vengeance vpon the men that reuolted, and they ceased to goe forth any more into the countrie. † But [ 25] Alcimus saw that Iudas preuailed, and they that were with him: and he knew that he could not stand with them, and he went backe to the king, and accused them of manie crimes. * 1.115 † And the king sent :: 1.116 Nicanor, one of his nobler princes: that [ 26] * 1.117 practised emnities against Israel: and he commanded him to destroy the people. † And Nicanor came into Ierusalem with [ 27] a great armie, and he sent to Iudas and to his bretheren in peaceable wordes with guile, † saying: Let there be no fighting [ 28] betwen me and you: I wil come with few men, to see your faces with peace. † And he came to Iudas, and they saluted [ 29] one an other peaceably: and the enemies were readie to catch Iudas. † And the thing was knowne to Iudas that he was [ 30]

come with guile: and he was sore afrayd of him, & would not see his face any more. † And Nicanor knew that his counsel [ 31] was disclosed: and he went forth to Iudas into battel beside Capharsalama. † And there fel of Nicanors armie almost fiue [ 32] thousand men, and they fled into the citie of Dauid. † And [ 33] after these wordes Nicanor went vp into mount Sion: & there went forth of the priests of the people to salute him in peace, and to shew him the holocausts, that were offered for the king. † And scorning he contemned them, and polluted them: and [ 34] he spake proudly, † and sware with anger, saying: Vnles Iudas [ 35] be deliuered, and his armie into my handes, incontinent when Ishal returne in peace, I wil burne this house. And he went out with great anger: † and the priests entered in, and stood [ 36] before the face of the altar and the temple: and weeping they sayd: † Thou ô Lord hast chosen this house for thy name to [ 37] be inuocated therin, that it might be a house of prayer, and ob∣secration for thy people. † Take vengeance vpon this man, [ 38] and his armie, and let them fal by the sword: remember their blasphemies, and grant not vnto them to be permanent. * 1.118 † And :: 1.119 Nicanor went out from Ierusalem, and moued the [ 39] campe neere to Bethhoron: and the armie of Syria mette him. † And Iudas approched in Adarsa with three thousand [ 40] men: and Iudas prayed, and sayd: † They that were sent by [ 41] king Sennacherib, ô Lord, because they blasphemed thee, an* 1.120 angel came forth, and stroke of them an hundred eightie fiue thousand: † so destroy this armie in our sight to day, and let [ 42] the rest know that he hath spoken il vpon the holy places: and iudge thou him according to his malice. † And the armies [ 43] ioyned battel the thirtenth day of the moneth Adar: and the campe of Nicanor was discomfited, and himself was slaine first in the battel. † And as his armie saw that Nicanor was slaine, [ 44] they threw away their weapons, & fled: † and they pursewed [ 45] them one dayes iorney from Adazer, euen til ye come into Ga∣zara, and with trumpets they sounded after them with signifi∣cations. † And they went forth out of al the townes of Iurie [ 46] round about, and they pushed them with the hornes, and they turned againe to them, and they were al slaine with the sword, and there was not left of them so much as one. † And they [ 47] tooke the spoiles of them for a praye: and Nicanors head they cut of, and his right hand, which he had proudly stretched forth, and they brought it, and hung it vp against Ierusalem.

† And the people reioyced excedingly, and they spent that day [ 48] in great gladnes. † And he ordayned that this day should be [ 49] kept euerie yeare the thirtenth of the moneth Adar. † And [ 50] the land of Iuda was quiet for :: 1.121 a few dayes. * 1.122

CHAP. VIII. Iudas knowing the Romanes to be a most renowmed nation, reciting their worthie actes, 17. sendeth Embassaders to enter league with them: 21. Wherto they a greing confirme a perpetual amitie with mutual conditions.

AND Iudas heard of :: 1.123 the name of the Romanes, that [ 1] * 1.124 they are mightie of power, and agree vnto al thinges that are requested of them: and whosoeuer haue come vnto them, they haue made amitie with them, and that they are mightie of powre. † And they heard of their battels, & goodlie [ 2] acts, which they did in Galatia, that they ouercame them, and brought them vnder tribute: † & how great thinges they did in [ 3] the countrie of Spaine, & that they brought into their powre the metalles of siluer and gold, that are there, and possessed euerie place by their counsel, & patience: † and destroyed :: 1.125 the [ 4] places that were very far of from them, & the kings that came vpon them from the ends of the earth, and stroke them with a greate plague: and the rest geue them tribute euerie yeare. † And Philip and Perses the king of the Ceteans, and the rest [ 5] that had borne weapon against them, they discomfited in bat∣tel, and ouercame them: † and that Antiochus the great king [ 6] of Asia, who made battel against them, hauing :: 1.126 an hundred and twentie elephants, & horsemen, & chariottes an armie ex∣ceding great was discomfited by them: † & that they tooke him [ 7] aliue, and appointed him, that himself and they that should reigne after him, should geue a great tribute, and he should geue hostages, and the thing appointed him. † and the region of [ 8] the Indes, & the Medes, & the Bydiains of their best countries: and the same being taken of them, they gaue to Eumenes the king. † And that they which were in Hellada, would haue gone [ 9] to dispatch them: and the word was knowen to them, † and [ 10] they sent vnto them one captayne, and they sought against them, & manie of them were slaine, and they led away their wiues captiue, and their children, and spoiled them, and posse∣ssed their land, and destroyed their walles, and brought them into bondage euen vntil this day: † and the residue of king∣doms, [ 11] and iles that some time had resisted them, they spoyled,

and brought vnder their powre. † But with their freinds, and [ 12] those that rested in them, they kept amitie, and obteyned the kingdoms, that were next, and that were far of: that who∣soeuer heard their name, feared them. † But such as they [ 13] would helpe to reigne, those reigned: and whom they would, they deposed from the kingdom: and they were exalted excedingly. † And in al these none bare a crowne, nor was [ 14] clothed with purple, to be magnified therin. † And that they [ 15] made them selues a court, and consulted dayly three hundred and twentie, that sate in counsel alwayes for the multitude, that they might doe the thinges that were conuenient: † and [ 16] they committe their gouerment :: 1.127 to one man euerie yeare to rule ouer al their land, & al they obey one, & there is no enuie, nor emulation amongst them. † And Iudas chose Eupolemus [ 17] the sonne of Iohn, the sonne of Iacob, and Iason the sonne of Eleazar, & he sent them to Rome to make amitie and societie with them: † and that they should take from them the yoke of [ 18] the Greeks, because they saw that they pressed the kingdom of Israel vnto bondage. † And they went to Rome, a way exceding [ 19] great, and they entered into the court, and sayd: † Iudas Ma∣chabeus, [ 20] and his bretheren, and the people of the Iewes haue sent vs vnto you to make societie and peace with you, and to write vs your felowes and freindes. † And the word was liked [ 21] in their sight. † And this is the rescript, that they wrote againe [ 22] in tables of brasse, and sent into Ierusalem, that it might be with them there a memorial of peace, & societie. † BE IT WEL [ 23] TO THE ROMANES, and to the nation of the Iewes by sea, & by land for euer: and sword and enemie be far from them. † But [ 24] and if warre be toward the Romanes first, or al their felowes in al their dominion: † the nation of the Iewes shal geue ayde, [ 25] according as the time shal appoint, with ful hart: † and to [ 26] them fighting, they shal not geue nor allow wheate, armour, money, shippes, as it hath pleased the Romanes: and they shal keepe their charge, taking nothing of them. † In like maner [ 27] also and if warre shal happen first to the nation of the Iewes, the Romanes shal helpe with al their hart, according as the time shal permitte them: † and to them helping shal not be [ 28] geuen wheate, armour, money, shippes, as it hath pleased the Romanes: and they shal keepe their charge without guile. † According to these wordes did the Romanes agree to the [ 29] people of the Iewes. † And if after these wordes these or they [ 30]

wil adde to these, or take away any thing, they shal doe it at their pleasure: and whatsoeuer they shal adde, or take away, shal be ratified. † Yea and concerning the euils, that Deme∣trius [ 31] the king hath done against them, we haue writen to him, saying: Why hast thou aggrauated thy yoke vpon our freinds, and felowes the Iewes? † If therfore they come againe vnto vs [ 32] against thee, we wil doe iudgement for them, and wil fight with thee by sea and land.

CHAP. IX. Bacchides and Alcimus returning into Iurie make great slaughter. 5. More then two partes of Iudas smal troupe flying away, he with eight hundred, setteth vpon the enemie, 14. ouerthroweth the strongest part of their armie: 16. but an other part coming at his back, with great slaughter on both parties, Iudas is slaine: 19. and most honorably buried. 23. Much euil en∣creaseth in Israel. 28. Ionathas is made captaine general. 36. The children of Iambrie kil his brother, which he reuengeth. 43. Being enuironed by Bacchides chaceth him away to his fensed places, killing manie. 54. Alci∣mus beginning to deface the temple, is striken with a palsie, and dyeth mi∣serably. 57. So they haue peace two yeares. 58. Bacchides coming with a new armie: 62. Ionathas and Simon retyre into Bethbessen. 65. there de∣fend themselues, and annoy the enemie. 69. who blaming his counsellers, maketh peace, and departeth.

IN :: 1.128 the meane time as Demetrius heard that Nicanor was [ 1] fallen and his armie in the battel, he added to send Bac∣chides and Alcimus againe into Iurie, and the right wing with them. † And they went the way, that leadeth into Galgal, [ 2] and camped in Masaloth, which is in Arbellis: and they wanne it, & slew of men manie soules. † In the first moneth of :: the [ 3] yeare an hundreth and fiftie two they brought the armie nere to Ierusalem: † and they arose, and went into Beraea twentie [ 4] thousand men, and two thousand horsemen. † And Iudas had [ 5] camped in Laisa, and three thousand chosen men with him: † & they saw the multitude of the armie that they were manie, [ 6] and they feared excedingly: and manie withdrew themselues out of the campe, and there remayned of them but eight hun∣dred men. † And Iudas saw that his armie shrunke away, and [ 7] the battel pressed vpon him, and :: 1.129 his hart was broken: be∣cause he had not time to gathr them together, and he was discoureged. † And he sayd to them that were remayning: [ 8] Let vs rise, and goe to our aduersaries, if we may be able to

fight against them. † And they diswaded him, saying: We are [ 9] not able, but let vs saue our liues now, and returne to our bre∣thren, and then we wil fight against them: and we are few. † And Iudas sayd: God forbid we should doe this thing, to flee [ 10] from them: and if our time be neere, let vs dye manfully for our bretheren, and let vs not stayne our glorie. † And the [ 11] armie moued out of the campe, and they stood to meete them: and the horsemen were diuided into two parts, and the slin∣gers, and the archers went before the armie, and of the fore∣ward al mightie. † And Bacchides was in the right wing, and [ 12] the legion approched on two sides, and they sounded with trumpets: † and they also cried out that were on Iudas side, [ 13] euen they also, and the earth was moued at the voice of the armies: and the battel was fought from morning euen vntil the euening. † And Iudas saw that the stronger part of the [ 14] armie was on the right hand, & al the stout of hart came toge∣ther with him: † and the right side was discomfited of them, [ 15] and he pursewed them euen to the mount of Azotus. † And [ 16] they that were in the left wing, saw that the right wing was discomfited, and they folowed after Iudas, and them that were with him at the backe: † and the battel grew sore, and there [ 17] fel manie wounded of these and of them. † And Iudas was [ 18] slaine, and the rest fled. † And Ionathas and Simon tooke [ 19] Iudas their brother, and buried him in the sepulcher of their fathers in the citie Modin. † And al the people of Israel lamen∣ted [ 20] him with great lamentation, and they mourned manie dayes, † and sayd: :: 1.130 How is the mightie fallen, that saued the [ 21] people of Israel! † And the rest of the wordes of Iudas battels, [ 22] and of the valient acts that he did, and of his greatnes are not described: for they were exceding manie.

† And it came to passe: :: 1.131 after the death of Iudas, there came [ 23] forth the wicked men in al the costs of Israel, and there arose al that wrought iniquitie. † In those dayes was made an ex∣ceding [ 24] great famine, and al their countrie with themselues yelded to Bacchides. † And Bacchides chose the impious men, [ 25] and appointed them lords of the countrie: † and they sought [ 26] out, and searched for the freindes of Iudas, and brought them to Bacchides, and he tooke reuenge on them, & scorned them. † And there was made great tribulation in Israel, such as was [ 27] no•• since the day, that there was no prophete seene in Israel. † And al the freinds of Iudas gathered, and sayd to :: 1.132 Ionathas: [ 28]

† Since thy brother Iudas died, there is not a man like vnto [ 29] him, to goe forth against the enemies, Bacchides, & them that are the enemies of our nation. † Now therfore thee haue we [ 30] chosen this day to be for him our prince, and captayne to wage our battel. † And Ionathas tooke vpon him at that time the [ 31] princedom, and arose in the place of Iudas his brother. † And [ 32] Bacchides vnderstood it, and sought to kil him. † And Iona∣thas [ 33] vnderstood it, & Simon his brother, and al that were with them: and they fled into the desert of Thecua, and they pit∣ched by the water of the lake Asphar. † And Bacchides vnder∣stood [ 34] it, and in the day of the Sabbaths came him self, and al his armie ouer Iordan. † And Ionathas sent his brother captayne [ 35] of the people, to desire the Nabutheians his freindes, that they would lend him their prouision, which was copious. † And [ 36] the children of Iambri issued forth of Madaba, and :: 1.133 tooke Iohn, and al thinges that he had, and went away hauing them. † After these wordes, it was told Ionathas, and Simon his [ 27] brother, that the children of Iambri make a great mariage, and bring the bride out of Madaba, the daughter of one of the great princes of Chanaan with great pompe. † And they re∣membred [ 38] the bloud of Iohn their brother: and they went vp, and hid them selues vnder the couert of the mountayne. † And [ 39] they lifted vp their eyes, and saw: and loe a tumult, and great preparation: and the bridegrome came forth, and his freindes, and his bretheren to meete them with timbrils, and musical instruments, and manie weapons. † And they rose vpon them [ 40] out of the embushement, and slew them, and there fel manie wounded, & the rest fled into the mountaines, and they tooke al the spoiles of them: † & the mariage was turned into mour∣ning, [ 41] and the voice of their musical instruments into lamen∣tation. † And they :: 1.134 tooke reuenge of the bloud of their bro∣ther: [ 42] & they returned to the banke of Iordan. † And Bacchides [ 43] heard it, and he came on the day of the Sabbaths euen to the brinke of Iordan with a great powre. † And Ionathas sayd to [ 44] his companie: Let vs arise, and fight against our enemies: for it is not to day as yesterday, and the day before. † For loe bat∣tel [ 45] directly against vs, and the water of Iordan on this side and on that side, & bankes, and marrises, and forests: and there is no place to turne aside. † Now therfore crie ye vnto heauen, [ 46] that you may be deliuered out of the hand of your enemies.* 1.135 And battel was ioyned. † And Ionathas stretched forth his [ 47]

hand to strike Bacchides, and he turned aside from him back∣wards. † And Ionathas lept aside, and they that were with [ 48] him into Iordan, and they swame :: 1.136 ouer Iordan to them: † and [ 49] there fel of Bacchides part that day a thousand men: and they returned into Ierusalem, † and built fensed cities in Iurie, the [ 50] fortresse that was in Iericho, and in Ammaum, & in Bethoron, and in Bethel, and Thamnata, and Phara, and Thopo with high walles, and gates, and lockes. † And he placed a garrison in [ 51] them, that they might exercise emnities against Israel: † and [ 52] he fensed the citie Bethsura, and Gazara, and the castel, and set garisons in them, and prouision of victuals: † and he tooke the [ 53] sonnes of the princes of the countrie for hostages, & put them in the castel in Ierusalem into ward. † And in :: 1.137 the yeare an [ 54] hundred fiftie three, the second moneth, Alcimus commanded the walles of the inner holie house to be destroyed, and the workes of the prophets to be destroyed: and he began to destroy. † In that time was Alcimus strooken: and his workes [ 55] were stayed, and his mouth was stopped, and he was dissolued with the palsey, neither could he speake a word any more, and geue commandement touching his house. † And Alcimus [ 56] died at that time with great torment. † And Bacchides saw [ 57] that Alcimus was dead: and he returned to the king, and the land was quiet for two yeares. † And al the wicked [ 58] thought saying: Behold Ionathas, and they that are with him, dwel in silence securely: now therfore let vs bring Bacchides, and he shal take them al in one night. † And they went, and [ 59] gaue him counsel. † And he arose to come with a great armie: [ 60] and he sent secretly epistles to his felowes that were in Iurie, to take Ionathas, and them that were with him: but they could not, because their counsel was knowen to them. † And he apprehended of the men of the countrie, that were [ 61] the principal of the mischife, fiftie men, and he slew them. † And Ionathas retyred aside, and Simon, and they that were [ 62] with him into Bethbessen, which is in the desert: and he built vp the ruins therof, and they fortified it. † And Bacchides vn∣derstood [ 63] it, and gathered together al his multitude: and sent word to them that were of Iurie. † And he came, and camped [ 64] aboue Bethbessen, and assaulted it manie dayes, and made en∣gins. † And Ionathas left Simon his brother in the citie, and [ 65] went forth into the countrie, and came with a number, † and [ 66] stroke Odares, and his bretheren, and the children of Phaseron

in their tabernacles, & he began to slay, and to grow in forces. † But Simon and they that were with him, went out of the [ 67] citie, and burnt the engins, † and they fought against Bac∣chides, [ 68] and he was discomfited by them: and they afflicted him excedingly, because his counsel, and his conflict was in vayne. † And being angrie against the wicked men, that had geuen [ 69] him counsel to come into their countrie, :: 1.138 he slewe manie of them: but himself thought with the rest to depart into their countrie. † And Ionathas vnderstood it, and he sent vnto him [ 70] legates to make peace with him, and to render vnto him the captiues. † And he tooke it gladly, and did according to his [ 71] wordes, & sware that he would doe him no harme al the dayes of his life. † And he rendered vnto him the captiues, which [ 72] he before had taken for a praye, out of the land of Iuda: and returning he departed into his owne countrie, and he added no more to come into their coasts. † And the sword ceased out [ 73] of Israel: and Ionathas dwelt in Machmas, & Ionathas began there to iudge the people, and he destroyed the impious out of Israel.

CHAP. X. Demetrius inuaded by Alexander, 3. seeketh helpe of Ionathas: 15. but he ioyneth with Alexander, a surer freind: 22. though Demetrius solicite him againe, offering rewardes, with remission of tributes, 31. and great priuilegies, 46. Al which he suspecting to be feaned, persisteth with A∣lexander: 48. who in battel killeth Demetrius: 52. espouseth the kings daughter of Aegypt: 59. calleth Ionathas to the mariage: 62. and hono∣reth him as a king. 67. Demetrius (the sonne) coming into Syria, sendeth Apollonius against Ionathas: 70. prouoketh him, 74. and is ouerthrowen (79. notwithstanding his ambushment of a thousand horsemen) 83. Iona∣thas burneth Asotus, with their idol Dagon. 86. so returneth by Ascalon to Ierusalem with great glorie.

AND in the yeare an hundreth threescore came vp Alex∣ander [ 1] :: 1.139 the sonne of Antiochus, that was surnamed Noble: and he tooke Ptolemais, and they receiued him, and he reigned there. † And Demetrius the king heard it, and he [ 2] gathered together an exceding great armie, and went forth to meete him into battel. † And Demetrius sent an epistle to [ 3] Ionathas in peaceable wordes, to magnifie him. † For he sayd: [ 4] Let vs preuent to make peace with him, before he make with Alexander against vs: † for he wil remember al the euils, that [ 5]

we haue done against him, and against his brother, and against his nation. † And he gaue him authoritie to gather an armie, [ 6] and to make weapons, and to be himself his felow: and the hostages that were in the castel, he commanded to be deliuered to him. † And Ionathas came into Ierusalem, and read the epi∣stles [ 7] in the hearing of al the people, and of them that were in the castle. † And they feared with great feare, because they [ 8] heard that the king gaue him authoritie to gather an armie. † And the hostages were deliuered to Ionathas, & he rendered [ 9] them to their parents. † And Ionathas dwelt in Ierusalem, and [ 10] began to build, and to renew the citie. † And he spake to them [ 11] that made the workes, that they should build the walles, and mount Sion round about with square stones for munition: and so they did. † And the Aliens fled that were in the holdes, [ 12] which Bacchides had built: † and euerie man left his place, and [ 13] departed into his owne countrie: † onlie in Bethsura there re∣mained [ 14] some of them, that had forsaken the law, and the pre∣cepts of God: for this was for a refuge to them. † And Alexan∣der [ 15] the king heard of the promises, that Demetrius had promi∣sed to Ionathas: and they told him the battels, and the worthie acts that he did, and his bretheren, and the labours, that they endured: † and he sayd: Why, shal we find any such man? and [ 16] now we wil make him a freind, & our felow. † And he wrote [ 17] an epistle, & sent it to him according to these wordes, saying: [ 18] † KING Alexander to his brother Ionathas greeting. † We [ 19] haue heard of thee, that thou art mightie of powre, and art meete to be our freind: † & now :: 1.140 we make thee this day high [ 20] priest of thy nation, that thou be called the kings freind (and he sent him purple, and a crowne of gold) and in our affayres thou be of one minde with vs, and keepe amitie towards vs. † And Ionathas put on him the holie stole the seuenth mo∣neth, [ 21] in the yeare an hundreth threescore in the solemne day of Scenopegia: and he gathered an armie, and made very manie weapons. † And Demetrius heard these wordes, and was exce∣ding [ 22] sorie, and sayd: † What is this that we haue done, that [ 23] Alexander hath preuented vs to take the frendshippe of the Iewes for his strength? † I also wil write to them wordes of [ 24] request, and dignities, and gifts: that they may be with me to ayde me. † And he wrote to them in these wordes: KING [ 25] Demetrius to the nation of the Iewes greeting. † Because you [ 26] haue kept couenant towards vs, and haue continewed in our

amitie, and haue not ioyned to our enemies, :: 1.141 we haue heard of it, & are glad. † And now perseuere stil to keepe fidelitie to∣wards [ 27] vs, & we wil reward you with good thinges, ••or that you haue done with vs. † And we wil remitte you manie charges, [ 28] and wil geue you manie gifts. † And now I release you, and al [ 29] the Iewes from tributes, and I pardon you the prices of salt, and remitte the crownes, and the thirds of the seede: † and [ 30] the halfe of the fruite of trees, which is my portion, I leaue to you from this day forward, that it be not taken of the land of Iuda, and of the three cities that are added therto of Samaria, and Galilee from this day and for euer: † and let Ierusalem be [ 31] holie, and free with the coasts therof: and the tithes, & tributes be they to it. † I release also the authoritie of the castel, that [ 32] is in Ierusalem, and I geue it to the high priest, to place therin men whomsoeuer he shal choose, that may keepe it. † And [ 33] euerie soule of the Iewes, that is captiue from the land of Iuda in al my kingdom, I dismisse free for nothing, that al may be discharged also from tributes of their cattel. † And al the so∣lemne [ 34] dayes, and the sabbaths, and the new moones, and the dayes appointed, and three dayes before the solemne day, and three dayes after the solemne day let them al be of immunitie and remission, to al the Iewes that are in my kingdom: † and no [ 35] man shal haue powre to do any thing, and to make businesses against any of them in any cause. † And let there be inrolled of [ 36] the Iewes in the kinges armie to the number of thirtie thou∣sand men: and allowance shal be geuen them as behoueth to al the kings bands, and of them there shal be ordayned certaine, that shal be in the fortresses of the great king: † and of these [ 37] there shal be appoynted ouer the affayres of the kingdom, that are done of trust, and let there be princes of them, and let them walke in their owne lawes, as the king hath comman∣ded in the land of Iuda. † And the three cities that are added [ 38] to Iurie of the countrie of Samaria, let them be accounted with Iurie: that they may be vnder one, and obey no other powre, but the high priestes: † Prolomais, and the confines [ 39] therof, which I haue geuen for a gift to the holies, that are in Ierusalem, to the necessarie charges of the holie thinges. † And [ 40] I geue euerie yeare fiftene thousand sicles of siluer of the kings accounts, that belong to me: † and al that is aboue which they [ 41] had not rendred, that were ouer the affayres the yeares before, from this time they shal geue it to the workes of the house.

† And beside these fiue thousand sicles of siluer, which they [ 42] receiued of the account of the holies euerie yeare: and let these perteyne to the priests, that execute the ministerie. † And [ 43] whosoeuer flee into the temple that is in Ierusalem, & in al the coasts therof, in the kings danger for matter, let them be dis∣missed, & al thinges, that they haue in my kingdom, let them haue it free. † And to build or repayre the workes of the holie [ 44] places, the charges shal be geuen of the kings account: † and [ 45] to build the walles in Ierusalem, and to fortifie them round about, the charges shal be geuen of the kings account, and to build the walles in Iurie. † But as Ionathas, and the people [ 46] heard these wordes, :: 1.142 they beleued them not, nor receiued* 1.143 them: because they remembred the great mischife, that he had done in Israel, and had afflicted them excedingly. † And their [ 47] liking was toward Alexander, because he had bene the first mouer of the wordes of peace vnto them, and him they ayded al dayes. † And king Alexander gathered a great armie, and [ 48] moued the campe nere to Demetrius. † And the two kinges [ 49] ioyned battel, and the armie of Demetrius fled, and Alexander pursewed him, and vrged them sore. † And the battel grew [ 50] very sore, til the sunne went downe: and Demetrius was slaine in that day. † And Alexander sent legates to :: 1.144 Ptolomee king [ 51] of Aegypt according to these wordes, saying: † BECAVSE I am [ 52] returned into my kingdom, and am set in the seate of my fa∣thers, and haue obteyned the princedom, and haue destroyed Demetrius, and possessed our countrie, † and haue ioyned bat∣tel [ 53] with him, and he is destroyed him self, & his campe by vs, and we sit in the seate of his kingdom: † and now let vs make [ 54] amitie one with an other: and geue me thy daughter to wife, and I wil be thy sonne in law, and I wil geue thee gifts, and to her, dignitie. † And king Ptolomee answered, saying: HAPPIE [ 55] is the day wherin thou art returned to the land of thy fathers, and art set in the seate of their kingdom. † And now I wil doe [ 56] to thee that which thou hast writen: but meete me at Ptole∣mais, that we may see one an other, and I may despouse her to thee as thou hast sayd. † And Ptolomee went out of Aegypt, [ 57] he and Cleopatra his daughter, and he came to Ptolomais in the yeare an hundred threescore and two. † And Alexander [ 58] the king mette him, and he gaue him Cleopatra his daughter: and he made her mariage at Ptolomais, as kinges in great glorie. † And king Alexander wrote to Ionathas, that he [ 59]

should come to meete him. † And he went with glorie to [ 60] Ptolomais, and he mette there the two kinges, and he gaue them much siluer, and gold, and gifts: and he found grace in their sight. † And there assembled against him pestilent men [ 61] of Israel, wicked men soliciting against him: and the king at∣tended not to them. † And he commanded Ionathas to be [ 62] changed of his garments, and that he should be clothed with purple: and so they did. And the king placed him to sit with him self. † And he sayd to his princes: Goe ye out with him [ 63] into the middes of the citie, & proclame, that no man solicite against him for any matter, and that no man be trublesome vnto him for any cause. † And it came to passe, as they that [ 64] solicited, :: 1.145 saw his glorie that was published, & him couered with purple, they al fled: † and the king magnified him, and [ 65] wrote him amongst his chiefe freindes, and made him Duke, and partaker of the princedom. † And Ionathas returned into [ 66] Ierusalem with peace, and ioy. † In the yeare an hundreth [ 67] sixtie fiue came Demetrius the sonne of Denetrius from Crete into the land of his fathers. † And Alexander the king heard [ 68] it, and he was verie sorie, and returned to Antioche. † And [ 69] Demetrius the king made Apollonius general, who was ruler of Coelesiria: & he gathered a great armie, & came to Iamnia: and he sent to Ionathas the high priest, † saying: Thou onlie [ 70] resistest vs, and I am brought into derision, and into reproch, because thou doest exercise powre against vs in the moun∣tains. † Now therfore if thou trust in thy forces, come downe [ 71] to vs into the plaine, let vs compare there one with an other: because with me is the force of battels. † Aske, and learne [ 72] who I am, and the rest, that ayde me, who also say that your foote can not stand before our face, because twise haue thy fathers bene put to flight in their owne land: † and now how [ 73] wilt thou be able to abide the horsemen, & so great an armie in the plaine, where is no stone, nor rocke, nor place to flee? † But [ 74] as Ionathas heard the wordes of Apollonius, he was moued in minde: and he chose tenne thousand men, and went forth from Ierusalem, & Simon his brother mette him to ayde him. † And they moued the campe to Ioppe, and it shut him out [ 75] of the citie: because the garison of Apollonius was in Ioppe, and he assaulted it. † And they that were in the citie being put [ 76] in great feare, opened to him, and Ionathas obteyned Ioppe. † And Apollonius heard it, & he tooke three thousand horse∣men, [ 77]

and a great armie. † And he went to Azotus as making [ 78] iorney, and immediatly he went forth into the plaine: be∣cause he had a multitude of horsemen, and he trusted in them. And Ionathas pursewed him vnto Azorus, and they ioyned battel. † And Apollonius left in the campe a thousand horse∣men [ 79] behinde them secretly. † And Ionathas vnderstood that [ 80] there was an embushement behind him, and they compassed his campe, and they threw dartes vpon the people from mor∣ning euen vnto euening. † But :: 1.146 the people stood, as Iona∣thas [ 81] had commanded: and their horses laboured. † And Si∣mon [ 82] put forth his armie, and ioyned it against the legion: for the horsemen were wearied: and they were discomfited by him, and fled. † And they that were scattered by the playne, [ 83] fled into Azotus, and entered into Bethdagon their idol house, there to saue them selues. † And Ionathas burnt Azorus, and [ 84] the cities that were round about it, and he tooke the spoiles of them, and the temple of Dagon: and al that fled into it, he burnt with fire. † And there were that were slayne by the [ 85] sword, with these that were burnt, almost eight thousand men. † And Ionathas remoued the campe from thence, and [ 86] brought it to Ascalon: and they went out of the citie to meete him in great glorie. † And Ionathas returned into Ierusalem [ 87] with his companie, hauing manie spoiles. † And it came to [ 88] passe: as Alexander the king heard these wordes, he added yet to glorifie Ionathas. † And he sent him a cheyne of gold, as [ 89] the custome is to be geuen to the cosins of kings. And he gaue him Accaron and al the borders therof in possession.

CHAP. XI. Ptolomeus king of Aegypt deceiptfully coming into Syria, 8. surpriseth cer∣taine cities, & taking his daughter from Alexander geueth her to Deme∣trius. 15. Alexander flying away, 17. is treacherously slaine. 18. Ptolo∣meus dyeth the third day, and Demetrius reigneth. 20. Ionathas be∣siegeth the fortresse which resisted him in Ierusalem. 24. obtayneth of Demetrius remission of tributes, and other priuilegies. 38 Demetrius dis∣missing his armie, the souldiars conspire with Tryphon against him. 43. Ionathas aydeth him with three thousand men, who kil an hundred thou∣sand mutiners. 53. Demetrius breaking league with Ionathas, is ouer∣throwen by Tryphon. 57, Young Antiochus reneweth league with Iona∣thas: and he (65. as likewise his brother Simon) prospereth: 67. in great danger prayeth and preuaileth.

AND the king of Egypt gathered an armie, :: 1.147 as the sand [ 1] that is about the sea shore, and manie shippes: and he sought to winne the kingdom of Alexander by guile, and to adde it to his owne kingdom. † And he went out into Syria [ 2] with peaceable wordes, and they opened to him the cities, and mette him: because Alexander the king had commanded them to goe forth to meete him, for that he was his father in law. † But when Ptolomee entered the cities, he put garrisons of [ 3] souldiars in euerie citie. † And as he approched to Azotus, [ 4] they shewed him the temple of dagon burnt with fyre, and Azotus, and the rest therof throwen downe, and the bodies cast forth, and the graues of them that were slaine in the bat∣tel, which they had made neere the way. † And they told the [ 5] king that Ionathas did these thinges: to raise enuie against him: and the king held his peace. † And Ionathas came to meete [ 6] the king into Ioppe with glorie, and they saluted one an other, and they slept there. † And Ionathas went with the [ 7] king euen to the riuer, that was called Eleutherus: and he re∣turned into Ierusalem. † And king Ptolomee obteyned the [ 8] dominion of the cities euen to Seleucia by the sea side, and he purposed euil purposes against Alexander. † And sent legates [ 9] to Demetrius, saying: Come, let vs make a league betwen vs, and I wil geue thee my daughter that Alexander hath, & thou shalt reigne in the kingdom of thy father. † For it repenteth [ 10] me that I haue geuen him my daughter: for he hath sought to kil me. † And he disprased him, for that he coueted his king∣dom, [ 11] † and he tooke away his daughter, & gaue her to Deme∣trius, [ 12] and alienated him self from Alexander, and his emnities were made manifest. † And Ptolomee entered into Antioch, & [ 13] he put two crownes vpon his head, of Egypt, & of Asia. † But [ 14] Alexander the king was in Cilicia at that time: because they re∣belled that were in those places. † And Alexander heard it, and [ 15] came to him into battel: and Ptolomee the king brought forth an armie, and mette him with a strong power, and put him to flight. † And Alexander fled into Arabia, there to be protected: [ 16] and king Ptolomee was exalted. † And Zabdiel an Arabian [ 17] tooke of Alexanders head, & sent it to Ptolomee. † And king [ 18] Ptolomee died the third day: and they that were in the for∣tresses, perished by them that were within the campe. † And [ 19] Demetrius reigned the yeare an hundreth sixtie seuen. † In [ 20] those dayes Ionathas gathered together them, that were in

Iurie, to winne the castel in Ierusalem: and they made engins against it. † And certaine :: 1.148 that hated their owne nation [ 21] wicked men, went to king Demetrius, and told him that Io∣nathas besieged the castel. † And as he heard it, he was wrath: [ 22] and forth with he came to P••olemais, and wrote to Ionathas, that he should not besiege the castel, but should meete him to talke together in hast. † But as Ionathas heard it, :: 1.149 he bade [ 23] them besiege it: and he chose of the ancients of Israel, and of the priests, and put himself in hazard. † And he tooke gold, [ 24] and siluer and rayments, and manie other presents, and went to the king to P••olomais, and he found grace in his sight. † And certaine wicked men of his nation solicited against him. [ 25] † And :: 1.150 the king did to him, as they had done to him which [ 26] had bene before him: and he exalted him in the sight of al his freinds, † and he established to him the chiefe priesthood, [ 27] and whatsoeuer other thinges he had before precious, and he made him the chiefe of his freindes. † And Ionathas requested [ 28] of the king that he would make Iurie free, and the three :: 1.151 to∣parchies, & Samaria, & the confines therof: and he promised him three hundred talents. † And the king consented: and he [ 29] wrote to Ionathas epistles of al these thinges, conteyning this tenure. † KING Demetrius to his brother Ionathas greeting, [ 30] & to the nation of the Iewes. † A copie of the epistle, which [ 31] we haue writen to Lasthenes our parent concerning you, we haue sent to you that you might know it. † KING Demetrius [ 32] to Lasthenes his parent greeting. † We haue determined to do [ 33] good to the nation of the Iewes our freinds, & that keepe the thinges that are iust with vs, for their gentlenes which they beare towards vs. † We haue ordayned therfore vnto them al [ 34] the coasts of Iurie, & the three cities, Apherema, Lyda, & Rama∣tha, which are added to Iurie of Samaria, & al their confines, to be sequestred to al them that sacrifice in Ierusalem, for these thinges, which the king receiued of them euerie yeare, and for the fruits of the land, and of the trees. † And other thinges, [ 35] that perteined to vs of the tithes, and of the tributes, from this time we remitte to them: and the salt floores, and the crownes, that were presented to vs, † we grant al to them, and nothing [ 36] of these shal be broken from this time, and for euer. † Now [ 37] therfore prouide to make a copie of these, and let it be geuen to Ionathas, and let it be layd in the holie mount, and in a so∣lemne place. † And Demetrius the king seing that the land [ 38]

was quiet in his sight, and nothing resisted him, he dismissed al his armie, euerie man to his place, except the forren armie, which he brought from the iles of the Gentils: and al the bandes of his fathers were enemies to him. † And there was [ 39] one Tryphon of Alexanders part before: and he saw that al the armie murmured against Demetrius, & he went to Em••lchuel the Arabian, that brought vp Antiochus the sonne of Alexan∣der: † And he lay vpon him, to deliuer this Antiochus vnto [ 40] him, to reigne in his fathers place: and he declared vnto him what great thinges Demetrius did, & the emnities of his hosts against him. And he taried there manie dayes. † And Ionathas [ 41] sent to Demetrius the king, that he would cast out them, that were in the castel in Ierusalem, and that were in the holdes: because they impugned Israel. † And Demetrius sent to Iona∣thas, [ 42] saying: I wil not onlie doe these thinges for thee, and for thy nation, but with glorie I wil honour thee, and thy nation, when it shal be time conuenient. † Now therfore thou shalt [ 43] doe wel if thou wilt send men to helpe me: because al mine armie is departed. † And Ionathas sent him :: 1.152 three thousand [ 44] valient men to Antioch: and they came to the king, and the king was delighted at their coming. † And there assembled [ 45] they that were of the citie, an hundred twentie thousand men, and they would haue slaine the king. † And the king fled into [ 46] the court: and they that were of the citie kept the wayes of the citie, and began to ••ight. † And the king called the Iewes for [ 47] ayde: and they came together to him al at once, and they were al dispersed through the citie. † And they slew in that day an [ 48] hundred thousand men, and they burnt the citie, and tooke manie spoiles in that day, and deliuered the king. † And they [ 49] that were of the citie saw, that the Iewes had obteyned the citie as they would: and they were discomfited in their minde, and cried to the king with petitions, saying: † Geue vs the [ 50] right hand, and let the Iewes cease to oppugne vs, and the citie. † And they threw away their weapons, & made peace, and the [ 51] Iewes were glorified in the kings sight, & were renowmed in the sight of al that were in his kingdom, & returned into Ieru∣salem with manie spoiles. † And king Demetrius sate in the seat [ 52] of his kingdom: & the land was at rest in his sight. † And he fea∣ned [ 53] al thinges whatsoeuer he sayd, and alienated himself from Ionathas, and he requited him not according to the benefites, that he had geuen him, and he vexed him excedingly. † And [ 54]

after these thinges Tryphon returned, and with him Antio∣chus the yong boy, who reigned, and put the crowne vpon him. † And there gathered vnto him al the bandes, which De∣metrius [ 55] had dispersed, and they fought agaynst him: and he fled, and turned the backe. † And Tryphon tooke the beastes, [ 56] and wanne Antioch. † And Antiochus the yong man wrote [ 57] to Ionathas, saying: I appoynt to thee the priesthood, and I place thee ouer the foure cities, that thou mayst be of the kings freinds. † And he sent him vessels of gold for his seruice, [ 58] and he gaue him leaue :: 1.153 to drinke in gold, and to be in purple, and to haue a cheyne of gold: † And he appointed Simon his [ 59] brother gouerner from the borders of Tyre euen to the coasts of Aegypt. † And Ionathas went forth, and walked through [ 60] the cities beyond the riuer: and al the band of Syria gathered vnto him to helpe him, and he came to Ascalon, & they mette him honorably out of the citie. † And he went from thence [ 61] to Gaza: and they that were in Gaza, shut in them selues: and he besieged it, & burnt the thinges that were round about the citie, and he spoiled it. † And the men of Gaza besought Io∣nathas, [ 62] and he gaue them the right hand: and he tooke their sonnes for hostages, and sent them into Ierusalem: and he walked through the countrie euen to Damascus. † And Iona∣thas [ 63] heard that the princes of Demetrius preuaricated in Cades, which is in Galilee, with a great armie meaning to remoue him from the affayres of the kingdom: † and he went against them: [ 64] but his brother Simon he left within the prouince. † And [ 65] Simon approched to Bethsura, and expugned it manie dayes, and inclosed them. † And they requested of him :: 1.154 to take the [ 66] right handes, and he gaue it them: and he cast them out from thence, and tooke the citie, and placed therin a gartison. † And Ionathas, and his campe approched to the water of [ 67] Genesar, and before it was light they watched in the plaine Asor. † And loe the campe of the aliens mette him in the [ 68] playne, & they layd embushments for him in the mountaines: but he went against them. † And the embushments rose out [ 69] of their places, and they ioyned battel. † And al fled that were [ 70] on Ionathas part, and :: 1.155 none was left of them, but Mathathias the sonne of Absolom, and Iudas the sonne of Calphi, chiefe captayne of the chiualrie of the host. † And Ionathas rent [ 71] his garments, and put earth vpon his head, and prayed. † And [ 72] Ionathas returned to them into battel, & he put them to flight,

and they fought. † And they of his part that fled; saw, and re∣turned [ 73] to him, and Pursewed with him euen to Cades to their campe, and they came euen thither. † And there fel of the [ 74] aliens in that day three thousand men: and Ionathas returned into Ierusalem.

CHAP. XII. Ionathas confirmeth league with the Romanes, and Spartiates, by letters: 19. with mention of letters receiued before, 24. By diligent guard he de∣fendeth the countrie from the enimies inuasions, putting them to flight. 31. subdueth the Arabians, and returneth by Damascus. (33. Simon prospering in other places.) fortifieth Ierusalem, 39. Finally is deceiued by Tryphon. 48. and al his men are slaine.

AND Ionathas saw that the time helped him, he chose [ 2] men and sent them to Rome, to establish and to renew amitie with them: † and to :: 1.156 the Spartiats, and to other places [ 2] he sent epistles according to the same tenure. † And they went [ 3] to Rome, and entered into the court, and sayd: Ionathas the hight priest, and the nation of the Iewes haue sent vs to renew the amitie, and societie according as before. † And they gaue [ 4] them epistles vnto them by place and place, to conduct them into the land of Iuda with peace. † And this is a copie of the [ 5] epistles which Ionathas wrote to the Spartiats: † IONATHAS [ 6] the high priest, and the ancients of the nation, and the priests, and the rest of the people of the Iewes, to the Spartiats :: 1.157 their bretheren greeting. † Long agoe were epistles sent to Onias [ 7] the high priest from Arius who reigned with you, that you are our bretheren, as the writing conteyneth, that here beneath foloweth. † And Onias receiued the man; that was sent, with [ 8] honour: and he receiued the epistles, where in there was sig∣nification of the societie, and amitie. † We wheras we neded [ 9] none of these hauing for our comfort the holie bookes, that are in our handes, † chose rather to send vnto you to renew [ 10] the fraternitie, lest perhaps we be made aliens from you: for much time is passed, since you sent to vs. † We therfore at al [ 11] time without intermission in the solenne dayes, and the rest where in we should, are mindful of you in the sacrifices, that we offer, and in the obseruances, as it is meete, and becometh to remember bretheren. † We reioyce therfore of your glorie. [ 12] † But manie tribulations haue compassed vs, and manie bat∣tels, [ 13] and the kinges that are round about vs, haue impugned

vs. † We therfore would not be trublesome to you, nor to the [ 14] rest our felowes and freindes in these battels. † For we haue [ 15] had ayde from heauen, and we are deliuered, and our enemies are humbled. † We haue chosen therfore Numenius the [ 16] sonne of Antiochus, and Autipater the sonne of Iason, and haue sent to the Romanes to renew with them the old amitie and societie. † We therfore haue commanded them that they [ 17] come vnto you also, & salute you, and deliuer you our epistles, concerning the renewing of our fraternitie. † And now you [ 18] shal doe wel in answering vs to these thinges. † And this is [ 19] :: 1.158 the rescript of the epistles, which he had sent to Onias: † ARIVS the king of the Spartians to Onias the grand priest [ 20] greeting. † It is found :: 1.159 in scripture of the Spartians, and the [ 21] Iewes that they are bretheren, & that they are of the stocke of Abraham. † And now since we vnderstood these thinges, you [ 22] doe wel in writing to vs of your peace. † Yea and we haue [ 23] writen agayne to you, Our cattel, & our possessions, are yours: and yours, ours. We therfore haue commanded that these thinges be told you. † And Ionathas heard that the princes of [ 24] Demetrius were come agayne with a great armie more then before to fight against him. † And he went out from Ierusa∣lem, [ 25] aud mette them in the countrie of Amathis: for he gaue them not space to enter into his countrie. † And he sent spies [ 26] into their campe, & they returning reported that they appoin∣ted to come vpon them in the night. † And when the sunne was [ 27] set, Ionathas cammanded his men to watch, and to be in ar∣mour readie to fight al night, & he set watchmen round about the campe. † And the aduersaries heard that Ionathas with [ 28] his companie was prepared to battel: & they feared, and were afrayd in their hart: and they kindled fyres in their campe. † But Ionathas, and they that were with him, knew it not til [ 29] the morning: and they saw light burning, † and Ionathas fo∣lowed [ 30] them, and ouertooke them not: for they had passed the riuer Eleutherus. † And Ionathas turned aside to the A∣rabians, [ 31] that were called Zabadeans: and he stroke them, and tooke the spoiles of them. † And he ioyned, and came to [ 32] Damascus, and walked through al that countrie. † But Si∣mon [ 33] went forth, and came euen to Ascalon, and to the next holdes, and he declined into Ioppe, and tooke it. († For he [ 34] heard that they would deliuer the hold to Demetrius part) and he put a garrison there to keepe it. † And Ionathas returned, & [ 35]

called together the ancients of the people, and he consulted with them to build fortresses in Iurie, † and to build the walles [ 36] in Ierusalem, and to reate a mount of a great height betwen the castel and the citie, to separate it from the citie, that it might be alone, and they might neither bye nor sel: † And they [ 37] came together to build the citie: and the wal fel that was vpon the torrent toward the rising of the sunne, and he repayred it, which is called Caphetetha: † and Simon built Adiada in [ 38] Sephela, and fortified it, & hanged on gates aud lockes. † And [ 39] when :: 1.160 Tryphon had purposed to reigne ouer Asia, and to take the crowne & to extend his hand against Antiochus the king: † fearing lest perhaps Ionathas would not permit him, but [ 40] would fight against him: he sought to take him: & to kil him. And rising vp he went into Bethsan. † And Ionathas went [ 41] forth to meete him with fourtie thousand chosen men into battel, and came to Bethsam. † And Tryphon saw that Iona∣thas [ 42] came with a great armie, to extend his handes vpon him: and he feared: † and receiued him with honour, and com∣mended [ 43] him to al his freindes, and gaue him gifts: and he commanded his hosts to obey him, as him self. † And he [ 44] sayd to sonathas: Why hast thou trubled al the people: wheras we haue no warre? † And now send them backe to their [ 45] houses, but choose thee a few men, that may be with thee, and come with me to Prolemais, and I wil deliuer it to thee, and the other holdes, and the armie, and al the ouerseers of the affayres, and returning I wil depart: for therfore I came. † And Ionathas beleued him, and did as he sayd: and dismissed [ 46] his armie, and they departed into the land of Iuda: † but he [ 47] reteyned with him three thousand men: of whom he sent backe two thousand into Galilee, and a thousand came with him. † But as Ionathas entered into Prolemais, they of Pto∣lemais [ 48] shut the gates of the citie: and they tooke him, and al that had entered with him they slew with the sword. † And [ 49] Tryphon sent an armie and horsemen into Galilee, and into the great playne to destroy al Ionathas felowes. † But they [ 50] when they vnderstood that Ionathas was taken, and was peri∣shed, and al that were with him, they encouraged them selues, & went forth readie to battel † And these that had pursewed, [ 51] seing that the matter stood vpon their life, they returned. † But [ 52] they came al with peace into the land of Iuda. And they la∣mented Ionathas, and them that were with him excedingly:

and Israel mourned with great mourning. † And al the hea∣then [ 53] that were round abour them, sought to destroy them. for they sayd: † They haue no prince, and helper: now therfore [ 54] let vs expugne them, and take away from men the memorie of them.

CHAP. XIII. Simon exhorteth the people to defend themselues, and religion: 7. is made general captaine. 14. Tryphon demandeth an bundred talents of siluer, and hostages for Ionathas. 17. which are sent (to satisfie the people) Try∣phon receiueth the rarsom, 23. killeth Ionathas, and his sonnes. 25 Simon erecteth a memorie to his parentes and bretheren. 31. Tryphon murthereth his young king. 33. Simon fortifieth the countrie, obteyneth peace, and li∣berties of Demetrius: 42. subdueth the citie Gaza, and the rebellious castle within Ierusalem.

[ 1] AND :: 1.161 Simon heard that Tryphon gathered a very great armie, to come into the land of Iuda, and to destroy it.

† Seing that the people was in dread, and in feare, he went vp [ 2] to Iurusalem, and assembled the people: † and exhorting he [ 3] sayd: You know what great battels I and my bretheren, and the house of my father, haue made for the lawes, & the holies, and the distresses that we haue sene: † by reason of these are al [ 4] my bretheren perished for Israel, and I onlie am left. † And [ 5] now let it not fal to me to spate my life in al time of tribulation: for I am not better then my bretheren. † I wil :: 1.162 auenge ther∣fore [ 6] my nation and the holies, our children also, & wiues: be∣cause al the heathen are gathered together to destroy vs of em∣nitie. † And the spirit of the people was kindled as soone as [ 7] they heard these wordes: † and they answered with a lowd [ 8] voice, saying: Thou art our captayne in the place of Iudas, and Ionathas thy brother: † fight thou our battel, & we wil doe [ 9] al thinges whatsoeuer thou shalt say to vs. † And gathering [ 10] together al the men of warre, he hastened to finish al the walles of Ierusalem, and fortified it round about. † And he [ 11] sent Ionathas the sonne of Absalom, & with him a new armie into Ioppe, and they that were in the castel being cast out, he remayned there. † And Tryphon remoued from Prolemais [ 12] with a great armie, to come into the land of Iuda, & Ionathas with him in ward. † But Simon pitched in Addus against the [ 13] face of the playne. † And a Tryphon vnderstood that Simon [ 14] was risen in the place of his brother Ionathas: and that he

would ioyne battel with him, he sent legats to him, † saying: [ 15] For the siluer, that thy brother Ionathas owed in the kings ac∣count, for the affayres which he had, we haue stayed him. † And now send an hundred talents of siluer, and his two [ 16] sonnes for hostages, that being dismissed he flee not from vs, and we wil release him. † And Simon knew that with guile he [ 17] spake with him, :: 1.163 neuertheles he commanded the siluer, and the children to be geuen: lest he should get great emnitie with the people of Israel, saying: † Because he sent not the siluer, & [ 18] the children, therfore is he perished. † And he sent the chil∣dren, [ 19] and the hundred talents: and helyed, and dismissed not Ionathas. † And after these thinges came Tryphon within [ 20] the countrie, to destroy it, and they compassed by the way that leadeth to Addar, & Simon, and his campe marched into euerie place whither soeuer they went. † And they that were in the [ 21] castel, sent legates to Tryphon, that he should hasten to come through the desert, and should send them victuals. † And [ 22] Tryphon prepared al the horsemen, to come that night: but there was an exceding great snow, and he came not into the countrie of Galaad. † And when he had approched to Ba∣scama, [ 23] he slew Ionathas and his sonnes there. † And Try∣phon [ 24] returned, & went into his countrie. † And Simon sent, [ 25] and tooke the bones of Ionathas his brother, and buried them in Modin the citie of his fathers. † And al Israel lamented him [ 26] with great lamentation: & they mourned for him manie dayes,

† And Simon :: 1.164 built ouer the sepulcher of his father and of [ 27] his bretheren, a building high to behold, of stone polished behind and before: † and he erected seuen spyres one against [ 28] one, to his father and mother, and to his foure bretheren: † and [ 29] about these he set great pillers: and vpon the pillers armour for an eternal memorie: and by the armour shippes grauen, which might be sene of al that sayled the sea. † This is the sepulcher, [ 30] that he made in Modin euen vntil this day. † But Tryphon whē [ 31] he iourneyed with Antiochus the king being but a yong man, by guile he slew him. † And he reigned in his place, and put [ 32] the crowne of Asia vpon him self, and made a great plague in the land. † And Simon built the fortresses of Iurie, fortify∣ing [ 33] them with high towres, and great walles, and gates, and lockes: and he put victuals in the fortresses. † And Simon [ 34] chose men & sent to Demetrius the king, that he would make a release to the countrie: because al Tryphons actes had bene

done by spoile. † And Demetrius the king according to these [ 35] wordes answered him, and wrote an epistle in this maner: † KING demetrius to Simon the high priest, and the freind of [ 36] kinges, and to the ancients, and to the nation of the Iewes, greeting. † The crowne of gold, and * 1.165 the bahem, which you [ 37] sent, we haue receiued: and we are readie to make with you great peace, and to write to the kings chiefe officers to release you the thinges that we haue released. † For what soeuer [ 38] thinges we haue decreed vnto you, stand in force. The holdes that you haue built, let them be to you. † We remitte also the [ 39] ignorances, and offences euen vntil this day, and the crowne which you owed: and if any other thing was tributarie in Ierusalem, now let it not be tributarie. † And if anie of you be [ 40] fitte to be inrolled among ours, let them be inrolled, and let there be peace betwen vs. † In the yeare an hundreth seuentie [ 41] was the yoke of the Gentils taken away from Israel. † And the [ 42] people of Israel began to write in the tables, and publique in∣struments. The first yeare vnder Simon the high priest, the great duke, and the prince of the Iewes. † in these dayes Simon [ 43] approched to Gaza, and compassed it with campes, and he made engins, & set them to the citie, and he stroke one towre, and tooke it. † And they that were within the engin, brake [ 44] out into the citie and there was made a great sturre in the citie. † And they that were in the citie went vp with their wiues, & [ 45] children vpon the wal their coates rent, and they cried with a lowd voice, desyring of Simon that the right handes might be geuen them, † and they sayd: Requite vs not according to our [ 46] malices, but occording to thy mercies. † And Simon yelding [ 47] destroyed them not: but :: 1.166 yet he cast them out of the citie, and clensed the houses, wherein there had bene idols, and then he entered into it with hymes blessing our Lord: † and al filthines [ 48] being cast out of it, he placed in it men that should doe the law: and he fortified it, and made it his habitation. † But they that [ 49] were in the castel of Ierusalem, were prohibited to goe out and to come in to the countrie, & to bye, and sel: and they were ex∣ceding hungrie, and manie of them perished for famine, † and [ 50] they cried to Simon to receiue the right handes, and he gaue it them: and he cast them out from thence, and clensed the castel from the contaminations: † and they entered into it the three [ 51] and twentith day of the second moneth, the yeare an hundreth seuentie one, with prayse, and boughes of palme trees, and

harpes, and cymbals, & nables, and hymnes, and canticles, be∣cause the great enemie was destroyed out of Israel. † And he or∣dayned [ 52] that euerie yeare these dayes should be kept with glad∣nes. † And he fortified the mount of the temple, that was by [ 53] the castel, and he dwelt there him self, and they that were with him. † And Simon saw :: 1.167 Iohn his sonne, that he was a [ 54] valient man of warre: & he made him captayne of al the hosts: and he dwelt in Gazara.

CHAP. XIIII. Demetrius inuading Media is taken captiue: 4. and Iurie is in peace. 14. Simon cherisheth the godlie, and punisheth the wicked: 16. receiueth freindlie letters from the Romanes, and Spartiates: 20. vvherof the copie is recited: 24. sendeth a legate to Rome with a present. 25. And is esta∣blished highpriest, and gouernour by publique consent.

IN THE yeare an hundreth seuentie two, king Demetrius [ 1] gathered his armie, and went into Media to get him aydes to expugne Tryphon. † And Arsaces the king of Persia, and [ 2] Media heard, that Demetrius was entered his confines, and he sent one of his princes to take him aliue. † And he went, and [ 3] stroke the campe of Demetrius: and tooke him, and brought him to Arsaces, and he put him into ward. † And :: 1.168 al the land [ 4] of Iuda was at rest al the dayes of Simon, and he sought good to his nation: and his powre, and his glorie pleased them al dayes. † And with al his glorie he tooke Ioppe for an hauen, [ 5] and made it an entrance vnto the iles of the sea. † And he en∣larged the borders of his nation, and obteyned the countrie. [ 6] † And he gathered a great :: 1.169 captiuitie, and had the dominion [ 7] of Gazara, and of Bethsura, and of the castle: and tooke away the vncleanes out of it, and there was none that resisted him. † And euerie man tilled his land with peace: & the land of Iuda [ 8] yelded her fruites, and the trees of the fildes their fruit. † The ancients sate al in the streetes, and treated of the good thinges [ 9] of the land, & the yongmen did on them glorie, and the stoles of warre. † And he gaue victuals to the cities, and he appoin∣ted [ 10] them that they should be vessels of munition, til the name of his glorie was renowmed euen to the end of the earth. † He made peace vpon the land, & Israel reioyced with great [ 11] ioy. † And euerie man sate vnder his vine, and vnder his fig∣tree: [ 12] and there was none to make them asrayd. † There was [ 13] none left that impugned them vpon the earth: kinges were

discomfited in those dayes. † And he confirmed al the humble [ 14] of his people, and sought the law, and tooke away euerie wicked and euil man: † he glorified the holies, and multiplied [ 15] the vessels of the holie places. † And it was heard at Rome [ 16] that Ionathas was dead, and euen vnto the Spartiats: and they were very sorie. † But as they heard that Simon his brother [ 17] was made the high priest in his place, and he obteyned al the countrie, and the cities therein; † they wrote to him in bra∣sen [ 18] tables, to renew the amities and societie, which they had made with Iudas, & with Ionathas his bretheren. † And they [ 19] were read in the sight of the church in Ierusalem. And this is a copie of the epistles, that the Spartiates sent. † THE PRINCES [ 20] and :: 1.170 the cities of the Spartians to Simon the grand priest, and to the ancients, and the priests, and the rest of the people of the Iewes their bretheren, greeting. † The legates, that were [ 21] sent to our people, haue told vs of your glorie, and honour, and ioy: and we reioyced at their entrance. † And we wrote [ 22] that, which was sayd of them in the counsels of the people, thus: Numenius the sonne of Antiochus, and Antipater the sonne of Iason legates of the Iewes, came to vs, renewing with vs old amitie. † And it pleased the people to receiue the [ 23] men gloriously, and to put a copie of their wordes in the seue∣red booke of the people, to be for a memorie to the people of the Spartiats. And a copie of these we haue writen to Simon the grand priest. † And after these thinges Simon sent Nume∣nius [ 24] to Rome, hauing a great buckler of gold, of the weight of thousand poundes, to establish amitie with them. But when the people of Rome had heard † these wordes, they sayd: [ 25] :: 1.171 What thankes geuing shal we render to Simon, and his chil∣dren? † For he hath restored his bretheren, and hath expugned [ 26] the enemies of Israel from them: & they decreed him libertie, and registred it in tables of brasse, and put it in titles in mount Sion. † And this is a copie of the wriring. THE EIGHTENTH [ 27] day of the moneth Elul, in the yeare an hundreth seuentie two, the third yeare vnder Simon the grand priest in Asaramel, † in [ 28] a great assemblie of the priests, & of the people and the princes of the nation, and the ancients of the countrie, these thinges were notified: that there haue often bene battels made in our countrie. † But Simon the sonne of Mathathias of the chil∣dren [ 29] of Iarib, and his bretheren put themselues in danger, and resisted the aduersaries of their nation, that their holies, and

law might stand: & with great glorie haue they glorified their nation. † And Ionathas gathered together his nation, and was [ 30] made their grand priest, and he was layd to his people. † And [ 31] their enemies would conculcate, and destroy their countrie, and extend their handes against the holies. † Then Simon, re∣sisted [ 32] and fought for his nation, and bestowed much money, and armed the valient men of his nation, & gaue them wages: † and he fortified the cities of Iurie, and Bethsura, that was in [ 33] the borders of Iurie, where the armour of the enimies was be∣fore: and he placed there Iewes for a garrison. † And he forti∣fied [ 34] Ioppe, which was by the sea: and Gazara, which is in the borders of Azotus, wherin the enemies dwelt before, and he placed Iewes there:and whatsoeuer was fitte for their correp∣tion, he put in them. † And the people saw the fact of Simon, [ 35] and the glorie that he meant to doe to his nation, & they made him their duke, and grand priest, for that he had done al thes•• thinges, and for the iustice, and fayth, which he kept to his na∣tion, & for that he sought by al meanes to aduance his people. † And in his dayes it prospered in his hands, so that the heathen [ 36] were taken away out of their countrie, and they that were in the citie of of Dauid in Ierusalem in the castel, out of which they came forth, and contaminated al thinges that were round about the holies, & they brought great plague vpon chastitie: † & he placed in it men of Iurie to the defence of the countrie, [ 37] & of the citie, & he raysed the walles of Ierusalem. † And king [ 38] Demetrius appointed him the high priesthood. † According to [ 39] these thinges he made him his friend, and glorified him with great glorie. † For he heard that the Iewes were called of the [ 40] Romanes, freinds, and felowes, and bretheren, and that they receiued Simons legates gloriously: † and that the Iewes, and [ 41] their priests consented that he should be their duke, and high priest :: 1.172 for euer, til there rise the faithful prophete: † and [ 42] that he be duke ouer them, and that he should haue the care of the holies, and that he should appoint rulers ouer their workes, and ouer the countrie, and ouer the armour, and ouer the holdes. † And that he haue care of the holies: and that [ 43] he be heard of al, and that al writinges in the countrie be wri∣ten in his name: and that he be clothed with purple, and gold: † and that it be not lawful for any of the people, and of the [ 44] priests to disanul anie of these, and to gainsay those thinges, that are sayd of him, or to cal together an assemblie in the

countrie without him: and to be clothed with purple, and to weare a cheyne of gold. † But he that shal doe beside these [ 45] thinges, or shal make frustrate any of these he shal be guiltie. † And it pleased al the people to appoiut Simon, and to doe [ 46] according to these wordes. † And Simon tooke it vpon him, [ 47] and it pleased him to execute high priesthood, and to be duke, and prince of the nation of the Iewes, and of the priests, and to be chiefe ouer al. † And this writing they bad them put in [ 78] tables of brasse, and to set them in the circuite of the holies, in a famous place: † and to put a copie therof in the treasurie, [ 49] that Simon may haue it, and his children.

CHAP. XV. Antiochus by his letters granteth great priuilegies to simon: 10. pursueth Thryphon, and inuironeth him. 15. The Romanes commend the Iewes to other nations. 25. Antiochus refusing ayde sent by Simon, breaketh league, 30. and exacteth certaine cities, and tribute. 37. Tryphon escapeth, and other of the kings forces inuade and spoîle lurie.

AND king Antiochus :: 1.173 the sonne of Demetrius sent epistles [ 1] from the iles of the sea to Simon the priest, and prince of the nation of the Iewes, and to al the nation: † and they con∣teyned [ 2] this tenure: KING Antiochus to Simon the grand priest, and to the nation of the Iewes greeting. † Because certaine [ 3] pestilent men haue obteyned the kingdom of our fathers, and I meane to chalenge the kingdom, and to restore it as it was before: and I haue chosen a great armie, & haue made shippes of warre. † And I wil march through the countrie, that I may [ 4] take reuenge of them, that haue destroyed our countrie, and that haue made manie cities desolate in my realme. † Now [ 5] therfore I establish vnto thee al the oblations, which al the kinges before me remitted vnto thee, and what other gifts soeuer they remitted thee: † and I permitte thee to make a [ 6] coyne of thy owne money in thy countrie: † and Ierusalem to [ 7] be holie and free, and al the armour that is made, and the for∣tresses which thou hast built, and which thou dost hold, let them remayne to thee. † And al that is dew to the king, and [ 8] the thinges that are to be the kings hereafter, from this present and for al time, they are remitted to thee. † And when we shal [ 9] haue obteyned our kingdom, we wil glorifie thee, and thy nation, and the temple with great glorie, so that your glorie shal be made manifest in al the earth. † In the yeare an hundreth [ 10]

seuentie foure went forth Antiochus into the land of his fa∣thers, and al the hosts assembled vnto him, so that there were few left with Tryphon. † And Antiochus the king pursewed [ 11] him, and he came to Dora flying by the seacost. † For he knew [ 12] that euils were heaped vpon him, and the armie forsooke him. † And Antiochus camped vpon Dora with an hundred twen∣tie [ 13] thousand men of warre, and eight thousand horsemen: † and he compassed the citie, and the shippes approched to the [ 14] sea: and they vexed the citie by land, and by sea, and suffered none to come in, or to goe out. † And :: 1.174 Numenius came, [ 15] and they that had bene with him, from the citie of Rome, ha∣uing epistles written to kinges, and countries, wherein were conteyned these wordes: † LVCIVS the consul of the Ro∣manes, [ 16] to Ptolomee the king greeting. † The ambassadours [ 17] of the Iewes our freindes came to vs, renewing the old amitie, and societie, being sent from Simon the prince of the priests, and the people of the Iewes. † And they brought also a buckler [ 18] of gold of a thousand powndes. † It hath pleased vs therfore [ 19] to write to the kinges, and countries, that they doe them no harme, nor impugne them, and their cities, and their countries: and that they geue no ayde to them that fight against them. † And it hath semed good vnto vs to take the buckler of them. [ 20] † If therfore anie pestilent men are fled out of their countrie [ 21] to you, deliuer them to Simon the prince of the priests, that he may punish them according to their law. † These self same [ 22] thinges were written to Demetrius the king, & to Attalus, and to Ariarathes, and to Arsaces, † and into al countries: and to [ 23] Lampsaces, and to the Spartiats, and to Delus, and to Myndus, and to Sicyon, and to Caria, and to Samus, & Pamphilia, and Lycia, and Alicarnassus, and Coo, and Siden, and Aradon, and Rhodes, & Phaselis, and Gortyna, and Gnidus, and Cypres, and Cyrenee. † And a copie therof they wrote to Simon the prince [ 24] of the priests & people of the Iewes. † But king Antiochus mo∣ued [ 25] his campe vnto Dora the second time, setting handes al∣wayes vpon it, & making engins: & he shut vp Tryphon, that he could not goe forth. † And Simon sent vnto him two thou∣sand [ 26] chosen men for ayde, and siluer, and gold, and abundance of furniture. † And he would not take them, but brake al thin∣ges [ 27] that he couenanted with him before, & alienated him self from him. † And he sent to him Athenobius one of his freinds, [ 28] to treate with him, saying: You hold Ioppe, and Gazara, and

the castel, that is in Ierusalem, cities of my kingdom: † their [ 29] borders you haue made desolate, and you haue made a great plague in the land, and haue ruled in manie places in my king∣dom. † Now therfore deliuer the cities, that you haue taken, [ 30] and the tributes of the places, wherin you haue ruled without the borders of Iurie. † But if not, geue you for them fiue hun∣dred [ 31] talents of siluer, and for the destruction, that you haue made, and the tributes of cities other fiue hundred talents: but if not, we wil come and expugne you. † And Athenobius the [ 32] kings freind came into Ierusalem, & saw the glorie of Simon, and his magnificence in gold, & siluer, and furniture abundant, and he was astonied, and told him the kings wordes. † And Si∣mon [ 33] answered him, and sayd to him: Neither haue we taken other mens land, neither do we hold that is other mens: but the inheritance of our fathers, which was a certaine season vn∣iustly possessed of our enemies. † But we hauing oportunitie [ 34] challenge the inheritance of our fathers. † For concerning [ 35] Ioppe, and Gazara, that thou complaynest :: 1.175 they made a great plague among the people, and in our countrie: for these :: we geue an hundred talents. And Athenobius answered him not a word. † But with anger returning to the king, he reported [ 36] vnto him these wordes, and the glorie of Simon, & al thinges that he saw, and the king was wrath with great anger. † And [ 37] Tryphon fled by shippe to Orthosias. † And the king appoin∣ted [ 38] Cendebaeus captaine by the sea cost, and gaue him an armie of foote men and horsemen. † And he commanded him to [ 39] moue the campe against the face of Iurie: and he commanded him to build :: 1.176 Cedron, and to fortifie the gates of the citie, and to conquer the people. But the king pursewed Tryphon. † And Cendebaeus came to Iamnia, and began to prouoke [ 40] the people, & to conculcate Iurie, and to take the people cap∣tiue, and to kil, and to build Cedron. † And he placed there [ 41] horsemen, and an host: that going forth they might walke by the way of Iurie, as the king appointed him.

CHAP. XVI. Simon sendeth two of his sonnes to fight against Cendebaeus, 8. whom they ouerthrow. 11. Ptolemee Simons sonne in law, inuiting him to a feast trea∣cherously killeth him, and his sonnes Iudas and Mathathias: 19. sendeth also men to kil Iohn, but he being warned of the treason, killeth them: 23. and succeedeth to his father in the gouernment.

AND :: 1.177 Iohn went vp from Gazara, and told Simon his [ 1] father what Cendebaeus did amongst their people. † And [ 2] Simon called his two elder sonnes, Iudas & Iohn, and he sayd to them: I and my bretheren, and the house of my father, haue expugned the enemies of Israel from our youth euen to this day: and it hath prospered in our handes to deliuer Israel oftentimes. † And now I am old, but be you in place of me, and [ 3] my bretheren, & going forth fight for our nation: & the helpe from heauen be with you. † And he chose out of the countrie [ 4] twentie thousand fighting men, and horsemen, and they went forth to Cendebaeus: and they slept in Modin. † And they [ 5] arose in the morning, and went into the plaine filde: and loe a mightie great armie coming to meete them of foote men, and horsemen, & there was a running riuer betwen them. † And [ 6] he camped agaynst the face of them, him self and his people, and he saw the people fearful to passe through the torrent, and he passed through first: and the men saw him, and they passed ouer after him. † And he diuided the people, and the horse∣men [ 7] in the middes of the footemen: and the horsemen of the aduersaries were exceding manie. † And they sounded [ 8] with the holie trompets: and Cendebaeus was put to flight, and his campe: and there fel manie of them wounded, and the rest fled into the hold. † Then was Iudas Iohns brother [ 9] wounded: But Iohn pursewed them, til he came to Cedron. which he built: † and they fled euen to the towres, that were [ 10] in the fildes of Azotus, and he burnt them with fyre. And there fel of them two thousand men, and he returned into Iurie in peace. † And Ptolomee the sonne of Abobus was appointed [ 11] captayne in the plaine of Iericho, and he had much siluer, and gold. † For he was the sonne in law of the high priest. † And [ 12] his hart was exalted, and he would gayne the countrie, and he [ 13] purposed treacherie against Simon, and his sonnes to dispatch them. † And Simon walking through the cities, that were in [ 14] in the countrie of Iurie, and being careful of them, went downe into Iericho, he and Mathathias his sonne, and Iudas :: 1.178 the yeare an hundreth seuentie seuen, the eleuenth moneth: this is the moneth Sabath. † And the sonne of Abobus receiued [ 15] them with guile into a litle fortresse, that is called Doch which he built: and he made them a great feast, and hid men there. † And when Simon was :: inebriated and his sonnes, Ptolomee [ 16] arose with his companie, and they tooke their weapons, and

entered into the feast, and slew him, and his two sonnes, and certain of his seruants. † And he did great deceite in Israel, & [ 17] rendered euil for good. † And Ptolomee wrote these thinges, [ 18] and sent to the king that he should send him an armie for ayde, and he would deliuer him the countrie, and their cities, and tributes. † And he sent others into Gazara to dispatch Iohn: [ 19] and to the tribunes he sent epistles, that they should come to him, & he would geue them siluer, & gold, and gifts. † And [ 20] he sent others to take Ierusalem, & the mount of the temple. † And one running before, told Iohn in Gazara, that his father [ 21] was perished, and his bretheren, & that he hath sent that thou also mayst be slayne. † But as he heard it, he was excedingly [ 22] afrayd: and he apprehended the men, that came to destroy him, & he slew them: for he knew that they sought to destroy him. † And the rest concerning the wordes of Iohn, & his battels, [ 23] and the valient actes, which he did manfully, and the building of the walles, which he built, & the thinges that he did: † loe [ 24] these are writen in :: 1.179 the booke of the dayes of his priesthood, from the time that he was made prince of the priests after his father. * 1.180

THE SECOND BOOKE OF MACHABEES.

CHAP. 1. The Iewes in Ierusalem write to the Iewes in Aegypt, 7. signifying that they had wri••te before of manie afflictions past: 9. and now write againe, rendering thankes to God for their deliuerie from Antiochus: 18. exhor∣ting their bretheren to kepe the feast of Scenopegia: rec••••ing the miracle of water returning into fire: 24. when Nehemias prayed: 33. and that* 1.181 the king built a temple in memorie therof.

TO THE bretheren, the Iewes that are through [ 1] * 1.182 out Aegypt, the bretheren, the Iewes that are in Ierusalem, and that are in the countrie of Iurie, send health, and good peace. † God doe good to [ 2] you, and remember his testament, that he spake to Abraham, and Isaac, and Iacob, his faithful seruantes: † and geue he [ 3]

vnto you al an hart to worshippe him, and to doe his wil with a great hart, and a willing minde. † Open he your hart [ 4] in his law, and in his precepts, and make peace. † Heare he [ 5] your prayers, and be he reconciled vnto you, neither forsake he you in the euil time. † And now here we are praying for [ 6] you. † When Demetrius reigned, in the yeare one hundreth [ 7] sixtie nine, :: 1.183 we Iewes wrote vnto you in the tribulation, and violence, that came vpon vs in these yeares, since Iason reuol∣ted* 1.184 from the holie land, and from the kingdom. † They burnt [ 8] the gate, and shed innocent bloud: and we prayed to our Lord, and were heard, and we offered sacrifice, and fine floore, and lighted the lampes, and serforth there breades. † And now [ 9] celebrate ye the dayes of Scenopegia of the moneth Cesleu. † In the yeare one hundreth eightie eight, the people that is [ 10] at Ierusalem, and in Iurie, and the senate, and :: 1.185 Iudas, to Ari∣stobolus the maister of Ptolomee the king, who is of the stocke of the annointed priestes, and to those Iewes, that are in Aegypt health, and welfare. † Being deliuered by God out of [ 11] great dangers, we geue him thankes magnifically, as who haue fought against such a king. † For he made them swarme out of [ 12] Persis, that haue fought against vs, and the holie oi••ie. † For [ 13] when he was captaine in Persis, & with him a very great armie, he fel in the temple of Nania, being deceiued by the counsel of Nan••a••s priestes. † For Antiochus, & his freindes came to the [ 14] place as to dwel with her, & that he might receiue much mo∣ney vnder the title of a dowrie. † And when Naneaes priestes [ 15] had layde it forth, and he with a few was entered within the compasse of the temple, they shut the temple, † when Antio∣chus [ 16] was entered in: & a secrete entrance of the temple being opened, casting stones they stroke the duke, and them that were with him, and diuided them in peeces, and cutting of their heades they threw them forth. † Blessed be the God in al [ 17] thinges, who hath deliuered vp the impious. † We therefore [ 18] meaning to keepe the purification of the temple the fiue and twentith day of the moneth Casleu, thought it necessary to sig∣nifie vnto you: that you also may kepe the day of Scenopegia, and the day of the fire, that was geuen when Nehemias, after the temple was built and the altar, offered sacrifice. † For [ 19] when our fathers were caryed :: 1.186 into Persis, the priestes that then were the worshippers of God, taking the fire from the altar, hid it secretly in a valley where there was a pitte deepe,

and dry, and therin they saued it, so that the place was vn∣knowne to al men, † But when manie yeares had passed, and i•• [ 20] pleased God that Nehemias should be sent of the king of Persis: he sent the nephewes of those priestes, that had hid it, to seeke our the fire: and as they told vs, they found not fire, but :: 1.187 thic••ke water. † And he bad them draw, & bring vnto him▪ [ 21] and the sacrifices, that were layd on, the priest Nehemias com∣manded to be sprinckled with the same water, and the wood, and the thinges that were layde therupon. † And as this was [ 22] done, & the time was come that the sunne shone forth, which before was in a cloude, there :: 1.188 was kindled a great fire, so that al merueiled. † And al the priestes made prayer, whiles the [ 23] sacrifice was consuming, Ionathas beginning, and the rest an∣swering. † And the prayer of Nehemias was in this maner: [ 24] O LORD God creatour of al, dreadful, and strong, iust▪ and mereiful, which only art the good king, † only giuer, only iust, [ 25] and omnipotent, and eternal, which deliuerest Israel from al euil, which madest the fathers elect, and didst sanctifie them. † Receiue the sacrifice for al thy people Israel, and kepe thy [ 26] part, and sanctisie it. † Gather together our dispersion▪ deliuer [ 27] them, that serue the Gentils, and regard the contemned & ab∣horred: that the Gentils may know that thou art our God. † Afflict them that oppresse vs, and that doe contumelie in [ 28] pride. † Place thy people in thy holie place, as Moyses sayd [ 29] † And the priestes sang hymnes, til the sacrifice was consumed. [ 30] † And when the sacrifice was consumed, of the rest of the [ 31] water Nehemias cōmanded the greater stones to be throughly washed. † Which thing as it was done, out of them :: 1.189 was [ 32] kindled a flame: but :: 1.190 by light also, that shined from the altar, it was consumed. † And as the thing was made manifest, it was [ 33] told the king of the Persians, that in the place, wherin those priestes that were transported, had hid fire, there appeared water, with the which Nehemias, and they that were with him, purified the sacrifices. † And the king considering, and [ 34] diligently examining the matter, made a temple for it, that he might approue that which was done. † And when he had ap∣proued [ 35] it, he gaue to the priestes manie good thinges, and diuerse giftes, and taking them with his owne hand, he gaue to them. † And Nehemias called this place :: 1.191 Nephthar, which is interpreted purification. But it is called with manie Nephi.

CHAP. II. Holie fire, and the booke of the law were conserued by Ieremie the prophet, in the transmigration into Babylon. 4. Likewise the Tabernacle of Moyses the Arke, and Altar of incense in a secrete place. 8. As Moyses had de∣dicated the Tabernacle, and Salomon the Temple: 14. so Iudas Macha∣beus ••lensing the Temple, and making a new Altar, instituted a feast of the Dedication therof. 20. The Preface of the Auctor abridging the historie of the Machabees written by Iason in fiue bookes.

AND it is found in the descriptions of Ieremie the pro∣phet, [ 1] that he commanded them that went in transmi∣gration, to take :: 1.192 the fire, as it was signified, & as he comman∣ded them that were caried away in transmigration. † And he [ 2] gaue them a law that they should not forget the precepts of our Lord, and that they should not erre in their mindes, seing the idols of gold, and siluer, and the ornaments of them. † And saying other like thinges, he exhorted them that they [ 3] * 1.193 would not remoue the law from their hart † And it was in [ 4] the same writing, how the propher commanded by the diuine answer made to him, that :: 1.194 the tabernacle, & the arke should folow in company with him, til he came forth into the mount in which Moyses ascended, and saw the inheritance of God. † And Ieremie coming thither found a place of a caue: & he [ 5] brought the tabernacle, and the arke, and the altar of incense in thither, and stopped the doore. † And there came certaine [ 6] withal, that folowed, to marke the place for themselues: and they could not finde it. † And as Ieremie vnderstood it, bla∣ming [ 7] them he sayd: that the place shal be vnknowne, til God gather together the congregation of the people, and become propicious: † and then our Lord wil shew these thinges, and [ 8] the maiestie of our Lord shal appeare, & there shal be a cloude* 1.195 as it was also mad••manifest to Moyses, and as when Salomon prayed that the place might be sanctified to the great God, he did manifest these thinges. † For he handled wisedom magni∣fically: [ 9] as hauing wisedome, did he offer the sacrifice of the dedication, and of the consummation of the temple. † As [ 10] Moyses also prayed to our Lord, and as Salomon prayed, and fire came downe from heauen, and consumed the holocaust. [ 11] * 1.196 † And Moyses sayd: Because that which was for sinne, was not eaten, it was consumed. † In like maner Salomon also [ 12] eight dayes celebrated the dedication. † And these self same [ 13]

thinges were put in the descriptions, and commentaries of Nehemias: and after what sort he making a librarie gathered together bookes of the prophetes, and of Dauid, and the epistles of the kinges; and concerning the donaries. † And in [ 14] like maner :: 1.197 Iudas also such thinges as were fallen away by the warre that happened to vs, gathered them al together, and they are with vs. † If therfore you desire these thinges, [ 15] send some that may fetch them vnto you. † We therfore mea∣ning [ 16] to kepe the purification haue written vnto you: You shal doe wel then, if you kepe these dayes. † And God that [ 17] hath deliuered his people, and rendered the inheritance to al, the kingdom, and the priesthoode, and the sanctification, † as [ 18] he promised in the law, we hope that he wil quickly haue mercie vpon vs, and wil gather vs together from vnder heauen into the holie place. † For he hath deliuered vs out of great [ 19] perils, and hath purged the place. * 1.198

† :: 1.199 Concerning Iudas Machabeus, and his brethren, and of [ 20] * 1.200 the purification of the great temple, and of the dedication of the altar, † Yea and of the battels that perteyne to Antio∣chus [ 21] the Noble, and his sonne Eupator: † and of the appari∣tions, [ 22] that were made from heauen to them, that did manfully for the Iewes, so that being few they reuenged the whole countrie, and put to flight the barbarous multitude: † and re∣payred [ 23] the most famous temple in al the world, and deliuered the citie, and the lawes that were abolished, were restored, our Lord with al clemencie being made propicious vnto them. † Also the thinges which by Iason the Cyrenean, [ 24] are comprised in fiue bookes we haue attempted to abridge in one volume. † For considering the multitude of bookes, and [ 25] :: 1.201 the difficultie to them, that wil attempt the narrations of hi∣stories, because of the multitude of matters: † we haue bene [ 26] careful for them that are willing to reade, that there might be delectation of the minde: and for the studious, that they may more easily comitte it to memorie: and that profite might en∣sewe to al that read it. † And to our owne selues in deede, [ 27] which haue taken vpon vs this worke to make an abridge∣ment, we haue taken in hand no easie labour, yea rather a bu∣sines ful of watching and swet••e. † As they that prepare a feast, [ 28] and seeke to condescend to other mens wil: for manie mens sakes we doe willingly susteyne the labour. † The * 1.202 veritie [ 29] certes concerning euery particular leauing to the auctors, and

our selues according to the forme that is geuen, studying to be briefe. † For as the builder of a new house must haue care [ 30] of the whole building: but he that hath the care to paint, must seeke out the thinges that are apt for garnishing: so must it be esteemed also in vs. † For to gather together the vnderstan∣ding, [ 31] to order the speach, and curiously to discusse euerie par∣ticular part, agreeth to the auctor of an historie▪ † but to pur∣sew [ 32] the breuitie of speach, & to auoyde the exact declarations of thinges, is to be granted to him that abridgeth. † From [ 33] hence then wil we begine the narration: of the preface let it be sufficient to haue sayd thus much. for it is a foolish thing before the historie to flow ouer, and in the historie to be shorte. * 1.203

CHAP. III. VVhen Ierusalem was in peace, and good order, by the care of Onias high priest, and king Seleucus fauoured pious workes, 4. Simon a wicked* 1.204 churchwarden, betrayeth the treasure of the Sanctuarie: 7. VVher upon Heliodorus sent by the king, and after curteous intertainment, declaring that he must carie al the money to the king, is resisted by Onias with others, deuoutly commending the cause to God. 23. He neuertheles attempting the sacrilege, is terrified by a vision, sore beaten, and in desperate miserie, 31. by Onias sacrifice and prayers, is restored to health: 35 and returning home confesseth the powre of God.

THEREFORE when the holie :: 1.205 citie was inhabited in [ 1] * 1.206 1 1.207. al peace, 2 1.208. the lawes also as yet were very wel kept, be∣cause of Onias 3 1.209 the high priest his pietie, & minde that hated euils, † it came to passe that kinges also themselues, and princes [ 2] esteemed the place worthie of high honour, and glorified the temple with verie great giftes: † so that Seleucus the king of [ 3] Asia of his reuenewes allowed al the charges perteyning to the ministerie of the sacrifices. † But :: Simon of the tribe [ 4] of Beniamin, being appointed ouerseer of the temple, ••••con∣tended, the prince of the priestes resisting him, to worke some wicked thing in the citie. † And 2. when he could not ouer∣come [ 5] Onias, he came to Appollonius the sonne of Tharsaeas, who at that time was gouernour of Caelesyria, and Phaenicia: † and told him, that the treasurie at Ierusalem was ful of innu∣merable [ 6] deale of money, and the common store to be infinite, which perteyne not to the account of the sacrifices: and that it is possible, al might fal into the kings powre. † And 3. when [ 7]

Appollonius had made relation to the king, concerning the* 1.210 money that he was told of he calling for Heliodorus, who was ouer his affayres, sent him with commission to transport the foresayde money. † And forthwith Heliodorus began to take [ 8] his iourney, in shew in dede as if he would goe visite the cities through out Coelesyria and Phaenicia, but in very deede to ac∣complish the kings purpose. † But when he was come to Ie∣rusalem, [ 9] and was curteously receiued in the citie by the high∣priest, he told of the the aduertisment geuen of the money: and opened for what cause he was come: and asked if these thinges were so in very deede. † Then the highpriest shewed [ 10] that these were deposita, and the liuelihoods of widowes, and pupils: † but certaine of them to belong vnto Hircanus of [ 11] Tobie a very noble man, among these thinges, which impious Simon had promoted, & the whole to be of siluer foure hun∣dred talents, and of gold two hundred. † And that they should [ 12] be deceiued which had committed it to the place, & the temple, that is honoured through out the whole world, to be a thing, for the reuerence, and holines therof altogether vnpossible. † But he by reason of those thinges, which he had in commis∣sion [ 13] of the king, sayd in any wise that they must be caried to the king. † And on a day appointed, Heliodorus entered in [ 14] to take order concerning these thinges. But there was noe smal trembling through out the whole citie. † And the priestes [ 15] cast themselues before the altar with their priestes stoles, and inuocated him from heauen, which made the law of deposita, that he would kepe the thinges safe, from them that had deposed them. † But now he that saw the countenance of the [ 16] high priest, was wounded in minde: for his face and colour be∣ing changed declared the inner sorow of the minde. † For [ 17] there was a certaine pensiuenes powred about the man, and horrour of the bodie, wherby the sorow of his hart was made manifest to them that beheld him. † Others also came floc∣king [ 18] together out of their houses: praying with publicke sup∣plication, for that the place was to come into contempt. † And [ 19] the wemen hauing their breast girded with heareclothes, came together through the stretes. Yea and the virgins :: 1.211 that were shut vp, came forth to Onias, and some to the walles, but some looked through the windowes: † and al stretching forth [ 20] their handes vnto heauen, prayed. † For the expectation of the [ 21] confuse multitude, and of the grand priest being in an agonie,

was miserable. † And these certes inuocated almightie God, [ 22] that the thinges committed to them, might be performed with al integritie for them that had committed the same of trust. † But Heliodorus exercised that which he had decreed [ 23] in the same place himself present with his gard about the trea∣surie. † But the spirit of almightie God made great euidence [ 24] of his appearing, so that al which had presumed to obey him, falling by the vertue of God, were turned into dissolution and feare. † For :: 1.212 there appeared to them a certaine horse ha∣uing [ 25] a terrible rider, adorned with very rich harnesse: and he with feircenes stroke Heliodorus with his forefoote, and he that sate vpon him, seemed to haue armour of gold. † There [ 26] appeared also two other yong men comely for strength, ex∣cellent of glorie, and beautiful in attyre: which stood about him, and on both sides whipped him, beating him with manie stripes without intermission. † And Heliodorus sodenly fel [ 27] on the ground, & they tooke him being couered round about with much darkenes, and being set in a seate portatiue, they thrust him forth. † And he that with manie currers, and men [ 28] of his garde entered into the foresayde treasurie, was caried no man geuing him succourse, the manifest powre of God being knowne. † And he in deede by the powre of God lay dumbe, [ 29] and depriued of al hope, and health. † But they blessed our [ 30] Lord, because he magnified his place: and the temple, that a little before was ful of feare and tumult, almightie God appea∣ring, was filled with ioy and gladnes. † And then certaine of the [ 31] freindes of Heliodorus forth with desired Onias, that he would inuocate the highest to geue him life, who was at the very last gaspe. † And the high priest considering least perhaps the king [ 32] might suspect some malice on the Iewes part downe aboute Heliodorus, offered for the health of the man an healthful host. † And when the high priest by prayer obteyned, the selfe [ 33] same yong men, clothed with the same garments, standing by Heliodorus, sayd: Geue thankes to Onias the priest: for him hath our Lord geuen thee life. † But thou being scourged of [ 34] God, declare vnto al men the great workes and the powre of God. And these thinges being sayd, they appeared no more. † And Heliodorus hauing offered an host to God, and hauing [ 35] promised great vowes to him, that granted him to liue, and geuing thankes to Onias, taking his armie againe returned to the king. † And he testified to al men those workes of the [ 36]

great God, which he had seene before his owne eyes. † And [ 37] when the king had asked Heliodorus; who was meete to be sent yet once more to Ierusalem, he sayd: † If thou haue anie [ 38] enemie, or traytour to thy kingdome, send him thither, and thou shalt receiue him againe scourged, if yet he escape: be∣cause there is vndoubtedly in the place a certaine powre of God. † For he that hath his dwelling in the heauens, is the [ 39] visiter, and helper of that place, & them that come to doe euil, he striketh, and destroyeth. † Therefore concerning Helio∣dorus, [ 40] and the keping of the treasurie so the matter standeth.

CHAP. IIII. Onias defamed & molested by Simon, repayreth to the king to procure peace. 7. Seleucus dying, & Antiochus reigning, lason by promising money to the king, getteth the office of highpriest from his brother Onias: 10. and per∣uerteth religion: 12. setteth vp a wicked schoole, wherby manie are corrup∣ted: 8. sendeth money for sacrifice to be offered to Hercules, which is im∣ployed in making gallees. 21. Antiochus is receiued with great pompe into Ierusalem. 23. Menelaus by promise of more money getteth the high priest∣hood from Iason. 29. He also is deposed, and his brother Lisimachus put in the place. 32. Andronicus trayterously murdereth Onias. 36. and for the same is slaine by the kings commandment: 39. and Lysimachus by the people. 43. Menelaus iustly accused escapeth by bribing, and the innocent are slaine.

BVR Simon the foresayde betrayer of the money, and of [ 1] his countrie, :: 1.213 spake il of Onias, as though he had stirred vp Heliodorus to these thinges, and had bene the mouer of the euils: † and the prouider for the citie, and defender of his na∣tion, [ 2] and the emulatour of the law of God, he presumed to cala secret betrayer of the kingdom. † But when the emnities [ 3] proceeded so far, that murders also were committed by cer∣taine of Simons familiars: † Onias considering the peril of [ 4] the contention, and that Appollonius being gouernour of Caelesyria, and Phaenicia, was outragious, which encreased the malice of Simon, :: went to the king, † not as an accuser of the [ 5] citizens, but considering with himself the common profite of the whole multitude. † For he saw that without the kings [ 6] prouidence it was vnpossible that peace should be made in those matters, & that Simon would not cease from his follie. * 1.214 † But after Seleucus departure out of life, when Antiochus [ 7] that was called the Noble, had taken the kingdom vpon him, * 1.215

Iason the brother of Onias ambiciously sought the highpricst∣hood: † going to the king, promising him three hundred [ 8] three score talents of siluer, and of other reuenewes foure score talents, † aboue this he promised also an hundred fiftie [ 9] more, if leaue might be granted him to make a schole, and a place for youth, and to intitle them, that were at Ierusalem, Antiochians. † Which when the king had granted, and he [ 10] had obteyned the princedom, forth with he began to transport his countrie men to the heathen rite. † And these thinges [ 11] being taken away, which of fauoure had bene decreed by kinges vnto the Iewes, and through Iohn the father of the Eupolemus, who was embassadour with the Romans con∣cerning amitie and societie, he disanulling the lawful rites of the citizens, made wicked ordinances. † For he presumed vnder [ 12] the verie castle to set vp a schoole, and to put al the goodliest youthes in brothel houses. † And this was not the beginning, [ 13] but a certaine increase, and going forward of the heathen and strange conuersation, through the abhominable neuer heard before, of Iason the impious and not a priest. † So that the [ 14] priestes were not now occupied about the offices of the altar, but :: 1.216 the temple being contemned, & the sacrifices neglected, they hastened to be pertakers of the gamme of wrastling, and of the vniust maintenance therof, and in the exercise of the coyte. † And setting nought by the honours of their fathers, [ 15] they esteemed the Greeke glories for the best: † by reason [ 16] wherof they had dangerous contention, and they had emula∣tion toward their ordinances, and in al thinges they coueted to be like to them, whom they had enemies and murderers. † For to doe impiously against the lawes of God escapeth not [ 17] vnpunished, but this the time folowing wil declare. † And [ 18] when the gamme vsed euerie fifth yeare was kept at Tyre, and the king was present, † the wicked Iason sent from Ierusalem [ 19] sinful men, carying three hundred didrachmaes of siluer for the sacrifice of Hercules, which they that caryed it, requested that it might not be bestowed on the sacrifices, because it ought not, but that it might be deputed for other charges. † And [ 20] these were offered in dede by him that sent them, vnto the sa∣crifice of Hercules: but because of them that were present they were geuen to the making of gallees. * 1.217

† And Apollonius the sonne of Mnestheus being sent into [ 21] * 1.218 Aegypt because of the nobles of Ptolomee Philometor the

king, :: 1.219 when Antiochus vnderstood that himself was made an alien from the affaires of the kingdom, prouiding for his owne commodities, departing thence he came to Ioppe, and from thence to Ierusalem. † And being magnifically receiued [ 22] of Iason, and the citie, entered in with torch lights, and with prayses: and from thence he turned his armie into Phaenicia. † And after the time of three yeares Iason sent Menelaus bro∣ther [ 23] of the foresaide Simon, carying money to the king, and to bring answers of necessarie affayres. † But he being com∣mended [ 24] to the king, when he had magnified the presence of his power, wrested the high priesthood vpon him self, ouer bidding Iason three hundred talents of siluer. † And hauing [ 25] receiued commission from the king, he came, hauing in deede nothing worthie of the priesthood: but bearing the mind of a cruel tyrant, and the wrath of a wilde beast. † And Iason in∣deede [ 26] who had circumuented his owne brother, being him∣self deceiued was driuen out a fugitiue into the countrie of the Ammanites. † And :: 1.220 Menelaus obteyned the princedom: [ 27] but concerning the money promised to the king he did no∣thing, wheras Sostratus that was gouernour of the castel ex∣acted it. † For to him perteyned the exacting of the tributes: [ 28] for which cause they were both called out to the king. † And [ 29] Menelaus was remoued from the priesthood, Lysimachus his brother succeeding: and Sostratus was made gouernour of the Cyprians. † And when these things were a doing, it chanced [ 30] the Tha••sians, and the Mallotians to moue sedition, because they were geuen for a gift to king Antiochus concubine. † The king therfore came in hast to pacifie them, one of his [ 31] companions Adronicus being lefte substitute. † But Mene∣laus [ 32] supposing that he had taken a conuenient time, stealing certaine vessels of gold out of the temple, gaue them to Adro∣nicus, and others he had sould at Tyre, & in their neere cities: † Which thing when Onias vnderstood most certainly, he re∣buked [ 33] him, keeping himself in a safe place at Antioche beside Daphne. † Wherupon Menelaus coming to Andronicus, de∣sired [ 34] him to kil Onias. Who when he was come to Onias, and right handes being geuen with an oath (although he was sus∣pected of him) had perswaded him to come out of the san∣ctuarie, immediatly he slew him, not reuerencing iustice. † For [ 35] which cause not only the Iewes, but also other nations like∣wise were offended, and tooke it greuously for the vniust

murder of so great a man. † But when the king was returned [ 36] out of the places of Cilicia, the Iewes went vnto him at An∣tioch, and also :: 1.221 the Greekes: complayning of the vniust mur∣der of Onias. † Antiochus therefore was sorie in his minde [ 37] for Onias, and being inclined to pitie, he shed teares, remem∣bring the sobrietie and modestie of the deceased. † And his [ 38] hart being incensed, he commanded Andronicus being spoi∣led of the purple, to be led about al the citie: and that in the same place, wherin he had committed the impiety vpon Onias, the sacrilegious person should be depriued of his life, our Lord repaying him worthie punishment. † And manie sacrilegies [ 39] being committed of Lysimachus in the temple by the counsel of Menelaus, and the rumour being bruited abrode, the mul∣titude gathered together against Lysimachus, much gold being now caryed out. † But the multitudes making insurrection, [ 40] and their mindes replenished with anger, Lysimachus arming almost three thousand began to vse vniust handes, a certaine tyrant being captaine farre growne in age, and also in madnes. † But as they vnderstood the endeuour of Lysimachus, some [ 41] tooke stones, some strong clubbles: and certaine threw ashes. † And manie in deede were wounded, & certaine also throwne [ 42] to the ground, but al were put to flight: the sacrilegious per∣son also himself they slew beside the treasurie. † Concerning [ 43] these thinges therefore iudgement began to be commenced against Menelaus. † And when the king was come to Tyre, [ 44] three men sent from the ancients, put vp the matter vnto him. † And when Menelaus was ouercome, he promised P••olomee. [ 45] to geue much money to perswade the king. † P••olomee ther∣fore [ 46] went to the king being in a certaine courte, as it were to coole himself, and brought him from his purpose: † and Me∣nelaus [ 47] certes being guiltie of al the euil was quitted of the crimes: and the poore wretches, who if they had pleaded the cause euen before Scythians should be iudged innocent, them he commanded to death. † Quickly then did they vniustly [ 48] suffer, which prosecuted the cause for the citie, & the people, and the sacred vessels. † For the which thing the Tyrians also [ 49] being offended, were very liberal towards the burial of them. † But Menelaus because of their auarice that were in power, [ 50] continewed in authoritie, increasing in malice to the betraying of the citizens.

CHAP. V. Visions of armies fighting in the ayre appeare in Ierusalem fourtie dayes. 5. Iason with a thousand men surpriseth the citie, killeth, manie citizens, but is expulsed and dyeth myserably. 11. Antiochus persecuteth the Iewes, 15. spoyleth the temple, and prophaneth holie thinges. 27. Iudas with others flee into the desert.

AT the same time Antiochus prepared a second iourney [ 1] into Aegypt. † And it came to passe: that through out [ 2] the whole citie of Ierusalem were senne for fourtie dayes in the ayre horsemen running hither & thither, hauing golden stoles, and speares, as it were companies armed, † and cour∣sing [ 3] of horses set in orders by rankes, and that there were en∣counterings together neere hand, and shakings of sheildes, and a multitude of men in helmets with swordes drawen, and throwing of darts, and the glittering of golden armour, and of al kind of harnes. † Wherefore al prayed that the wonders [ 4] might be turned to good. † But when there was a false rumour [ 5] gone forth, as though Antiochus had bene parted this life, Iason taking vnto him no lesse then a thousand men, suddenly set vpon the citie: and the citizens flying together to the wal, at the last the citie being taken, Menelaus fled into the castel. † But Iason spared not his citizens in murder, nor considered, [ 6] that prosperitie against kinsmen is a verie great euil, supposing that he should take the victorious spoiles of the enemies, and not of his citizens. † And the princedome verily he obtey∣ned [ 7] not, but receiued confusion, the end of his treacherie, and went againe a fugitiue into the countrie of the Ammanites. † At the last to his owne destruction being inclosed of Aretas [ 8] the tyrant of the Arabians, flying from citie to citie, odious to al men, as an apostata from the lawes, and execrable, as an enemie of his countrie and citizens, he was thrust out into Egypt: † and he that had expelled manie out of their countrie, [ 6] perished in a strange place, going to the Lacedemonians, as being like :: 1.222 for kindred sake to haue refuge there: † but he [ 10] * 1.223 that cast away manie vnburyed, himself both vnlamented, and vnburyed is cast forth, neither enioying forrein buryal, nor partaker of the sepulcher of his fathers * 1.224

† These thinges therefore being done, the king suspected that [ 11] the Iewes would forsake the societie: and for this departing* 1.225 out of Aegypt with a furious mind, he tooke the citie by armes.

† And he bad the souldiars kil, and not spare them that came in [ 12] their way, to murder them that went vp into the houses. † Slaughters therfore were made of youngmen & old, and de∣structions [ 13] of wemen and children, and murders of virgins and litle ones. † And there were in the whole three dayes foure [ 14] score thousand slaine, fourtie thousand prisoners, and no lesse sold. † But neither do these thinges suffice, he presumed also to [ 15] enter into the temple, in al the earth the most holie, Menelaus being his leader, who was betrayer of the lawes, and his countrie. † And with wicked handes taking the holie vessels, [ 16] which by other kinges and cities were set for the ornament and the glorie of the place, he vnworthily handled and con∣taminated them. † So Antiochus being alienated in minde, [ 17] considered not, that for the sinnes of them that inhabit the citie, God had bene angrie a litle: for the which also hapned the contempte about the place: † otherwise vnles it had [ 18] * 1.226 chanced them to haue bene wrapped in manie sinnes, as Heli∣odorus, who was sent of Seleucus the king to spoile the trea∣surie, this man also immediately as he came had bene scourged, and repelled verily from his boldnes. † But :: 1.227 not the nation for [ 19] the place, but the place for the nation hath God chosen. † And [ 20] therefore the place also it self is made partaker of the peoples euils: but afterward it shal be partaker of the good thinges, and it that was forsaken in the wrath of almightie God, shal be exalted againe with great glorie in the reconciliation of the great Lord. † Therefore Antiochus hauing taken away out of [ 21] the temple a thousand and eight hundred talents, spedily went backe to Antioch, thinking through pride, that he might bring the land to sayle vpon, & the sea to goe vpon, through haugh∣tines of minde. † And he left also rulers to afflict the nation: [ 22] at Ierusalem, Philip a Phrygian borne, more cruel of maners then he himself by whom he was appointed: † and in Garizim [ 23] Andronicus and Menelaus, who lay more greiuously vpon the citizens then the rest. † And wheras he was set against the [ 24] Iewes, he sent the odious prince Apollonius with an armie of two & twentie thousand, commanding him to kil al of perfect age, to sel the wemen and the young ones. † Who when he was [ 25] come to Ierusalem, feyning peace, rested vntil the holie day of the Sabbath: and then the Iewes keping holie day, he com∣manded his men to take weapons. † And he murdered al that [ 26] were gone forth to behold the gammes: & running through

the citie with armed men he slew a very greate multitude. † But Iudas Machabeus, who was :: 1.228 the tenth, was retyred into [ 27] a desert place, and there amongst wilde beastes he led his life in the mountaines with his companie: and they abode eating meate of grasse, that they might not be partakers of the con∣tamination.

CHAP. VI. The law of God is abolished, the temple prophaned, and named of Iupiter Olympius. 7. The feast of Bacchus is kept. 10. wemen with their cir∣cumcised children are slaine. 11. others for celebrating the sabbath (12. an admonition to the reader) 18. old Eleazarus constantly obseruing the law suffereth glorious death.

BVT not long after the king sent a certaine ancient man of Antioch, that should compel the Iewes to remoue them selues from the lawes of their fathers and of God: † to contami∣nate [ 2] also the temple that was in Ierusalem, and to cal it by the name of Iupiter Olympius: and in :: 1.229 Garizim, according as they were that inhabited the place, of Iupiter Hospitalis. † And the inuasion of the euiles was sore and grieucus to al: † for the [ 4] temple was ful of the lecherie and glottonie of the Gentiles: & of them that played the harlots with whoores. And wemen thrusting themselues of their owne accord into the sacred hou∣ses, bringing in thouse thinges which were not lawful. † The [ 5] altar also was ful of vnlawful thinges, which were forbidden by the lawes. † And neither were the Sabbaths kept, not the [ 6] soleme dayes of the fathers obserued neither plainely did anie man confesse him selfe to be a Iewe. † But they were led [ 7] with bitter necessitie in the kings birth day to sacrifices: and when the feast of Bacchus was kept, they were compelled to goe about crowned with Iuie vnto Bacchus. † And there went [ 8] forth a decree into the next cities of the Gentiles, the Ptolo∣means geuing the aduise, that they also in like manner should doe against the Iewes, that they sacrifice: † and them [ 9] that would not paste to the ordinances of the heathen, :: 1.230 they should kil. A man then might see the miserie. † For 1 1.231. two [ 10] wemen were accused to haue circuncided their children: whom, the infantes hanging at their breasts, when they had openly led them about through the citie, they threwe downe headlong by the walles. † And others coming together to the [ 11] next caues, & secretely 2. keping the day of the Sabbath, when

they were discouered to Philip, were burnt with fyre, because they feared for religion and obseruance, to helpe themselues with their hand.2 1.232

† But I beseech them that shal read this booke, :: 1.233 that they [ 12] abhorre not for the aduersities, but that they account those thinges, which haue happened, not to be for the destruction, but for the chastening of our stocke. † For not to suffer sinners [ 31] a long time to doe as they wil, but forthwith to punish, is a token of a great benefite. † For, not as in other nations our [ 14] Lord patiently expecteth, that when the day of iudgement shal come, he may punish them in the fulnes of sinnes: † so [ 15] also doth he determine in vs, that our sinnes being come to the end, so at length he may punish vs. † For which cause he ne∣uer [ 16] certes remoueth away his mercie from vs: but chastening his people by aduersitie, he forsaketh them not. † But let [ 17] these thinges be sayd of vs in few wordes for an admonition of the readers. And now we must come to the storie.

† Therfore 3 1.234 Eleazarus one :: 1.235 of the chief of the Scribes, a [ 18] man striken in age, and comely of countenance, with open mouth gaping was compelled to eate swines flesh. † But he [ 19] embracing rather a most glorious death then an hateful life, went before voluntarily to the punishment. † And conside∣ring [ 20] how he ought to come patiently susteyning, he determi∣ned not to committe vnalwful thinges for loue of life. † But [ 21] they that stood by, moued with vnlawful pitie, for the old frendshipe of the man, taking him in secrete, desired that flesh might be brought, which it was lawful for him to eate, that he :: 1.236 might feyne to haue eaten, as the king had commanded, of the flesh of the sacrifice: † that by this fact he might be [ 22] deliuered from death: and for the old freindshipe of the man, they did him this courtesie. † But he begane to thinke vpon [ 23] the worthie preeminence of his age and ancientnes, and the houre heares of natural nobilitie, & his doinges from a childe of very good conuersation, and according to the ordinances, and the holie law made of God, he answered quickly, say∣ing: that he would rather :: 1.237 be sent vnto hel. † For it is not [ 24] meete, quoth he, for our :: 1.238 age to feyne: that manie young men thinking, that Eleazarus of foure score yeare & tenne is passed to the life of Aliens: † they also through my dissimulation, and [ 25] for a litle time of corruptible life, may be deceiued, and hereby I may purchase a stayne, and a curse to mine old age. † For [ 26]

although at this present time I be deliuered from the punish∣ments of men, yet neither aliue nor dead shal I escape the hand of the Almightie. † Wherfore in departing manfully out of [ 27] this life, I shal appeare worthie of mine old age: † and to yong [ 28] men I shal leaue a constant example, if with readie mind and stoutly I suffer an honest death, for the most graue and most holie lawes. These thinges being spoken, forthwith he was drawen to execution. † And they that led him, and had bene [ 29] a litle before more milde, were turned into wrath for the wordes spoken of him, which they thought were vttered through arrogancie. † But when he was now in killing with [ 30] the strokes, he groned, and sayd: O Lord, which hast the holie knowlege, thou knowest manifestly that wheras I might be deliuered from death, I doe susteyne sore paines of the bodie: but according to the soule, for thy feare I doe willingly suffer these thinges. † And this man certes in this maner departed [ 31] this life, leauing not only to yong men, but also to the whole nation the memorie of his death for an example of vertue and fortitude.

CHAP. VII. The noble Martyrdome of seuen refusing to eate swines flesh: and boldly admonishing king Antiochus of his damnable state. 41. Lastly the mother (hauing encoreged her sonnes) likewise dyeth gloriously.

AND it came to passe, 4 1.239 that seuen brethren together with [ 1] their mother being apprehended, to be compelled by the king to eate against the law swines flesh, were tormented with whippes and scourges. † But one of them which was the [ 2] first, sayd thus: What seekest thou, and what wilt thou lerne of vs? we are readie to dye rather then to transgresse the lawes of God, coming from our fathers. † The king therfore being [ 3] wrath commanded frying pannes, and brasen pottes to be heated: † the which forth with being heated, he commanded [ 4] his tongue, that had spoken first, to be cut out: and the skinne of his head being drawen of, the endes also of his handes and feete to be chopped of, the rest of his bretheren, and his mo∣ther looking on. † And when he was now made in al partes [ 5] vnprofitable, he commanded fire to be put vnto him, and that breathing as yet he should be fried in the frying panne: wher∣in when he was long tormented, the rest together with the mother exhorted one an other to dye manfully, † saying: Our [ 6]

Lord God wil behold the truth, and wil take pleasure in vs, as Moyses declared in the profession of the Canticle: And in his* 1.240 seruants he wil take pleasure. † That first therfore being dead [ 7] in this maner, they brought the next to make him a mocking stocke: & the skinne of his head with the heares being drawen of, they asked if he would eare, before that he were punished throughout the whole bodie in euerie member. † But he ans∣wering [ 8] in his countrie speach, said: I wil not doe it. Wherfore this also in the next place, receiued the torments of the first: † and being at the verie last gaspe, thus he said: Thou in dede [ 9] ô most wicked man in this present life destroyest vs: but the king of the world wil raise vs vp which dye for his lawes, in the resurrection of eternal life. † After him the third is had in [ 10] derision, and being demanded his tongue, he quickly put it forth, and constantly stretched out his handes: † and with con∣fidence [ 11] he said: From heauen doe I possesse these, but for the lawes of God now doe I contemne these selfe same, because I hope that I shal receiue them againe of him. † So that the [ 12] king, and they that were with him merueled at the yong mans courege, because he estemed the torments as nothing. † And [ 13] this being thus dead, the fourth they vexed in like maner tor∣menting him. † And when he was now euen to dye, thus he [ 14] said: It is better for them that are put to death by men to exspect hope of God, that they shal be raysed vp againe by him. For to thee there shal not be resurrection vnto life. † And when [ 15] they had brought the fifth, they tormented him. But he loo∣king vpon him, † sayd: Thou hauing power among men, [ 16] wheras thou art corruptible doest what thou wilt: but thinke not that our stock is forsaken of God. † And doe thou pa∣tiently [ 17] abide, and thou shalt see his great power, in what sort he wil torment thee, and thy seede. † After him they brought [ 18] the sixth, and he beginning to dye, sayd thus: Be not deceiued vainely: for we suffer this for our owne sakes, sinning against our God, and thinges worthie of admiration are done in vs:

† but doe not thinke that thou shalt escape vnpunished, for [ 19] that thou hast attempted to fight against God. † But the mo∣ther [ 20] aboue measure meruelous, and worthie of good mens memorie, which beholding her seuen sonnes perishing in one dayes space, bare it with a good hart, for the hope that she had in God: † exhorted euerie one of them in their countrie lan∣guage [ 21] manfully, being replenished with wisedome: and

ioyning a mans hart to a womans cogitation, † she sayd to [ 22] them: I know not how you appeared in my wombe: for nei∣ther did I geue you spirit and soule and life, and the members of euerie one I my selfe framed not. † But in deede the Creator [ 23] of the world, that hath formed the natiuitie of man, and that inuented the origine of al, & he wil restore againe with mercie vnto you spirit and life, as now you despise your selues for his lawes. † But Antiochus thinking himselfe contemned, and [ 24] withal despising the voice of the vpbrayder, when the yonger was yet aliue, he did not only exhort with wordes, but also with oth he affirmed that he would make him rich & happie, and being turned from the lawes of his fathers, he would ac∣count him a freind, and geue him thinges necessarie. † But [ 25] when the yong man was not inclined to these thinges, the king called the mother, and counselled her to deale with the yong man to saue his life. † And when he had exhorted her in manie [ 26] wordes, :: 1.241 she promised that she would counsel her sonne.

† Therfore bending towards him, :: 1.242 mocking the cruel tyrant, [ 27] she sayd in her countrie language: My sonne haue pitie on me, which haue borne thee in my wombe nine moneths, and gaue thee milke for three yeares, and nourished thee, and brought thee vnto this age. † I beseech thee my sonne, that thou looke [ 28] to heauen and earth, and to al thinges that are in them: and vn∣derstand that God of nothing made them and mankinde: † so [ 29] shal it come to passe, that thou wilt not feare this tormenter but being made a worthie partaker with thy bretheren, take thou death, that in that mercie I may receiue thee againe with thy bretheren. † When she as yet was saying these thinges, [ 30] the yong man sayd: For whom stay you? I obey not the com∣mandement of the king, but the commandement of the law, which was geuen vs by Moyses. † But thou that art become [ 31] the inuenter of al malice against the Hebrewes, shal not escape the hand of God. † For we for our sinnes doe suffer these [ 32] thinges. † And if the Lord our God hath bene angrie with vs [ 33] a litle for rebuke & correction: yet he wil be reconciled againe to his seruants. † But thou ô wicked, and of al men most flagi∣cious, [ 34] be not in vaine extolled with vaine hopes, inflamed a∣gainst his seruantes. † For thou hast not yet escaped the iudge∣ment [ 35] of the almightie God, and him that beholdeth al thinges.

† For my bretheren hauing now susteyned short payne, are [ 36] become vnder the testament of eternal life: but thou by the

iudgement of God shalt receiue iust punishment for thy pride. † And I as also my brethren doe yeld my life and my bodie for [ 37] the lawes of our fathets: inuocating God to be propicious to our nation quickly, and that thou with torments and stripes maist confesse that he onlie is God. † But in me and in my bre∣thren [ 38] shal the wrath of the Almightie cease, which hath iustly bene brought vpon al our stocke. † Then the king incensed [ 39] with anger, raged against him more cruelly aboue al the rest, taking it grieuously that he was mocked. † And this same [ 40] therfore died vnspotted, wholy trusting in our Lord. † And [ 41] last of al after the sonnes the mother also was consumed. † Therfore of the sacrifices, and of the exceeding cruelties [ 42] there is ynough sayd. * 1.243

CHAP. VIII. Iudas Machabeus with six thousand men, commendîng their cause to God,* 1.244 6. prospereth in battel. 8. Philippe soliciting for more helpe, Nicanor and Gorgias are sent with twentie thousand men against Iudas. 12. whose men beginning to feare, and some flying he encoregeth the rest, 19. reciting manie examples of Gods assistance: 22. disposeth his armie, and pr••uay∣leth. 30. killing manie of Timothees and Bacchide•• men. 34. The principal hardly escaping by flight, acknowlege that God protecteth the lewes.

BVT Iudas Machabeus and they that were with him, went [ 1] * 1.245 in secretely into the townes: and calling together their kinsemen and taking vnto them those that continewed in Iu∣daisme, they brought out to them six thousand men. † And [ 2] :: 1.246 they inuocated our Lord, that he would haue respect vnto his people that was troden of al, and would haue mercie on the temple, that was cotaminated of the impious: † he would [ 3] haue pitie also vpon the destruction of the citie, which was forth with to be made flat with the ground, and would heare the voice of the bloud crying to him: † he would remember [ 4] also the most vniust deathes of innocent children, and the blas∣phemies done to his name, and would take indignation for them. † But Machabeus▪ hauing gathered a multitude, became [ 5] intolerable to the heathen: for the wrath of our Lord was turned into mercie. † And coming vpon the castels, and cities [ 6] vnlooked for, he burnt them: & taking commodious places, he made not few slaughters of the enemies. † and especially [ 7] in the nightes he was caried to such excursions, and the fame of his manlines was spred abrode euerie where. * 1.247

† But :: 1.248 Philip seing the man to come forward by litle and litle, [ 8] * 1.249 and that thinges for the more part succeeded with him pros∣perously, wrote to Ptolomee the gouernour of Coelesyria and Phoenicia, to geue ayde to the kinges affaires. † And he with [ 9] spede sent Nicanor the sonne of Patroclus, of the principals of his freindes, geuing him of the nations mingled together, no lesse then twentie thousand armed men, to destroy vtterly al the stocke of the Iewes, adioyning also vnto him Gorgias a man of warre, and in martial affayres of very great experience. † And Nicanor appointed, that he would supplie vnto the king [ 10] the tribute that was to be geuen to the Romanes, two thou∣sand talents out of the captiuitie of the Iewes: † and forth∣with [ 11] he sent to the cities by the sea side, calling men together to the buying of the Iewish slaues, promising that he would sel ninetie slaues for a talent, not looking to the vengeance, which was to folow him from the Almightie. † But Iudas [ 12] when he vnderstood it, shewed to those Iewes that were with him, the coming of Nicanor. † Of whom certaine fearing, [ 13] and not crediting the iustice of God, fled away: † and others [ 14] if they had any thing left, sold it, & withal be sought our Lord, that he would deliuer them from the impious Nicanor, who had sold them before he came neere them: † and if not for [ 15] them, yet :: 1.250 for the testament that was with their fathers, and for the inuocation of his holie & magnifical name vpon them. † But Machabeus calling together seuen thousand, that were [ 16] with him, desired that they would not be reconciled to the enemies, nor feare the multitude of the enemies coming a∣gainst them vniustly, but would fight manfully: † hauing be∣fore [ 17] their eyes the contume lie, that was vniustly done by them to the holie place, and moreouer the iniurie also of the citie being made a laughing stocke, besides also the ordinances of the ancesters broken. † For they in dede trust to their wea∣pons, [ 18] sayd he, and to their boldnes also: but we trust in the Almightie Lord, who can vtterly destroy both them coming against vs, and the whole world with one becke. † And he [ 19] admonished them also of the aydes of God, that were geuen to their fathers: and that vnder Sennacherib an hundred foure* 1.251 score fiue thousand perished. † And of the battel, that they [ 20] * 1.252 had against the Galatians in Babylonia, how al they, when it came to the point, the Macedonians their felowes staggering, being only six thousand slewe an hundred twentie thousand,

by reason of the ayde geuen them from heauen, and for these thinges obteyned verie manie benefites. † With these wordes [ 21] they were made constant, and readie to dye for the lawes, and their countrie. † He appointed therfore his brethren captains [ 22] ouer both orders, Simon, and Ioseph, and Ionathas, vnder euerie one putting a thousand and fiue hundreth. † Beside [ 23] this also the holie booke being read vnto them by Esdras, † and a signe of Gods helpe being geuen, in the foreward the [ 24] duke himself ioyned battel with Nicanor. And the Almightie being made their helper, they slew aboue nine thousand men: and the greater part of Nicanors armie being made weake with woundes, they forced to flee. † And taking away their [ 25] money that came to buy them, they pursued them on euerie hand, † but they returned being taken short with the time: [ 26] for it was the day before the Sabbath: for the which cause they continewed not pursewing them. † But gathering toge∣ther [ 27] the armour and spoiles of them, they kept the Sabbath: blessing our Lord that deliuered them this day, distilling the beginning of mercie vpon them. † But after the sabbath they [ 28] diuided the spoyles to the feeble and to orphans, and to wi∣dowes: & the rest themselues had with their felowes. † These [ 29] thinges therfore being done, and obsecration being made in common of al, they desired our merciful Lord, that he would be reconciled to his seruants vnto the end. † And of them that [ 30] were with Timothee and Bacchides fighting against them, they slew aboue twentie thousand, & wanne the high holdes: and they diuided manie prayes, making equal portion to the feeble, pupils, and widowes, yea and to the elder men. † And [ 31] when they had diligently gathered together their armour, they layd al together in conuenient places, and the residue of the spoiles they caried to Ierusalem: † and Philarches that was [ 32] with Timothee, they slewe, a wicked man, which in manie thinges had afflicted the Iewes. † And when they kept the [ 33] feast of victorie in Ierusalem, him that had burnt the holie gates, that is, Callisthenes, when he was fled into a certaine house, they burnt, a worthie reward being repayed him for his impieties: † But the most impious Nicanor, who had [ 34] brought a thousand merchants to the sale of the Iewes, † be∣ing [ 35] humbled through the helpe of our Lord by them, whom he esteemed no bodie, laying aside his garment of glorie, flee∣ing by the midland, came alone to Antioch, hauing gotten

great infelicitie by the destruction of his armie. † And he that [] had promised that he would render tribute to the Romanes of the captiuitie of Ierusalem, now professed that the Iewes had God their protectour, & that for him they could not be woun∣ded, because they folowed the lawes appointed by him. * 1.253

CHAP. IX. Antiochus repulsed from Persepolis, 3. and hearing that his armie is ouer∣throwne in lurie: 9. wormes issuing from his bodie, intolerably stincking: 11. acknowlegeth his wicked desertes: 14. promiseth amendment, 18. wri∣teth to the Iewes, praying them to obey him, and his sonne, 28. and dyeth miserably.

AT that time Antiochus returned out of Persis dishonou∣rably. [ 1] * 1.254 † For he had entered into the citie which is called [ 2] :: 1.255 Persipolis, and he attempted to spoile the temple, and to op∣presse the citie: but the multitude running together to armes, they were put to flight: and so it chanced that Antiochus after his flight returned with dishonour. † And when he was come [ 3] about Ecbatana, he vnderstood the thinges that were done to Nicanor and Timothee. † And swelling in anger, he thought [ 4] that he might wreake the iniurie of them, that had put him to flight, vpon the Iewes. And therfore he commanded his cha∣riorte to be driuen, iorneing without intermission, the hea∣uenlie iudgement vrging him forward, because he spoke so proudly, that he would come to Ierusalem, & make it an heape of the sepulcher of the Iewes. † But he that seeth al thinges our [ 5] Lord the God of Israel, stroke him with an vncurable and inui∣sible plague. For as he ended this verie speach, a cruel plague of the bowels tooke him, and bitter torments of the inner parts: [ 6] † and in dede very iustly, as who had tormented the bowels of others with manie and new torments, albeit he by no meanes ceased from his malice. † And beside this replenished with [ 7] pride, breathing fire in his minde against the Iewes, and com∣manding the matter to be hastened, it chanced him going with violence to fal from the chariot, and his limmes to be vexed with a greeuous bruising of the bodie. † And he that seemed [ 8] to himself to rule euen ouer the waues of the sea, replenished with pride aboue the measure of man, and to weye the heights of mountaines in a balance, now being humbled to the ground was caried in a portatiue seate, testifying the manifest power of God in himself: † so that out of the bodie of the impious [ 9]

man, wormes crawled abundantly, and his liue flesh fel of for paynes, with his smel also & stinke the armie was anoyed. † And he that a litle before thought to touch the starres of [ 10] heauen, him no man could carie for the intolerable stinke. † Hereby therfore he begane, being brought from his great [ 11] pride, to come to the knowlege of him self, admonished by the plague of God, his paines increasing euerie moment. † And [ 12] when neither himself now could abide his owne stinke, thus he sayd: It is reason to be subiect to God, & a mortal man not to thinke of himself equally with God. † And this wicked [ 13] man prayed to our Lord, :: 1.256 of whom he was not to obteyne mercie. † And the citie to the which he came in hast to haue [ 14] brought it to the ground, & to haue made it a sepulchre of bo∣dies heaped together, now wisheth to make it free: † And the [ 15] Iewes whom he sayd he would not vouchsafe worthie, no not of burial, but would geue them to birds & wilde beastes to be spoiled, & destroy them with the litle ones, now he promiseth to make them equal with the Athenians. † The holie temple [ 16] also, which before he had spoiled, he would adorne with goodlie donaries, and would multiplie the holie vessels, and of his reuenewes would allow the charges perteyning to the sa∣crifices. † Besides these thinges, that he would be a Iew also, & [ 17] would walke through euerie place of the earth, and would de∣clare the power of God. † But the paines ceasing not (for the [ 18] iust iudgement of God was come vpon him) despayring he wrote to the Iewes by the maner of a supplication an epistle conteyning these words: † To HIS VERY GOOD SVBIECTES [ 19] the Iewes the king & prince Antiochus, much health, & wel∣fare, and to be happie. † If you and your children farewel, & if [ 20] thinges be with you to your mind, we geue very great thankes. † And I being in infirmitie, and mindeful of you benignely, [ 21] being returned out of the places of Persis, & taken with a grie∣uous infirmitie, haue thought it necessarie to haue a care for the common profite: † not despayring of myself, but hauing great [ 22] hope to escape the sicknes. † But considering that my father [ 23] also, at what times he led his armie in the higher places, he shewed who should take the princedome after him: † that if [ 24] any mishappe should chance, or hard tydings be told, they that were in the countries, knowing to whom the whole gouer∣nement was committed, might not be trubled. † Besides this, [ 25] considering that al the potestates, and bordering neighboures

wayte for times, and expect the euent, I haue appointed my sonne Antiochus king, whom, I hauing recourse oftentimes to the higher kingdoms did commend to manie of you: & I haue writen to him that which is set downe here beneath. † I pray [ 26] you therfore, and desire you mindful of the benefits both pu∣blike and priuate, that euerie one keepe his fidelitie to me, and to my sonne. † For I trust that he wil deale modestly & gently, [ 27] and folowing my purpose, and that he wil be common vnto you. † Therfore :: 1.257 the murderer, and blasphemer being very [ 28] sore strooken, and as himself had handled others, in a strange countrie among the mountaynes, with a miserable death de∣parted this life. † But Philip his foster brother remoued his [ 29] bodie: who fearing the sonne of Antiochus, went to Ptolomee Philometor into Aegypt. * 1.258

CHAP. X. Iudas Machabeus clenseth the temple, and institueth the feast of dedication. 10. Young Antiochus Eupator reigning Ptolomeus of disgust killeth himself with poyson. 14. Iudas resisteth great forces of Gorgias, taketh certaine holdnes from the Idumeans, punisheth traytors, and killeth manie enimies. 24. In his battel against Timothee is miraculously assisted from heauen: 37. and finally killeth him.

BVT Machabeus, and they that were with him, our Lord [ 1] * 1.259 protecting them, :: 1.260 recouered the temple & the citie againe: † but the altars, which the aliens had set vp through the streets, [ 2] and also the temples he threw downe. † And hauing purged [ 3] the temple, they made an other altar: and out of fyred stones taking fire they offered sacrifices after two yeares, and set in∣cense, and lampes, and the breads of proposition. † Which [ 4] thinges being done, they besought our Lord prostrate on the ground, that they might no more fal into such euils: but and if they had sometime sinned, that they might be chastened of him more mildly, & not be deliuered to barbarous, & blasphemous* 1.261 men. † And what day the temple had bene polluted of the [ 5] aliens, it happened that on the same day was made the puri∣fication, the fiue and twentith of the moneth, which was Cas∣leu. † And with ioy eight dayes they kept in maner of taber∣nacles, [ 6] remembring that a litle before they had kept the so∣lemne day of Tabernacles in the mountaynes, and in dennes after the maner of beasts. † For the which cause they bare be∣fore [ 7] them stalkes of herbs, and greene boughes, and palmes to

him, that gaue successe to clense his place. † And they decreed [ 8] by common precept, and decree to al the nation of the Iewes euerie yeare to keepe these dayes. † And Antiochus that was [ 9] called the Noble, his departure out of life was after this sort. * 1.262 † But now of Eupator the sonne of Antiochus the impious, [ 10] we wil tel the thinges that haue bene done, abbridging the* 1.263 euils that were done in the warres. † For he hauing taken [ 11] vpon him the kingdom, appointed ouer the affaires of the king one Lysias general of the host of Phaenicia and Syria. † For [ 12] Ptolomee who was called Macer, determined to be a keeper of iustice toward the Iewes, and especially for the iniquitie, that was done against them, and to deale peaceably with them. † But being accused for this of his freinds to Eupator, when [ 13] he was called oftentimes traytour, because he had left Cypres commited vnto him by Philometor, and remouing to Antio∣chus the Noble, had reuolted also from him, he :: 1.264 made an end of his life with poyson. † But :: 1.265 Gorgias being captayne of [ 14] the places, taking vnto him strangers often warred against the Iewes. † And the Idumeans that kept the commodious holdes, [ 15] receiued them that were chased from Ierusalem, and attemp∣ted to make battel. † And they that were with Machabeus, [ 16] beseeching our Lord by prayers that he would be their helper, made an assault vpon the holdes of the Idumeans: † and stic∣king [ 17] to it with great force, they wanne the places, killed them that came in the way, & slewe altogether no lesse then twentie thousand. † And wheras certaine were fled into two towres [ 18] very strong, hauing al prouision to make resistance, † Macha∣beus [ 19] for the expugning of them, leauing Simon and Ioseph, and also Zachaeus, and such as were with them very manie, himself turned to those battels which forced more. † But they [ 20] that were with Simon, being led with couetousnes, were per∣swaded with money by certaine that were in the towres: and taking seuentie thousand didrachmaes, they let certayne escape. † But when it was told Machabaeus what was done, [ 21] assembling the princes of the people he accused them, that they had sold their bretheren for money, their aduersaries being let goe. † These therfore being become traytours he slewe, and [ 22] forth with he tooke the two towres. † And with weapons and [ 23] handes doing al thinges prosperously, in the two holdes he slewe more then twentie thousand. † And :: 1.266 Timothee, who [ 24] before had bene ouercome of the Iewes, hauing called together

an armie of foren multitude, and gathering horsemen of Asia, came as to take Iurie by armes. † But Machabeus and they that [ 25] were with him, when he approched, besought our Lord, sprin∣kling their head with earth, and being girded about the loynes with heareclothes, † lying flatte at the brimme of the altar, [ 26] that he would be propicious to them, and an enemie to their enemies, and an aduersarie to their aduersaries, as the law saith. † And so after prayer taking weapons, going forth somewhat [ 27] far out of the citie, and being come very neere the enemies they pitched. † And at the very first rising of the sunne both [ 28] ioyned battel: these in deede hauing our Lord the suretie of victorie, and prosperitie with vertue: but they had courege for the captayne of the battel. † But when there was a sore [ 29] fight, there appeared to the aduersaries from heauen fiue men vpon horses, comelie with golden bridles, conducting the Iewes: † of whom two hauing Machabeus betwen them, [ 30] compassing him round about with their armour, kept him safe: and against the aduersaries they threw darts, & fire balles, wherby both confounded with blindnes, and filled with per∣turbation they fel. † And there were slaine twentie thousand [ 31] fiue hundred, and horsemen six hundred. † But Timothee fled [ 32] into Gazara a strong hold, wherof Chaereas was the captaine. † And Machabeus, and they that were with him ioyfully be∣sieged [ 33] the hold foure dayes. † But they that were within, tru∣sting [ 34] to the place, blasphemed aboue measure, & cast forth abo∣minable wordes. † But when the fifth day appeared, :: 1.267 twentie [ 35] yong men of them that were with Machabeus, incensed in their mindes because of the blasphemie, went manfully to the wal, and with fierce conrege going on, they scaled to the top: † Yea and the others also mounting vp, attempted to set the [ 36] towres and the gates on fire, and to burne the blasphemers themselues aliue. † And the hold being sacked for two dayes [ 37] together, they slewe Timothee that was found hyding him∣self in a certaine place: and his brother Chaereas, and Apollo∣phanes they killed. † Which thinges being done, they blessed [ 38] our Lord in hymnes and confessions, who did great thinges in Israel, and gaue them the victorie.

ANNOTATIONS. CHAP. X.

* 1.268

8. They decreed.] Beza in his Annotations (in Ioan. 10. v. 22.) set forth in English in the yeare. 1603. confesseth that the feast vvhich our Sauiour obser∣ued, vvas instituted by Iudas Machabius, and his bretheren, after the restoring of Gods

true religion by easting out Antiochus his garrison It is also cleare that this feast vvas* 1.269 in vvinter, ibidem, agreable to the text, in the moneth of Casleu, which is Nouember,* 1.270 vvheras the feast of tabernacles vvas in September, before vvinter; and the feast of restauration of the temple after the captiuitie of Babylon, vvas in Adar (1. Esd. 6.) vvhich is Februarie, betwen vvhich time and middes of March, vvas not competent space for those thinges vvhich Christ did after this feast, before his Passion. And therfore it is very strange that Beza, or other Protestantes vvil denie these bookes to be Canonical: vvhich haue so excellent a testimonie by the Euangelist of our Sauiours ovvne fact.

CHAP. XI. Lysias supposing with his armie of fourescore thousand footemen, & a great band of horsemen to subdue Ierusalem: 6. Iudas with his few praying God, and going to fight, an Angel, in forme of an horsemen, goeth before them: 10. so they setting vpon the enemies kil manie, & the rest flee. 13. Ly∣sias perceiuing Gods powre, offereth to procure peace. 22. Wherto the king, agreeth, writting to him, 27. and to the Iewes. 34. The Romanes also write to the Iewes.

BVT a litle after :: 1.271 Lysias the kings procuratour, and cosin, [ 1] and chiefe ouer the affayers, being greatly offended with these thinges, that had hapened, † hauing gathered foure score [ 2] thousand, and al the horsemen, came against the Iewes, thinc∣king that taking the citie, he should make it an habitation for the Gentiles: † and he should haue the temple to make gayne [ 3] of money, as the rest of the temples of the Gentiles, and euerie yeare the priesthood to be sold: † neuer recounting the powre [ 4] of God, but furious in minde, he trusted in the multitude of foote men, and thousandes of horsemen, and in foure score elephants. † And he entred into Iurie, and approching to Beth∣sura, [ 5] which was in a narrow place from Ierusalem the space of fiue furlongs, he expugned that hold. † But as Machabeus, and [ 6] they that were with him, vnderstood that the holdes were ex pugned, they besought our Lord with weeping and teares, and al the multitude together, :: 1.272 that he would send a good Angel to the sauing of Israel. † And Machabeus him self first [ 7] taking weapons, exhorted the rest together with him, to ad∣uenture, and to geue ayde to their bretheren. † And when [ 8] they went forth together with prompt corege, at Ierusalem there appeared going before them an horseman in white clo∣thing, with armour of gold, shaking a speare. † Then al they [ 9] together blessed our merciful Lord, and tooke great corege: being readie to penetrate not only men, but also most fierce beastes, and walles of yron. † They went therfore promptly, [ 10]

hauing an helper from heauen, and our Lord hauing pitie vpon them. † And like lyons running violently vpon the eni∣mies, [ 11] they ouerthrew of them eleuen thousand footmen, and of horsemen a thousand six hundred: † and they put to flight [ 12] al, & very many of them being wounded scaped a way naked. Yea and Lysias him selfe shamefully fleeing escaped. † And be∣cause [ 13] he was not senselesse recounting with him selfe, the di∣minution made on his side, and vnderstanding the Hebrewes to be inuincible, because they rested vpon the help of the al∣mightie God, he sent vnto them: † and promised that he would [ 16] consent to al thinges, that are iust, and that he would force the king to be their freind. † And Machabeus granted to Lysias re∣questes, [ 15] in al things hauing respect to the commonwealth and whatsoeuer Machabeus wrote to Lysias, concerning the Ie∣wes, the king granted it. † For there were epistles written to [ 16] the Iewes from Lysias, conteyning this tenure: LYSIAS to the people of the Iewes health. † Iohn and Absalom that [ 17] were sent from you, deliuering the wrytings, requested that I would accomplishe those thinges which by them were signified. † Therfore whatsoeuer might be brought to the [ 18] king I declared vnto him: and that which the matters permit∣ted I granted. † If therfore you kepe fideletie in the affayres [ 19] & hence forward, also wil endeuour to be a cause of doing you good. † And concerning the rest, word for word I haue geuen [ 20] commandement both to theise, and to them that are sent of me, to commune with you. † Fare ye wel. In the yeare an hun∣dred [ 21] fourtie eight, of the moneth Dioscorus the foure & twen¦teth day. † But the kings epistle conteyned these thinges: [ 22] King Antiochus to Lysias :: 1.273 his brother, health. † Our father [ 23] being translated amongst the goddes, we being willing that they that are in our kingdome should liue without truble, and employ diligence to their owne matters, † we haue heard [ 24] that the Iewes consented not to my father to turne to the rite of the Greekes, but that they would keepe their owne in∣stitution, and therfore that they request vs their rites to be granted them. † Being therfore desirouse that this nation also be quiet, oradyning we haue decreed, that the temple be resto∣red vnto them, that they might doe according to the custome of their ancestours. † Thou shalt do wel therfore if thou send to [ 26] them, & geue the right hand, that our pleasure being knowen they may be of good cheere, & looke to their owne commo∣dities. † But to the Iewes the kings epistle was in this manner: [ 27]

KING Antiochus to the senate of the Iewes, and to the rest of the Iewes health. † If you fare wel, you are so as we [ 28] would: yea our selues also fare wel. † Menelaus came to vs, [ 29] saying that you would come downe to your countrie men, that are with vs. † To them therfore that come and goe, vn∣til [ 30] the thirtith day of the month Xanthicus, we geue the right handes of securitie, † that the Iewes may vse their owne [ 31] meates, and their owne lawes, as also before: and that none of them by any meanes suffer molestation for these thinges, which haue bene done by ignorance. † And we haue sent also [ 32] Menelaus to speake to you. † Fare ye wel. In the yeare an hun∣dred [ 33] fortie eight, of the moneth Xanthicus the fiftenth day. † And the Romans also sent an epistle, which is thus: [ 34] QVINTVS Memmius, and Titus Manilius legats of the Ro∣mans, to the people of the Iewes health. † Concerning these [ 35] thinges which Lysias the kings cosin hath granted you, we also haue granted. † But touching the thinges which he thought [ 36] good to be referred to the king, send ye forthwith some bodie, conferring diligently among your selues, that we may decree as is conuenient for you: for we goe to Antioch. † And ther∣fore [ 37] make hast to write agayne, that we also may know of what minde you are. † Fate ye wel. In the yeare an hundred [ 38] fourtie eight the fiftenth day of the moneth Xanthicus.

CHAP. XII. VVhiles the Iewes haue peace with the king, others stil persecute them. 5. which Iudas reuengeth. 13. and in Casp••n maketh great slaughter, and reposeth in Chara••a. 19. Tenne thousand of Timothees men are slayne. 20. whom Iudas pursuing killeth manie in Carnion: 34. taketh him, but releaseth him againe: 27. the like in Ephron. 32. Some Iewes are slaine in battel against Gorgias. 38. Iudas and his men are purified, and gathering the dead bodies, finde that some had taken vnlawful spoiles. 42. For whose soules he prayeth, and causeth sacrifice to be offered.

THESE couenants being made, Lysias went foreward to [ 1] the king, and the Iewes gaue themselues to husbandrie. † But they that stayed there, :: 1.274 Timothie & :: 1.275 Appollonius the [ 2] sonne of Gennaius, & also Ierom, & Demophon, besides these also Nicanor the gouerner of Cyprus, did not suffer them to liue in rest and quietnes. † And the Ioppites committed a cer∣taine [ 3] flagicious fact, which was this: They desired the Iewes with whom they dwelt, to goe into the botes, which they had

prepared, with their wiues & children, as though no secret em∣nities were between them. † Therefore according to the com∣mon [ 4] decree of the citie, & they agreeing therto, & because of the peace suspecting nothing: when they were gone forward, [ 5] into the depth, they drowned no lesse then two hundred. † Which crueltie Iudas as he vnderstood to be done vpon the men of his nation, commanded the men that were with him: and inuocating God the iust iudge, † he came against the mur∣derers [ 6] of his brethren, & the hauen he set on fire in the night, the botes he burnt, & them that were fled from the fire, he flew with the sword. † And when he had thus done these thinges, he [ 7] departed as to returne againe, and to roote out al the Ioppites. † But when he vnderstood that they also, which were at Iamnia, [ 8] would doe in like maner to the Iewes dwelling with them, † he came vpon the Iamnites also by night, and set the hauen [ 9] on fyre with the shippes, so that the light of the fire appeared at Ierusalem:: 1.276 two hundred fourtie furlongs of. † When they [ 10] were now departed thence nine furlongs, and made their iourney towards Timothee, the Arabians fiue thousand men, and fiue hundred horsemen ioyned battel with them. † And [ 11] when there was a mightie battel, and by the helpe of God it had succeded prosperously, the rest of the Arabians that were ouercome, besought Iudas that the right hand might be geuen them, promising that they would geue pastures, and profite them, in other thinges. † And Iudas thinking in very deede [ 12] that they might be profitable in manie thinges, promised peace, and right handes being taken, they departed to their ta∣bernacles. † And he set also vpon a certaine citie strong with [ 13] bridges, and enuironed with walles, which was inhabited with multitudes of heathen of al sortes, the name wherof is Caspin. † But they that were within, trusting in the firmenes of the [ 14] walles, & the prouision of victuals, dealt the more stackly, with reuiling wordes prouoking Iudas, and blaspheming, and spea∣king such thinges as is not lawful to speake. † But Machabeus [ 15] inuocating the great prince of the world, who without rammes and engines in Iesus time threwe downe Ierico, fiercely assaul∣ted* 1.277 the walles. † And the citie being taken by the wil of our [ 16] Lord he made innumerable slaughters, so that the poole adioy∣ning of two furlongs in bredth, semed to runne died with bloud. † From thence they departed seuen hundred fiftie fur∣longs, [ 17] and they came to Characa to those Iewes, that are called

:: 1.278 Tubianeians: † and in those places they tooke not Timo∣thee, [ 18] and nothing being done he went backe, hauing left in a certaine place a very strong garrison. † But Dositheus, and [ 19] Sosipater, who were captayns with Machabeus, slewe them that were left of Timothee in the hold, ten thousand men. † And Machabeus ordayning about him six thousand, and pla∣cing [ 20] them by bandes, went forth against Timothee, who had with him an hundred twenty thousand footemen, & of horse∣men two thousand fiue hundred. † And the coming of Iudas [ 21] being knowen, Timothee sent the wemen and children, and the other baggage before into the fortresse, that is called Cat¦nion: for it was inuincible, and hard to come by, by reason of the straites of the places. † And when the first band of Iudas [ 22] had appeared, seare was stroken into the enemies, by the pre∣sence of God, who seeth al thinges, and they were put to flight one of an other, so that they were rather ouerthrowen of their owne companie, and were weakened with the strokes of their owne swordes. † But Iudas was exceding earnest pu∣nishnig [ 23] the prophane men, and he ouerthrewe of them thirtie thousand men. † And Timothee him selfe fel into the handes [ 24] of Dositheus and Sisipaters partes, and with manie prayers he besought that he might be let go aliue, because he had parents & brethren of manie of the Iewes, whom it might happen by his death to be deceiued. † And when he had geuen his faith [ 25] that he would restore them according to the appointmēt they let him goe without harme, for the safetie of their brethren. [ 26] † And Iudas came backe from Carnion, hauing slayne twentie fiue thousand. † After the flight and slaughter of these, he mo∣ued [ 27] his armie to Ephron a strong citie, wherin a multitude dwelt of diuerse nations: & strong young men standing before the walles resisted manfully, & in this were manie engins, and prouision of dartes. † But when they had inuocated the Al∣mightie, [ 28] who with his power breaketh the forces of the ene∣mies, they tooke the citie: and of them that were within they ouerthrew twentie fiue thousand. † From thence they de∣parted [ 29] to a citie of the Scythians, which was distant from Ie∣rusalem six hundred furlongs. † But those Iewes that were [ 30] with the Scythopolitans testifying that they were vsed cur∣teously of them, euen in the times of miserie that they dealt modestly with them: † geuing them thankes, and exhorting [ 31] them also thence forward to be fauourable toward their stock,

they came to Ierusalem the solemne day of the weekes appro∣ching. † And after Pentecost they went against :: 1.279 Gorgias the [ 32] gouernour of Idumea. † And he went forth with footemen [ 33] three thousand, and horsemen foure hundred. † Who buck∣ling [ 34] together, it chanced few of the Iewes to be slayne. † But [ 35] Dositheus one of the Bacenors an horseman, a valiant man, held Gorgias: and wheras he would haue taken him aliue, a certayne horseman of the Thracians came vpon him, and cut of his shoulder: and so Gorgias escaped into Maresa. † But [ 36] they that were with Esdrin, fighting long, and being wearied, Iudas inuocated our Lord to be their helper, and captayne of the battel: † beginning in his countrey language, and with [ 37] hymmes raising a crie, draue Gorgias souldiars into flight. † And Iudas hauing gathered an armie came into the citie [ 38] Odollam: & when the seuenth day came on, being purifyed according to the custome, they kept the Sabbath in the same place. † And the day folowing Iudas came with his companie, [ 39] to take away the bodies of them that were ouerthrowen, and with their kinsmen to lay them in the sepulchers of their fa∣thers. † And they found vnder the coates of the slayne some [ 40] :: 1.280 of the donaryes of the idols, that were in Iamnia, from which the lawe forbiddeth the Iewes: therfore it was made playne to al, that for that cause they were slayne. † Al therfore blessed [ 41] the iust iudgement of our Lord, who had made manifest the hidden thinges. † And so turning to prayers, they besought [ 42] him, that the same offence, which was committed, might be forgotten. But the most valient Iudas exhorted the people to keepe themselues without sinne, seing before their eyes what was done, because of the sinnes of them that were ouer∣throwen. † And :: 1.281 making a gathering, he sent twelue thou∣sand [ 43] drachmes of siluer to Ierusalem for sacrifice to be offered for sinne, wel and religiously thinking of the resurrection. († for vnles he hoped that they that were slaine, should rise [ 44] againe, it should seeme superfluous, and vaine to pray for the dead) † And because he considered that they, which had taken [ 45] their sleepe :: 1.282 with godlines, had very good grace layd vp for them. † “ It is therfore :: a holie, and healthful cogitation to [ 46] pray for the dead, that they may be loosed from sinnes. * 1.283

ANNOTATIONS. CHAP. XII.

* 1.284

46▪ It is a holie and healthful cogitation to pray for the dead.] The Catholique be∣leefe, doctrine, and practise of praying for the dead, is so euidently confirmed

by this place, that our aduersaries haue no better shift to auoide the same, then by denying these bookes to be Canonical Scripture. VVhich being authenti∣cally* 1.285 proued, it may here suffice to adde that albeit the Greke text (as in o∣ther* 1.286 innumerable places) differeth from the Latin, yet it is no lesse clere for this doctrin. VVhich in English is thus: v 45. Regarding (or considering) that grace is layde vp for them that sleepe (or dye) in pietie: tovvitte in true faith and repen∣tance; in the next verse (46.) inferreth thus: VVherupon he (Iudas Machabeus▪)* 1.287 made reconciliation (or expiation) for the dead, that they might be deliuered (or loosed) from their sinne, that is, from punishment for sinne.

Omitting therfore multitude of other proofes, vve vvil here only cite tvvo great Doctors, who with others teach that the denial of this particular point of* 1.288 religion is a condemned heresie. S. Augustin li. de Haeresib. haer. 53. noteth this for a special heresie, saying: Aerians are named of one Aerius, vvho being a priest, and taking it greuously that he could not be ordained a Bishop, falling into the heresie of the Arrians, added some proper doctrines of his ovvne, saying: that vve ought not to pray, nor offer sacrifice for the dead. Likevvise S. Bernard, Ser. 66 in Cantica: in plaine termes saith they are heretikes, vvhich beleue not that there is pur∣gatorie fire after death, but that the soule departing from the bodie, goeth forth∣vvith either to rest or to damnation. Let them then (saith he) aske of him vvho saide: There is some sinne that shal not be forgeuen, neither in this vvorld, nor in the future: why he sayd this, if there remaine no remission, and purgation of* 1.289 sinne in the future vvorld? He therfore aduiseth al to bevvare of such seducers, saying: See the detracters, see the dogges. They deride vs, because vve baptize infantes: for that vve pray for the dead.

It is also most vvorthie of consideration, that Iudas Machabeus, (vvho did* 1.290 this charitable act for his souldiars slaine in the holie vvarres) vvas the High priest, or chief Bishop of the Church at that time, and defender of true faith and Religion. Finally vve may also obserue that he did not anie nevv thing, but practised the vsual custome of the vvhole Church. For so it appeareth by their sette forme of Office for the dead, called HASCHABAH, that is, Rest, or prayer for rest, in their booke MAHZOR, translated and set forth by Bishop Gene∣brard, in the yeare of our Lord. 1569. VVhere are these expresse supplications. Requiescat anima ipsius in cubili suo: iaceat in pace: dormiat in pace. His (or her) soule rest in his bed: lye, and slepe in peace. Againe, Ye Angels of peace come forth to mete him▪ &c. And that the Ievves this day vse to pray for the dead, is a clere thing, and confessed by Protestantes, namely Munsterus, and Fagius in their Annotations vpon the 14. of Deut. and M. VVhitaker, in his first booke against F. Dureus▪ fol▪ 81.

CHAP. XIII. Menelaus a fugitiue Iewe is put to death. 9. Antiochus with his great armie is defeated twise, with losse of manie men. 23. Philippe rebelling, peace is renewed. 24. And Iudas is made Lord of Ptolemais.

IN the yeare an hundred fourtie nine Iudas vnderstood, [ 1] * 1.291 that Antiochus Eupator came with a multitude agaynst Iurie, † and with him Lysias the procuratour, and cheefe ouer [ 2] the affayres hauing with him of footemen :: 1.292 an hundred tenne thousand, & of horsemen fiue thousand, & elephants twentie

two, chariots with hookes three hundred. † And Menelaus [ 3] also ioyned him selfe with them: and with much deceite be∣sought Antiochus, not for the weale of his contrie, but hoping that he should be appoynted to the principalitie. † But the [ 4] king of kinges stirred vp Antiochus mind against the sinner, & Lysias suggesting that he was the cause of al the euils, he com∣manded (as the custome is with them) that being apprehended he should be killed in the same place. † And there was in the [ 5] same place a tower of fiftie cubites, hauing an heape of ashes on euerie side: this had a prospect steepe downe. † From thence [ 6] he commanded the sacrilegious person to be throwne downe into the ashes, al thrusting him forward to death. † And by [ 7] such law it chanced the transgressour of the law to dye: & Me∣nelaus not to be put into the earth. † And in deede very iustly, [ 8] because he committed manie offences toward the altar of God, the fyre and ashes wherof was holie: himself was condemned into the death of ashes. † But the king furiouse in mind, came [ 9] to shew himself▪ worse to the Iewes then his father. † Which [ 10] thinges when Iudas vnderstood, he cōmanded the people that day and night they should inuocate our Lord, that as alwayes now also he would helpe them: † as who were afrayed to be [ 11] depriued of the law, & their countrie, & the holie temple: and that he would not suffer the people that had of late taken breath a litle while, to be againe subdued to the blasphemous nations. † Al therfore doing it together, and crauing mercie of our [ 12] Lord with weeping & fastinges, being prostrate for three dayes continually, Iudas exhorted them to prepare them selues. † But [ 13] he with the ancients consulted, before the king should bring his armie to Iurie, and winne the citie, to goe out, and to com∣mitte the euent of the thing to the iudgement of our Lord. † Committing therfore the power and charge of al to God, [ 14] the creatour of the world, and hauing exhorted his companie to fight manfully, and to stand euen to death for the lawes, the temple, the citie, their countrie, and citizens: he placed his armie about Modin. † And hauing geuen a signe to his com∣panie [ 15] of :: 1.293 the victorie of God, with most valient yong men piked out, by night setting vpon the kings court, in the campe he slew foure thousand men, and the greatest of the elephants, with them that had bene placed thereupon, † and he filled the [ 16] campe of the enemies with exceeding feare and perturbation, and the thinges being prosperously atcheiued, they departed.

† And this was done when the day appeared, the protection [ 17] of our Lord helping him. † But the king hauing taken a taste [ 18] of the hardines of the Iewes, attempted the difficultie of the places by policie: † and he moued his campe to Bethsura, [ 19] which was a strong hold of the Iewes: but he was put to flight, he fel, he was diminished. † And to them that were within [ 20] Iudas sent necessaries. † But one Rhodocus of the Iewes armie [ 21] vttered the secretes to the enemies, who being sought for was apprehended, and shut vp. † Againe the king had talke with [ 22] them that were in Bethsura: he gaue the right hand: he tooke it: he went away. † He ioyned battel with Iudas, he was ouer∣come. [ 23] And as he vnderstood that Phillippe rebelled at An∣tioch, who was left ouer the affayres, dismayed in mynde in∣treating the Iewes, and yelding vnto them, he sweareth con∣cerning al thinges that seemed reason, & being reconciled he offered sacrifice, honoured the temple, and gaue hosts. † He [ 24] embraced Machabeus, & made him gouernor & prince from Ptolemais euen to the Gerrenians. † But after, as he came to [ 25] Ptolemais the Ptolemaians tooke greuously the couenant of amitie, being offended lest perhaps they would breake their league. † Then Lysias went vp to the iudgement seate, and [ 26] declared the reason, and appeased the people, and returned to Antioch: and in this maner the kinges iorney and returne proceded. * 1.294

CHAP. XIIII. Demetrius hauing taken certaine holdes from Antiochus, 3. Alcimus lately deposed from the office of high priest, 6. accuseth good men of disloyaltie, 11. others also incense Demetrius. 12. Wherupon Nicanor being sent into Iurie, maketh Alcimus againe highpriest: 18. hath peace with Iudas, conuer∣sing with him most familiarly. 26. But by Alcimus suggestion, seeketh to deliuer him into the king ••andes: 30. otherwise threatneth to prophane the temple. 34. The priestes pray God to protect them. 37. Razias being ac∣cused, and pursued, 41. in extreme distresse killeth himself with meruelous corege of spirite.

BVT after the space of three yeares Iudas vnderstood, and [ 1] * 1.295 they that were with him, that Demetrius the sonne of Se∣leucus with a strong multitude, and with shippes was come vp by the port of Tripolis to commodious places, † and held the [ 2] countries against Antiochus, and his gouernor Lysias. † And [ 3] one :: 1.296 Alcimus that had bene highpriest, but voluntarily was

contaminated in the time of the confusion, considering that there was saftie for him by no means, nor accesse to the altar, † came to king Demetrius in the yeare an hundred fiftie, offe∣ring [ 4] him a crowne of gold, & a palme, & besides these, * 1.297 Tal∣loes, which seemed to be of the temple. And that same day in deede he held his peace. † But hauing gotten a commodious [ 5] time for his madnes, being called of Demetrius to counsel, and asked on what thing and counsels the Iewes rested, he answe∣red: † They of the Iewes that are called :: 1.298 Assidians, of whom [ 6] Iudas Machabeus is captaine, nourish battels, and moue sedi∣tions, neither doe they suffer the realme to be quiet. † For I also [ 7] being defrawded of my ancestours glorie (I meane of the high priesthood) am come hither: † principally in deede keping fi∣delitie [ 8] to the kings commodities, but secondly also prouiding for my citizens, forby their naughtines al our stocke is not a little vexed. † But al these thinges being knowen, ô king, pro∣uide [ 9] I pray thee, both for the countrie, & for our stocke accor∣ding to thy humanitie published to al men. † For as long as [ 10] Iudas is aliue, it is vnpossible that there be peace to the affayres. † And such thinges being sayed of him, the other freinds also be∣hauing [ 11] themselues as enemies against Iudas, incensed Demetrius. * 1.299 † Who forthwith sent Nicanor, chiefe ouer the elephants [ 12] captaine into Iurie: † geuing him commission, that he should [ 13] * 1.300 take Iudas himselfe: but them that were with him, he should disperse, & make Alcimus the high priest of the greatest temple. † Then the nations, which had fled from Iudas out of Iurie, [ 14] ioyned them selues by troupes with Nicanor, :: 1.301 esteming the miseries, and calamities of the Iewes the prosperities of their owne affayres. † The Iewes therfore hauing heard of Nicanors [ 15] coming, & the assemblie of the nations, being sprinkled with earth besought him, that ordayned his people to kepe them for euer, and that protecteth his portion by euident signes. † And the captaine commanding forthwith they remoued [ 16] from thence, and they came together to the castel of Dessau. † And Simon the brother of Iudas had ioyned battel with Ni∣canor: [ 17] but he was made afrayd with the sodaine coming of the aduersaries. † Neuertheles Nicanor hearing the manli∣nes of Iudas companions, and greatnes of courege, that they had for the conflicts of their countrie, was afrayde to make tryall by bloud. † Wherfore he sent Posidonius, and Theodo∣tius, [ 18] & Mathias before to geue and take the right handes. † And [ 28]

when there was long consultation of these thinges, and the captaine himself had moued it to the multitude, there was one sentence of them al to accord vnto amitie. † Therfore they [ 21] appointed a day, wherin they might secretly deale among them selues, and seates were brought forth and sette for euery one. † But Iudas commanded armed men to be in places conuenient, [ 22] lest perhaps some mischefe might sodainly arise from the ene∣mies: & they made agreable communication. † Nicanor abode [ 23] at Ierusalem, and did nothing vniustly, and the flockes of the multitudes, that had bene gathered together he diminished. † And he esteemed Iudas alwayes deare from the hart, and [ 34] he was inclined to the man. † And he desired him to marrie a [ 25] wife, and to beget children. He made a marriage, he liued quietly, and they liued in common. † But Alcimus seeing [ 26] their charitie one towardes an other, and the couenantes, came to Demetrius, and sayd that Nicanor assented to for∣raine matters, and that he ment to make Iudas being a tray∣tour to the kingdom, his successour. † Therfore the king [ 27] being exasperated with this mans most wicked criminations, wrote to Nicanor, saying, that he in deede was greatly dis∣pleased for the couenant of their amitie: neuertheles that he commanded him to send Machabeus quickly prisoner to Antioch. † Which thinges being knowen Nicanor was [ 28] amased, and tooke it greuously, if he should vndoe those thinges which they had couenanted, being nothing hurt of the man. † But :: 1.302 because he could not resist the king, he ob∣serued [ 29] oportunitie wherby to accomplish the commande∣ment. † But Machabeus seeing that Nicanor dealt with him [ 30] more austerely, and that he exhibited his accustomed meeting more sternely, vnderstanding this austeritie not to be of good, a few of his companie gathered together, he hid him self from Nicanor. † Which when he vnderstood that he was stoutly [ 31] preuented of the man, he came to the most great & most holie temple: and the priestes offering the accustomed hostes, he commanded the man to be deliuered vnto him. † Who :: 1.303 say∣ing [ 32] with an oath, that they knew not where he was, that was demanded, stretching out his hand to the temple, † he sware, [ 33] saying: Vnles you wil deliuer Iudas prisoner vnto me, I wil beate downe this temple of God to the flat ground, and wil digge downe the altar, and this temple I wil consecrate to :: 1.304 Li∣ber pater. † And when he had sayd these thinges, he departed. [ 34]

But the priestes stretching forth their hands vnto heauen, inuo∣cated him that was alwayes the defender of their nation, say∣ing thus: † Thou ô Lord of al, which lackest nothing, woul∣dest [ 35] a temple of thy habitation to be made amongst vs. † And [ 36] now ô Lord holie of al holies, preserue for euer this house impolluted, which of late hath bene clensed. † And Razias [ 37] one of the ancients of Ierusalem, was accused to Nicanor, a man that was a louer of the citie, and wel reported of, who for his affection was called father of the Iewes. † This man [ 38] long time kept the purpose of continencie in Iudaisme, and content to geue his bodie and life for perseuerance. † But [ 39] Nicanor willing to manifest the hatred that he had against the Iewes, sent fiue hundred souldiars to take him. † for he thought [ 40] if he had intrapped him, that he should doe the Iewes verie great hurt. † But the multitudes coueting to rush into his [ 41] house, and to breake open the gate, & to set fyre therto, when he was in taking, :: 1.305 he strooke himselfe with a sword: † choo∣sing [ 42] to dye nobly rather then to be made subiect to sinners, and against his noble birth to suffer vnworthie iniuries. † But [ 43] wheras for hast he had not made the wound with a sure stroke, and the multitudes brake in within the dores, running backe boldly to the wal, he threwe downe him selfe manfully headlong vnto the multitudes: † who quickly geuing place [ 44] to his fal he fel vpon his necke. † And when he had breathed, [ 45] incensed in minde he arose: and when his blood ranne with a great streame, & he was wounded with most greuous wounds, running he passed through the multitude: † and standing vpon [ 46] a certaine steepe rocke, & now being become without bloud, gryping his bowels, with both handes he cast them vpon mul∣titudes, inuocating the dominatour of life and spirit, that he would restore these to him againe: & so he departed this life. * 1.306

CHAP. XV. Nicanor intending to assault Iudas on the sabbath day, 5. blasphemeth most proudly. 7. Iudas with al confidence in God encorregeth his men. 11. con∣firming them with the relation of a vision in slepe. 21. So he with feruent prayer, the enemie trusting his owne streingth, ioyneth battel. 27. and kil∣leth thirtie fiue thousand, and Nicanor amongst the rest. whose head, and hand cut of with the shoulder are hanged vp in Ierusalem: 33. his tongue geuen to the birdes, and a festiual day obserued. 38. And herewith the Auctor (of this second booke) concludeth the whole historie.

BVT Nichanor as he vnderstood that Iudas was in the [ 1] * 1.307 places of Samaria, he purposed with al violence to ioyne batel :: 1.308 the day of the Sabbath. † But the Iewes that of neces∣sitie [ 2] folowed him, saying do not so fearcely and barbarousely, but geue honour to the day of the sanctification, and honour him that beholdeth al thinges: † that vnhappie man asked, [ 3] if there were a powre in heauen, that commanded the sabbath day to be kept. † And they answering: There is the liuing Lord [ 4] himself in heauen, the potent, that commanded the seuenth day to be kept. † But he sayd: And :: 1.309 I am potent vpon the [ 5] earth, that commanded armes to be taken, and the kings af∣fayres to be accomplished. Neuertheles he obteyned not to accomplish his counsel. † And Nicanor in dede puffed vp [ 6] with exceeding pride, had thought to haue set vp a common victorious memorie of Iudas. † But Machabeus alwayes [ 7] trusted with al hope that there would come ayde from God to them. † And exhorted his companie, that they should not [ 8] feare at the coming of the nations, but should haue in minde the aydes geuen vnto them from heauen, and now should hope that they should haue the victorie from the Almightie. † And speaking vnto them out of the law, and the Prophetes, [ 9] admonishing them also of the conflictes, that they had made before, he made them the more prompt: † and so their [ 10] hartes being encoreged, withal he shewed the fraude of the Gentils, and their breaking of oathes. † And he armed euerie [ 11] one of them, not with sense of buckler and speare, but with very good words, & exhortations, :: 1.310 declaring a dreame worthy to be credited, wherby he reioyced them al. † And the vision [ 12] was in this maner: Onias who had bene the highpriest, a good and benigne man, reuerent to behold, modest of maners, and comelie of speach, and who from a childe was exercised in vertues, that he stretching forth the handes “prayed for al the people of the Iewes. † After this that there appeared also an [ 13] other man meruelous for age, and glorie, and for the port of great dignitie about him. † And that Onias answering sayd: [ 14] This is a louer of his bretheren, & of the people of Israel: this is he that“ prayeth much for the people, & for the whole citie, Ieremie the Prophete of God. † And that Ieremie put forth [ 15] his righthand, and :: 1.311 gaue vnto Iudas a sword of gold, saying: Take the holie sword a gift from God, wherwith thou shalt [ 16] ouerthrow the aduersaries of my people Israel. † Being [ 17]

exhorted therefore with the wordes of Iudas exceding good, by which the coreges might be stured vp, and the hartes of the young men streingthned, they resolued to fight, and to en∣counter manfully: that manhood might decide the matter, be∣cause the holie citie, and the temple were in danger. † :: 1.312 For [ 18] there was lesse care for their wiues, and children, and also for their bretheren, and kinsemen: but the greatest and principal feare was for the holines of the temple. † And they also that [ 19] were in the citie, tooke no litle care for them that were to ioyne battel. † And when they did al hope that iudgement [ 20] would be geuen, and the enimies were present, and the armie was set in aray, the beastes & horsemen disposed in conuenient place, † Machabeus considering the coming of the multitude, [ 21] and the varietie of the prouision of armour, and the fiercenes of the beastes, stretching forth his handes vnto heauen, he inuocated our Lord, that worketh wonders, who not accor∣ding to the might of armes, but according as it pleaseth him, geueth victorie to the worthie. † And he sayd inuocating in [ 22] * 1.313 this maner: Thou Lord which didst send thyne Angel in the time of Ezechias king of Iuda, and didst kil an hundred eightie fiue thousand of the campe of Sennacharib: † & now ô Domi∣natour [ 23] of the heauens send thy good Angel before vs, in feare and trembling of the greatnes of thyne arme, † that they may [ 24] be afrayde, which with blasphemie come against thyne holie people. And he in dede ended his prayer thus. † But Nicanor, [ 25] and they that were with him, with trumpets & songues came nere. † But Iudas, and they that were with him, inuocating [ 26] God by prayers ioyned battel: † with the hand in dede figh∣ting, [ 27] but in their hartes praying to our Lord, they ouerthrew no lesse then fiue and thirtie thousand, being greatly delighted with the presence of God. † And when they had ceased, and [ 28] returned with ioy, they vnderstood that Nicanor was slaine, for al his armour. † A shout therfore being made, and a great [ 29] crie, they blessed the Almightie Lord in their countrie lan∣guage. † And Iudas, who by al meanes was in bodie and mind [ 30] readie to dye for his citizens, commanded that Nicanors head, and hand with the shoulder being cut of, should be caried to Ierusalem. † Whither when he was come, hauing called his [ 31] countrimen, and the Priestes to the altar, he sent also for them that were in the castel, † And shewing them the head of [ 32] Nicanor, & the wicked hand, which he stretching forth against

holie house of almightie God, had mightely bragged. † The [ 33] tongue also of impious Nicanor being cut out, he commanded to be geuen pecemeale to the birdes: and the hand of the furious man to be hanged vp against the temple. † Al therfore [ 34] blessed the Lord of heauen, saying: Blessed be he, that hath kept his place vndefiled. † And he hung vp Nicanors head in [ 35] the toppe of the castel, that it might be an euident, & manifest signe of the helpe of God. † Therfore al by common counsel [ 36] decreed, by no meanes to let passe this day without solemnitie: † but to kepe the solemnitie the thirtenth day of the moneth [ 37] * 1.314 Adar, which is called in the Syrian language, the day before Mardocheus day. * * 1.315

These thinges therefore being done concerning Nicanor, [ 38] & :: 1.316 from that time the citie being possessed of the Hebrewes, I also in these wil make an end of speaking. † And if wel, and [ 39] as is competent for a storie that myself also would: but “ if not so worthely it resteth to be pardoned me. † For as to drinke [ 40] alwayes wine, or alwayes water is hurtful, but to vse now one now an other is delectable: so to the readers, if the speach be alwayes exact, it wil not be gratful. Here therefore it shal be ended.

ANNOTATIONS. CHAP. XV.

12. Onias prayed for al the people. And. v. 14. Ieremie prayeth for the people.]* 1.317 As against prayer of the faithful for the dead: Ch 12. so against prayer of Saincts for the militant Church. Protestants haue no better euasion, vvhen they are pressed with these examples, then by denying the auctoritie of the Bookes. For seing the Prophet Ieremie, and the Highpriest Onias, being in Limbo patrum (no holie soules ascending into heauen before Christ) did pray for the vvhole people of the Ievves, it is also certaine that they, and other Sainctes in glorie, do of their excellent charitie pray for those that are in this mortallife. Yet neither do vve Catholiques vrge this place, as though vve had no other to alleage, for vve shevv the same doctrine, by other holie Scriptures,* 1.318 Gen. 48. Exo 32. Iere. 15. Luc. 16. 2 Petri 1. Apoc. 5. 6 8. and others: neither must vve omite these bookes, because our aduersaries denie them, seing the lerned Doctores, and holie Fathers confirme the same doctrine by those Scriptures. Among others ancient Origen. tomo 18 in Ioan. sayth, it appeareth that Sainctes departed from this life haue care of the people, as it is written (sayth he) in the* 1.319 Actes of the Machabees, manie yeares after the death of Ieremie: this is Ieremie the prophet of God, vvo prayeth much for the people. Likervvise S. Bernard. Ser. 3. vigil. Natiuit. Domini. & Ser. 11. againe Ser. 76. in Cantica, admonisheth that a good re∣ligious man is like to this Onias: who prayeth to God for al the people.

39. If not se vvorthely.] He demandeth not pardon, as though he suspected* 1.320 any error in his doctrine or in the history, but of his vnpolished stile in writing. As S Paul sayth that himself vvas rude in speach, yet not in knovvlege 2. Cor. 11. v. 6.

But we, who by Gods great goodnes haue passed now to the end of this En∣glish

old Testament iustly fearing, that we haue not worthely discharged so great a worke: and in no wise presuming that we haue auoided al errors, as wel of doctrine as historie: much more we acknowlege that our stile is rude and vnpolished. And therfore we necessarily, and vvith al humilitie craue pardon of God, and al his glorious Sainctes. Likevvise of the Chruch militant, and par∣ticularly of you right vvelbeloued English readers; to vvhom as at the begin∣ning vve directed and dedicated these our endeuoures: so to you vve offer the rest of our laboures, euen to the end of our liues: in our B. Sauiour IESVS Christ, to vvhom be al praise and glorie.

Amen.

THE CONTINVANCE OF THE CHVRCH, AND RELIGION IN THE SIXTH AGE: from the captiuitie in Babylon to the coming of our Sauiour, nere the space of 640. yeares.

SVCH is the prouidence of Almightie God, that not obscurely, or at* 1.321 sometimes only, but manifestly, and without intermission his Diuine Maiestie is acknowleged, his name glorified, his Religion professed, and his preceptes obserued by a visible knowne Church, from the beginning of the world to the end therof, as we haue already shewed in the other fiue ages; and shal no lesse clerly declare the same in this sixth. For albeit the peculiar people of God were for their sinnes caried forth of their countrie, and held captiues in Babylon seuentie yeares, and after their reduction were subiect to strangers ruling ouer them, and sometimes extremely afflicted with perse∣cution, yet they stil perseuered in the same fayth and religion, had succession of Priestes, and of one Highpriest, with conseruation also of the royal line of Dauid, euen to Christ our eternal King and Priest.

First therfore concerning Articles of fayth and religion, the beleefe in* 1.322 one God was so generally confessed by the whole Iewish nation, that their Priestes and Prophetes did vse it for a principle, in confirmation of other pointes, as wel doctrinal as moral. So Malachie teaching that our neighbour is to be beloued, God to be serued, and his lawes to be kept: Is there not one Father of vs al (sayth he. ch. 2. v. 10.) Hath not one God crea∣ted vs? Why then doth euerie one of vs despise his brother, viola∣ting the couenant of our fathers? More expresly Ieremie in his Epistle (Baruc. 6.) sheweth the vanitie and absurditie of manie goddes: exhor∣ting the people to serue the one omnipotent God, saying to him sincerely in their bartes; (v. 5.) Thou oughtest to be adored ô Lord. Likewise, when the Magicians of Chaldea ascribed the knowlege of dreames to false goddes, Daniel with the other three children (ch. 2. v. 18) prayed the God of heauen: and the mystetie was reueled to Daniel. and he declared and expounded the kings dreame. Who therupon confessed to Daniel (v. 47.) In very dede your God is the God of goddes, and Lord of kinges.

The same three children (Daniel. 3.) were cast into the burning furnace, and Daniel into the lions denne (ch. 6. & 14.) readie to dye for their fayth in one God. For this fayth also Mardocheus, as is written in the booke of Esther, was persecuted, and he with al the people were in extreme danger. And the auctor of the booke of wisdome teacheth that one God is knowen by consideration of his creatures: Al men are vaine (sayth he. ch. 13. v. 1.) that by thinges sene, vnderstand not him that is: neither attending to the workes agnise who was the workman. So the auctor of Eccle∣siasticus ch. 1. v. 8. professeth: There is one most high Creator omnipo∣tent, and mightie king, and to be feared excedingly, sitting vpon the throne, the God of Dominion.

As for the high Mysterie of three Diuine Persons in one God not so* 1.323 commonly reueled in the old testament, yet was it knowen and in some sorte vttered: As Aggeus 2. v. 5. & 6. I am with you, fayth the Lord of hostes, the word that I did couenant with you: when you came out of the land of Aegypt: and my Spirite shal be in the middes of yoa. VVhere, by the Lord of hosts, u commonly vnderstood God the Father; by his spirite, God the Holie Ghost, and the word may signifie God the Sonne: of whose Incarnation the Prophete playnly speaketh in the next verses. For in this consisteth the couenant betwen God and his people, that they should kepe his word of precepts and commandments expressed in the law: and he would send them the word, his onlie Sonne the Second Diuine Person to redeme mankind. Againe the same three Persons seme to* 1.324 be distinguished in diuers places, God the Father is described according to mans smal capacitie, Daniel. 7. v. 9. thus: Thrones were sette, and THE ANCIENT OF DAYES sate: his vesture white as snow,* 1.325 and the heares of his head as cleane wool, his throne flames of fire, his wheeles fire kindled. He is called Ancient of dayes, not only because he is eternal, for so are the other two Diuine Persons, but this terme is attri∣buted to the Father, because in order he is the beginning, from whom the other two Persons proceede [The Sonne by generation, the Holie Ghost from the Father and the Sonne by procession.] To God the sonne the same Prophet* 1.326 Daniel prayeth: ch. 9. v. 17. saying: Now therfore heare ô our God, the petition of thy seruant, and his prayers: and shew thy face vpon thy Sanctuarie which is desert, for thyne owne sake: that is, for thyne owne merites: which can only be vnderstood of that Diuine Person, which is incarnate. Zacharie, 12. v. 10. God speaking by the prophet sayth: I wil powre out vpon the house of Dauid, and vpon the inhabi∣tantes of Ierusalem the spirite of grace and of prayers, which may easily be vnderstood to be the promise of the B. Trinitie: but that which immediatly foloweth: and they shal looke towards me, whom they

pearced, can only be spoken by the Second Diuine Person, who only is incar∣nate, and was pearced in his Passion. In the booke of wisdome is much written of wisdom increated, a terme appropriated to God the Sonne. especially ch. 2. 7. 8. 9. and 10. The like in Ecclesiasticus, ch. 1. 4. 24. And ch. 51. v. 14. is distinct mention of the Father & the Sonne, I haue inuocated (sayth the auctor, or anie faythful soule) our Lord, the Father of my Lord. There is likewise particular mention of the Holie Ghost in some places. As* 1.327 2. Esd. 9. v. 20. Thou gauest them the good Spirite, which should teach them. for the office of internal teaching is appropriated to the Holie Ghost. Ioan. 14. v. 17. and 16. v. 13. The Spirite of truth, and he shal teach you al truth. Ezec. 36. v. 27. I wil put my Spirite in the middes of you, and wil make that you walke in my precepts. Zach. 7. v. 12. The wordes which the Lord sent in HIS SPIRITE, by the hand of the former Prophetes. Sapient. 1. v. 5. The Holie Ghost of dis∣cipline wil flye from him that feaneth. Ecclesiasticus 1. v. 9. He created her in the Holie Ghost. 24. v. 29. They that eate ME, shal yet hunger, and they that drinke ME, shal yet thirst. Where God calleth the Holie Ghost (which is receiued by grace) himselsef. Because al three* 1.328 Diuine Persons are one God. And that there be manie Dinine Persons in God, who is one in substance, is sufficiently signified by al those holie Scriptures, where God is called by the name Elohim, in the plural number; especially seing this name hath also the singular number, Eloha. As Iob. 12. v. 4. & 36. v. 2. Daniel. 2. v. 28. Habacuc. 1. v. 11. & 3. v. 3. which last place semeth most painly to speake of the Sonne of God, ELOHA MITHEMAN IAVO. God wil come from Theman, or from the South. And therfore where this word Elohim is vsed in the plural number (as in most places it is) it signifieth pluralitie of Persons in God.

Christs Incarnation is more clerly foreshewed by Prophetes, who aboue* 1.329 other consolations, most especially comforted the people by their prophecies of Christ our Sauiour. Ieremie 23. v. 5. I wil rayse vp to Dauid a iust branch, and he shal reigne a king, and shal be wise, and he shal doe iudge∣ment and iustice in the earth. Ch. 31. v. 23. A woman shal compasse a man. Christ though in bodie a litle infant, yet in powre and wisedom was most perfect of al men, euen when he was in his mothers wombe. Ch. 33. v. 14. Behold the dayes wil come, sayth our Lord, and I wil rayse vp the good word. v. 15. I wil make the spring of iustice to bud forth vnto Dauid, & he shal do iudgement and iustice in the earth. Ieremies Lamentations are in greatest part of Christ and his Church. And some part can hardly be applied to anie other. ch. 3. v. 30. He shal geue the cheke to him that striketh him, he shal be filled with reproches, ch. 4. v. 20. Christ our Lord is taken in our sinnes. Baruch. 2. v. 35. God promising* 1.330

to reduce the people from Babylon, addeth: And I wil establish vnto them an other testament euerlasting (by Christ, whose kingdom is for euer) that I be their God, and they shal be my people. Ch. 3. v. 36. This is our God, and there shal none other be esteemed against him. v. 38. After these thinges he was sene vpon the earth, and was con∣ue••sant* 1.331 with men. Ezechiel peculiarly called by an Angel the sonne of man, was therin a special figure of our Sauiour, who so calleth him self. And the same prophet hath in plaine termes foreshewed the office of Christ, the true Pastor of al pastors. eh. 34. v. 25. I wil (sayth God by this prophet) rayse vp ouer them one Pastor, who shal feede them, my seruant Dauid. that is, Christ prefigured by Dauid. His admirable visions in the three first chapters, and nine last perteyne properly and principally to the new Testament of Christ, and his Church, shewing the abundance of grace and glorie geuen by him to the elect. Daniel. 7. v. 13. With the cloudes of* 1.332 heauen there came in as it were the Sonne of man, and he came euen to the ancient of dayes, and in his sight they offered him. He came euen to the ancient of dayes, because in his Diuinitie he is equal to the Father: and in his humanitie he is offered to God in Sacrifice. v. 14 His powre is eternal: and his kingdom shal not be corrupted. ch. 9. v. 24. Seuentie wekes (of yeares) are abridged, that sinnes may be for∣geuen, grace be infused, prophecies be fulfilled, and the Holie one of holies be annointed. Al which belong only to Christ. v. 26. After sixtie two wekes Christ shal be slaine. Aggeus 2. v. 8. The desired of al na∣tions* 1.333 shal come. Zach. 3. v. 8. I wil bring my seruant the Orient. ch.* 1.334 13. v. 7. Strike the Pastour, and the shepe shal be dispersed, fulfilled in Christs Passion Mat. 26. v. 21. Mala••h. 3. v. 2. Forthwith shal come to* 1.335 his temple the Dominator, whom you seke, & the Angel of the te∣stament,* 1.336 whom ye desire. The booke of wisdom. ch. 2. v. 12. describeth the malice of the wicked against Christ. Let vs (say they) circumuent the iust, because he is vnprofitable to vs: and he is contrarie to our workes, and reprochfully obiecteth to vs the sinnes of the law. v. 13. He boasteth that he hath the knowlege of God, and nameth him self the Sonne of God. Ecclesiasticus 24. v. 34. God appointed to* 1.337 Dauid his seruant, to raise vp a king of him, most strong and sitting in the throne of honour for euer. Which eternal king proceeding from Dauid can be none but Christ our Sauiour. And al the praises of Pa••riarches, and Prophetes (in the last eight chapters) consist in their fayth, and expe∣ctation of Christ. Likewise the Priestes and people. 1. Mach. 14. v. 28. 35.* 1.338 and 49. shewed their fayth of Christ to come, when they established Si∣mon, and his progenie in the gouernment and highpriesthood, for euer til there rise the faithful Prophet, to witte the Prophet of whom al the prophetes did speake (Luc. 24 v. 27.)

Amongst the rest Ieremie, ch. 31. v. 23. and Ezechiel ch. 44. v. 2. make* 1.339 also especial mention of some singular priuileges of the most excellent virgin Mother of God. Of whom also Iudith, and Esther were apparent figures, who receiued special graces for the benefite of their nation, and so did this singular Virgin receiue of God most eminent giftes, aboue al other mere creatures, for the benefite of the whole Church.

Of Angels the celestial spirites, is frequent mention in the holie Scriptures* 1.340 of this age. Their multitude is innumerable, and therfore are insinuated to men by general termes. Daniel. 7. v. 10. Thousandes of thousandes ministered to him, and tenne thousand hundred thousandes assisted him. And their powre is most great, and to men most profitable. An Angel* 1.341 defended the three children in the fornace, walking with them in the fire. Da∣niel. 3. v. 49 95. Another defended Daniel from the lions. ch. 6. v. 22. The same or an other caried Habacuc from Iurie into Babylon. Dan. 14. v.* 1.342 35. and restored him in his place againe. v. 38. The Archangel Gabriel in∣structed Daniel, ch. 8. v. 16. 17. ch. 9. v. 21. And ch. 10. v. 13. & 20. Other Angels the Patrones or Guardians of the Persians and Grecians, prayed for those countries; and S. Michael, v. 21. for the Iewes. An Angle spake in Zacharie, ch. 1. v. 9. An other Angel went to mete him. ch. 2. v. 3. And in respect of Angelical offices, both S. Iohn Baptist, and our Sauiour himself are figuratiuely called Angeles. Malach. 3. v. 1 No meruel therfore that Iudas Machabeus and his armie, 2. Machab. 11. v 6. prayed for the assistance of a good Angel, which was granted them. v. 8. And so they went promptly, hauing an helper from heauen. v. 10. Their like prayer had the same effect in an other battel. 2. Machab. 15 v. 27.

Contrarie to these glorious Angeles are other spirites, at first created in* 1.343 grace, which falling into pride, and most obstinate malice are perpetual eni∣mies to God their Creator, and to al mankind, continually calumniating the workes of God, and of al his seruantes, wherof they are called Diuels, or calumniators. They neuer cease tempting al they can to euil, so to bring men to eternal death: For by the enuie of the diuel (Sap. 2. v. 7.) death (both of soule & bodie) came into this world. The iust stipend of sinne. Al sinnes offend God and please the diuels. But more particularly they desire to be honored as God with Sacrifice. Which therfore they require to them¦selues* 1.344 and their idols. And for this sinne of Idolatrie, aboue al others, God is most prouoked to wrath: & for the same most especially punished his people: as the Prophet Baruch (chap. 4. v. 6.) signifieth to the people, saying: You are sold to the Gentils. &c. You are deliuered to their aduersaries: and geuing the reason why, he addeth: v. 7. For you haue exasperated him that made you, the eternal God immolating to diuels. And not to God.

The same al the Prophetes teach, and withal that Sacrifice is the soue∣reigne* 1.345 seruice due to God only, and not to any creature, how excellent soeuer. But of Sacrifice there is so much written, that it were ouer long and nedeles to recite the places. It importeth more to obserue the predictions of the most excellent, and perfect Sacrifice of the new Testament Malachie. 1.* 1.346 v. 11. From the rising of the sunne (sayth God by this Prophet) euen to the going downe, there is sacrificing, and there is offered in my name a cleane oblation. In the old testament they offered cattel, & birdes, by powring out their bloud about the altar, and drawing forth their bowels. For purging and clensing wherof there was much washing and labour: but now in the Church of Christ, is the cleane Sacrifice of our Lords bodie* 1.347 and bloud, in formes of bread and wine. It is also in itself so pure, that it can not be polluted (as the old sacricrifices were, v. 12.) by vnworthie Priestes, but is alwayes auaylable to some or other, ex opere operato. According to that the same Prophet testifieth, ch. 3. v. 4. The Sacrifice of Iuda and Ierusa∣lem shal please our Lord. which is necessarily vnderstood of the Chri∣stian, sacrifice: for els this place were contrarie to that which God sayd to the Iewish priestes, ch. 1. v. 10. I haue no wil in you, and I wil not re∣ceiue gift at your hand. Daniel also prophecieth, ch. 9•• v. 27. that in the half of the weke the hoste and the sacrifice shal fayle. Ch. 12. v. 11.* 1.348 The continual sacrifice shal be taken away, therby signifying that not only after the figure, the Sacrifice prefigured should succede (for els there should be no daylie Sacrifice at al in the new Testament, which Malachie s••yth plainly there shal be, not in one, or in fewe places, but from the rising of the sunne, euen to the going downe, &c.) but also that both the old and new sacrifices should be taken away in their seueral times. For so* 1.349 our Sauiour (Mat. 24. v. 15.) applieth the next wordes of this prophecie, and abomination of desolation shal be set vp, not only as a signe before the destruction of Ierusalem, but also of the end of the world. Verified in part as in the figure, when the temple was destroyed, & diuers prophanations made in the same place: but more especially shal be fulfilled by Antichrist, a∣bolishing the holie Sacrifice of Christs bodie and bloud, so much as he shal be suffered: as S. Hyppolitus writeth, lib. de Antichristo. & in oratione de consummatione mundi. Agreable to S. Ireneus. li. 4. c. 32. & li. 5. in ••ine S. Ierom. in Dan. 12. Theodoretus in eund••m locum, and S. Chrisostom in opere imperfecto. Yea some Hebrew Rabbins acknowlege Transsub∣stantion,* 1.350 in the Eucharist. as R. Dauid Kimhi witnesseth vpon these wordes of Osee. 1••. v. 8. They shal liue with wheate, and shal spring as a vine: Manie of our Doctores (sayth he) expound this, that there shal be mutation of nature in wheate, in the times of our Redemer Christ.

This Rabbi Dauid also, and the Chaldee Paraphrasis expound Ezechiels

prophecie, ch. 36. v. 25. I wil powre out vpon you cleane water, of the remission of sinne, though they signifie not by what particular meanes. Which* 1.351 Christian Doctors vndoubtedly explicate of the Sacrament of Baptisme. And like wise his other prophecie, ch. 47. v. 1. waters issued forth vnder the threshold of the house towards the East, can not be vnderstood of anie other waters then of Baptisme.

The purifications, oblations, and other workes of penance practised by the people, after their returne from captiuitie, written. 2. Esd. 9. 10. 13.* 1.352 testifie their obseruation of the law in this point, by which the Sacrament of penance in the new testament was prefigured.

In like sorte the continuance of Priesthood, and priestlie functions* 1.353 is manifest in the bookes of Esdras, and of other Prophetes, which prefigured the Sacrament of holie Orders, in the Church of Christ.

In these times also the feastes instituted by the law, were obserued with* 1.354 more or lesse solemnitie, as time, place, and other opportunities serued. As Es∣dras testifieth. li. 1. c. 3. v. 2. Iosue (the highpriest) and Zorobabel (the duke) after their returne from captiuitie, built an altar (notwithstanding the threates of infidels) and offered vpon it holocaust to our Lord morning and euening. And they made the solemnitie of taberna∣cles, and other feastes, as wel in the Calendes, as in al the solemni∣ties of our Lord, though the temple was not yet built againe (v. 6.) And afterwards upon new occasion, Iudas Machabeus, 1. Mach. 4. & 2. Mach. 10. instituted a new feast, which our sauiour obserued. Ioan. 10. v. 12.

The like obseruation was kept of fastes. For amongst the feastes which* 1.355 were al duly performed (1. Esd. 3. v. 5.) one was of Expiation which con∣sisted in fasting from euen to euen. Leuit. 23. Num. 29. And besides* 1.356 the ordinarie, Esdras appointed a peculiar fast for special purposes, 1. Esd 8. v. 21. And I proclamed (sayth he) a fast, beside the riuer Ahaua, that we might be afflicted before the Lord our God: and might desire of him a right way for vs, and our children. And (v. 23.) we fasted and besought our God hereby: and it fel our prosperously vnto vs. Againe, 2. Esd. 9. v. 1. The children of Israel came together in fa∣sting, and sackclothes, and earth vpon them. see more of fasting Iu∣dith. 4. & 9. Esther 5. & 14. Zachar. 8. And of abstinence from certayne* 1.357 meates according to the la••, Daniel ••. & 9. Iudith. 10. & 12.2. Mach. 6. & 7.

More generally the whole forme of good life is excellently prescribed* 1.358 in the bookes of wisdom and Ecclesiasticus. Where vnder the general vertues of wisdom and Iustice, al are admonished to seeke diligently to know God, and to serue him. As much as to say, to haue fayth and good workes: the two feete, and legges, on which the godlie walke vnto life euerlasting. Let one shorte sentence here serue for example (wishing al men to reade more

in the bookes themselues) Sap. 6. v. 18. 19. & 20. is this gradation. The beginning of wisdom is the true desire of discipline; the care of* 1.359 discipline is loue; & loue is the keeping of her lawes: and the ke∣ping of the lawes is the consummation of incorruption: & incor∣ruption maketh to be next to God. These are the steppes from earth to heauen, from this vale of miseries to eternal happines. first A true and sin∣cere desire of discipline, or of Gods true seruice: 2. This desire or care of discipline bredeth loue of God: 3. loue is the keping of lawes, the com∣mandments of God: for he that sayth he ••oueth God, and kepeth not his com∣mandments* 1.360 is a liar: 4. keping the lawes is the consummation of in∣corruption: making the soule perfect in vertues, and free from corruption of sinnes: 5. and this incorruption maketh to be next to God, ioyning man with God, which is the perfect beatitude of eternal life. And so he con∣cludeth, v. 22. Therfore (from first to last by degrees) desire of wisdom leadeth to the euerlasting kingdom. Yet must we vnderstand that nei∣ther* 1.361 the first steppe of good desire, nor anie of the rest is in a mans owne powre as of himself, so much as to thinke a good thought, but Gods grace preuenteth* 1.362 sturreth men vp, and continually assisteth, in al good beginninges progresse, and perseuerance, as the same diuine auctor teacheth a litle before, v. 14. wisdom preuenteth them that couete her, that she first may shew herself vnto them. Then to admitte, or refuse is in their powre, that haue good motions. And therfore sinne is rightly imputed, and damnation iustly inflicted vpon the wicked, because as Nehemias (2. Esd. 9. v. 17.) testifieth of the vngratful people, they would not heare. And they hardened their neckes, and gaue the head to returne to their seruitude, as it were by contention, or striuing against God, through their owne free wil; which appeareth here to remaine in sinners. On the other side the same* 1.363 Nehemias in confidence of reward for good workes, and of his voluntarie cooperating with Gods grace, feared not to pray (2. Esd. 5. v. 19) in these wordes: Remember me my God to good, according to al thinges which I haue done to this people.

Some men moreouer besides the commandments of the law, voluntarily* 1.364 professed a peculiar state of holie life, a plaine figure, or rather an example of Euangelical counsels. As in the former ages the Nazerites, whose rule is prescribed Numeri 6. practised by Sampson (Iudic. 13.) and Samuel (1. Reg. 1.) and the Rechabites (Iere. 35.) so in this last age next before Christ the Assideans, or Esseni. 1. Mach. 2. v. 42. of whom Iudas Machabeus in his time was head or captaine. 2. Mach. 14. v. 6. Ieremie the prophet (ch. 16. v. 2.) by Gods ordinance liued single vnmaried al the time of the capti∣uitie.* 1.365 Thou shalt not take a wife, and thou shalt not haue sonnes and daughters in this place: to witte, in Ierusalem. Neither did he marie

when he was afterwardes in Aegypt. But of his owne accord remayned a virgin al his life, as S. Ierom writeth, li 1. aduers. Iouinianum.

Prayers of Sainctes after they are departed from this world is wani∣festly* 1.366 deduced of the sacred text, lere. 15. v. 1. of Moyses and Samuel, not to be heard if they should pray for the people, whom God had decreed to punish, were consequently to be heard in some other case. And more expresly. 2. Mach. 15. v. 12. & 14. is recorded that Onias, and Ieremie did pray for al the people, and for al the holie citie. Reuerent estimation of Re∣liques,* 1.367 and other holie thinges is manifest by the fact of the same Prophet Ieremie, who by Gods ordinance (2. Mach. 2. v. 1. & 5.) hid the holie fire, and the Tabernacle, and the Arke, & the Altar of incense in a caue. that they should not be prophaned by infidels ransaking Ierusalem, and the* 1.368 temple: Other holie ornaments also, and vesseles were restored by the fauo∣rable king Cyrus, 1. Esd. 1. v. 7. & ch. 8. v. 30. In figure also of the holie* 1.369 Crosse on which Christ was to redeme mankind, those that mourned for the abominations in Ierusalem (Ezec. 9.) vvere signed in their fore∣heades vvith the letter Thau, or. T. and so were saued from the common slaughter of the vnsigned.

Prayer and Sacrifice for the dead is likewise clere, 2. Mach. 12. v. 43.* 1.370 &c. if either the text may be admitted for Canonical, saying (v. 46.) It is a holie and healthful cogitation to pray for the dead; or for good te∣stimonie of Iudas fact; being Highpriest, and doing that which the whole Church practised, and which the Iewes yet obserue to this day.

Of the General Resurrection, is good testimnie in the same place v.* 1.371 43. and 44. as the ground of Iudas his pietie towardos the dead, wel and re∣ligiously thincking of the Resurrection. For vnles he hoped that they which were slaine should rise againe, it should seme super∣fluous, and vaine to pray for the dead. But seing he did beleue the Re∣surrection, he did right wel and piously. And seing the beleefe of resurre∣ction is true, it foloweth, as this auctor inferreth, that it is a holie thing to pray for the dead.

Malachie the last of the Prophetes, in the last chapter foresheweth, and* 1.372 describeth the General iudgement, in the end of this world: wherin the wicked▪ hal be condemned, and the iust eternally rewarded. Which day shal come (sayth he) kindled as a surnace. Al that do impietie (dying in* 1.373 that state) shal be stubble, and that day shal in flame them. And there shal rise to you that feare my name, the Sunne of iustice, and health in his winges, or glorious beames, healing and curing al body lie infirmities,* 1.374 and defectes. Before which day he foretelleth of two signes, v. 5. The co∣ming of Elias the Prophet. and. v. 6. & the conuersion of the Iewes to Christ. And thus much may here suffice, for particular pointes of religion in this age.

It resteth to view the state and gouernment of the Church in this time.* 1.375 Which may be considered according to the foure Monarchies of heathen na∣tions: the Chaldees, the Medes & Persians; the Grecians; and the Romanes: Vnder the Chaldees, whose Emperial citie was Babylon, they were in capti∣uitie seuentie yeares. By the Medes and Persians (for that Monarchie consi∣sted of those two nations) they were released from captiuitie with manie fa∣uoures, yet sometimes afflicted. Vnder the Monarchie of the Grecians, they were partly in extreme persecution of Antiochus Epiphanes, and of other Grecian kinges and princes, partly in warres for defence of Gods lawes. Before and after which persecution and warres, as wel vnder the Grecians, as the Romans til Christs Passion the Church was for most part in peace, yet some times afflicted. But omitting manie intricate diffi••uliies about the times and reignes of sundrie heathen kinges, it wil suffice our purpose to shew the general state of the Iewish nation, with their owne particular gouerners spiritual and temporal, with more or lesse fauour of forreine Princes.

First therfore concerning their estate in their captiuitie in Babylon, we may* 1.376 here obserue Gods prouidence, in that before the citie and temple of Ierusalem were destroyed, and the whole nation made captiue, Ioachin (otherwise cal∣led Iechonias) the sonne of Ioachaz (who was also called Iechonias) king* 1.377 of Iuda was transported into Babylon, and his mother, and manie other principal persons. 4. Reg. 24. v. 15. Likewise Iosedech sonne of Saraias highpriest (1. Paral. 6. v. 15.) was caried into Babylon. And in the meane time Sedecias (vncle to Ioachin) reigned in Iuda, who in the ele∣uenth yeare, was taken and caried captiue into Babylon, and there died, Io∣achin yet liuing in prison. And Saraias the Highpriest with others, was slayne in Rebla, when Ierusalem was destroyed. 4. Reg. 25. v. 18. & 21. To whom Iosedech succeded in the highpriesthood. So that both the issue of Da∣uid, in the right line of our Sauiours genealogie, and the Highpriest of Aa∣rons stocke, were in Babylon before the whole bodie of the nation was brought thither. This Iechonias (or Ioachin) remained in prison, til the death of Nabuchodonosor, the space of thirtie seuen yeares, and was then deliuered by Euilmerodach, and by him entertayned courteously as a prince, 4. Reg.* 1.378 25. v. 27. He maried there and had issue Salathiel; and Salathiel h••d Zo∣robabel. Who together with Iosue sonne of Iosedech highpriest, & Esdras, Nehemias, & others recited 1. Esd. 2. conducted the children of Israel from Babylon into their countrie. There were also in a former transmi∣gration* 1.379 Daniel, and the other three children Ananias, Misael, & Azarias, (of the royal or principal bloud) in the third yeare of Ioakim (other∣wise called Eliacim sonne of Iosias. 4. Reg. 23. v. 34) king of Iuda. Dan. 1. v. 1. 6. These with others were caried ••s hostages into Babylon, and brought vp more liberally. Where seruing God sincerely, abstayning from vnlawful

meates, were protected by God, much also estemed and promoted in that place. For Daniel about the age of twelue yeares, conuinced the two wicked Iudges,* 1.380 and deliuered Susanna from their cruel handes. Dan. 13. And afterwardes for declaring and interpreting the kings dreame (Dan. 2.) and excellent wis∣dom, and gift of prophecie was admired by al, aduanced by the king: but maligned by certaine enuious sorcerers, and great men. Wherby he was some∣times* 1.381 in great danger, but stil deliuered by Gods powre protecting him. Dan. 6. & 14. The other three children were likewise aduanced. Dan. 2. v. 49. and therfore by diuers enuied, and for refusing to adore an idol set vp by Nabuchodonosor were cast into a hote burning furnace, and there preserued. Dan. 3.

Ieremie, who before this time begane to prophecie whiles he was a childe,* 1.382 (Iere. 1.) continued in the time of captiuitie, in Ierusalem and Iurie, with much affliction, and stil prophecying finally dyed in Aegypt. Baruch his scribe, and also a Prophete, went sometimes into Babylon, and returned into Iurie (Baruch. 1.) instructing and exhorting the people.

Ezechiel was caried with king Iechonias, and Iosedech into Babylon, and* 1.383 there prophecied (ch. 1. v. 2.) part of the same time with Daniel, in great part the same thinges with Ieremie. And during the captiuitie, king Iechonias, Iosedech the highpriest, Ieremie, Baruch, Ezechiel prophetes, & innumerable others (some Martyres, and manie Confessors) parted from this world. But Daniel yet liued. And in place of Iosedech Highpriest Iosue succeded, and the progenie of king Iechonias continuing in Salathiel, and Zorobabel, the nation ••ad them and other eminent men, with temporal dependence vpon forreine princes in the next Monarchie of the Medes and Persians.

For when Darius king of Medes had slaine Ba••••azar king of the Chal∣dees,* 1.384 and so possessed Babylon, with the whole countrie he brought the Monarchie to the Medes & Persians. Dan. 5. v. 31. and within the space of one yeare he dyed; and Cyrus succeding granted leaue to al the Iewes to* 1.385 returne into Iurie; and there to build vp their temple, and citie of Ierusalem, which Nabuchodonosor had destroyed. At which time Daniel had his vi∣sion, that Christ our Sauiour should come into the world, within seuentie weekes (of seuen yeares to the weke, that is, in foure hundred ninetie yeares) after the perfect finishing of the temple▪ and citie. Dan. 9. v. 24. & 25. But when they were so built againe, that the wekes beganne to be counted, is very obscure: as it was the wil of God, that the prophecie, being certayne in itself, should not be ouer clere to euerie mans vnderstanding, but as likewise manie other prophecies, shut and sealed. Dan. 12. v. 6. 9. 13.

In this time of the Medes and Persians Monarchie, Mardocheus re∣mayning in Chaldea, after the relaxation had that vision in a dreame,* 1.386 Esther. 11. after which folowed the historie of him, & Quene Esther, and* 1.387

wicked Aman; with the danger and deliuerie of al the Iewes in those partes.* 1.388 Some thinke it likewise probable, that the historie of Iudith happened after the captiuitie; though others suppose that it was in the time of Manasses king* 1.389 of Iuda. which not being our purpose to discusse and decide, we wil passe to thinges more certayne.

The prophetes Aggeus & Zachatias nere twentie yeares after the re∣laxation,* 1.390 earnestly exhorted the princes & people to build vp the temple which had bene begunne, and now was neglected vpon vaine feare, thincking, the time was not yet come of building the house of our Lord. Aggeus. 1. v. 2. Wherupon the prophet reproueth them, expostulating thus: Why, is it time for you to dwel in embowed houses, and this house (of our Lord) desert? And assureth them. v. 10. that their ground should remaine barren, and ch. 2. v. 15. their sacrifices vngratful, til they should build the temple: promising moreouer that this new temple should be more glorious by Christs personal presence therin, then the former temple built by Salomon. But especially the Church of Christ presigured by the temple,* 1.391 should farre excel the Synagoge of the old testament. ch. 2. v. 10. Great shal be the glorie of this last house more then of the first. Which Zacharie confirmeth inuiting the Gentiles to come, and the Iewes to returne into Christs Church: ch. 2. v. 6. O flee out of the land of the North, sayth our Lord, because into the foure windes of heauen, haue I dispersed you. v. 7. O Sion flee thou that dwellest with the daughter of Ba∣bylon. And by diuers other visions and prophecies they forshew the conuer∣sion of the Gentiles, and reiection of the Iewes for their obduration, but in the end they also shal be conuerted.

Malachie prophecied after the finishing of the temple, exhorting al to offer* 1.392 their sacrifices with puritie of hart, reprehending both priestes and people for not so doing. ch. 1. He also foresheweth the reiection of the Iewes, & calling of the Gentiles, with the change of the old sacrifices, and institution of a new farre more excellent, and more effectual, to be offered euerie where (v. 10. & 11.) He concludeth his prophecie ch. 4. foretelling the terrible day of Iudge∣ment, and life or death euerlasting.

These later prophetes yet liuing, as Iosephus, Eusehius, Theodoretus and* 1.393 others testifie in their histories, the Grecians obtained so great a Monarchie by king Alexander the Great of Macedo, that being parted after his death a∣mongst manie, yet al were great kingdomes, some longer some shorter time.* 1.394 In the beginning wherof when king Alexander came to Ierusalem, as Iosephus writeth. li. 11. c. 8. Antiquit. Iaddus the highpriest going forth in his pontifical attyre to mete him, the same king straightwayes fel downe at his feete with al reuerence. And being demanded by his freindes, the princes of his armie, why he so much honored the highpriest, he answered, that he ho∣nored

no•• the man for himself, but for his office, and God in him, who had appeared to him in slepe in that very habite, and ornaments, when he in Ma∣cedonia discoursed in his minde of making battel against the Persians, pro∣mising him assured victorie. Shortly after this it happened, that Manasses an * 1.395 Apostata highpriest, by intercession of Sanaballar, whose daughter he had vnlawfully maried, obtayned licence to build a temple in Garizim, which the Samaritanes afterwards pretended to be more ancient then the temple of Ierusalem, against which our Sauiour gaue sentence. loan. 4. v. 22. It was also decided by king Ptolomeus in Alexandria (as Iosephus witnesseth. li. 13 c. 6.) by way of arbitrament, finding that the temple of Ierusalem, and the Highpriestes therof had a perpetual succession from Salomons time, and that their pretence of Iacobs adoring in Garizim was not to the purpose, seing there was no succession, that temple being lately built. Neuertheles the same Ptolomeus to gratifie Onias an other Apostata, sonne of good Onias Highpriest* 1.396 and Martyr▪ (2. Macab. 4. v. 34.) gaue leaue to build an other temple in Aegypt, which stood likewise in schisme against the true temple of Ierusalem, wresting to their purpose the prophecie of Isaie. ch. 19. v. 19. In that day there shal be an altar of our Lord in the middes of Aegypt. Which* 1.397 S. Ierom sheweth to be vnderstood of the Church of Christ. Before this last schismatical temple, and after the former were the Seuentie two Interpreters, or Translators of the Hebrew Bible into Greke. of whom S. Ierom and al ancient Fathers speake much, & esteme of very great & Canonical auctoritie.

In the time of the Grecians Monarchie, prophane lerning florished more* 1.398 then before, and Philosophers abunded. but differed excedingly amongst them¦selues, and al erred in the principles both of Natural & Moral knowledge. For wheras in dede God omnipotent was the only maker of the whole world, and al thinges therein, al these Philosophers supposed and taught, that some material thing was coeternal with God: and so they put the same thing to haue bene the beginning of al other thinges. Which some say was the water, some the Ayre, some the Earth, some the Fyre, some al these foure Elements,* 1.399 some the Atomos, or indiuisible smal bodies, some one thing some an other. Wherof S. Epiphanius writeth in compendio contra h••reses. And the like absurde conceiptes they had of the chiefe Good, or Summum bonum. Which* 1.400 the Pithagorians thought to be nothing els but a certayne immortalitie of the soule, and so, as it may stil be in a bodie. And therfore seing both men and beastes do dye, they held opinion, that when a soule parteth out of one bodie, it goeth into an other. Yea and maketh transmigration from one species or kind to an other. As from a mans bodie into the bodie of a horse, or an oxe; and contrariwise from a brute beast into a man againe, and from one beast into an other. The Stoikes put the chiefe good in* 1.401 vertues, but could reach no further then to a certayne contentment of ioy in

their minde, not knowing the reward of vertues to consist in seeing God.* 1.402 Platonikes, or Achademikes conceiued more of God, and pure spirites, but thought both corporal and spiritual creatures were coeternal with God.* 1.403 The Peripatetikes placed the chiefe good▪ or felicitie in the aggrega∣tion of best spiritual, corporal, and worldlie thinges together. The* 1.404 Epicures esteemed carnal and bodilie pleasures aboue al. And al these and their folowers iudged so diuersly of the right true felicitie, contradicting and* 1.405 condemning ech others opinions, that they were multiplied into innumerable Sectes. As S. Augustin declareth out of Marcus Varro: and opposeth against them al, the one assured fayth and iudgement of Gods Church, in his 19. booke de ciuit. Dei. c. 4. And concludeth with the Royal Prophet, and S.* 1.406 Paul, that their cogitations are vaine, which wil haue happines to be in anie other thing but in seing God; or to be obtained by anie other meanes, without Gods grace And not only before & since, but also in the same times the auctors of The Bookes of wisdom & Ecclesiasticus taught right doctrine against those erronious Philosophers.

For profession also of true fayth and religion the Machabees both suffered,* 1.407 and labored most notably, When king Antiochus Epiphanes (1. Mach. 1. v. 43.) wrote to al his kingdom, that al the people should be one, and euerie one should leaue his owne law. And whosoeuer should not doe according to the word of Antiochus they should dye. Against which most wicked decree, and cruel execution therof, Gods grace so abunded that (v. 65.) manie of the people of Israel, determined with themselues, that they would not eate the vncleane thinges: and they chose rather to dye, then to be defiled with vncleane meates: and that they would not breake the holy law of God, & so were murthered: As is more particularly recorded, 2. Mach. 5. v. 14.* 1.408 how there were in the space of three dayes fourescore thousand slayne, fourtie thousand in prisoned, & no lesse sold. After this with more pretence of iustice, but with more malice, endeuoring to terrifie others, & to draw them to yelde, or make shew of conformitie to wicked lawes, ch. 6. v. 10. Two wemen were accused to haue circumcised their sonnes,* 1.409 whom when they had led about through the citie, with the infants hanging at their breastes, they threw downe headlong by the walles. And v. 11. other people were burnt with fire, for secretly* 1.410 keping the day of the Sabbath. Thirdly. v. 18. Eleazarus being vrged to eate swines flesh, and intreated by his familiar freindes, to make shew of con∣formitie, would neither eate, nor feyne to ••a••e it, but dyed most constantly,* 1.411 leauing an example of vertue & fortitude. Fourthly seuen bretheren and their mother (2 Mach. 7.) yelded also their liues in most glorious Martyrdom, because they would not yelde conformitie to wicked lawes.

After which heroical constancie in suffering, it was also Gods prouidence,* 1.412 that others should shew their fortitude, in deliuering his Church from these calamities and dangers. For Matthathias of the tribe of Leui, and stocke of Aaron Priest, and (after the apostasie of Iason. li. 2. c. 4. v. 10.) High∣priest,* 1.413 lamenting the pitiful state of Gods people, with resolute mind, and inuinoible corege resisting wicked Antiochus (1. Mach. 2.) of iust zele with his owne handes slew one, who for feare of death was readie to offer sacrifice to idols, & withal killed the kings commissioner, who came to compel men to committe idolatrie: and then gathered troupes to defend so hohie a cause. Against whom the enimies fighting on the sabbath dayes killed manie, which of scruple would not resist. But vpon further consideration, the rest resolued to defend themselues also on the sabbath day, if they were assaulted.

Next to him succeded his sonne Iudas Machabeus in both the offices of* 1.414 Highpriest & General captaine: who (as good order required (first pur∣sued the wicked (towitte amongst his owne subiectes) inquiring them out, and such as trubled his people, them he burned with fire. 1. Mach. 3. v. 5. and his enimies were repelled for feare of him: al the workers of iniquitie were trubled: and saluation was directed in his hand. For he and his folowers 2. Mach. 8. v. 2. inuocated our Lord,* 1.415 that he would haue respect to his owne people; the temple; the citie; heare the voice of bloud crying vnto him, remember the most vniust deathes of innocentes, and the blasphemies done to his name. So he with a few (hauing made this preparation by prayer) ouer∣threw the armies of Antiochus, with their foure principal cap∣taines Apollonius (1. Mach. 3. v. 11.) and (v. 23.) Seron, (ch. 4.) Gorgias, and Lysias. Then clensing the temple (v. 36. & li. 2. ch. 10.) re∣newed* 1.416 the holie vessels, which were destroyed by Antiochus, and dedicated a new altar. v. 47. & 56.

And whiles Iudas with his bretheren deliuered the people from al bor∣dering* 1.417 enimies. 1. Mach. 5. & li. 2. ch. 10. & 11. Antiochus Epiphanes li. 1. c. 6. & li. 2. ch. 9. dyed most miserably. And his young sonne An∣tiochus Eupator reigned. Against whose captaines Iudas had stil more victories. li. 2. ch. 12. & 13. Then folowed the last battel of Nicanor sent* 1.418 by king Demetrius, where he was slaine by Iudas forces, in the middes of his armie. li. 1. ch. 7. & li. 2. ch. 15. wherof Demetrius hearing sent new forces with Bacchides and Alcimus, and more then two partes of Iudas smal campe fleying away, he with only eight hundred. li. 1. ch. 9. setting vpon the enemies defeated the strongest part of their armie: but an other part coming at his backe, great slaughter was made on both sides, and Iudas after manie heroical actes was now slaine in battel, dying with most renowmed glorie. v. 18.* 1.419 al good men lamenting his death.

After him Ionathas his brother succeded Highpriest, and general* 1.420 captaine, ch. 9. v. 28. who managing the common affayres with great wisdom, pietie, and coreg••, the wicked vsurper Alcimus, who not long before swearing that he would not hurt the Assideans, presently killed threescore of* 1.421 them in one day. li. 1. ch. 7. v. 15. and beginning to deface the temple, was so∣denly strooken with a palsie, and dyed miserably, li. 1. ch. 9. v. 54. Iona∣thas prospering against the enimies confirmed league with the Romanes and Lacedemonians, ch. 12. At last was deceiued, and both he and his sonnes were trecherously slaine by Tryphon, ch. 13. So Simon his brother was made* 1.422 Highpriest, and captaine general by publique consent. ch. 14 who after manie noble actes, ch. 15. was also vilanously slaine with two of his sonnes, by his sonne in law Ptolomee. And his other sonne Ioannes Hyrcanus* 1.423 succeded, ch. 16. In his dayes the Iewes in Ierusalem writte to their bretheren in Aegypt, exhorting them not to frequent the schismatical temple in Aegypt, but to kepe the feastes which were instituted in Ierusalem. Thus much of the trublesome state of the Church, reduced to peace by the Machabees.

Shortly after which time, the Romane kingdom hauing bene often increa∣sed* 1.424 in the space of nere seuen hundred yeares from the building of Rome, was by Pompeius the great, subduing the East countries, extended so farre, that as Plinie writeth. li. 7. c. 26. Asia Minor was now as it were the middle part, which before was the vttermost borders of their dominions. And the same Pompeius, amongst the rest, taking Ierusalem, brought the Iewes vnder the Romane Empyre, nere fourescore yeares before Christ. vnder whom they enioyed some liberties, til Herod Ascalonita a stranger borne (his* 1.425 father an Idumean, his mother an Arabique) was first made gouernour of Galelee, then Tetrach of Iudea, and afterwards king therof▪ who being ad∣uanced by the Romanes to royal dignitie, endeuouring by sundrie benefites to get the peoples fauoure, amongst other thinges enlarged and adorned their* 1.426 Temple, making it as it were a new edifice, in comparison of that which was built after the captiuitie: yea more excellent as some thinke, then that which Salomon built. But this new king made saile of spiritual offices. Namely he sold the office of the Highpriest for money, and that from yeare to yeare, or for shorte and limited time. In him was fulfilled the prophecie of the Patriarch Iacob, Gen 49. geuing it for a signe that Christ our Redemer should presently* 1.427 come into this world, saying: The scepter shal not be taken away from Iudas, and a duke out of his thigh, til he do come that is to be sent, and the same shal be the expectation of the Gentiles. And therfore Herod hearing by the Sages, that the true king of Iewes was borne, in extreme furie murdered the innocent Infantes. Mat. ••. And so both Iewes and Gen∣tiles were admonished that the Messias was borne of the se••de, and right line of King Dauid. Whose Genealogie before the captiuitie we noted in

the fifth age of the world to Ioachaz sonne of Iosias. Now therfore to pro∣secute* 1.428 * 1.429 the same, we must obserue, that wheras S. Mathew sayth: Iosias begate Iechonias, by this Iechonias he meaneth Ioachaz, otherwise called Iechonias; or els he ascribeth the nephew to the grandfather as his sonne. For Iosias was slaine at least eleuen yeares before Iechonias the father of Salathiel was borne. And this later Iechonias was also called Ioachin, the first of the third Tessaradechad, so the second Salathiel. the 3. Zorobabel: 4. Abiud, 5. Eliachim, 6. Azor. 7. Sadoc. 8. Achim, 9. Eliud, 10. E∣leazar, 11. Mathan, 12. Iacob, 13. Ioseph. the husband of Marie, of whom was borne the fouretenth, IESVS CHRIST. And this knowen by tradition, not written before S. Matthewes Gospel.

The succession also of the Highpriestes, declared in our former Recapitula∣tions* 1.430 * 1.431 of the fourth and fifth ages, from Aaron to Iosedech, who was High∣priest in the captiuitie, after that his father Saraias was slaine, 4. Reg. 25. v. 18. continued, as partly by holie scriptures, the rest by other auctors appeareth in this order: After the same Iosedech, his sonne Iosue, then Ioachim, Eliachim, Eliasib, Ioiada, Ionathan, Iaddus, in the time of king Alexan∣der: Onias the first, Simon Priscus, Eleazarus, by whom the Seuentie two Interpreters were sent to king Prolomeus Philodelphus. Manasses, who became an Apostata, Onias the second, Simon the second, of whom is worthie men∣tion, Eccli. 50. Onias the third, whose brother Iason obtayned the office of the king by symonie, and became an Apostata, so was neuer lawful, neither those th••••••f lowed him. Menelaus of the tribe of Beniamin. Lisimachus his bro∣ther, & vicar. Alcimus though of Aarons stocke, yet for his Apostasie vnlaw∣ful. Al which time the true Highpriestes were of the Machabees, Matthathias & his sonnes Iudas, Ionathas, and Simon, his sonne Ioannes Hyrcanus. Then Aristobulus, Alexander, an other Hyrcanus, in whose time Pom∣peius* 1.432 tooke Ierusalem, Antigonus, after whom Herod put Anaelus in the office for money. And so the rest or most of them that folowed were symoniacal. Aristobulus, Iosue, Simon, Mathias, Iosephus, Iozarus, Eleazarus, Iosue, Anna, Ismael, Eleazarus, Simon, and Caiphas. vvho in councel (Ioan. 11. v 49.) gaue sentence (which himselfe vnderstood not) that it was expedient, that one man dye for the people, and the whole na∣tion perish not. vvhich the holie Euangelist ascribeth to his office, being highpriest of that yeare, he prophecied that IESVS should dye for the nation: and not only for the nation, but togather into one the children of God, that were dispersed.

IESVS REDEMER, correct in vs our errors, gather the dispersed, conserue them that are and shalbe gathered, make al one flocke in one fould* 1.433 vnder one Pastour, thy selfe IESVS CHRIST. To whom with the Fa∣ther, and the Holie Ghost be al thankes, praise, honour, and glorie, now and for euer and euer.

AMEN.

The prayer of Manasses, vvith the second & third Bookes of Esdras, extant in most Latin and vulgare Bibles, are here placed after al the Canonical bookes, of the old Testament: because they are not receiued into the Canon of Diuine Scriptures by the Catholique Church.

THE PRAYER OF MANASSES KING OF IVDA, WHEN HE WAS HELD CAPTIVE IN BABYLON.

LORD omnipotent God of our fathers, Abraham, & Isaac,* 1.434 and Iacob, and of their iust sede, which didst make heauen and earth: with al the ornamentes of them, which hast bound the sea with the word of thy precept, which hast shut vp the depth, and sealed it with thy terrible and laudable name: whom al thinges dread, & tremble at the countinance of thy powre, because the magnificence of thy glorie is importable, & the wrath of thy threatning vpon sinners is intollerable: but the mercie of thy promise is infinite and vnsearchable: because thou art our Lord, most high, benigne, long suffering, and very merciful, and penitent vpon the wickednes of men. Thou Lord according to the multitude of thy goodnes hast promised penance, and remission to them that haue sinned to thee, and by the multitude of thy mercies thou hast de∣creed penance to sinners, vnto saluation. Thou therfore Lord God of the iust, hast not appointed penance to the iust, Abraham, & Isaac and Iacob, them that haue not sinned to thee, but hast appointed penance for me a sinner: because I haue sinned aboue the number of the sand of the sea. Myne iniquities Lord be multiplied, mine iniquities be multiplied, and I am not worthie to behold, & looke vpon the height of heauen, for the multitude of mine iniquities. I am made crooked with manie a band of yron, that I can not lift vp my head, and I haue not respiration: because I haue stirred vp thy wrath, and haue done euil before thee: I haue not done thy wil, and thy commandmentes I haue not kept: I haue set vp abominations, and multiplied offenses.

And now I bowe the knee of my hart, beseeching goodnes of thee. I haue sinned Lord, I haue sinned, & I acknowlege myne iniquities. Wherefore I beseech disiring thee, forgeue me Lord, forgeue me: and destroy me not together with myne iniquities, neither reserue thou for euer, being angrie, euils for me, neither damme me into the lowest places of the earth: because thou art God, God, I say, of the peni∣tent: in me thou shalt shew al thy goodnes, because thou shalt saue me vnworthie according to thy great mercie, and I wil prayse thee al∣wayes al the dayes of my life: because al the power of the heauens prayseth thee, and to thee is glorie for euer and euer.

Amen.

THE THIRD BOOKE OF ESDRAS.

For helpe of the readers, especially such as haue not leysure to read al, vve haue gathered the contentes of the chapters; but made no Annotations: because the text it self is but as a Commentarie to the Canonical bookes; and therfore we haue only added the concordance of other Scriptures in the margin.

CHAP. I. Iosias king of Iuda maketh a great Pasch, 7. geuing manie hostes to such as wanted for sacrifice: 14. the Priestes and Leuites performing their fun∣ctions therin: 22. in the eightenth yeare of his reigne. 25. He is slayne in battel by the king of Aegypt, 32. and much lamented by the Iewes. 34. His sonne Ieconias succedeth. 37. After him Ioacim, 40. who is deposed by the king of Babylon. 43. Ioachin reigneth three monethes, and is caried into Babylon. 46. Sedecias reigneth eleuen yeares wickedly. 52. and he with his people is caried captiue into Babylon, the citie and temple are destroyed. 57. so remay∣ned til the Monarchie of the Persians.

AND Iosias made a Pasch in Ierusalem to our Lord [ 1] * 1.435 & immolated the Phase the fourtenth moone of the moneth: † appointing the Priestes by courses of [ 2] dayes clothed with stoles in the temple of our Lord. † And he spake to the Leuites the sacred seruantes of [ 3] Israel, that they should sanctifie them selues to our Lord in the placing of the holie arke of our Lord in the house, which king Salomon sonne of Dauid built. † It shal not be for you to take [ 4] it vpon your shoulders. And now serue your Lord, and take the care of that nation Israel, in part according to your villages and

tribes, † according to the writing of Dauid king of Israel, and [ 5] according to the magnificence of Salomon his sonne, al in the temple, and according to your fathers portion of principalitie, among them that stand in the sight of your brethren the children of Israel. † Immolate the Pasch, and prepare the sacrifices for [ 6] your bretheren, and doe according to the precept of our Lord* 1.436 which was geuen to Moyses. † And Iosias gaue vnto the people [ 7] that was found of sheepe, lambes, and kiddes, and goates thirtie thousand, calues three thousand. † These thinges were geuen [ 8] to the people of the kinges goodes according to promisse: and to the priestes for the Phase, sheepe in number two thousand, and calues an hundred. † And Iechonias, and Semeias, and Natha∣nael [ 9] bretheren, and Hasabias, and Oziel, and Coraba for the Phase sheepe fiue thousand, calues fiue hundred. † And when [ 10] these thinges were done in good order, the Priestes and the Le∣uites stood hauing azymes by tribes. † And according to the [ 11] portions of their fathers principalitie, in the sight of the people they did offer, to our Lord according to those thinges, which were written in the booke of Moyses: † and rosted the Phase [ 12] with fire as it ought: and the hostes they boyled in cauldrons, and in pottes with beneuolence: † and they brought to al that were [ 13] of the people: and afterward they prepared for them selues and the priestes. † For the Priestes offered the fatte, vntil the houre [ 14] was ended: and the Leuites prepared for them selues, and their brethren, the children of Aaron. † And the sacred singing men, [ 15] the children of Asaph were by order according to the precept of Dauid and Asaph, and Zacharias, and Ieddimus, which was from the king. † And the porters at euerie gate, so that none trans∣gressed [ 16] his owne: for their brethren prepared for them. † And [ 17] the thinges were consummate that perteyned to the sacrifice of our Lord. † In that day they celebrated the Phase, and offered [ 18] hostes vpon the sacrifice of our Lord, according to the precept of king Iosias. † And the children of Israel, that were found at [ 19] that time, celebrated the Phase: and the festiual day of Azymes for seuen dayes: † and there was not celebrated such a Phase in [ 20] Israel, from the times of Samuel the prophet: † and al the kinges [ 21] of Israel did not celebrate such a Phase as Iosias did, and the Priestes, and the Leuites, and the Iewes, and al Israel, that were found in their abode at Ierusalem. † In the eightenth yeare, Io∣sias [ 22] reigning was the Phase celebrated. † And the workes of [ 23] Iosias were directed in the sight of his Lord in a hart ful of feare:

† and the thinges concerning him are writen in the ancient times, [ 24] touching them that sinned, and were irreligious against our Lord aboue al nations, and that sought not the wordes of our Lord* 1.437 vpon Israel. † And after al this fact of Iosias, came vp Pharao [ 25] the king of Aegypt comming in Charcamis from the way vpon Euphrates, and Iosias went forth to meete him † And the king [ 26] of Aegypt sent to Iosias saying: What is there betwen me & thee king of Iuda? † I was not sent of the Lord to fight against thee: [ 27] for my battel is vpon Euphrates, goe downe in hast. † And Iosias [ 28] did not returne vpon his chariote: but endeuoured to ouerthrow him, not attending the word of the prophet from the mouth of our Lord: † but he made battel against him in the field of Ma∣geddo. [ 29] And princes went downe to king Iosias. † And the king [ 30] said to his seruantes: Remoue me from the battel, for I am weak∣ned excedingly. And forth with his seruantes remoued him out of the battel. † And he went vp into his second chariote: & com∣ming [ 31] to Ierusalem, dyed, and was buried in his fathers se pulchre. † And in al Iurie they mourned for Iosias, & the rulers with their [ 32] wiues lamented him vntil this day. And this was geuen out to be done alwayes vnto al the stocke of Israel. † But these thinges [ 33] were writen before in the booke of the histories of the kinges of Iuda: and al the actes of the doing of Iosias, and his glorie and his vnderstanding in the law of our Lord: and the thinges that were done by him, and that are not writen in the booke of the kinges of Israel and Iuda. † And they that were of the nation, [ 34] * 1.438 taking Iechonias the sonne of Iosias, made him king for Iosias his father, when he was three and twentie yeares old. † And he [ 35] reigned ouer Israel three monethes. And the king of Aegypt re∣moued him, that he should not reigne in Ierusalem: † and he put [ 36] a taxe vpon the nation of siluer an hundred talentes, and of gold one talent. † And the king of Aegypt made Ioacim his brother [ 37] king of Iuda and Ierusalem: † and he bound the magistrates of [ 38] Ioacim, and Zaracel his brother, and taking them brought them backe into Aegypt. † Ioacim was fiue and twentie yeares old [ 39] when he began to reigne in the land of Iuda and Ierusalem: and he did euil in the sight of our Lord. † And after this man came [ 40] vp Nabuchodonosor the king of Babylon, and binding him with a bande of brasse, brought him into Babylon. † And Nabucho∣donosor [ 41] tooke the sacred vessels of our Lord, and carried away, and consecrated them in his temple in Babylon. † For his vnclea∣nes, [ 42] and lacke of religion is written in the booke of the times

of the kinges. † And Ioachin his sonne reigned for him. And [ 43] when he was made king, he was eightene yeares old. † And [ 44] reigned three monethes and ten dayes in Ierusalem, and did euil in the sight of our Lord: † and after a yeare Nabuchodonosor [ 45] * 1.439 sending, transported him into Babylon together with the sacred vessels of our Lord. † And he made Sedecias king of Iuda and [ 46] Ierusalem, when he was one and twentie yeares old: and he reig∣ned eleuen yeares. † And he did euil in the sight of our Lord, [ 47] and was not afraid of the wordes which were spoken by Ieremie* 1.440 the prophet from the mouth of our Lord: † and being sworne [ 48] of king Nabuchodonosor, forsworne he did reuolt: and his necke being hardened, & his hart, he transgressed the ordinances of our Lord the God of Israel. † And the princes of the people [ 49] of our Lord did manie thinges wickedly, and they did impiously aboue al the vncleannes of the nations: and they polluted the temple of our Lord that was holie in Ierusalem. † And the God [ 50] of their fathers sent by his messenger to reclame them, for that he would spare them, and his tabernacle. † But they scorned at [ 51] his messengers: and in the day that our Lord spake to them, they were mocking his prophetes. † Who was moued euen vnto [ 52] wrath vpon his nation for their impietie, and commanded the kinges of the Chaldees to come vp. † These slewe their yong [ 53] men with the sword, round about their holie temple, and spared not yong man, and old man, and virgin, and youth: † but al were [ 54] deliuered into their handes: & taking al the sacred vessels of our Lord, and the kinges treasures, they caried them into Baby∣lon, † and burnt the house of our Lord, and threwe downe the [ 55] walles of Ierusalem: and the towres therof they burnt with fire, † and consumed al their honorable thinges, and brought them [ 56] to naught, and those that were left of the sword, they led into* 1.441 Babylon. † And they were his seruants vntil the Persians reig∣ned [ 57] in the fulfilling of the word of our Lord by the mouth of Ieremie: † as long as the land quietly kept her sabbathes, al the [ 58] time of her desolation she sabbathized in the application of se∣uentie yeares.

CHAP. II. Cyrus king of Persia permitteth the Iewes to returne into their countrie: 10. and deliuereth to them the holie vessels, which Nabuchodonosor had taken from the temple. 16. Certaine aduersaries writing to king Artaxerxes, hinder those that would repayre the ruines of Ierusalem.

CYRVS king of the Persians reigning for the accomplish∣ment [ 1] * 1.442 of the word of our Lord by the mouth of Ieremie, † our Lord raysed vp the spirit of Cyrus king of the Persians, [ 2] and he proclaymed in al his kingdomes, and that by writing, † saying: Thus sayth Cyrus king of the Persians: The Lord of [ 3] Israel, the high Lord, hath made me king ouer the whole earth. † and hath signified to me to build him a house in Ierusalem, [ 4] which is in Iurie. † If there be any of your kinred, his Lord goe [ 5] vp with him into Ierusalem. † Whosoeuer therefore dwel about [ 6] the places, let them helpe them that are in the same place, in gold and siluer, † in giftes, with horses, and beastes, and with other [ 7] thinges which by vowes are added into the temple of our Lord, which is in Ierusalem. † And the princes of the tribes, of the [ 8] villages and of Iurie, of the tribe of Beniamin, & the Priestes, and the Leuites standing vp, whom our Lord moued to goe vp, and to build the house of our Lord which is in Ierusalem, and they that were round about them, † did helpe them with al their gold [ 9] and siluer, and beastes, and manie whose minde was stirred vp, with many vowes. † And Cyrus the king brought forth the sa∣cred [ 10] vessels of our Lord, which Nabuchodonosor the king of Ba∣bylon transported out of Ierusalem, and consecrated them to his Idol. † And Cyrus the king of Persians bringing them forth, [ 11] deliuered them to Mithridatus, who was ouer his treasures. † And by him they were deliuered to Salmanasar president of [ 12] Iurie. † And of these this was the number: Cuppes for libamen∣tes [ 13] of siluer two thousand foure hundred, basens of siluer thir∣tie: phials of gold thirtie, also of siluer two thousand foure hundred: and other vessels a thousand. † and al the vessels of [ 14] gold and siluer, were fiue thousand eight hundred sixtie. † And [ 15] they were numbered to Salmanasar together with them, that came out of the captiuite of Babylon into Ierusalem. † But in the [ 16] * 1.443 times of Artaxerxes king of the Persians, there wrote to him of them that dwelt in Iurie and Ierusalem, Balsamus, and Mithri∣datus, and Sabellius, and Rathimus, Balthemus, Sabellius scribe, and the rest dweling in Samaria, and other places the epistle fo∣lowing to king Artaxerxes. † SIR, thy seruantes Rathimus ouer [ 17] occurrentes, and Sabellius the scribe, and the other iudges of thy court in Caelesyria, and Phenice. † And now be it knowen to our [ 18] Lord the king, that Iewes came vp from you to vs, coming into Ierusalem a rebellious, & very naughty citie, do build the fornaces thereof, and set vp the walles, and rayse the temple. † And if [ 19]

this citie, and the walles shal be finished, they wil not onlie not abyde to pay tributes, but also wil resist the kinges. † And be∣cause [ 20] that is in doing about the temple, we thought it should doe wel not to neglect this same thing: † but to make it knowen [ 21] to our Lord the king, that if it shal seme good, ô king, it may be sought in the bookes of thy fathers, † and thou shalt find in the [ 22] recordes, thinges writen of these, and thou shalt know that this citie hath bene rebellious, and trubling kinges, and cities, † and [ 23] the Iewes rebelles, & making battels in it from time out of mind, for the which cause this citie was made desolate. † Now ther∣fore [ 24] we doe thee to vnderstand, Lord king, that if this citie shal be built, and the walles therof shal be erected, there wil be no com∣ming downe for thee into Caelesyria, & Phenice. † Then wrote [ 25] the king to Rathimus, the writer of the occurrentes, and to Bal∣themus, and to Sabellius the scribe, and to the rest ioyned with them, and to the dwellers in Syria, and Phenice, as foloweth: † I [ 26] haue read the epistle that you sent me. I commanded therfore search to be made, & it was found that the same citie is from the beginning rebellious to kinges, † and the men rebelles, and ma∣king [ 27] battels in it, & there were most valient kinges ruling in Ie∣rusalem, and exacting tributes in Caelesyria, & Phenice. † Now [ 28] therfore I haue geuen commandment to forbid those men to build the citie, and to stay them that nothing be done more then is: † and that they proceede not farder, wherof are euils, so that [ 29] there may be truble brought vpon the kinges. † Then these [ 30] things being read which were writen of king Artaxerxes, Rathi∣mus, and Sabellius the scribe, and they that were apointed with them ioyning together in hast came to Ierusalem with a troupe of horsemen, and multitude, & companie: † and they begane to [ 31] forbid the builders, and they ceased from building of the temple in Ierusalem, til in the second yeare of the reigne of Darius king of the Persians.

CHAP. III. After a solemne supper made to al the court, and chief princes, king Darius sleeping: 4. three esquires of the bodie keeping watch, proposed the question: 10. Whether wine, or a King, or wemen, or the truth doth excel? 17. The first prayseth wine.

KING Darius made a great supper to al his domestical ser∣uantes, [ 1] and to al the magistrates of Media and Persia, † and [ 2] to al that were purple, and to the praetors, and consuls, and liue∣tenantes

vnder him from India vnto Aethiopia, an hundred twen∣tie seuen prouinces. † And when they had eaten and drunken, [ 3] and returned ful, then Darius went vp into his chamber, and slept, and awaked. † Then those three youngmen kepers of his [ 4] bodie, which garded the kings bodie, sayd one to an other; † Let euerie one of vs say a word that may excel: & whose word soeuer [ 5] shal appeare wiser then the others, to him wil king Darius geue great giftes, † to be couered with purple, & to drinke in gold, and [ 6] to sleepe vpon gold, & a chariote with a bridle of gold, & a bonet of silke, and a cheyne about his necke: † and he shal sit in the [ 7] second place next Darius for his wisdome. And he shal be called the cosin of Darius. † Then euerie one writing his word signed [ 8] it, and they put it vnder the pillow of Darius the king, † and they [ 9] sayd: When the king shal rise, we wil geue him our writinges: and which soeuer of the three the king shal iudge, and the magistrates of Persia, that his word is the wiser, to him shal the victorie be [ 10] geuen as is writen. † One wrote: Wine is strong. † An other [ 11] wrote, a King is stronger. † The third wrote, Wemen are more [ 12] strong: but aboue al thinges truth ouercometh. † And when the [ 13] king was risen, they tooke their writinges, and gaue him, and he read. † And sending he called al the Magistrates of the Persians, [ 14] and the Medes, and them that weare purple, and the pretors, and the ouerseers; † and they sate in the councel: and the writinges [ 15] were read before them. † And he sayd: Cal the youngmen, and [ 16] they shal declare their owne wordes. And they were called, and went in. † And he sayd to them: Declare vnto vs concerning [ 17] these thinges which are writen. And the first began, he that had spoken of the strength of wine, † and sayd: O ye men, how doth [ 18] wine preuaile ouer al men that drinke! it seduceth the minde. † And also the mind of king and orphane it maketh vaine. Also [ 19] of the bondman and the free, of the rich man and the poore, † and euerie mind it turneth into securitie and pleasantnes, and [ 20] it remembreth not any sorow and dewtie, † and al hartes it ma∣keth [ 21] honest, and it remembreth not king, nor magistrate, and it maketh a man speake al thinges by talentes. † And when they [ 22] haue drunke, they remember not frendship, nor brotherhood: yea and not long after they take swordes. † And when they are re∣couered [ 23] and risen from the wine, they remember not what they haue done. † O ye men, doth not wine excel? who thinketh to [ 24] doe so? And hauing sayd this, he held his peace.

CHAP. IIII. The second prayseth the excellencie of a king: 13. The third (which is Zoro∣babel) commendeth wemen: 33. but preferreth truth aboue al 41. which is so approued, and he is rewarded. 42. The king moreouer at his request resto∣reth the holie vessels of the temple, and granteth meanes to build the citie of Ierusalem, and the temple.

AND the next began to speake, he that spake of the strength [ 1] of a king. † O ye men doe not the men excel, which ob∣teyne [ 2] land and sea, and al thinges that are in them? † But a king [ 3] excelleth aboue al thinges, and hath dominion ouer them: and euerie thing whatsoeuer he shal say to them, they doe. † And if [ 4] he send them to warryers, they goe, and throw downe moun∣taines, and the walles, and towers. † They kil, and are killed: and [ 5] the kinges word they transgresse not. For if they shal ouercome, they bring to the king al thinges whatsoeuer they haue taken for a praye. † In like maner also al others, for so many as are not soul∣diars, [ 6] nor fight, but til the ground: when they shal reape, a∣gaine they bring tributes to the king. † And he being one onlie [ 7] if he say: Kil ye, they kil: say he: forgeue, they forgeue. † say he: strike: they strike: say he, destroy, they destroy: † say he build, [ 8] they build. † say he, cut downe, they cut downe, say he plant, [ 9] they plant: † and al the people, & potestates here him, and beside [ 10] this he sitteth downe, and drinketh, and sleepeth. † And others [ 11] gard him round about, and can not goe euerie one, and doe their owne workes, but at a word are obedient to him. † O ye men, [ 12] how doth not a king excel that is so renowmed? And he held his peace. † The third that spake of wemen and truth, this is Zoro∣babel, [ 13] began to speake. † O ye men, not the great king, & many [ 14] men, neither is it wine that doth excel. Who is it then that hath the dominion of them? † Haue not wemen brought forth the [ 15] king, and al the people, that ruleth ouer land & sea: † and were [ 16] they not borne of them, and did not they bring vp them which planted the vineyardes, whereof wine is made? † And they [ 17] make the garmentes of al men, & they doe honor to al men, and men can not be separed from wemen. † If they haue gathered [ 18] gold and siluer, and euerie beutiful thing, & see a woman comlie and fayre, † leauing al these thinges they fixe their looke vpon [ 19] her, & with open mouth beholde her, and allure her more then gold and siluer, and euerie precious thing. † Man forsaketh [ 20] his father that brought him vp, and his countrie, and ioyneth

himself to a woman. † And with a woman he refresheth his soul: [ 21] and neither doth he remember father, nor mother, nor coun∣trie. † And hereby you must know that wemen rule ouer you. [ 22] Are you not sorie? † And a man taketh his sword, & goeth into [ 23] the way to commit theftes and murders, & to sayle seas & riuers, † and seeth a lyon, and goeth in darkenes: and when he hath [ 24] committed theft, and fraude, and spoyles, he bringeth it to his beloued. † And againe, man loueth his wife more then father [ 25] or mother. † And many haue become madde for their wiues: and [ 26] haue bene made bondmen for them: † and many haue perished [ 27] and bene slayne, and haue sinned for wemen. † And now beleue [ 28] me, that the king is great in his powre: because al countries are afrayd to touch him. † Neuertheles I saw Apemes the daughter [ 29] of Bezaces the concubine of a meruelous king, sitting by the king at his right hand, † and taking of the crowne from his head, [ 30] and putting it vpon herself, and with the palme of her lefthand she stroke the king. † And beside these thinges he with open [ 31] mouth beheld her: and if she smile he laugheth, and if she be angrie with him, he flattereth, til he be reconciled to her fauour. † O ye men, why are not wemen stronger? Great is the earth, and [ 32] high is the heauen: who doeth these thinges? † And then the [ 33] king and they that weare purple looked one vpon an other. And he began to speake of truth. † O ye men, are not wemen strong? [ 34] The earth is great and heauen is high: & the swift course of the sunne turneth the heauen round into his place in one day. † Is not he magnifical that doth these thinges, and the truth great, [ 35] and stronger aboue al thinges? † Al the earth calleth vpon the [ 36] truth, heauen also blesseth it, and al workes are moued, and tremble at it, and there is not any thing with it vniust. † Wine [ 37] is vniust, the king is vniust, wemen are vniust, al the sonnes of men are vniust, and al their workes are vniust, and in them is not truth, and they shal perish in their iniquitie: † and truth [ 38] abydeth, and groweth strong for euer, and liueth, and preuay∣leth for euer and euer. † Neither is there with it acception of [ 39] persons, nor differences: but the thinges that are iust it doth to al men, to the vniust and malignant, and al men are wel pleased in the workes thereof. † And there is no vniust thing in the [ 40] iudgement therof, but strength, and reigne, and power, and maiestie of worldes. Blessed be the God of truth. † And he left [ 41] speaking. And al the people cryed, and sayd: Great is truth and it preuaileth. † Then the king sayd to him: Aske, if thou wilt any [ 42]

more, then the thinges that are writen, and I wil geue it thee, according as thou art found wiser then thy neighbours, & thou shalt sitte next to me, and shalt be called my cosin. † Then sayd he [ 43] to the king: Be mindful of thy vow, which thou hast vowed, to build Ierusalem in the day that thou didst receiue the kindom: † and to send backe al the vessels that were taken out of Ieru∣salem, [ 44] which Cyrus separated, when he sacked Babylon, and would haue sent them backe thither. † And thou hast vowed to [ 45] build the temple, which the Idumeians burnt, when Iurie was destroyed of the Chaldees. † And now this is that which I aske [ 46] Lord, & which I desire, this is the maiestie which I desire of thee, that thou performe the vowe which thou hast vowed to the king of heauen by thy mouth. † Then Darius the king rising vp, [ 47] kissed him: and wrote letters to al the officers, and ouerseers, and them that weare purple, that they should conduct him, and them that were with him, al going vp to build Ierusalem. † And to al [ 48] the ouerseers that were in Syria, and Phoenice, and Libanus he wrote letters, that they should draw Ceder trees from Libanus into Ierusalem, to build the citie with them. † And he wrote to [ 49] al the Iewes which went vp from the kindome into Iurie for li∣bertie, euerie mightie man, & magistrate, & ouerseer not to come vpon them to their gates, † and al the countrie which they had [ 50] obtayned to be free vnto them, & that the Idumeians leaue the castels which they possesse of the Iewes, † and to the building of [ 51] the temple to geue euerie yeare twentie talentes vntil it were throughly built: † & vpon the altars to burne holocausts dayly, [ 52] as they haue commandment: to offer other ten talentes euery yeare, † & to al that go forth from Babylon to build the citie, that [ 53] there should be libertie aswel to them as to their children, and to al the priestes that goe before. † And he wrote a quantitie also, [ 54] and commanded the sacred stole to be geuen, wherein they should serue; † and to the Leuites he wrote to geue preceptes, [ 55] vntil the day wherein the house shalbe finished, and Ierusalem builded. And to al that kepe the citie, he wrote portions and wages to be geuen to them. † And he sent away al the vessels [ 56] whatsoeuer Cyrus had separated from Babylon, and al thinges whatsoeuer Cyrus sayd, he also commanded to be donne, and to be sent to Ierusalem. † And when that yong man was gone [ 58] forth, lyfting vp his face toward Ierusalem, he blessed the king of heauen, † and sayd: Of thee is victorie, and of thee is wis∣dome, [ 59] and glorie. And I am thy seruant. † Blessed art thou which [ 60]

hast geuen me wisedom, and I wil confesse to thee Lord God of our fathers. † And he toke the letters, and went into Babylon. [ 61] And he came, and told al his brethren that were in Babylon: † and they blessed the God of their fathers, because he gaue [ 62] them remission and refreshing, † that they should goe vp and [ 63] build Ierusalem, and the temple wherein his name was renow∣med, and they reioyced with musike and ioy seuen dayes.

CHAP. V. Those that returned from captiuitie of Babylon into Ierusalem, and Iurie, are recited. 47. They restore Gods seruice: 66. but are hindered from building.

AFTER these thinges there were chosen, to goe vp the [ 1] * 1.444 princes of townes by their houses, and tribes, and their wiues, and their sonnes and daughters, and their men seruantes and wemen seruantes, and their cattel. † And Darius the king [ 2] sent together with them a thousand horsmen, til they conducted them to Ierusalem with peace, & with musicke & with tymbrels, and shaulmes: † and al the brethren were playing, and he made [ 3] them goe vp together with them. † And these are the names [ 4] of the men that went vp by their townes according to tribes, and according to the portion of their principalitie. † Priestes: [ 5] The children of Phinees, the sonne of Aaron, Iesus the sonne of Iosedec, Ioacim the sonne of Zorobabel, the sonne of Salathiel of the house of Dauid, of the progenie of Phares, of the tribe of Iuda. † Who spake vnder Darius king of the Persians the mer∣uelous [ 6] wordes in the second yeare of his reigne the first moneth Nisan. † And they are these, that of Iurie came vp from the cap∣tiuitie [ 7] * 1.445 of the transmigration, whom Nabuchodonosor the king of Babylon transported into Babylon, and returned into Ierusa∣lem. † And euerie one sought a part of Iurie according to his [ 8] owne citie, they that came with Zorobabel, and Iesus, Nehe∣mias, Areores, Elimeo, Emmanio, Mardocheo, Beelsuro, Mech∣psatochor, Olioro, Emonia one of their princes. † And the num∣ber [ 9] of them of the same nation, of their rulers the children of Phares, two thousand an hundred seuentie two: † The children [ 10] of Ares, three thousand an hundred fiftie seuen: † The children [ 11] of Phoemo, an hundred fourtie two: in the children of Iesus and Ioabes, a thousand three hundred two: † the children of Demu, [ 12] two thousand foure hundred seuentie: the children of Choraba, two hundred fiue: the children of Banica, an hundred sixtie eight, † the children of Bebech, foure hundred three: the children of [ 13]

Archad, foure hundred twentie seuen: † the children of Cham, [ 14] thirtie seuen: the children of Zoroar, two thousand sixtie seuen: the children of Adin, foure hundred sixtie one: † the children [ 15] of Aderectes, an hundred eight: the children of Ciaso and Zelas an hundred seuen: the children of Azoroc, foure hundred thirtie nine: † the children of Iedarbone, an hundred thirtie two: the [ 16] children of Ananias, an hundred thirtie: the children of Asoni, ninetie: † the children of Marsar, foure hundred twentie two: [ 17] the children of Zabarus, nintie fiue: the children of Sepolemon, an hundred twentie three: † the children of Nepopas, fiftie [ 18] fiue: the children of Hechanatus, an hundred fiftie eight: the children of Cebethamus, an hundred thirtie two: † the chil∣dren [ 19] of Crearpatros, which are of Enocadie and Modia, foure hundred twentie three: they of Gramas and Gabea, an hundred twentie one. † They of Besselon, and Ceagge, sixtie fiue: they [ 20] of Bastaro, an hundred twentie two: † they of Bechenobes, fiftie [ 21] fiue: the children of Liptis, an hundred fiftie fiue: the children of Labonni, three hundred fiftie seuen: † the children of Sichem, [ 22] three hundred seuentie: the children of Suadon, & Cliomus, three hundred seuentie eight: † the children of Ericus, two thousand [ 23] an hundred fourtie fiue: the children of Anaas, three hundred seuentie. The priestes: † the children of Ieddus, the sonne of Eu∣ther, [ 24] the sonne of Eliasib, three hundred seuentie two: the chil∣dren of Emerus, two hundred fiftie two: † the children of Pha∣surius, [ 25] three hundred fiftie seuen the children of Caree, two hun∣dred [ 26] twentie seuen. † The Leuites: The children of Iesus in Caduhel, and Bamis, and Serebias, and Edias, seuentie foure, the whole number from the twelfth yeare, thirtie thousand foure hundred sixtie two. † The sonnes, and daughters, and [ 27] wiues, the whole number, fourtie thousand two hundred fourtie two. † The children of the Priestes, that sang in the [ 28] temple: the children of Asaph, an hundred twentie eight. † And [ 29] the porters: the children of Esmeni, the children of Azer, the children of Amon, the children of Accuba, of Topa, the chil∣dren of Tobi, al an hundred thirtie nine. † Priestes that serued [ 30] in the temple: the children of Sel, the children of Gaspha, the children of Tobloch, the children of Caria, the children of Su, the children of Hellu, the children of Lobana, the children of Armacha, the children of Accub, the children of Vtha, the chil∣dren of Cetha, the children of Aggab, the children of Obai, the children of Anani, the children of Canna, the children of Geddu,

† the children of An, the children of Radin, the children of De∣sanon, [ 31] the children of Nachoba, the children of Caseba, the children of Gaze, the children of Ozui, the children of Sinone, the children of Attre, the children of Hasten, the children of Asiana, the children of Manei, the children of Nasissim, the chil∣dren of Acusu, the children of Agista, the children of Azui, the children of Fauon, the children of Phasalon, † the children of [ 32] Meedda, the children of Phusa, the children of Careé, the chil∣dren of Burcus, the children of Saree, the children of Coesi, the children of Nasith, the children of Agisti, the children of Pedon. † Salomon his children, the children of Asophot, the children [ 33] of Phasida, the children of Celi, the children of Dedon, the chil∣dren of Gaddahel, the children of Sephegi, † the children of [ 34] Aggia, the children of Sachareth, the children of Sabathen, the children of Caroneth, the children of Malsith, the children of Ama, the children of Sasus, the children of Addus, the children of Suba, the children of Eura, the children of Rahotis, the chil∣dren of Phasphat, the children of Malmon. † Al that serued the [ 35] sanctuarie, and the seruantes of Salomon, foure hundred eightie two. † These are the children that came vp from Thelmela, [ 36] Thelharsa: the princes of them, Carmellam, and Careth: † and [ 37] they could not declare their cities, and their progenies, how they are of Israel. The children of Dalari, the children of Tubal, the children of Nechodaici, † of the Priestes, that did the function [ 38] of priesthood: and there were not found the children of Obia, the children of Achisos, the children of Addin, who tooke a wife of the daughters of Pargeleu: † and they were called by his [ 39] name, and the writing of the kinred of these was sought in the register, and it was not found, and they were forbid to doe the function of priesthood. † And Nehemias and Astharus sayd to [ 40] them: Let not the holie thinges be participated, til there arise a hiegh priest lerned for declaration and truth. † And al Israel was [ 41] beside men seruantes, and wemen seruantes, fourtie two thou∣sand three hundred fourtie. † Their men seruantes and wemen [ 42] seruantes, seuen thousand three hundred thirtie seuen. Singing men and singing wemen, two hundred three score fiue. † Ca∣mels, [ 43] foure hundred thirtie fiue. Horses, seuen thousand thirtie six. Mules, two hundred thousand fourtie fiue. Beastes vnder yoke, fiue thousand twentie fiue. † And of the rulers themselues [ 44] by their villages, when they came into the temple of God, which was in Ierusalem, to renew and raise vp the temple in his place,

according to their power: † and to be geuen into the temple to [ 45] the sacred treasure of the workes, of gold twelue thousand mnas, and fiue thousand mnas of siluer, and stoles for Priestes an hun∣dred. † And the Priestes and Leuites, and they that came out of [ 46] the people, dwelt in Ierusalem, and in the countrie, and the sa∣cred singingmen, and porters, and al Israel in their countries. † And the seuenth moneth being at hand, and when the chil∣dren [ 47] * 1.446 of Israel were euerie man in his owne affayres, they came together with one minde into the court, that was before the east gate. † And Iesus the sonne of Iosedec, and his brethren the [ 48] priestes: Zorobabel the sonne of Salathiel, and his bretheren standing vp, prepared an altar, † that they might offer vpon it [ 49] holocaustes, according to the thinges that are writen in the booke of Moyses the man of God. † And there assembled there [ 50] of other nations of the land, and al the nations of the land ere∣cted the altar in his place, and they offered hostes, and morning holocaustes to our Lord. † And they celebrated the feast of [ 51] Tabernacles, and the solemne day, as it is commanded in the lawe: and sacrifices dayly, as it behoued: † and after these the [ 52] appointed oblations, and the hostes of the sabbathes, and of the newmoones, and of al the solemne sanctified dayes. † And [ 53] as manie as vowed to our Lord from the new moone of the seuenth moneth, began to offer the hostes to God, and the temple of our Lord was not yet built. † And they gaue monie [ 54] to the masones and workemen, and drinke and victuals with ioy. † And they gaue cartes to the Sidonians, and Tyrianes, that [ 55] with them they should carie ceder beames from Lybanus, and should make boates in the hauen Ioppe, according to the decre that was writen for them by Cyrus king of the Persians. † And [ 56] in the second yeare coming into the temple of God in Ierusalem, in the second moneth began Zorobabel the sonne of Salathiel, and Iosue the sonne of Iosedec, and their bretheren, and the Priestes and Leuites, and al that were come from the captiuitie into Ierusalem. † and they founded the temple of God in the [ 57] newmoone of the second moneth of the second yeare, after that they came into Iurie and Ierusalem. † And they appoynted [ 58] the Leuites from twentie yeares, ouer the workes of our Lord: and Iesus stood and his sonne, and the bretheren, al Leuites ioy∣ning together, & executors of the lawe, doing the workes in the house of our Lord. † And al the Priestes stood, hauing stoles with [ 59] trumpettes: † and Leuites the children of Asaph, hauing cymbals [ 60]

together praysing our Lord, and blessing him according to Dauid king of Israel. † And they song a song to our Lord, because his [ 61] sweetenes, and honour is for euer vpon Israel. † And al the [ 62] people sounded with trumpet, and cried out with a loud voice, praysing our Lord in the raysing vp of the house of our Lord. † And there came of the Priestes and Leuites, and presidentes by [ 93] their villages the more ancientes, which had sene the old house: † and to the building of this with crie and great lamentation, [ 64] and manie with trumpettes and great ioy: † in so much that the [ 65] people heard not the trumpettes for the lamentation of the people. For the multitude was sounding with trumpettes magni∣fically, so that it was heard far of. † And the enimes of the tribe [ 66] of Iuda, and Beniamin heard it, and they came to knowe what the voyce of the trumpettes was: † And they knew that they [ 67] which were of the captiuitie doe build a temple to our Lord the God of Israel. † And coming to Zorobabel & Iesus, the ouerseers [ 68] of the villages, they sayd to them: We will build together with* 1.447 you: † For we haue in like maner heard your Lord, & we walke [ 69] like from the dayes of Asbazareth king of the Assyrians, who transported vs hither. † And Zorobabel, and Iesus, & the princes [ 70] of the villages of Israel, sayd to them: † It is not for vs and you to [ 71] build the house of our God. For we alone wil build to our Lord of Israel according as Cyrus the king of the Persians hath comman∣ded. † And the nations of the land lying vpon them that are in [ 72] Iurie, and lifting vp the worke of the building, and bringing ambushmentes, and peoples, prohibited them to build. † and [ 73] practising assaultes hindred them, that the building might not be finished al the time of the life of king Cyrus, and they differred the building for two yeares vntil the reigne of Darius.

CHAP. VI. The Iewes by assistance of king Darius build vp the Temple in Ierusalem.

AND in the second yeare of the reigne of Darius prophe∣cied [ 1] * 1.448 Aggeus, and Zacharias the sonne of Addo the prophet to Iurie and Ierusalem in the name of God of Israel vpon them. † Then Zorobabel the sonne of Salathiel standing vp, and Iesus [ 2] the sonne of Iosedec begane to build the house of our Lord, which is in Ierusalem. † When the prophetes of our Lord were [ 3] present with them, and did helpe them. At the same time came Sisennes to them, the deputie of Syria, and of Phenice, and Satra∣buzanes, and his felowes: † and they sayd to them: By whose [ 4]

commandment, build ye this house, and this roofe, and perfite al other thinges? And who are the workmen that build these thinges? † And the ancientes of the Iewes, which were left of [ 5] the captiuitie by our Lord, had fauoure when the visitation was made vpon them. † And they were not hindered from buil∣ding, [ 6] til it was signified to Darius of al these thinges, and answer was receiued. † A copie of the letter, which they sent to Darius. [ 7] SISENNES deputie of Syria and Phenice, and Satrabuzanes, and his felowes in Syria and Phenice presidents, to king Darius [ 8] greeting: † Be al thinges knowen to our Lord the king, that when we came into the countrie of Iurie, and had entered into Ierusalem, we found them building the great house of God. † And the temple of polished stones, and of great and precious [ 9] matter in the walles. † And the workes to be a doing earnestly, [ 10] and to succede, and prosper in their handes, and in al glorie to be perfited most diligently. † Then we asked the ancients saying, [ 11] by whose permission build ye this house, & found these workes? † And therfore we asked them, that we might doe thee to know [ 12] the men & the ouerseers, and we required of them a rolle of the names of the ouerseers. † But they answered vs saying: We are [ 13] the seruantes of the Lord, which made heauen and earth. † And [ 14] this house was built these manie yeares past by a king of Israel. that was great and most valiant, and was finished. † And be∣cause [ 15] our fathers were prouoking to wrath, and sinned agaynst God of Israel, he deliuered them into the handes of Nabucho∣donosor the king of Babylon, king of the Chaldees. † And throw∣ing [ 16] downe this house they burnt it, and they led the people cap∣tiue into Babylon. † In the first yeare when Cyrus reigned the [ 17] king of Babylon, Cyrus the king wrote to build this house. † And these sacred vessels of gold and siluer which Nabuchodo∣nosor [ 18] had taken out of the house which is in Ierualsem, and had consecrated them in his owne temple, Cyrus brought them forth agayne out of the temple which was in Babylon, and they were deliuered to Zorobabel, & to Salmanasar the deputie. † And it [ 19] was commanded them that they should offer these vessels, & lay them vp in the temple, which was in Ierusalem, and build the temple of God itself in his place. † Then did Salmanasar lay the [ 20] fundations of the house of our Lord, which is in Ierusalem: and from that time vntil now it is a building, and is not accom∣plished. † Now therfore if thou thincke it good ô king, let it [ 21] be sought in the kings liberaries of Cyrus the king, which are in

Babylon: † and if it shal be found, that the building of the house [ 22] of the Lord, which is in Ierusalem, begane by the counsel of Cyrus the king, and it be thought good of our Lord the king, let him write to vs of these thinges. † Then Darius the king com∣manded [ 23] * 1.449 search to be made in the libraries: and there was found in Ecbatana a towne that is in the countrie of Media, one place wherin were writen these wordes: † IN THE FIRST YEARE of the [ 24] reigne of Cyrus, king Cyrus cōmanded to build the house of the Lord which is in Ierusalem, where they did burne incense with dayly fire, † the height wherof shal be of ten cubits, & the bredth [ 25] three score cubites, foure square with three stones polished, and with a loft galerie of wood of the same countrie, & one new ga∣lerie, and the expenses to be geuen out of the house of Cyrus the king. † And the sacred vesseles of the house of the Lord, as wel of [ 26] gold as of siluer, which Nabuchodonosor tooke from the house of our Lord, which is in Ierusalem where they were layed, that they be put there: † And he commanded Sisennes the deputie of [ 27] Syria & Phoenice, and Satrabuzanes, and his felowes & them that were ordayned presidentes in Syria & Phoenice, that they should refraine themselues from that place. † And I also haue geuen [ 28] commandment to build it wholly: and haue prouided, that they helpe them, which are of the captiuitie of the Iewes, til the temple of the house of the Lord be accomplished. † And from [ 29] the vexation of the tributes of Coelesyria & Phoenice, a quantitie to be geuen diligently to these men for the sacrifice of the Lord, to Zorobabel the gouernour, for oxen, and rammes, and lambes. † And in like maner corne also, and salt, and wine, and oyle conti∣nually [ 30] yeare by yeare, according as the priestes which are in Ieru∣salem, haue prescribed to be spent dayly: † that libamentes may be [ 31] offered to the most high God for the king & his children, & that they may pray for their life. † And that it be denounced, that who∣soeuer [ 32] shal transgresse anie thing of these which are writen, or shal despise it, a beame be taken of theyr owne, & they be hanged, & their goodes be confiscate to the king. † Therfore the Lord also, [ 33] whose name is inuocated there, destroy euery king & nation, that shal extend their hand to hinder or to handle il the house of the Lord which is in Ierusalem. † I Darius the king haue decreed [ 34] that it be most diligently done according to these thinges.

CHAP. VII. The house of God is finished, 7. and dedicated, 10. the feast of Pasch is also celebrated seuen dayes with Azimes.

THEN Sisennes the deputie of Coelesyria, and Phaenice, and [ 1] * 1.450 Satrabuzames, and their felowes, obeying those thinges which were decreed of Darius the king, † applied the sacred [ 2] workes most diligently, working together with the ancientes of the Iewes, the princes of Syria. † And the sacred workes prospe∣red, [ 3] Aggeus & Zacharias the prophetes prophecying. † And they [ 4] accomplished al thinges by the precept of our Lord the God of Israel, and by the counsel of Cyrus, & Darius, and Artaxerxes the king of the Persians. † And our house was a finishing vntil the [ 5] three and twentith day of the moneth of Adar, the sixth yeare of Darius the king. † And the children of Israel, and the Priestes [ 6] and Leuites, and the rest that were of the captiuitie, which were added did according to those thinges that are written in the booke of Moyses. † And they offered for the dedication of the [ 7] temple of our Lord, oxen an hundred, rammes two hundred, lambes foure hundred. † And kiddes for the sinnes of al Israel, [ 8] twelue, according to the number of the tribes of Israel. † And [ 9] the Priestes and Leuites stood clothed with stoles by tribes, ouer al the workes of our Lord the God of Israel, according to the booke of Moyses, and the porters at euerie gate. † And the [ 10] children of Israel, with them that were of the captiuitie celebra∣ted the phase the fourtenth moone of the first moneth, when the Priestes and Leuites were sanctified. † Al the children of the [ 11] captiuitie were not sanctified together, because al the Leuites were sanctified together. † And al the children of the captiuitie [ 12] immolated the phase, both for their brethren the Priestes, and for them selues. † And the children of Israel did eate, they that [ 13] were of the captiuitie al that remayned apart from al the abomi∣nations of the nations of the land seeking our Lord. † And they [ 14] celebrated the festiual day of Azymes seuen dayes feasting in the sight of our Lord. † Because he turned the counsel of the [ 15] king of the Assirians toward them, to strengthen their handes to the workes of our Lord the God of Israel.

CHAP. VIII. Esdras going from Babylon to Ierusalem, 9. carieth king Artaxerxes fauou∣rable letters. 14. n••t. licence to tak•• gold, siluer, and al thinges necessarie at their pleasure. 31. The chief m••n that goe with him are recited. 51. He voweth a fast praying for good successe in their iorney. 56. weigheth the gold and siluer, which he deliuereth to the Priestes, and Leuites. 69. And seuerely admonisheth the people to repentance, for their mariages made with infideles.

AND after him when Artaxerxes king of the Persians reig∣ned, [ 1] * 1.451 came Esdras the sonne of Azarias, the sonne of Helcias the sonne of Salome, † the sonne of Sadoc, the sonne of Achitob, [ 2] the sonne of Ameri, the sonne of Azahel, the sonne of Bocci, the sonne of Abisue, the sonne of Phinees the sonne of Eleazar, the sonne of Aaron the first priest. † This Esdras came vp from Baby∣lon [ 3] being scribe & wise in the law of Moyses, which was geuen of our Lord the God of Israel to teach and to doe. † And the king [ 4] gaue him glorie, because he had found grace in al dignitie and de∣sire in his sight. † And there went vp with him of the children of [ 5] Israel, and the Priestes, and the Leuites, and the sacred singers of the temple, and the porters, and the seruantes of the temple into Ierusalem. † In the seuenth yeare when Artaxerxes reigned in the [ 6] fifth moneth, this is the seuenth yeare of his reigne, going forth of Babylon in the newmoone of the fifth moneth, † they came [ 7] to Ierusalem according to his commandment, according to the prosperitie of their iourney, which their Lord gaue them. † For [ 8] in these Esdras had great knowlege, that he would not preter∣mitte anie of those thinges, which were according to the law, and the preceptes of our Lord, and in teaching al Israel al iustice and iudgement. † And they that wrote the writinges of Artaxerxes [ 9] the king, coming deliuered the writing which was granted of Ar∣taxerxes the king to Esdras the Priest, & the reader of the law of our Lord, the copie wherof here foloweth. † KING Artaxerxes to [ 10] Esdras the Priest, and reader of the law of the Lord, greeting. † I [ 11] of curtesie esteming it among benifites, haue commanded them that of their owne accord are desirous of the nation of the Iewes, and of the Priestes and Leuites, which are in my kingdom, to goe with thee into Ierusalem. † If anie therfore desire to goe with [ 12] thee, let them come together, and set forward as it hath pleased me, and my seuen freindes my counselers: † that they may visite [ 13] those thinges which are done touching Iurie and Ierusalem, ob∣seruing as thou hast in the law of the Lord. † And let them carie [ 14] the giftes to the Lord the God of Israel, which I haue vowed and my freindes to Ierusalem, and al the gold and siluer, that shal be found in the countrie of Babylon to the Lord in Ierusalem, with that, † which is geuen for the nation it self vnto the temple [ 15] of their Lord which is in Ierusalem: that this gold and siluer be gathered for oxen, and rammes, and lambes, and kiddes, and for the thinges that are agreable to these, † that they may offer hostes [ 16] to the Lord vpon the altar of their Lord, which is in Ierusalem.

† And al thinges whatsoeuer thou with thy brethren wilt doe [ 17] with gold and siluer, doe it at thy pleasure according to the pre∣cept of the Lord thy God. † And the sacred vessels, which are [ 18] geuen thee to the workes of the house of the Lord thy God, which is in Ierusalem. † And other thinges whatsoeuer shal [ 19] helpe thee to the workes of the temple of thy God, thou shalt geue it out of the kings treasure. † When thou with thy bre∣thren [ 20] wilt doe ought with gold and siluer, doe according to the wil of the Lord. † And I king Artaxerxes haue geuen command∣ment [ 21] to the keepers of the treasure of Syria and Phaenice, that what thinges soeuer Esdras the Priest and reader of the law of the Lord, shal write for, they geue him vnto an hundred talentes of siluer, likewise also of gold. † And vnto an hundred measures [ 22] of corne, & an hundred vessels of wine, and other thinges what∣soeuer abound without taxing. † Let al thinges be done to the [ 23] most high God according to the law of God, lest perhaps there arise wrath in the reigne of the king, and of his sonne, and his sonnes. † And to you it is sayd, that vpon al the Priestes, and [ 24] Leuites, and sacred singers, and seruantes of the temple, & scribes of this temple † no tribute, nor any other taxe be sette, and [ 25] that no man haue auctoritie to obiect any thing to them. † But [ 26] thou Esdras according to the wisedom of God appoynt iudges, and arbitrers in al Syria and Phaenice: and teach al them that know no the law of thy God: † that whosoeuer shal trans∣gresse [ 27] the law, they be diligently punished either with death, or with torment, or els with a forfeite of money, or with banish∣ment. † And Esdras the scribe sayd: Blessed be the God of our [ 28] fathers, which hath geuen this wil into the kings hart, to glorifie his house, which is in Ierusalem. † And hath honoured me in the [ 29] sight of the king, and of his counselers, and freindes, and them that weare purple. † And I was made constant in minde accor∣ding [ 30] to the ayde of our Lord my God, and gathered together of Israel men, that should goe vp together with me. † And these [ 31] * 1.452 are the princes according to their kindredes, and seueral princi∣palities of them that came vp from Babylon the kingdom of Ar∣taxerxes. † Of the children of Phares, Gersomus: and of the [ 32] children of Siemarith, Amenus: of the children of Dauid, Ac∣chus the sonne of Scecilia: † Of the children of Phares, Zacha∣rias, [ 33] and with him returned an hundred fiftie men. † Of the chil∣dren [ 34] of leader Moabilion, Zaraei, and with him two hundred fiftie men: † Of the children of Zachues, Iechonias of Zechoel, [ 35]

and with him two hundred fiftie men: † of the children of Sala, [ 36] Maasias of Gotholia, & with him seuentie men: † of the children [ 37] of Saphatia, Zarias of Michel, and with him eightie men: † of [ 38] the children of Iob, Abdias of Iehel, and with him two hundred twelue men: † of the children of Bania, Salimoth, the sonne of [ 39] Iosaphia, and with him an hundred sixtie men: † of the children [ 40] of Beer, Zacharias Bebei, and with him two hundred eight men: † of the children of Ezead, Ioannes of Eccetan, and with him an [ 41] hundred ten men: † of the children of Adonicam, which were [ 42] last, and these are their names, Eliphalam the sonne of Gebel, and Semeias, and with him seuentie men. † And I gathered them [ 43] together to the riuer that is called Thia, and we camped there three dayes, and vewed them againe. † And of the children of [ 44] the Priestes and Leuites I found not there. † And I sent to Elea∣zarus, [ 45] and Eccelon, and Masman, and Maloban, and Enaathan, and Samea, and Ioribum, Nathan, Enuagam, Zacharias, and Mosolam the leaders them selues, and that were skilful. † And I [ 46] sayd to them that they should come to Loddeus, who was at the place of the treasurie. † And I commanded them to say to Lod∣deus, [ 47] and his brethren, and to them that were in the treasurie, that they should send vs them that might doe the function of priesthood in the house of the Lord our God. † And they brought [ 48] vnto vs according to the mightie hand of the Lord our God cun∣ning men: of the children of Moholi, the sonne of Leui, the sonne of Israel, S••bebia, & his sonnes and brethren, which were eightene: † Asbia, and Amin of the sonnes of the children of [ 49] Chananeus, and their children twentie men. † And of them that [ 50] serued the temple, whom Dauid gaue, and the princes themselues to the ministerie of the Leuites of them that serued the temple, two hundred twentie. Al their names were signified in writings. † And I vowed there a fast to the yong men in the sight of God, [ 51] that I might aske of him a good iourney for vs, and them that were with vs, and for the children, and the cattel because of am∣bushementes. † For I was ashamed to aske of the king footemen [ 52] and horsemen in my companie, to guard vs, against our aduersa∣ries. † For we sayd to the king that the power of our Lord wil be [ 53] with them that seeke him with al affection. † And agayne we [ 54] besought the Lord our God according to these thinges: whom also we had propicious, and we obteyned of our God. † And I [ 55] separated of the rulers of the people, and of the Priestes of the temple, twelue men, and Sedebia, and Asanna, and with them

of their brethren ten men. † And I weyed to them the gold and [ 56] siluer, and the vessels of the house of our God perteyning to the Priestes, which the king had geuen, and his counselers, and the princes, and al Israel. † And when I had weyed it, I deliuered of [ 57] siluer an hundred fiftie talentes, and siluer vessels of an hundred talentes, and of gold an hundred talentes. † And of vessels of [ 58] gold seuen score and twelue brasen vessels good of shyning brasse, resembling the forme of gold. † And I sayd to them: [ 59] You are also sanctified to our Lord, and the vessels be holie, and the gold and siluer is vowed to our Lord the God of our fathers. † Watch and keepe, til you deliuer them to some of the rulers of [ 60] the people, and to the Priestes, and Leuites; and to the princes of the cities of Israel in Ierusalem, in the treasurie of the house of our God. † And those Priestes and Leuites that receiued the gold [ 61] and siluer and vessels, brought it to Ierusalem into the temple of our Lord. † And we went forward from the riuer Thia, the [ 62] twelfth day of the first moneth, til we entred into Ierusalem. † And when the third day was come, in the fourth day the gold [ 63] being weyed, and the siluer, was deliuered in the house of the Lord our God, to Marimoth Priest the sonne of Iori. † And with [ 64] him was Eleazar the sonne of Phinees: and with them were Io∣sadus the sonne of Iesus, and Medias, and Banni the sonne of a Leuite, by number and weight al thinges. † And the weight of [ 65] them was writen the same houre. † And they that came out of [ 66] the captiuitie, offered sacrifice to our Lord the God of Israel, oxen twelue, for al Israel, rammes eightie six, † lambes seuentie two, [ 67] bucke goates for sinne twelue, and for health twelue kyne, al for the sacrifice of our Lord. † And they read againe the pre∣ceptes [ 68] of the king to the kinges officers, and to the deputies of Coelesyria, and Phoenice: and they honored the nation, and the temple of our Lord. † And these thinges being finished, the [ 69] * 1.453 rulers came to me, saying: The stocke of Israel, and the princes, and the Priestes, and the Leuites, † and the strange people, and [ 70] nations of the land haue not separated their vncleannes from the Chananeites, and Hetheites, and Pherezeites, and Iebuseites, and Moobites, & Aegyptians, and Idumeians. † For they are ioyned [ 71] to their daughters both themselues, and their sonnes: and the holie sede is mingled with the strange nations of the earth, and the rulers and magistrates were partakers of that iniquitie from the beginning of the reigne it self. † And forth with as I heard [ 72] these thinges, I rent my garmentes and the sacred tunike: and

tearing the heares of my head, and my beard, I sate sorowful and heauie. † And there assembled to me mourning vpon this ini∣quitie, [ 73] as manie as were then moued by the word of our Lord the God of Israel, and I sate sad vntil the euening sacrifice. † And I [ 74] rising vp from fasting, hauing my garmentes rent and the sacred tunike, kneeling, and stretching forth my handes to our Lord, † I [ 75] sayd: Lord I am confounded, and ashamed before thy face, † for [ 76] our sinnes are multiplied ouer our heades, and our iniquities are exalted euen to heauen. † Because from the times of our fathers [ 77] we are in great sinne vnto this day. † And for the sinnes of vs, and [ 78] of our fathers we haue bene deliuered with our brethren, and with our Priestes to the kinges of the earth, into sword and cap∣tiuitie, and spoile with confusion vnto this present day. † And [ 79] now what a great thing is this that mercie hath happened to vs from thee ô Lord God, & leaue thou vnto vs a roote, and a name in the place of thy sanctification, † to discouer our light in the [ 80] house of the Lord our God, to geue vs meate in al the time of our bondage. † And when we serued, we were not forsaken of the [ 81] Lord our God: but he sette vs in fauour, appointing the kinges of the Persians to geue vs meate, † and to glorifie the temple of the [ 82] Lord our God, and to build the desolations of Sion, to geue vs stabilitie in Iurie, and Ierusalem. † And now what say we Lord, [ 83] hauing these thinges? For we haue transgressed thy preceptes, which thou gauest into the handes of thy seruants the prophetes, † saying: That the land into which ye entred to possesse the in∣heritance [ 84] therof, is a land polluted with the coinquinations of the strangers of the land, and their vncleanes hath filled it wholy with their filthines. † And now your daughters you shal not [ 85] match with their sonnes, and their daughters you shal not take for your sonnes. † And you shal not seeke to haue peace with [ 86] them for euer, that growing strong you may eate the best things of the land, and may distribute the inheritance to your children for euer. † And the thinges that happen to vs, al are done for our [ 87] nauhtie workes, and our great sinnes. † And thou gauest vs such a [ 88] roote, and we are returned againe to transgresse thy ordinances, that we would be mingled with the vncleannes of the nations of this land. † Wilt not thou be wrath with vs to destroy vs, til there [ 89] be no roote left nor our name? † Lord God of Israel thou art [ 90] true. For there is a roote left vntil this present day. † Behold, now [ 91] we are in thy sight in our iniquities. For it is not to stand any longer before thee in these matters. † And when Esdras with [ 92]

adoration confessed weeping, lying flat on the ground before the* 1.454 temple, there were gathered before him out of Ierusalem a verie great multitude, men and wemen, and yong men and youg we∣men. For there was great weeping in the multitude it self. † And [ 93] when he had cried, Iechonias of Ieheli of the children of Israel, sayd to Esdras: We haue sinned against our Lord, for that we haue taken vnto vs in mariage strange wemen of the nations of the land. † And now thou art ouer al Israel, in these therfore let [ 94] there be an othe from our Lord to expel al our wiues that are of strangers with their children. † As it was decreed to thee of the [ 95] ancesters according to the law of our Lord, rising vp declare it. † For to thee the busines perteineth, and we are with thee: doe [ 96] manfully. † And Esdras rysing vp adiured the princes of the [ 97] Priestes and Leuites, and al Israel to doe according to these thin∣ges and they sware.

CHAP. IX. Esdras fasting for the sinnes of the people, commandeth that they separate al strange wemen from them. 18. The Priestes and Leuites, which had offended herein, are recited. 38. He readeth the law before the people: 48. certaine doe expound to the multitudes in seueral places. 52. And so they are dismissed with ioy.

AND Esdras rysing vp from before the court of the temple, [ 1] * 1.455 went into the chamber of Ionathas the sonne of Nasabi. † And lodging there he tasted no bread, nor dranke water for [ 2] the iniquitie of the multitude. † And there was proclamation [ 3] made in al Iurie, & in Ierusalem to al that were of the captiuitie gathered in Ierusalem, † that whosoeuer shal not appeare with [ 4] in two or three dayes, according to the iudgement of the ancients sitting vpon it, their goods should be taken away, and himselfe should be iudged an alien from the multitude of the captiuitie. † And al were gathered that were of the tribe of Iuda, and of [ 5] Beniamin within three dayes in Ierusalem: this is the ninth mo∣neth, the twentith day of the moneth. † And al the multitude sate [ 6] in the court of the temple trembling, for the present winter. † And Esdras rysing vp sayd to them: You haue done vnlawfully [ 7] taking to you in mariage strang wiues, that you might adde to the sinnes of Israel. † And now geue confession, & magnificence [ 8] to our Lord the God of our fathers: † and accomplish his wil, [ 9] and depart from the nations of the land, and from your wiues the strangers. † And al the multitude cried, and they sayd with a [ 10]

lowde voice: As thou hast sayd, we wil doe. † But because the [ 11] multitude is great, and winter time, and we can not stand in the ayre without succour: and this is a worke for vs not of one day, nor of two, for we haue sinned much in these thinges: † Let the [ 12] rulers of the multitude stand, and that dwel with vs, and as manie as haue with them forreine wiues, † and at a time appointed let [ 13] the priestes out of euerie place, and the iudges assist, vntil they appeaze the wrath of our Lord concerning this busines. † And [ 14] Ionathas the sonne of Ezeli, and Ozias of Thecam tooke vpon them according to these wordes: and Bosoramus, and Leuis, and Sabbathaeus, wrought together with them. † And al that were [ 15] of the captiuitie stood according to al these thinges † And Es∣dras [ 16] the priest chose vnto him men the great princes of their fa∣thers according to their names: & they sate together in the new∣moone of the tenth moneth to examine this busines. † And [ 17] they determined of the men that had outlandish wiues, vntil the newmoone of the first moneth. † And there were found of the [ 18] priestes entermingled that had outlandish wiues. † Of the sonnes [ 19] of Iesus the sonne of Iosedec, and his brethren: Maseas, and Eleazarus, and Ioribus, and Ioadeus, † and they put to their [ 20] handes to expel their wiues: and to offer a ramme to obrayne pardon for their ignorance. † And the sonnes of Semmeri: Ma∣seas [ 21] and Esses, Ieelech, and Azarias. † And of the children of Fo∣sere: [ 22] Limosias, Hismaenis, and Nathanee, Iussio, Reddus, and Thalsas. † And of the Leuites: Ior abdus, and Semeis, and Colnis, [ 23] and Calitas, and Facteas, and Coluas, and Eliomas, † and of the [ 24] sacred singing men, Eliasib, Zaccarus. † And of the porters, Salu∣mus, [ 25] and Tolbanes. † And of Israel: of the sonnes of Foro, Ozi, [ 26] and Remias, and Geddias, & Melchias, and Michelus, Eleazarus, and Iammebias, and Bannas. † And of the sonnes of Iolaman: [ 27] Chamas, and Zacharias, and Iezuelus, and Ioddius, and Erimoth, and Helias. † And of the sonnes of Zathoim: Eliadas, and Lia∣sumus, [ 28] Zochias, and Larimoth, & Zabdis, and Thebedias. † And [ 29] of the sonnes of Zebes: Ioannes, and Amanias, and Zabdias, and Emeus. † And of the sonnes of Banni: Olamus, & Maluchus, and [ 30] Ieddeus, and Iasub, and Azabus, & Ierimoth. † And of the sonnes [ 31] of Addin: Nathus, and Moosias, & Caleus, and Raanas, Maaseas, Mathathias, and Beseel, and Bonnus, and Manasses. † And of the [ 32] sonnes of Nuae: Noneas, and Aseas, and Melchias, and Sameas, and Simon, Beniamin, and Malchus, and Marras. † And of the [ 33] sonnes of Asom: Carianeus, Mathathias, & Bannus, & Eliphalach,

and Manasses, and Semei. † And of the sonnes of Banni: Iere∣mias, [ 34] and Moadias, and Abramus, & Iohel, and Baneas, & Pelias, and Ionas, and Marimoth, & Eliasib, and Matheneus, and Eliasis, and Orizas, and Dielus, and Semedius, & Zambris, and Iosephus. † And of the sonnes of Nobei: Idelus, and Mathathias, and Saba∣dus, [ 35] and Zecheda, Zedmi, and Iessei, Baneas. † Al these maried [ 36] outlandish wiues, and did put them away with their children. † And the Priestes and the Leuites, and they that were of Israel, [ 37] dwelt in Ierusalem, and in the whole countrie in the new moone of the seuenth moneth. And the children of Israel we••e in their habitations. † And al the multitude was gathered together into [ 38] the court, which is on the east of the sacred gate: † and they sayd [ 39] to Esdras the high priest, and reader, that he should bring the law of Moyses, which was deliuered of our Lord the God of Israel. † And Esdras the high priest brought the law to al the multitude [ 40] of them from man vnto woman, and to al the priestes to heare the law in the newmoone of the seuenth moneth. † And he [ 41] read in the court, which is before the sacred gate of the temple, from breake of day vntil euening before men and wemen. And they al gaue their minde to the law. † And Esdras the priest, and [ 42] reader of the law stoode vpon a tribunal of wood, which was made. † And by him stood Mathathias, and Samus, and Ananias, [ 43] Azarias, Vrias, Ezechias, and Balsamus on the right hand, † and [ 44] on the left Faldeus, Misael, Malachias, Ambusthas, Sabus, Naba∣dias, and Zacharias. † And Esdras tooke the booke before al the [ 45] multitude: for he was chiefe in glorie in the sight of al. † And [ 46] when he had ended the law, they stood al vpright: and Esdras blessed our Lord the most high God, the God of Sabaoth omni∣potent. † And al the people answered: Amen. And lifting vp [ 47] their handes falling on the ground, they adored our Lord. † Iesus [ 48] and Banaeus, and Sarebias, and Iaddimus, and Accubus, and Sab∣bathaeus, and Calithes, & Azarias, and Ioradus, and Ananias, and Philias Leuites, † who taught the law of our Lord, and read the [ 49] same in the multitude, & euerie one preferred them that vnder∣stood the lesson. † And Atharathes sayd to Esdras the high priest [ 50] and the reader, and to the Leuites, that taught the multitude, † saying: This day is sanctified to our Lord. And they al wept, [ 51] when they had heard the law. † And Esdras sayd, departing ther∣fore▪ [ 52] eate ye al the fattest thinges, & drinke al most swete things, and send giftes to them that haue not. † For this is the holy day [ 53] of our Lord, & be not sad. For our Lord wil glorifie you. † And [ 54]

the Leuites denounced openly to al, saying: This day is holie, be not sad. † And they went al to eate, and drinke, and make merie, [ 55] and to geue giftes to them that had not, that they might make merie, for they were excedingly exalted with the wordes that they were taught. † And they were al gathered in Ierusalem to [ 56] celebrate the ioy, according to the testament of our Lord the God of Israel.

THE FOVRTH BOOKE OF ESDRAS.

CHAP. I. Esdras is sent to expostulate with the vngratful Iewes for neglecting Gods manie great benefites.

THE second booke of Esdras the prophet, the sonne [ 1] of Sarei, the sonne of Azarei, the sonne of Helcias,* 1.456 the sonne of Sadanias, the sonne of Sadoch, the sonne of Achitob, † the sonne of Achias, the sonne [ 2] of Phinees, the sonne of Heli, the sonne of Amerias, the sonne of Asiel, the sonne of Marimoth, the sonne of Arna, the sonne of Ozias, the sonne of Borith, the sonne of Abisei, the sonne of Phinees, the sonne of Eleazar, † the sonne of Aaron of the tribe [ 3] of Leui; who was captiue in the countrie of the Medes, in the reigne of Artaxerxes king of the Persians. † And the word of [ 4] our Lord came to me, saying: † Goe, and tel my people their wic∣ked [ 5] deedes, and their children the iniquities, that they haue done against me, that they may tel their childrens children: † because [ 6] the sinnes of their parentes are increased in them, for they being forgetful of me haue sacrified to strange goddes. † Did not I bring [ 7] them out of the land of Aegypt from the house of bondange? But they haue prouoked me, & haue despised my counsels. † But [ 8] doe thou shake of the heare of thy head, and throw al euils vpon them: because they haue not obeyed my law. And it is a people without discipline. † How long shal I beare with them, on [ 9] whom I haue bestowed so great benefittes? † I haue ouer∣throwen [ 10] manie kinges from them. I haue stroke Pharao with his* 1.457 seruantes, and al his hoste. † Al nations did I destroy before their [ 11] face, & in the East I dissipated the peoples of two prouinces Tyre

and Sidon, and I slew al their aduersaries. † But speake thou to [ 12] them, saying: Thus sayth our Lord: † I made you passe through [ 13] the sea, and gaue you fensed streates from the beginning. I gaue you Moyses for your gouernour, and Aaron for the Priest: † I [ 14] * 1.458 gaue you light by the piller of fire, & did manie meruelous things among you: but you haue forgotten me, sayth our Lord. † Thus [ 15] sayth our Lord omnipotent: The quayle was a signe to you, I gaue* 1.459 you a campe for defense, and there you murmured: † And you [ 16] triumphed not in my name for the destruction of your enemies, but yet vntil now you haue murmured. † Where are the benefites, [ 17] that I haue geuen you? Did you not crie▪ out to me when you* 1.460 were hungrie in the desert, † saying: Why hast thou brought vs [ 18] into this desert to kil vs? it had bene better for vs to serue the Ae∣gyptians, then to dye in this desert. † I was sorie for your mour∣nings, [ 19] * 1.461 & gaue you manna to eate. You did eate bread of Angels▪ † When you thirsted did not I cleaue the rocke, & waters flowed [ 20] in abundance? for the heates I couered you with the leaues of trees. † I deliuered vnto you fatte landes: The Chananeites, and [ 21] Pherezeites, and Philistheans I threw out from your face: what shal I yet doe to you, sayth our Lord? † Thus sayth our Lord om∣nipotent: [ 22] In the desert when you were thirstie in the riuer of the* 1.462 Amorrheites, and blaspheming my name, † I gaue you not fire [ 23] for blasphemies, but casting wood into the water, I made the riuer swete. † What shal I doe to thee Iacob? Thou wouldest not [ 24] * 1.463 obey ô Iuda. I wil transferre my self to other nations, and wil geue them my name, that they may keepe my ordinances. † Be∣cause [ 25] * 1.464 you haue forsaken me, I also forsake you: when you aske mercie of me, I wil not haue mercie. † When you shal inuocate [ 26] me, I wil not heare you. For you haue defiled your handes with bloud, and your fete are quicke to commit murders. † Not as [ 27] though you haue forsaken me, but yourselues, sayth our Lord. † Thus saith our Lord omnipotent, haue not I desired you, as a [ 28] father his sonnes, and a mother her daughters, and as a nurce her litle ones, † that you would be my people, and I your God, [ 29] and to me for children, and I to you for a father? † So haue I [ 30] gathered you, as the henne her chickenes vnder her winges. But now what shal I doe to you? I wil throw you from my face.* 1.465 † When you shal bring me oblation, I wil turne away my face [ 31] from you. For I haue refused your festiual dayes, & new moones, and circumcisions. † I sent my seruantes the prophetes to you, [ 32] whom being taken you slew, and mangled their bodies, whose

bloud I wil require, sayth our Lord. † Thus sayth our Lord omni∣potent, [ 33] your house is made desolate, I wil throw you away, as the winde doth stubble, † and your children shal not haue issue: [ 34] because they haue neglected my commandment, and haue done that which is euil before me. † I wil deliuer your houses to a [ 35] people comming, who not hearing me do beleue: to whom I haue not shewed signes, they wil do the thinges that I haue com∣manded. † The prophetes they haue not sene, and they wil be [ 56] mindful of their iniquities. † I cal to witnes the grace of the [ 37] people comming, whose litle ones reioyce with ioy, not seing me with their carnal eyes, but in spirit beleuing the thinges that I haue sayd. † And now brother behold what glorie: and see [ 38] people comming from the cast, † to whom I wil geue the con∣duction [ 39] of Abraham, Isaac, and Iacob, and of Osee, and Amos, and of Ioel, and Abdias, and Ionas, and Michaeas, † and Naum [ 40] and Habacuc, of Sophonias, Aggaeus, Zacharias, and Malachias,* 1.466 who also is called the Angel of our Lord.

CHAP. II. The Synagogue expostulateth with her children for their ingratitude; 10. shew∣ing that they shal be forsaken, and the gentiles called.

THVS saith our Lord: I brought this people out of bondage, [ 1] to whom I gaue commandment by my seruantes the Pro∣phetes, whom they would not heare, but made my counsel fru∣strate. † Their mother that bare them, sayth to them: Goe chil∣dren, [ 2] because I am a wydow and forsaken. † I brought you vp [ 3] with ioy, & haue lost you with mourning & sorow, because you haue sinned before our Lord your God, & haue done that which is euil before him. † But now what shal I doe to you? I am a wy∣dow [ 4] and desolate, goe my children, & aske mercie of our Lord. † And I cal thee ô father a witnes vpon the mother of the chil∣dren, [ 5] that would not keepe my testament, † that thou geue them [ 6] confusion, & their mother into spoile, that there be no genera∣tion of them. † Let their names be dispersed into the Gentiles, let [ 7] them be destroyed out of the land: because they haue despised my sacrament. † Woe be to thee Assur, which hidest the wicked with [ 8] thee. Thou naughtie nation, remember what I did to Sodom &* 1.467 Gomorrha: † whose land lieth in cloddes of pitch, & heapes of [ 9] ashes: so wil I make them, that haue not heard me, saith our Lord omnipotent. † Thus saith our Lord to Esdras: Tel my people, that [ 10] I wil geue them the kingdom of Ierusalem, which I ment to geue

to Israel. † And I wil take to me the glorie of them, and wil geue [ 11] them eternal tabernacles, which I had prepared for them. † The [ 12] wood of life shal be to them for an odour of oyntment, and they shal not labour, nor be wearied. † Goe & you shal receiue. Aske [ 13] for your selues a few dayes, that they may abide. Now the king∣dom is prepared for you, watch ye. † Cal thou heauen and earth [ 14] to witnes: for I haue destroyed euil, and haue created good, be∣cause I liue sayth our Lord. † Mother embrace thy children, [ 15] bring them vp with ioy. As a doue confirme their feete: because I haue chosen thee, sayth our Lord. † And I wil raise agal••e the [ 16] dead out of their places, and out of the monumentes I wil bring them forth, because I haue knowen my name in Israel. † Feare [ 17] not ô mother of the children, because I haue chosen t••ee, faith our Lord. † I wil send thee ayde, my seruantes I saie, and Iere∣mie, [ 18] at whose counsel I haue sanctified, and prepared for thee twelue trees loden with diuerse fruites, † and as manie foun∣taines [ 19] flowing milke and honie: and seuen huge mountaines,* 1.468 hauing the rose and the lilie, in the which I wil fil thy children with ioy. † Iustifie thou the widow, iudge for the pupil, geue [ 20] to the needie, defend the orphane, cloth the naked, † cure the [ 21] broken & feeble, mocke not the lame, defend the maimed, and admitte the blind to the vision of my glorie. † The old man & the [ 22] yong keepe with in thy walles: where thou shalt finde the dead, [ 23] committe them to the graue signing it, & I wil geue thee the first* 1.469 seate in my resurrection. † Pause and rest my people, because [ 24] thy rest shal come. † As a good nurce nourish thy children, [ 25] confirme their feete. † The seruantes that I haue geuen thee, [ 26] none of them shal perish. For I wil require them of thy number. † Be not wearied. For when the day of affliction and [ 27] distresse shal come, others shal weepe, and be sad, but thou shalt be merie and plenteous. † The gentiles shal enuie, and shal be [ 28] able to doe nothing against thee, sayth our Lord. † My handes [ 29] shal couer thee, that thy children see not hel. † Be pleasant [ 30] thou mother with thy children, because I wil deliuer thee sayth our Lord. † Remember thy children that sleepe, for I wil bring [ 31] them out of the sides of the earth, & wil doe mercie with them: because I am merciful, sayth our Lord omnipotent. † Embrace [ 32] thy children til I come, & shew them mercie: because my foun∣taines runne ouer, and my grace shal not faile. † I Esdras receiued [ 33] commandment of our Lord, in mount Oreb; that I should goe to Israel: to whom when I came, they refused me, and reiected

commandement of our Lord. † And therfore, I say vnto you [ 34] gentiles, which heare, and vnderstand▪ Looke for your pastor, he wil geue you the rest of eternitie: because he is at hand, that shal come in the end of the world. † Be ye readie for the rewardes [ 35] of the kingdom, because perpetual light shal shine to you for time euerlasting. † Flee from the shadow of this world: receiue [ 36] ye the pleasantnes of your glorie. I openly cal to witnes my sauiour. † Receiue the commended gift and be pleasant, geuing [ 37] thankes to him that called you to the heauenlie kingdomes. † Arise, & stand & see the number of them that are signed in the [ 38] feast of our Lord. † They that haue transferred them selues from [ 39] the shadow of the world, haue receiued glorious garmentes of our Lord. † Receiue ô Sion thy number, and shut vp thyne [ 40] made white, which haue accomplished the law of our Lord. † The number of thy children, which thou didst wish is ful. Desire [ 41] the powre of our Lord that thy people may be sanctified, which was called from the beginning. † I Esdras saw in mount Sion a [ 42] great multitude, which I could not number, and they did al* 1.470 prayse our Lord with songes. † And in the middes of them was [ 43] a young man high of stature, appearing aboue ouer them al, & he put crownes vpon euerie one of their heades, and he was more exalted. And I was astonied at the miracle. † Then asked I an [ 44] Angel, and sayd: Who are these Lord? † Who answering sayd to [ 45] me: These are they that haue laid of the mortal garment, and taken an immortal, and haue confessed the name of God. Now they are crowned, and receiue palmes. † And I sayd to the Angel: [ 46] That yongman what is he, which putteth the crownes vpon them, and geueth palmes into their handes? † And answering he [ 47] sayd to me: The same is the Sonne of God, whom they did con∣fesse in the world: & I begane to magnifie them, that stood stron∣gly for the name of our Lord▪ † Then sayd the Angel to me: Goe, [ 48] tel my people, what maner of meruelous thinges and how great, thou hast sene of the Lord God.

CHAP. III. The workes of God are wonderful from the beginning, 7. and men vngratful 13. In Abraham God chose to himself a peculiar people: who neuertheles were froward, and obstinate. 23. He also chose Dauid, but stil the people were sinful: 28. the Babylonians also, by whom they are afflicted, are no lesse but rather greater sinners.

IN the thirteth yeare of the ruine of the citie I was in Babylon, [] and was trubled lying in my chamber, and my cogitations came vp ouer my hart: † because I saw the desolation of Sion, and [ 2] the abundance of them that dwelt in Babylon. † And my spirit [ 3] was tossed excedingly, and I began to speake to the highest ti∣morous wordes, † and sayd: O Lord dominatour thou spakest [ 4] * 1.471 from the beginning, when thou didst plant the earth, and that alone, and didst rule ouer the people, † and gauest Adam a dead [ 5] * 1.472 bodie: but that also was the worke of thy handes, & didst breath into him the spirit of life, and he was made to liue before thee: † and thou broughst him into paradise, which thy right hand had [ 6] planted, before the earth came. † And him thou didst com∣mand [ 7] to loue thy way, and he transgressed it, & forth with thou didst institute death in him, and in his posteritie, and there were borne nations, and tribes, and peoples, and kinreds, wherof there is no number. † And euerie nation walked in their owne wil, & [ 8] they did meruelous thinges before thee, and despised thy pre∣ceptes. † And agane in time thou broughst in the floud vpon [ 9] * 1.473 inhabitantes of the world, and didst destroy them. † And there [ 10] was made in euery one of them, as vnto Adam to dye, so to them the floud, † But thou didst leaue one of them, Noe with his house [ 11] and of him were al the iust. † And it came to passe, when they [ 12] began to be multiplied, that dwelt vpon the earth, & multiplied children and peoples and manie nations: and they begane againe to doe impietie more then the former. † And it came to passe [ 13] when they did iniquitie before thee, thou didst choose thee a man of them whose name was Abraham. † And thou didst loue [ 14] * 1.474 him and to him on lie thou didst shew thy wil. † And thou didst [] dispose vnto him an euerlasting testament, and toldst him that thou wouldst neuer forsake his seede. And thou gauest him Isaac, and to Isaac thou gauest Iacob and Esau. † And Iacob thou [ 16] didst seuer to thy selfe, but Esau thou didst separate. And Iacob grewe to a great multitude. † And it came to passe when [ 17] * 1.475 thou didst bring forth his sede out of Aegypt, thou broughst it vpon mount Sinai. † And thou didst bowe the heauens, and [ 18] fasten the earth, and didst shake the world, and madest the dep∣thes to tremble, and trubledst the world, † and thy glorie [ 19] passed foure gates of fire, and of earthquake, and winde, and frost, that thou mightst geue a law to the seede of Iacob, and to the generation of Israel diligence. † And thou didst not take [ 20] away from them a malignant hart, that thy law might bring

forth fruite in them. † For Adam the first bearing a vi••ious [ 21] hart transgressed and was ouercome, yea and al that were borne of him. † And it was made a permanent infirmitie, and the law [ 22] with the hart of the people, with the wickednes of the roote, and that which is good departed, and the wicked remayned. † And the times passed, & the yeares were ended: and thou didst [ 23] raise vp vnto thee a seruant named Dauid, † and spakest vnto [ 24] him to build a citie of thy name, and to offer vnto thee in it fran∣kencense, and oblations. † And this was done manie yeares, and [ 25] they that inhabited the citie forsooke thee, † in al things as Adam [ 26] and al his generations. For they also vsed a wicked hart. † And thou didst deliuer thy citie into the hands of thyne enimies. † Why, [ 27] doe they better thinges, that inhabite Babylon? And for this shal [ 28] * 1.476 she rule ouer Sion? † It came to passe when I was come hither, [ 29] and had sene the impieties that can not be numbred: and my soul saw manie offending this thirteth yeare, & my hart was astonied: † because I saw how thou bearest with their sinne, and didst [ 30] spare them that did impiously, and didst destroy thine owne people, and preserue thine enimies, and didst not signifie it. † I [ 31] nothing remember how this way should be forsaken: doth Ba∣bylon better thinges then Sion? † Or hath anie nation knowen [ 32] thee beside Israel: or what tribes haue beleued thy testamentes as Iacob? † Whose reward hath not appeared, nor their labour [ 33] fructified. For passing through I passed among the nations, and I saw them abound, and not mindeful of thy commandmentes. † Now therfore wey our iniquities in a ballance, and theirs that [ 34] dwel in the world: & thy name shal not be found, but in Israel. † Or when haue not they sinned in thy sight, that inhabite the [ 35] earth? or what nation hath so obserued thy commandmentes? † These cettes by their names thou shalt finde to haue kept thy [ 36] commandmentes, but the nations thou shalt not finde.

CHAP. IIII. Mans witte and reason is not able to vnderstand the counsel and iudgement of God, 22. why his people are afflicted by wicked nations, 33. nor of times, and thinges to come.

AND the Angel answered me, that was sent to me, whose [ 1] name was Vriel, † and sayd to me: Thy hart exceding hath [ 2] exceded in this world, & thou thinkest to comprehend the way of the Highest. † And I sayd: It is so my Lord. And he answered [ 3] me, & sayd: I am sent to shew thee three wayes, & to propose to

thee three similitudes. † Of the which if thou shalt declare to me [ 4] one of them, I also wil shew thee the way which thou desirest to see, and wil teach thee whence a wicked hart is. † And I sayd, [ 5] Speake my Lord. And he sayd to me: Goe, wey me the weight of the fire, or measure me the blast of the winde, or cal me backe the day that is past. † And I answered, and sayd: what man borne [ 6] can doe it, that thou askest me of these thinges? † And he sayd [ 7] to me: If I should aske thee, saying: How great habitations are there in the hart of the sea, or how great vaines be there in the beginning of the depth, or how great vaines be there aboue the firmament, and what are the issues of paradise: † thou wouldest [ 8] perhaps say to me: I haue not descended into the depth, nor into hel as yet, neither haue I ascended at anie time into heauen. † But [ 9] now I haue not asked thee, sauing of the fire, and the winde, and the day by the which thou hast passed, and from the which thou canst not be separated: and thou hast not answered me of them. † And he sayd to me: Thou canst not know the thinges that are [ 10] thine which grow together with thee: † and how can thy vessel [ 11] comprehend the way of the Highest, and now the world being outwardly corrupted, vnderstand the corruption euident in my sight: † I sayd to him: Better were it for vs not to be, then yet [ 12] liuing to liue in impieties, and to suffer, and not to vnderstand for what thing. † And he answered me, & said: Going forth I went [ 13] * 1.477 forward to a wood of trees in the filde, and they deuised a deuise, † and sayd: Come and let vs goe, and make watre against the sea, [ 14] that it may retyre backe before vs, and we may make vs other woodes. † And in like maner the waues of the sea they also de∣uised [ 15] a deuise, and sayd: Come let vs goe vp, let vs ouerthrow the woodes of the filde, that there also we may consummate an other countrie for our selues. † And the woodes deuise was made [ 16] vaine, for fire came, and consumed it. † Likewise also the deuise [ 17] of the waues of the sea. For the sand stood, & stayed them. † For [ 18] if thou wert iudge of these, whom wouldest thou begin to iu∣stifie, or whom to condemne? † And I answered, and sayd: Ve∣rely [ 19] they deuised a vayne deuise. For the earth is geuen to the wood, and a place to the sea to carie her waues. † And he answe∣red [ 20] me, and sayd: Thou hast iudged wel, and why hast thou not iudged for thy self? † For as the earth is geuen to the wood, [ 21] and the sea for the waues therof: so they that inhabite vpon the earth, can vnderstand onlie the thinges that are vpon the earth: and they vpon the heauens, the thinges that are aboue the height

of the heauens. † And I answered, and sayd: I besech thee Lord, [ 22] that sense may be geuen me to vnderstand. † For I meant not to [ 23] aske of thy superiour thinges, but of those that passe by vs dayly. For what cause Israel is geuen into reproche to the gentiles, the people whom thou hast loued, is geuen to impious tribes, & the law of our fathers is brought to destruction, & the written ordinances are no where: † and we haue passed out of the world, [ 24] as locustes, and our life is astonishment and dreade, and we are not worthie to obtaine mercie. † But what wil he doe to his [ 25] name that is inuocated vpon vs? and of these thinges I did aske. † And he answered me, and sayd: If thou search very much, thou [ 26] shalt often meruail: because the world hastening hasteneth to passe, † and can not comprehend the thinges which in times to [ 27] come are promised to the iust: because this world is ful of iniu∣stice and infirmities. † But concerning the thinges that thou de∣mandest [ 28] I wil tel thee: for the euil is sowed, and the destru∣ction therof is not yet come. † If then that which is sowen be [ 29] not turned vp, and the place depart where the euil is sowen, that shal not come where the good is sowen. † Because the grayne [ 30] of il seede hath bene sowen in the hart of Adam from the begin∣ning: and how much impietie hath it ingendered vntil now, and doth ingender vntil the floore come? † And esteme with thy self [ 31] the graine of the il seede, how much fruite of impietie it hath ingendred: † When the eares shal be cut, which are innume∣rable, [ 32] what a great floore wil they begin to make? † And I answe∣red, [ 33] and sayd: How, and when shal these things be? why are our yeares few and euil? † And he answered me, and sayd to me, [ 34] Hasten not aboue the Highest. For thou doest hasten in vaine to be aboue him, for thy excesse is much. † Did not the soules of the [ 35] iust in their cellars, aske of these things, saying: How hope I so, and when shal the fruite come of the floore of our reward? † And Ieremiel the Archangel answered to those things, and [ 36] sayd: When the number of the sedes in you shal be filled, because he hath weyed the world in a balance, † and with a measure hath [ 37] he measured the times, and in number he hath numbered the times, and hath not moued, nor stirred them, vntil the foresayd measure be filled. † And I answered, and sayd: O Lord Domina∣tour, [ 38] we also are al ful of impietie. † And lest perhaps for vs the [ 39] floores of the iust be not filled, for the sinnes of the inhabitantes vpon the earth. † And he answered me, and sayd: Goe, and aske a [ 40] woman with childe, if when she hath accomplished her nine

monethes, her wombe can yet hold the infant within it? † And I [ 41] sayd it can not Lord. And he sayd to me, in hel the cellars of the soules are like to the matrice. † For as she that is: In trauail ma∣keth [ 42] hast, to escape the necessitie of trauailing: so this also haste∣neth to render those thinges which are commended to it. † From [ 43] the beginning it shal be shewed thee touching those thinges, which thou doest couer to see. † And I answered, and sayd: If I [ 44] haue found grace before thine eyes, & if it be possible, and if I by fitte, † shew mee if there be more to come then is passed, or moe [ 45] things haue passed, then are to come. † What passed, I know: but [ 46] what is to come, I know not. † And he sayd to me: Stand vpon [ 47] the right side, and I wil shew thee the interpretation of the simi∣litude. † And I stood, and saw: and behold a burning fornace [ 28] passed before me, & it came to passe when the flame passed, I saw: and behold the smoke ouercame. † After these thinges there [ 49] passed before me a clowd ful of water, and with violence casting in much raine: and when the violence of raine was cast, the droppes therin ouercame. † And he sayd to me: Thinke with [ 50] thyself, as the raine increaseth more then the droppes, and the fire then the smoke: so did the measure that passed, more a bound. But the droppes, and the smoke ouercame: † and I [ 51] prayed, & sayd, shal I liue thinkest thou vntil these dayes? or what shal be in those dayes? † He answered me, and sayd: Of the signes [ 52] wherof thou askest me, in part I can tel thee, how beit of thy life I was not sent to tel thee, neither doe I know.

CHAP. V. Diuers signes of thinges to come are shewed to Esdras by an Angel: 16. for the comforth of the people in captiuitie.

BVT concerning signes: behold the dayes shal come, wherin [ 1] they that inhabite the earth shal be taken in a great number: and the way of truth shal be hid: and the countrie shal be bar∣ren from fayth. † And iniustice shal be multiplied aboue that [ 2] * 1.478 which thy self seest, & aboue that which thou hast heard in time past. † And they shal put their foote into the countrie which now [ 3] thou seest to reigne, and they shal see it desolate. † And if the [ 4] Highest geue thee life, thou shalt see after the third trumpet, and the sunne shal sodenly shine agayne in the night, and the moone thrise in a day, † and out of wood bloud shal distil, and the stone [ 5] shal geue his voice, and the peoples shal be moued: † and he [ 6] reigne, whom they hope not that inhabite vpon the earth, and

foules shal make their flight away. † & the sea of Sodom shal cast [ 7] the fishes, and shal make a noise in the night, which manie knew not, and al shal heare the voice therof, † and there shal be made [ 8] a confusion in manie places, and the fire shal often be sent backe, and the sauage beastes shal goe to other places, and wemen in their monethlie flowers shal bring forth monsters, † and in [ 9] swete waters shal salt waters be found, and al frendes shal ouer∣throw one an other: and then shal witte be hid, and vnderstan∣ding shal be separated into his cellar: † and it shal be sought of [ 10] manie, and shal not be found: and iniustice shal be multiplied, and incontinencie vpon the earth. † And one countrie shal [ 11] aske her neighbour, and shal say: Hath iustice doing iust passed through thee? and she shal denie it. † And it shal be in that time, [ 12] men shal hope, and shal not obtaine: they shal labour, and their wayes shal not haue successe. † These signes I am permitted to [ 13] tel thee: and if thou pray againe and weepe, as also now, and fast seuen dayes, thou shalt heare againe greater thinges then these. † And I awaked, and my bodie did shiuer excedingly: and my [ 14] soule laboured, that it fainted: † and the Angel that came, [ 15] that spake in me, held me, and strengthened me, and sette me vpon my feete. † And it came to passe in the second night, and [ 16] Salathiel the prince of the people came to me, and sayd to me: Where wast thou? and why is thy countenance heauie? † Konw∣est [ 17] thou not that Israel is committed to thee in the countrie of their transmigration? † Rise vp therfore, and taste bread, and [ 18] forsake vs not, as the pastour his flocke in the hand of wicked wolues. † And I sayd to him: Goe from me, & approch not vnto [ 19] me. And he heard, as I sayd: and he departed from me. † And I [ 20] fasted seuen dayes howling & weeping, as Vriel the Angel com∣manded me. † And it came to passe after seuen dayes, and againe [ 21] cogitations of my hart molested me very much, † and my soule [ 22] resumed the spirit of vnderstanding: & agayne I began to speake wordes before the Highest: † and I sayd: Lord Dominatour of [ 23] euerie wood of the earth, & al the trees therof, thou hast chosen one vineyard: † & of euerie land of the world thou hast chosen [ 24] thee one ditch: & of al the flowers of the world thou hast chosen thee one lilie: † and of al depthes of the sea, thou hast filled thee [ 25] one riuer: and of al the builded cities, thou hast sanctified vnto theyself Sion: † and of al created soules, thou hast named thee [ 26] one doue: and of al beastes that were made, thou hast prouided thee one shepe: † and of al multiplied peoples, thou hast purcha∣sed [ 27]

thee one people: and a law approued of al thou hast geuen to this people, whom thou didst desire. † And now Lord, why [ 28] hast thou deliuered one vnto manie? And thou hast prepared vpon one roote others, and hast dispersed thy onlie one in manie: † and they haue troden vpon it, which gainesayd thy couenants, [ 29] and which beleued not thy testamentes. † And if hating thou [ 30] hatest thy people, it ought to be chastised with thy handes. † And [ 31] it came to passe, when I had spoken the wordes, and the Angel was sent to me, that came to me before the night past, † and he [ 32] sayd to me: Heare me, and I wil instruct thee: and harken to me, and I wil adde before thee. † And I sayd: Speake my Lord. And he [ 33] sayd to me: Thou art become excedingly in excesse of minde for Israel: hast thou loued it more then him that made it? † And I [ 34] sayd to him: No Lord, but for sorow I haue spoken, for my veynes torment me euerie houre, to apprehend the pathe of the Highest, and to search part of his iudgement. † And he sayd to [ 35] me: Thou canst not. And I sayd: Why Lord? To what was I borne, or why was not my mothers wombe my graue, that I might not see the labour of Iacob, & the wearines of the stocke of Israel? † And he sayd to me: Number me the thinges that are [ 36] not yet come, and gather me the dispersed droppes, and make me the withered flowers grene againe, † and open me the shut cel∣lars, [ 37] & bring me forth the blastes inclosed in them, shew me the image of a voice: and then wil I shew thee the labour that thou desirest to see. † And I sayd: Lord Dominatour, for who is there [ 38] that can know these thinges, but he that hath not his habitation with men? † And I am vnwise, and how can I speake of these [ 39] thinges, which thou hast asked me? † And he sayd to me: As thou [ 40] canst not doe one of these thinges, which haue bene sayd: so canst thou not finde my iudgement, or in the end the charitie, which I haue promised to the people. † And I sayd: But behold Lord thou [ 41] art nigh to them that are nere the end: and what shal they doe that haue bene before me, or we, or they after vs? † And he sayd [ 42] to me: I wil resemble my iudgement to a crowne. As there shal not be slacknes of the last, so neither swiftnes of the former. † And I answered, and sayd: Couldst thou not make them that [ 43] haue bene, and that are, and that shal be, at once, that thou mayst shew thy iudgement the quicker? † And he answered me, and [ 44] sayd: The creature can not hasten aboue the Creatour, nor the world sustayne them that are to be created in it, at once. † And [ 45] I sayd: As thou didst say to thy seruant, that quickening thou didst

quicken the creature created by thee at once, and the creature su∣steined it: it may now also beare them present at once. † And he [ 46] sayd to me: Aske the matrice of a woman, & thou shalt say to it: And if thou bring forth children, why by times? Aske it therfore, that it geue ten at once. † And I sayd, it can not verily: but accor∣ding [ 47] to time. † And he sayd to me: And I haue geuen a matrice to [ 48] the earth for them, that are sowen vpon it by time. † For as the in∣fant [ 49] bringeth not forth the thinges that perteyne to the aged, so haue I disposed the world created of me. † And I asked, and sayd: [ 50] Wheras thou hast now geuen me a way, I wil speake before thee: for our mother, of whom thou toldest me, yet she is yong: now draweth nigh to old age. † And he answered me, and sayd: Aske [ 51] her that beareth children, and she wil tel thee. † For thou shalt [ 52] say to her: Why are not they whom thou hast brought forth, now like to them that were before thee, but lesse of stature? † And she also wil say vnto thee: They that are borne in the [ 53] youth of streingth are of one sort, and they of an other, that are borne about the time of old age, when the matrice fayleth. † Consider therfore thou also, that you are of lesse stature, then [ 54] they that were before you: † and they that are after you, of lesser [ 55] then you, as it were creatures now waxing old, and past the strength of youth. † And I sayd: I besech thee Lord, if I haue [ 56] found grace before thine eyes, shew vnto thy seruant, by whom thou doest visite thy creature.

CHAP. VI. God knowing al thinges before they were made, created them 54. for man: and considereth the endes of al.

AND he sayd to me: In the beginning of the earthlie world, [ 1] and before the endes of the world stood, and before the* 1.479 congregation of the windes did blow, † and before the voyces [ 2] of thunders sounded, & before the flashinges of lightenings shi∣ned, and before the fundations of paradise were confirmed, † and before beautiful flowers were sene, and before the moued [ 3] powers were established, and before the innumerable hostes of Angels were gathered, † and before the heightes of the ayre were [ 4] aduanced, and before the measures of the firmamentes were na∣med, and before the chymneies were hote in Sion, † and before [ 5] the present yeares were searched out, and before their inuentions that now sinne, were put away, and they signed that made fayth their treasure: † then I thought, and they were made by me only, [ 6]

and not by any other: and the end by me, and not by any other. † And I answered, and sayd: What separation of times shal there [ 7] be? and when shal the end of the former be, and the begynning of that which foloweth? † And he sayd to me, from Abraham [ 8] vnto Isaac, when Iacob and Esau were borne of him, the hand of Iacob held from the bigynning the heele of Esau, † for the [ 9] end of this world is Esau, and the begynning of the next Iacob. † The hand of a man betwen the heele and the hand. Aske no [ 10] other thing Esdras. † And I answered, and sayd: O Lord domi∣natour, [ 11] if I haue found grace before thyne eyes, † I pray thee [ 12] shew thy seruant the end of thy signes, wherof thou didst shew me part the night before. † And he answered, and sayd to me: [ 13] Arise vpon thy feete, and heare a voice most ful of sound. † And [ 14] it shal be as it were a commotion, neither shal the place be moued wherin thou standest. † Therfore when it speaketh be not thou [ 15] afrayd, because of the end is the word, and the fundation of the earth vnderstood, † for concerning them the word trembleth [ 16] and is moued, for it knoweth that their end must be changed. † And it came to passe, when I had heard, I rose vpon my feete, [ 17] and I heard: and behold a voice speaking, and the sound therof as the sound of manie waters: † and it sayd: Behold the dayes [ 18] come, and the time shal be when I wil begyne to approch, that I may visite the inhabitantes vpon the earth. † And when I wil [ 19] begin to enquire of them that vniustly haue hurt with their in∣iustice, and when the humilitie of Sion shal be accomplished. † And when the world shal be ouersigned that shal beginne to [ 20] passe, I wil doe these signes: Bookes shal be opened before the face of the firmament, and al shal see together, † and infantes [ 21] of one yeare shal speake with their voices, & wemen with child shal bring forth vntimely infantes not ripe of three or foure mo∣nethes, and shal liue, and shal be raysed vp. † And sodenly [ 22] shal appeare sowen places not sowen, & ful cellers shal sodenly be found emptie: † and a trumpet shal sound; which when al [ 23] shal heare, they wil sodenly be afrayd. † And it shal be in that [ 24] time, freindes as enimies shal ouerthrow freindes, and the earth shal be afrayd with them: & the vaynes of fountaynes shal stand, and shal not runne in three howres: † and it shal be, euerie one [ 25] that shal be leaft of al these, of whom I haue foretold thee, he shal be saued, and shal see my saluation, & the end of your world. † And the men that are receiued, shal see, they that tasted not [ 26] death from their natiuitie, and the hart of the inhabitantes shal

be turned into an other sense. † For euil shal be put out, and de∣ceite [ 27] shal be extinguished, † but fayth shal florish, and cor∣ruption [ 28] shal be ouercome, and truth shal be shewed, which was without fruite so manie dayes. † And it came to passe, when he [ 29] spake to me, & I loe by litle & litle looked on him before whom I stood, † and he sayd to me these wordes: I am come to shew [ 30] thee the time of the night to come. † If therfore thou pray [ 31] agayne, and fast agayne seuen dayes, agayne I wil tel thee greater thinges by the day which I haue heard. † For thy voice is heard [ 32] before the Highest. For the strong hath sene thy direction, and hath fore sene the ehastitie which thon hast had from thy youth: † and for this cause he hath sent me to shew thee al these thinges, [ 33] and to say to thee, haue confidence, and feare not, † and hasten [ 34] not with the former times to thinke vayne thinges, that thou hasten not from the last times. † And it came to passe after these [ 35] thinges, and I wept againe, and in like maner I fasted seuen dayes, to accomplish the three weekes, that were told me. † And it came [ 36] to passe in the eight night, and my hart was trubled againe in me, and I began to speake before the Highest. † For my spirit was in∣flamed [ 37] excedingly, and my soul was distressed. † And I sayd: O [ 38] Lord, speaking thou didst speake from the beginning of creature from the first day, saying: Let heauen be made and earth: and thy word was a perfect worke. † And then there was spirit, and [ 39] darknesse was caried about, and silence, the sound of the voyce of man was not yet from thee. † Then thou didst command the [ 40] lighsome light to be brought forth of thy treasures, wherby thy worke might appeare. † And in the second day thou didst create [ 41] the spirit of the firmament, and commandest it to diuide, and to make a diuision betwen the waters, that a certayn part should depart vpward, and part should remaine beneth. † And in the [ 42] third day thou didst command the waters to be gathered toge∣ther in the seueneth part of the earth: but sixe partes thou didst drie and preserue, that of them might be seruing before thee thinges sowen of God, and tilled. † For thy word proceded, and [ 43] the worke forth with was made. † For sodenly came forth fruite [ 44] of multitude infinite, and diuerse tastes of concupiscence, and flowers of vnchangeable colour, and odours of vnsearcheable smel, and in the third day these thinges were made. † And in the [ 45] fourth day thou didst command to be made the brightnesse of the sunne, the light of the moone, the disposition of the starres: † and didst command them that they should serue man, that [ 46]

should be made. † And in the fifth day: thou saydst to the se∣uenth [ 47] part, where the water was gathered together, that it should bring forth beastes, and foules, and fishes: and so was it done, † the dumme water and without life, the thinges that by [ 48] Gods appointement were commanded, made beastes, that therby the nations may declare thy meruelous workes. † And then thou [ 49] didst preserue two soules: the name of one thou didst cal He∣noch, and the name of the second thou didst cal Leuiathan, † and [ 50] thou didst separate them from eche other. For the seuenth part, where the water was gathered together, could not hold them. † And thou gauest to Henoch one part, which was dried the [ 51] third day, to dwelt therin, where are a thousand mountaynes. † But to Leuiathan thou gauest the seuenth part being moyst, and [ 52] kepst it, that it might be to deuoure whom thou wilt, and when [ 53] thou wilt. † And in the sixt day thou didst command the earth, to create before thee cattel, and beastes, and creeping creatures: † and ouer these Adam, whom thou madest ruler ouer al the [ 54] workes, which thou didst make, & out of him are al we brought forth, and the people whom thou hast chosen. † And al these [ 55] thinges I haue sayd before thee ô Lord, because thou didst create the world for vs. † But the residue of the nations borne of Adam [ 56] thou saydst that they were nothing, and that they were like to spittle, and as it were the droping out of a vessel thou didst liken the abundance of them. † And now Lord, behold these nations [ 57] which are reputed for nothing, haue begune to rule ouer vs, and to deuoure vs: † but we thy people whom thou didst cal thy first [ 58] onlie begotten emulatour, are deliuered into their handes: † and [ 59] if the world was created for vs, why doe not we possesse inheri∣tance with the world? how long these thinges?

CHAP. VII. Without tribulations no man can attayne immortal life: 17. which the iust shal inherite: and the wicked shal perish. 28. Christ wil come, and dye for man∣kind. 36. Prayers of the iust shal profite til the end of this word, but not after the general iudgement. 48. Al sinned in Adam. 52. and haue added more sinnes, 57. but it is in mans powre, 62. by Gods grace, to liue eternally.

AND it came to passe when I had ended to speake these [ 1] wordes, the Angel was sent to me, which had bene sent to me the first nights, † and he sayd to me: Arise Esdras, and heare [ 2] the wordes which I am come to speake to thee. † And I sayd: [ 3] Speake my God. And he sayd to me: The sea is set in a large place,

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that it might be deepe and wide: † but the entrance to it shal be [ 4] set in a straict place, that it might be like to riuers. † For who [ 5] witting wil enter into the sea, and see it, or rule ouer it: if he passe not the streite, how shal he come into the bredth? † Also [ 6] an other thing: A citie is built, and set in a plaine place, and it is ful of al goodes. † The entrance therof narrow, and set in a stepe [ 7] place, so that on the right hand there was fire, & on the left depe water: † and there is one onlie pathe set betwen them, that is, [ 8] betwen the fire and the water, so that the pathe can not con∣teyne, but onlie a mans steppe. † And if the citie shal be geuen a [ 9] man for inheritance, if he neuer passe through the peril set be∣fore it, how shal he receiue his inheritance? † And I sayd: So [ 10] Lord: And he sayd to me, So it is: Israel also a part. † For I made [ 11] the world for them: and when Adam transgressed my constitu∣tion, that was iudged which was done. † And the entrance of [ 12] this world were made streite, and sorowful, & paynful, and few and euil, and ful of dangers, & stuffed very much with labour. † For the entrances of the greater world are large and secure, and [ 13] making fruite of immortalitie. † If then they that liue entring [ 14] in enter into these streite and vayne thinges: they can not re∣ceiue the thinges that are layd vp. † Now therfore why art thou [ 15] trubled, wheras thou art corruptible? and why art thou moued, wheras thou art mortal? † And why hast thou not taken in thy [ 16] hart that which is to come, but that which is present? † I ans∣wered, [ 17] * 1.480 and sayd: Lord dominatour: behold thou hast disposed by thy law that the iust shal inherite these thinges, and the impious shal perish. † But the iust shal suffer the streites, hoping for the [ 18] wyde places, for they that haue done impiously, haue both suffe∣red the streites, and shal not see the wide places. † And he sayd [ 19] to me: There is no iudge aboue God, nor that vnderstandeth aboue the Highest. † For manie present doe perish, because the [ 20] law of God which was set before, is neglected. † For God com∣manding [ 21] commanded them that came, when they came, what doing they should liue, and what obseruing they should not be punished. † But they were not perswaded, and gaynesayd him, and made to them selues a cogitation of vanitie, † and proposed [ 23] to themselues deceites of sinnes, & they sayd to the Highest that he was not, and they knew not his wayes, † and dispised his law, [ 24] and denyed his couenaunces, and had not fidelitie in his ordi∣nances, and did not accomplish his workes. † For this cause Es∣dras, [ 25] the emptie to the emptie, and the ful to the ful. † Behold the [ 26]

time shal come, and it shal be when the signes shal come, which I haue fore told thee, and the bride shal appeare, and appearing she shal be shewed that now is hid with the earth: † and euerie [ 27] one that is deliuered from the foresaid euils, he shal see my mer∣uelous thinges. † For my sonne IESVS shal be reueled with them [ 28] that are with him, and they shal be merie that are leaft in the foure hundred yeares. † And it shal be after these yeares, and my [ 29] sonne CHRIST shal dye: and al men that haue breath, † and the [ 30] world shal be turned into the old silence seuen dayes, as in the former iudgementes, so that none shal be leaft. † And it shal be [ 31] after seuen dayes, and the world shal be raysed vp that yet wa∣keth not, and shal dye corrupted: † and the earth shal render [ 32] the thinges that sleepe in it, & the dust them that dwel in it with silence, and the cellars shal render the soules that are commen∣ded to them. † And the Highest shal be reueled vpon the seate [ 33] of iudgement, and miseries shal passe, and long sufferance shal be gathered together. † And iudgement onlie shal remayne, truth [ 34] shal stand, and fayth shal waxe strong, † and the worke shal [ 35] folow, and the reward shal be shewed, and iustice shal awake, and iniustice shal not haue dominion. † And I sayd: First A∣braham* 1.481 prayed for the Sodomites, and Moyses for the fathers [ 36] that sinned in the desert. † And they that were after him for Is∣rael [ 37] in the dayes of Achaz, and of Samuel, † and Dauid for [ 38] * 1.482 the destruction, and Salomon for them that came vnto the san∣ctification. † And Elias for them that receiued raine, and for the [ 39] dead that he might liue, † and Ezechias for the people in the [ 40] dayes of Sennacherib, and manie for manie. † If therfore now [ 41] when corruptible did increase, and iniustice was multiplied, and the iust prayed for the impious: why now also shal it not be so? † And he answered me and sayd: This present world is not [ 42] the end, much glorie remaineth in it: for this cause they prayed for the impotent. † For the day of iudgement shal be the end [ 43] of this time, and the beginning of the immortalitie to come, wherein corruption is past: † intemperance is dissolued, incre∣dulitie [ 44] is cut of: and iustice hath increased, truth is sprong. † For [ 45] then no man can saue him that hath perished, nor drowne him that hath ouercome. And I answered, † and sayd: This is my [ 46] word the first and the last, that it had bene better not to geue the earth to Adam, or when he had now geuen it, to restraine him that he should not sinne. † For what doth it profit men pre∣sently [ 47] to liue in sorow, and being dead to hope for punishment?

† O what hast thou done Adam? For if thou didst sinne, it was not [ 48] * 1.483 made thy fal only, but ours also which came of thee. † For what [ 49] doth it profit vs if immortal time be promised to vs: but we haue done mortal workes? † And that euerlasting hope is foretold vs: [ 50] but we most wicked are become vayne? † And that habitations [ 51] of health and securitie are reserued for vs, but we haue conuerst naughtely? † And that the glorie of the Highest is reserued to [ 52] protect them that haue slowly conuerst: but we haue walked in most wicked wayes. † And that paradise shal be shewed, whose [ 53] fruite continueth incorrupted, wherin is securitie and remedie: † but we shal not enter in: for we haue conuerst in vnlawful [ 54] places. † And their faces which haue had abstinence, shal shyne [ 55] aboue the starres: but our faces blacke aboue darkenes. † For [ 56] we did not thinke liuing when we did iniquitie, that we shal be∣ginne after death to suffer. † And he answered, and sayd: This is [ 57] the cogitation of the battel which man shal fight, who is borne vpon the earth, † that if he shal be ouercome, he suffer that [ 58] which thou hast sayd: but if he ouercome he shal receiue that which I say: † for this is the life which Moyses spake of when [ 59] * 1.484 he liued, to the people, saying: Choose vnto thee life, that thou mayst liue. † But they beleued him not, no nor the Prophetes [ 60] after him, no nor me which haue spoken to them. † Because [ 61] there should not be sorow vnto their perdition, as there shal be ioy vpon them, to whom saluation is perswaded. † And I answe∣red, [ 62] and sayd: I know Lord, that the Highest is called merciful in that, that he hath mercie on them which are not yet come into the world, † and that he hath mercie on them which conuerse in [ 63] his law: † and he is long suffering, because he sheweth long suf∣ferance [ 64] to them that haue sinned, as it were with their owne workes: † and he is bountiful, because he wil geue according [ 65] to exigentes: † and of great mercie, because he multiplieth more [ 66] mercies to them that are present, and that are past, and that are to come. † For if he shal not multiplie his mercies, the world [ 67] shal not be made aliue with them that did inherite it. † And he [ 68] geueth: for if he shal not geue of his bountie, that they may be releeued which haue done iniquitie, the tenth thousand part of men can not be quickned from their iniquities. † And the iudge [ 69] if he shal not forgeue them that are cured with his word, and wype away a multitude of contentions: there should not per∣haps be leaft in an innumerable multitude, but very few.

CHAP. VIII. God is merciful in this world, yet fewe are saued. 6. Gods workes, and dispo∣sition of his creatures are meruelous. 15 Esdras prayeth for the people of Israel: 37. and saluation is promised to the iust, and punishment threatned to the wicked.

AND he answered me, & sayd▪ This world the Highest made [ 1] for manie▪ but that to come for few. † And I wil speake [ 2] a similitude Esdras before thee. For as thou shalt aske the earth, and it wil tel thee, that it wil geue much more earth wherof earthen worke may be made, but a li••le dust wherof gold is made: so also is the act of this present world. † Manie in deede [ 3] * 1.485 are created, but few shal be saued. † And I answered, and sayd: [ 4] Then ô soul swallow vp the sense, and deuoure that which is wise. † For thou art agred to obey, and willing to prophecie. [ 5] For there is no space geuen thee but only to liue. † O Lord if [ 6] thou wilt not permitte thy seruant, that we pray before thee, and thou geue vs seede to the hart, and tillage to the vnderstanding, wherof may the fruite be made, wherby euerie corrupt person may liue, that shal beare the place of a man? † For thou art alone, [ 7] and we are one workmanshippe of thy handes, as thou hast spoken: † and as now the bodie made in the matrice, and thou [ 8] doest geue the mēbers, thy creature is preserued in fire & water: and nine monethes thy workemanship doth suffer thy creature that is created in it: † and it self that keepeth, and that which [ 9] is kept, both shal be preserued: and the matrice being preserued rendreth agayne at some time the thinges that are growen in it. † For thou hast commanded of the members, that is the brestes [ 10] to geue milke vnto the fruite of the brestes, † that the thing [ 11] which is made, may be nourished til a certayne time, and after∣ward thou mayst dispose him to thy mercie. † For thou hast, [ 12] brought him vp in thy iustice, and hast instructed him in thy law, and hast corrected him in thy vnderstanding: † and thou shalt [ 13] mortifie him, as thy creature: and shalt geue him life, as thy worke. † If then thou wilt destroy him that is made with so [ 14] great labours: it is easie by thy commandment to be ordayned, that also which was made, might be preserued. † And now [ 15] Lord I wil speake, of euerie man thou rather knowest: but con∣cerning thy people, for which I am sorowful: † and concerning [ 16] thine inheritance, for which I mourne, and for Israel for whom I am pensiue, and concerning Iacob, for whom I am sorowful.

† Therfore wil I begin to pray before thee for me, & for them: [ 17] because I see our defaultes that inhabite the earth. † But I haue [ 18] heard of the celeritie of the iudge that shal be. † Therfore heare [ 19] my voyce, and vnderstand my word, and I wil speake before thee. † The beginning of the wordes of Esdras before he was assump∣ted: [ 20] and I sayd: Lord which inhabitest the world, whose eyes are eleuated vnto thinges on high and in the ayre: † and whose [ 21] throne is inestimable, and glorie incomprehensible: by whom standeth an host of Angels with trembling, † whose keping [ 22] is turned in wynde and fire, thou whose word is true, and sayings permanent: † whose commandment is strong, and disposition [ 23] terribe: whose looke dryeth vp the depthes, and indignation maketh the mountaynes to melt, and truth doth testifie. † Heare [ 24] the prayer of thy seruant, & with thine eares receiue the petition of thy creature. † For whiles I liue, I wil speake: and whiles I vn∣derstand, [ 25] I wil answere: † Neither doe thou respect the sinnes of [ 26] thy people, but them that serue thee in truth. † Neither doe thou [ 27] attend the impious endeuours of the nations, but them that with sorowes haue kept thy testimonies. † Neither thinke thou of [ 28] them that in thy sight haue conuerst falsly, but remember them that according to thy wil haue knowen thy feare. † Neither be [ 29] thou willing to destroy thē that haue had the maners of beastes: but respect them that haue taught thy law gloriously. † Neither [ 30] haue indignation towards them, which are iudged worse then be∣astes: but loue them that alwayes haue confidence in thy iustice, and glorie. † Because we and our fathers languish with such [ 31] diseases: but thou for sinners shalt be called merciful. † For if [ 32] thou shalt be desirous to haue mercie on vs, then thou shalt be called merciful, to vs hauing no workes of iustice. † For the iust [ 33] which haue manie workes layd vp, of their owne workes shal receiue reward. † For what is man, that thou art angrie with [ 34] him: or the corruptible kinde, that thou art so bitter touching it? † For in truth there is no man of them that be borne, which [ 35] * 1.486 hath not done impiously, and of them that confesse, which haue not sinned. † For in this shal thy iustice be declared, and thy [ 36] goodnes, ô Lord, when thou shalt haue mercie on them, that haue no substance of good workes. † And he answered me, [ 37] and sayd: Thou hast spoken somethinges rightly: and accor∣ding to thy wordes, so also shal it be done, † because I wil not in [ 38] dede thinke vpon the worke of them that haue sinned before death, before the iudgement, before perdition: † but I wil [ 39]

reioyce vpon the creature of the iust, and I wil remember their pilgrimage also, and saluation, and receiuing of reward. † Ther∣fore [ 40] * 1.487 as I haue spoken, so also it is. † For as the husbandman [ 41] soweth vpon the ground manie seedes, and planteth manie plantes, but not al which were sowen in time, are preserued, nor yet al that were planted, shal take roote: so they also that are sowen in the world, shal not al be saued. † And I answered, and [ 42] sayd: If I haue found grace, let me speake. † As the seede of the [ 43] husbandman, if it come not vp, or receiue not the rayne in time, if it be corupted with much rayne, perisheth: † so likewise also [ 44] man who made with thy handes, and thou named his image: because thou art likened to him, for whom thou hast made al thinges, and hast likened him to the seede of the husbandman. † Be not angrie vpon vs, but spare thy people, and haue mercie [ 45] on thy inheritance. And thou hast mercie on thy creature. † And [ 46] he answered me, and sayd: The thinges that are present to them that are present, and that shal be, to them that shal be. † For thou [ 47] lackest much to be able to loue my creature aboue me: and to thee often times, euen to thyselfe I haue approched, but to the vniust neuer. † But in this also thou art meruelous before the [ 48] Highest, † because thou hast humbled thyself as becometh thee: [ 49] & hast not iudged thyself, that among the iust thou maist be very much glorified. † For which cause manie miseries, and miserable [ 50] thinges shal be done to them that inhabite the world in the later dayes: because they haue walked in much pride. † But thou for [ 51] thyselfe vnderstand, & for them that are like vnto thee seeke glo∣rie. † For to you paradise is open, the tree of life is planted, time [ 52] to come is prepared, abundance is prepared, a citie is builded, rest is approued, goodnes is perfited, & perfit wisdome. †The roote of [ 53] euil is signed from you: infirmitie, and mothe is hid from you: & corruption is fled into hel in obliuion. † Sorowes are past, & the [ 54] treasure of immortalitie is shewed in the end. † Adde not ther∣fore [ 55] inquiring of the multitude of them that perish. † For they [ 56] also receiuing libertie, haue despised the Highest, and contem∣ned his lawe, and forsaken his wayes. † Yea and moreouer they [ 57] haue troden downe his iust ones, † and haue sayd in their hart, [ 58] * 1.488 that there is no God: and that, knowing that they dye. † For as [ 59] the thinges aforesayd shal receiue you: so thirst and tor∣ment, which are prepared shal take them: for he would not man to be destroyed. † But they them selues also which a••e created, [ 60] haue de••yled his name which made them: & haue bene vnkinde

to him that prepared life. † Wherfore my iudgement now ap∣procheth. [ 61] † Which thinges I haue not shewed to al, but to thee, & [ 62] to few like vnto thee. And I answered, and sayd: † Behold now [ 63] Lord thou hast shewed me a multitude of signes, which thou wilt beginne to doe in the latter times but thou hast not shewed me at what time.

CHAP. IX. Certaine signes shal goe before the day of iudgement. 14. More shal perish then be saued. 25. Prayer with other good workes, are meanes to saluation.

AND he answered me, and sayd; Measuring measure thou [ 1] the time in it selfe: and it shal be when thou seest, after a certaine part of the signes which are spoken of before shal passe▪ † then shalt thou vnderstand, that the same is the time wherin [ 2] the Highest wil beginne to visite the world that was made by him. † And when there shal be sene in the world mouing of [ 3] places, and truble of peoples, † then shalt thou vnderstand, [ 4] that of these spake the Highest from the dayes that were before thee, from the beginning. † For as al that is made in [ 5] the world hath a beginning, and also a consummation, and the consummation is manifest: † so also the times of the Highest [ 6] haue the beginning manifest in wonders and powers, and the consummations in worke and in signes. † And it shal be, euery [ 7] one that shal be saued, and that can escape by his workes, and by fayth, in which you haue beleeued, † shal be leaft out of the fore∣sayd [ 8] dangers, and shal see my saluation in my land, and in my costes, because I haue sanctified my ••elfe from the world. † And [ 9] then shal they be in miserie, that now haue abused my wayes: and they that haue reiected them in contempt, shal abide in tor∣ments. † For they that knew not me, hauing obtained benefits [ 10] when they liued: † and they that loathed my law, when they yet [ 11] had libertie, † and when as yet place of penance was open to [ 12] them vnderstoode not, but despised: they must after death in tor∣ment know it. † Thou therfore be not yet curious, how the im∣pious [ 13] shal be tormented: but inquire how the iust shal be saued, and whose the world is, and for whom the world is, and when. [ 14] † And I answered, and sayd: † I haue spoken hertofore, and now [ 15] I say, and hereafter wil say: that they are moe which perish then* 1.489 that shal be saued: † as a floud is multiplied aboue, more then [ 16] a droppe▪ † And he ansvvered me, and sayd: Like as the field so [ 17] also the sedes: and as the flovvers, such also the colours: and as

the workeman, such also the worke: and such as the hus∣bandman, such is the husbandrie: because it was the time of the world. † And now when I was preparing for them, for these [ 18] that now are before the world was made, wherin they should dwel: and no man gaynsayd me. † For then euery man, and now [ 19] the creator in this world prepared, and haruest not fayling, and law vnsearchable their manners are corrupted. † And I conside∣red [ 20] the world, and behold there was danger because of the co∣gitations that came in it. † And I saw, and spared it very much: [ 21] and I kept vnto my selfe a grape kernel of a cluster, and a plant of a great trybe. † Let the multitude therfore perish, which [ 22] was borne without cause, and let my kernel be kept, & my plant: because I finished it with much labour. † And thou if thou adde [ 23] yet seuen other dayes, but thou shalt not fast in them, † thou [ 24] shalt goe into a field of flowers, where no house is built: & thou shalt eate only of the flowers of the field, and flesh thou shalt not tast, and wine thou shalt not drinke, but only flowers. † Pray [ 25] to the Highest without intermission, and I wil come, and wil speake with thee. † And I went forth, as he sayd to me, into a [ 26] field which is called Ardath, and I sate there among the flowers. And I did eate of the herbes of the field, and the meate of them made me ful. † And it came to passe after seuen dayes, and I sate [ 27] downe vpon the grasse, and my hart was trubled agayne as be∣fore. † And my mouth was opened, and I beganne to speake [ 28] before the Highest, and sayd: † O Lord thou shewing thy selfe [ 29] to vs, wast shewed to our fathers in the desert, which is nor tro∣den,* 1.490 and vnfruitful, when they came out of Aegypt: and saying thou saydst: † Thou Israel heare me, and sede of Iacob attend to [ 30] my wordes. † For behold, I sow my lawe in you, and it shal bring [ 31] forth fruite in you, and you shal be glorified in it for euer. † For [ 32] our fathers receiuing the law obserued it not, and kept not my ordinances, and the fruite of the law did not appeare: for it could not, because it was thine. † For they that receiued it, pe∣rished, [ 33] * 1.491 not keeping that which had bene sowen in them. † And [ 34] behold it is the custome, that when the earth hath receiued sede, or the sea a shippe, or some vessel meate or drinke: when that shal be destroyed wherin it was sowne, or into the which it was cast: † that which was sowne, or cast in, or the thinges that were [ 35] receiued, are destroyed withal, and the thinges receiued now tarye not with vs: but it is not so done to vs. † We in dede that [ 36] receiued the law, sinning haue perished, and our hart that re∣ceiued

it: † For the law hath not perished, but hath remayned [ 37] * 1.492 in his labour. † And when I spake these thinges in my hart, I loo∣ked [ 38] backe with myne eyes, and saw a woman on the right side, and behold she mourned, and wept with a lowd voice, and was sorrowful in mynde exceedingly, and her garments rent, and ashes vpon her heade. † And I left the cogitations, wherin I [ 39] was thinking, and I turned to her and sayd to her: † Why weepest [ 40] thou? and why art thou sorie in mynde. And she sayd to me: † Suffer me my Lord, that I may lament myselfe, & adde sorrow: [ 41] because I am of a very pensiue mynde, and am humbled excee∣dingly. † And I sayd to her, What ayleth thee: tel me. And she [ 42] sayd to me: † I thy seruant haue beene barren, and haue not [ 43] borne childe, hauing a husband thirty yeares. † For I euery [ 44] howre, and euerie day, and these thirty yeares do beseche the Highest night and day. † And it came to passe, after thirtie [ 45] yeares God heard me thy handmayd, and saw my humilitie, and attended to my tribulation, and gaue me a sonne: and I was very ioyful vpon him, and my husband, and al my citizens, and we did glorifie the S••rong exceedingly. † And I nourished him with [ 46] much labour. † And it came to passe when he was growne, and [ 47] came to take a wife, I made a feast day.

CHAP. X. The state of Ierusalem is prefigured by a woman mourning, 25. and after∣wardes reioy••ing.

AND it came to passe, when my sonne was entred into his [ 1] inner chamber, he fel downe, and dyed: † and we al ouer∣threwe [ 2] the lights, and al my citizens rose vp to comfort me, and I was quiet vntil the other day at night. † And it came to passe, [ 3] when al were quiet to comfort me, that I might be quiet: and I arose in the night, and sled: and came as thou ••eest into this field. † And I meane nowe not to returne into the citie, but to stay [ 4] here: and neither to eate, nor drinke, but without intermission to mourne, and to fast vntil I dye. † And I left the talke wherin I [ 5] was, and with anger answered her, & sayd: † Thou foole aboue [ 6] al wemen, seest thou not our mourning, & what thinges chance to vs? † Because Sion our mother is sorroweful with al sor∣rowe, [ 7] and humbled, and mourneth most bitterly. † And now [ 8] wheras we al mourne, and are sadde: wheras we a••e sorrowful, and art thou sorrowful for one sonne? † For aske the earth, [ 8] and it wil tel thee: that it is she, tha•• ought to lament the fal

of so manie thinges that spring vpon it. † And of her were al [ 10] borne from the beginning, and others shal come: and behold, almost al walke into perdition, and the multitude of them com∣meth to destruction. † And who then ought to mourne more, but [ 11] she that hath lost so great a multitude, rather then thou which art sorie for one? † And if thou say vnto me, that my mour∣ning [ 12] is not lyke the earthes: because I haue lost the fruite of my wombe, which I bare with sorrowes, and brought forth with paynes: † but the earth according to the maner of the earth, [ 13] and the present multitude in it hath departed as it came: and I saye to thee, † as thou hast brought forth with payne, so the [ 14] earth also geueth her fruite for man from the beginning to him that made her. † Now therfore kepe in with thy sorrowe, and [ 15] beare stoutly the chances that haue be fallen thee. † For if thou [ 16] iustifie the end of God, thou shalt in time both receiue his coun∣sel, and also in such thinges thou shalt be praysed. † Goe in ther∣fore [ 17] into the citie to thy husband. And she sayd to me: † I wil [ 18] not doe it, neither wil I enter into the citie, but here wil I dye. † And I added yet to speake to her, & sayd: † Doe not this word, [ 19] but consent to him that counseleth thee. For how manie are the [ 20] chances of Sion? Take comfort for the sorrowe of Ierusalem. † For thou seest that our sanctification is made desert, and our [ 21] altar is throwen downe, and our temple is destroyed, † and our [ 22] psalter is humbled, and hymne is silent, and our exultation is dissolued, and the light of our candlesticke is extinguished, and the arke of our testament is taken for spoyle, & our holie thinges are contaminated, and the name that is inuocated vpon vs, is al∣most prophaned: and our children haue suffred contumelie, and our Priestes are burnt, & our Leuites are gone into captiuitie, & our virgins are defloured, and our wiues haue suffered rape, and our iust men are violently taken, and our litle ones are lost, and our yong men are in bondage, and our valiants are made impo∣tent: † and that which is greatest of al, the seale of Sion, because [ 23] she is vnsealed of her glorie: For she is also deliuered into the handes of them that hate vs. † Thou therfore shake of thy great [ 24] heauines, and lay away from thee the multitude of sorrowes, that the Strong may be propicious to thee agayne, and the Highest wil geue thee rest, rest from thy labours. † And it came [ 25] to passe, when I spake to her, her face did shine suddenly, and her shape, and her visage was made glistering, so that I was afrayde excedingly at her, & thought what this thing should be.

† And Behold, suddenly she put forth a great sound of a [ 26] voyce ful of feare, that the earth was moued at the womans sound. And I saw: † and behold, the woman did no more ap∣peare [ 27] vnto me, but a citie was built, & a place was shewed of great fundations: and I was afrayd, & crying with a loude voyce I sayd: † Where is Vriel the Angel, that from the beginning came to me? [ 28] for he made me come in multitude in excesse of this minde, and my end is made into corruption, & my prayer into reproch. † And [ 29] when I was speaking these thinges, behold he came to me, and sawe me. † And behold I was layd as dead, & my vnderstanding [ 30] was alienated, and he held my right hand, and strengthned me, & set me vpon my feete, & sayd to me: † What ayleth thee? and why [ 31] is thy vnderstanding, and the sense of thy hart trubled, & why art thou trubled? And I sayd: † Because thou hast forsaken me, and I [ 32] in dede haue done according to thy wordes, & went out into the field: & behold, I haue seene, & doe see that which I cannot vtter. And he sayd to me: † Stand like a man, & I wil moue thee. And I [ 33] sayd: † Speake thou my Lord in me, forsake me not, that I die not [ 34] in vaine: † because I haue seene thinges that I knew not, & I doe [ 35] heare thinges that I know not. † Or is my sense deceiued, & doth [ 36] my soule dreame? † Now therfore I besech thee, that thou shew [ 37] vnto thy seruant concerning this trance. And he answered me, & sayd: † Heare me, and I wil teach thee, and wil tel thee of what [ 38] thinges thou art afrayd: because the Highest hath reuealed vnto thee manie mysteries. † He hath seene thy right way, that [ 39] without intermission thou was sorrowful for thy people, and didst mourne exceedingly for Sion. † This therfore is the vn∣derstanding [ 40] of the vision which appeared to thee a litle before. † The woman whom thou sawest mourning, thou beganst to [ 41] comfort her. † And now thou seest not the forme of the wo∣man, [ 42] but there appeared to thee a citie to be built. † And be∣cause [ 43] she tolde thee of the fal of her sonne, this is the interpre∣tation. † This woman which thou sawest, she is Sion, and [ 44] wheras she told thee of her, whom now also thou shalt see, as a citie builded. † And wheras she told thee, that she was barren [ 45] thirtie yeares: for the which there were thirtie yeares, when there was not yet oblation offered in it. † And it came to passe [ 46] after thirtie yeares, Salomon built the citie, and offered obla∣tions: then it was, when the barren bare a childe. † And that [ 47] which she sayd vnto thee, that she nourished him with labour, this was the habitation in Ierusalem. † And wheras she sayd [ 48]

to thee, that my sonne comming into the bryde chamber dyed, and that a fal chanced vnto him, this was the ruine of Ierusa∣lem that is made. † And behold, thou hast seene the similitude of [ 49] her: and because she lamented her sonne, thou beganst to com∣fort her: and of these thinges that haue chanced, these were to be opened to thee. † And now the Highest seeth that thou wast [ 50] sorie from the hart: and because with thy whole hart thou suf∣ferest for her, he hath shewed thee the clearnes of her glorie, and the fayrenes of her beautie. † For therfore did he say to thee, [ 51] that thou shoulest tarie in a field where house is not built. † For [ 52] I knew that the Highest beganne to shew thee these thinges: † therfore I sayd vnto thee, that thou shouldest goe into a field, [ 53] where is no fundation of building. † For the worke of mans [ 54] building could not be borne in the place, where the citie of the Highest began to be shewed. † Thou therfore feare not, neither [ 55] let thy hart dread: but goe in, and see the beautie, and greatnes of the building, as much as the sight of thyne eyes is capable to see: † & afterward thou shalt heare as much, as the hearing of thyne [ 56] eares is capable to heare. † For thou art blessed aboue manie, and [ 57] art called with the Highest as few. † And to morrow night thou [ 58] shalt tarie here: † and the Highest wil shew thee those visions of [ 59] the thinges on high, which the Highest wil doe to them that in∣habite vpon the earth in the later dayes. † And I slept that night, [ 60] and the other next, as he had sayd to me.

CHAP. XI. An eagle appeareth to Esdras coming forth of the sea, with three heades, and twelue winges: sometimes one reigning in the world, sometimes an other, but euerie one vanisheth away. 36. A lion also appeareth coming forth of the wo〈…〉〈…〉 suppresse the eagle.

AND I sawe a dreame, & behold an eagle came vp out of the [ 1] sea: which had twelue winges of fethers, and three heades. † And I saw, and behold she spred her winges into al the earth, [ 2] and al the windes of heauen blew vpon her, and were gathered together. † And I saw, and of her fethers sprang contrarie fe∣thers, [ 3] and they became litle winges, and smale. † For her heades [ 4] were at rest, and the midle head was greater then the other hea∣des, but she rested with them. † And I saw, and behold the eagle [ 5] flew with her winges, and reigned ouer the earth, and ouer them that dwel in it. † And I saw, that al thinges vnder heauen were [ 6] subiect to her, and no man gaynesayd her, no not one of the

creature that is vpon the earth. † And I saw, and behold the eagle [ 7] rose vp vpon her talons, and made a voice with her winges, saying: † Watch not al together, sleepe euerie one in his place, & [ 8] watch according to time. † But let the heades be preserued to [ 9] the last. † And I saw, and behold the voice came not out of her [ 10] heades, but from the middes of her bodie. † And I numbered [ 11] her contrarie winges, and behold they were eight. † And I saw, [ 12] and behold on the right side rose one wing, and reigned ouer al the earth. † And it came to passe, when it reigned, an end came [ 13] to it, and the place therof appeared not: and the next rose vp, & reigned, that held much time. † And it came to passe, when it [ 14] reigned, & the end of it also came, that it appeared not as the for∣mer. [ 15] † And behold, a voice was sent forth to it, saying: † Heare [ 16] thou that hast held the earth of long time. Thus I tel thee before thou beginne not to appeare. † None after thee shal hold thy [ 17] time, no nor the halfe therof. † And the third lifted vp it selfe, [ 18] and held the principalitie as also the former: and that also ap∣peared not. † And so it chanced to al the other by one & by one [ 19] to haue the principalitie, & agayne to appeare nowhere. † And I saw, and behold in time the rest of the winges were sent vp on [ 20] the right side, that they also might hold the principalitie: and of them there were that held it, but yet forth with they appeared not. † For some also of them stoode vp, but they held not [ 21] the principalitie. † And I saw after these thinges, and behold the [ 22] twelue winges, and two litle winges appeared not: † and nothing [ 23] remayned in the bodie of the eagle but two heades resting, and six litle winges. † And I saw, and behold from the six litle win∣ges [ 24] two were diuided, and they remayned vnder the head, that is on the right side. For foure taried in their place. † And I sa〈…〉〈…〉d [ 25] behold the vnderwinges thought to set vp them selues, and to hold the principalities. † And I saw, and behold one was set vp, [ 26] but forth with it appeared not. † And they that were second did [ 27] sooner vanish away then the former. † And I saw, and behold [ 28] the two that remayned, thought with them selues that they also would reigne: † and when they were thincking thereon, behold [ 29] one of the resting heades, which was the midde one awaked, for this was greater then the other two heades. † And I saw that [ 30] the two heades were complete with themselues. † And behold [ 31] the head with them that were with him turned, and did eate the two vnderwinges that thought to reigne. † And this head terri∣fied [ 32] al the earth, & ruled in it ouer them that inhabite the earth

with much labour, and he that held the dominion of the whole world aboue al the winges that were. † And I saw after these [ 33] thinges, and behold the midle head sodenly appeared not, as did the winges. † And there remained two heads, which reigned also [ 34] themselues ouer the earth, and ouer them that dwelt therein. † And I saw, and behold the head on the right side deuoured [ 35] that which was on the left. † And I heard a voice saying to me, [ 36] Looke against thee, and consider what thou seest. † And I saw, [ 37] & behold as a lion raysed out of the wood roaring: and I saw that he sent out a mans voyce to the eagle. And he spake saying. † Heare thou, and I wil speake to thee, and the Highest wil say [ 38] to thee: † Is it not thou that hast ouercome of the foure be∣astes, [ 39] which I made to reigne in my world, and that by them the end of their times might come? † And the fourth coming ouer∣came [ 40] al the beastes that were past, and by might held the world with much feare, and al the world with most wicked laboure, and he inhabited the whole earth so long time with deceipte. † And thou hast iudged the earth not with truth. † For thou hast [ 41] afflicted the meeke, and hast trubled them that were quiet, and [ 42] hast loued lyers, & hast destroyed their habitations that did fru∣ctifie, and hast ouerthrowen their walles that did not hurt thee. † And thy contumelie is ascended euen to the Highest, and thy [ 43] pride to the Strong. † And the Highest hath looked vpon the [ 44] proud times: and behold they are ended, and the abominations therof are accomplished. † Therfore thou eagle appeare no [ 45] more, and thy horrible winges, & thy litle winges most wicked, and thy heades malignant, and thy talons most wicked, and al thy bodie vayne, † that al the earth may be refreshed, and may re∣turne [ 46] deliuered from thy violence, and may hope for his iudge∣ment, and mercie that made it.

CHAP. XII. The eagle vanisheth away, 5. Esdras prayeth, 10. and the former visions are declared to him.

AND it came to passe, whiles the lyon spake these wordes to [ 1] the eagle: I saw, † and behold the head that had ouercome, [ 2] and those foure winges appeared not which passed to him, and were set vp to reigne: and their reigne was smal, and ful of tu∣mult. † And I saw, and behold they appeared not, and al the [ 3] bodie of the eagle was burnt, & the earth was afrayd excedinly, and I by the tumult and traunce of minde, and for great feare awaked, and sayd to my spirit: † Behold thou hast geuen me this, [ 4]

in that, that thou searchest the wayes of the Highest. † Behold [ 5] yet I am wearie in minde, and in my spirit I am very feeble, and there is not so much as a litle strength in me for the great feare, that I was afrayd of this night. † Now therfore I wil pray the [ 6] Highest, that he strengthen me euen to the end. † And I sayd: [ 7] Lord Dominatour, if I haue found grace before thine eyes, and if I am iustified before thee aboue manie, and if in deede my prayer be ascended before thy face, † strengthen me, and shew vnto me [ 8] thy seruant the interpretation, and distinction of this horrible vision, that thou mayst comfort my soule most fully. † For thou [ 9] hast counted me worthie to shew vnto me the later times. And he sayd to me: † This is the interpretation of this vision. † The [ 10] eagle which thou sawest coming vp from the sea, this is the [ 11] kingdom which was sene in a vision to Daniel thy brother. † But [ 12] * 1.493 it was not interpreted to him, therfore I do now interprete it to thee. † Behold the dayes come, and there shal rise a kingdom [ 13] vpon the earth, and the feare shal be more terrible then of al the kingdomes that were before it. † And there shal twelue kinges [ 14] reigne it it, one after an other. † For the second shal beginne to [ 15] reigne, and he shal continew more time then the rest of the twelue. † This is the interpretation of the twelue winges which [ 16] thou sawest. † And the voice that spake which thou heardst not [ 17] coming forth of her heads, but from the middes of her bodie, † this is the interpretation, that after the time of that kingdom [ 18] shal rise no smal contentions, and it shal be in danger to fal: and it shal not fal then, but shal be constituted againe according to the beginning therof. † And wheras thou sawest eight vnderwings [ 19] cleauing to the wings therof, † this is the interpretation, eight [ 20] kinges shal arise in it, whose times shal be light, and yeares swift, and two of them shal perish. † But when the middest time ap∣procheth, [ 21] foure shal be kept til a time, when the time therof shal beginne to approch to be ended, yet two shal be kept to the [ 22] end. † And wheras thou sawest three heads resting, † this is the [ 23] interpretation: in her last dayes the Highest wil rayse vp three kingdoms, and wil cal backe manie thinges into them, and they shal rule ouer the earth, † and them that dwel in it, with much [ 24] labour aboue al them that vvere before them. For this cause they are called the heads of the eagle. † For these shal be they that [ 25] shal recapitulate her impieties, and that shal accomplish her last thinges. † And wheras thou sawest a greater head not appearing, [ 26] this is the interpretation therof: that one of them shal dye vpon

his bed, and yet with torments. † For the two that shal remayne, [ 27] the sword shal eate them. † For the sword of one shal deuoure [ 28] him that is with him: but yet this also at the last shal fal by the sword. † And wheras thou sawest two vnderwings passing ouer [ 29] the head that is on the right side, † this is the interpretation▪ these [ 30] are they whom the Highest hath kept to their end, this is a smal kingdom, and ful of truble. † As thou sawest the lyon also, [ 31] whom thou sawest awaking out of the wood, and roaring, and speaking to the eagle, and rebuking her, and her iniustices by al his wordes as thou hast heard: † this is the wynde which the [ 32] Highest hath kept vnto the end for them, and their impieties: and he shal rebuke them, and shal cast in their spoyles before them. † For he shal sette them in iudgment aliue: and it shal be, [ 33] when he hath reproued them, then shal he chastise them. † For [ 34] the rest of my people he shal deliuer with miserie, them that are saued vpon my borders, and he shal make them ioyful til the end shal come, the day of iudgment, wherof I haue spoken to thee from the beginning. † This is the dreame which thou sawest, [ 35] and these be the interpretations. † Thou therfore only hast bene [ 36] worthie to know this secrete of the Highest. † Write therfore [ 37] in a booke al these thinges which thou hast sene, and put them in a hidden place: † and thou shalt teach them the wise men of [ 38] thy people, whose harts thou knowest able to take, and to kepe these secretes. † But doe thou stay here yet other seuen dayes, [ 39] that there may be shewed thee whatsoeuer shal seme good to the Highest to shew thee. † And he departed from me. And it came [ 40] to passe, when al the people had heard that the seuen dayes were past, and I had not returned into the citie, and al gathered them selues together from the least vnto the greatest▪ & came to me, & spake to me saving: † What haue we sinned to thee, or what haue [ 41] we done vniustly against thee, that leauing vs thou hast sitten in this place? † For thou alone art remayning to vs of al peoples, as [ 42] a cluster of grapes of the vineyard, and as a candle in a darke place, and as an hauen and shippe saued from the tempest. † Or [ 43] are not the euiles that chance, sufficient for vs? † If then thou [ 44] shalt forsake vs, how much better had it ben to vs, if we also had bene burnt with the burning of Sion? † For we are not better [ 45] then they that dyed there. And they wept with a lowd voice. And I answered them, and sayd: † Be of good chere Israel, and [ 46] be not sorowful thou house of Iacob. † For there is remebrance [ 47] of you before the Highest, and the Strong hath not forgotten

you in tentation. † For I haue not forsaken you, neither did I [ 48] depart from you: but I came into this place, to pray for the deso∣lation of Sion, and to seeke mercie for the low estate of your sanctification. † And now goe euery one of you into his house, [ 49] and I wil come to you after these dayes. † And the people de∣parted, [ 50] as I sayd to them, into the citie: † but I sate in the fielde [ 51] seuen dayes, as he commanded me: and I did eate of the flowers of the field only, of the herbes was my meate made in those dayes.

CHAP. XIII. A vision of a winde (as it first semed, but) in dede, v. 3. of a man: 5. strong against the enimies: 21. with the interpretation.

AND it came to passe after seuen dayes, and I dreamed a [ 1] dreame in the night. † And behold there rose a winde from [ 2] the sea, that trubled al the waues therof. † And I saw, and behold [ 3] that man grew strong with thousandes of heauen: and when he turned his countenance to consider, al thinges trembled that were sene vnder him: † and whersoeuer voyce proceded out of [ 4] his mouth, al that heard his voices be gaue to burne, as the earth is quiet when it feeleth the fire. † And I saw after these, and be∣hold [ 5] a multitude of men was gathered together, of whom there was no number, from the foure windes of heauen, to fight against the man that was come vp out of the sea. † And I saw, and [ 6] behold he had grauen to himself a great mountaine, & he flew vpon it. † And I sought to see the countrie, or the place whence [ 7] the mountaine was grauen, & I could not. † And after these thin∣ges [ 8] I saw, and behold al that were gathered to him, to ouer∣throwe him, feared exceedingly, yet they were bold to fieght. † And behold as he sawe the violence of the multitude that [ 9] came, he lifted not vp his hand, nor held sword, nor anie warlyke instrument but only as I saw, † that he sentforth out of his mouth [ 10] as it were a blaste of fire, and from his l••ppes a spirit of flame, & from his tongue he sentforth sparkles & tempests, and al thinges were mingled together with this blast of fire, & spirit of flame, & multitude of tempests. † And it fel with violence vpon the mul∣titude, [ 11] that was prepared to fight, and burned them al, that sud∣denly there was nothing sene of an innumerable multitude, but only dust, & the sauour of smoke: and I saw, and was afrayd. † And after these thinges I saw the man himself descending from [ 12] the mountaine, and calling to him an other peaceable multitude,

† and there came to him the countenance of manie men some [ 13] reioycing, and some sorrowing: and some bond, some bringing of them that were offered. And I was sicke for much feare, and awaked, and sayd. † Thou from the beginning hast shewed thy [ 14] seruant these meruelous thinges, and hast counted me worthie that thou wouldest receiue my petition. † And now shew me [ 15] yet the interpretation of this dreame. † For as I thinke in my [ 16] iudgement, woe to them that were leaft in those dayes: & much more woe to them that were not leaft. † For they that were not [ 17] leaft, were sorrowful. † I vnderstand now what thinges are [ 18] layde vp in the later dayes, and they shal happen to them, yea and to them that are leaft. † For therefore they came into great [ 19] dangers, and manie necessities, as these dreames do shew. † But [ 20] yet it is easier, aduenturing to come into it, then to passe, as a cloud from the world, and now to see the thinges that happen in the later time. And he answered me, and sayd: † Both the in∣terpretation [ 21] of the vision I wil tel thee: and also concerning the thinges that thou hast spoken I wil open to thee. † Wheras thou [ 22] speakest of them that were leaft, this is the interpretation. † He [ 23] that taketh away danger at that time, he hath garded himself. They that haue fallen into danger, these are they that haue wor∣kes, and sayth in the Strongest. † Know therefore that they are [ 24] more blessed which are leaft, then they that are dead. † These are [ 25] the interpretations of the vision, wheras thou sawest a man coming from the hart of the sea, † the same is he whom the [ 26] Highest preserueth much time, which by himself shal deliuer his creature: and he shal dispose them that are leaft. † And wheras [ 27] thou sawest proceede out of his mouth, as it were winde, and fire, and tempest: † and wheras he held no sworde, nor warlike [ 28] instrument: for his violence destroyed the multitude that came to ouerthrow him: this is the interpretation. † Behold the [ 29] dayes come, when the Highest shal begin to deliuer them, that are vpon the earth: † and he shal come in excesse of minde vpon [ 30] them that inhabit the earth. † And one shal thinke to ouerthrow [ 31] * 1.494 an other: one citie an other citie, one place an other place, and nation against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. † And it [ 32] shal be, when these thinges shal come to passe, and the signes shal happen, which I shewed thee before: and then shal my sonne be reueled, whom thou sawest, as a man coming vp. † And [ 33] it shal be when al nations shal heare his voice: and euery one in his countrie shal leaue their warre, that they haue toward each

other: † and an innumerable multitude shal be gathered in one, [ 34] as willing to come to ouerthrow him. † But he shal stand vpon [ 35] the top of mount Sion. † And Sion shal come, and it shal be [ 36] shewed to al prepared and builded, as thou sawest the moun∣taine to be grauen without handes. † And the same my sonne [ 37] shal reproue the thinges that the gentils haue inuented, these their impieties which came nere to the tempest, because of their euil cogitations, and torments wherewith they shal begin to be tormented. † Which were likened to the flame, and he shal de∣stroy [ 38] them without labour by the law that was likened to the fyre. † And wheras thou sawest him gathering vnto him an other [ 39] peaceable multitude. † These are the ten tribes, which were [ 40] made captiue out of their land in the dayes of Osee the King,* 1.495 whom Salmanasar the King of the Assyrians led captiue: and he transported them beyond the riuer, and they were transported into an other land. † But they gaue themselues this counsel, to [ 41] forsake the multitude of nations, and to goe forth into a farther countrie, where mankind neuer inhabited. † Or there to ob∣serue [ 42] their ordinances, which they had not kept in their coun∣trie. † And they entred in by the narrow entrances of the riuer [ 43] Euphrates. † For the Highest then wrought them signes, and [ 44] * 1.496 stayed the vaines of the riuer til they passed. † For by that coun∣trie [ 45] was a great way to goe, of one yeare and a half▪ for the coun∣trie is called Arsareth. † Then did they inhabite there til in the [ 46] later time: and now againe when they beginne to come, † againe [ 47] the Highest shal stay the vaines of the riuer, that they may passe: for these thou sawest a multitude with peace. † But they also that [ 48] were leaft of the people, these are they that be within my border. † It shal come to passe therefore, when he shal begine to de∣stroy [ 49] the multitude of these nations, that are gathered, he shal protect them that haue ouercome the people: † and then shal [ 50] he shew them very manie wonders. † And I sayd: Lord domina∣tour, [ 51] shew me this, why I saw a man comming vp from the hart of the sea, and he sayd to me: † As thou canst not either search [ 52] these thinges, or know what thinges are in the depth of the sea: so can not any man vpon the earth see my sonne, or them that are with him, but in the time of a day. † This is the interpreta∣tion [ 53] of the dreame which thou sawest, and for the which thou only art here illuminated. † For thou hast leaft thyne owne law, [ 54] and hast bene occupied about my law, and hast sought it. † For [ 55] thou hast disposed thy lyfe in wisdom, and thyne vnderstanding

thou hast called mother: † and for this I haue shewed thee riches [ 56] with the Highest. For it shal be after other three dayes, I wil speake other thinges to thee, and I wil expound to thee weightie and meruelous thinges. † And I went forth, and passed into the [ 57] fielde, much glorifying & praising the Highest for the meruelous thinges that he did by time. † And because he gouerneth it, and [ 58] the thinges that are brought in times, & I sate there three dayes.

CHAP. XIIII. God appeareth in a bush, 6. reuealing some thinges to be published, and some thinges to be hid. 10. As the world waxeth old, al thinges become worse. 27. The people of Israel are vngratful. 32. Al shal be iudged in the Re∣surrection according to their deedes.

AND it came to passe the third day, and I sate vnder an oke. [ 1] † And behold a voice came forth against me out of a [ 2] bush, and sayd: Esdras, Esdras: and I sayd: Loe here I am Lord. And I arose vpon my feete. And he sayd to me: † Reueling I was [ 3] * 1.497 reueled vpon the bush, and spake to Moyses, when the people serued in Aegypt, † and I sent him, and brought my people out [ 4] of Aegypt, and brought him vpon mount Sina, & held him with me manie dayes. † And I told him manie meruelous thinges, & [ 5] shewed him the secrets of times, and the end: and I commanded him, saying: † These wordes thou shalt publish abroade, and [ 6] these thou shalt hyde. † And now to thee I say▪ † The signes which [ 7] I haue shewed, and the dreames which thou hast sene, and the [ 8] interpretations which thou hast sene, lay them vp in thy hart. † For thou shalt be receiued of al, thou shalt be conuerted the re∣sidue [ 9] with thy counsel, and with the like to thee, til the times be finished. † Because the world hath lost his youth, and the times [ 10] draw nere to waxe old. † For the world is diuided by twelue [ 11] partes, & the tenth part, & half of the tenth part are passed: † and [ 12] there remaineth hereafter the half of the tenth part. † Now there∣fore [ 13] dispose thy house, and correct thy people, & comfort the humble of them, & forsake now corruption, † and put from thee [ 14] mortal cogitations, and cast from thee humane burdens, and doe from thee now infirme nature, & lay at one side cogitations most trublesome to thee, & make speedie transmigration from these times, † for the euiles which thou hast sene to haue chanced [ 15] * 1.498 now, worse then these wil they doe againe: † for looke how [ 16] much the world shal become weake by age, so much shal euiles be multiplied vpon the inhabitants. † For truth hath remoued it [ 17]

self farther of, and lying hath approched, for now the vision which thou sawest, hasteneth to come. † And I answered, and [ 18] sayd before thee ô Lord: † For behold I wil goe, as thou hast [ 19] commanded me, & wil rebuke the people that now is. But them that shal yet be borne, who shal admonish? † The world therfore [ 20] is set in darknes, and they that dwel in it without light. † Because [ 21] thy law is burnt, therefore no man knoweth the workes that haue bene done by thee, or that shal begin. † For if I haue found [ 22] grace with thee, send the Holie Ghost to me, & I wil write al that hath bene done in the world from the beginning, the thinges that were written in thy law, that men may finde the pathe: and they that wil liue in the later times, may liue. † And he answered [ 23] me, and sayd: Goe gather together the people, and thou shalt say to them, that they seeke thee not for fourtie dayes. † And doe [ 24] thou prepare thee manie tables of boxe, & take with thee Sarea, Dabria, Salemia, Echanus, and Asiel, these fiue which are readie to write swee••tly. † And come hither, & I wil light in thy hart a [ 25] candle of vnderstanding, which shal not be put out til the things be finished, which thou shalt begine to write. † And then some [ 26] thinges thou shalt open to the perfect, some thou shalt de∣liuer secretly to the wyse. For to morrow this houre thou shalt begine to write. † And I went as he commanded me, & gathered [ 27] togetheral the people, and sayd: † Heare Israel these wordes: [ 28] † Our fathers were pilgrimes from the beginning in Aegypt, and [ 29] * 1.499 were deliuered from thence. † And they receiued the law of life, [ 30] which they kept not, which you also after them haue trans∣gressed: † and the land was geuen you by lotte, and the land of [ 31] Sion, and your fathers, and you haue done iniquitie, and haue not kept the wayes which the Highest commanded you. † And [ 32] wheras he is a iust iudge, he hath taken from you in time that which he had geuen. † And now you are here, and your brethren [ 33] are among you. † If then you wil rule ouer your sense, & instruct [ 34] your hart, you shal be preserued aliue, and after death shal ob∣taine mercie. † For the iudgement shal come after death, when [ 35] we shal returne to lyfe againe: and then the names of the iust shal appeare, and the dedes of the impious shal be shewed. † Let [ 36] no man therfore come to me now, nor aske for me vntil fourtie d••yes. † And I tooke the siue men, as he commanded me, and [ 37] we went forth into the field, and taried there. † And I was come [ 38] to the morrow, & behold a voice called me, saying: Esdras open thy mouth, and drinke that which I wil geue thee to drinke.* 1.500

† And I opened my mouth, & behold a ful cuppe was brought [ 39] me, this was ful as it were with water: but the colour therof like as fire. † And I tooke it, and dranke; and when I had drunken [ 40] of it, my hart was tormented with vnderstanding, and wisdome grewe into my brest. For my spirit was kept by memorie. † And [ 41] my mouth was opened, and was shut no more. † The Highest [ 42] gaue vnderstanding vnto the fiue men, and they wrote excesses of the night which were spoken, which they knewe not. † And [ 43] at night they did eate breade, but I spake by day, & by night held not my peace. † And there were written in the fourtie dayes [ 44] two hundred foure bookes. † And it came to passe when they had [ 45] ended the fourtie daies, the Highest spake, saying: † The former [ 46] thinges which thou hast written, set abrode, and let the worthie and vnworthie reade: but the last seuentie bookes thou shalt keepe, that thou mayest deliuer them to the wyse of thy people. † For in these is the vaine of vnderstanding, and the fountaine [ 47] of wisdome, and the streame of knowledge. and I did soe.

CHAP. XV. Esdras is bid to denounce, that assuredly manie euiles wil come to the world. 9. God wil protect his people, the wicked shal be punished, and lament their final miseries, God reuenging for the good.

BEHOLD speake into the eares of my people the wordes of [ 1] prophecie, which I shal put into thy mouth, sayth our Lord: † and see that they be written in paper, because they be faithful [ 2] and true. † Be not afrayd of the cogitations against thee, neither [ 3] let the incredulities truble thee of them that speake. † Because [ 4] euerie incredulous person shal dye in his incredulitie. † Behold [ 5] I bring in, sayth our Lord, vpon the whole earth euils, sword, and famine, and death, and destruction. † Because iniquitie hath [ 6] fully polluted ouer al the earth, and their hurtful workes are accomplished. † Therefore sayth our Lord: † I wil not now [ 7] kepe silence of their impieties which they doe irreligiously, nei∣ther [ 8] wil I beare with those thinges, which they practise vniustly. Behold the innocent & iust bloud crieth to me, & the soules of the iust crie continually. † Reuenging I wil reuenge them, sayth [ 9] * 1.501 our Lord, and I wil take al innocent bloud out of them vnto me. † Behold my people is led to staughter as a flocke, I wil no more [ 10] suffer it to dwel in the land of Aegypt. † But I wil bring them [ 11] forth in a mightie hand and valiant arme, and wil strike with plague as before, and wil corrupt al the land thereof. † Aegypt [ 12]

shal mourne, and the fundations thereof beaten with plague, and with the chastisement which God wil bring vpon it. † The [ 13] husband men that til the ground shal mourne, because their seedes shal perish by blasting, and haile, and by a terible starre. † Woe to [ 14] the world and them that dwel therein. † Because the sword is at [ 15] hand and the destruction of them, and nation shal rise vp against* 1.502 nation to fight, & sword in their handes. † For there shal be insta∣bilitie [ 16] to men, & growing one against an other they shal not care for their king, & the princes of the way of their doinges, in their might. † For a man shal desire to go into the citie & can not. † Be∣cause [ 17] of their prides the cities shal be trubled, the houses raised, [ 18] the men shal feare. † Man shal not pitie his neighbour, to make [ 19] their houses nothingworth in the sword, to spoyle their goodes for famine of bread, & much tribulation. † Behold, I cal together [ 20] sayth God, al the kinges of the earth to feare me, that are from the Orient, & from the South, from the East, & from Libanus, to be turned vpon themselues, and to render the thinges that they haue geuen them. † As they doe vntil this day to myne elect, so [ 21] wil I doe, and render in their bosome. Thus sayth our Lord God: † My righthand shal not spare sinners, neither shal the sword [ 22] cease vpon them that shede innocent bloud vpon the earth. † Fire came forth from his wrath, and hath deuoured the fun∣dations [ 23] of the earth, and sinners as it were straw set on fire. † Woe to them that sinne, and obserue not my comandmentes, [ 24] sayth our Lord. † I wil not spare them: depart ô children from the [ 25] powre. Defile not my sanctification: † because the Lord knoweth [ 26] al that sinne against him; therefore hath he deliuered them into death and into slaughter. † For now are euils come vpon the [ 27] world, and you shal tarrie in them. For God wil not deliuer you, because you haue sinned against him. † Behold an horrible vi∣sion, [ 28] and the face of it from the east. † And the nations of dra∣gons [ 29] of Arabians shal come forth in manie chariots, & as a winde the number of them is caried vpon the earth, so that now al doe feare and tremble, that shal heare them. † the Carmonians [ 30] madde for anger, and they shal goe forth as wild boares out of the wood, & they shal come with great power, and shal stand in fight with them, & they shal waste the portion of the land of the Assirians. † And after these thinges the dragons shal preuaile [ 31] mindful of their natiuitie, and conspiring shal turne themselues in great force to pursue them. † These shal be trubled and hold [ 32] their peace at their force, and shal turne their fete into flight.

† And from the territorie of the Assirians the besiegers shal be∣seige [ 33] them, and shal consume one of them, and there shal be feare and trembling in their armie, and contention against their kinges. † Behold cloudes from the east, and from the north [ 34] vnto the south, and their face very horrible, ful of wrath and storme. † And they shal beate one against an other, and they [ 35] shal beate downe manie starres, and their starre vpon the earth, and bloud shal be from the sword vnto the bellie. † And mans [ 36] dung vnto the camels litter, and there shal be much feare, and trembling vpon the earth. † And they shal shake that shal see [ 37] that wrath, and tremble shal take them: and after these thinges there shal manie showers be moued: † from the south, and [ 38] the north: and an other portion from the weast. † And the [ 39] windes from the east shal preuaile vpon it, and shal shut it vp, and the cloudes which he raised in wrath, and the starre to make terrour to the east winde, and the west shal be destroyed. † And there shal be exalted great and mightie cloudes ful of [ 40] wrath, and a starre to terrifie al the earth, and the inhabitantes therof, and they shal powre in vpon euerie high, and eminent place a terrible starre, † fire, and haile, and flying swordes, and [ 41] manie waters, so that al fildes also shal be filled, and al riuers with the fulnes of manie waters. † And they shal throw downe [ 42] cities, and walles, and mountaines, and hilles, and the trees of the woodes, and the grasse of the medowes, and their corne. † And they shal passe constant vnto Babylon, and shal raise her. [ 43] * 1.503 † They shal come together against her, and shal compasse her, [ 44] and shal power out the starre, and al wrath vpon her, and the dust and smoke shal goe vp euen into heauen, and round about shal lament her. † And they that shal remaine vnder her, shal [ 45] serue them that terified her. † And thou Asia agreeing into the [ 46] hope of Babylon, and the glorie of her person, † woe be to thee [ 47] thou wretch, because thou art like to her, and hast adorned thy daughters in fornication, to please & glorie in thy louers, which haue desired alwayes to fornicate with thee. † Thou hast imita∣ted [ 48] the odious in al her workes, and in her inuentions: therefore sayth God: † I wil send in euils vpon thee, widow hood, pouertie, [ 49] and famine, and sword, and pestilence, to destroy thy houses by violation, and death, and glorie of thy vertue. † As a flower [ 50] shal be withered, when the heate shal rise that is sent forth vpon thee, † thou shalt be weakned as a litle poore soule plaged [ 51] and chastised of wemen, that the mightie and the louers may

not receiue thee. † Wil I be zealous against thee sayth our Lord, [ 52] † vnles thou hadst slayne myne elect at al times, exalting the [ 53] slaughter of the handes, and saying vpon their death, when thou wast drunken. † Adorne the beautie of thy countenance. [ 54] † The reward of thy fornication is in thy bosome, therefore [ 55] thou shalt receiue recompence. † As thou shalt doe to my elect, [ 56] sayth our Lord, so shal God do to thee, and shal deliuer thee vnto euil. † And thy children shal dye for famine: and thou shalt fal [ 57] by the sword, and thy cities shal be destroyed, & al thyne shal fal in the filde by the sword. † And they that are in the mountaines, [ 58] shal perish, with famine, and shal eate their owne flesh, & drinke kloud, for the famine of bread and thirst of waters. † Vnhappie [ 59] by the seas shalt thou come, and againe thou shalt receuie euils. † And in the passage they shal beate against the idle citie, and [ 60] shal destroy some portion of thy land, and shal deface part of thy glorie, againe returning to Babylon ouerthrowen. † And being [ 61] throwen downe thou shalt be to them for stubble, and they shal be to thee fire: † and deuoure thee, and thy cities, thy land, and [ 62] thy mountaynes, al thy woodes and fruitful trees they wil burne with fire. † Thy children they shal lead captiue, & shal haue thy [ 63] goodes for a praye, and the glorie of thy face they shal destroy.

CHAP. XVI. Al are admonished, that extreme calamities shal fal vpon this world, 36. the penitent returning to iustice shal escape, 55. & as al thinges were made by Gods omnipotent powre at his wil, so al thinges shal serue to the reward of the bles∣sed, and punishment of the wicked.

VVOE to thee Babylon & Asia, woe to thee Aegypt, and [ 1] Syria. † Gird yourselues with sackclothes and shirtes [ 2] of heare, & mourne for your children, & be sorie: because your destruction is at hand. † The sword is sent in vpon you, and who [ 3] is he that can turne it away? † Fire is sent in vpon you, and who [ 4] is he that can quench it? † Euiles are sent in vpon you, and who [ 5] is he that can repel them? † Shal anie man repel the lion being [ 6] hungrie in the woode, or quench the fire in stubble, forthwith when it beginneth to burne? † Shal anie man repel the arrow [ 7] shot of a strong archer? † Our strong Lord sendeth in euiles, [ 8] and who is he that can repel them? † Fire came forth from his [ 9] wrath, and who is he that can quench it? † He wil lighten, who [ 10] shal not feare, he wil thunder, and who shal not be afrayde? † Our Lord wil threaten, and who shal not vtterly be destroyed [ 11]

before his face? † The earth hath trembled, and the fundations [ 12] thereof, the sea tosseth vp waues from the depth, and the floudes of it shal be destroyed, and the fishes thereof at the face of our Lord, and at the glorie of his powre: † because his right hand is [ 13] strong which bendeth the bow, his arrowes be sharpe that are shot of him, they shal not misse, when they shal begine to be shot into the endes of the earth. † Behold euiles are sent, and [ 14] they shal not returne til they come vpon the earth. † The [ 15] fire is kindled and it shal not be quenched, til it consume the fundations of the earth. † For as the arrow shot of a strong ar∣cher [ 16] returneth not, so shal not the euils returne backe, that shal be sent vpon the earth. † Woe is me, woe is me: who shal de∣liuer [ 17] me in those dayes? † The beginning of sorrowes and much [ 18] mourning, the beginning of famine and much destruction. The beginning of warres and the potestates shal feare, the be∣ginning of euiles and al shal tremble. † In these what shal I doe, [ 19] when the euiles shal come? † Behold famine, and plague, and [ 20] tribulation, and distresse are sent al as scourges for amendment, †and in al these they wil not conuert themselues from their ini∣quities, [ 21] neither wil they be alwayes mindful of the scourges. † Behold, there shal be good cheape victuals vpon the earth, so [ 22] that they may thinke that peace is directly coming toward them, and then shal euiles spring vpon the earth, sword, famine, and great confusion. † For by famine manie that inhabit the earth [ 23] shal dye, and the sword shal destroy the rest that remained aliue of the famine, † and the dead shal be cast forth as dung, and [ 24] there shal be none to comfort them. For the earth shal be left desert, and the cities therof shal be throwen downe. † There shal [ 25] not be left a man to til the ground and to sow it. † The trees [ 26] shal yeeld fruites, and who shal gather them? † The grape shal [ 27] become ripe, & who shal tread it? For there shal be great desola∣tion to places. † For a man shal desire to see a man, or to heare [ 28] his voyce. † For there shal be leaft ten of a citie, and two of [ 29] the filde that haue hid themselues in thicke woodes, and cliffes of rockes. † As there are left in the oliuet, and on euerie tree, [ 30] three or foure oliues. † Or as in a vinyeard when it is gathered [ 31] there are grapes left by them, that diligently search the vine∣yard: so shal there be left in those dayes three or foure, by them [ 32] that search their houses in the sword. † And the earth shal be [ 33] left desolate, and the fildes thereof shal waxe old, & the wayes thereof, and al the pathes thereof shal bringforth thornes,

because no man shal passe by it. † Virgins shal mourne hauing [ 34] no bridegromes, wemen shal mourne hauing no husbandes, their daughters shal mourne hauing no helpe: † their bride∣gromes [ 35] shal be consumed in battel, and their husbandes be de∣stroyed in famine. † But heare these thinges, and know them ye [ 36] seruantes of our Lord. † Behold the word of our Lord, re∣ceiue [ 37] it: beleue not the goddes of whom our Lord speaketh. † Behold the euiles approch, and slacke not. † As a woman [ 38] with childe when shee bringeth forth her child in the ninth [ 39] moneth, the houre of her deliuerance approching, two or three howres before, paines come about her wombe, and the infants coming out of her wombe, they wil not tarrie one moment. † So the euiles shal not slacke to come forth vpon the earth, and [ 40] the world shal lament, and sorowes shal hold it round about. † Heare the word, my people: prepare yourselues vnto the [ 41] fight, & in the euiles so be ye as strangers of the earth. † He that [ 42] selleth as if he should flee, and he that byeth as he that should lose it. † He that playeth the marchant, as he that should take no [ 43] fruite: and he that buildeth as he that should not inhabite. † He that soweth, as he that shal not teape: so he also that pruneth a [ 44] vinyeard, as if he should not haue the vintage. † They that marie [ 45] so as if they should not get children, & they that marie not, so as it were widowes. † Wherfore they that labour, labour without [ 46] cause: † ••or soreners shal reape their fruites, & shal violently take [ 47] their goodes, and ouerthrow their houses, and lead theire chil∣dren captiue, because in captiuitie, and famine they beget their children. † And they that play the marchantes by robrie, the lon∣ger [ 48] they adorne their cities and houses, and their possessions and persons: † so much the more wil I be zealous toward them, [ 49] vpon their sinnes, sayth our Lord. † As a whore enuieth an ho∣nest [ 50] & very good woman: † so shal iustice hate impietie when [ 51] she adorneth herselfe, and accuseth her to her face, when he shal come that may defend him that searcheth out al vpon the earth. † Therefore be not made like to her, nor to her workes. † For [ 52] yet a little whyle & iniquitie shal be taken away from the earth, [ 53] & iustice shal reigne ouer you. † Let not the sinner say he hath not [ 54] sinned: because he shal burne coales of fire vpon his head, that sayth I haue not sinned before our Lord God and his glorie. † Behold our Lord shal know al the workes of men, and their in∣uentions, [ 55] * 1.504 & their cogitations, and their hartes. † For he sayd: Let [ 56] the earth be made, and it was made: let the heauen be made, & it

was made. † And by his worde the starrs were made, & he know∣eth [ 57] * 1.505 the number of the starres. † Who searcheth the depth and the [ 58] treasures therof: who hath measured the sea, & capacitie therof. † Who hath shut vp the sea in the midest of waters, & hath han∣ged [ 59] the earth vpon the waters with his word. † Who hath spred [ 60] heauē as it were a vault, ouer the waters he hath foūded it. † Who [ 61] hath put fountaines of waters in the desert, and lakes vpon the toppes of mountaines, to sendforth riuers from the high rocke to watter the earth. † Who made man & put his hart in the midds [ 62] of the bodie, and gaue him spirit, life and vnderstanding. † And [ 63] the inspiration of God omnipotent that made al thinges, and searcheth al hid thinges, in the secretes of the earth. † He know∣eth [ 64] your inuention, and what you thinke in your hartes sin∣ning, and willing to hide your sinnes. † Wherfore our Lord in [ 65] searching hath searched al your workes, and he wil put you al to open shame, † and you shal be confounded when your sinnes [ 66] shal come forth before men, and the iniquities▪ shal be they, that shal stand accusers in ••hat day. † What wil you doe? or how [ 67] shal you hide your sinnes before God and his Angels? † Behold [ 68] God is the Iudge, feare him. Cease from your sinnes, and now forget your iniquities to doe them anie more, & God wil bring you out, and deliuer you from al tribulation. † For behold the [ 69] heate of a great multitude is kindled ouer you, and they shal take certaine of you by violence, & shal make the slaine to be meate for idols. † And they that shal consent vnto them, shal be to them [ 70] in derision, and in reproch, and in conculcation. † For there shal [ 71] be place against places, and against the next cities great insurre∣ction vpon them that feare our Lord. † They shal be as it were [ 72] madde sparing no bodie, to spoyle and waste yet them that feare our Lord. † because they shal waste and spoyle the goodes, and [ 73] shal cast them out of their houses. † Then shal appeare the [ 74] probation of mine elect, as gold that is proued by the fire. † Heare [ 75] my beloued, sayth our Lord: Behold the dayes of tribulation are come: and out of them I wil deliuer you. † Doe not feare, [ 76] nor stagger, because God is your guide. † And he that kepeth [ 77] my commandmentes, and precepts, sayth our Lord God: Let not your sinnes ouerway you, nor your inquities be aduanced ouer you. † Woe to them that are entangled with their sinnes, [ 78] and are couered with their iniquities, as a filde is entangled with the wood, & the path therof couered with thornes, by which no man passeth, & it is closed out, & cast to be deuoured of the fire.

FINIS.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Prooemial que¦stiōs touching these bookes.
• * 1.2

  They are cal∣led Machabees of Iudas Ma∣chabeus. Iudas had this surname for his streingth and val••••e.
• * 1.3

  li. 1. c. 2. v. 64, 65, & 66.
• * 1.4

  Others also called Macha∣bees.
• * 1.5

  li. 2. c. 6. & 7.
• * 1.6

  There be foure bookes.
• * 1.7

  VVritten by vncertaine auctors. The tvvo last are not Cano∣nical.
• * 1.8

  v. 24.
• * 1.9

  Ievves & Pro∣testantes denie also these two first. Their argu∣ments.
• * 1.10

  li. 1. c. 1. v. 1. 7. 11. & 57. ch. 4. v. 52. ch. 6. v. 16. ch. 8. v. 16. li. 2. ch. 1. v. 19. ch. 2. v. 25. ch. 12. v. 43. ch. 14 v. 41. ch. 15. v. 39. Euseb. li. 3. c. 25. hist. S. Ierom de viru illustrib.
• * 1.11

  Ansvvers.
• * 1.12

  Approued by Councels.
• * 1.13

  And by An∣cient▪ Fathers.
• * 1.14

  The same con¦tentes of both the bookes.
• * 1.15

  Foure princi∣pal partes.
• * 1.16

  The occasion of so extraor∣dinarie dispo∣sition.
• * 1.17

  ••••. 2. c. 2. v. 24.
• * 1.18

  The historie conteyneth tvvo partes.
• * 1.19

  An order how to reade these bookes.
• * 1.20

  Read first the preface. li. 2. ch. 2. v. 20.
• * 1.21

  The first part of the historie. The persecu¦tion of the Church by Antiochus.
• * 1.22

  B
• :: 1.23

  Other kings reigned before Alexander in Grece but he vvas the first that reigned in that great Monarchie erected by himselfe.
• :: 1.24

  By deliue∣ring his ring to Perdicca, he gaue him auctoritie to distribute his kingdomes. I••s••nu•• li. 12. •• ••urtius. li. 10.
• * 1.25

  li. 2. c. 3. v. 1.
• :: 1.26

  Epiphanes, Noble in re∣••owme.
• * 1.27

  D
• :: 1.28

  This Antio¦chus begane his reigne in the yeare 137. from Seleu∣chus the first king of Syria after Alexan∣der. otherwise this vvas the 156 yeare of the Grecian Monarchie, Euseb in chro∣ni••o.
• * 1.29

  li. 2. c. 4. v. 7.
• * 1.30

  F
• :: 1.31

  Being esta∣blished in the kingdom of Syria, he co∣ueted also the kingdom of Aegypt.
• * 1.32

  li. 2. c. 4. v. 21.
• * 1.33

  H
• :: 1.34

  Iosephus. li. 12. c. 6. vvri∣teth that An∣tiochus first killed such as vvould haue hindred his entrance into Ierusalem and aftervvards those that o∣pened the gates vnto him, but vvould haue hindered him from spoyling the temple.
• :: 1.35

  This vvas Apollonius, as appeareth li. 2. c. 5. v. 2••.
• :: 1.36

  The tovvre of Sion forti∣fied and kept.
• :: 1.37

  by a garrison of Macedo∣nians.
• :: 1.38

  It sufficed not this cruel tyrant to spoile Gods people of their goodes, and manie of their liues, but he also peruerted manie in reli∣gion: because his master the diuel seeketh to destroy mens soules.
• :: 1.39

  Daniels pro∣phecie. ch. 9. vvas here in part fulfilled, as in a figure, and our Saui∣our confir∣meth it. ••la••. 24 of Anti∣christ setting vp abomination of desolation in the holie place.
• * 1.40

  li. 2. c. 5. v. 11.
• * 1.41

  The 2. part. The warres of the Macha∣bees, begune by this Matha∣thias, and pro∣secuted by his sonnes, espe∣cially by Iudas as in the seuen chapters fo∣lovving and more largely in the second booke from 8. chapter to the end of the last.
• * 1.42

  K
• * 1.43

  :: This smal helpe of great importance, is that ayde wher of Daniel pro∣phecied ch. 11. v ••4.
• :: 1.44

  Mathathias not of priuate spirite, but be∣ing general capitaine of the people, did this iustice ac∣cording to the lavv, vvhere it is commanded to kil the au∣ctors of false pretended re∣ligion. Deut. 13. S. Cyprian. Ex∣hort, ad Marty∣rium. c. 5. S. Ber∣uar. Epist. 158. ad Innocent.
• * 1.45

  Num. 25.
• :: 1.46

  These are commended by S. Ambrose li. 1. Offic. c. 40. and other fa∣thers, dying in the simplicitie of doues, though they had not the prudence of serpents, which others obser∣uing are more commended, especially in respect of the whole Church so dangerous¦ly impugned, which God in dede wil euer defend, and conserue from vtter ruine: Yet he vseth also ordinarie meanes, by lawful vvarres and the like.
• :: 1.47

  Assideans o∣thervvise cal∣led Esseni not hypoch••y••i∣cally as the Pharises, nor erroniously as the Sadduces, but sincerely professed a pe∣culiar holie rule of life. Iosephus li. 2, c. ••2. de bello Iu∣daico.
• * 1.48

  Gen. 22.
• * 1.49

  Gen. 41. Num. 25.
• * 1.50

  Iosue. 1. Num. 14. 2. Reg 2.
• * 1.51

  4. Reg 2. Dan. 3. Dan. 6.
• :: 1.52

  In al affayres order is of sin¦gural impor∣tance that e∣uerie office be designed to ••••••••est persons. As here Ma∣thathias ap∣pointed Simon the chiefe for determining matters in counsel, & Iu∣das the first for execution, and that the rest should obey these two, and ech of these the other in his office.
• :: 1.53

  He did not arrogate to himself to be chief, but be∣ing designed by his father, vvas so accep∣ted by his bre∣theren, & the good people ioyned vvith them in de∣fence of the lavv of God.
• * 1.54

  :: Iudas had foure battles, and victories, against foure general cap∣taines sent by king Antio∣chus Epipha∣nes. The first against this A∣pollonius.
• * 1.55

  li. 2. c. 8. v. 1.
• * 1.56

  M
• :: 1.57

  The second against Seron.
• :: 1.58

  The natural frailtie of man feareth to en∣counter vvith a strong ene∣mie, but true confidence in Gods helpe, which is euer assured in a good cause, geueth corege and getteth the victorie.
• :: 1.59

  Not only the Ievves resisted Antiochus in∣nouations in religion, but also diuers o∣ther nations reuolted and rebelled be∣cause he com∣manded al ••o leaue their for merrites and goddes, and to accept of his goddes only. ch. 1. v. 43.
• * 1.60

  :: persecuting al that did not therto con∣forme them∣selues.
• :: 1.61

  Praying fa∣sting & other vvorkes of pe∣nance are the best armour in holie vvarres for religion.
• :: 1.62

  Publique place of prayer vvas, first in Silo. Iosue. 18. after in Maspha. 1. Reg. 7. lastly in Ierusalem.
• * 1.63

  a penta contar∣chos.
• * 1.64

  Deu. 20.
• :: 1.65

  This most godlie resolu∣tion encore∣ged them∣selues, & pro∣cured Gods merciful pro∣tection.
• :: 1.66

  The third battle made by Iudas vvas against this Gorgias an o∣ther captaine of Antiochus Epiphanes.
• :: 1.67

  Vigilancie in rulers and pa∣stors preser∣ueth from al the diuels stra∣tagems.
• :: 1.68

  Confidence in God procu∣reth his assi∣stance.
• * 1.69

  Psa. 106.
• * 1.70

  li. 2. c. 8. v. 8.
• * 1.71

  O
• :: 1.72

  The fourth great battle of Iudas vvas agaynst Lysias sent by Antio∣chus into Iu∣rie.
• * 1.73

  1. Reg. 17. 1. Reg. 14.
• :: 1.74

  As it vvas the first and chiefe intention of Iudas to de∣fend religion & holie things so hauing ex∣pugned their enimies, his chief care is to purge the temple, and to restore al ho∣lie rites of Gods true ser∣uice.
• :: 1.75

  Altars, tem∣ples, & statues of false goddes made of stone, and set vp in the temple. ch. 1. v. 50. vvere novv destroy∣ed.
• :: 1.76

  The temple vvas purged tvvo yeares & some thing more after the prophanation vvhich vvas in the yeare 145. ch. 1. v. 57.
• :: 1.77

  Our Sauiour obserued this feast being in∣stituted long after the Lavv of Moyses. Ioan. 10. v. 226▪
• * 1.78

  Ioan. 10.
• * 1.79

  li. 2. ••. 10. v. ••▪
• :: 1.80

  In this chap∣ter is mention of tenne bat∣tles in vvhich Iudas or his bretheren Io∣nathas and Simon vvere victors.
• * 1.81

  Q
• :: 1.82

  The first a∣gainst the I∣dumeans in A∣••rabathane.
• :: 1.83

  The second against the Beanites.
• a 1.84

  vtterly destroy∣ed.
• :: 1.85

  The third against the Ammonites.
• b 1.86

  villages.
• :: 1.87

  The fourth against the Galadites.
• :: 1.88

  The fifth a∣gainst the Ga∣lileans of the Gentiles.
• :: 1.89

  The sixth a∣gainst the Car¦naimites.
• :: 1.90

  The seuenth against the E¦phronites.
• * 1.91

  Num. 20.
• :: 1.92

  A good and pious captaine cherisheth and comforteth the vveake souldiars: :: and en••ore∣ged ••l to shew their so••ti∣tude.
• :: 1.93

  Men that pre••ume of their ovvne strength with¦out commis∣sion from law∣ful auctotitie, haue not Gods assistance, and so faylein their attemptes, as not called of God amongst those men, by vvhom salua¦tion is made in Israel. v. 62.
• :: 1.94

  The eight a∣gainst the Idu∣means, in Che¦bron.
• :: 1.95

  The ninth against the Sa∣maritanes.
• :: 1.96

  The tenth against the Philistimes in Azotus.
• :: 1.97

  The ful hi∣storie of An∣tiochus Epi∣phanes his death is vvrit∣ten in this chapter to the 16. v. and in al the 9. of the second booke.
• * 1.98

  :: Finally he returned into the countrie of Babylon: :: but before he arriued there he heard the bad newes of his armie in Iurie, & fel into intolera∣ble and despe∣rate diseases, v. 8. and li. 2. ch. 9. v 5.
• :: 1.99

  Al this vvas but seaned re∣pentance li. •• ch. 9. v 13.
• :: 1.100

  Antiochus begane to per∣secute the Ievves in the yeare. 143. ch 1. v. 21. and dying this yeare, 149 it appeareth that his per∣secution du∣red about six yeares, or some vvhat more agreable to the answer of the Angel. Dan. 8. v. 14. that it should indure. 2300. dayes, vvhich make six yea∣res, & almost foure mone∣thes. vvithin vvhich time Iudas by his valure obtey∣ned & purged the holie pla¦ces, in the yeare 148. ch. 6. v 52 some monethes be∣fore Antio∣chus death.
• * 1.101

  li. 2. c. 9. v. 1.
• * 1.102

  S
• * 1.103

  li. 2. c. 10. v. 10.
• * 1.104

  V
• :: 1.105

  Bloud of the grup (vvine Deut ••2. v 14.) a•••• iuyce of mulberies do incite elephan¦tes to fight. A•• some kinde of bloud or smel therof doth incire houndes to hunt. Vallesius c. 82 sacrae Philosophia.
• :: 1.106

  S Ambiose li. 1 c. 40 Offic. highly com∣mendeth the fortitude of this souldiat putting him∣self in so pre∣sent danger of death fighting for religion.
• * 1.107

  li. 2. c. 13. v. 1.
• * 1.108

  X
• :: 1.109

  This Scleu∣cus vvas bro∣ther to Antio¦chus Epipha¦nes: & so An∣tiochus Eupa∣tor vvas De∣metrius his consin german.
• :: 1.110

  Alcimus was novv in place of the high∣priest, as Me∣nelaus had bene before him, set vp by Antiochus: & therfore is righ••ly here sayd: he vvould haue bene the chiefe priest, but in dede vvas not. For the true high∣priesthood vvas amongst the Macha∣bees
• :: 1.111

  This vsurper vvith his com∣plices deuised false accusa∣tions against Iudas, and the rest to incense the king a∣gainst them. And by great giftes gayned the kings fa∣uour. li. 2 c. 14. v. 4.
• :: 1.112

  Among the Scribes the As∣sideans vvere first consulted being as ler∣ned as the Pha¦rises, or anie other, and in dede more sin∣cere, as we no∣ted, ch. 2. v. 42.
• :: 1.113

  And so Alci∣mus deceiuing them in a mat∣ter of fact, to∣vvitte, that himself meant truly (as he did not) cruelly murdered thre•• score of them.
• * 1.114

  Psal. 78.
• * 1.115

  li. 2. c. 14. v. 1.
• :: 1.116

  This Nica∣nor vvas the most terrible enimie against Iudas, but was at last slaine by him. v. 43. & li. 2. c. 15. v. 28.
• * 1.117

  Z
• * 1.118

  li. 2 c. 14. v. 12.
• :: 1.119

  This was the last conflict betwen Iudas and Nicanor vvritten more largely in the last chapter of the second booke.
• * 1.120

  4. Reg. 19.
• :: 1.121

  VVhiles Iu∣das disposed thinges per∣teyning to re∣ligion, and the common∣vvealth: De∣metrius pre¦pared for war∣res ch. 9. v. 3.
• * 1.122

  li. 2. c. 15. v. 1.
• :: 1.123

  Of the re∣now med actes of the Ro∣mans, other Historiogra∣phers haue also vvritten largely: espe∣cially Liuius, Diodorus, Iusti∣nus Florus Varre Plutarchus, and manie others.
• * 1.124

  d
• :: 1.125

  Vvhat places these vvere losephus ex∣presseth. li. 12. c. 17.
• :: 1.126

  Polybius li. 5. vvriteth that Antiochus had 102. ele∣phants in his vvarre against Prolemeus, & therfore it is not to be mer∣ueled that he had 120. a∣gainst the Ro∣mans.
• :: 1.127

  Though Rome vvas then gouerned by tvvo con∣suls. Yet one only ruled e∣uerie day in their course, not both in one day, for so saith Liuius (li. 2 hist.) it should haue bene more terror of tvvo ru∣lers, then be∣fore it had bene of one king.
• :: 1.128

  This happe∣ned about a yeare after the death of Ni∣canor. ch. 7. v. 50, li. 2, c. 15, 38.
• :: 1.129

  Strongest men are not free from first motions of perturbation, but reflecting vpon their ovvne infir∣mitie, and con∣siding in Gods prouidence, take corege in a good cause, being assured either of tem∣poral victorie, or of eternal glorie As now it happened to this most glo∣rious Cham∣pion. v. 18.
• :: 1.130

  The mightie may fal in the sight of men, but Iudas his fortitude pro∣ued and confir¦med by for∣mer heroical actes, vvith prosperous successe, vvas now perfectly consummate by this most glorious end. S. Ambr. li. 1. c. 4••▪ Offre.
• :: 1.131

  VVhere there is no gouernour the people shal fal. Pro. 11. v. 14.
• :: 1.132

  Ionathas the third ge∣neral captaine of the Macha, bees vvas also high priest af∣ter the death of Iudas. Though Al∣cimus by the kinges fa∣uoure vniustly vsurped the office, (ch. 7. v. 9.) vvhiles Iudas yet li∣ued, and vntil this time. v 54.
• :: 1.133

  They also killed him. v. 38. 42.
• :: 1.134

  To reuenge or punish faul∣tes in due me∣asure, & other right circum∣stances is a spe¦cial vertue, moderating mans defence of his person, honour, or right vvithout crueltie, or remisnes: and so the children sometimes are temporally punished, for their parents finnes, and the communitie for their lea∣ders, either for their con∣sent before the fact or after; or to preuent that they doe not the like. S. Tho. 2. 2. q. 108.
• * 1.135

  2. Par. 20. v. 3.
• :: 1.136

  Ionathas and his men svvame not to the other side, but to an other place on the same side: for othervvise the armies had bene parted by the riuer: and so there had bene no con∣flict that time.
• :: 1.137

  Iosephus li. 12. c. 17. con∣fesseth that Iudas vvas highpriest, but erreth in say∣ing he succe∣ded after Alci∣mus: neither considering that Alcimus vvas not in dede high priest, but an vsurper: nor that he liued after Iudas: vvho vvas slaine a yeare before this time v. 3 & 18. VVherby, and by manie o∣ther such er∣rors, vve see that Iosephus is rather to be corrected by this booke then to disa∣lovv this booke be∣cause it dif∣fereth from Iosephus, or other like au∣ctors.
• :: 1.138

  Euil counsel hovv soeuer it happeneth to them that fo∣lovv it, is e∣uer hurtful to them that geue it.
• :: 1.139

  He falsely auovvched that he vvas the sonne of Antiochus E∣piphanes. for he was in dede of very meane birth. Iustinus, li. 35.
• :: 1.140

  It vvas not in the kinges povvre to make Iona∣tha•• high priest but he being so before, the ••ing from this time did so ac∣count him▪
• :: 1.141

  This king Demetrius to gette his desi∣red purpose, sticked not to vvrite a plaine¦lye, for he had heard that the Ievves had re∣fused him and made league vvith his eni∣mie Alexander v, 22, 23.
• :: 1.142

  Notwith∣standing the great offers of euil dispo∣sed men, Io∣nathas and al prudent men considering their former vvicked dedes do not geue credite to glo∣rious vvordes.
• * 1.143

  ch. 7. v. 11.
• :: 1.144

  This Ptolo∣meus Philome¦tor decided a controuersie that the Iewes had the true temple in Ie∣rusalem, and that the Sama∣ritanes temple in Garizim vvas schisma∣tical: vvhich he iudged be∣cause albeit both pleaded antiquitie, yet only the Ie∣wes proued by continual succession of high priestes from Aaron, and shewed that the o∣ther departed from them, first in the time of Iero∣boam, and af∣tervvardes, built that tem∣ple in Gari∣zim, vvhen some were re∣turned from captiuitie: vvherof Iose∣phus vvriteth. li. 13. c. 6. Anti∣quit. Our Sa∣uiour also iud∣ged that the cause of the Ievves vvas better, Ioan. 4. v. 22.
• :: 1.145

  VVhen ca∣luminators see that the inno∣cent is iustified and honored, they faile in their hart to procede a∣gainst him.
• :: 1.146

  Ionathas set his armie in that maner as on euerie side his men stood in front readie to resist the force of the enemie co∣ming towards them, al their backes so tur∣ned vvithin their ovvne squadron, that the enemie could no vvay enter without present resi∣stance: and so those of the embushment could only cast dartes, but could not breake the aray of Iona∣thas campe, not make anie entrance with out their owne present death.
• :: 1.147

  By this hy∣perbolical de∣scription (very frequent in holie scrip∣ture) is signi∣fied that Pto∣lomeus armie vvas exceding great, yea gre∣ater then can be easily con∣ceiued, & ther∣fore is descri∣bed by exces∣siue termes.
• :: 1.148

  VVhen pa∣stors ende∣uour to extir∣pate si••ne out of the mindes of the people, those that hate godlines, suggest to tem¦poral princes that▪ such spi∣ritual prea∣ching is dan∣gerous to their state.
• :: 1.149

  But zelous men cease not from so neces∣sarie a worke, because Gods vvord is not ••yed▪ 2. Tim. 2.
• :: 1.150

  And vvise kinges vvil most esteme of such men, knovving that their fidelitie tovvards God, is an assurance that they vvil also be faith∣ful to princes.
• :: 1.151

  The king had before ad∣ioyned princi∣pal places to Iudea vvhich were called ••o∣pa••chi•• that is places of prin∣cipalitie, or principal go∣uernments: novv he gran∣ted also immu¦nities to them as to al Iudea and Samaria.
• :: 1.152

  Three thou∣sand faithful enco••••••••ing vvith an hun∣dred & twen∣tie thousand infidels, killed of them in one day an hun∣dred thousand.
• :: 1.153

  As to vveare purple, and to bare a crowne so to drinke in gold cuppes and to vveare a gold cheyne, vvas proper to kinges, and to vvhom they gaue license.
• :: 1.154

  It is an an∣cient ceremo¦nie in al uati∣ons, often mentioned in these bookes, to confirme peace by ge∣uing ech other the right hand.
• :: 1.155

  Only tvvo captaines re∣mained and vvith them some souldiars (as Iosephus vvriteth, a∣bout 50) for it is not to be thought that Ionathas vvould haue returned to battel. v 72. being but three men in al to beginne a new assault.
• :: 1.156

  Sparta the chief citie of Lacedemonia called also La∣cedemon, and Theramne.
• :: 1.157

  Spartians o∣therwise cal∣led Lacedemo∣nians (by Io∣sephus and o∣ther vvriters) descended from Abra∣ham, v. 21. and vvere in great league vvith the Ievves.
• :: 1.158

  The Spar∣tianes had written this epistle before Onias vvritte to thē, though it be here pla∣ced after.
• :: 1.159

  There re∣mained vvith the Spartiates old vvrites of genealogies, as Iosephus supposeth. li. 12. c. 5. & li. 13. c. 9.
• :: 1.160

  Morally in Tryphon is no¦ted the pra∣ctise of the di∣uel: vvho in∣tending to o∣uerthrovv a king or a king¦dom first see∣keth to de∣ceiue the pa∣stores, and to destroy them: especially by error or other sinne. For (as S. Gregorie teacheth. ho. 38.) if the pa∣stors life be corrupted, his doctrine vvil be contem∣ned.
• :: 1.161

  Simon the fourth gene∣ral captaine of the Macha∣bees, & high∣priest excelled his bretheren in vvisdome, by the resti∣monie of his father. c. 2. v 65.
• :: 1.162

  He vnder∣tooke by al his endeuour to defend and deliuer his na∣tion from dan∣ger, and to re∣store their for∣mer libertie.
• :: 1.163

  Simon being vvise choise the lesse euil, and lesse dan∣ger. For if he had not sent that vvas de∣manded it was very like and almost cet∣taine, that Io∣nathas should be slaine, and it vvould haue bene imputed to Simon, that he had not ta∣ken iust care of his brothers life, vvherby the people vvould haue bene alienated from him, and perhaps haue reuolted from him, and also from religion. S. Tho. in hunc locum.
• :: 1.164

  This vvas not vaine glory, but true glorie to kepe memorie of so great vertue: therby to stur vp others to i∣mitation. He that loueth ho∣nour (saith S. Augustin. li. cont. Secundin. c. 17.) imita∣teth God. But humble soules desire houour in God, proud men vvil be honoured more then God. or vvithout God. O hovv manie Epita¦phes are of vvicked men, nothing els but perpetual monuments of their ambi∣tion, vanitie, iniustice, cru¦cltie, & other vices! but those that are of true ver∣tues are to Gods more honour: the auctor of al vertues.
• * 1.165

  a pre∣cious chaine.
• :: 1.166

  By hovv much more, that mercie is admixed vvith iustice, so that iustice be not destroyed, and that religion be aduanced, the better it pleaseth God, and edifieth the vvel dispo∣sed.
• :: 1.167

  This Iohn Hyreanus de∣fended the countrie a∣gainst inua∣ders, ch. 16.
• :: 1.168

  Simon had novv gouer∣ned the peo∣ple two yeares beginning with great dif∣ficulties, but hence forth en¦ioyed peace til Antiochus Se∣detes brake the league, & inuaded Iurie. ch. 15. v. 27. & 39.
• :: 1.169

  He reduced manie Ievves from capti∣uitie.
• :: 1.170

  Sparta being the chief citie of Lacedemo∣nia, had manie cities subiect & depending as vpon their Metropoli∣tane.
• :: 1.171

  Vvhen peace was estabished in al Iurie, and friendshippe confirmed vvith the Ro∣manes, & La∣cedemonians, the vvhole na∣tion of the Ie∣vves in grati∣tude tovvards Simon, vvho onlie novv re∣mained of Ma∣thathias son∣nes, confirmed him in the of∣fice of high∣priest perpetu∣ally or for euer, v. 41 that is, during his life. & to his pro∣genie, v. 49▪
• :: 1.172

  The hiegh∣priesthood continevved in this familie of the Macha∣bees vntil He∣rod tooke it from them sel∣ling it for mo∣ney, and then shortly came Christ the faith ful Prophet.
• :: 1.173

  This Antio∣chus Sedetes sonne of De∣metrius Soter, vvas brother to Demetrius the second, who was now captiue in Per ••••a. ch. 14. v. 3.
• :: 1.174

  This legate vvas sent al∣most two yea∣res before to Rome. ch. 14. v. 24. and now brought let∣ters not only to the Ievves but also to sundrie kinges and peoples in their behalf.
• :: 1.175

  Simon sub∣dued these tvvo tovvnes because they anoyed the Ie∣vves: but be∣cause they o∣thervvise per∣teyned not to Iurie he payed for them an hundred ta∣lentes.
• :: 1.176

  By the riuer of Cedron (o∣uer which Da∣uid passed. 2. Reg •••• v. 23. and our Sa∣uiour. Ioa. 18.) a citie vvas novv built, or rather repared being decayed before.
• :: 1.177

  After Simons death, his el∣dest sonne Iohn surna∣med Hyrcanus succeeded him in gouern∣ment spiritual and temporal v. 24.
• :: 1.178

  He begin∣ning to go∣uerne in the yeare 170. ch. 13. v. 41. 42. had difficulties the first & last yeares, in the rest they had peace. To be inebria∣ted signifieth no more but to be rep••eni∣shed vvith drinke com∣petently, or abundantly, vvithout ex∣cesse. As Psal. 64. v. 10 the earth inebria∣ted, and v. 11. riuers inebria∣ted. That is, abundantly replenished vvithout ex∣cesse S. August. q. 144. in Gen.
• :: 1.179

  Out of the booke here mentioned some thinke the fourth booke of Ma∣chabees vvas translated. See Six••us Se••en. li. 1. Biblioth. pag. ••••.
• * 1.180

  li. 2. ••. ••. v. ••.
• * 1.181

  This Appen∣dix cōcerning tvvo epistles of the Ievves vvas added to the historie, of the first booke by him that vvritte this second.
• * 1.182

  e
• :: 1.183

  As they had vvritten be∣fore in their afflictions, so novv they ex∣horte their bretheren to be thankful to God, and a∣mongst other meanes to shevv their gratful minde by celebrating the feast of de∣dication of the nevv altar.
• * 1.184

  li 2. ••. 4. v. 7.
• :: 1.185

  It semeth that either this Iudas vvas the first sonne of Iohn Hyr••a∣mus (other∣vvise called A∣ristobolus) or rather Iudas Essenus of vvhom, ch. 2. v. 14. and of vvhom Iose∣phus vvriteth▪ li. 13. ••. 19.
• :: 1.186

  Chaldea be∣ing nere to Persis, is some∣times compre∣hended vnder the same name so Mamerti∣nus, in Pana∣ger••ca ad Iulia▪ reciteth Tigris and Euphrates amongst the riuers of Per∣si. & S. Chry∣sostom. ho. 6. in Math. saith the Ievves vvere deliue∣red from capti¦uitie of Per••••s, meaning Ba∣bylon.
• :: 1.187

  In this fire vvere foure miracles. First it vvas not changed into ayre but into vvater. v. 20.
• :: 1.188

  Secondly this vvater be∣ing cast on the hostes of sa∣crifice vvas kindled as fire. v. 22.
• :: 1.189

  Thirdly, it burned also being cast vpon stones. v. 32.
• :: 1.190

  Fourth, it vvas extin∣guished by the light that came from the altar. v. 32.
• :: 1.191

  Nephthar, sig∣nifieth deliue∣rie, vvhich is the effect of purification, for the temple & other holie thinges being purified, were deliuered from prophane vse.
• :: 1.192

  S. Ambrose, li 3. c. 14. Offic. vvriteth at large of this miracle.
• * 1.193

  Epis. Iere. Baruc. 6.
• :: 1.194

  Neither the tabernacle nor the arke vvere caried avvay by Na∣buchodono∣sor, but vvere preserued by some meanes: and most like (besides the auctoritie of this scripture) by Ieremie the propher, vvho had spo∣cial fauour of the Babyloni∣ans, vvhen Ie∣rusalem vvas taken. Iere. 39. v. 11.
• * 1.195

  Ex••. 40. 3. R••g. 8.
• * 1.196

  ••euit. 9. 7. 24.
• :: 1.197

  This semeth to be the same Iudas Essenus vvho vvith o∣thers vvritte this epistle, ch. ••. v. 10.
• * 1.198

  li. 2. c. 15. v. 38.
• :: 1.199

  After the au¦ctor had writ∣ten this Appen¦dix to the for∣mer booke, he resolued also to adde an a∣bridgement of the vvhole hi¦storie, vvher∣unto he ma∣keth this Pre∣face, signify∣ing the matter vvherof he vvil vvrite v. 20. in vvhat maner. v. 24. and why, v 25. auouching his diligence. v. 26. vvith breuitie. v. 29.
• * 1.200

  A
• :: 1.201

  God assisting the vvti••ers of diuine hi∣stories, doth not alvvayes deliuer them from labour in seeking to knovv the same of sueh as knew parti¦cular thinges. So S Luke vvritte the Gospel, hauing diligently attai∣ned to al thinges Luc. 1. v. 3.
• * 1.202

  exact declara∣tion.
• * 1.203

  li. 1. c. 1. v. 1.
• * 1.204

  The first part The persecu∣tion of the Church by Antiochus.
• :: 1.205

  Three thin∣ges make a cōmonwealth to be in good state.
• * 1.206

  C
• 1 1.207

  Good agree∣ment of prin∣cipal men a∣mongst them∣selues, & with the commo∣naltie.
• 2 1.208

  Exact obser∣uation of good lavves:
• 3 1.209

  And eminent vertue of the supreme go¦uernour vvith exercise of pietie and hate of sinnes.
• * 1.210

  :: Other three thinges do truble the state: Obstina∣cie in offen∣ders, not con∣tent to be cor∣rected. 2 Inueterate malice seking reuenge a∣gainst iust Su∣periors. 3. and auarice of princes, to robbe the ho∣lie or com∣mon treasure.
• :: 1.211

  These vir∣gins remained in places nere to the temple, brought vp in exercises of pietie, fasting and praying, til they were despoused. 1. Reg. 2. v. 22. S. Amb. li. 1. de virgine. S. Greg. Nissen: Orat. de Christ Natiuit. S. Damas. li. 4. c. 13.
• :: 1.212

  4. Reg. 2. v. 11. A firie chari∣otte and firie horses caried Elias from E∣lizeus. 4. Reg. 6. v. 17. And the mountaine ap∣peared ful of horses, and of firie chariots round about Elizeus, no lesse strange then this vision. See S. Ambrose li. 2. c 29. offic. discoursing vpon this hi∣storie.
• :: 1.213

  It is the common pra∣ctise of al tray∣tors to calum∣niate and de∣fame good gouerners. And the best remedie a gainst such seducers is by auctoritie of Superior povvre, not by the people, vvho are com∣monly more prone to fa∣uour faction then iustice.
• * 1.214

  li. 1. c. 1. v. 11.
• * 1.215

  E
• :: 1.216

  VVhere true Religion is a∣bolished, most men neglect al shew of re∣ligion, and ra∣ther applie themselues to vanities, or woise sinnes.
• * 1.217

  li. 1. c. 1. v. 17.
• * 1.218

  G
• :: 1.219

  This king falsly preten∣ded to restore his kinsman (his sisters, sonne) to the kingdom be∣ing depriued by his younger brother (Liuius li. 44) but the true cause of his sending Apolonius into Aegypt, was to subdue that kingdom to himself. 1. Mach. 1. v. 17.
• :: 1.220

  Menelaus brother of Si∣mon (v. 23) of the tribe of Beniamin (ch. 3. v. 4.) vvas not by the law capable of the priesthood, which only perteined to the progenie of Aaron of the tribe of Leui So in this trublesome time the right succession of high priestes was intermit∣ted, and resto∣red in Matha∣thias. li. 1. c. 2.
• :: 1.221

  True and so∣lide vertue moued the common peo∣ple to compas∣sion, the King himself to teares, the Ty∣rians to ho∣nour the bo∣dies of the in∣nocent with costlie burial. v. 49.
• :: 1.222

  Strange thinges aboue the ordinarie course of na∣ture doe euer signifie Gods vvrath, for mens trans∣gression, and are admoni∣tions to turne from sinne, vvith spede that vve may escape the heauie hand of Gods iu∣stice. So the Emperour Charles the Great inter∣preted the ap∣parition of a great Comete as vvitnesseth. Fasciculus tem∣porum.
• * 1.223

  :: Lacedemo∣nians other∣vvise called Spartians, des∣cended from the stocke of Abraham li. 1. c. 12. v. 2.
• * 1.224

  li. 1. c. 1. v. 21.
• * 1.225

  I
• * 1.226

  ch. 3. v. 23. 27.
• :: 1.227

  Al rites of religion vvith temples and other holie thinges are or∣dayned to the Seruice of God, and for mens spiritual good and ther¦fore vvhen men cease to serue God, as holie thinges are destroyed, or taken avvay.
• :: 1.228

  Iudas vvas the tenth law∣ful highpriest from the Mo∣narchie of the Grecians.
• :: 1.229

  Sanaballat in the time of Alexander the great procu∣red a temple to be built in Garizim like to that in Ie∣rusalem. An other was built in Aegypt by Ananias in in the time of Ptolomee Phi∣lometor both schismatical. Iosephus. l. 11. c. S. & li. 13. c. 6.
• :: 1.230

  Besides for∣mer great ma∣saker. c 5. foure most notori∣ous martyr∣domes are here related.
• 1 1.231

  Vvemen with their circum∣cised children.
• 2 1.232

  Other people for keeping the sabbath.
• :: 1.233

  A necessaire admonition to the weake in time of per∣secucion.
• 3 1.234

  Eleazarus nintie yeares old cruelly slaine.
• :: 1.235

  He vvas ex∣cellently ler∣ned in holie Scriptures and in al diuine and humane knovvlege.
• :: 1.236

  To feyne or make out∣vvard shevv of consent to false religion, is neuer lavv∣ful.
• :: 1.237

  In the old restament none could enter into hea¦uen, but the most iust went to Limbus when they died.
• :: 1.238

  Old age (saith S. Am∣brose. li. 2. c. 10. de Iacob patri.) ought to be the hauen, not the ship∣vvrake of thy former life.
• 4 1.239

  The fourth Martyrdom vvas of seuen bretheren and their mother. •• VVhosoeuer please to read more of these glorious Mar∣tyres, may sec the large dis∣courses of Fla∣nius Iosephus in his booke de Machabeis, And of sun∣drie ancient Fathers: S. Cy∣prian. li: 4. Epist. ep. 6. S. Chrysostom, homilia de nati∣uitate septem Machabaeorum. S. Ambrose li. 1. Offic. c. 40. &c li. 11. de Iacob. c. 9. S. Augustin, de origine animae. Tract, 8. in Epist 1. Ioan, & Ser. 110. de di∣uersis. S. Pros∣per: li de prae∣dict. par 2. c. 40. S. Prudentius. hymno de Ro∣mano Martyre. S. Leo. Ser de Nat septem fra∣trum. Machab. S. Gaudentius. Brixanus Tra∣ctatu de Macha∣beis. S. Ephrem. Ser. de morte. S. Victorinus Aser. Carmine de septem Ma∣chabeis.
• * 1.240

  Deut. 32. v. 43.
• :: 1.241

  A promise is properly of a good thing, & bindeth the promiser to do that vvhich is in dede good. In so much that whosoeuer promiseth, svveareth, or vovveth to do euil, is bond not to do it. And to do it, is a distinct sinne besides the former.
• :: 1.242

  In that this godlie woman deceiued the tyrant, she did vvel, lavvfully vsing aequiuo∣eation.
• * 1.243

  li. 1. c. 2. v. 1.
• * 1.244

  The second part of the historie. The vvarres of the Machab••e•• begune by Ma¦thathias. li 1. c. 2 and prose∣cuted by Iu∣das
• * 1.245

  I.
• :: 1.246

  In al good attemptes de∣uout prayer is the first prepa∣ration. And no vvhere more necessary then in battel. As vvel for good successe (sup∣posing al∣wayes a good cause) as also that euerie one pray for his ovvne soule, that it be in state of grace.
• * 1.247

  li. 1. c. 3. v. 10.
• :: 1.248

  This Philip a Phrygian was left in Ierusa∣lem by Antio∣chus to afflict the Ievves, ch. 5. v. 22.
• * 1.249

  N
• :: 1.250

  A iust and re∣ligious cause is the very best helpe, that can be in vvarres.
• * 1.251

  4 Reg. 19.
• * 1.252

  :: Of this bat∣tel vvith the calatians there is no other mention in holy scripture but it semeth to be that, vvherin they assisted Antio∣chus the first called Soter, vvhen he re∣pelled the Ga∣latians inua∣ding Asia: vvherof Ap∣pianus vvri∣teth in bellis Syriacis. And Iosephus testi∣fieth. l. 12, c 3. that Antio∣chus Magnus (sonne of So∣ter) much fa∣uored the Ie∣vves, for their explottes donne in his fathers dayes.
• * 1.253

  li. 1. c. 4. v. 28.
• * 1.254

  R
• :: 1.255

  A chief citie of Persis, cal∣led Elymais. li. 1. c. 6. v. 1.
• :: 1.256

  Antiochus vvas in dede really and seri∣ously greued, and truly ac∣knovvledged that his affli∣ction vvas for his sinnes, li. 1. c. 6. v. 11. but he vvas not truly penitent for the offence committed a∣gainst God & his neighbour but only for his ovvne ca∣lamitie & mi∣serie: & ther∣fore could not obreyne mercie to remission of his sinnes, nor release of the punish∣ment. So also the damned in hel, knovv & confesse that they are pu∣nished for their sinnes, but haue not true repen∣tance, for their offence against God.
• :: 1.257

  Of this ty∣rant S. Cy∣prian geueth this censure: li. de exhort. Martyrij King Antiochus an inueterate eni∣mie to al the good, Nay, in Antiochus An∣tichrist is ex∣pressed.
• * 1.258

  li. 1. c. 6. v. 17.
• * 1.259

  P
• :: 1.260

  This recoue∣ring and clen∣sing of the temple vvas after the fourth battel of Iudas, vvhich vvas a∣gainst Lysias one of Antio∣chus chiefe captaines, as appeareth. li. ••. c. 4 and so was before the death of Anti∣ochus, vvrit∣ten here. ch. 9.
• * 1.261

  li. 1. c. 4. v. 5.
• * 1.262

  li. 1. c. 5. v. 1.
• * 1.263

  T
• :: 1.264

  It is neuer an act of for∣titude but of extreme pusil∣lanimity when one in tempo∣ral miserie kil∣leth himselfe to be ridde therof. But is a most heroical act to dye wil∣lingly for Gods glorie.
• :: 1.265

  Against this Gorgias Iudas had a victorie before in the time of Antio∣chus Epipha∣nes. li. 1. c. 4.
• :: 1.266

  Timothee the second captaine ge∣neral of Anti∣ochus vvith Bacchides was once before ouerthrowne. li. 1. c 8. v. 30.
• :: 1.267

  Iosephus Gorion. li. 3. c. 13. saith these tvventie ze∣lous young men vvere of the Assidians, who professed a certaine re∣ligious forme of life: of vvhom men∣tion is made before. li. 1. ch. 2 v 42. &c. 7. v. 13.
• * 1.268

  Protestantes confesse that Iudas institu∣ted this feast.
• * 1.269

  It is distinct from other feastes.
• * 1.270

  v. 5.
• :: 1.271

  This Lysias also bad bene vanquished before, li. 1. c. 4. v. 28.
• :: 1.272

  Knovving that the Patri∣arches Abra¦ham, Isaac, Ia∣cob, likevvise Moyses Iosue and manie o∣thers vvere singularly assi∣sted by An∣gelles, these Machabees in their good cause prayed for Angelical helpe, and had it: but ioyntly vvith their ovvne endeuour, al∣though some times God ge∣ueth such vi∣ctories vvith∣out coopera∣tion of men. Exo. 14. 4. Reg. 19.
• :: 1.273

  Lysias vvas in dede the kings consin. v. ••5 but he cal∣leth him bro∣ther for ho∣nour sake.
• :: 1.274

  An other Timothee was slaine. ch. 10. v 37.
• :: 1.275

  Also an o∣ther Apollo∣nius vvas slaine before. li. 1. c. 3. v. 11.
• :: 1.276

  A furlong is about the eight part of a myle, so this fire vvas sene thirty miles of others count a furlong to conteyne a thousand foote, the fifth part of a myle so it vvas sene 48. myles di∣stant.
• * 1.277

  Iosue. 6.
• :: 1.278

  Tubianci, or Tubieni, signi∣fie religiously good, it is pro bable that these vvere the Assideans. li 1. c. 2. v. 42. c: 7. v. 13.
• :: 1.279

  Iudas had the victorie twise before against this Gorgias. li 1. c. 4. v. 1. li. 2. c. 10. v. 14.
• :: 1.280

  It was com∣manded. Deut. 7. v▪ 25. not to couet nor take aniething per∣teyning to i∣dols, but to destroy al▪ See this sinne pu∣nished. Iosue. 7. 1. Reg. 15. &c.
• :: 1.281

  Vnles it had bene the do¦ctrine & pra∣ctise of the Church to pray for the dead, Iudas could neuer haue thought of anie such matter.
• :: 1.282

  It is only profitable for those that dye penitent.
• * 1.283

  li. 1. c. 6. v. 18.
• * 1.284

  This text is clere for pray∣ing for the dead.
• * 1.285

  in the ar∣gument. pa. 890.
• * 1.286

  Likevvise the Greke.
• * 1.287

  S. Augu∣stin. ep. 61. ad Dulcit. l. 1. c. 23. de morib, li. de cura pro mort. c. 1. & Enchir. c. 110.
• * 1.288

  Denial of this doctrine is he∣resie.
• * 1.289

  Mat. 12.
• * 1.290

  Iudas vvas high priest when he cau∣sed prayers and sacrifice to be offered for the dead. It was the ge∣neral practise of ••he Church. And is yet ob∣serued by the Iewes.
• * 1.291

  W
• :: 1.292

  In the first booke, ch▪ 6 v. 30▪ the number of this armie differeth from the number here recorded, the cause is for that some∣times those only are coun∣ted vvhich vvere perma∣nent, some∣times others are also coun∣ted vvhich came vn∣certainly. The like diffi∣culties of dif∣ferences oc∣curre often in the bookes of kinges and Pa∣ralipomenon.
• :: 1.293

  The vvatch word this night was: The victorie of God.
• * 1.294

  li. 1. c. 7. v. 1.
• * 1.295

  Y
• :: 1.296

  Alcimus was of Aarons stock. li. 1. c 7. v. 14. but for this apostasie here mentio∣ned was vnca∣pable of high priesthood, & so Matthathias vvas ordayned being of the same progenie and most sin∣cere in reli∣gion.
• * 1.297

  a gol∣den bough.
• :: 1.298

  This descri∣ption of the Assideans made by their malicious eni∣mie in calum∣nious and o∣dious termes, sheweth vvel their singular zele, & since∣ritie in pro∣moting Gods seruice▪ And so their aduersa∣ries malignant accusations more against them then al others, is a plaine testi∣monie of their more rate and more singular vertues.
• * 1.299

  li. 1. ••. 7. v. 26.
• * 1.300

  a
• :: 1.301

  Apostates and politikes make their gayne by spoyling the faithful.
• :: 1.302

  Nicanor a right worldlie politike, a fi∣gure of Pilate and of such temporizing Iudges, coun∣sellers, and courtiers, as lacke zele in religion.
• :: 1.303

  They knevv not precisely vvhere Iudas vvas, neither vvould they search for him to deliuer him to the perse∣cutor.
• :: 1.304

  Bacchus cal∣led also Liber, and by manie other names, feaned by in∣fidels to be au∣ctor and god of wine. And therfore drun∣kards dedicate feastes & tem∣ples to him.
• :: 1.305

  S. Augustin epist 61. ad Dul••itium & l. 2. c. 23. ad epist. 2. Gaud▪ discus∣sing th•••• fact; saith the helie scripture dot•• tel it, not praise it. As to be admired not to be imi¦tated, & that either it vvas not vvel done by him, or at least is not conuenient in this time of grace.
• * 1.306

  li. 1. c. 7. v. 39.
• * 1.307

  c
• :: 1.308

  P••ophane men make their aduan∣tage of reli∣gious mens good consci∣ence, but Iu∣das rightly in∣structed in this case defended his iust cause also in the sabbath. li. 1. c. 3. v. 40.
• :: 1.309

  O Luciferian blasphemie▪
• :: 1.310

  This dreame was from God as the effect shevved. And Iudas knevv also that it so was by inter∣nal inspira∣tion, as Ioseph. Mat. 1. v 20. vvas assured of his dreames.
• :: 1.311

  Ieremie (ch. 38. v. 17.) per∣svvaded the king of Iuda to yeld himself vvith the citie and people to the Chaldees, and not to re∣sist. But novv he deliuereth a svvord to Iu∣das, exhorting him to fight: according to Gods vvil in diuers cases, and times, for there is a time of vvare, and a time of peace. Eccle 3. v 8.
• :: 1.312

  Gods ho∣nour, & holie thinges are first and prin¦cipally to be respected, be¦fore vvordlie freindes, though they also must be regarded in due order and place.
• * 1.313

  4. Reg. 19.
• * 1.314

  li. ••. c 8. v. 1. &c.
• * 1.315

  f
• :: 1.316

  More being vvritten in the first booke, this auctor maketh one conclusion of al, because o∣ther persecu∣ters being also ouercome the land was againe caulme after stormes.
• * 1.317

  Prayer of Sainctes is euidently pro∣ued by this place.
• * 1.318

  It is also pro∣ued by manie other holie Scriptures.
• * 1.319

  Neither is this place to be o∣mitted.
• * 1.320

  The auctor of this booke asketh pardon for his stile, not for the doctrine nor historie. But the au∣ctors of these Annotations crane pardon for al defectes.
• * 1.321

  Gods true Ser∣uice hath al∣vvayes conti∣nued in the vi¦sible Church.
• * 1.322

  Faith in one God is the ground of al religion.
• * 1.323

  The B. Tri∣nitie reueled to some and vttered ob∣scurely in the old testament.
• * 1.324

  Distinction of Persons in one God.
• * 1.325

  The Father.
• * 1.326

  The Sonne.
• * 1.327

  The Holie Ghost.
• * 1.328

  Other places proue plura∣litie of Per∣sons in God.
• * 1.329

  The mysterie of Christs In∣carnation is more frequent & more plaine in the holie Scriptures es∣pecially in the Prophetes. Ieremie.
• * 1.330

  Baruch.
• * 1.331

  Ezechiel.
• * 1.332

  Daniel.
• * 1.333

  Aggeus.
• * 1.334

  Zacharias.
• * 1.335

  Malachias.
• * 1.336

  Also the bookes of wisdom.
• * 1.337

  Ecclesiasticus.
• * 1.338

  & Machabees.
• * 1.339

  Prophecies & figures of the B virgin mo∣ther of God.
• * 1.340

  Angeles excel corporal crea∣tures in multi∣tude.
• * 1.341

  And in powre.
• * 1.342

  They helpe men and are lavvfully in∣uocated by men.
• * 1.343

  Diuels hating God, and al mankind ne∣uer cease to tempt men to sinne.
• * 1.344

  They seke to be honored vvith sacrifice.
• * 1.345

  Sacrifice is the proper seruice of God.
• * 1.346

  Sacrifice of the new testa∣ment, in al places.
• * 1.347

  More pure and excellent then the old▪
• * 1.348

  The old cea∣sed and the new succeded.
• * 1.349

  which shad al∣so be abando∣ned by Anti∣christ.
• * 1.350

  Transsubstan∣tiation con∣fessed by Rab∣bins.
• * 1.351

  Baptisme.
• * 1.352

  Penane.
• * 1.353

  Holie orders.
• * 1.354

  Feastes.
• * 1.355

  Fastes ordina∣rie.
• * 1.356

  And extraordi∣narie.
• * 1.357

  Abstinence.
• * 1.358

  Forme of good life prescribed in the sapiential bookes.
• * 1.359

  The ascending by steppes 〈◊〉〈◊〉 from earth to heauen.
• * 1.360

  ••. Ioan. 2.
• * 1.361

  VVithout Gods grace preuenting, no man can thinke or do anie thing meritorious.
• * 1.362

  2. Cor. 3.
• * 1.363

  Confidence of good vvorkes done in grace.
• * 1.364

  Voluntarie vovves like to Euangelical connsels.
• * 1.365

  Perpetual vir∣ginitie.
• * 1.366

  Prayers of Sainctes.
• * 1.367

  Reliques.
• * 1.368

  Holie vesseles.
• * 1.369

  Signe of the Crosse.
• * 1.370

  Prayer for the dead.
• * 1.371

  Resurrection.
• * 1.372

  Iudgement.
• * 1.373

  Euerlasting punishment. and eternal reward.
• * 1.374

  The coming of Elias, & con¦uersion of the Iewes.
• * 1.375

  The state of the Church in the times of heathen Mo∣narchies, in general.
• * 1.376

  Their state in the captiuitie.
• * 1.377

  King Iecho∣nias ••n•• ••▪ se∣de••h High∣priest vvere in Babylon be∣fore the vvhole nation vvas captiue.
• * 1.378

  Iechonias in∣tertayned in captiuitie as a prince.
• * 1.379

  Daniel vvith other three children were caried before ••ni•• of the kinges into Baoylon.
• * 1.380

  They vvere singularly e∣steemed.
• * 1.381

  Sometimes in danger. But preserued by God.
• * 1.382

  Ieremie pro¦phecied in Ie∣rusalem and in Aegypt.
• * 1.383

  Ezechiel and Daniel in Ba∣bylon.
• * 1.384

  The Monar∣chie of Medes and Persians.
• * 1.385

  Cyruslicensed the Ievves to returne and build vp their temple. Prophecie of Christ: after seuentie vveekes.
• * 1.386

  Mardocheus.
• * 1.387

  Esther.
• * 1.388

  Aman.
• * 1.389

  Iudith.
• * 1.390

  Aggeus and Zachatias.
• * 1.391

  The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 more glorious in the nevv testament.
• * 1.392

  Malachie.
• * 1.393

  The Grecian Monarchie.
• * 1.394

  King Alexan∣der honored Iaddus the Highpriest.
• * 1.395

  The schisma∣tical temple in ••atizim.
• * 1.396

  An other schismatical temple in Ae∣gypt.
• * 1.397

  The Seuentie tvvo Interpre∣ters.
• * 1.398

  Prophane ler∣ning florished amongst the Crecians, but they erred ex∣cedingly in matters of Religion.
• * 1.399

  Primum prin∣cipium.
• * 1.400

  Sammum ••o••um. Pithagorians.
• * 1.401

  Stoikes.
• * 1.402

  Achademikes.
• * 1.403

  Peripatetikes
• * 1.404

  Epicures.
• * 1.405

  The assured fayth of the Church, the citie of God.
• * 1.406

  Psal. 93 1. Cor. 3.
• * 1.407

  The Macha∣bees professed the same. Antiochus his Edict.
• * 1.408

  Martyres for this fayth.
• * 1.409

  For circum∣cision.
• * 1.410

  For keeping the Sabbath
• * 1.411

  For abstay∣ning from svvines flessh.
• * 1.412

  Holie vvarres for the Church and religion.
• * 1.413

  Matthathias.
• * 1.414

  Iudas Macha∣beus.
• * 1.415

  A religious prayer.
• * 1.416

  The temple clensed.
• * 1.417

  Antiochus dy∣ed miserably.
• * 1.418

  Ni••••or ••laine.
• * 1.419

  Iudas dyed gloriously.
• * 1.420

  Ionathas.
• * 1.421

  Altimus dyed miserably.
• * 1.422

  Simon.
• * 1.423

  Ioannes Hyr∣canus.
• * 1.424

  The Romane Monarchic.
• * 1.425

  Hered the first strange king of the Iewes.
• * 1.426

  He enlarged the temple. But sold the office of Highpriest.
• * 1.427

  This king was a signe of Christs coming.
• * 1.428

  The genealo∣gie of Christ from the cap∣tiuitie.
• * 1.429

  pag. 939▪
• * 1.430

  Succession of Highpriestes.
• * 1.431

  pag. 713. 939.
• * 1.432

  The true sue¦cession conti∣nued also in the times of vsurpers.
• * 1.433

  A petition to IESVS CHRIST.
• * 1.434

  2. Paral. 33. v. 12.
• * 1.435

  4. Reg. 23. v. 21. 2. Paral. 35. v. 1.
• * 1.436

  Exo. 12. Leuit. 23. Num. 28.
• * 1.437

  4. Reg. 23. v. 29. 2. Paral. 35. v. 20.
• * 1.438

  4. Reg. 23. v. 30. 2. Par. 36. v. 1.
• * 1.439

  4. Reg. 24. v. 1. v. 17.
• * 1.440

  Iere. 37. v. 2.
• * 1.441

  Iere. 25. v. 12. & 29. v. 10. Dan. 9. v. 2.
• * 1.442

  2. Paral. 36. v. 22. 2. Esd. 1. v. 1. & 6. v. 3. Iere. 26. v. 12. & 29. v. 10. Dan. 9. v. 2.
• * 1.443

  1. Esd. 4. v. 7.
• * 1.444

  1. Esd. 2. v. 1.
• * 1.445

  1. Esd. 2. v. 2. 2. Esd. 7. v. 6.
• * 1.446

  1. Esd. 3. v. 1.
• * 1.447

  1. Esd. 4. v. 2.
• * 1.448

  1. Esd. 5. v. 1.
• * 1.449

  1. Esd. 6. v. 1.
• * 1.450

  1. Esd. 6. v. 13.
• * 1.451

  1. Esd. 7. v. 1.
• * 1.452

  1. Esd. 8. v. 1.
• * 1.453

  1. Esd. 9. v. 1.
• * 1.454

  1. Esd. 10. v. 1.
• * 1.455

  1. Esd. 10. v. 6.
• * 1.456

  1. Esd. 7. v. 1.
• * 1.457

  Exod 14.
• * 1.458

  Exo. 13.
• * 1.459

  Exo. 16.
• * 1.460

  Nem. 14.
• * 1.461

  Exod 16. Num. 20. Sap. 16. v. 20.▪ Isa. 9. v. 4.
• * 1.462

  Exo. 15. v. 25.
• * 1.463

  Exo. 32.
• * 1.464

  Isa. 1. v. 15.
• * 1.465

  Mat. 23. v. 37. Isa. 66. v. 5.
• * 1.466

  Malach. 3. v. 1.
• * 1.467

  Gen. 19. v. 2.
• * 1.468

  Exod. 15. v. 27.
• * 1.469

  Tobie. 1. v. 12.
• * 1.470

  Apol 7. v 9.
• * 1.471

  Gen. 1.
• * 1.472

  Gen. 2. v. 7.
• * 1.473

  Gen. 7.
• * 1.474

  Gen. 12.
• * 1.475

  Exo. 19.
• * 1.476

  Iere. 12.
• * 1.477

  Iud. 9. 2. Par. 25.
• * 1.478

  Math. 24.
• * 1.479

  Prouer. 8.
• * 1.480

  Deut. 8.
• * 1.481

  Gen. 18. Exod. 32.
• * 1.482

  2. Reg 24. v. 1••. 2. P••r••i. 6. v. 1••. 3. Reg. 17. & 18. 4. Reg. 19. v. 15.
• * 1.483

  Rom. 5. v. 2.
• * 1.484

  Deut. 30. v. 19.
• * 1.485

  Mat. 20. v. 16.
• * 1.486

  2. Reg. 8. v. 46. 2. Paral 6. v. 36.
• * 1.487

  Mat 13. & 20.
• * 1.488

  Psal. 13. & 52.
• * 1.489

  〈◊〉〈◊〉. 10.
• * 1.490

  Exod. 19. & 24. Deut. 4.
• * 1.491

  Exod. 32.
• * 1.492

  Esai. 48.
• * 1.493

  ••••••▪ 7. v. 7.
• * 1.494

  Mat. 24. Luc. 21.
• * 1.495

  4. Reg. 17.
• * 1.496

  Exod. ••4. Iosue. 3.
• * 1.497

  Exod. 3.
• * 1.498

  Ma•• 24. 1. Ioan. 2.
• * 1.499

  Gen. 47. D••pt. 4. 〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.500

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••.
• * 1.501

  Apo•• 6 v. 10. & 19. v. 2.
• * 1.502

  Mat. 24. Luc. 21.
• * 1.503

  Apoc. 18.
• * 1.504

  Eccli. 23. Luc▪ 16. Gen. 1.
• * 1.505

  Psal. 146. v. 4. Iob. 38.