VERS. I.
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Nicodemus.
THE Talmudists frequently mention 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 which by the Learned is not without reason, rendred Nicodemus; now the Jews derive this name, not from the Greek original, but from this Story.
a 1.1 Upon a certain time, all Israel ascended up to Jerusalem to the Feast, and there wanted water for them. Nicodemus ben Gorion, comes to a great man, and prays him, saying, lend me twelve Wells of Water, for the use of those that are to come up to the Feast, and I will give you back twelve wells again, or else engage to pay you twelve talents of silver: and they appointed a day. When the day of payment came, and it had not yet rained, Nicode∣mus went to a little Oratory, and covered himself and prayed, and of a sudden the Clouds gathered, and a plentiful rain descended, so that twelve Wells were filled, and a great deal over. The great man cavilled, that the day was past, for the Sun was set: Nicodemus goes into his Oratory again, covers himself and prays, and the Clouds dispersing themselves, the Sun breaks out again. Hence that name given him 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Nicodemus, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 or as it is elsewhere written 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: because the Sun shone out for him.
If there be any thing of truth in this part of the Story, it should seem Nicodemus was a Priest, and that kind of Officer, whose title was 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 a digger of Wells, under whose peculiar care and charge was the provision of Water for those that should come up to the Feast b 1.2. His proper name 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 was not Nicodemus, but Bonai, as Taanith in the place above quoted. Now in Sanhedrin c 1.3 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Bonai is reckoned a∣mongst the Disciples of Jesus, and accounted one of the three richest men amongst the Jews at that time when, Titus besieged Jerusalem. d 1.4 There were three the most wealthy men in Jerusalem, Nicodemus ben Gorion, Calba Sabua, and Zizith Hakkesoth. But in Echah Rabbathi e 1.5 There were then in Jerusalem four 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or Counsellors, Ben Zizith, Ben Gorion, Ben Nicodemon, and Ben Calba Sabua; men of very great wealth, &c.