The hope of Israel: written by Menasseh ben Israel, a Hebrew divine, and philosopher. Newly extant, and printed in Amsterdam, and dedicated by the author to the High Court, the Parliament of England, and to the Councell of State. Translated into English, and published by authority. In this treatise is shewed the place wherein the ten tribes at this present are, proved partly by the strange relation of one Anthony Montezinus, a Jew, of what befell him as he travelled over the Mountaines Cordillære, with divers other particulars about the restoration of the Jewes, and the time when.:

The HOPE of ISRAEL.

SECT 1.

IT is hard to say what is certaine among the so many, & so uncertain opinions con∣cerning the originall of the Indians of the new world. If you aske, what is my opi∣nion upon the relation of Montezinus, I must say, it is scarce possible to know it by any Art, since there is no demonstration, which can manifest the truth of it; much lesse can you gather it from Divine, or hu∣mane Writings; for the Scriptures doe not tell what people first inhabited those Coun∣tries; neither was there mention of them by any, til Christop. Columbus, Americus Vespucius, Ferdinandus Cortez, the Marquesse Del Valle,

and Franciscus Pizarrus went thither; and though hitherto I have been of this minde, that I would speake only of solid, and in∣fallible things, (as those things are which concerne our Law) and the obscurity of the matter, making me doubt, whether it would be worth a while for me to attempt it; yet at last I was content to be perswa∣ded to it, not that I look to get credit by it, but that my friends, and all who seeke for truth, that have put me upon this work, may see how very desirous I am to please them.

I shall speak somewhat in this Discourse, of the divers opinions which have been, and shall declare in what Countries it is thought the ten Tribes are; and I shall close, after that I have brought them into their owne Country, which I shall prove by good reasons, following the Revelati∣ons of the holy Prophets, who I beleeve cannot be expounded otherwise, whatever some thinke; yet I intend not to dispute these things, but according to my custom, shall lay downe fairly, and faithfully, the opinions of the Iewes only.

SECT. 2.

YOu must know therefore, that Alexis Vanegas saith, that the first Colonies of the West-Indies were of the Carthaginians, who first of all inhabited New-Spaine, and as they encreased, spread to the Iland Cuba; from thence to the continent of America; and af∣ter that towards Panama, New-Spaine, and the Isle of Peru. And he grounds him∣selfe on that reason, that as the Cartha∣ginians (who of old did most use the Seas) so those of Peru, and the Inhabitants of New-Spaine, did make use of pictures instead of let∣ters.

But this opinion doth not satisfie, be∣cause they anciently were white men, bearded, and civill in converse; but contrarily those of Parama, St. Martha, and of the isles of Cuba, and Barlovent, went naked. Farther∣more, who can thinke that the language which; he saith, they first spoke, should be so soone changed, that it should be wholly another: and there is no agreement between the one and the other. The learned Arias Montanus thinkes, that the Indians of New Spaine, and Peru, are the off-spring of Ophir the sonne of Jokton, the nephew of Heber. And he backs his opinion, by the name Ophir, which by transposition of letters, is the same with Peru; and he adds, that the name Parvaim in the du∣all

number, doth signifie the Istimus between New-Spaine and Peru, which first was cal∣led Ophir, then Peru; and that these coun∣tries are that Peru, from whence King Solomon brought gold, precious stones, &c. as in 1 Kin. chap. 9.6.10. & 2 Chron. 9.21. This opini∣on seemes more probable than the other, and may be backed by another name of the River Liru, which according to Gomoras, lies in the 2^d degree from the Equinoctiall line, from Panama 222. miles; as also by the name of the Province Jucatan, which may be derived from Joktan the father of Ophir. But besides that this notation is somewhat farre fetcht, it crosses what Josephus Acosta affirmes in 1. Histor. of Jud. c. 13. who sayth, that the name Peru was unknown to the Indians themselves before those Spaniards gave that name. Add to this what Garcillasso de la Vega in the first part of his Commentary on Peru, c. 4 saith, that when a certaine Spanyard, Basco Nun∣nez de Balboa, lived in that country, and asked a Fisherman, what was the name of that Pro∣vince, he answered Beru; (which was the Fishermans owne name, he thinking that was the question) and he farther said, that the name of the River where he fished, was called Pelu. Hence you may see, that Peru is made of both those words; which also many Spanyards besides him, we have mentioned, doe testifie.

Besides, who can thinke that Solomon neglect∣ing the East-Indies, a place so rich, and aboun∣ding with all things, should send a Fleet so farre off as to the West-Indies. Also we read in 1 King. 9. that Solomon made ships in Ezion-Geber on the shoare of the red Sea, which also Jehosophat did, with Ahaziah, as Ezra saith, in 2. Chron. 20. and it is certaine that those of those countries went that ordinary way to India. And it will not follow, that because the holy Scripture sometimes saith, that they went to Tarsis, and sometimes that they went to Ophir, that therefore both those places are the same; since that Tarsis is not, as some thinke Carthage, or Tunes in Africa; for that the navy of Solomon did not set sayle from Joppa, a Port of the mediterranean, but from Ezion-Geber, a Port of the red Sea, from whence they could not saile to Carthage, but to the East-Indies. The answer of Isaac Abarbanel to that argument, cannot be ad∣mitted, who saith, that an arme of Nilus did run into the red Sea, and another arme ran into the Mediterranean, by Alexandria in Aegypt; since it was never heard, that ships of great bur∣den, did swim in those rivers; and would not he then have built his Navy in the Port of A∣lexandria? It is more true that Tarsis is the Ocean, or Indian Sea; and because they came into the Ocean, after that they had sailed over

the red Sea, which is but narrow, therefore the Scripture saith, They Sailed to Tarsis. Rabbi Jonathan ben Vziel followes this opi∣nion, who in his Paraphrase, for Tarsis, puts (the Sea.) The same saith Franciscus de Ri∣bera, in his Comment on Jonah, and also Rab∣binus Josephus Coen, in his Chronology; who ascribe the word Tarsis, to the Indian Sea; because that Ophir is the same country, which of old is called The Golden Chersonesus; and by Josephus, The golden Land; and at this day Malacca; from whence they brought Ivory, for the great number of Elephants which are there; none of which are in the West-Indies, And Solomons Navy stayd in those Ports of India, 3. yeares, because they traded with the Inhabitants I know that learned Grotius, and famous de Lact thinke differently; as also those quoted by them; but I shall not insist in confuting their opinions because I study bre∣vity. I doe like of, in part, the opinion of the Spaniards who dwell in the Indies, who by common consent doe affirme that the Indians come of the 10. Tribes. And truly they are not altogether mistaken, because in my opinion, they were the first planters of the In∣dies; as also other people of the East-Indies came by that Streight which is betweene In∣dia, and the Kingdome of Anian. But that peo∣ple, according to our Montezinus, made warre

upon those Inhabitants the Isralites, whom they forced up unto the mountaines, and the in-land countries, as formerly the Brittaines were driven by the Saxons into Wales.

SECT. 3.

THe first ground of that opinion is taken from 2 Esdras. 13. v. 40. &c, (which we quote as ancient, though it be Apocryphall) where it's said, that the 10. Tribes which Sal∣manaster carried captive in the raigne of Ho∣seas, beyond Euphrates, determined to goe into countries farre remote, in which none dwelt, whereby they might the better observe their law. And as they passed over some bran∣ches of Euphrates, God wrought miracles, stop∣ping the course of the Flood, till they had pas∣sed over; and that country is called Arsareth. From whence we may gather, that the 10. Tribes, went to New-Spaine, and Peru, and possessed those 2 Kingdomes, till then without Inhabitants. Genebrardus, quoting Esdras concerning that wandring of the 10. Tribes, saith, that Arsareth is Tartaria the greater, and from thence they went to Greenland; because that America is lately found compas∣sed with it, and so it is to be on that side farther from Sea, than it is upon other sides, being al∣most an Iland; and they might passe from Greenland, by the Streight of Davis into the country Labrador, which is now called India,

being 50. miles distant from thence, as Gome∣ras saith in his History: The same journying of the 10 Tribes into India, is confirmed by that which P. Malvenda reports. That Arsareth is that Promontry which is neare to Scythia, or Tartary, neare the Sea, called by Pliny, Tabis, where America is parted from the country of Anian by a narrow Sea; which also on that side parts China, or Tartary from America; so that there might be an easie passage for the 10. Tribes through Arsareth, or Tartary into the Kingdomes of Anian, and Quivira; which in time might plant the new world, and firme land; which in bignesse equals Europe, Asia, and Africa put together; Alonsus Au∣gustinianus counting from the shoare of the north Sea, from the country of Labrador 3928. miles, and from Sur 3000. miles; but Goma∣ras counts from India by the South, and Sur 9300. miles; which space is big enough for the 10. Tribes, that they may there spread in places hitherto unknowne.

SECT. 4.

HE strengthens this opinion, that in the isle S. Michael, which belongs to the Azo∣res, the Spaniards found Sepulchres under ground, with very ancient Hebrew letters, which Genebrardus hath Printed, in lib. 1. chro. p. 159. From whence we gather, that in that inscription there is a mistake of the Letter (T),

so that the sense of it is, How perfect is God. Sehalbin is dead. Know God. Unless you will have them to be proper Names, and to signifie him that is dead, and his Father, in which sense for (M) you must read (B), and then the sense will be, Meetabel, seal, the Son of Ma∣tadel; such names ending in (el) are common in Scripture, as Raphael, Immanuel, and the like. Let it suffice him who is pleased with neither of those conjectures, that Hebrew Let∣ters were found there. And though that Iland is remote from the West-Indies, yet it might be by accident that they might put in thither.

SECT. 5.

THat seems to be to the purpese which Gar∣cillasse de la Voga saith in his Comment on Peru, lib. 3. c. 1. That in Tiahuanacis a Pro∣vince of Collai, among other Antiquities, this is worthy of memory, (being scituated at the Lake which the Spaniards call Chutuytu) That among the great buildings which are there, one was to be seen of a very great pile, which hath a Court 15 fathoms broad; a wall that compasseth it, 2 furlongs high; on one side of the Court is a Chamber 45 foot long, and 22 broad; and the Court, the Wall, the Pavement, the Chamber, the Roofe of it, the entrance, the posts of the 2 gates of the Cham∣ber, and of the entrance, are made onely of one stone; the three sides of the Wall are an ell

thick; the Indians say, that that House is de∣dicated to the Maker of the World. I conje∣cture that building to be a Synagogue, built by the Israelites; for the Authors who writ about the Indies, tell us, that the Indians never use iron, or iron weapons. Also the Indians were Idolaters, and therefore it could not be that they should build an house to God. P. Acosta in lib. 6. Ind. histor. c. 14. mentions such buil∣dings as are in that place; and he reports that he mesured a stone which was 38 foot long, 18 foot broad, and 6 foot thick. Petrus Cie∣za in his first part of his Chonicles of Peru, c. 87. relates, That in the City Guamanga, which is situated by the river Ʋinaque, there is a vast building, which because then it seemed almost ruined by time, it therefore had lasted many yeares. He asking the neighbouring Indians. Who built that great Pile? he learnt, that it was made by a people (who were bearded, and white as the Spaniards) who came thither a long time before (and staid some time after) the Indians raigned there; and the Indians said, that they had received it from their Fa∣thers by Tradition. The same Cieza cap. 10 5. of the Antiquity of Tiguanac, saith, that what the Indians boa••t to be very ancient, can by no meanes be compared with that Ancient buil∣dings, and other things. From all which you may well gather, that the first inhabitants of

that place were the Israelites of the 10 Tribes because they were white, and bearded.

SECT. 6.

TO this opinion adde an argument taken from what Logicians call à simili; for he that will compare the Lawes and Customes of the Indians and Hebrews together, shall finde them agree in many things; whence you may easily gather, That the Indians borrowed those of the Hebrews (who lived among them) be∣fore, or after they went to the unknown moun∣taines. The Indians of Jucatan, and the Acu∣zainitenses do circumeise themselves. The To∣tones of New Spain, and Mexicans (as Roman and Gomaza in the generall history of the In∣dians testifie) rend their garments, if their hap∣pen any sudden misfortune, or the death of any. Gregorius Garcias in Monarchia Ingaso∣num, an Isle of Peru, saith, that Guainacapacus hearing that his son Atagualpa sled for feare of the army of his enemy, he rent his garments. The Mexicans, and Totones, or the Totonaca∣zenses kept continually fire upon their altars, as God commands in Leviticus. Those of Peru do the same, in their Temples dedicated to the Sun. The Nicaraguazenses do forbid their wo∣men who were lately brought a bed, to enter their Temples, till they are purified. The Inha∣bitants of Hispaniola think those do sin, who lye with a woman a little after her child-birth.

And the Indians of new Spain do severely pu∣nish Sodomie. Many of the Indians do bury their dead on the Mountains; which also is the Jewish custome, and Garcias saith, the name Chanan to found in those countries. You may wonder at this, that the Indians doe every 50. yeares celebrate a Jubily, with great pomp, in Mexico, the Metropolis of the whole Pro∣vince. Also that on the Sabbath-day all are bound to be present in the Temple, to perform their Sacrifices, and Ceremonies. They also were divorced from their wives, if they were not honest. The Indians of Pern, New-Spain, and Guatemala did marry the widdowes of their dead brethren. May not you judge from these things, that the Jewes lived in those pla∣ces, and that the Gentiles learned such things of them? Add also to what hath been said, that the knowledge which the Indians had, of the creation of the world, and of the universall Flood, they borrowed from the Israelites.

SECT. 7.

THe 4^th ground of this opinion is, that the Indians are of a brown colour, and with∣out beards; but in the new world, white, and bearded men were found, who had never com∣merce with the Spaniards; and whom you cannot affirme to be any other than Israelites; because also as they could never be overcome, so they shall never be fully known: as appears

by what followes. Petrus Simon a Francis∣can, in his History of finding out the firme land, saith, that in the raigne of Charles the 5. he commanded one called Philippus de Vire thi∣ther, to discover, and plant those countries; that he found them unknown toward the north of America about 5. degrees, in the Province of Omeguas, which is neare the Province of Venezuela, and now is called Garracas. And he having learned of their neighbours, the greatnesse of that people both in wealth, and in war, he determined to war upon them. Who when they had marched a good way, at last found a rich city, full of people, and faire buil∣dings; and not farre off 2 husbandmen tilling the ground; whom they would have made prisoners, that they might be their interpreters. But when they saw themselves set on, they fled apace towards the city; but Philippus d' Vire and his Soldiers followed them hard on horseback, and had almost taken them; where∣upon the husbandmen stood still, and with their Speares wounded Philip in the breast, piercing through his Brest-plate made of wooll to keepe off arrowes. He wondering at the dexterity of that people, judged it a wiser course, not to make war upon that Province, and people so expert in war, and who dared to resist armed men. Therefore he retreated with his Company. And to this day none goe to

that people, neither is it known which way to go to them. It is probable that they are Israelites whom God preserves in that place against the day of redemption. Alonsus de Erzilla testi∣fies the same thing, in 2. part. sua Araucaniae, Cant. 27. where describing those places, he thus speakes in Spanish,

Some Countries there, so populous are seen, As one continued City; which have been Never as yet, discoved; but unknown To other Nations; have lyen hid alone; Not found by forraine sword, nor forrain trade Doe either seeke, nor suffer to be made▪ But unacquainted live, till God shall please To manifest his secrets▪ shew us these.

SECT. 8.

IOanues Castilianus Vicarius living in the City Pampelona of Nova Granada in Peru, saith, that when Gonzalus Pisarrus had revol∣ted from his people, he sent some to search out new countries of the Indians who lived east∣ward, whose number could never be knowne, because that (as some say) their country is a∣bove 2000 miles in length, if you compute from the head of the river Maragnon, which runnes neare Andes of Gusco, unto the place where it runs into the Sea, where therefore the River began to be navigable, Petrus d' Orsua being a Captaine, went by water, and h••s Soldiers with him, in Vessels called Canows; which

when they were too small for the sorce of the streame, he built Brigandines, on the bank of the River Guariaga, which washing the Pro∣vince Chachapoyas, runs into Maragnon. He was scarce gone aboord his Brigandines, when one of his owne Soldiers named Aquirre, a stout man, killed him, who by common consent succeeded the slaine▪ When they had gone a little way, they found a plain without a moun∣taine, where many houses stood on each side of the bank of Maragnon, being built by the In∣dians. They still went on for 48 houres toge∣ther, and saw nothing but tall, and white hou∣ses, which they feared to goe into, because the Inhabitants were numerous, and because they heard the noise of Hammers; for which cause they thought the Inhabitants to be Goldsmiths. They went on still, and now sailed in the north Sea, but alwayes neere to the shoar of the Pro∣vince of Margarita, where Aquirre was catcht by the Inhabitants and hanged; for they heard that he had killed his Captain Petrus de Orsua.

SECT. 9.

CAspar Bergarensis (whom I have oft spoke with) went from the City Loxa, which is in the Province of Quiti in Peru, and accompanied the Colonell Don Diego Vaca de∣la Vega going to seek a new Country.

In the yeare 1622 they came to the Province Jarguasongo, which had been discovered by

Captain Salines; and they passed the Moun∣taines Cordillerae, where the River Maragnon is not above a stones cast over. In the Province of the Iude Mainenses they built a City, whose name was S. Franciscus de Borja, at Esquila∣che. In his company were an 100 Spaniards in Canows. Having conquered those Indians, and compelling them to sweare fealty to the King of Spaine; the Collonel being instructed by the Mainenses, went to other places, after he had put a Garrison into his new City. Ha∣ving sayled fifty leagues in the River (he found some Cottages of the Indians which there hid themselves) by favour of many Rivers which there run into Maragnon. When they had sailed into the River Guariaga, where Petrus de Orsua had built his Brigaudines, and was killed by Aquerra; they asked the Indians whom they had taken (who were called Gua∣riaga, from the Rivers name) what people doe live on the Rivers side? they told the Colo∣nell, that 5 dayes journey off, there live men of tall stature, comely in presence, and have as great beards as the Spanyards have, valiant, and warlick, who are not skilled in Canowes, though the rest of the Indians use no other; he presently returned the same way he came.

SECT. 10.

IN Fardambuc about 40 years since, 8 Tabaiares had a mind to look out new Countries, and to see whether the Land that was beyond, and unknown, were inhabited. They having spent 4 moneths in travelling Westward, they came to mountains, to whose top they got with difficulty, and found a plain which a pleasant river did compass, by whose bank side dwelt a people who loved commerce, they were white, and bearded; and this 5 of the Tabaires (for 3 perished by the way, and only 5 returned) told to the Brasilians after 9 moneths.

SECT. 11.

IN our time, under King Philip the Third, Cap∣tain Ferdinandes de Queiros being returned out of India (where he had spent most of his life) to Rome, he shewed a Table of Lands yet undiscove∣red. From thence he went to Madrid, and 5 ships were given him by che Governour of Panama (to whom he was sent) to perfect his designe. He be∣gan his journey, and was scarcely entred the South Sea, but he found land, which he called, The Isle of Solomon, and Hierusalem, for reasons which he told me. He in his course of sayling alwayes kept close to the shoare of those Islands; he saw those Islanders of a browne colour, and took many; o∣thers dwelt in greater Islands, and more fruitful; these were white, and wore long garments of silk; and the Pilot being bid to bring his Ship neere the shoare, he split his Ship upon a Rock, and the Islan∣ders running greedily to the sight) which being sunke, the Captaine went thence, looking for the

firme land, which he found to be forty degrees be∣yond; and he went 300 miles neere the shoare And when he perceived the Countrey to be inha∣bited, by the smoak which he saw, and would put into a Port on the side of the River, there ran to him many white men, of yellow haire, tall like Giants, richly cloathed, and of long beards. But one of the Vessels being wracked in the Havens mouth, he was forced to put out to Sea; whereup∣on the Islanders sent 2 Chaloffi of a brown colour, (as the inhabitants were of the first Island) with sheep, and other provisions, and fruits, but desiring, and threatning them, if they did not depart: The Captaine brought those Coloffi into Spaine, from whom the Spaniards could learne nothing but by signes; and in stead of answers, (when they were asked) would shew their beards, as if such those were, who were their Lords, and had sent them, and if they were asked about Religion, they would hold up their fingers to heaven, implying, that they worshipped but one God. A little while after, they died in Spain. The Captaine returned to Pa∣nama, having left his 2 Ships which were wrack∣ed; and when the Governour sued him, by meanes. of the Senators, who are over the Indian affaires, he was dismissed, and returned with his Ships into Spaine, where he abode 2 years before his matters were dispatched. But the King created him Mar∣quesse of the Countries found out by him, and commanded to give him a good Army, wherewith to compasse his designes. But he scarce got to Pa∣nama, when he died, not without suspition of be∣ing poisoned by the Governour.

SECT: XII.

THat which I am about to tell, shall serve for a proof of that which I said of the West-Indians. A Dutch mariner told me, that not long since he was with his ship in Ameri∣ca, seven degrees towards the North between Maragnon, and great Para, and he put into an harbor in a pleasant river, where he found some Indians who understood Spanish, of whom he bought Meats, and Dy-wood; af∣ter he had stayed there six months, he un∣derstood that that River extended eighteen leagues towards the Carybes Indians, as far as the ship could go; and that the River is divided there into three branches, and they sayling two months on the left hand, there met them white men, and bearded, well bred, well clothed, and abounding with gold and silver; they dwelt in Cities en∣closed with wals, and full of people; and that some Indians of Oronoch went thither, and brought home much gold, silver, and many precious stones. Which he having understood, sent thither some Sea-men; but the Indian died by the way, who was their guide, and so they did not proceed, but stay∣ed there two months, and trucked with the Indians who were sixty leagues from Sea. That Province is called Jisbia, and is subject

to Zealand; they have no commerce with the Spaniards, and the Inhabitants travell se∣curely every way. I heard that story by acci∣dent from that Dutch master of the ship; whence some of us guessing them to be Israe∣lites, had purposed to send him again to en∣quire more fully. But he dyed suddenly the last yeer, whence it seems that God doth not permit that those purposes should take any effect till the end of days.

SECT: XIII.

YEt I give more credit to our Monterinus, being a Portingal, and a Jew of our or∣der; born in a City of Portingal, called Ville∣fleur, of honest and known parents, a man a∣bout fourty yeers old, honest, and not ambi∣cious. He went to the Indies, where he was put into the Inquisition as the successor of many who were born in Portingal, and de∣scended from them whom the King of Por∣tugal Don Manuel forced to turn Christians: (O wicked, and unjust action, saith Osorius; and a little after, This was done neither according to Law, nor Religion,) and yet to this day they privately keep their Religion, which they had changed, being forced thereto. He being freed from the Inquisition, very diligently ought out these things, and oft spoke with

those men; and then was not quiet till he came hither, and had told us that good news. He endured much in that journey, and was driven to great want, so that no house would give him food, or give him money for his work. I my self was well acquainted with him for six months together that he lived here; and sometimes I made him take an oath in the presence of honest men, that what he had told, was true. Then he went to Farnambuc, where two yeers after he died, taking the same oath at his death. Which if it be so, why should not I beleeve a man that was vertuous, and having all that which men call gain. And who knows but that shortly the truth of that prognostick may appear, which our Monterinus learned from the Mohanes; answerable to that which Ja∣cobus Verus an Astrologer of Prague writ after the apparition of the Comet in Ann. 1618. and dedicated to his Highness the Prince Palatine, where he thus discourseth: The Co∣met going towards the South, doth intimate that the Cities and Provinces which God doth threaten, are those of the West-Indies, which shall revolt from the King of Spaine, who will finde that loss greater then he ima∣gined, not that the Indians rebell against him of themselves, but that they are provoked

to it being stirred up by others. Neither did the Comet only foretell that, but the eclipse of the Sun, which was in that Countrey the yeer before. Thus far the Astrologer. Our ancient Rabbins say, though we do not be∣leeve the Astrologers in all things, yet we do not wholly reject them, who sometimes tell truth.

SECT: XIIII.

THus far of the West-Indies; of which Isaiah may be understood (because it lyes in the midst of the Sea, and also hath many Islands) in Isa. 60.9. The isles shall wait for me, and the ships of Tarshish first, to bring their sons from far, their silver and their gold with them. Jer. 31.10. Hear the word of the Lord O ye nati∣ons, and declare it in the isles afar off, and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him. Psal. 97.1. The Lord reigneth, let the earth rejoyce, and the multitude of isles be glad. Where part of the ten Tribes do dwell unknown to this day.

SECT. XV.

YOu must know, that all the ten Tribes were not carried away at the same time. Pul the King of Assyria (as I shew in the 2d: part of my Reconciler) conquered, and carried away the Tribes of Reuben, Gad, and

half Manasseh, in the reign of Peka, as you may see in 1 Chron: 5.26. and Josephus in li. 9. c. 11. Tiglah-pileser 8. yeers after took Ijon, Abel-beth-maachah, Hazor, Gilead, Galilee, all the land of Naphtali, and he carried away all the captives into Assyria, in 2 King. 15.29. At last Shalmaneser king of Assyria, nine yeers after, in the reign of Hoshea the son of Elah, besieged Samaria three yeers; which being taken, he carried away Hoshea, with the rest of the Tribes, in 2 King. 17.6. Of those three times the Prophet Isaiah speaks, Isa. 9.1. say∣ing, the first captivity was gentle, if you compare it with the last, which was grie∣vous, and unsufferable, when the kingdom, and Monarchy of Israel ceased.

SECT: XVI.

THe ten Tribes being conquered at seve∣rall times, we must think they were car∣ried into severall places. As we beleeve they went to the West-Indies by the strait of Ani∣an, so we think that out of Tartary they went to China, by that famous wall in the confines of both. Our argument to prove it, is taken from the authority of two Jesuites, who erected their Colledges in those Coun∣treys. Nicolaus Trigantius a Dutch-man in his discourse of the Christian expedition under∣taken

by the Jesuites to Sina, saith, We finde that in former time the Jews came into these kingdoms. And when that society had for some yeers seated it self in the Court of the Pequinenses, a certain Jew came to P. Matthaeus Riccius; he was born in Chamfamfu the me∣tropolis of the Province Honan, and was sur∣named Ngay; and now being licensed to the degree of Doctor, he went to Pequin. But when he read in a certain book writ by a Doctor of China, concerning the European affairs, That our fathers are not Saracens, and know no God but the Lord of heaven, and earth; and would perswade himself that ours did professe the Law of Moses, he went into the Church with P. Matthaeus Riccius. On an altar there was the effigies of the Vir∣gin Mary, and the childe Jesus, whom St. John his fore-runner worshipped with bended knees; now that day was the holy-day of John the Baptist. The Jew thinking it was the effigies of Rebecca, and her two sons Jacob and Esau, he bowed also to the Image, but with this apology, that he worshipped no Images, but that he could not but honour these who were the parents of our Nation. And he asking if the foure Evangelists on both sides of the altar, were not foure of the twelue sons of Jacob; the Jesuite answered,

Yes, thinking he had asked of the 12. Apo∣stles. But afterward the Jew acknowledged to the Jesuite that he was an Israelite; and he found the Kings Bible, and acknowledged the Hebrew letters, though he could not read them. By this occasion our people learnt, that ten or twelve families of Israe∣lites were there, and had built a very neat Synagogue which cost 10000. crowns; in which they have kept the five books of Mo∣ses with great veneration for 600. yeers. He also affirmed, that in Hamcheu the metropo∣lis of the Province Chequiona, there are far more families, with a synagogue; and else∣where that many families live without a synagogue, because that by little and little they are extinguished. He relating many things out of the old Testament, he differed but little in pronouncing those names. He said, that some among them were not igno∣rant of the Hebrew tongue, but that himself had neglected it, having studied the China tongue from a childe. For which cause he was counted almost unworthy of their socie∣tie, by the ruler of the synagogue. But he chiefly looked after this, that he might get to be Doctor. Three yeers after P. Matthaeus Riccius sent one of our brethren to that me∣tropolis, who found all those things true.

He compared the beginnings, and endings of the books which the Jews keep in their synagogue, with our Pentateuch, and saw no difference, this onely, that those had no pricks. The other Jesuite is Alfonsus Cimedro, who likewise saith, that there is a great number of Jews in the Province of Oroensis, on the West part of China, who know no∣thing of the coming, and suffering of Jesus. And he from thence gathers, that they are of the ten Tribes, (which opinion I also am of) because those Chineses observe many Jewish rites, which you may see in a manuscript, which the noble Jaochimus Wicofortius hath. And why might not some of them sail from China to New-Spaine through the Streight between China, and Anian, and Quivira, which do border upon New-Spain; and from thence they went to the Isles of Panama, Peru, and those thereabout. These in my judgement are those Chineses of whom Isaiah speaks, Chap. 49. ver: 12. (treating about Israels return to his countrey) Behold these shall come from afar, and these from the North, and from the West, and these from the land of Sinim. And so Ptolomy in lib 7. c. 3. tab. 11. cals it, The countrey of Si∣nim, or Sina: and this is the true sense of the words; Aben Ezra therefore is mistaken, who derives it of Sene, a bush, or wood, which he placeth in Aegypt.

SECT: XVII.

I Could easily believe, that the 10. Tribes as they increased in number, so they spread into more Provinces before-mention∣ed, and into Tartary. For Abraham Ortelius in his Geography of the world, and map of Tartary, he notes the place of the Danites, which he calls the Hord, which is the same which the Hebrew Jerida, signifying A de∣scent. And lower, he mentions the Hord of Naphtali, possessed by Peroza in the year 476. Schikhardus in his Tarich, or series of the Kings of Persia, amplifies the history of this war, where ex lib. 4. of Agathias he thus saith, A little after when they were eased of that plague, (sc. 7. years drought) in the time of the Empe∣rour Zeno, Firuz made a double war with Naphta∣li, in which at last he was destroyed. For first of all he was brought to the streights of places unknown; who then sought for peace upon this condition (and obtained it) that he should swear that he would ne∣ver after provoke them; and that he should do reverence to this Conquerer in token of subjection: which afterward by the counsell of the Magicians he performed craftily, for he bowed towards the Eastern Sun, that his own people might think that he bowed rather to the Sun (after his Countrey cu∣stome) then to honour his Enemy. But he did not

truly perform that first agreement, though confirmed by Letters Patents; who because he could not digest the disgrace of bowing to his Enemy, he prepared a new Army and went against them; but a second time he being entrapped by the badnesse of the coun∣trey, he lost his life, and many with him, in a gulf which the Nephthalites had prepared for him, ha∣ving dressed it over with reeds, and some earth thrown a top; they having left in the middle some high grounds, and trees where their Souts were, that their stratageme might not be found, and that the Persians might more confidently attempt the ditch. Thus a rash King paid for his perfidy, he ex∣celling more in daring, then in counsell, as Agathias saith. The Patent by which peace had been agreed, was hung upon a spear, and might be seen of him at distance, that he might remember his oath, repent, and disist from his enterprise: but he cared little for that. But when by his unexpected fall he saw he should die, it is said that he pulled off from his right ear a pearl of huge bignesse, and whitenesse, and lest any after him should finde it (more likely that his carps should not be known) he threw it a great way off. The same Author asks, who those Neph∣thalites were? and by many arguments he proves that they are the relicks of the Jews; saith he, I do wholly think that they are the relicks of the Jews of the tribe of Nephtali, whom Triglath Pilesser the Assirian carried into those places, in 2

King. 15.29. For 1. The name, in the best copies of Agathias, which Lewenclavius hath mended, is the same fully; in other books it wants nothing but an (b); now it is searce possible that in a word of ma∣ny syllables that should fall out by chance. 2. Their countenance discovers it, for as Procopious J C saith they are not black, or foule in their countenance, as the Huns are among whom they live, but the onely white men of that countrey; that it may evidently appear that they came from some other place thi∣ther. 3. Their manners agree, for the same. Author saith, that they are not Nomades, as the Huns who are unconstant in their dwelling, and eat up one place after another; but they inhabit one certain place. Beside, they observe Law and equity, as the Romanes; and have pollicy, being well governed by their Prince: both which is rare among their neigh∣bour Nations. Also they do not lay abroad their dead, as the Barbarians do, but they desently cover them with earth. Lastly their jornals do testifie that many Jews live there, especially in the mountains, who have searched to the mid-land countreys of East-Asia. R. Benjamin. f. 23. From thence (the coast of Persia) is 28 daies journey to the mountains Nisebor, which are neer the river Gozan. The Is∣ralites which come from thence into Persia, say, that there in the Cities of Nisebor, are 4. Tribes (so: Dan, Zabulon, Aser. Naphtali,) of the first captivi∣ty, which Shalmaneser the Assyrian carried thi∣ther,

as in 2 King 17.6. he brought them to Habor, and Halab, the river Gozan, and the mountains of Media. The compasse of that countrey is 20. daies j••urney; and they possesse Cities, and Castles upon the mountains, by one side of which, runs the river Gozan; neither are they subject to the Nations, but have a Governor over them, by name R. Joseph A∣markela a Levite, and there are among them some who study wisdom. They sowe; and reap; yea they ••rage war to the Countrey of Cuth. In the same place O••telius addes, in the countrey Tabor, or Tibur (which Solinus commends, in c. 49.) they dwell a people, who though they have lost the holy writings, they obey one King; who came into France, in Ann. 1530. and spoke with Francis the first, was burnt at Mantua by the command of the Emperour Charles the fifth, because that he did private∣ly reach Judaism to Christian Princes, and to the Emperour himself. Boterus saith the same in his relations of the farthest part of Tartary. But both these were deceived; for Rabbinus Jesephus Cohon, a man worthy to be believed, relates this more truly in his Chronology, saying, that the Jew who came out of that countrey, was the brother of the King of the Israelites, was called David the Reubenite; and having seen India in his passage, he came to Portugal, where he con∣verted

the Kings Secretary to Judaism, who fled from thence with him, taking the name of Selomoh Molho; he in short time was so well versed in the Law, yea in the Cabala it self, that he made all Italy admire him. The Se∣cretary together with the Rendenite, ende∣voured to draw the Pope, Charles the fifth, and Francis the first to Judaism. Selomoh Molho was taken at Mantua, and burnt alive, in the year 1540. He yet was offered his life, if he would turn Christian. The Reubenite was by Charles the fifth carried prisoner into Spain, where he shortly after died. Abraham Frisol Orhotolam remembers the Reubenite, saying, 45. years agone David Reubenita, a Prince of the Israelites, came from Tabor, a Province of Tartary, into Europe, who said that two Tribes are there; and other Tribes a little farther, under their Kings, and Princes, and also an unspeakable number of people. Perhaps the Province Tabor is the same that Habor; which is mentioned in •• King. 17.6. that the ten Tribes were brough•••• by Salmaneser to Habor, and Halah; now the Hebrew letters (h) and (t) are neer in fashi∣on. Eldad Danita of the Tribe of Dan, came out of those Countreys 500. years agon (a letter from whom, which we call Sephar El∣dod a-Dani, is kept to this day) and being

examined by the Rabbins, was found an ap∣proved man. The learned Rabbi David Kim∣hi, who lived 450. years since, in etymol. suo in the word Segiah, he saith, Rabbi Jonah writes of the name of Rabbi Juda Aben Karis, that he heard Eldad Danita say, &c. And so what I said is true, as appears by the testimonies pro∣duced

SECT: XVIII.

PArt of the ten Tribes also live in Ethiopia in the Habyssin Kingdom; as divers Ha∣bissins reported at Rome. Boterus in his relati∣ons speaks the same thing, that two potent Nations do live neer Nilus, and that one of them is that of the Israelites, who are gover∣ned by a mighty King. A Cosmographer who hath added notes to Ptolomyes tables, saith thus in his table of New Africa; that part of new Africk was unknown of old, the head of Nilus not being known, which is in the mountains of the Moon, as the Ancients call them; where there dwels a great num∣ber of Israelites, paying tribute to Prester John. Rabbi Abraham Frisol in the book al∣ready quoted, saith, that in his time some who had been in those Countreys, reported the same to Hercules the Duke of Ferraria. And without question from hence the Ha∣byssins

learned circumcision, the observation of the Sabbath, and many more Jewish rites. Of these Isaiah seems to speak, in Isa. 18.1, 2. Wo to the land which under the shadow of sails doth sail beyond the rivers of Ethiopia, by whom (the Prophet saith) are sent ambassadors in ships of bulrushes, (such as the Ethiopians use, com∣monly called Almadiae.) Bring back a people driven out of their countrey, and torn, and more miserable then any among us. Gifts shall be brought to the Lord of Sebaoth, in the place where the name of the Lord of Sebaoth, is worshipped, in the mount Sion. The Prophet Zephany saith the same, in Zeph. 3.9, 10. Then will I give to the people that they speaking a pure language, may all call upon the name of God, whom they shall serve with reverence; from beyond the rivers of Ethiopia they shall bring to me for a gist, Hatray the daughter of my dispersed ones, (that is, the Nations of Ethi∣opia). Which agrees with that of Isa. And your brethren (which are the 10. Tribes) shall bring gifts to the Lord.

SECT: XIX.

ANd without doubt they also dwell in Media; from thence they passed En∣phrates, whither they were first brought, as in 2 King. 17.24. and in the book of Tobit. Jose∣phus also speaks of them in the Preface of his

book of the War of the Jews, that the Jews did think that their brethren, who dwelt be∣yond Euphrates, and farther, would rebell against the Romanes. Agrippa in his oration to the people of Jerusalem, that they would not rebell against the Romanes, speaks thus, What associates do ye expect to joyn with you, in your rebellion, and war? doth not all the known world pay tribute to the Romans? Perhaps some of ye hope to have help from them beyond Euphrates. And in lib. 2. Anti∣quit. c. 5. speaking of those who in the time of Ezra returned from Babylon to Jerusalem, he saith, All Israel dwelt in Media; for two Tribes only dwelt in Asia, and Europe, and lived subject to the Romans; as the other ten on the other side En∣phrates, where they are so many, that they cannot be counted. It is not therfore to be doubted, the people encreasing after their first transporta∣tion, they sought out new places, which we have formerly mentioned.

SECT: XX.

LAstly, all think, that part of the ten Tribes dwell beyond the river Sabbathi∣on, or sabbaticall. Rabbi Johanan the Author of the Jerusalem Talmud, who lived 160 years after the destruction of the 2d: Temple, saith in his treatise of the Sanhedrim, ca. 17. That

the 10. Tribes were carried into 3. places, sc. to the Sabbaticall river, to Daphne the sub∣urbs of Antioch, and thither where a cloud comes down and covers them: and that they shall be redeemed from those three places; for so he opens that place of Isa: Chap. 49.9. That they may say to the captives, go forth, (sc: to them who were at the Sabbaticall river) to them that are in darknesse, shew your selves, (sc: to them who are compassed with the cloud) and to all, they shall be refreshed in the wayes, (sc: to them who live in Daphne of Antioch which is in Syria). Whence you may observe, that the learned man l'Emperiur translated it ill, at the sides of Antioch, whereas Daphne is the proper name of a pleasant grove near Antioch. Sedar olam makes mention of that cloud, and cals them mountains of obscurity. And in Talmud tractat. Sanhedr. c. 11. R. Jonathan ben Ʋziel, who lived an hundred yeers before the de∣struction of the 2^d: Temple, in Exod. 34.10. where the Lord saith, I will do wonders before all thy people, such as were never done in the whole earth, or in any Nation, &c. and he refers all those things to the transportation of the people. He shall draw them to the rivers of Baby∣lon, and shall carry them to the sabbaticall river, and shall teach them, that those miracles were never performed to any Nation of the known world. Our

ancient Rabbins in Beresit Rabba (no mean book) in Perasach, do say, that Tornunfus ask∣ing how it should appear that the day which we keep, is the 7th. day, on which God rested after the Creation of the world: Rabbi Aque∣bah (who lived 52. yeers after the destructi∣on of the 2^d: Temple) answered by an argu∣ment taken from the stones of the Sabbati∣call river, which in the six dayes are tossed up and down with a continuall motion, but do rest on the Sabbath day, and move not. The same is said in the Babylonian Talmud, tractat. Sanhed. c. 7. & in Tanuah Perasach. c. 9. In eodem Beresit Raba, in Perasach 37. Rabbi Si∣mon saith, The ten Tribes were carried to the Sab∣baticall river, but Juda and Benjamin are dispersed into all Countreys In Asirim Raba, the last verse of the Song, its said, Our bed is flourishing; that it is meant the ten Tribes, which were carri∣ed to the Sabbaticall river; and that river running all the week, doth cause the ten Tribes there remaining to be shut up; for though on the 7th. day the river doth rest, yet it is forbidden by our Law to take a jour∣ney then; and for that reason they remained there miraculously, as lost, and concealed from us. So that of Isa. 49. That they say to the prisoners, go forth, is interpreted of them in Jalcut. R. Aquebah after the same manner

explains that of Levit. 36.38. And ye shall perish among the heathen. And that of Isa. 27. ult. and they shall come, who were ready to perish in Assyria. Because they are remote from the rest, there∣fore another Rabbi in Bamibar Raba Parasa 16. applyes to them that of Isa. 49.12. Behold them who come from far: that so all those Au∣thors mention that River. The testimony of Josephus is famous, lib. 7. de Bel. Jud. ca. 24. saying, The Emperour Titus passing between Ar∣ca, and Raphanea, Cities of King Agrippa, he saw the wonderfull River, which though it be swift, yet it is dry on every seventh day; and that day be∣ing past, it resumes its ordinary course, as if it had no change; and it always observes this order. It is called Sabbaticall, from the solemn feast of the Jews, because it imitates their rest every seventh day. I know some do otherwise expound those words of Josephus, but they hit not his meaning, as appears by this, that he cals the River, Sabbathio, or sabbaticall: which word cannot be derived but from Sabbath; and who doth not see that it ceaseth to flow, or move, on the Sabbath day; and so Jose∣phus must be understood according to my sense. Pliny also confirms this opinion, lib. 1. Nat: hist. c. 2. he saith, In Judea a river lyes dry every Sabbath; yet I think Pliny is deceived, and ill informed, when he saith it is a river

in Judea; neither is it to be found in Judea, but in another place, where many Jews live. R. Selomoh Jarchi who lived 540. yeers since, mentions that River in Comment. Talm. say∣ing, The stones, and sand of that River do continually move all the six dayes of the week, untill the seventh R. Mardochus Japhe in his learned book Jephe Thoar saith, The Arabians derive Sabbathion from the Sab∣bath, who use to adde the particle (ion) to adjectives. The same saith, that it was told him of an hour-glasse filled with the sand of Sabbathion, which ran all the week till the Sabbath. And I heard the same from my fa∣ther; which testimony I account as good, as if I saw it my self; (for fathers do not use to impose upon their sons.) He told me that there was an Arabian at Lisborn, who had such an hour-glasse; and that every Friday at evening he would walk in the street called the new street, and shew this glasse to Jews who counterfeited Christianity, and say, Ye Jews, shut up your shops, for now the Sabbath comes. Another worthy of credit, told me of ano∣ther hour-glasse, which he had some years before, before the port Mysketa. He saw him by chance (or the Judge of the place) passing that way from Cadez, and being asked, what he was? he commanded him to be taken

away; rebuking the Mahometans that by this mean they did confirm the Jewish Sab∣bath. I should not speak of these glasses, if the authority of such a man whom I have al∣ledged, did not move me; though I beleeve that God did not onely work that miracle, that he might keep part of the 10. Tribes there, but other also, as you may see in Es∣dras. R. Moses Gerundensis a learned Cabalist, and Interpreter of the Law in Parasa Aazinu, thinks the river Sabbathion to be the same with Gozan, of Guz, which signifies, to snatch away, because except the 7th. day, on all the other, it carries with it, by its swiftnesse, the very stones. Of this there is mention in 2 King. whither the King of Assyria led his ca∣ptives; and so relates Benjamin Tudelensis in his journall, that part of the 10 Tribes dwelt at the bank of that River. But I know not where the river G••zan is. In the yeer 5394. that is, 15 years agon, in the City Lubin, two Polonians after they had travelled long, they wrot in Ducht a book of the originall of the Sabbaticall river, but the Senate command∣ed it to be burnt at the Mart of Breslaw, by the perswasion of the Jesuites. Abraham Fri∣sal in his Orchot Olam, c. 26. will have this river to be in India, he saith, The head of the Sabbaticall river is in the countrey of Ʋpper India,

among the rivers of Ganges. And a little after, The sabbaticall river hath its originall from the other side of Kalikout (which lies far above the bound of Lamik, which he placeth beyond the sinus Barbaricus) and it parts the Indians from the kingdom of the Jews, which river you may certainly finde there. Though he takes Go∣zan for Ganges, for some nearnesse of wri∣ting; yet its not to be doubted that in that place there are many Jews, witnesse Joannes de Bairos in his Decads. Eldad Danita speak∣ing of the 4. Tribes, which he placeth at Go∣zan, saith, The Sabbaticall river is among them. Josephus saith, that Titus saw the sabbathion between Arca, and Raphanea. Which testimo∣ny seems the truer, because its not to be thought that Josephus would tella lie of him, by whom be might be rebuked. I think that ye must look for it not far from the Caspian Sea: & I am not alone in this opinion. What ever it be, it appears that this river is some∣where, and that part of the 10. Tribes are hid there; and I may say with Moses in Deut. 29.28, 29. And the Lord cast them out of their land in anger, and in wrath; Secret things belong to the Lord our God. For it is not known when they shall return to their Countrey, neither can it perfectly be shewed where they are, God suffering it, as its said in Deut. 32.26. I deter∣mined

to cast them forth unto the ends of the earth, and to make their remembrance cease from among men. As if he should say, I will cast them unto the farthest places of the world, that none may remember them; and therfore they are truly in Scripture called imprisoned, and lost.

SECT: XXI.

NEither is there weight in the argument which some have brought to me, if they be in the world, why do we not know them better? There are many things which we know, and yet know not their originall; are we not to this day ignorant of the heads of the foure Rivers, Nilus, Ganges, Euphrates, and Tigris? also there are many unknown Countreys. Beside, though some live in known, and neighbour Countreys, yet they are unknown by being behinde mountains; so it happened under the reign of Ferdinand, and Isabel, that some Spaniards were found out by accident, at Batueca, belonging to the Duke of Alva, which place is distant but 10. miles from Salamanca, and neer to Placen∣tia, whither some Spaniards fled, when the Moores possessed Spaine, and dwelt there 800. years. If therefore a people could lye hid so long in the middle of Spaine, why may we not say that those are hid, whom God will

not have any perfectly to know, before the end of daies?

And these things we have gathered con∣cerning the habitations of the ten Tribes, who, we beleeve, do still keep the Jewish rites, as in 2 King. 17.26. when the Israelites were carried captive by Salmaneser, and those of Cuthah came in their stead, an Israelitish Priest was sent by the King, to teach them, because Lions infested them, for that they were ignorant that there was another wor∣ship used in the land: but when the Priest saw that it was impossible to take that peo∣ple wholly off from idolatry, he permitted them to worship divers gods, so that they would acknowledge one to be the mover of all things. The same is also sufficiently pro∣ved out of all the Histories which we have alleaged. And our brethren do keep the Law more zealously out of their land, than in it, as being neither ambitious, nor contentious (which hath sometimes hapned with the fa∣mily of David) by which means they might easily erre in the true Religion, not acknow∣ledge Jerusalem, and withdraw that obedi∣ence, which is due to the Lord, and to his Temple.

SECT: XXII.

VVE learn out of the first of Ezra, that none of the 10. Tribes entred the second Temple; for it is said that only some of the Tribe of Judah, and some of Benjamin did return. Ezra also saith the same in the 1 of Chronicles, that Salmaneser carried the 10. Tribes to Hala, Habor, and Hara, and to the river Gozan to this day: so that you may ga∣ther, that at that time they were there. So likewise Josephus in Antiq. Jud. lib. 11. c. 5.

Perhaps some will say, since Media, and Persia are near to Bahylon, why did they not return to Jerusalem with the two Tribes? I answer, because so few of the 2. neighbour∣ing Tribes did return from thence to Ierusa∣lem, for that they were well seated in Baby∣lon; or else because they heard the Prophets say, that they must not look for any redem∣ption but that which was to be at the end of daies. How then can we think that they, who were more remote, and also had learnt the same things of the Prophets, should leave their place, perhaps to suffer new miseries, and calamities? Beside, we do not read that Cyrus gave leave to any to return, but onely to the two Tribes of Juda and Benjamin. And also it is probable (as some Authors affirm)

that they could not go up from thence, be∣cause they had continually wars with the neighbour people.

SECT: XXIII.

HItherto we have ihewed that the ten Tribes are in divers places, as in the West-Indies; in Sina; in the confines of Tarta∣ry; beyond the river Sabbathion, and Euphra∣tes; in Media; in the kingdom of the Habys∣sins; of all which the Prophet Isaiah is to be understood, in Isa. 11.11. It shall come to passe in that day, that the Lord shall set his hand the se∣cond time to recover the remnant of his people, which shall be left from Assyria, from Egypt, from Pathros, from Ethiopia, from Elam, from Sinear, from Ha∣math, and from the Islands of the Sea. From whence you may gather, that it is meant of those places where the ten Tribes dwell. Sy∣ria, and Egypt shall be the two places of their generall meeting; as more fully hereafter.

Pathros, is not Pelusium, nor Petra, but Par∣thia, neer to the Caspian Sea, where I think, with many others, the Sabbaticall river is. Although there is a Pathros in Egypt, as the learned Samuel Bochardus saith in his holy Geography.

Chus, according to common opinion, is Ethiopia, as is proved out of Ier. 13.23. and in

this place of Ieremy are meant the Israelites, who live in the Countrey of the Abyssins.

Elam, is a Province in Persia, as it appears in Dan. 8.2. where are desert places, in which, perhaps, the remnant of the ten Tribes is.

Shinar, is a Province about Babylon, as in Gen. 10.10. where Babel is said to be in Shinar; and Dan. 1.2. it is said, that Nebuchadnezzar carried the holy vessels to the land of Shinar.

Hamath, there are many Hamaths menti∣oned in the Scripture, many understand it of Antioch; but because Geographers reckon up 12. places named Antioch, therefore we can affirm nothing for certain; but I think, that that is meant, which is placed in Scythia. The seventy Interpreters by Hamath, understand the Sun, from Hamath the Sun; and they translate it, From the rising of the Sun; and I think it is no ill translation; for hereby all the Israelites who are in greater Asia, India, and Sina, may be understood.

The Islands of the Sea; so almost all tran∣slate it; but I think it is to be rendred, The Islands of the West, for I am in holy Scripture signifies The West, as in Gen. 28.14. and in ma∣ny other places; and upon this account those Israelites are implyed, who are Westward from the Holy Land, among whom the A∣mericans are.

SECT: XXIIII.

THe Prophet adds in Isa. 11.12. And he shall set up a sign for the Nations, and he shall assemble the out-casts-of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the foure quarters of the earth. Where he notes two things: 1. that he cals the Israelites out-casts, but the Jews scattered; and the reason is, because the ten Tribes are not onely far off from the Holy Land, but also they live in the extremities and ends of Countreys; from whence the Prophet cals them cast out. But he doth not say, that the Israelites are to be gathered from the foure quarters of the earth, because they are not so dispersed through the world, as the Tribe of Judah is, which now hath synagogues, not onely in three parts of the world, but also in America The Prophet adds in v. 13. The envy also of Ephraim shall depart, and the adversaries of Judah shall be cut off. For then there shall be no contention between Judah, and the 10. Tribes, which are com∣prehended under the name Ephraim, because their first King Jeroboam was of that Tribe. And then, as it is in Ezek. 37.22. One King shall be King over them all, and they shall be no more two Nations, neither shall they be divided any more into two kingdoms. There shall be one

King to them both, of the family of David. Also the Lord at the redemption will drie up Nilus, and Euphrates, and will divide it into seven streames (answerable to his dry∣ing up the red Sea when they came out of Egypt) perhaps that the seven Tribes, which are in those parts, may go over it; as they passe into their Countrey, as Isaiah, saith in ch. 27.12, 13. And it shall be in that day, and he shall shake off from the bank of the river (some understand Euphrates) unto the river of Egypt (Nilus) and ye, O children of Israel, shall be go∣thered one by one. Which was never done in the captivity of Babylon.

The Prophet Isaiah saith in chap. 11.11. that he will return them the second time, &c. Now the redemption from Babylon, cannot be cal∣led such an one, because all of them were not brought back to their Countey. But the re∣demption shall be universal to all the tribes, as it was when they went out of Egypt; which redemption shall be like the first in many things, as I shew in the third part of my Re∣conciler; and so it may be called the second, in reference to that first from Aegypt. Whence Ieremiah saith, Chap. 23.7, 8. That then it shall not be said, He that brought Israel out of Egypt, but from the North, and from all countreys, whither he had driven them. That they shall not mention

their departure from Aegypt, for the cause fore-mentioned.

SECT. XXV.

THe same Prophet, sc: Isa. 43.5, 6. saith, I will bring thy seed from the East, and will ga∣ther thee from the West: I will say to the North, Give up; and to the South, Keep not back; bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth. For Media, Persia, and China, lye on the East; Tartary and Scythia on the North; the kingdom of the Abyssins on the South; Europe on the West, from the Holy Land. But when he saith, Bring ye my sons from far, he un∣derstands America; so that in those verses he understands all those places, in which the Tribes are detained. Also in Chap. 49. from ver: 7. to the end of the Chapter, he saith, that that return shall be most happy. And in ch: 56. ver: 8. God saith, He that gathers the out-casts of Israel. And the Prophet Ieremiah in ch: 33. ver: 16. In those days shall Iudah be saved, and Ierusalem shall dwell safely. It is certain, and Ierom assents to all our Authors, that when Iudah is joyned with Israel, by Israel the ten Tribes are meant. The same addes in ch: 31. ver. 15. in the comforting of Rahel, who wept for the carrying away her sons Ioseph, and Benjamin, the first by Salmaneser

into Assyria, the last by Nebuchadnezzar into Babylon, he saith, in ver: 16. Refrain thy voice from weeping, and thine eyes from tears, for thy work shall be rewarded. And it follows in Cha. 33. ver. 7. And I will cause the captivity of Iudah, and the captivity of Israel to return, and I wil build them up as at the first. Ezekiel saith the same in Chap. 34.13. and in Chap. 37.16. under the figure of two sticks, on which were writ∣ten the names of Iudah, and Ephraim, by which he proves the gathering together of the twelve Tribes to be subject to Messiah the Son of David; in ver. 22. he saith, And one king shall be King to them all; according as Hosea saith in Chap. 2. So also saith Amos in ch: 9. ver. 14, 15. And I will bring again the captivity of my people Israel, and they shall build the waste cities, and inhabite them; and they shall plant vine∣yards, and drink the wine thereof: they shall make gardens, and eat the fruit of them. And they shall he no more pulled up out of their land which I have given them, saith the Lord thy God. So also Mica in ch: 2.12. I will surely assemble, O Jacob, all of thee, I will gather the remnant of Israel, I will al∣so place him as the flack in the sheep-fold. For that in the captivity of Babylon all were not ga∣thered together. The Prophet Zechariah in ch: 8.7. and in ch: 10.6. and all the rest of the Prophets do witnesse the same thing.

SECT: XXVI.

BUt which way that redemption shall be, no man can tell; but onely so far as we may gather out of the Prophets, That at that time the ten Tribes shall come to Jeru∣salem under the leading of a Prince, whom some Rabbins in the Talmud, and in some places of the Chaldy paraphrase, do call Messiah the son of Joseph; and elsewhere Mes∣siah the son of Ephraim; who being slain in the last war of Gog, and Magog, shall shew him∣self to be Messiah the son of David, who shall be, as Ezekiel, and Hosea say, The everlasting Prince of all the twelve Tribes. Our wise men do, in many places, especially in the Babyloni∣an Talmud, in tract. suca. c. 5. make mention of that Messiah the son of Ephraim; where they say, that he shall dye in the last war of Gog, and Magog; and they so expound that of Zach. 12.10. And they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his onely son. They adde also, that the foure captains, of whom the same Prophet speaks in ch. 11. are, Messiah the son of David, Messiah the son of Joseph, the Pro∣phet Elias, and the high Priest; which foure are those dignities, which shall shew their power in that blessed age. Observe, that

sometime they cal Messiah the son of Ephraim sometime of Joseph; for he shall come out of the Tribe of Ephraim, and shall be Captain of all the 10. Tribes, who give their name to Ephraim, because that their first King Jero∣boam was of that Tribe. Not without cause do they call him the son of Joseph, for he was the true type of the house of Israel, in his imprisonment, and future happiness. Add to this, that he was so long hid from his brethren, that they did not know him: as in like manner the ten Tribes are at this day, who are led captive, but hereafter shall come to the top of felicity, in the same manner as Joseph did. That Messiah of Joseph shall dye in the battel of Gog, and Magog, and afterward shall rise again, that he may enjoy the dig∣nity, not of a kingly Scepter, but the office onely of a Vice-roy, as Joseph in Egypt; for that the Empire of the house of Israel fell, under the reign of Hosea the son of Elah; as the Prophet Amos saith in ch. 5.2. Therefore the Kingdom of the 10. Tribes shall not be restored, as Ezekiel saith in ch. 37. under the reign of Messiah the son of David, who shall be everlasting; and by the death of Messiah the son of Joseph, the 10. Tribes shall see, that God will not that they should have more Kings then one. As its already spoken.

SECT: XXVII.

THose Tribes then shal be gathered from all quarters of the earth, into Coun∣treys near to the Holy Land; namely, into Assyria, and Egypt; and from thence they shall go into their Countrey; of which Isaiah speaks, in ch. 27.13. And it shall be in that day, that the great trumpet shall be blown, and they who were lost, shall come into the land of Assyria; and they who were cast out, into Egypt; and shall wor∣ship the Lord in the holy mount at Ierusalem. As if he should say, as trumpets sound, to call any army together: so they shall come together, who were dead (that is, dispersed through all Asia) into Assyria; and the out-casts (that is, which are in America) shall come by the Mediterranean Sea to Alexandria of Egypt; and in the like manner those who are in Africa, when Nilus shall be dried up, and Euphrates shall be divided; as we have already said. And because the gathering together of the captivity, shall begin at those, who are in America, therfore Isaiah saith, The ilands shall trust in me, and the ships of Tarsis (that is of the ocean) first of all, that they may bring thy sons from far, and with them, their silver, and gold. They shall then come with speed from those countreys, prostrating themselves at the

mountain of the Lord in Jerusalem, as the Prophet Hosea saith of that redemption in ch. 11.11. They shall come as birds out of Egypt, and as doves out of Assyria: so saith Isaiah in ch. 60.8. Who are those that flye as a cloud, and as doves to their nests? They which come first, shall also partake of this joy, to see others to come to them every moment; for which cause the same Prophet saith, Lift up thine eyes round about, and behold them who gather themselves to thee. And because the two Coun∣treys of Assyria, and Egypt, shall first of all kindly receive the people of Israel, and shall know the truth, first of all embracing the Religion of the Jews, sacrificing, and pray∣ing to God, therfore the Peophet Isaiah saith, in ch. 19.25. Blessed be Egypt my people, and Assyria the work of my hands; but Israel is my in∣heritance. For so those words are to be under∣stood.

SECT: XXVIII.

ALL those are the sayings of the holy Prophets, from whence doth appear the return of Israel into their countrey. It is given to none to know the time thereof, nei∣ther it is revealed to Rabbi Simeon ben Johay, the Author of the Zoar; because that God hath reserved that mystery to himself, as

Moses saith, It is hid with me. And Isaiah in ch. 63.4. For the day of vengeance is in my heart, and the yeer in which the redemption shall come. Which the Rabbins thus interpret, I have reveiled it to my heart, and not to Angels: and elswhere, If any man tels you when Messiah shall come, believe him not. So also the Angel saith to Daniel, ch. 12 9. All things are closed up, and sealed to the time of the end. Therefore all those, who search after that time, as Rabbi Seadiah, Moses Egyptius, M••ses Gerundensis, Selomoh Jarchi; Abraham bar Ribi Hijah, Abraham Za∣culo, Mordehai Reato, and Isaac Abarbanel, have been mistaken; for that they would go be∣yond humane capacity, and reveil that, which God concealed. And even to Daniel himself (to whom was made known the se∣cret of the change of the foure Monarchies) it was so revealed to him, that he confessed he did not understand it. Our Ancients did point at this from the letter (m) in Isa. 9 7. where he saith: Of the increase of his govern∣ment: which (m) in the Hebrew, being such an (m) which they write only in the end of words, and a close letter, yet is put in the middle of the word, against common pra∣ctise: because that the time of the fifth Mo∣narchy shall be hid, till the time when it shall begin.

SECT: XXIX.

YEt this I can affirm, that it shall be about the end of this age; and so the Prophets speak of that age about the end of days: and that af∣ter many labours, and a long captivity. So Balaam prophecies, Numb. 24.17. I see, but not now; I behold, but not neer; a Star shall come out of Jacob. Isa. 24.22. They shall be cast into prison, and they shall be visited after many days. And Isa. 49.14. And Sion said, The Lord hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me. Hos. 3.4, 5. The children of Israel shall be many days without a King, and without a Prince: And after that they shall seek the Lord their God, and David their King. The King, and Prophet complains of that delay, in Psal. 44. Psal. 69. Psal. 74. Psal. 77. Psal. 83. And after that, in Psal. 89.50.51. he thus concludes, Remember, O God, the re∣proach of thy servants, who suffer so many injuries of so many people: wherewith they have reproached the steps of thy Messiah. As yet at this day it is said, that ALTHOUGH THE MESSIAH WERE LAME, HE MIGHT HAVE COME BY THIS TIME. Though we cannot exactly shew the time of our redemp∣tion, yet we judge it to be neer. For,

1. We see many prophecies to be fulfilled, and others also, which are subservient to a

preparation for the same redemption; and it appears by this, that during that long, and sore captivity, many calamities are fore-told us under the foure Monarchies. David saith in Psal. 120.7. Lord, when I speak of peace, they speak of war. And elswhere, We are slain all the day for thy name, and are accounted for sheep which are slain. In Isa. 53.7. He shall be led as a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb before his shearers: he shall be dumb, and shall not open his mouth. O how have we seen these things in the banishments of England, France, and Spaine! and how have they proved those crimes, which most false men have said that ours did commit! Behold they have slain them, not for wickednesses, which they did not commit, but for their riches which they had. O how have we seen all those things done by divine providence, for that those misfortunes for the most part hapned on the 9^th. day of the month Ab, an ominous, and unhappy day, on which the first, and second Temple were burnt, and the spies wept with∣out cause.

SECT: XXX.

VVHat shall we say of that horrible monster, the Spanish Inquisition, what crueltie hath not daily been used

against a company of miserable ones, inno∣cents, old men, and children, of every sex, and age, who were slain, because they could not divine who was their secret accuser? But let us see, why in all those places (in which that Spanish tyranniaall Empire rules,) they were slain, who would observe the law of Mosts; and by how many, and how great miracles, hath that law been con∣firmed? and what unrighteousnesse is there in it? We daily see examples of constancy in ours, worthy of all praise, who for the san∣ctifying of Gods name, have been burnt a∣live. Truly many who are still living, can witnesse all those things. In the yeer 1603. At Lisbone, Diego d'Assumeaon, a Monk of 24. years, was burnt alive, who defended him∣self in the Inquisition against some, who would have reduced him, to Christianity, who was born a Christian, and made a Jew; which all wondred at; the Inquisitors being grieved that they had published the reasons which he had alleadged, would have recall∣ed their sentence; but it was then too late; for it was divulged through the world, which I my self have by me. Also the Lord Lope de Vera y Alarcon deserves the praise of martyrdome, who being born of a noble, and eminent family, and very learned in the

Hebrew, and Latine tongues, did imbrace our religion; neither thought it sufficient to be such himself, but discovered himself to many others; thereupon in Ann. 1644. in the 20th. of his age, he being imprisoned at Valla∣dolid, though he lived in the dark, yet he dis∣covered light to many; neither could the great number of Doctors, nor the greater af∣fliction of his parents, move him from his enterprise, either by tears, or by promises. He circumcised himself in prison (ô strange act, and worthy of all praise!) and named him∣self beleeving Judas; and at last, as a 2d: Isaac, offered himself to the flames, contemning life, goods, and honors, that he might ob∣tain immortall life, and good things that cannot perish; in the 25th. yeer of his age. Now though those were not of the family of Israel, yet they obtained an immortall glo∣ry, which is better then this life. Also we have many examples of our own, which did equalize them, of which that is one, which is done in our time, and is worthy to be re∣membred; Isaac Castrensis Tartas (whom I knew, and spoke with) a learned young man, and versed in the Greek, and Latine; he being but newly come to Fernambuc, was ta∣ken by the Portugese, and carried to Lisbone, and burnt alive; he was a young man of 24.

yeers old; scorning riches, and honors, which were offered to him, if he would turn Chri∣stian. They who say he was a traytor, do lye egregiously; for he did defend that place where he was Governor, most valiantly; as ours do deport themselves in those fortified places which are committed to their charge. The same martyrdome was undergone at L••m••, by Eli Nazarenus, in Ann. 1639. Januar. 23. who after he had lived 14. whole yeers in prison, all which time he eat no flesh, lest he should defile his mouth; he called him∣self by that name, after he had circumcised himself. Such a Martyr also, this yeer, was Thomas Therbinon in the City of Mexico.

SECT: XXXI.

IF the Lord fulfilled his word in calami∣ties, he will fulfill it also in felicities. Therefore Rabbi Aquibah laughed, when he saith a wolf run out of the Temple being destroyed, though his companions wept; he saying, Now is fulfilled that prophecie of Jeremiah, in Lament. 5.18. And the foxes shall walk therein; and he added, and those bles∣sings also shall follow, which the Lord hath promised. We see all the curses of God come to passe, which are mentioned in Levit. and Deuteronomy; as well as those, which con∣cern

our being scattered to the ends of the earth (which is Portugal) and those concern∣ing the calamities of the Inquisition; and those of our banishments, as I have opened in my book, De termino vita; from whence it appears, that all the happie prophecies shall be fulfilled. And as we have perished, so also shall Bozra (that is, Rome) pe••••sh. See Isa. 34.6.

SECT: XXXII.

SEcondly, the argument which we bring from our Constancy under so many evils, cannot be eluded, that therefore God doth reserve us for better things. Moses in Levit. 26.44. saith, Though they be in the land of their enemies, yet I will not cast them away, neither will I abhor them to destroy them utterly, and to break my covenant with them, for I am the Lord their God. And truly these things are now fulfil∣led, for that in this captivity, and among the many reproaches which we Jews suffer, yet many of ours are honourably enter∣tained by Princes, with a singular affection. So D. Ishac Abarbanel, who comes of Davids line, is Counseller to the King of Spaine, and Portugall. By this also he hath got a great name, for that he composed the differences, which arose between the King of Portugall,

and the Republique of Venice. And from that family of Abarbarnel (which I note by the by) do proceed my children, by my wifes side. And in the house of his son, D. Samuel Abarbanel, and of his wife Benuenida, the Lady Leonora de Toledo, was brought up at Naples, who is the daughter of D. Peter de Toledo, the Vice-roy of Naples; who after∣ward was married to the most eminent Duke Cosmus de Medicis, and having obtain∣ed the Dukedome of Toscani, she honoured Benuenida with as much honor, as if she were her mother. That peace, which the Venetians made with the Emperour Sultan Selim, 75. years agone, was made, and ratified by a certain Jew Don Selomo Rophe, who was sent Ambassadour to Venice, and received with great pomp, by the Venetians. At Constan∣tinople D. Ben Iaese, Anaucas, and Sonsiaos are of great authority with the Turk. In Egypt the Jews were alwayes Saraph baxas, and also at this day is D. Abraham Alholn. Who knows not that D. Josephus Nassi, otherwise called Joannes Michesius, about the 66. year of the former age, was Duke of Naccia, Lord of Milum, and of the seven Islands, of whom see Famian. Strada in Histor. Belgic. part. 1. lib. 5. He was raised to these honours by Sultan Se∣lim. As also by Sultan Amurat, Jacob Aben

Jaes, otherwise called Alvaro Mendez was made Governour of Tyberias; witnesse Boterus in Relation. part. 3. lib. 2. In Barbary▪ the Lords Rutes were alwaies Governors of Sekes, Phes, and Taradanta. In Ann. 1609, D. Samuel Palaxe was sent Ambassador to the States, by Mulai Zidan the King of Maracco. But he died at the Haghe in Ann. 1616. And the m••st emi∣nent Prince Maurice, and the Nobles, were at his unerall▪ In Persia who knows not of what account they are? There, thirty years since Elhazar was 2d. to the King, and as it were Governour. Now David Jan succeeds him, to whom others also being joyned, they live in the Court. And that must not be for∣got, that when the most eminent Duke of Holstein sent Otto Burchmannus Ambassador to Persia, in Ann. 1635. he desired commen∣datory letters from our Jews at Hamburg, to them, who (as we have already told you) do live there in the Court, that they would make way there, for him that was a stran∣ger; that he might dispatch his affairs. Which was also performed. By which mean ours, who are in Persia, dismissed Burchman∣nus, with rich gifts, and with Letters to the most eminent Duke of Holstein, which the 12. Chuzae, or Princes, had subsigned. A copy of which Leteers the most excellent D. Benja∣min

Mussaphia, one familiar with the Prince, helped me to. Also Claudius Duretus en son thresor des langues, fol. 302. saith, that there are almost an infinite number of Jews in Asia, especially in India, and that King Co∣chini is their great favourer. Yea Linschotes saith (where he treats of Cochini) that they have Synagogues there, and that some of them are of the Kings Counsell. At Prague, Mordocheas Maisel had Arms given him by the Emperour Matthias, who also knighted him. Which honour Jacob Bathsebah also had, under the Reign of Ferdinand; and many other Families are graced with other ho∣nours. And in this very captivity (who could think it) they are so wealthy, that (Gods providence favouring them) they may chal∣lenge to themselves a place among the most Noble.

SECT: XXXIII.

VVHo can enumerate the number of ours, who are renowned by fame, and learning? The learned R. Moses bar Mai∣mon was Physician to Saladin the King of Ægypt. Moses Amon to the Emperour Sultan Bajaseth. Elias M••ntalto to the most eminent Queen of France, Loysia de Medicis; and was also her Counsellor. At Padua Elias Cretensis

read Philosophy; and R. Abraham de Balmas, the Hebrew grammar. And how much ho∣nour had Elias Grammaticus at Rome? And almost all the Princes of Italy honoured with all kinde of honour, Abraham Kolorni; as ap∣pears by a letter writ to him by Thomas Gar∣zoni nella sua piazza universale del mundo. Picus Mirandula (who used to say, That he had but small understanding, who only looked after his own things, and not after other mens) and others, had Hebrew teachers. David de Pomis dedi∣cated his book to Pope Sixtus the fifth, who lovingly, and courteously received both the Author, and work. So at this day we see ma∣ny desirous to learn the Hebrew tongue of our men. Hence may be seen that God hath not left us; for if one persecute us, another receives us civilly, and courteously; and if this Prince treats us ill, another treats us well; if one banisheth us out of his countrey, another invites us by a 1000 priviledges; as divers Princes of Italy have done, the most eminent King of Denmark, and the mightie Duke of Savoy in Nissa. And do we not see, that those Republiques do flourish, and much increase in Trade, which admit the Israelites?

SECT: XXXIIII.

MOses saith in his last song, that God would revenge the blood of his peo∣ple who are scattered. And Jeremiah saith in ch. 2.3. Israel is the Lords holy thing, the first fruits of his increase; all who devour him shall be found guilty; evill shall come upon them, saith the Lord. And that the histories of divers times, even from Nebuchadnezzar, to these very times, do testifie. Have not the Monarchies of great Princes been destroyed? Consider with me the miserable ends of Antiochus, of Pompey, of Sisibuthus, of Philip the King of France, of A∣lonsus the son of John the 2d. And we may remember, how King Sebastian with his 4th. generation, and with all his Nobles, was slain in a battel of Africa, in that same place, in which he had caused the Jews to be ba∣nished. Ferdinand, and Isabel were the great persecuters of our Nation, but how did both he, and she die? as for him his son-in-law, and his own subjects did persecute him; and his onely son died (leaving no issue) on his wedding-day, being 17. years old. His daugh∣ter being Heir of the Kingdom, and of her fathers hatred, would not marry to Emanuel king of Portugal, unlesse he would compell us to be banished, and change our Religion.

But she dyed in child-birth of her son Sara∣goci, and also her son, before he was half a yeer old; and the succession was devolved upon the Kingdom of Spaine. It is not long since, that the Spaniards exercised upon us at Mantua, what ever cruelties they could invent; what shall we say of that, that at Madrid, in the yeer 1632. was done by the Inquisition, the King, and Princes of the Kingdom concurring; but in the very same month dyed the Infant Charles, and their kingdom declined. What wonder is it if God hath chastised divers kingdoms by sun∣drie wayes: but of this I treat farther in my History of the Jews. Let us conclude there∣fore, that that good, which God hath pro∣mised, will shortly come, since we see that we have suffered those evils, which he hath threatned us with, by the Prophets.

SECT: XXXV.

3^ly, THe shortnesse of time (when we be∣leeve our redemption shall appear) is confirmed by this, that the Lord hath pro∣mised that he will gather the two Tribes Judah, and Benjamin, out of the foure quar∣ters of the world, calling them Nephussim. From whence you may gather, that for the fulfilling of that, they must be scattered

through all the corners of the world; as Da∣niel saith, Dan. 12.7. And when the scattering of the holy people shall have an end, all those things shall be fulfilled. And this appears now to be done, when as our Synagogues are found in America.

SECT: XXXVI.

4^ly, TO these, let us adde that, which the same Prophet speaks, in ch. 12. ver: 4. That knowledge shall be encreased; for then the prophecies shall better be understood, the meaning of which we can scarce attain to, till they be fulfilled. So after the Ottoman race began to flourish, we understood the prophecie of the two legs of the Image of Nebuchadnezzar, which is to be overthrown by the fifth Monarchy, which shall be in the world. So Jeremiah after he had handled in Chap. 30. the redemption of Israel, and Ju∣dah, and of the war of Gog, and Magog (of which Daniel also speaks in ch. 12.) when he treats of the Scepter of the Messiah the son of David, of the ruine of the Nations, of the re∣storation of Judah, of holy Jerusalem, and of the 3^d: Temple, he addes in ver: 24. The fierce anger of the Lord shall not return, till he hath exe∣cuted it, and till he hath performed the intents of his heart; in the latter daies ye shall understand it.

From whence follows what we have said, that the time of redemption is at hand. And because Jeremiah in that chapter makes an abridgment of all things that shall be, therefore it is said in ver: 2, Write thee all the words which I have spoken to thee, in a book. By this mean making the prophecie clearer, by relating in a clear style, what ever the Pro∣phets had foretold; imitating Moses, the last words of whose song are, Sing, O ye Nations, with his people, in Deut 32.43. Also the last words which he spoke, after that he had blessed the Tribes, are these, Happy art thou, O Israel: who is like to thee, O people? saved by the Lord, who is the shield of thy help, and the sword of thy excellency; and thine enemies shall be found lyars to thee, and thou shalt tread upon their high places, in Deut. 33.29. From whence it appears, that God will revenge the blood of Israel, which hath been shed. Joel confirms the same in ch. 3.19. Egypt shall be a desolation, and Fdom shall he a filthy desert, for the violence, and injury offered to the Jews, and because they have shed in∣nocent blood in their land. And as they shall be punished by the just judgement of God, who wish us evill: so also God will give blessings upon them who favour us. And those are the trees of the field which then shall rejoyce. So God saith to Abraham, in Gen. 12.3. I will

blesse them who blesse thee, and curse them that curse thee.

SECT: XXXVII.

THese are the things which I could ga∣ther concerning this matter, which hath not been heretofore handled; from whence these consequences may be deduced.

• 1. That the West-Indies, were anciently inhabited by a part of the 10. Tribes, which passed thither out of Tartary, by the Streight of Anian.
• 2. That the Tribes are not in any one place, but in many; because the Prophets have foretold their return shall be into their Countrey, out of divers places; Isaiah especi∣ally saith it shall be out of eight.
• 3. That they did not return to the 2^d: Temple.
• 4. That at this day they keep the Jewish Religion.
• 5. That the prophecies concerning their return to their Countrey, are of necessitie to be fulfilled.
• 6. That from all coasts of the world they shall meet in those two places, so: Assyria, and Egypt; God preparing an easie, pleasant way, and abounding with all things, as Isaiah saith, Chap. 49. and from thence they shall

• flie to Jerusalem, as birds to their nests.
• 7. That their kingdom shall be no more divided; but the twelve Tribes shall be joyn∣ed together under one Prince, that is, under Messiah the Son of David; and that they shall never be driven out of their land.

SECT: XXXVIII.

I Return to the relation of our Montezinus, which I prefer before the opinions of all others, as most true. For that Peru should be derived from the name Ophir, as Gulielmus Postellus, Goropius in Ortelius, Bozius de signis Eccles. lib. 2. c. 3: Marinus in arcâ Noah, P. Sa. in 3. Reg. Pomarius in his Lexicon, and Posse∣vinus lib. 2. Biblioth. c. 8. do think, cannot be proved; as Pineda hath well observed, in Job, c. 28. p. 500. for we have said out of Garcilasso de la Vega, that that name was unknown to them of Peru. Ophir then is East-India, if we beleeve Josephus, lib. 8. Antiquit. Judaic. c. 6. & Acosta in lib. 1. Histor. Ind. from whence Solo∣mon fetched gold, and precious stones. But what Gomara in part. 1. hist. Ind. fol. 120. and Zarate in proaem. hist. Peru, would have, that ours did passe over that famous, and much praised Island (by Plato in Critia, and Timae∣us) of Atlantis, and so went into the neigh∣bour Islands of Barlovent, and from thence

to the firm land, and at last to the kingdom of Peru, and New-Spaine; it is deservedly ex∣ploded as fabulous; and Acosta laughs at it, in lib. 1. hist. Ind. c. 22. But Marsilius Ficinus in comment. in Timaeum, c. 4. & Critia, that he might defend Plato, thinks (and his disci∣ples, Porphyry, Origen, and Proclus do follow him) that all that which is in Critia, and in Timaeus, is to be understood allegorically. And who will believe Lescarbotus, who saith, that they are the Canaanites, who fled thi∣ther for fear of Joshua? For I cannot be per∣swaded that they sought out Countreys so far remote. They who will have them of Pe∣ru to have come out of Norwey, or Spaine, may be confuted by their very form, manners, and the unlikenesse of their languages. But that is more false, that they are Israelites, who have forgot circumcision, and their rites. For they are of a comly body, and of a good wit, as saith Doctor Johannes Huarte, in his book which is called, Examen ingenior. c. 14. But contrarily all men know that the Indi∣ans are deformed, dull, and altogether rude. And we have abundantly shown, with how great study, and zeal, the Israelites have kept their language, and Religion, out of their Countrey.

SECT: XXXIX.

MOntezinus then speaks most likely; that as other people forced the Israelites to betake them to the mountains: so America being first of all inhabited by the persecu∣ting Tartars, they were driven to the moun∣tains of Cordillecae, where at last they were hid, as God would have it. Truly, comparing the Israelites themselves, or their laws, with other people, I see not any thing that comes nearer truth. Perhaps also America was not of old contiguous to Asia on the North side. It doth not seem to me such an absurdity, to say, that the Israelites went out of Tartary into America by land; and afterward, that God, to preserve his, among other miracles, also wrought this, to make that a Sea, where now is the streight of Anian. Yea that might be done without a miracle, by accident, as we know that more than once, the Sea by a violent storme hath carried away the Land, and made Islands. Xenophon in suis aequivoc. mentions the inundations of Aegypt, which happened in the dayes of Prometheus, and Hercules. Also Berosus in lib. 5. and Diodorus li. 6. mention the inundation of Attica, in which Athens stands. Pliny in lib. 2. c. 85. & lib. 13. c. 11. Strabo in lib. 1. & lib. 12. and Plutarch in Alex∣andr.

relate the drowning of the Isle Pharao∣nica; of which Luther speaks so elegantly in lib. ultimo. Beside, who knows not how many, and how great Cities have at divers times been almost wholly ruined by severall earth∣quakes? Sueton. in Tiberio, c. 48. writes, that under Tiberius, twelve Cities in Asia have been by this mean ruined. Orosius lib. 7. c. 4. and Dion Cassius, lib. 57. do affirm the same, though they differ about the time. Tacitus in lib. 14. and Eusebius in Chron. relate the de∣struction of that famous, and rich City of Laodicea. Origen tom. 28. in Joan. and Baronius tom. 2. Annal. Ecclesiast. Ann. 340. do speak of other Earthquakes, which have destroyed divers, and very many men, and Cities. And P. Alonsus in suo manual tempor. relates, that the same hath happened in our dayes; saith he, In the yeer 1638. a great Earthquake hap∣pened in the Islands of the Tercerae, but especially in S. Michael, where the Governor dwels; for that unheard of shaking of the earth, and houses struck so great a terror into the Inhabitants, that all fled out of their houses, and lived in the fields; a little after, two miles from thence, they saw the Sea vo∣mit up abundance of fiery matter, which made a very thick smoak, which covered the very clouds; and it cast up many great stomes, which seemed like rocks; part whereof falling down again, made an

Island in the Sea, which was half a mile over, and sixty fathome high, and an hundred and fifty fa∣thome deep. That hot exhalation which that fiery mountain sent forth, pierced the very waters, and stifled so many fishes, that two Indian ships could not carry them. The same Island two yeers af∣ter, was swallowed up again of the Sea.

SECT: XL.

HE that doth seriously weigh those things, may (I think) well gather, that the Sea of the Streight of Anian was an inun∣dation. By affirming which, this doubt may be answered, sc. That after the universall Flood, man-kinde encreased again, and all beasts, which had been preserved in the Ark. But how could so many kindes of beasts, (which come by propagation, and are not bred out of the earth,) be found in those Countreys? Some did swim thither, some were brought thither by some huntsmen, some were bred out of the earth, as Av•••••• thinks it happened in the first Creation. But what Land-beast can swim over so great a Sea? And would Huntsmen carry Lyons thi∣ther, and other such kinde of beasts, often∣times to the great hazard of their lives? And if God would have created those beasts out of the earth, he would not have commanded

Noah to have kept them in the Ark. I am fully perswaded, that the beasts which are found there, passed that way into America; unlesse any thinks that this new world is joyned to the old, on some other side, as Herrera beleeves, Dec. 3. Lib. 11. c. 10.

SECT 42.

AS for the other things in the relation of our Montezinus, they say nothing which savours of falshood. For their say∣ing that Semah, truly it is the custome of our people, in what part soever of the world they live; and it is the abridgement of the confession, and religion of the Iewes. That revelation of the Magicians; whom they call Mohanes, it agrees with those things which in 2 Esdras, you may see, con∣cerning the Miracles which God wrought for the Israelites, as they passed over Eu∣••••rates, concerning those conditions of not revealing secrets to any, but such an one who hath seene three hundred Moones, (which make twenty five yeares) it ap∣peares to be true, by what the famous De Laet tels, in many parts of America, that the Indians doe compute their yeares by Moones. That a secret must be told in the Field, doth not that argue a Iewish custom,

which the ancients have observed in Iacob. who being about to depart from Laban, he called his Wives into the field.

I now conclude this Discourse, in which this only was in my intention, that I might briefly, and compendiously declare mine, and the Rabbies opinion, concerning those things which I have handled. I hope t•••••• this my endeavour will not be unaccep••••∣ble, being desired by many men, famous both for Birth, and for Learning; not un∣profitable, having therein explained the relation of Montezinus, with what brevity I could. The Name of God be blessed for ever. Amen.

FINIS.