The History of the Holy War, Book 1 – Book 2

The History of the Holy War · Book 1 – Book 2

p. 1The Historie of the HOLY WARRE. Book I.

Chap. 1. The destruction of the citie and temple of Ierusalem by the Romanes under the conduct of Titus.

Anno Dom. 34.WHen the Jews had made the full measure of their sinnes runne over by putting to death the Lord of life, Gods judgements (as they deserved, and our Saviour foretold) quickly overtook them: for a mighty army of the Romanes besieged and sackt the citie of Jerusalem,72. wherein by fire, famine, sword, civil discord, & forreigne force **Iosephus, lib. 7. belli Iud. Gr. c. 45. Lat. c. 17.eleven hundred thousand were put to death. An incredible number it seemeth: yet it cometh within the compasse of our belief, if we consider that the siege began at the time of the Passeover, when in a manner all Judea was inclosed in Jerusalem, all private synagogues doing then their duties to the mother-temple; so that the citie then had more guests then inhabitants. Thus the Passeover first **Exod. 12.13.Exod 12:13instituted by God in merciemercy to save the Israelites from death, was now used by him in justice to hasten their destruction, and to gather the nation into a bundle to be cast into the fire of his anger. Besides those who were slain, ninetie seven thousand were taken captives; and they who had bought our Saviour for thirty pence, **Adricom. is Actis Apost. fol. 282. credo, ex Hegesipp….were themselves sold thirty for a penie. The Generall of the Romanes in this action was Titus, sonne to Vespasian the Emperour. A prince so good, that he was styled the **Suetonius, in Tit….Darling of mankind for his sweet and loving nature; (and pitie it was so good a stock had not been better grafted!) so vertuously disposed, that he may justly be counted the glory of all Pagans, and shame of most Christians. He laboured what lay in his power to have saved p. 2the temple, and many therein; but the Jews by their obstinacie and desperatenesse made themselves uncapable of any mercy. Then was the temple it self made a sacrifice, and burnt to ashes; and of that stately structure which drew the Apostles admiration, not a stone left upon a stone. The walls of the citie (more shaken with the sinnes of the Jews defending them, then with the battering rammes of the Romanes assaulting them) were levelled to the ground; onelyonly three towres left standing to witnesse the great strength of the place, and greater valour of the Romanes who conquered it. But whilest this storm fell on the unbeleeving Jews, it was calm amongst the Christians; who warned by Christs predictions,Euseb. Eccl. hist. lib. 3. cap. 5. and many other prodigies, fled betimes out of the citie to Pella (a private place beyond Jordan) which served them in stead of a little Zoar to save them from the imminent destruction.

Chap. 2. How Iudea was dispeopled of Iews by Adrian the Emperour.

THreescore yeares after,132. Adrian the Emperour rebuilt the citie of Jerusalem, changing the situation somewhat westward, and the name thereof to Aelia. To despite the Christians, he built a **Hieron. tom. 1. pag. 104.temple over our Saviours grave, with the images of Jupiter and Venus; another at Bethlehem, to Adonis her minion: and to enrage the Jews, did engrave swine over the gates of the citie: Who storming at the profanation of their land, brake into open rebellion, but were subdued by Julius Severus the Emperours lieutenant, an experienced captain, and many thousands slain, with Bencochab their counterfeit Messias (for so he termed himself) that is, the fonne of a starre, usurping that prophesie, **Num. 24.17.Num 24:17Out of Iacob shall a starre arise; though he proved but a fading comet, whose blazing portended the ruine of that nation. The captives, by order from Adrian, were transported into Spain; the countrey laid waste, which parted with her people and fruitfulnesse both together. Indeed pilgrimes to this day here and there light on parcels of rich ground in Palestine: which God may seem to have left, that men may tast the former sweetnesse of the land, before it was sowred for the peoples sinnes; and that they may guesse the goodnesse of the cloth by the finenesse of the shreds. But it is barren for the generality: the streams of milk and hony wherewith once it flowed, are now drained dry; and the **Sand. Trav. fol. 145.whole face of the land looketh sad, not so p. 3much for want of dressing, as because God hath frowned on it. Yet great was the oversight of Adrian, thus totally to unpeople a province, and to bequeath it to foxes and leopards. Though his memory was excellent, yet here he forgot the old Romanes rule, who to prevent desolations, where they rooted out the natives, planted in colonies of their own people. And surely the countrey recovered not a competencie of inhabitants for some hundred yeares after. For though many pilgrimes came thither in after-ages, yet they came rather to visit then to dwell: and such as remained there, most embracing single lives, were no breeders for posterity. If any say that Adrian did wilfully neglect this land, and prostitute it to ruine for the rebellion of the people; yet all account it small policie in him, in punishing the Jews to hurt his own empire, and by this vastation to leave fair and clear footing for forrein enemies to fasten on this countrey, and from thence to invade the neighbouring dominions: as after the Persians and Saracens easily overran and dispeopled Palestine; and no wonder if a thin medow were quickly mown. But to return to the Jews; Such stragglers of them, not considerable in number, as escaped this banishment into Spain (for few hands reap so clean as to leave no gleanings) were forbidden to enter into Jerusalem, or so much as to behold it from any rise or advantage of ground. **Hieron. tom. 6. pag. 256.Yet they obtained of the after-Emperours, once a yeare (namely, on the tenth of August, whereon their citie was taken) to go in and bewail the destruction of their temple and people, bargaining with the souldiers who waited on them, to give so much for so long abiding there; and if they exceeded the time they conditioned for, they must stretch their purses to a higher rate: So that (as S. Hierome noteth) they who bought Christs bloud, were then glad to buy their own tears.

Chap. 3. Of the present wofull condition of the Iews; and of the small hope, and great hindrances of their conversion.

THus the main bodie of the Jews was brought into Spain, and yet they stretched their out-limbes into every countrey: so that it was as hard to find a populous citie without a common sink, as without a company of Jews. They grew fat on the barest pasture, by usurie and brokage; though often squeezed by those Christians amongst whom they lived, counting them dogs, and therefore easily finding a stick to beat them. And alwayes p. 4in any tumult, when the fense of order was broken, the Jews lay next harms: as at the coronation of Richard the first, when the English made great feasts, but the pillaged Jews paid the shot.Munster, Cosmogr. p. 457. At last for their many villanies (as falsifying of coin, poysoning of springs, crucifying of Christian children) they were slain in some places, and finally banished out of others: Out of England anno 1291 by Edward the first;Polyd. Virg. pag. 327. France 1307, by Philip the Fair; Spain 1492, by Ferdinand; Portugall 1497, by Emmanuel. But had these two latter kings banished all Jewish bloud out of their countreys, they must have emptied the veins of their best subjects, as descended from them. Still they are found in great numbers in Turkie; chiefly in Salonichi, where they enjoy the freest slavery:Sandys Trav. pag. 146. and they who in our Saviours time so scorned Publicanes, are now most imployed in that office, to be the Turks toll-gatherers: Likewise in the Popish parts of Germanie; in Poland, the Pantheon of all religions: and Amsterdam may be forfeited to the king of Spain, when she cannot shew a pattern of this as of all other sects. Lastly, they are thick in the Popes dominions, where they are kept as a testimonie of the truth of the Scriptures, and foyl to Christianitie, but chiefly in pretense to convert them. But his Holinesse his converting facultie worketh the strongest at the greatest distance: for the Indians he turneth to his religion, and these Jews he converteth to his profit. Some are of opinion of the generall calling of the Jews: and no doubt those who dissent from them in their judgements, concurre in their wishes and desires. Yet are there three grand hindrances of their conversion: First, the offense taken and given by the Papists amongst whom they live, by their worshipping of images, the Jews being zelots in the second commandment: Secondly, because on their conversion they must **P. Heylin, Microcos. in Palestine, pag. 570.renounce all their goods as ill gotten; and they will scarce enter in at the doore of our Church, when first they must climbe over so high a threshold: Lastly, they are debarred from the use of the New Testament,S^r Ed. Sandys Survay of the West. the means of their salvation. And thus we leave them in a state most pitifull, and little pitied.

Chap. 4. Of the flourishing Church in Iudea under Constantine: Iulian his successe in building the temple.

ADrian his profanation of Jerusalem lasted **Epist. ad Paulinum; tom. 1. p. 104.180 yeares, as S. Hierome counteth it: during which time, the Christians under the ten persecutions had scarce a leap-yeare of peace and p. 5quiet, and yet bare all with invincible patience; yea, some were too ambitious of martyrdome, and rather wooed then waited for their own deaths. At last, Constantine (a Britan by birth, as Camden, Brit. pag. 51.all authours agree, save one or two late wrangling Grecians, who deserve to be arraigned for felonie, for robbing our land of that due honour) stanched the issue of bloud wherewith the Church had long been troubled, and brought her into acquaintance with peace and prosperitie.326. Then Helen his mother (no lesse famous amongst the Christians for her pietie, then the ancient Helen amongst Pagans for her beauty) travelled to Jerusalem; zeal made her scarce sensible of her age, being 80 years old: and there she purged mount Calvary and Bethlehem of idolatry; then built in the places of Christs birth, and buriall, and elsewhere in Palestine, many most stately and sumptuous churches. And because she visited the stable and manger of our Saviours nativitie, Jews and Pagans slander her to have been **Ambros. cont. in Theod…sium.stabularia, an Ostleresse or a she-stable-groom: The same nickname which since impudent Papists (not for the same reason, but with as little truth) put on reverend **Fox, Martyrol. p. 1860.Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury. But these dead flies were not able to corrupt the sweet ointment of her name, fragrant to posterity; and as a **Ambros. ibid.Father writeth of her, Bona stabularia, quae maluit aestimari stercoraria ut Christum lucrifaceret. To her is ascribed the finding out of the Crosse, the memory whereof is celebrated the third of May. And from that time the Church flourished in Palestine, being as well provided of able Bishops, as they of liberall maintenance.

363.Afterwards Julian going about to confute God, befooled himself, and many Jews. This Apostate studied to invent engines to beat down Christianity: yet all the vapours of his brain could not cloud so bright a sunne. He gave the Jews libertie (not so much out of love to them, as hatred to Christians) with money and materials to build again their temple, hoping by raising it to ruine the truth of Christs prophesie. **Ammian… Marcel. lib. 23. sub initio.Hither flocked the Jews with spades and mattocks of silver to clear the foundation; the women carried away the rubbish in their laps, and contributed all their jewels and ornaments to advance the work. But a sudden **Socrat. Hist. Eccl. lib. 3. cap. 20.tempest made them desist, which carried away their tools and materials, with balls of fire which scorched the most adventurous of the builders.Theodoret, lib 3. cap. 20. Thus they who sought to put out the truth of Christs words, by snuffing it made it burn the brighter.Sozom. lib. 5. cap. 22. But the wonder of this wonder was, that the hearts of the Jews, and of him who set them on work, were hardened by obstinacie, to be so miracle-proof that all this made no impression in them. Yet **Adricom. Descript. terrae sanctae, pag. 158.afterwards, the Christians in the place where Solomons temple was, built a stately church: p. 6but not in opposition to God, or with intent to reestablish Jewish rites, but in humilitie, and for the exercise of Christian religion: which church was long after the seat of the Patriarch. But for fear to exceed the commission of an Historian (who with the outward senses may onelyonly bring in the species, and barely relate facts, not with the common sense passe verdict or censure on them) I would say, they had better have built in some other place, (especially having room enough besides) and left this floore where the temple stood, alone to her desolations. Yea, God seemeth not so well contented with this their act, the Christians being often beaten out of that church; and at this day **Sand. Trav. pag. 192.whosoever (though casually) entreth therein, must either forfeit his life, or renounce his religion.

Chap. 5. Syria conquered by Chosroes; Chosroes, by Heraclius the Grecian Emperour.

THe next remarkable alteration happened under Phocas the Emperour, who (saith **Belli sacri lib. 23. cap. …1Tyrius) had a nature answering his name, which signifieth a Seil, or Sea-calf: for as that fish (little better then a monster) useth lazily to lie sleeping and sunning it self on the shore, so this carelesse usurper minded nothing but his own ease and pleasure,610. till at last he was slain by Heraclius his successour: as seldome tyrants corpses have any other balm at their buriall, then their own bloud. Phocas his negligence betrayed the Empire to forrein foes,615. and invited Chosroes the Persian to invade it, who with a great army subdued Syria and Jerusalem. A conquest little honourable, as made against small resistance, and used with lesse moderation: for besides many other cruelties,Theophanes in Annal. he sold many thousands of Christians to the Jews their old enemies, who in revenge of their former grudge, put them not onelyonly to drudgery, but to torture. Chosroes to grace his triump carried the Crosse away with him, forced all the Christians in Persia to turn **Paulus Diaconus, Miscel. lib. 18.Nestorians, and demanded of Heraclius the Grecian Emperour, that he should renounce his religion, and worship the **Cedrenus.Sun. Thus we see how light-headed this Pagan did talk, being stark drunk with pride. But the Christian Emperour entring Persia with great forces quelled at last this vaunting Sennacherib: for to him might he well be compared, for pride, crueltie, blasphemous demands, and the manner of his death,628. being also slain by Siroes one of his sonnes. Heraclius returning took Jerusalem in his way, and there restored p. 7**Tyrius, bell. sacr. lib. 23. cap. 20.the Crosse (counted a precious jewel) to the temple of the Sepulchre, the cabinet whence it had been violently taken away; and in memoriall thereof, instituted on the 14 of September the feast of the Exaltation of the Crosse. Yet **Baronius, in Martyrolog. 14 Sept.some make the celebration thereof of greater antiquitie: and the Grecians write, that Chrysostome (an hundred yeares before) died on the day called the Exaltation of the Crosse. This if it be true, and not antedated by a Prolepsis, then Heraclius gave the lustre (not first originall) to this festivall, and scoured bright an old holy-day with a new solemnitie.

Chap. 6. Of the deluge of the Saracens in Syria, the causes of the farre spreading of Mahometanisme.

BUt the sinnes of the Eastern countreys, and chiefly their damnable heresies, hastened Gods judgements upon them. In these Western parts, heresies like an angle caught single persons; which in Asia, like a drag-net, took whole provinces▪ The stayed and settled wits of Europe were not easily removed out of the old rode and tract of religion, whiles the active and nimble heads of the East were more desirous of novelties, more cunning to invent distinctions to cozen themselves with, more fluent in language to expresse their conceits, as alwayes errours grow the fastest in hot brains. Hence it came to passe, that Melchites, Maronites, Nestorians, Eutycheans, Jacobites, overspread these parts, maintaining their pestilent tenents with all obstinacy, which is that dead flesh which maketh the green wound of an errour fester by degrees into the old sore of an heresie. Then was it just with God to suffer them who would not be convinced with Christian Councels, to be subdued by the Pagans sword: For though Chosroes had not long a settled government in Palestine, but as a land-floud came and went away quickly; yet the Saracens who shortly followed, as standing water drowned all for a long continuance.636. **Tyrius, bell. sacr. lib. 1. pag. 2.These under Haumar Prince of Arabia, took Jerusalem, conquered Syria, and propagated the doctrine of Mahomet round about.

It may justly seem admirable how that senselesse religion should gain so much ground on Christianitie; especially having neither reall substance in her doctrine, nor winning behaviour in her ceremonies to allure professours. For what is it but the scumme of Judaisme and Paganisme sod together, and here and there strewed over with a spice of Christianitie? As Mahomets p. 8tombe, so many sentences in his Alcoran seem to hang by some secret loadstone, which draweth together their gaping independences with a mysticall coherence, or otherwise they are flat non-sense. Yet this wonder of the spreading of this leprosie is lessened, if we consider that besides the generall causes of the growing of all errours (namely the gangrene-like nature of evil, and the justice of God to deliver them over to beleeve lies who will not obey the truth) Mahometanisme hath raised it self to this height by some peculiar advantages: First, by permitting much carnall libertie to the professours (as having many wives) and no wonder if they get fish enough, that use that bait: Secondly, by promising a paradise of sensuall pleasure hereafter, wherewith flesh and bloud is more affected (as falling under her experience) then with hope of any spirituall delights: Thirdly, by prohibiting of disputes, and suppressing of all learning; and thus Mahomet made his shop dark on purpose, that he might vent any wares: Lastly, this religion had never made her own passage so fast and so farre, if the sword had not cut the way before her, as commonly the conquered follow for the most part the religion of the conquerours. By this means that cursed doctrine hath so improved it self, that it may outvie with professours the Church of Rome, which boasteth so much of her latitude and extent; though from thence to inferre that her faith is the best, is falsely to conclude the finenesse of the cloth from the largenesse of the measure.

Now the condition of the Christians under these Saracens was as uncertain as April-weather. Sometimes they enjoyed the libertie and publick exercise of their religion: and to give the Mahometans their due, they are generally good-fellows in this point, and Christians amongst them may keep their consciences free, if their tongues be fettered not to oppose the doctrine of Mahomet. Sometimes they were under fierce and cruel affliction, their Bishops and Ministers forced to flie from their places were kept very poore, as alwayes the Clergie under persecution count the God gives them living enough, when he gives them their lives. Tyrius **Lib. 1. cap. 5.mentioneth one memorable massacre, which they narrowly escaped. For a spitefull and malicious Saracen had secretly defiled one of their Mosques in Jerusalem; which deed being imputed to the poore Christians, they were all presently dragged to the place of execution to be put to death, when behold a young man, a zealous Christian, by an officious lie (the most lawfull of all unlawfull things) confessed himself alone to be guilty of the fact, and so being killed by exquisite torments, saved the lives of many innocents. In memorie of which act, the Christians in Jerusalem kept a constant solemnity, and once a yeare triumphantly marched with p. 9palms in their hands into the citie, to perpetuate the remembrance of this deliverance. The longest vacation from persecution they enjoyed, was when **Tyrius, lib. 1. cap. 3.Charles was Emperour of the West,800. surnamed the Great: a surname which he did not steal, but justly win and deserve; not like Pompey, who got the title of the Great,Suetonius, in Caesare. though as Cesar observed he gained his chief fame for martiall feats, by conquering the weak and cowardly Bithynians. But this Charles, loved of his friends, feared of his foes, subdued the strong and lusty Lombards: yet did he not Christianitie more good by his warre, then by his peace concluded with Aaron Emperour of the Saracens, under whom the Christians in Palestine obtained many priviledges and much prosperitie; though this weather was too fair to last long.

Chap. 7. The originall and increase of the Turks; their conquering the Saracens, and taking of Ierusalem.

BUt the Christians in Palestine afterward changed their masters, though not their condition, being subdued by the Turks. It will be worth our and the Readers pains to enquire into the originall of this nation, especially because (as the river Nilus) they are famous and well known for their overflowing stream, though hidden and obscure for their fountain. Whence they first came authours onelyonly do agree in disagreeing: but most probable it is out Scythia, **Lib. 1. cap. ult.Pomponius Mela reckoning them among the inhabitants of that countrey nigh the river Tanais. This Scythia (since called Tartaria) was virgin-countrey, never forced by forrein arms: for the Monarchs who counted themselves conquerours of the world (by a large Synecdoche taking a sixth part for the whole) never subdued it. Alexander sent some troups to assault Naura and Gabaza, two out-counties thereof, as an earnest that the rest of his army should follow: but hearing how these were wellcomed, willingly lost his earnest, and disposed of his army otherwise. The Romane eagles flew not thus farre, and though heard of, were never seen here. The reasons that made the Turks leave their native soyl, was the barrennesse thereof; and therefore the **Ovid. 8. Metam.Poet maketh famine (which sometimes travelleth abroad into other countreys) here to have her constant habitation. And yet no doubt so vast a countrey would maintain her people, if the wildnesse thereof were tamed with husbandry: But the people (scorning that their ground should be better civilized p. 10then themselves) never manure it; and had rather provide their bread with the sword then with the plough. Other partiall causes might share in these Turks removall, but the cause of causes was the justice of God, to suffer this unregarded people to grow into the terrour of the world for the punishment of Christians: and we may justly hope, that when the correction is done the rod shall be burnt; especially finding already their force to abate, being at this day stopt with the half-kingdome of Hungarie, who formerly could not be stayed by the whole Empire of Greece.

Sabell. Aen. 9. lib. 2.The first step these Turks took out of their own countrey was into Turcomania,844. a northern part of Armenia, conquered and so called by them: where they lived like the Scythian Nomades, alwayes wandring yet alwayes in their way, none claiming a propriety in the land as his, all defending the common interest therein as theirs.

The next step was into Persia, whither they were called to assist Mahomet the Saracen Sultan against his enemies; where taking notice of their own strength, the Saracens cowardize, and the pleasure of Persia, they under Tangrolipix their first king overcame that large dominion.Knolles, Tur. hist. pag. 4. 1030Then did the Turks take upon them the Mahometan religion, and having conquered the Saracens by their valour, were themselves subdued by the Saracen superstition. An accident more memorable because not easily to be paralleled (excepting king **2. Chron. 25.14.2 Chr 25:14Amaziah, who having taken Edom was took with the idolatry thereof) because conquerours commonly bring their religion into the places they subdue, and not take it thence.

Their third large stride was into Babylon, the Caliph whereof they overcame. And shortly after under Cutlu-muses their second king, they wan Mesopotamia, the greatest part of Syria, and the citie of **Tyrius, lib. 1 cap. 7.Jerusalem.1060 Mean time whilest these vultures (Turks and Saracens) pecked out each others eyes, the Christians (if they had husbanded this occasion) might much have advantaged themselves, and might have recovered their health by these contrary poysons expelling each other. But the Grecian Emperours given over to pleasure and covetousnesse, regarded not their own good, till at last the Turks devoured them; as (God willing) shall be shewed hereafter. As for those Christians who lived in Palestine under the Turks, they had no lease of their safetie, but were tenants at will for their lives and goods to these tyrants: though it rained not down-right, yet the storm of persecution hung over their heads; their minds were ever in torture, being on the rack of continuall fear and suspense; and Simon himself was no better then an honourable slave, though Patriarch of Jerusalem, as appeareth by his**Knolles Tur. hist. pag. 13. letters of complaint.

p. 11Chap. 8. The character of Peter the Hermite; his soliciting the Holy warre; the Councel at Clermont, and the successe thereof.

IT happened there came a pilgrime to Jerusalem called Peter, an Hermite, born at Amiens in France; one of a contemptible person: His silly looks carried in them a despair of any worth; and yet (as commonly the richest mines lie under the basest and barrenest surface of ground) he had a quick apprehension, eloquent tongue, and what got him the greatest repute, was accounted very religious. With him Simon the Patriarch of Jerusalem often treated, concerning the present miseries of the Christians under the Turks; what hope of amendment; and how the matter might secretly be contrived, that the Princes in Europe might assist and relieve them. Peter moved with the Patriarchs perswasions, the equitie and honourablenesse of the cause, and chiefly with a vision (as they say) from **Tyrius, lib. 1. cap. 12.heaven (wherein our Saviour himself appointed him his Legate, with a commission to negotiate the Christian cause) took the whole businesse upon him,1094 and travelled to Rome to consult with Pope Urbane the second about the advancing of so pious a designe.

Now, though many cry up this Hermite to have been so pretious a piece of holinesse, yet **Vrsperg. Chron. pag. 227. Quem tamen postea multi hypocritam fuisse dicebant.some suspect him to be little better then a counterfeit, and a cloke-father for a plot of the Popes begetting: because the Pope alone was the gainer by this great adventure, and all other Princes of Europe, if they cast up their audit, shall find themselves losers: This with some is a presumption, that this cunning merchant first secretly imployed this Hermite to be his factour, and to go to Jerusalem to set on foot so beneficiall a trade for the Romish Church. As for the apparition of our Saviour, one may wonder that the world should see most visions when it was most blind; and that that age most barren in learning, should be most fruitfull in revelations. And surely had Peter been truly inspired by God, and moved by his Spirit to begin this warre, he would not have apostated from his purpose: so mortified a man would not have feared death in a good cause, as he did afterwards, and basely ran away at **Sabell. Enn. 9. lib. 3. col. 357.Antioch. For when the siege grew hot, his devotion grew cold;Et Aemilius, Digest. Franc. pag. 123. in Philipp… 10. he found a difference betwixt a voluntary fast in his cell, and a necessary and undispensable famine in a camp: so that being well hunger-pincht, this cunning companion who was the p. 12trumpet to sound a march to others, secretly sounded a retreat to himself, ran away from the rest of the Christians, and was shamefully brought back again for a **Ut desertor signorum, fratrum com…ilitonúm que proditor.fugitive.

But to return to Pope Urbane, who was zealous in the cause to further it,1095 and called a Councel at Clermont in France, where met many Princes and Prelates to whom he made a long oration; **Sabell. Aen. 9. lib. 3. Tyrius, lib. 1. cap. 15. Baron. Anno 1095. W. Malmsb. lib. 4. cap. 2. All have severall set orations.Authours differ in the mould, but they agree in the metall, that it was to this effect: First, he bemoned the miseries of the Christians in Asia, and the vastation of those holy places. Jerusalem, which was once the joy of the whole earth, was now become the grief of all good men: the Chapell of Christs conception, at Nazareth; birth, at Bethlehem; buriall, on mount Calvarie; ascension, on mount Olivet, once the fountains of piety, were now become the sinks of all profanenesse. Next, he encouraged the Princes in the Councel, to take arms against those infidels, and **Baronius, in Anno 1095. col. 688.to break their bonds in sunder, and to cast their cords farre from them, and (as it is written) to cast out the handmaid and her children. Otherwise, if they would not help to quench their neighbours houses, they must expect the speedy burning of their own, and that these barbarous nations would quickly overrun all Europe. Now to set an edge on their courage, he promised to all that went this voyage, a full remission of their sinnes & penance here, and the enjoying heaven hereafter. Lastly, thus concluded, **Baronius, in Anno 1096. col. 691.Gird your swords to your thighs, O ye men of might. It is our parts to pray, yours to fight; ours with Moses to hold up unwearied hands to God, yours to stretch forth the sword against these children of Amalek. Amen.

It is above belief with what cheerfulnesse this motion, meeting with an active and religious world, was generally entertained; so that the whole assembly cried out, **Sabell. Aen. 9. lib. 3 pag. 354.God willeth it: A speech which was afterwards used as a fortunate watch-word in their most dangerous designes. Then took many of them a crosse of red cloth on their right shoulder, as a badge of their devotion: And to gain the favourable assistance of the Virgin Mary to make this warre the more happy, her **Baronius, tom. 11. pag. 692.Office was instituted, containing certain prayers, which at Canonicall houres were to be made unto her. If fame, which hath told many a lie of others, be not therein belyed her self, the things concluded in this Councel, were the same night reported at impossible distance in the utmost parts of Christendome. What spirituall intelligencers there should be, or what echoes in the hollow arch of this world should so quickly resound news from the one side thereof to the other, belongeth not to us to dispute. Yet we find the **Livi…s, lib. 45.overthrow of Perseus brought out of Macedon to Rome in foure dayes; & fame (mounted no doubt on some Pegasus) in Domitians time, brought a report 2500 miles in one day.

p. 13Chap. 9. Arguments for the lawfulnesse of the Holy warre.

IT is stiffely canvased betwixt learned men, whether this warre was lawfull, or not. The reasons for the affirmative are fetcht either from piety or policie: And of the former sort are these.

1. All the earth is Gods land let out to tenants; but Judea was properly his demesnes, which he kept long in his own hands for himself and his children. Now though the infidels had since violently usurped it, yet no prescription of time could prejudice the title of the King of Heaven, but that now the Christians might be Gods champions to recover his interest.

2. Religion bindeth men to relieve their brethren in distresse, especially when they implore their help, as now the **Tyrius, lib. 1. cap. 11.Christians in Syria did; whose intreaties in this case, sounded commands in the eares of such as were piously disposed.

3. The Turks by their blasphemies and reproches against God and our Saviour, had disinherited and devested themselves of all their right to their lands; and the Christians, as the next undoubted heirs, might seize on the forfeiture.

4. This warre would advance and increase the patrimony of Religion, by propagating the Gospel, and converting of infidels. If any object that Religion is not to be beaten into men with the dint of sword; yet it may be lawfull to open the way by force, for instruction, catechising, and such other gentle means to follow after.

5. The beholding of those sacred places in Palestine would much heighten the adventurers devotion, and make the most frozen heart to melt into pious meditations.

6. **Bellarm. lib. 3. de Rom. Pont. cap. 17.This enterprise was furthered by the perswasions of sundry godly men, S. Bernard, and others. Now though a lying spirit may delude the prophets of Achab, yet none will be so uncharitable as to think God would suffer his own Michaiah to be deceived.

7. **Ibidem.God set his hand to this warre, and approved it by many miracles which he wrought in this expedition, and which are so confidently and generally reported by credit-worthy writers, that he himself is a miracle that will not beleeve them.

Neither want there arguments derived from policie.

1. Palestine was a parcell of the Romane Empire, though since won by the Saracens: and though the Emperour of Constantinople could not recover his right, yet did he alwayes continue his claim, and now (as **Baronius, tom. 11. pag. 687.appeared by his letters read in the Placentine Councel) Alexius requested these Princes of the West to assist him in the recovery thereof.

p. 142. A preventive warre grounded on a just fear of an invasion is lawfull: But such was this Holy warre. And because most stresse is laid on this argument, as the main supporter of the cause, we will examine and prove the parts thereof.

Though umbrages and light jealousies created by cowardly fansies be too narrow to build a fair quarrel on; yet the lawfulnesse of a preventive warre founded on just fear, is warranted by reason and the practice of all wise nations. In such a case it is folly to do as countrey-fellows in a fense-school, never ward a blow till it be past: but it is best to be before-hand with the enemie, lest the medicine come too late for the maladie. In such dangers to play an after-game, is rather a shift then a policie: especially seeing warre is a tragedy which alwayes destroyeth the stage whereon it is acted; it is the most advised way, not to wait for the enemie, but to seek him out in his own countrey.

Now that the Mahometans (under whom the Turks and Saracens are comprehended, differing in nation, agreeing in religion and spite against Christians) were now justly to be feared, cannot be denied. So vast was the appetite of their sword, that it had alreadie devoured Asia, and now reserved Grecia for the second course. The Bosporus was too narrow a ditch, and the Empire of Grecia too low an hedge to fense the Pagans out of West-Christendome: yea, the Saracens had lately wasted **Sabell. Enn. 9. lib. 3. pag. 354.Italy, pillaged and burned many churches neare Rome it self, conquered Spain, inroded Aquitain, and possessed some islands in the mid-land-sea. The cafe therefore standing thus, this Holy warre was both lawfull and necessarie: which like unto a sharp pike in the bosse of a buckler, though it had a mixture of offending, yet it was chiefly of a defensive nature, to which all preventive warres are justly reduced.

Lastly, this warre would be the sewer of Christendome, and drain all discords out of it. For active men like mill-stones in motion, if they have no other grist to grind, will set fire one on another. Europe at this time surfeted with people, and many of them were of stirring natures, who counted themselves undone, when they were out of doing; and therefore they employed themselves in mutuall jarres and contentions: But now this Holy warre would make up all breaches, and unite all their forces against the common foe of Christianitie.

p. 15Chap 10. Reasons against the Holy warre.

YEt all these reasons prevail not so forcibly, but that **Ioh. Cammenus, De jure Majest. Thes. 22. Et Albert. Aqu. Chro. Hierosol. lib. 4. cap. 28. Et Reineccius in Praef. hist. Orient.many are of the contrary opinion, and count this warre both needlesse and unlawfull, induced thereunto with these or the like arguments.

1. When the Jews were no longer Gods people, Judea was no longer Gods land by any peculiar appropriation; but on the other side, God stamped on that countrey an indelible character of desolation, and so scorched it with his anger, that it will never change colour, though Christians should wash it with their bloud. It is labour in vain therefore for any to endeavour to reestablish a flourishing kingdome in a blasted countrey: and let none ever look to reap any harvest, who sow that land which God will have to lie fallow.

2. Grant the Turks were no better then dogs, yet were they to be let alone in their own kennel. They and the Saracens their predecessours, had now enjoyed Palestine foure hundred and sixty yeares: Prescription long enough to sodder the most crackt title, and not onelyonly to corroborate but to create a right. Yea, God himself may seem herein to allow their title, by suffering them so long peaceably to enjoy it.

3. To visit those places in Jerusalem (the theatre of so many mysteries and miracles) was a uselesse as difficult; and might be superstitious if any went (as it is to be feared too many did) with placing transcendent holinesse in the place, and with a wooden devotion to the materiall Crosse. The **Matth. 28.6Matt 28:6Angel sent the women away from looking into the sepulchre, with He is risen, he is not here; and thereby did dehort them and us, from burying our affections in Christs grave, but rather to seek him where he was to be found. At this day a gracious heart maketh every place a Jerusalem, where God may as well and as acceptably be worshipped. S. Hilarion **Hieron. tom. 1. pag. 103. in Epist. ad Paul…u….though he lived in Palestine saw Jerusalem but once, and then onelyonly because he might not seem to neglect the holy places for their nearnesse and vicinitie. And S. Hierome (though himself lived at Bethlehem) disswaded Paulinus from coming thither; for the pains would be above the profit.

4. Lastly, this warre was a quicksand to swallow treasure, and of a hot digestion to devoure valiant men: no good, much evil came thereby; and the Christians that went out to seek an enemie in Asia, brought one thence, to the danger of all Europe, and the losse of a fair part thereof. For though

p. 16—Careat successibus opto,

Quisquis ab eventu facta notanda putet:

—may he never speed,

Who from the issue censures of the deed:

and though an argument fetcht from the successe is but a cyphre in it self, yet it increaseth a number when joyned with others.

These reasons have moved the most **Vide Besoldum, De regibus Hieros. pag. 99. & sequentibus.moderate and refined Papists, and all Protestants generally in their judgements to fight against this Holy warre. But as for the opinion of Bibliander (who therein stands without company) if **Lib. 3. De Rom. Pont. cap. 17.Bellarmine hath truly reported it, it is as farre from reason, as charity; namely, that these Christians that went to fight against the Saracens, were the very army of Gog and Magog spoken of by the prophet **Ezek. 38.3.Ezek 38:3Ezekiel. Yet must we not here forget, that such as at this time went to Jerusalem (whether ridiculously, or blasphemously, or both, let others judge) did carry a **Aventinus, lib. 5. Annal.goose before them, pretending it to be the holy Ghost.

Chap. 11. The private ends and profits of the Pope, which he is charged by authours to have had in this Holy warre.

IT is enough with some to make it suspicious that there were some sinister ends in this warre, because Gregory the seventh, otherwise called Hildebrand (and by Luther, **In his Chronologie.Larva diaboli) the worst of all that sat in that chair, first began it: but death preventing him, Urbane the second (whom Cardinall Benno called**Balaeus, in Rom. Pont. in Urban. 2. Turbane for troubling the whole world) effected it. And though the pretenses were pious and plausible, yet no doubt the thoughts of his Holinesse began where other mens ended, and he had a privie project beyond the publick designe;

First, to reduce the**Matt. Dress. De bello sacr. cited by Lampadius Mellific. histor. part. 3. pag. 266. Grecians into subjection to himself with their three Patriarchs of Jerusalem, Antioch, and Constantinople, and to make the Eastern Church a Chapell of ease to the Mother-Church of Rome.

Secondly, this warre was the Popes house of Correction, whither he sent his sturdie and stubborn enemies to be tamed. Such high-spirited men whom he either feared or suspected, he condemned to this employment, as to an honourable banishment: and as Saul being afraid of David sent him to fight against the Philistines, that so he might fall by their sword; so the Pope p. 17had this cleanly and unsuspected conveyance to **See Daniel, in Henry the third, pag. 141.rid away those he hated, by sending them against infidels. This appeared most plainly in the matter of the Emperour himself, whom he sent from home, that so he might rob his house in his absence. At the beginning of this warre, the Popes temporall power in Italy was very slender, because the Emperours dominions did gird him close and hard on all sides: but soon after he grew within short time without all measure, and did lurch a castle here, gain a citie there from the Emperour, whiles he was imployed in Palestine: So that by the time that the Christians had lost all in Syria, the Emperour had lost all in Italy; his dominions there being either swallowed up by Peters patrimony, or by private Princes and upstart free-states, which as so many splinters flew out of the broken Empire.

Thirdly, hereby the Pope determined on his side the gainfullest controversie that ever was in Christendome▪ This was about the investiture of Bishops, whether the right lay in the Pope or in secular Princes. Now his Holinesse diverted this question out of Princes heads, by opening an issue an other way; and gave vent to the activitie of their spirits in this martiall imployment, and in the mean time quietly went away without any corrivall, concluding the controversie for his own profit.

Lastly, he got a masse of money by it. He had the office to bear the bag, and what was put into it, as contributed to this action from pious people, and expended but some few drops of the showres he received. Guesse the rest of his griping tricks from this one which**Hist. Angl. pag. 702, & 703. Diversis muscipulis simplicem Dei populum substantiâ suâ moliebatur Romana curia privare, nihil petens nisi aurum & argentum. Matth. Paris reporteth. First, he prompted many people in England unfit for arms, to take upon them a vow to go to the Holy warre, and this was done by the exhortation and preaching of the Friars. This done, he compelled and forced those Votaries (whose purses were more usefull for this service then their persons) to commute their journey into money, the payment whereof should be as meritorious as their pilgrimage. And thus scraped he a masse of coin from such silly people as thought themselves cleansed of their sinnes when they were wiped of their money, and who having made themselves slaves to the Pope by their rash vow, were glad to buy their libertie at his price.

As the Pope, so most of the Clergie improved their estates by this warre: for the secular Princes who went this voyage, sold or morgaged most of their means (selling for gold to purchase with steel and iron) and the Clergy were generally their chapmen. For they advised these undertakers, seeing this action was for Christ and his Church, rather to make over their estates to spirituall men, of whom they might again redeem the same, and from whom they should be sure to find the fairest p. 18dealing, then to lay-men. **Aemilius, De gest. Fran. pag. 109.Godfrey Duke of Bouillon sold that Dukedome to the Bishop of Liege; and the castle of Sartensy and Monsa, to the Bishop of Verdune. Baldwine his brother sold him the citie of Verdune. Yea, by these sales the **Daniel, in Henry first, pag. 49.third part of the best feoffs in France came to be possessed by the Clergie; who made good bargains for themselves, and had the conscience to buy earth cheap, and to sell heaven deare. Yea, this voyage laid the foundation of their temporall greatnesse, till at last the daughter devoured the mother, and wealth impaired religion.

Chap. 12. The qualitie and condition of those people who undertook the warre.

IT is not to be expected that all should be fish which is caught in a drag-net, neither that all should be good and religious people who were adventurers in an action of so large a capacitie as this warre was. We must in charitie allow, that many of them were truly zealous and went with pious intents. These were like to those of whom Bellarmine speaketh, who had no fault praeter nimiam sanctitatem, too much sanctitie, which **Whitaker De eccl. contr…. 2. cap. 11a learned man interpreteth, too much superstition. But besides these well-meaning people, there went also a rabble-rout, rather for companie then conscience. **Albert. Aqu. in Chron. Hierosal. lib. 1. cap. 2.Debters took this voyage on them as an acquittance from their debts, to the defrauding of their creditours: Servants counted the conditions of their service cancelled by it, going away against their masters will: Theeves and murderers took upon them the crosse, to escape the gallows: Adulterers did penance in their armour. A lamentable case that the devils black guard should be Gods souldiers. And no wonder if the successe was as bad as some of the adventurers, especially seeing they retained their old conditions under a new climate.Tyrius, lib. 1. cap. 16. And (as if this voyage had been like to repentance, never too soon nor too late for any to begin) not onelyonly green striplings unripe for warre, but also decayed men to whom age had given a writ of ease, became souldiers; and those who at home should have waited on their own graves, went farre to visit Christs sepulchre. And which was more, women (as if they would make the tale of the Amazons truth) went with weapons in mens clothes▪ a behaviour at the best immodest, and modesty being the case of chastitie, it is to be feared that where the case is broken, the jewel is lost. This enterprise was also the mother p. 19of much non-residence, many Prelates and Friars (fitter to handle a pen-knife then a sword) left their covents and pastorall charges to follow this businesse. The totall summe of those pilgrime-souldiers amounted to three hundred thousand; and **Malmsb. lib. 4. pag. 133some writers do double that number. No doubt the Christians army had been greater, if it had been lesse: for the belly was too big for the head; and a medley of nations did rather burden then strengthen it. Besides, the armie was like a cloth of many colours, and more seams▪ which seams though they were curiously drawn up for the present, yet after long wearing began to be seen, and at last brake out into open rents.

Chap. 13. The adventurers sorted according to their severall nations.

THe French, Dutch, Italian, and English were the foure elementall nations whereof this army was compounded: of these the French were predominant; they were the cape-merchants in this adventure. That nimble nation first apprehended the project, and eagerly prosecuted it. As their language wanteth one proper word to expresse Stand, so their natures mislike a settled, fixed posture, and delight in motion and agitation of businesse: Yea, France (as being then best at leisure) contributed more souldiers to this warre then all Christendome besides. The signall men were, Hugh surnamed le Grand brother to the King of France, Godfrey Duke of Bouillon, Baldwine and Eustace his younger brethren, Stephen Earl of Bloys father to Stephen afterwards King of England, Reimund Earl of Tholouse, Robert Earl of Flanders, Hugh Earl of Saint-Paul, Baldwine de Burge, with many more; besides of the Clergie, Aimar Bishop of Puy and Legate to the Pope, and William Bishop of Orange.

Germanie is slandered to have sent none to this warre at this first voyage; and that other pilgrimes passing through that countrey, were mocked by the Dutch and called **Centurist. ex Vrsperg. cent. 11. col. 416.fools for their pains. It is true, the Germane adventurers in number answered not the largenesse and populousnesse of their countrey: for Henry the Emperour (a Prince whom the Pope long hacked at, and hewed him off at last) **Pantaleon, De viris Ger. part. 2. pag. 139.being desirous to go this voyage, was tied up at home with civill discords. Yet we find a competencie of souldiers of that nation, besides those under Godescalcus a Priest, Emmicho the Rhene-grave, and Count Herman their leaders. But though Germanie was backward at p. 20the first, yet afterwards it proved the main Atlas of the warre: that nation like a heavie bell was long a raising, but being got up made a loud sound.

Italy sent few out of her heart and middle provinces nigh Rome. The Pope was loth to adventure his darlings into danger: those white-boyes were to stay at home with his Holinesse their tender father: Wherefore**Daniel, in Will. the second, pag. 49. he dispensed with them for going, as knowing how to use their help nearer, and to greater profit. Peters patrimonie must as well be looked to, as Christs sepulchre. But though the Pope would spend none of his own fewel, he burnt the best stakes of the Emperours hedge, and furthered the Imperiall partie to consume it self in this tedious warre. Out of the furthermost parts of Italie, Boemund Prince of Tarentum, and Tancred his nephew (both of the Normane seed, though growing on the Apulian soyl) led an army of twelve thousand men. And Lombardy was also very liberall of her souldiers towards this expedition.

Daniel, ut priús.England (the Popes pack-horse in that age, which seldome rested in the stable when there was any work to be done) sent many brave men under Robert Duke of Normandy, brother to William Rufus; as Beauchamp, and others, whose names are lost. Neither surely did the Irish-mens feet stick in their bogs, though we find no particular mention of their atchievements.

Spain had other use for her swords against the Saracens at home, and therefore sent none of her men abroad. As **Aemilius, De gest. Fran. pag. 109.one saith, The Spaniards did follow their own Holy warre; a work more necessary, and no lesse honourable. Thus they acted the same part, though not on the same stage with our Pilgrimes, as being also imployed in fight against the infidels.

Poland had the same excuse for not much appearing clean through this warre; because she lieth bordering on the Tartars in her appendant countrey of Lituania, and therefore was busied in making good her frontiers. Besides, no wonder if Prussia, Lituania, and Livonia were not up in this service; for it was scarce break of day with them, and the sunne of the Gospel was newly (if at all) risen in those parts. Yea, Poland was so farre from sending men hither, that she fetcht them from hence, **Munster, Cosmogr.and afterwards implored the aid of the Teutonick order, who came out of Palestine to assist her against her enemies.

Hungary might bring filling-stones to this building, but few foundation or corner-stones, and at this time had no commander of note in this action.

Scotland also presenteth us not with any remarkable piece of service which her men performed in all this warre. It was not want of devotion, which was hot enough in that cold countrey: rather we may impute it to want of shipping, that countrey being p. 21little powerfull at sea: or (which is most probable) the actions of this nation are hidden, as wrapped up in the bundle with some others; I should guesse under the French, but the intimacie of those two people is of a farre later date.

Denmark and Norway neare-acquainted with the Arctick pole, though they lagged the last, (and may therein be excused because of the length of the way) were sharers in the honour of this imployment, and performed good sea-service.

Sweden either acted not at all, or else had a very short part in this businesse. That countrey being a separatist because of her remote situation, had little communion with other parts of Europe. And indeed histories are mute of Sweden, but that of late Gustavus his victorie hath put a tongue into them, and hath made that countrey famous to all posteritie.

Chap. 14. The sad beginning of the warre.

1096THeir first setting forth was checked with bad successe. For Walter Sensaver a noble man (but what countrey-man it is unknown) **Malmsb. lib. 4. pag. 133who had more of the sail of valour then balast of judgement,Mar. 8Mark 8 led forth an ill-grown and unproportioned armie, with many thousand foot, and **Calvisius, pag. 893. in Anno 1096.eight horsemen onelyonly. But we must not think that this fowl should flie farre, whose wings were so short, and train so long. His men were routed and slain by the Bulgarians, and he himself through many miseries scarce recovered Constantinople.Aemilius, De gest. Fran. pag. 111. Peter the Hermite with his army went further to meet his own destruction. For after many difficulties having crossed the Bosporus, they came into Asia, and there found some cities forsaken by the Turks their inhabitants. This they imputed to their enemies fear, which proceeded from their police: and therefore being more greedy to pillage, then carefull to fortifie the places they took, hunted after preys so long till they became one themselves.Iuly Hugh brother to the King of France, with his surname of the Great, had as little successe as the former; his armie being quickly abridged by the furious Bulgarians in their passage, and **Malmsb. lib. 4. pag. 133he brought prisoner to Constantinople. Besides these, one Gotescalcus a Priest, a wolf in sheeps clothing, and Emmicho a tyrant-Prince neare the Rhene, led forth a rout of wicked people, who carried the badge of the Crosse, and served the devil under Christs liverie, killing and pillaging the poore Jews and other people in Germanie as they went.Urspergens. pag. 227, & 228. This made Coloman King of Hungarie, not onelyonly denie them passage through his countrey (and no p. 22wonder if he was loth to lodge those guests who were likely to rob their host) but also put most of them to the sword. Some suspected these beginnings to be but the bad breakfast to a worse dinner; and therefore abandoning their resolutions, returned home: others little moved hereat, conceived these first defeats to be but the clarifying of the Christian army from the dregs of base and ruder people.

Chap. 15. The Pilgrimes arrivall at Constantinople, entertainment, and departure.

BUt now (to speak in my **Urspergens. pag. 233.authours phrase) the chaff being winnowed with this fanne out of Gods floore, the good grain began to appear.Aug. 15. Godfrey Duke of Bouillon set forth, and marched through Hungary with an armie of civill and wel-conditioned souldiers; so also did Boemund, Reimund, and Robert the Normane, whose setting forth bare diverse dates: and they embraced severall courses through sundry countreys; but the first Rendezvous where all met was at Constantinople.Dec. 23.

This was no pleasant prospect to Alexius the Grecian Emperour, to see the sea full of ships, the shore of souldiers. He had gotten the Empire by bad practices (by deposing and cloistering Nicephorus his predecessour) and an ill conscience needeth no enemie but it self: for now he affrighteth himself with the fansie, that these Pilgrimes were so many pioners come to undermine him. Yea, he seemeth to have entailed his jealousies on all his successours; who never cordially affected this warre, but suspected that these Western Christians made but a false blow at Jerusalem, and meant to hit Constantinople. But though he had a storm in his heart, yet he made all fair weather in his face; and finding these his guests so strong that they could command their own welcome, he entertained them rather for fear then love. At last it was **M. Paris, pag. 38.covenanted betwixt them, that what countreys or cities soever (Jerusalem alone excepted) once belonging to this Grecian Empire, should be recovered by these Latines, should all be restored to Alexius; in lieu whereof he was to furnish them with armour, shipping, and all other warlike necessaries.Aemilius, De gest. Fran. pag. 112. Thus might that Emperour have much improved his estate by these adventures; but he (like those who cannot see their own good for too stedfast looking on it) by his over-carefulnesse and causelesse suspicion, deprived himself of this benefit, and implunged himself in much just hatred for his unjust p. 23just dealing and treachery. Polybius (though a Grecian himself) yet thus painteth out his countreymen amongst the Greeks;Lib. 6. Vide Erasmum in Adagio, Graeca fides. If one should lend a talent, though he should have for it ten bonds, ten seals, and twice as many witnesses, yet the borrower will not keep his credit. It seems Alexius was one of this same faith, who though so solemnly engaged on his honour to perform this agreement so advantagious to himself, most unprincelike brake his word, and molested these Pilgrimes afterwards.

**M. Paris, pag. 38.Some question the discretion of these Princes in this agreement, to bargain to purchase Alexius his profit with their bloud, and conceive that they much under-valued themselves in swearing homage unto him; which onelyonly **Malmsb. pag. 137.Robert Earl of Flanders (remembring that he was free-born and bred) refused to do: Yet they may herein be partly excused; for they apprehended it of absolute necessitie to gain this Emperours favour, on what price soever, because his countrey was the high-way through which they must passe. Besides, their zeal to be at their journeys end made them insensible of any future disadvantages, so be it they might have but present expedition to the place they were bound for. And we may also think that Alexius his liberall gifts had great efficacie in this matter, to win these Princes to his own desires.

Chap. 16. The estate of Asia; siege, and taking of Nice; Turks overthrown in battel.

AT our last mentioning of the Turks and their victories, we left them possest of Jerusalem, and the greater part of Syria: but since they have thrived better, and won the lesser Asia from the Grecian Emperour. Indeed those Emperours with their own hands lifted up the Turks into their throne, and caused them thus speedily to conquer. For giving themselves over to pleasure, they gave little countenance, and lesse maintenance to men of service and action: whereby the martiall sparks in noble spirits were quenched; and no wonder if vertue did wither where it was not watered with reward. Secondly, out of covetousnesse the Emperours unfurnished their frontiers of garrisons, and laid them open to invasions; a notorious solecisme in policie: for if doores in private houses are to be locked, much more frontiers in kingdomes. Neither did it a little advantage the Turks proceedings, that the Grecian Empire fell to p. 24Eudoxia a woman, and her children in minoritie, too weak pilots to steer so great a State in the tempest of warre. And though after other changes it fell to Alexius, one whose personall abilities were not to be excepted against; yet he being totally busied at home, to maintain his title against home-bred foes, had no leisure to make any effectuall resistance against forrein enemies. Nor did the death of Cutlen-Muses their king any whit prejudice the Turkish proceedings: for Solyman his sonne succeeded him, a Prince no lesse famous for his clemencie then his conquests; as victory to generous minds is onelyonly an inducement to moderation. In this case under the tyrannie of the Turks stood Asia the lesse; and though there were many Christians in every citie, yet these being disarmed, had no other weapons then those of the Primitive Church, tears and prayers.

But now these Western Pilgrimes arriving there,1097 besiege the citie of Nice with an armie as glorious as ever the sunne beheld.May 14. This citie was equally beholden to nature and art for her strength; and was formerly famous for the first generall Councel, called there by Constantine against Arius, wherein were assembled 318 Bishops. The Pilgrimes had a Lombard for their engineer; the neighbouring wood afforded them materials, whereof they made many warlike instruments, and hoped speedily to conquer the citie. But breathed deer are not so quickly caught. The Turks within being experienced souldiers, defeated their enterprises. And here one might have seen art promising her self the victory, and suddenly meeting with counter-art which mastered her. The lake Ascanius whereon the citie stood, having an out-let into the sea, much advantaged the besieged, whereby they fetcht victualls from the countrey, till at last that passage was locked up by the Grecian fleet. Soon after the citie was surrendred,Iune 20. on composition that the inhabitants lives and goods should be untouched; whereat the souldiers who hitherto hoped for the spoyl, now seeing themselves spoyled of their hope, shewed no small discontentment. Solymans wife and young children were taken prisoners, and the citie (according to the agreement) was delivered to Tatinus the Grecian Admirall in behalf of Alexius his master.

From hence the Christians set forward to the vale of Dogorgan, when behold Solyman with all his might fell upon them, and there followed a cruel battel, fought with much courage and varietie of successe. A cloud of arrows darkened the skie, which was quickly dissolved into a showre a bloud. The Christians had many disadvantages: For their enemies were three to one; and valour it self may be pressed to death under the weight of multitude. The season was unseasonable; the scorching of the sunne much annoying these northern people, whilest p. 25the Turks had bodies of proof against the heat. Besides, the Christians horses affrighted with the barbarous sounds of the Turkish drummes, were altogether unserviceable. However, they bravely maintained their fight by the speciall valour and wisdome of their leaders (amongst whom Boemund, and Hugh brother to the King of France, deserved high commendations) till at last finding themselves overmatched, they began to guard their heads with their heels, and fairly ran away. When in came **M. Paris, pag. 42. & H. Hunting. lib. 7. pag. 374Robert the Normane in the very opportunity of opportunitie. Much he encouraged them with his words, more with his valour, slaying three principall Turks with his own hands. This sight so inspirited the Christians, that coming in on fresh, they obtained a most glorious victorie. Two thousand on their side were slain, whereof William the brother of Tancred, Godfrey de Mont, and Robert of Paris were of speciall note. But farre greater was the slaughter of their enemies, especially after that Godfrey of Bouillon, who had been absent all the battel, came in with his army: yet they wanted a hammer to drive the victory home to the head, having **W. Malm…b. pag. 138.no horses to make the pursuit. Solyman flying away burned all as he went; and to prop up his credit, gave it out that he had gotten the day, pleasing himself to be a conquerour in report. This great battel was fought July the first;Iuly 1. though some make it many dayes after: Yea, so great is the varietie of Historians in their dates, that every one may seem to have a severall clock of time, which they set faster or slower at their own pleasure: but as long as they agree in the main, we need not be much moved with their petty dissensions.

Chap. 17. The siege and taking of Antiochia; Corboran overcome in fight; of Christs spear, and of holy fraud.

FRom hence with invincible industry and patience, they bored a passage through valleys, up mountains, over rivers, taking as they went the famous cities, Iconium, Heraclea, Tarsus, and conquering all the countrey of Cilicia. This good successe much**Vrspergens. pag. 233. puffed them up; God therefore to cure them of the pleurisie of pride, did let them bloud with the long and costly siege of Antiochia. This citie watered by the river Orontes, and called Reblath of the Hebrews, was built by Seleucus Nicanor, p. 26and enlarged by Antiochus. Compassed it was with a double wall, one of square stone, the other of brick; strengthened with 460 towres, and had a castle on the East rather to be admired then assaulted. Here the professours of our faith were first named **Acts 11.26Acts 11:26Christians: and here S. Peter first sat Bishop, whose fair church was a Patriarchall seat for many hundred yeares after. Before this city the Pilgrimes army incamped,Octob. 21. and strongly besieged it: but the Turks within manfully defending themselves under Auxianus their captain, frustrated their hopes of taking it by force. The siege grew long, and victuals short in the Christians camp: and now **Sabell. Enn. 9. lib. 5. pag. 357. Et Aemilius, in Philip the first, pag. 123.Peter the Hermite being brought to the touch-stone, discovered what base metall he was of; ran away with some other of good note, and were fetcht back again, and bound with a new oath to prosecute the warre. At last, one within the citie (though Authours agree neither of his name nor religion, some making him a Turk, others a Christian;1098 some calling him Pyrrhus, some Hemirpherrus, others Emipher) in the dead of the night betrayed the citie to Boemund.Iune 3. The Christians issuing in, and exasperated with the length of the siege, so remembred what they had suffered, that they forgot what they had to do, **P. Aemil. pag. 127.killing promiscuously Christian citizens with Turks. Thus passions, like heavie bodies down steep hills, once in motion move themselves, and know no ground but the bottom.

Antiochia thus taken, was offered to Alexius the Emperour; but he refused it, suspecting some deceit in the tender; as bad men measure other mens minds by the crooked rule of their own. Hereupon it was bestowed on Boemund; though this place dearly purchased was not long quietly possessed: For Corboran the Turkish Generall came with a vast armie of Persian forces, and besieged the Christians in the citie, so that they were brought into a great strait betwixt death and death, hunger within and their foes without. Many secretly stole away, whereat the rest were no whit discomfited, counting the losse of cowards to be gain to an armie. At last, they generally resolved rather to lose their lives by whole-sale on the point of the sword, then to retail them out by famine, which is the worst of tyrants, and murdereth men in state, whilest they die in not dying. It did not a little encourage them, that they found in the church of S. Peter that **Tyrius, lib. 6. cap. 14.lance wherewith our Saviours bodie was pierced: They highly prized this militarie relique of Christ, as if by wounding of him it had got vertue to wound his enemies, and counted it a pawn of certain victorie. Whether this spear was truly found, or whether it was but invented to cozen men with, we will not dispute: However, it wrought much with these Pilgrimes; for conceit oftentimes p. 27doeth things above conceit, especially when the imagination apprehendeth something founded in religion. Marching forth in severall armies they manfully fell upon their enemies, and being armed with despair to escape,Iune 28. they sought to sell their lives at the dearest rate. Valour doth swell when it is crushed betwixt extremities; and then oftentimes goeth beyond her self in her atchievements. This day by Gods blessing on their courage they got a noble conquest. Some saw **M. Pari…, in Gulielmo secundo, pag. 57.S. George in the aire with an armie of white horses fighting for them; but these no doubt did look through the spectacles of fansie. And yet though we should reject this apparition, we need not play the Origens with the story of S. George, and change all the literall sense into an allegorie of Christ and his Church: for it is improbable that our English nation, amongst so many Saints that were, would choose one that was not, to be their patrone; especially seeing the world in that age had rather a glut then famine of Saints.

And here let me advertise the Reader once for all, not to expect that I should set down those many **Mundus senescens patitur phantasias falsorum miraculorum; propterea sunt nunc habenda miracula valde suspecta, Gerson.miracles wherewith Authours who write this warre so lard their stories, that it will choke the belief of any discreet man to swallow them. As the intent of these writers was pious, to gain credit and converts to the Christian faith, so the prosecuting of their project must be condemned, in thinking to grace the Gospel in reporting such absurd falsities. But let us know that heaven hath a pillorie, whereon Fraus pia her self shall be punished: and rather let us leave religion to her native plainnesse, then hang her eares with counterfeit pearls.

The pride of the Turks being abated in this battel, and an 100000 of them being slain, the Christians grew mightily insolent, and forgot to return to God the honour of the victorie. Whereupon followed a great mortalitie, and 50000 died in few dayes; whether this proceeded from the climate (the bodies of Europe not being friends with the aire of Asia, til use by degrees reconcileth them) or whether it was caused by their intemperance: for after long fasting they would not measure their stomacks by the standard of physick▪ and dieting themselves till nature by degrees could digest the meat; but by surfeting digged their graves with their own teeth.

And now we are come to the skirts and borders of Palestine. Wherefore as Heralds use to blazon the field before they meddle with the charge, so let us describe the land before we relate the actions done therein. If in bowling they must needs throw wide, which know not the green or alley whereon they play; much more must they misse the truth in storie, who are unacquainted with that countrey whereon the discourse proceedeth. p. 28Briefly therefore of the Holy land; as not intending to make a large and wide description of so short and narrow a countrey.

Chap. 18. A Pisgah-sight, or short survey of Palestine in generall; and how it might maintain 1300000 men.

PAlestine is bounded on the North with mount Libanus; West, with the mid-land-sea; South, with the wildernesse of Paran, parting it from Egypt; and East, with the mountains of Gilead, and the river of Arnon. To give it the most favourable dimensions; From the foot of Libanus to Beersheba, North and South, may be allowed 210 miles: and from Ramoth-Gilead to Endor, East and West, seventie; which is the constant breadth of the countrey. In which compasse in Davids time were maintained **2. Sam. 24.9.2 Sam 24:9thirteen hundred thousand men, besides women, children, and impotent persons: and yet the tribes of 1. Chron. 21.6.1 Chr 21:6Benjamin and Levi were not reckoned. True this must needs be, for Truth hath said it: Yet is it wonderfull. For though the united Provinces in the Low-countreys maintain as many people in as little a plot of ground, yet they feed not on home-bred food; but have Poland for their granarie, the British ocean for their fish-pond, High-Germanie for their wine-cellar; and by the benefit of their harbours unlock the store-houses of all other countreys. It fared not thus with the Jews, whose own countrey fed them all. And yet the seeming impossibilitie of so many kept in so small a land will be abated, if we consider these particulars;

1. People in those hot countreys had not so hot appetites for the quantitie of the meat eaten, nor gluttonous palates for the varietie of it.

2. The countrey rising and falling into hills and vales, gained many acres of ground: whereof no notice is taken in a map; for therein all things presented are conceived to be in plan…: And so the land was farre roomthier then the scale of miles doth make it.

3. They had pasturage to feed their cattel in, in out-countreys beyond Palestine. Thus the tribe of **1. Chron. 5.9, 10.1 Chr 5:91 Chr 5:10Reuben grased their cattel east-ward, even to the river Euphrates.

4. Lastly, the soyl was transcendently fruitfull, as appeareth by that great **Num. 13.23.Num 13:23bunch of grapes carried by two men: For though many a man hath not been able to bear wine, it is much that one should be loaden with one cluster of grapes.

p. 29If any object against the fruitfulnesse of this countrey; That there were many wildernesses therein, as those of Maon, Ziph, Carmel, Gibeon, Judah, and these must needs cut large thongs out of so narrow a hide: it is answered, That these wildernesses took up no great space, as probably being no bigger then our least forrests in England. As for the greater deserts, we must not conceive them to lie wholly waste, but that they were but thinly inhabited: for we find **Iosh. 15.61.Josh 15:61six cities with their villages in the wildernesse of Judah.

Principall commodities of this countrey were,

1. Balm, which **Munster, in Terra sancta pag. 1017. & in Aegypt. pag. 1135.wholly failed not long after our Saviours passion; whether because the type was to cease when the truth was come, or because that land was unworthy to have so sovereigne bodily physick grow in her, where the Physician of the soul was put to death.

2. Hony, and that either distilled by bees those little chymists (and the pasture they fed on was never a whit the barer for their biting) or else rained down from heaven, as that which **1. Sam. 14.27.1 Sam 14:27Jonathan tasted, when his sweet meat had like to have had sowre sauce, and to have cost him his life.

Besides these, milk, oyl, nuts, almonds, dates, figs, olives: So that we may boldly say, no countrey had better sauce and better meat, having fowl, fish, in sea, lakes, and rivers; flesh of sheep, goats, bucks, and ki…e.

Mines of gold and silver… with pearls and precious stones, Judea rather had not then wanted; either because God would not have his people proud or covetous; or because these are not essentiall to mans life; or because nature bestoweth these commodities in recompense on barren countreys.

Horses they had none but what they bought out of Egypt for service, using asses for burden, oxen for drawing, and mules for travel. And for many hundred yeares they used no horses in battel, till David took some from**2. Sam. 8.4.2 Sam 8:4 Hadadezer. The greatest inconvenience of the land was that it had wild beasts; and their sheep were not securely folded like ours in England, which stand more in danger of men then wolves.

The chief river of the countrey was Jordan: over which the Israelites passed on foot; afterwards Elijah made a bridge over it with his cloke: and our Saviour washed the water hereof, by being baptized in it. This ariseth from the springs of Jor and Dan; whence running south he enlargeth himself first into the waters of Merom, then into the lake of Genesareth or Tiberias; and hence recovering his stream, as if sensible of his sad fate, and desirous to deferre what he cannot avoid, he fetcheth many turnings and windings, but all will not excuse him from falling into the Dead sea. Authours are very fruitfull on the barrennesse p. 30of this sea (where Sodome once stood) writing how on the banks thereof grow those hypocrite apples and well-complexioned dust (the true emblemes of the false pleasures of this world) which touched fall to ashes.

Chap. 19. Galilee described.

PAlestine contained foure provinces: Galilee on the north, Trachonitis beyond Jordan on the east, Judea on the south, and Samaria in the middle. Galilee was divided into the upper and lower. The upper (called also Galilee of the Gentiles, because it bordered on them) comprehended the tribes of Asher and Nephthali.

Asher entertaineth us with these observables: 1. **Iosh. 11.8.Josh 11:8Misrephothmajim, the Nantwich of Palestine, where salt was boyled. 2. Sarepta, where Elijah multiplied the widows oyl. 3. Tyre, anciently the Royall-Exchange of the world; but of this (as of Sidon and Ptolemais) largely hereafter. 4. Aphek, whose walls falling down gave both the death and grave-stones to 27000 of Benhadads souldiers. 5. Cana the great, whereof was that woman whose daughter Christ dispossessed of a devil. 6. Belus, a rivulet famous for his glassie sand. 7. Mount Libanus, whether so called (as our Albion) from his snowy top, or from frankincense growing thereon.

Nephthali, with these: 1. Abel-beth-maacha: In this borough Sheba that vermine earthed himself, till a womans wisdome threw his head over the wals: And pitie it was those wals should have stood, if they had been too high to throw a traytours head over them. 2. Harosheth, the citie of Sisera, who for all his commanding of 900 iron-chariots, was slain with one iron-nail. 3. Capernaum, where Christ healed the Centurions servant; and not farre off fed an army of guests with five loaves and two fishes: so that if we consider what they ate, we may wonder that they left any thing; if what they left, that they ate any thing. 4. Kedesh, a citie of refuge, whither they were to flie that killed men unawares. As for those who formerly priviledged Sanctuaries in England, where the worst traytours and wilfullest murderers were secure from punishment, they rather propounded Romulus then Moses for their president. 5. Riblah, where King Zedekiah (more unhappy that he saw so long then that he was blind so soon) had his eyes put out, after he had beheld the slaughter of his sonnes. 6. Cesarea-Philippi, the chief citie of Decapolis; which was a small territorie on both p. 31sides of Jordan, so called of ten cities it contained; though Authours wonderfully differ in reckoning them up. 7. Christs mount, so named because it was his pulpit, as the whole Law was his text, when he made that famous sermon in the mount. This Sunne of righteousnesse, which had all Palestine for his zodiack, the twelve tribes for his signes, stayed longest here and in Zabulon; and as S. Hierome **In 4. Matth.observeth, as these two tribes were first carried into captivitie, so redemption was first preached in these countreys.

Lower Galilee consisted of Zabulon and Issachar. Zabulon presenteth us with Naim, where our Saviour raised the widows sonne, so that she was twice a mother, yet had but one child. 2. Cana the lesse, where he shewed the virginitie of his miracles at a marriage, turning water into wine. 3. Bethulia, where Judeth strook off Holofernes his head; though some since have strook off that story, not onelyonly from canonicall scripture, but from truth. 4. Bethsaida, upbraided by Christ, famous for her great means, great ingratitude, great punishment. 5. Nazareth, where our Saviour had his conception and education. 6. Tiberias, so called by Herod the Tetrarch in the honour of Tiberius. 7. Mount Carmel, the Jewish Parnassus, where the Prophets were so conversant. 8. Tabor, where our Saviour was transfigured, the earnest of his future glory. 9. The river Kishon, Gods besome to sweep away Sisera's great armie.

In Issachar we find Tarichea, taken with great difficultie by Vespasian. 2. Shunem, where Elisha was so often entertained by an honourable woman. And as if this land had been thirsty of bloud, here in this tribe were fought the battels of Gideon against the Midianites, Jehu against Jehoram, Saul against the Philistines upon mount Gilboa. David therefore cursed that mountain that neither dew nor rain should fall on it. But of late some English travellers climbing this mountain were well wetted, David not cursing it by a propheticall spirit, but in a poeticall rapture.

Chap. 20. The description of Samaria.

SAmaria contained half Manasses on this side Jordan, and the tribe of Ephraim. In the former we meet with Bethshean, on the walls whereof the Philistines hanged Sauls body. 2. Tirzah, where Zimri (whose onelyonly goodnesse was, that he reigned but seven dayes) burned himself and the Kings palace. p. 323. Thebez, where Abimelech, prodigall of his life, but niggardly of his reputation, not so pained with his death, as angry with his killer (because a woman) would needs be killed again by his armour-bearer. 4. Megiddo, where Josiah that bright sunne set in a cloud, engaging himself in a needlesse quarrel, wherein he was slain. 5. Cesarea-Stratonis, where Herod was eaten up with worms. 6. Jezreel, a royall citie of the Kings of Israel, nigh which lay the vineyard or rather bloud-yard of Naboth.

Ephraim was adorned with Samaria the chief citie of Israel, which at this day sheweth more ruines then Jerusalem. 2. Shiloh, where the Ark was long leiger; and where Eli heart-broken with bad news, brake his neck with a fall. 3. Sichem, where Dinah bought the satisfying of her curiositie with the losse of her chastitie. And as if the ground here were stained with perfidiousnesse, here Simeon and Levi killed the Sichemites, Joseph was sold by his brethren, Abimelech usurped the government, the ten tribes revolted from Rehoboam. 4. Mount Ephraim, a ridge of hills crossing this countrey. 5. Gerizzim and Ebal, two mountains: the blessings were pronounced on the one, and the curses on the other.

Chap. 21. Iudea surveyed.

JUdea comprised the tribes of Benjamin, Dan, Simeon, and Judah. Benjamin flourished with Gilgal, where Joshua circumcised the Israelites. They hitherto had been fellow-commoners with the Angels, feeding on manna, which here ceased; God withdrawing miracles where he afforded means. 2. Gibeon, whose inhabitants cozened Joshua with a passe of falsedated antiquitie: Who would have thought that clouted shoes could have covered so much subtilty? Here Joshua sent his mandate to the sunne to stand still, and to wait on him whilest he conquered his enemies. 3. Nob, where Doeg, more cruel then the Kings cattel he kept, slew eighty five Priests as innocent as their ephods were white. 4. Jericho, whose walls were battered down with the sound of rammes horns. 5. Bethel, where God appeared to Jacob. 6. Ai, where the Israelites were slain for the sacriledge of Achan.

Dan had these memorables. 1. Joppa a safe harbour, where Jonah fled from Gods service. 2. Ashdod or Azotus, where Dagon did twice homage to the Ark, not onelyonly falling bare, but putting p. 33off his head and hands. 3. Gath, a seminary of giants, where Goliath was born. 4. Ekron, where Beelzebub the God of flies had a nest or temple. 5. Timnath, where Judah committed incest with Tamar, but betrayed himself by his own tokens, and beat himself with his own staff. Hence Samson fetcht his wife, whose epithalamium proved the dirge to so many Philistines. 6. Modin, where the Maccabees were buried. 7. Sorek, the chief if not onelyonly rivulet of this tribe.

Entring on the south-coasts of Simeon, we light on Askelon, where Herod was born. 2. Gaza, chief of the five Satrapies of the Philistines, the gates whereof Samson carried away; and hither being sent for to make sport in the house of Dagon, acted such a tragedie that plucked down the stage, slew himself and all the spectatours. 3. More inland; Ziklag, assigned by Achish to David. 4. Beersheba and Gerar, where Abraham and Isaac lived most constantly, neare unto the brook of Besor.

The tribe of Judah was the greatest of all, so that Simeon and Dan did feed on the reversion thereof, and received those cities which originally belonged to this royall tribe. Memorable herein were 1. Hebron, the land whereof was given to Caleb, because he and Joshua consented not to the false verdict which the jurie of spies brought in against the land of Canaan. 2. Nigh, in the cave of Machpelah, the Patriarchs were buried; whose bodies took livery and seasin in behalf of their posteritie, which were to possesse the whole land. 3. Kirjath-sepher or Debir, an ancient Universitie of the Canaanites: for though Parnassus was onelyonly in Greece, yet the Muses were not confined to that countrey. 4. Tekoa, where Amos was born, fetcht from the herdsmen, to feed Gods sheep; and to dresse his vine, from gathering wild-figs. 5. Zoar, Lots refuge; neare to which his wife for one farewell-glance at Sodome, was turned into a pillar of salt, to season us to measure a sinne by the infinitenesse of God who forbiddeth it. Adjoyning is Lots cave; where he affecting solitarinesse, had too much company of his own daughters. 6. Carmel, where Nabal lived as rich as foolish; but those grains of wisdome which were wanting in him, were found over-weight in his wife. Here Uzziah pastured his cattel, a King, yet delighted in husbandry; as thrift is the fewel of magnificence. 7. Bethlehem, where our Saviour was born. 8. Jerusalem, whereof afterwards.

p. 34Chap. 22. Of Trachonitis.

WE want one adequate word of a countrey to expresse the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half-Manasses beyond Jordan. Trachonitis cometh the nearest, so called because it riseth up in sharp hills, which are known to Ptolemie by the name of Hippus; to Strabo, of Trachones; but in Scripture, of mount Hermon, or Gilead.

Reuben, though disinherited of the birth-right, had this honour of an elder brother, that he was first provided for. His chief places, Heshbon, and Medeba, and Macherus, the strongest in-land citie in that part of the world. Mount Abarim, a chain of hills, the highest whereof was Nebo; the top-cliff of Nebo, Pisgah; whence Moses viewed the land: hereabouts the Angel buried him, and also buried his grave, lest it should occasion idolatry. The river Arnon parteth this tribe from Moab.

In Gad, we find Peniel where Jacob wrestled with God; lost a sinew, but got a blessing: Jabesh-gilead, where Saul was buried: Ramoth-gilead, where Ahab was slain: Rogelim, the mannour of Barzillai, superannuated to be a courtier: Mahanaim, where the Angels appeared to Jacob: The forrest of Ephraim, where that execution was done by Jephthah on the Ephraimites, for not pronouncing that heavie aspiration in Shibboleth: The river Jabbok.

In Manasses, Edrei the citie of Og, on whose giant-like proportion the Rabbines have more giant-like lies: Gadara, whose inhabitants loved their swine better then their Saviour. They that desire to be further informed of Canaan, let them spare pains to strike fire, and light their candle at Sir Walter Raleghs torch.

Chap. 23. The description of the citie of Ierusalem; the observables within, and about her.

JErusalem by the often change of her fortunes, hath somewhat altered her situation, having hitched her self more northwest-ward. For the mountain of Calvarie, which formerly she shut out of her gates, as the infamous place of execution, she p. 35now embraceth within her walls as her most venerable monument.

On the south of Jerusalem (once part of her, now excluded) lieth mount Sion, famous anciently for the palace of David: On the east, mount Olivet, parted with the vale of Jehoshaphat; which (some will have) shall be the hall for the great Assizes of the world at the day of judgement, whilest others more modestly conceive that the place as well as the time is concealed. On the west, the hill of Gihon: And on the north it is indifferent plain.

The monuments which are still extant to be seen without or within the citie, are reduceable to one of these three ranks. 1. Certainly true; as the mountains compassing it, which are standards too great and too heavie for either time or warre to remove: and such also are some eminent particulars of some places, which constant tradition without rupture hath entailed on posteritie. 2. Of a mixt nature; where the text is true, but superstition and fansie have commented on it. 3. Stark lies, without a rag of probabilitie to hide their shame; where the beleever is as foolish as the inventer impudent. We will bundle them together, and let the Reader sort them at his discretion: for it is as hard to fit the throats as to please the palates of men; and that will choke one mans belief which another will swallow as easily credible. Neither let any censure this discourse as a parenthesis to this history, seeing that to see these reliques was one principall motive with many to undertake this pilgrimage.

To begin without the citie; On the south there remain the ruines of Davids palace, too neare to which was Uriahs house; and the **Morisons Trav. part. 1. pag. 226.fountain is still shewed where Bathsheba's washing of her bodie occasioned the fouling of her soul. Next, Davids tombe is to be seen wherein he was buried: his monument was inriched with a masse of treasure, saith Josephus: out of which Hircanus 850 yeares after took three thousand talents. But surely David who despised riches in his life, was not covetous after his death: And I am sure they are his own words, that **Psal. 49.17.Ps 49:17Man shall carry nothing away with him, neither shall his great pomp follow him. Thirdly, Aceldama that burying-place for strangers: and the grave that every where hath a good stomack, hath here a boulimia or greedy worm; for it will devoure the flesh of a corpse in 48 houres. Fourthly, Absaloms pillar, which he built to continue his memorie, though he might have saved that cost, having eternized his infamy by his unnaturall rebellion. Fifthly, the houses of Annas and Caiaphas, to passe by others of inferiour note.

On the east; First, mount Olivet, from whence our Saviour p. 36took his rise into heaven. The chapell of Ascension, of an eight-square round mounted on three degrees, still challengeth great reverence; and there the footsteps of our Saviour are still to be seen, which cannot be covered over. Secondly, the fig-tree which Christ cursed: for he who spake many, here wrought a parable; this whole tree being but the bark, and Christ under it cursing the fruitlesse profession of the Jews. Thirdly, the place where S. Stephen was stoned; and the stones thereabouts are over-grown with a red rust, which is (forsooth) the very bloud of that holy martyr. Fourthly, the place where Judas surprised our Saviour, and he fell down on a stone, in which the print of his elbows and feet are still to be seen. Fifthly, the sepulchre of the blessed Virgin: whose body after it had been three dayes buried, was carried up by the Angels into heaven; and she let fall her **Sandys, pag. 190.girdle to S. Thomas, that his weak faith might be swaddled therewith: otherwise he who in the point of Christs resurrection would have no creed, except he made his own articles, and put his finger into his side, would no doubt hardly have beleeved the Virgins assumption. With this legend we may couple another, which though distant in place will be beleeved both together: They shew at **Bidulphs Trav. pag. 130 & Morisons, part. 1. pag. 227.Bethlehem a little hole over the place where our Saviour was born, through which the starre which conducted the wise-men fell down to the ground. But who will not conclude but there was a vertigo in his head, who first made a starre subject to the falling-sicknesse? Sixthly, the vale of Hinnom or Tophet, in which wise Solomon befooled by his wives, built a temple to Moloch. Seventhly, Cedron, a brook so often mentioned in Scripture.

The west and north-sides of Jerusalem were not so happily planted with sacred monuments; and we find none thereon which grew to any eminencie.

We will now lead the Reader into Jerusalem: Where first on mount Moriah (the place where Isaac was offered, though not sacrificed) stood Solomons temple, destroyed by the Chaldeans, rebuilt by Zorobabel: Afterward Herod reedified it so stately (saith Josephus) that it exceeded Solomons temple; if his words exceed not the truth. But no wonder if he that never saw the sunne, dare say that the moon is the most glorious light in the heavens. Secondly, Solomons palace, which was **1. King. 7.1.1 Kgs 7:1thirteen yeares in building, whereas the temple was finished in **1. King. 6.38.1 Kgs 6:38seven: Not that he bestowed more cost and pains (because more time) on his own then on Gods house: but rather he **Vide Trem…l. in locum.plied Gods work more throughly, and entertained then more builders; so that contrary to the proverb, Church-work went on the most speedily. Thirdly, the house of the forrest of Lebanon, which was (as appeareth by comparing the text) fourtie cubits p. 37longer, and thirtie cubits broader then the temple it self. But no doubt the holy Spirit speaking of holy buildings, meaneth the great cubit of the Sanctuary; but in other houses, the ordinary or common cubit. It was called the house Lebanon, because hard by it Solomon planted a **Adricom. ex Hieron. pag. 153.grove, the abridgement of the great forrest; so that the pleasures of spacious Lebanon were here written in a lesse character. Fourthly, Pilates palace, and the Common hall, where the Judge of the world was condemned to death. Fifthly, the pool of Bethesda, the waters whereof troubled by the Angel were a Panpharmacon to him that first got into them. Here was a spittle built with five porches, the mercy of God being seconded by the charitie of man; God gave the cure, men built the harbour for impotent persons. Sixthly, the house of Dives the rich glutton: and therefore (saith **Theatr. Terr. sanct. 153.Adricomius) it was no parable: But may we not retort his words? It was a parable; and therefore this is none of Dives his house. Sure I am, Theophylact is against the literall sense thereof, and saith, They think **foreign, Comment. in 16. Luc.foolishly that think otherwise.

But my discourse hasteth to mount Calvarie; which at this day hath almost ingrossed all reverence to it self. It is called Calvarie, Golgotha, or the place of a scull, either because the hill is rolled and **Illyricus, in 27. Matth.rounded up in the fashion of a mans head, (as **Cambdens Brit. in Buckinghamshire.Pen in the British tongue signifieth both an head, and a copped hill) or because here the bodies of such as were executed were cast. As for the conceit, that Adams scull should here be found, it is confuted by S. Hierome, who will have him buried at Hebron. Neither is it likely, if the Jews had a tradition that the father of mankind had here been interted, that they would have made his sepulchre their Tiburn where malefactours were put to death, and the charnel-house where their bones were scattered. Over our Saviours grave stood a stately church, built say some by Helen, say others by Constantine: but we will not set mother and sonne at variance; it might be she built it at his cost. In this church are many monuments: As the pillar whereunto Christ was bound when scourged; wherein red spots of dusky-veined marble **Bridenb. De Domin. sepulcre.usurped the honour to be counted Christs bloud. Secondly, a great cleft in the rock which was rent in sunder at the Passion, whereby the bad thief was divided from Christ (the signe of his spirituall separation) and they say it reacheth to the centre of the earth: a thing hard to confute. Thirdly, certain pillars which being in a dark place under ground, are said miraculously to weep for our Saviours suffering. But I referre those who desire the criticismes of these places without going thither, to read our English travellers: for in this case as good wares and farre cheaper peny-worths are bought at the second hand.

p. 38To conclude our description of Palestine, let none conceive that God forgot the Levites in division of the land, because they had no entire countrey allotted unto them. Their portion was as large as any, though paid in severall summes: They had 48 cities with their suburbs, tithes, first-fruits, free-offerings; being better provided for then many English ministers, who may preach of hospitalitie to their people, but cannot go to the cost to practice their own doctrine.

A table shewing the varietie of places names in Palestine.

Chap. 24. The siege and taking of Ierusalem.

BY this time cold weather (the best besome to sweep the chambers of the aire) had well cleared the Christians camp p. 39from infection: and now their devotion moved the swifter, being come neare to the centre thereof, the citie of Jerusalem. Forward they set, and take the citie of Marrha, and imploy themselves in securing the countrey about them,1098 that so they might clear the way as they went.Dec. 11. 1099 Neither did the discords betwixt Reimund and Boemund much delay their proceedings, being in some measure seasonably compounded; as was also the seabattel betwixt the Pisans and Venetians. For the Venetians seeing on the Pisans the **Sabellicus, Enn. 9. lib. 3. pag. 357.cognisance of the Crosse, the uncounterfeited pasport that they wear for the Holy warre, suffered them safely to go on, though otherwise they were their deadly enemies, yea, and set five thousand of them at libertie, whom they had taken captive.

April 10.The Pilgrimes kept their Easter at Tripoli, Whitsuntide by Cesarea-Stratonis, taking many places in their passage; and at last came to Jerusalem.May 29 Discovering the citie afarre off, it was a prettie sight to behold the harmonie in the difference of expressing their joy; how they clothed the same passion with diverse gestures: some prostrate, some kneeling, some weeping▪ all had much ado to manage so great a gladnesse. Then began they the siege of the citie on the north (being scarce assaultable on any other side by reason of steep and broken rocks) and continued it with great valour.Iune 6. Iune 10.On the fourth day after, they had taken it but for want of scaling-ladders. But a farre greater want was the defect of water, the springs being either stopped up or poysoned by the Turks; so that they fetcht water **Aemilius, pag. 135.five miles off. As for the brook Cedron, it was dried up, as having no subsistence of it self, but merely depending on the benevolence of winter-waters, which mount Olivet bestoweth upon it. Admirall Coligni was wont to say, He that will well paint the beast Warre, must first begin to shape the belly; meaning that a good Generall must first provide victuals for an armie: Yea, let him remember the bladder in the beasts belly as well as the guts, and take order for moisture more especially then for meat it self; thirst in northern bodies being more unsupportable then famine: Quickly will their courage be cooled, who have no moisture to cool their hearts. As for the Christians want of ladders, that was quickly supplied: for the Genoans arriving with a fleet in Palestine, brought most curious engineers, who framed a wooden towre, and all other artificiall instruments. For we must not think, that the world was at a losse for warre-tools before the brood of guns was hatched: It had the **Plin. Nat. hist. lib. 7. cap. 56.battering ramme, first found out by Epeus at the taking of Troy; the balista to discharge great stones, invented by the Phenicians; the catapulta, being a sling of mighty strength, whereof the Syrians were authours: and p. 40perchance King **2 Chron. 26.15.2 Chr 26:15Uzziah first made it; for we find him very dextrous and happy in devising such things. And although these bear-whelps were but rude and unshaped at the first, yet art did lick them afterwards, and they got more teeth and sharper nails by degrees; so that every age set them forth in a new edition, corrected and amended. But these and many more voluminous engines (for the ramme alone had an hundred men to manage it) are now virtually epitomized in the cannon. And though some may say, that the finding of gunnes hath been the losing of many mens lives, yet it will appear that battels now are fought with more expedition, and victory standeth not so long a neuter, before she expresse her self on one side or other.

But these gunnes have shot my discourse from the siege of Jerusalem: To return thither again.Iuly 11. By this time, in the space of a **M. Paris, pag. 63.monethmonth, the Genoans had finished their engines which they built**P. Aemylius, pag. 135. & Tyrius, lib. 8 cap. 6. seven miles off: for nearer there grew no stick of bignesse. I will not say, that since our Saviour was hanged on a tree, the land about that city hath been cursed with a barrennes of wood. And now for a preparative, that their courage might work the better,Iuly 12. they began with a fast, and a solemn procession about mount Olivet.

Next day they gave a fierce assault;Iuly 13. yea, **Tyrius, lib. 8 cap. 13.women played the men, and fought most valiantly in armour. But they within being fourtie thousand strong, well victualled and appointed, made stout resistance, till the night (accounted but a foe for her friendship) umpired betwixt them, and abruptly put an end to their fight in the midst of their courage.

When the first light brought news of a morning, they on afresh; the rather, because they had **P. Aemylius, pag. 136.intercepted a letter tied to the legs of a dove (it being the fashion of that countrey both to write and send their letters with the wings of a **The manner set down at large, Bidulphs Trav. pag. 43.fowl) wherein the Persian Emperour promised present succours to the besieged. The Turks cased the outside of their walls with bags of chaff, straw, and such like pliable matter, which conquered the engines of the Christians by yeelding unto them. As for one sturdie engine whose force would not be tamed, they brought **Tyrius, lib. 8. cap. 15.two old witches on the walls to inchant it: but the spirit thereof was too strong for their spells, so that both of them were miserably slain in the place.

The day following,Iuly 15. Duke **Idem, lib. 8. cap. 18.Godfrey fired much combustible matter, the smoke whereof (the light cause of an heavie effect) driven with the wind, blinded the Turks eyes; and under the protection thereof the Christians entred the citie: Godfrey himself first footing the walls, and then his brother Eustace. The Turks retired to Solomons temple (so called p. 41because built in the same place) there to take the farewell of their lives. In a desperate conflict there, the foremost of the Christians were miserably slain, thrust upon the weapons of their enemies by their fellows that followed them. The pavement so swam, that none could go but either through a rivulet of bloud, or over a bridge of dead bodies. Valour was not wanting in the Turks, but superlatively abundant in the Christians, till night made them leave off. Next morning merciemercy was proclaimed to all those that would lay down their weapons: For though bloud be the best sauce for victorie, yet must it not be more then the meat. Thus was Jerusalem wonne by the Christians, and **M. Paris, pag. 65.twentie thousand Turks therein slain, on the fifteenth of July being Friday, about three of the clock in the afternoon. **Lib. 8. cap. 18.Tyrius findeth a great mysterie in the time; because Adam was created on a Friday, and on the same day and houre our Saviour suffered. But these Synchronismes, as when they are naturall they are pretty and pleasing; so when violently wrested, nothing more poore and ridiculous.

Then many Christians, who all this while had lived in Jerusalem in most lamentable slaverie, being glad to lurk in secret (as truth oftentimes seeketh corners as fearing her judge, though never as suspecting her cause) came forth joyfully, wellcomed and embraced these the procurers of their liberty.

Iuly 18.Three dayes after it was concluded, as a necessarie piece of **Besoldus, De regibus Hierosol. ex variis autoribus, pag. 119severitie for their defense, to put all the Turks in Jerusalem to death; which was accordingly performed without favour to age or sex. The pretense was for fear of treason in them, if the Emperour of Persia should besiege the citie. And some slew them with the same zeal wherewith Saul slew the Gibeonites; and thought it unfit that these goats should live in the sheeps pasture. But noble Tancred was highly displeased hereat, because done in cold bloud, it being no slip of an extemporany passion, but a studied and premeditated act; and that against pardon proclaimed, many of them having compounded and paid for their lives and libertie. Besides, the execution was mercilesse, upon sucking children, whose not-speaking spake for them; and on women, whose weaknesse is a shield to defend them against a valiant man. To conclude; Severitie hot in the fourth degree, is little better then poyson, and becometh crueltie it self: and this act seemeth to be of the same nature.

The end of the first Book.

p. 43The Historie of the HOLY WARRE. Book II.