A Pisgah-Sight of Palestine, Book 3 · Part 1

A Pisgah-Sight of Palestine · Book 3 · Part 1

p. 313THE DESCRIPTION OF THE CITY OF IERVSALEM. The third Book.

CHAP. I. Of the severall names and generall situation of Jerusalem.

§ 1 WHen a woman often altereth her surname, it is a signe she hath been many times married; denominating of his wife from him, being parcell of theaaIsa. 4. 1.Isa 4:1 maritall priviledge. But when a City in diverse Ages hath different names, this speaks her successive subjection to severall Lords, new owners imposing on her new appellations, as in our present subject plainly appears. For the City which we are to describe was called

1bbGen. 14. 18.Gen 14:18 Salem, in the days of Abraham, when Melchisedec was King, and probably first founder thereof. Then it was but a small place, (the greatest Giant had once the cradle of his infancy) when mount Moriah (afterwards in the midst of the City, and a forest of houses) was as yet but a thicket of ccGen. 22▪ 13.Gen 22:13thornes, wherein the Ram, the exchange for Isaac, was caught by the hornes.

2 Iebus. A name either of the whole or principall part thereof; so we read of the Levite **Judg. 19. 10.Judg 19:10that he came over against Iebus, which is Ierusalem.

3 Ierusalem **It is of the dual number in Hebrew, because first consisting of two principal parts▪ Zion and the Lower City.; so called, as the Fathers generally affirme, as the product of the union of Iebus and Salem, B, for sounds sake being p. 314changed into R, which notwithstanding the propriety of the Hebrew tongue will not permit. For though chopping of letters be her cōmon practise, yet, the Iews (as they always married within their own Tribe, so they) exchanged letters of the same Linage, (same Instrument) Labials for Labials, Gutturals for Gutturals, whereas betwixt Beth, & Resh in Hebrew no such affinity. Besides the turning of a tender melting B. into a surly rigid R. is not to levigate or mollifie, but to make the name the harder in pronunciation. This drives others to seek out the Etymology thereof, as signifying in Hebrew, The vision of peace. But seeing Abraham ddGen. 22. 14.Gen 22:14called an eminent place whereon it stood, Iehovah-Iireh, The Lord will be seen; perchance from the echo of the name Iireh added to Salem,(that is, peace shall be seen or provided) the City might be called Ierusalem, where having the essentiall Consonant…, the most various point-vowels are not so considerable. Forget we not that even in Davids time, when the name of Ierusalem was in fashion, the City was sometimes still called Salem: For in eePsal. 76. 2.Ps 76:2Salem is his Tabernacle, and his dwelling in Sion. Thus it is usuall in England in common discourse to cut off the former part of long-named Cities, Wes…chester, Southhampton, Kingstone on Hull, whilest the remnant Chester, Hampton, Hull sufficiently express them to ordinary capacities.

4 Hierosolyma, which indeed is no new name, but the old name in a new language, translated into Greek. SomeffEuseb. li. 9. pr…par. evange. …ge…ippus. l. 5. ca. 9. & Niceph. calixt. l. 10. cap. 33. Fathers will have it compounded from the Greek word foreign a Temple and foreign Solomon, that is, Solomons Temple, as if the mixing of these Languages did promise, if not prophesie, in after ages a joint interest of Iew and Gentile in the mysteries of Religion. But SaintggAbsurdum esse peregrinae linguae mixtura demonstrat. Hieronymus Evagr…. Hierome is zealous against this Fancy, impatient that in the name of the principall City of the Iews a Greek word should not onelyonly be mingled with, but preferred before the Hebrew. It is safer therefore to say, that Hierosolyma is nothing else but Ierusalem grecized, or made Greek, and the conceit of the Temple of Solomon rather a witty allusion thereto, then a solid deduction thereof.

5 Solyma, being onelyonly the half of the former. For whereas Hierosolyma being a confluence of six short syllables was unmanagable in ordinary verse, Poets served this name (as the Ammonites the cloaths of Davids hh2 Sam. 10. 4.2 Sam 10:4Ambassadours) cut it off in the middle.

AniiStatius sylvar. li. 5. in protr… ptico ad Crispinum. Solymum cinerem Palmeta que capta subibis?

Wilt thou go under Salems dust forsaken,

VnderUnder the palme-trees lately captive taken?

I conceive the name of Solyma not used by Authors till after our Saviours suffering, though Iosephus (and probably out of him Tacitus) writes that Homer makes mention thereof, as indeed we finde itkk…. z…ta, & Odyss. Beta. twice in his Poems, never for this City in Iudea, but p. 315for a place and people in Lycia. I will not say that the curtling of Ierusalem into Solyma after our Saviours time, was a sad prognostick that this spacious City should suddenly in the fire of civill war be boiled away to the half, yea afterwards shrink to so unconsiderable a smalness that a monosyllable, yea a bare letter were too long a name for it.

6 Aelia, so named from Aelius H…drianus the Emperour, who built some part of it again, and made it a Garrison.

7 Ierusalem, recovering the ancient name again, whilest for some hundred of years it was in the possession of the Christians.

8llSands Trav. li. 3. pag. 155. Cuds, so called at this day by the Mahometans, who are the present owners thereof, which signifies Holy in their language.

Here we omit those many appellations given Ierusalem in Scripture: The mmIsa. 1. 21.Isa 1:21faithfull City, the City of the great nnMat. 5. 35.Matt 5:35King, the ooMat. 27. 53.Matt 27:53holy City, because these are not proper names, but glorious Epithets thereof.

§ 2. Concerning the generall situation of Ierusalem, three things herein are remarkable: first it was placed, asppDe bell… Iud. lib. 3. cap. 4. Iosephus reports, in the very middle of Iudea. But herein criticall exactness is not to be observed, (the heart it self is not so unpartially in the midst of the body, but that if not in position, yet in motion it propends to the left side) for Ierusalem inclines more to the south of the Countrey. As Ierusalem was the navell of Iudea, so the Fathers make Iudea the middest of the world, whereunto they bring (not to say, bow) those places of Scripture, Thou hast wrought salvation in the midst of the earth. Indeed seeing the whole world is a round Table, and the Gospell the food for mens souls, it was fitting that this great dish should be set in the midst of the Board that all the guests round about might equally reach unto it; and Ierusalem was the Center whence the lines of salvation went out into all lands. Yea Ptolemy dividing the (then-known) world into seven Climats, placed Ierusalem as the Sun, in the fourth Climat, proportionably to what is said in theqqEzek. 5. 5.Ezek 5:5 Prophe…, I have set it in the midst of the Nations, and the Countreys that are round about her.

§ 3. Secondly, it had highrrEusebius saith that Ierusalem was called anciently, Algariza, that is, The … mountain. mountains under it, and lower about it, which as dutifull servants at distance seemed to attend it. Ierusalem had a mountain for her footstool, and her floor was higher then the roof of other Cities: no doubt the Emblem of the strength, stateliness, and stability of Gods Church in glory. High and hard climbing thither, but plain and pleasant dwelling there.

§ 4. Lastly, it was distanced from the sea welnigh forty miles, having no navigable River near unto it. For God intended not Ierusalem for a staple of trade, but for a ROYALL EXCHANGE OF RELIGION, chiefly holding correspondency with Heaven it self, daily receiving blessings thence, duly returning praises thither. Besides, God would not have his virgin people the Iews, wooed with, much less wedded to outlandish fashions. And ifssIn perap. Evang lib. 12. cap. 27. Eusebius may be credited, for the self same p. 316reason, Plato in imitation of Ierusalem, would have that City, wherein the modell of his imaginary Common-wealth should be set up, to be seated some miles from the sea, lest forein merchandize should by degrees bring in forein manners into it.

CHAP. II. The particular Situation, Circuit; Populousness, Beauty and strength thereof.

§ 1 IT will be pain-worthy to enquire into the exact situation of Ierusalem in what Tribe it was placed, the rather because severall testimonies of Scripture entitle both Iudah and Benjamin unto the possession thereof.

For IUDAH.

Josh. 15. 63.

And for the Iebusites, the inhabitants of Ierusalem, the children of Iudah could not drive them out, but the Iebusites dwell with the children of Iudah at Ierusalem unto this day.

Judg. 1. 8.

Now the children of Iudah had fought against Ierusalem, and had taken it, and smitten it with the edge of the sword, and set the City on fire.

For BENIAMIN.

Josh. 18. 28.

And Zelah, Eleph, and Iebus, (which is Ierusalem) Gibeah and Kiriath. This is the inheritance of the children of Benjamin according to their families.

Judg. 1. 12.

And the children of Benjamin did not drive out the Iebusites that inhabited Ierusalem, but the Iebusites dwell with the children of Benjamin in Ierusalem unto this day.

FOR BOTH:

Nehem. 11. 4.

And at Ierusalem dwelt certain of the children of Iudah, and of the children of Benjamin.

This fifth and last place is a good Comment on the four former, namely, that this City (though the Iebusites long disturbed their quiet possession) jointly belonged to both Tribes, neither claiming it totally as his, both truly as theirs; NoraaNu… ▪ 36. 9. was this any confused mixture of their inhetances (flatly forbidden in the law) but methodicall (if not mysticall) meeting thereof, so that Iudah and Benjamin (which alone persisted loyall to God and their King) had their possessions lovingly shaking hands in Ierusalem, the solemn place appointed for Gods publick service.

§ 2. Ierusalem was fiftybbIosephus contra Appi…n. lib▪ prim…. furlongs in circuit, which reduced to our English account amounts to six miles and a quarter. In which compass multitudes of People did inhabit, and three different degrees of the populousness of this place are very remarkable.

1 Ordinary, even in vacation-time, when there was no spring-tyde, p. 317or usuall confluence of people more then the proper Citizens thereof, and those no fewer then one hundred and fiftyccIosep. ibid. thousand.

2 Extraordinary, at the three annuall Termes, (as I may call them) I mean the three Feasts general of the Iews, Passeover, Pentecost, the feast of Tabernacles, when all the able malesddExod. 34, 23.Exod 34:23 of Israel appeared with an offering before God.

3 Superextraordinary, when this City was sacked by the Romans, and when all sorts, and sexes (some drawn with devotion, more driven for protection) flocked thither, insomuch that by fire, famine, sword, civill discord, and forein force, eleven hundredeeI…sep. B…l. Iuda. ca. gr. 45. lat. 17. thousand are said to be slain therein.

Incredible it seems that so many should be pent in this place, except the people therein (as when they crouded about Christ, foreign ffLuk. 8. 45.Luke 8:45foreign foreign) did throng and press one on another. But we must consider that flying thither for shelter, they had room enough, if they had but room enough, not aiming at any convenient, (much less delightfull habitations,) but onelyonly a bare lodging in Ierusalem, where for the time being, every single chamber was made a severall family, and every story multiplyed into a street whilest the fiege continued.

§ 3. And therefore it is most justly recounted asone of the ten wonders (whereof the Rabbins take especiall notice amongst the Iews) that …ver **Aboth. R. Nat…n per. 34any man did say to his fellow, I have not found a bed in Ierusalem to lye in; nor did ev…r any ma… say to his fellow, My lodging is too strait for me in Ierusalem. As if …he place were of a Cheverell nature, to extend to the proportion of the People therein. Indeed it was part of Gods goodness when he brought his Vine out of Egypt, then also to prepare **Psal. 80. 9.Ps 80:9room for it, which he performed here accordingly, even to admiration.

§ 4. Now amongst the nativ…s of Ierusalem, many no doubt were the eminent Persons born therein, especially, if the Rabbinicall tradition be true, that wheresoever the particular place of any Prophets birth is not set down, there it is to be presumed that he was of Ierusalem. By this observation, Nathan, Gad, Isaiah, Daniel, Hosea, Ioel, Habakkuk, &c. should be town-born children of Ierusalem. But we leave it uncertain whether this place gave the cradles to these, being too sure that it gave the coffins to too many worthy messengers of God, O Ierusalem, ggMat. 23. 37.Matt 23:37Ierusalem, thou that killest the Prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee.

§ 5. The structure of this City was beautifull and high, of hewed freestone, very uniform, whether in respect of the houses, or streets, one toanother:hhPsal. 122. 3.Ps 122:3 Ierusalem … builded as a City which is at unity in it self. Their roofs were flat …nd fenced with battlements, by specialliiDeut. 22. 8.Deut 22:8 command from God▪ to prev…nt casualties of people falling thence. These roofs were the Iews watch…owers for prospect, galleries for pleasure and (which was the worst) their …igh places for Idolatry. Which causeth the Prophets complaint p. 318more thenkkIer. 19. 13. & Ier. 32. 29.Jer 19:13Jer 32:29 once, That thereon they burnt incense unto all the host of Heaven. Surely the weight of this wickedness did break the strongest beams, and stiffest rafters in the Palaces of Ierusalem. For, though Idols be lighter then vanity it self, in point of power, and efficacy; they are heavier then lead to press the place down with divine vengeance.

§ 6. As for the strength of Ierusalem, we must in the first place listen to Iu…ah his song,llIsa. 26. 1.Isa 26:1 We have a strong City, salvation will God appoint for walls and bulwarks. The Spaniards come off poorly with their brag, that they have Madrid a City in Castile walled withmmIoan. Mena Poeta Mercat. pag. 118. in Atlante. fire; which at last proves nothing else but that there be many quarries of flint found round about it. But, most true it is that God promised Ierusalem, nnZech. 2. 5.Zech 2:5he would be unto her a wall of fire round about: which promise he for his part, would most surely have kept, and performed, had not the sins of the Iews forced him to break it, in vindication of his own justice.

§ 7. As for the outward fortifications thereof, it was incompassed with aooIoseph. lib. 6. B…ll▪ I…d. …a. 6. treble wall, save where it was begirt with unpassable vallies, and there one wall did suffice. This wall was fenced with a ditch, cut out of a rock, saithppCon. App. lib. 1. Iosephus, andqqGeogr. li. 16. pag. 762. Strabo, sixty foot deep, and two hundred and fifty foot broad; the former not acquainting us with the authour thereof, so prodigious a work may well be conceived, a performance of many successive Princes therein. It seems, it was made the deeper because it was dry:rrIdem ibid…. foreign, well watered within, and dry without, is the character our author gives of the City. This I dare say, the breadth of this ditch exceeds the proportion of al modern regular fortifications, for in Breda it self (the platform wherein, may be the platform for other places) the ditch is no broader then the rampire at the bottome thereof. And now, whatssPsal. 48. 12.Ps 48:12 David principally intended mystically, comes to our place literally to endevour, Walke about Sion, and goe round about her: tell the towers thereof. Mark yee well her bulworks, consider her palaces, that yee may tell it to the generation following. And to follow the motion of the Sun, we will begin at the East, and so forward.

CHAP. III. Of the Gates thereof.

§ 1. BE it premised,Four sort… of Gates in Ierusalem. that many difficulties in this subject have been caused by mens unwary confounding of the severall natures of the gates in Ierusalem, which for the clearing of the truth, must carefully be distinguished into four sorts, in sundry places serving for different employments.

p. 319Gates

1 In the out-wall, giving ing…ess and egress to passengers, the sole subject of our present discourse.

2 In the in-walls, (like Temple-bar opening out of Fleet-street into the Strand) being partitions within Ierusalem. Such the Irongate through whichaaAct. 12. 10.Acts 12:10 Saint Peter went out of prison, to the house of Mary the mother of Iohn Mark.

3 Leading to the Courts of the Temple: (as Saint Austins-gate into Saint Pauls Church-yard) such thebbAct. 3. 2.Acts 3:2 beautifull gate &c.

4 Of the Kings palace: (like Bulwark- gate, and Iron-gate leading to London tower) as the gatecc2 Chr. 23. 15.2 Chr 23:15 whereby the horses came into the Kings house.

Now such as promiscuously make all these to be out-gates of Ierusalem ingage themselves in difficulties, and deceiv… others thereby. For prevention whereof we will onelyonly insist on the gates of the first qualification.

§ 2. Begin we with the Sheep-gate on the east of Ierusalem, The Sheepgate.inddNehem. 3. 1.Neh 3:1 Nehemiahs time owing the reparation thereof to Eli…shib the high Priest, and his brethren. Through this gate the sheep were driven in, and all other cattell designed for sacrifice, as the nearest way to the Temple.

§ 3. Next followeth the Golden-gate (not mentioned in Scripture,The Goldengate. but mee…ly depending oneeBr…c. it…. 6. Sal. …. 9. c. 4. Breid. 14. Iul▪ Pasch. d. 184. humane authority,) so called because gilt all over, vulgar beholders (who carry no touchstones in their eyes) accounting all massie gold which is richly gilded. PopishffSee Adricho. Theatrum Terr. sanct. p…. …67. authours adde that when our Saviour in an humble but solemn equipage rode on an Asse colt to the Temple, this gate opened unto him of its own accord: a prety proportionable fiction. For, if theggAct. 11. 9, 10.Acts 11:9Acts 11:10 Iron-gate opened to Peter a Disciple, no less then a Golden-gate could offer entrance to Christ his Master. OnelyOnly here's the difference, we receive the one as recorded in Scripture, and re…u…e the other as not reported therein, especially our Saviour having …o fair an occasion to make mention thereof. For when the Pharisees questioned him for not silencing the Childrens Hosa…a…s, and when he returned, th…t if they hhLuk. 19. 00.Luke 19should hold their peace, the stones would immediately …ry out, how easie had it been for him to adde, that the very walls of the City had already opened their mouthes (their gates) to receiv… him?

§ 4. Thirdly,The Horse-gate. the Horse-gate by the Kings palace, through which the grooms brought the Kings hor…s, to water them in the brook of Kidron, yet some erroneously make this the same with the Water-gate. The Prophet points at the exact position thereof towards bbIer. 31. 40.Jer 31:40the east, and we finde the mention, but not the reedifying of this gate iniiNhem. 3. 28. Nehemiah; a Presump…ion, that it was not so ruinous as the rest, and not needing much reparation. As for …, who cryed Treason, Treason, (the fox the finder) when she was the greatest Traitour herself: on thekkCompare▪ 2 King. 11. 16. with … Chr. 23. 1….2 Kgs 11:16 Comparing of Scripture it will appear that the Horse-gate whereat she was killed, was not this City gate, but another so named leading from the Temple to the the Kings Palace▪

p. 320§ 5. Fourthly,The Watergate. the Water-gate, In a fall, or declivity of ground,llNeh. 12. 37.Neh 12:37 full east. So called, because thereat▪ all the …ewers, channels, and water-courses of the City, flowed out, and ran into the brook Cedron▪ No mention in Nehemiah of the repairing hereof, for the reason aforesaid. Indeed, if in his time the Iews had de no vo, from the very ground begun the building of the walls, and gates thereof, it had been impossible, they could have finished that workmmNeh. 6. 15.Neh 6:15 in two and fifty days. Whereby it appears, they onelyonly mended those places, which were most in dilapidation. This was the Eastgate, emphatically so callednnJer. 19. 2.Jer 19:2 by the Prophet, and opened into the valley of the children of Hinnom.

§ 6. Thus far the gates on the east of Ierusalem. On the south thereof▪ Why no gates on the south of Ierusalem.where Sion (or the City of David) lay, we meet with no gates at all, the precipice of the rock affording no passable ascent on that side, so that men must goe first through Ierusalem, and then into Sion. I dare not say that herein Ierusalem was a type of the Militant, as Sion (more mounted) of the Triumphant Church, although there be no access for those which are without into the happiness of the latter, but by taking the holiness of the former in their passage thereunto.

§ 7. Come we now to the west, in the southermost part whereof, we light on the Fountain-gate, The Fountain-gate.near the pool of Shiloah whence it took itsooNehem 3. 15.Neh 3:15 name, nigh to which on the inside, were thoseppNeh. 12. 37.Neh 12:37 stately staires, whereby men went up to the City of David. This gate was in Nehemiahs time repaired byqqNehem. 3. 15.Neh 3:15 Shallum the Son of Col-hozeh.

§ 8. Next to this the Dung-gate. The Dung-gate.A gate in greatness, though but a postern for the private use thereof, through which the offall, and excrements of the City were conveyed. Appliable to this place, is that which therr1 Cor. 12. 22.1 Cor 12:22 Apostle speaketh, of some parts of the body▪ Nay, much more thos… members of the body, which seem to be feeble, are necessary. This gate, though of small honour, was of great use, and all Ierusalem had been a Dung-City▪ but for the Dung-gate. Yea, the noisomer soile carried out hereat, and conveyed hence into the gardens thereabouts, was by natures Chymistry converted into wholesome herbs, and fragrant flowers growing there. The Dung-gate in the days of Nehemiah, was set up, with the doors, locks, and bars thereof, byssNehem. 3. 4.Neh 3:4 Malchiah the son of Rechab.

§ 9. Next follows the Valley-gate, The Valley-gate.commonly but wrongfully placed on the east side of the City; chiefly on this account, because the valley of Kidron lyeth on that side thereof. As if this valley alone was near Ierusa… lem, which by the Psalmist is describedttP…al. 125. 2. with the mountains round about it, and so by necessary consequence must be surrounded with vallies interposed betwixt it and those mountains▪ This gate stood in the north-west▪ opening into the valley of Carcases, lying betwixt it, and Mount Calvary. Here Nehemiah began,uuNeh. 2. 13. 15.Neh 2:13Neh 2:15 and ended his surveying the ruins of the walls▪ going by night, because loth to be seen, and loth to see so sad a sight. This valley-gate was in his time repaired bywwNeh. 3. 13.Neh 3:13 Hanun and the inhabitants of Zanoah.

p. 321§ 10. Having thus surveyed the east,The Cornergate. south and west, come we now to the northern part of the City. Where, first, we finde the Corner-gate, whose angular position speaks it to participate of two points, being seated in the very flexure of the wall from the east to the north. It was distanced from the gate of Ephraim just four hundred cubits, all which space of the wall was broken down by Ioash aa2 Chr. 25. 23.2 Chr 25:23King of Israel when he conquered Amaziah, that his Army might march in triumphantly with the greater state. Pride we see hath not onelyonly an high neck, but also a broad breast (especially when setting her armes by her side) so large a passage must be cleared for her entrance. Afterwards King Uzziah rebuided this gate, and adorned it with towers, yea fortified all the bb2 Chr. 26. 9.2 Chr 26:9turning of the wall. For, as the elbows of garments ought to be made the strongest, as most subject to wearing out: so (walls being the cloaths of Cities, without which they are naked) wise Uzziah adjudged it necessary, that this Corner-gate, and wall bending thereabout, should have most cost and care expended in the fortification thereof,

§ 11. No mention of the repairing of this gate in Nehemiah, Why not repaired in Nehemiahs time.which prompteth us with these conjectures:

1 Either that it was then dammed up. Ierusalem after the captivity being large in extent, and thin in people, (many uninhabited places being left therein) probably in policy they contracted the number of their gates, the multiplying whereof did require more money and men to guard them. OrccFor this gate is mentioned Zech. 14. 10.Zech 14:10 rather,

2 Being so lately built by Uzziah, it might notneed much mending, as left standing, and undemolished by the Babylonians.

For, in the sacking of a City it often fareth with the gates as with the men thereof, it is hard if some doe not escape, and survive the destruction. Yea, sometimes conquerours are pleased to spare some parcell of walls, out of pity (not to the place but) to themselves, finding the structure thereof of so firme constitution, that it requires more pains then it will return profit in the levelling thereof.

§ 12. Next comes the gate of Ephraim. The gate of Ephraim.so called, not because standing in, but opening towards the Tribe of Ephraim. I deny not, but that some Ephraimites, after their return from captivity, dwelt indd1 Chr. 9. 3.1 Chr 9:3 Ierusalem, from whose habitations hard by, this gate might, in probability, borrow his name; but prefer the former notation as most naturall. For usuall it is, both for streets and gates, to take their denomination from such places (though at great distance) to which they lead. Witness Kentish-street ineeStows survey of London. pag. 448. South-wark, for that it is the way (saith my authour) leading into that County, the street it self otherwise being in Surrey: and witness Winchester-gate in Sarisbury, so named, because through it travellers pass to Winchester, a City twenty miles off: and (an instance best known to Scholars) Trumpington-street in Cambridge, so called from a village some two miles thence. This gate was probably destroyed, when Ioash King p. 322of Israel entring Ierusalem, brake down four hundred cubits of the wall, from the gate of Ephraim, to the Co…er-gate, where I conceive, the particle from is to be taken inclusively (so that both the gates were cast into that account) the rather, because Pride, and Cruelty, always, when they make measure, give in the advantage.

§ 13. Next the Old-gate: The Old-gate.so called (as Bonsrerius will have it) because extant here, ever since Melchisedec was the founder thereof. If so, it was an Old-old-gate indeed. But, as men having out lived all Registers, account themselves; so gates having outlasted all memories, are accounted by others, more ancient then truely they are. However, no wonder, if in Nehemiahs time the decays of so old a fabrick, called to the charity of**Nehem. 3. 6.Neh 3:6 Iehoiada the son of Paseah, and Meshullam the son of Besodajah jointly to repair them.

§ 14. Next the Fish-gate. The Fish-gate.By mistake generally placed in the west wal, meerly because Ioppa on the Mediterranean sea, whence they fancy all fish (as if no moe ways to the water, then one) must come to Ierusalem, lay on the west thereof. Whereas in Scripture we finde no express of fish for mans eating (but one which eat a man, Ionab his Whale) mentioned from thatplace, whilst whole sholes were caught in the Sea of Galilee, or lake of Tiberias, lying north of Ierusalem▪ Indeed Tyre, lying almost full north from this City, was the staple place, which furnished it with fish (as appears inffNehe. 13. 16. Nehemiah) which through this gate was brought to Ierusalem. Surely, the provisions of any populous place in long time will tire, if onelyonly going on feet, or flying on wings, and not also swimming with fins, having fish as well as flesh and fowl for their repast, as here in Ierusalem. And although no sacrifices of fish were by God appointed to be offered unto him, yet hence the less wholesomeness, or cleanness of them cannot justly be inferred; because they were improper for offerings, living in an element wherein men had no conversation. This gate wasggNehem. 3. 3.Neh 3:3 repaired by the sons of Hassenaah.

§ 15. The gate of Benjamin doth onelyonly remain,The gate of Benjamin. he the least in his fathers family, this the last amongst the gates of Ierusalem, standing in the north. east part thereof. Indeed we finde two gates of Benjamin in Ierusalem (two of the same name, in one City, no wonder, the double New-gate in London, the later new made postern into Moor-fields may be an instance thereof) one called the high-gate of Benjamin, where Pashur put thehhJer. 20. 2.Jer 20:2 Prophet Ieremy in the stocks, which was by the house of the Lord, and therefore probably a gate of the Temple. The other was an out-gate of the City leading into the land of Benjamin, whither Ieremy was going to separate himself, when the Captain of theiiJer. 37. 13.Jer 37:13 guard in this gate, seised him in his passage, falsly accused him, and occasioned his imprisonment.

§ 16. Here I cannot but wonder at many**Arias Montanus, Adricho…ius, & M. Moor. learned men,A strange mistake in learned men. who make this Gate of Benjamin, to be the same with the Corner-gate. I deny not but that in many Cities it is usuall, for one and the same gate to have severall p. 323names, as I have learnt from my industrious, and judiciouskkM. william Sommer in his Antiquitles of Canturbury pa. 16. & 17. friend in his description of Canterbury, how Burgate, and Saint Michaels-gate are the same▪ and so Newin-gate, and Saint Georges-gate in that ancient City▪ But the fancy of the foresaid authors, is directly oppossite to the words of thellZech. 14. 10.Zech 14:10 Prophet, foretelling that Ierusalem should be inhabited from Benjamin gate, unto the place of the first gate, unto the corner-gate, &c. where we may behold these two gates, Benjamin, and the Corner-gate, set at terms at great distance, and a considerable space interposed. This gate was not repaired in Nehemiahs time for the reasons formerly alledged.

§ 17. These are all the gates of Ierusalem, The Needleseye.whereof express mention in Scripture. Some fancy another, called the Needles-eye, so low, and little onelyonly men might enter thereat. These conceive our Saviours expression, mmMat. 19. 24.Matt 19:24It is easier for a Camel to goe through the eye of a needle, then for a rich man[nnMark. 10. 24.Mark 10:24 trusting in his riches] to enter into the kingdome of God, intended this small postern; where, the bunch on the Camels back, was the Porter to shut it against him, for entering in thereat. But, we listen hereunto, as to a fable, and account the threading of ooCamden. in York-shire pag. 700.Saint Wilfrides needle, as a conceit (though much later and of a different nature) to have as much gravity, and truth therein.

CHAP. IV. Of the Towers on or about Ierusalem.

§ 1. BEsides these gates,The Tower of M…. Ierusalem was beautified▪ and fortified with many towers proportionably interplaced, though we finde but few of them recorded by name. Amongst these we meet with the tower ofttNehem. 3. 1. & 12. 39.Neh 3:1Neh 12:39 Meah, that is, the hundred tower, so called either because so many cubits high, or so many distanced from some other tower, or because a just Century of towers was at it begun or finished. It was built after the captivity by Eliashib uuNehem. 3. 1.Neh 3:1and his brethren the Priests.

§ 2. The Tower of furnaces, The tower of furnaces.standing in the West, north of the Valley gate, jointly repaired bywwNeh. 3. 11▪Neh 3:11 Malchiah, and Hashub. So called (thinks Adrichomius) from fire kept there as a signall to seafaring men; But oh woefull those Mariners, who in a dark night had no better direction then what they received thence, above forty miles from the sea, and many mountains interposed! rather it might serve for some Beacon, or land-mark, or might take its name from some fire in the corpse du gard constantly preserved therein.

§ 3. The tower of Hananeel in the east part.The tower of Hananeel. So called, no doubt, from the first builder thereof. It was in Nehemiahs time repaired by Eliashib theddNehem. 3. 1.Neh 3:1 high Priest, and his brethren.

§ 4. The Tower eeNehem. 3. 25.Neh 3:25that lyeth out from the Kings high house, The tower that lyeth out.nigh unto which Palal the son of Uzai, repaired in Nehemiahs time. Not that the prominency of this extravagant Tower, hindred the uniformity of the walls, p. 324but the fencing of the City, required such situation thereof.

§ 5. The Great ffNehem. 3. 27.Neh 3:27tower that lyeth out, The great tower that lyeth out.different from the former, else the builders of the wall in Nehemiahs time, made no progress in the work; in the east of the City, over against which the Tekoites did repair.

§ 6. The Tower of ggNehem. 3. 19.Neh 3:19David, The tower of David.furnished with an armory, at the southwest turning of the wall, over against which Ezer the son of Ioshua repaired. Christ compareth the neck of hishhCant. 4. 4.Song 4:4 spouse to this Tower for the whiteness and proportionable length thereof.

§ 7. But among all these,The tower of Siloe. most remarkable was the Tower of Siloe (near unto the water of Siloe whence it fetcht its name) on the west side of the City, which killed**Luk. 13 4.Luke 13:4 eighteen men with the fall thereof. Yet, the stones of this tower fell not more heavy on their bodies, then the censure of uncharitable Iews did on their memories, condemning them for the greatest sinners in all Ierusalem, as whose offences were mounted so high, that nothing less or lower then the fall of a tower, could depress their Persons, and impieties to the pit of perdition. False position to maintain, that those have wrought the most sin, who are brought to most shame, and confuted by our Saviour, assuring the Iews, if they did not repent, they should likewise perish: likewise; certitudine, non similitudine poenae. Yea, in a mysticall meaning, those incredulous Iews who rejected our Saviour, did not onelyonly fall on a stone, and so were broken, but also the stone fell on them, by reason of their infidelity, andhhMat. 21. 44.Matt 21:44 ground them to powder.

§ 8. We will conclude with the Tower of Ophel, The tower of Ophel where the Nethinims dwelt.so named from darkness, as some would have it, because always cloudy and misty at the high top thereof: But though the Etymology of Ophel be obscure, the situation and use thereof is clear in Scripture, over against theiiNehem. 3. 26.Neh 3:26 Water-gate, where the Nethinims had their habitation. Understand not all of them at once, but so many of their society, as for the time being, were in ordinary attendance about the Temple, whilest the rest lived in otherkkEzra 2. 70.Ezra 2:70 Cities assigned unto them.

§ 9. These Nethinims were descended from those Gibeonites, Their service, and priviledgeswho for their fallacy put on Ioshua, and the people of Israel, were condemned to the drudgery of Gods service.llJosh. 9 27.Josh 9:27 Thus the fathers lying tongues, cost their children many aking armes, and weary backs, with hewing of wood, and drawing of water. Saul was a greatmm2 Sam. 21. 2.2 Sam 21:2 persecutour, David a grand preserver of them, who first made them a Corporation: nnEzra 8. 20.Ezra 8:20He and his Princes appointing them for the service of the Levites, when first we finde them called Nethinims, (to bury the odious name of Gibeonites) that is, persons given to to pious uses. These for many generations approving their industry in Gods service, washed out the staines of their Fathers falshood, with the sweat of their fidelity: and in proces of time, (though Hivites by extraction) attained to some honour above the natives of Israel. For whereas the sons of Barzillai were put by their places in theooEzra 2. 62.Ezra 2:62 Priesthood, because they could not clear their pedegree; the Nethinims continued in their p. 325place whoseppEzra 2. 43.Ezra 2:43 genealogies were exactly, derived▪ Yea, whereas other Israelites were subject to heavy taxes, after their captivity, the Nethinims were exempted from all tribute (pity their purses and persons should both bear burdens) by the bounty of the Kings of Persia. Whose liberality, though a Pagan, to Gods worship (like the precious ointment on qqPsal▪ 133. 2.Ps 133:2A…rons head which ran down to his beard, even to the skirts of his garment) flowed from the Priests and Levites, by the singers, and porters, to the Net…inims (the very verge, and utmost hem of Temple officers) by his especiall grace taking rrEzra 7. 24.Ezra 7:24order, that it should not be lawfull to impose toll, tribute, or custome upon them.

§ 10. Many moe towers not mentioned in Scripture,The Tower of women. were about Ierusalem, as themmIoseph. Bel. Iud. li. 6. c. 2. 5. Tower of women, remarkabl… in Iosephus. But, why i… was so called (what have women to doe with war?) I will give him a satisfactory answer, who first resolves me, why the Roman Fortification of twelve acres of groundnnCa…d. Brit. in Dorset. shire. And another so called in York…ire. neer Dorchester, is called Maidens-castle. But, we refer all the towers of Iosephus his reporting (not appearing in Scripture) to our particular Map of Ierusalem, as by him described. Come we now to make some observations on such as were the builders of the City walls, in the days of Nehemiah, because it was built on the same Area or floor with that in Solomons time, and we meet with many remarkables in the history thereof.

CHAP. V. Observations on the repairers of the walls of Jerusalem, in the days of Nehemiah.

§ 1. MInisters ought to leade the Van, The high Priest begins the building.and be the first, and forwardest in all pious projects. Behold here Eliashib the high Priest, with the Priests his brethren, begin the work, and built the Sheep-gate. A gate ministeriall unto the Temple, (through which the sheep were brought intended for sacrifices) and therefore, as it was fit it should have the preheminence to be first repaired: so the Priests were the most proper persons to be imployed therein. Of this gate it is solely, and singularly said, that theyaaNehem. 3. 1.Neh 3:1 sanctified it, which dedication speaks it set apart to holy service as introductory of the offerings into the house of God.

§ 2. Great is the influence of the Pastours example,People of all sorts second them. on the peoples practise. Many hands make light work, behold a troop of builders cometh, p. 326of all

Professions, private persons, publick officers, whole families of all jointly, Levites, Merchants, Gold-smiths, Apothecaries &c.

of all Places, from Iericho, Tekoa, Gibeon, Mizpah, Zanoah &c.

Sexes, both men and women. Next repaired Shallion the son of Halloesh, the ruler of the half of Ierusalem, he, ddNehem. 3. 12.Neh 3:12and his daughters.

What, had their tender hands any skill to carve stones, or weak shoulders any strength to carry morter? Or, was it sutable with the modesty of their sex, to clime ladders, clamber scaffolds, seeing there is no acting for any builders, but upon such stages? Surely they refused no pains proportionable with decency to their power; and what was wanting in their persons, supplied with their purse, expending it (perchanc…) out of their own portions. And, if orphans money put into the Chamber of London, be accounted so sure; God (no doubt) did repay, what they laid out on the walls of Ierusalem.

§ 3. Now whereas Shallum their Father is styled ruler of the half part of Ierusalem, Why after the captivity, two governours to one city.rather subtile then solid is the note of Tremellius eeVid… ejus Annot. in Nehem. 3. 12.Neh 3:12thereupon. For, saith he, Ierusalem being in two Tribes (Iudah and Benjamin) had therefore two rulers thereof. Not considering, how in the same Chapter, other smaller Cities, and those undoubtedly whole and entire in one Tribe, had notwithstanding two governours over them, and those benefactours to the building of Ierusalem; As

Malchiah the son of Rechab, the ruler offfIbid. ver. 14. part of Beth-haccarem.

Shallum the son of Col-hozeh,Ibid. ver. 15. the ruler of part of Mizpah.

Nehemiah the son of Azbuk, the ruler of thehhIbid. ver. 16. half part of Beth-zur.

Hashabiah, the ruler of the halfiiIbid. ver. 17. part of Keilah.

Banai the son of Henadad, the ruler of thekkIbid. ver. 18. half part of Keilah.

Now the dividing of the command of the City betwixt two Governours, so usuall at this very time, and no… notably extant in Scripture, before, or after the days of Neh…miah, leads us to this probable opinion, that immediately upon the Iews return from Babylon, the Persian Emperour (from whom all Commissions were derived) would not entrust any Iew with the sole rule of a strong City, but for the better security, parted it betwixt two, who had joint, but distinct dominion therein: That whilst they with mutuall jealousie observed the actions each of other, both might preserve the interest of their Master.

§ 4. In building the Old gate two co-founders were joined together,The builders of one gate. namely,

1 Iehoiada the son ofllNehem. 3. 6▪Neh 3:6 Paseah.

2 Meshullam the son of Besodaiah.

I will not say that as York Minster was built by Percy mmCamd. B…it. in the descrip. of York-shire.and Vavasour, the one giving stone, the other timber to that structure: so the building of this gate was in like manner advanced betwixt them; but hence observe, that it is no shame for one to admit a partner in that weighty work, which he caunot weild by himself. Blame worthy their pride, or peevishness, p. 327who will not have that good design done at all, which can not all be done by themselves.

§ 5. Whereas Malchiah the son of Rechah is recorded builder of the Dung-gate (no needless port in that City,The founder of the Dung-gate conce… ved by so…e a R…chabite. seeing in populous places, Perfumers may be spared with less loss to the publick, then Scavangers) somennVillalpandus in locum. conceive this Malchiah to have been a Rechabite by descent, and a ceremonious observer of their Ancestours instructions, not to drink ooIer. 35. 6.Jer 35:6wine, nor build house, but to live in tents, with other Canonicall obediences. Nor was this building of the wall of Ierusalem any breach of their vow; partly; because a publick, no private edifice; and partly, because those their ceremonious observances, probably terminated at the Babylonish captivity. This Malchiah they make heir of the family of the Rech…bites, according to the Propheticall promise, that one of that houseppIbid. ver. 19. should not fail to stand before God for ever. But, whether herein Interpreters doe not take more then the text tenders unto them, be it reported to others.

§ 6. It is signally observed,Younger before the elder in goodness. that Hanun theqqNeh. 3. 30.Neh 3:30 sixth son of Zalaph, repaired a piece of the wall. But, where were his five elder brethren? Were they dead, or absent, or idle, or impotent? The Scripture giveth no account of them, onelyonly the sixth son is recorded for his forwardness herein. In matters of piety, there is no standing on useless (yea on dangerous) modesty. No breach of good manners, to goe before our betters in goodness, or for the younger brother in nature, to gain the birth-right in grace.

§ 7. It is said of Baruch the son of Zabbai verse 20.Baruch repaired earnestly. (and of him alone it is said) that he earnestly rrNeh. 3. 20.Neh 3:20repaired the other piece. What, did the others work but in jest, because this Accent earnestly, is onelyonly put over the piece he repaired? Is not this mark of honour on him, a brand of infamy on the rest? No surely, though probably his zeal was paramount in the employment; and what if the word earnestly▪ (set there almost in the very midst, amongst all the builders) be to be taken foreign, relating to all the rest, before, and behind it?

§ 8. It is observed,Persons repa… ring against their own houses. that many men repaired onelyonly against their own ssIbid. ver. 28. 29. &c.houses. This, though at the first sight it may seem the fruit but of a narrow soul, and private spirit, yet effectually advanced the work. Yea, it is particularly recorded of Meshullam the son of Berechiah, who likely was but a lodger, and no house-keeper, that he repaired overttIbid. ver. 30. against his Chamber. Oh, if order were observed for every one to mend his own heart, or house, how would personall amendment by degrees quickly produce family-city-countrey-kingdome-reformation? How soon are those streets made clean, where every one sweeps against his own door?

§ 9. Some doubled their files,Doublers with credit in the work. as Merimoth the son of Urijah the son of Coz, who having formerly been a repairer (verse 4.) comes again the second time to build (verse 21.) out of doubt the same person, as having the p. 328same name, father, and grand-father. Let him have double praise, for his double pains; who not being weary of well doing, dealt with the wall of Ierusalem, as the Philippians with Saint Paul, uuPhil. 4. 16.Phil 4:16once and again relieving the necessity thereof.

§ 10. The nobles of Tekoah are taxed for not putting their necks to the work wwNehem. 3. 5.Neh 3:5of their Lord. The degenerous nobles of Tekoah.Strange that now they should discover such unseasonable pride. Had they not lately returned from Babylon? Could not seventy years banishment from their own, and captivity in a forein land, humble them to purpose? Me thinks, so long suffering should have broken (though not their hearts) their stomacks. But, oh the difference betwixt being low, and being lowly! No affictions, except seasoned, and sanctified, are sufficient to bring down mens naturall corruption. This negligence of the Tekoite nobility in Gods cause was so much the more conspicuous, because of the double diligence of the Tekoite commoners therein; for, they had two shares in this adventure, building, Nehem. 3. v. 5. and again they had verse 27. another bout in the same service. Except any will say, that by the Tekoites in the second mention of them, their nobility are intended; who, sensible of their own dishonour, for their former backwardness, played an after-game, to repair their credit; which is affirmed without any proof, and with little probability.

§ 11. Some here will demand,Quaere concerning Nehemiah. What did Nehemiah himselfe all the while? did he onelyonly look on, work with his eyes, and command others to labour? Or was he like the Scribes xxMat. 23. 4.Matt 23:4and Pharisees, who bind heavy burthens, and grievous to be born, and lay them on mens shoulders, but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers?

§ 12. It is answered,Answer, with his privative and po…tive bounty to this building. his zeal was active, and exemplary in Gods work, and therein expressed it self,

1 Privatively, in forbearing the salary of the Governour, which his predecessours did, and he might justly receive. In this respect, one may truly say, that each gate, tower, and piece of wall in Ierusalem, was in part repaired with Nehemiah's money, because the builders thereof were the better enabled for that work, by his remitting unto them, the taxe due to him as Governour.

2 Positively, not onelyonly forbearing his own right, but also bearing a large proportion in the work. He kept a daily Ordinary (thanks being the onelyonly shot his guests were to pay) for an hundred and fifty Iews, and Rulers, besides strangers of the Heathen. How many attendants then dined on the reversion, at the waiters table? and how many poor feasted on the fragments, at the Porters lodge? It may be presumed many laborers at the wall had gone supperless to bed, had they not repaired to Nehemiah's house for their refection.

As for the opinion of Tremellius, that Nehemiah built the Kings palace at his own charge, grounding the same on his own translation of the text, p. 329because I finde no other Authours to follow him therein, it is enough barely to mention his opinion.

§ 13. At the Sheep-gate they began to repaire,The conclusion of the work. and thereat also they ended. The Gold-smiths and Merchants brought up the Rere of the work,yyNehem. 3. 3….Neh 3:3 betwixt the going up of the corner unto the sheep-gate.

§ 14. Within the circumference of the walls, lay much ground uninhabited,Ierusalem emptied of inhabitants, when rebuilded by Nehemiah. people being loth to live therein, exceptzzNeh. 11. 1.Neh 11:1 by lot compelled thereunto, and allaaIbid. ver. 2. blessed such as willingly offered themselves to dwell therein. Strange, that the chiefe City should run so low in generall reputation, the Gallants of our age being otherwise minded, all posting unto the principall place of the kingdome, as the fountain of fashions, and all delights. I read indeed of Histria a province under the Venetian Common-wealth, that they are fain tobbB…terus. hire people to inhabit there. But the reason thereof is visible, because of the unwholsomeness of the aire, whereas no such pretence for any to decline the City of Ierusalem, whose elevated situation, conduced much to the purity, and wholsomeness thereof.

§ 15. But mens unwillingness to dwell therein,Why men loth to live in Ierusalem. took the rise from other reasons▪ as namely,

1 The common enemy beheld it with most envious eyes, as the proper object of his malice.

2 The vast circuit of the City, put them to hard duty to guard it.

3 Trading was dead therein, and little wealth to be gotten at the new erection thereof.

4 All coveted the countrey, for the privacy, pleasure, and profit thereof.

However in after ages, Ierusalem grew exceeding populous, and had all the vacuities thereof filled, yea crowded with inhabitants. Thus, as it is most easie and thrifty, to make childrens garments too big for their bodies, because they will quickly grow up to their clothes: so providence advised Nehemiah, to make the circumference of Infant-Ierusalem the larger, as which, in process of time, would soon spread it self, to the replenishing thereof.

CHAP. VI. Of the waters in and about the City.

§ 1. PAss we now from the walls, to the water of Ierusalem, Nogrea… …vers near I…rus…lem.a most necessary commodity for the well being of mankind. True it is, Ierusalem was so far from boasting of any navigable river, that it had no stream, near, or about it, to drive any water-mils. If it be demanded, how without such mils so populous a place could subsist, and not be famished for want of grinders? (as a chap-fallen man for lack of use of p. 330his teeth) Know this was principally supplyed by hand-mils, here ordinarily used, where multitudes of slaves were in every family. As for other waters, both for necessity, and pleasure, Ie…salem had, (though no super…tuity) a self suffi…i…ncy thereof.

§ 2. The waters,Three sorts of waters. in and about Ierusalem, are reducible unto three several kinds.

1 Partly artificiall, as Pools and Conduits.

2 Partly naturall, as the brook Kidron (whereofaaIn the Land of Moriah. formerly) and the fountain of Si…am.

3 Partly supernaturall, as the miracle-working Pool of Bethesda.

Of the former sort were the Kings fishponds, bb… Neh. 2. 14.Neh 2:14on the south-west, not far from the fountain ga…, and near thereunto the pool ccNehem. 3. 16.Neh 3:16which was made, (no doubt with gre… care and cost) betwixt the sepulchers of David and house of the mighty men. Also the conduit of the dd2 Kin. 18. 17.2 Kgs 18:17upper or old pool, in the path …o the fullers field, and probably another of the lower pool, all referred by learned m…neeIosephus expr…sly called the first Sole…s pool. to Solomon, as principall Author thereof.

§ 3. For in the Inventory of his vanities he confesseth of himself; I made me pools of water to …a…r th…re…ith the wood that bringeth forth ffEccl…. 2. 6.trees. Thus he sought for felicity in the aire, climbing up with his lofty buildings; in the earth, di…ing low in his deep minigs; in the water, wading therein through costly aquaducts; but found at last that happiness w…s super-elementall, and not to be found but in heaven.

§ 4. Some may conceive that King Uzziah had a hand in promoting the water-fabricks near Ierusalem, Vzziah a dealer in water wo…ks.finding him a very active Engineer, and of whom it is expresly recorded that he digged gg2 Chr. 26. 10.2 Chr 26:10many well… ▪ But what followeth? for he had much cattell both in the low Countrey, and in the plain. The scene therefore of his watry discoveries, was laid at greater distance, where his cattell were kept, and where he was more commendably imployed in his husbandry, then afterwards in Gods house, any instrument better befitting his hand, then ahh2 Chr. 26. 19.2 Chr 26:19 Censer.

§ 5. Not long after, probably in the reign of King Ahaz, The Iews busie about drains and trenches.(as may partly be collected from the time of Isaiah's Prophecy, and pla…ing of this passage therein) when the siege of Ierusalem was suspected from Rezin King of Syria iiIsa. 7. 1.Isa 7:1and Pekah King of Israel, the Iews fell to the fortifying of their City, both with wall and water-works. Hereupon thekkIsa. …2. 9.Isa 2:9 Prophet when the new line about Ierusalem was finished, complaineth thereof as followeth. Yee have seen also the breaches of the City of David, that they are many, and yee have gathered together the waters of the lower pool: And yee have numbered the houses in Ierusalem, and the houses yee have broken down to fortifie the wall. Yee made also a ditch betwixt the two walls for the water of the old pool, but yee have not looked unto the maker thereof, n…ither had respect unto him that fashioned it long agoe. And in that day did the Lord God of hosts call to weeping and mourning &c.

§ 6. Not that the Prophet herein reproved the people,Three faults taxed herein. for provident p. 331preventing of danger, or politick endevou…ing of safety, or moderate delighting in pleasure, but justly taxed them, for

1 Too much confidence in the arme of flesh.

2 Unseasonable rejoycing in carnall comforts, when drains and for ditches down their own cheeks, had been more proper water-works for the present sad occasion.

3 Admiring their own handy-works, (without thankful relating for to God the principall) as if they had created those pools and springs of their own industry and ingenuity.

Whereas all Grottoe…, conduits, and Aquaducts, though allowed the lawfull issue of art, and off-spring of humane invention, are but sti…born babes at the best, except God quicken and enliven them, mediately or immedately, with moisture from above. He onelyonly is the Father llIob 38. 28.Job 38:28of the rain, and is by consequ…nce the Gra…d-father of all pools and conduits whatsoever. Justly therefore were the Iews reproved, for having their steg…atick Souls, dabling too much in water, without once looking up to God, according to Davids div…ty, freely confessing,mmPsal. 87. 7.Ps 87:7 All my fresh springs are even in thee.

§ 7. But how well soever,Hez…kiah stops out the water. the ponds, pools and conduits were perfected at this time, soon after all their curiosities were discomposed, when Se…heri… sent the railing message and letter, (though words whether spoken, or written, storme no Cities) to King H…zekiah in Ierusalem. Who fearing a siege, by the assistance of his Princes and people in a short time stopt all the nn2 Chr. 32. 4.2 Chr 32:4fountains and the brook which ran through the midst of the land, saying, Why should the Kings of Assyria come and finde much water? Hezekiah knew that S…nnacheribs blasphemous tongue would be sooner silenced, and his roaring throat easier stopt, with Thirst then with any other answer. And although Sennacherib, out of the plentifull Magazeen of his malice, shot his arrows, even bitter ooPsal. 64. 3.Ps 64:3…ords, …gainst Hezekiah, yet according to Gods promise he came not into I…usalem, nor didppIsa. 37. 33.Isa 37:33 he sho…t an arrow there, having all his Army soon after confounded from heaven, and he himself, (reprieved from the Angels) was executed by his own Sons sword, in his own Countrey.

§ 8. Here if any demand,Gihon brook meant hereby. what is meant by stopping the brook which ran through the midst of the Land; we understand not Cedron thereby, which to save them the pains in summer stops it self, (as onelyonly the cistern to receive the land-flouds from mount Olivet) but rather, conceive the constant waters of Gihon, or Siloam, therein intended, running through the midst of the Land of qqGen. 22. 2.Gen 22:2Moriah, wherein Ierusalem is seated.

§ 9. After Sennacheribs departure,Reopeneth and improveth it. Hezekiah fell a fresh on opening those springs hee had formerly obstructed, yea to make them reparation, he improved them to an higher perfection then at first he found in them: for,

1 He made a pool rr2 King. …0. 20.and a conduit.

2 He stopped up the upperss2 Chr. 32. 30.2 Chr 32:30 water-course of Gihon, and brought it straight to the west side of the City of David.

p. 3323 He brought water IN TO THE CITYtt2 King. 20. 20.2 Kgs 20:20 of Ierusalem.

Hereby no doubt Hezekiah got many a blessing and hearty prayer from the poor servants in the City, whose weary shoulders had formerly fetched their water so far off for the use of their masters family.

§ 10. Here some will object,Such altering rivers not unlawfull. that such an altering of the course of this river, from the ancient channel thereof, and the enticing of it by Art into a new passage, was a violence, and a trespass offered to Nature. Yea did not man herein pretend to more wisdome then his maker, as if by such variation, he could direct the veines in the body of the earth, to a fitter posture, then that wherein God himself had disposed them▪ But let such know, that when God gave the earth [with the water therein, as making up one Globe] to the Sons of men, in the same charter he derived a right unto them, to mold it as might be most convenient and advantageous for their habitation. And although it belongs to God alone, to put a sandy girdle about the loins of the Ocean, (because otherwise a giant too great for men to manage) Hither shalt thou come, and no farther, yet lesser brooks fall under the jurisdiction of humane industry, to order them for mans most commodity.

§ 11. Others will admire,H…z…ki… supplies Solo…ons omission. that this new river was brought no sooner to Ierusalem, and that a project, so honourable, profitable, necessary, and feasable lay so long unperformed. How came this design to escape the searching eyes of Solomon, especially, seeing (as he confesseth himself) he dealt much in that moistbbEccles. 2. 6.Eccl 2:6 Element? See we here, Solomon himself saw not all things, and Hezekiah coming many years after him, might supply his omissions. And to speak plainly, many of Solomons projects, were but voluptuous essays for his own personall (not to say carnall) contentment, whereas holy Hezekiah in his undertakings might have a more publick spirit for the generall good of his kingdome.

§ 12. The well or fountain of the Dragon ccNehem. 2. 13.Neh 2:13near the Valley gate might be made at the same time,The Dragon fo…tain. probably taking its denomination from some artificiall resemblance of a Dragon about it. A conduit in a Dragon-fashion, (though such Anticks are more commonly presented spitting of fire then venting of water) is made here by Adrichomius. Tremellius conceiveth it called Dragon, or Serpent well, because the waters thereof (which contrary to other Authors he maketh the same with Siloam) glide, snake-like, soft and gentle, yea crooked and winding with many intricate flexures thereof. But it is impossible to assign the certain cause of such names as are meerly ad placitum, finding a Well and Gate in the Cose of the City ofddDragon gate in Sarisbury. Sarisbury of the same name, yet hitherto could never hear any probable reason thereof.

§ 13. Amongst the waters meerly naturall, Pool of Siloah a Type of Christ.the fountain or pool of llNeh. 3. 15.Neh 3:15Siloah, with the stream flowing thence into the brook of Kidron, justly claimeth the preheminence. Fountain which both in the name and nature thereof, was the lively embleme, if not the reeall type of our Saviour. Name p. 333which is by interpretation, mmJoh. 9. 7.John 9:7SENT; and we know, When nnGal. 4. 4.Gal 4:4the fulness of time was come, God SENT forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law. Nature; for the waters thereof, as theooIsa. 8. 6.Isa 8:6 Prophet observed, ran softly

1 To the eye▪ sine impetu, moving slowly, and not rushing with a rapid stream like an impetuous torrent.

2 To the eare, sine strepitu, stil & quiet, not offensive to the neighbours with the noise threof.

So Christ

1 Was leasurable and treatable in his going (on foot, but if mounted, onelyonly on a slow paced Ass) and doing, not rashly precipitate in his proceedings.

2 Not querulous or clamorous in his discourse; He shall not strive nor cry ppMat. 12. 19.Matt 12:19neither shall any hear his voice in the streets; but meek and quiet.

Now as God was eminently in the still qq1 Kin. 19. 12.1 Kgs 19:12voice, so also was he effectually once in this still water, when our Saviour sent the blind-born man hitherrrJohn 9. 7.John 9:7 to wash, and thereby he recovered his sight.

§ 14. This was he,The blind man cured therewith. who afterwards proved so constant a confessor of Christ, avouching him a Prophet, and his cure by him really effected notwithstanding the Pharisees menacing to the contray; Hoping in vain, though Christ had opened his eyes, that they could stop his mouth, from the acknowledging thereof. His constancy herein cost him an excommunication and a casting ssJoh. 9. 22. & 34.John 9:22John 9:34out of the Synagogue. The best was, the power of the Keys when abused, doth not shut the door of Heaven, but in such cases onelyonly shoot the bolt besides the lock, not debarring the innocent person entrance thereat.

§ 15. The supernaturall pool of Bethesda by thettJoh. 5. 2.John 5:2 Sheep-market remains,The pool of Bethesda. whose waters, when at a certain season moved by an Angel, were medicinall to cure the first commer thereinto, whatso…ver disease he had. A learned**Tremellius on Nchem. 3. 1. man conceiveth, that when Eliashib the high Priest, (after their return from Babylon) with his brethren, first began hereabouts to build the sheep-gate, and sanctifie it to divine service, (as leading to the Temple) God then and there in approbation of his Act, indued the Pool hard by, with this soveraign sanative quality: but this we leave with the Author.

§ 16. By this Pool an Infirmary was built,God and mans charity well met. for maimed folk to lodge in, and attend the troubling of the waters. How well was Gods bounty and mans charity here met together? Commendable it was that rich men did not engross this Spaw to themselves, but permitted poor people not able to use Physick and Surgery the benefit thereof. This Hospitall for building consisted of five uuJoh. 5. 2.John 5:2Porches; not that the defective in the five senses, lame, blinde, deaf, &c. were here severally disposed of by themselves, but no doubt all promiscuously put together. In this Colledge of Cripples, he for his seniority might have been the Master thereof, who had been longer lame, then most men live, and now past the fift climactericall p. 334of his disease, where with he had been afflicted full thirty eight years. Indeed so impossible was the conditions of his recovery, that being lame, He must run, before he could goe, for seeing the first commer was only served, he must hast with speed into the pool after the moving thereof: whilst he, alas, wanted strength to help himself, wanted money to hire others, and others wanted mercy freely to give him their assistance. But because he could not goe to health, Health was graciously pleased to come to him, and he was cured miraculously by ourwwJoh. 5. 9.John 5:9 Saviour.

§ 17. And thus much of the Walls,Two ancient parts of Ierusalem. Gates, Towers, and Waters about Ierusalem: come we now into the City it self, which anciently consisted of two principall parts (therefore dual in the Hebrew) Sion on the southwest, and Ierusalem (properly so called) on the north thereof, which we proceed in order to describe, with the places of principall note therein contained.

CHAP. VII. Of Davids Palace, the High-priests houses, the Coenaculum, and other memorable places in mount Sion.

§ 1. WE begin with mount Sion, making that first which God most favoured,aaPsal. 87. 2.Ps 87:2 who loved the Gates of Sion, more then all the tabernacles of Iacob. Here first our eyes are entertained with the stately Palace of David, bb2 Sam. 5. 11. & 1 Chr. 1 4. 1.2 Sam 5:111 Chr 1:41 Chr 1:1Hiram King of Tyre sending him timber and workmen for the building thereof. Flat was the roof of this palace, whereon David sate, and from whence he beheld Bathsheba (hard by is her house) bathing her self. I cannot excuse her action herein. If policy be jealous, that hedges may have eares, modesty may suspect lest the motes in the aire have eyes. But see here divine justice. As this roof was the place whereon Davids lust did burn first; so thereon Absaloms incest did blaze farthest, lying here with his Fathers Concubines. This he easily did at the perswasion of Achitophel; those spurres needing no rowels, which are to prick forward graceless youth into wantonness. But that hellish Politician did this to set such a distance betwixt Sire and Son, that the affection of the one might never meet with the submission of the other, the breach hereafter being made so deep and wide, that no bridge of reconciliation might be built betwixt them.

§ 2. Under the Romans this Palace was turned into accAct. 21. 37.Acts 21:37 Castle, where a Garrison was kept to over-awe the City. Once the honour, now the terrour; once the beauty, now the bridle of Ierusalem. UponddAct. 21. 40.Acts 21:40 the fair stairs leading thereto, stood Saint Paul when he made his speech to the people, hearing him with great silence, because he spake in eeAct. 22. 2.Acts 22:2the Hebrew tongue; untill he came to that passage of preaching to the Gentiles (which though spoken in Hebrew was no good Hebrew to his auditours, but p. 335false construction, & breach of Jewish priviledg) when they turned their attentive eares into railing tongues, away with such a fellow from off the earth.

§ 3. And now to shew the frailty of humane happiness, pass we from the palace of these Kings to their burying place, seeing Sion in a double respect may be called the Westminster of Ierusalem; because the Kings thereof resided there while living, and rested when dead. The reader shall pay nothing but his pains in following me, whilest I shew him these royall remains. We may observe four gradations of honour in these interments.

1 Wickedff2 Chr. 33. 24.2 Chr 33:24 Amon was buried in his own house, (not under the roof, but within the verge of the wall thereof) and so wasgg2 Chr. 33. 20.2 Chr 33:20 Manasseh, **In the Garden of Vzzah.whose true but late repentance was effectuall to save his soul, but not his kingdome from destruction.

2 Cruell Ioram, who had no compassion whilest living, & therefore nohh2 Chr. 21. 1….2 Chr 21:1 bowels whē dying, was buried by himself in theii2 Chr. 21. 16.2 Chr 21:16 city of David, & neither fire nor water, neither burning nor mourning made for him.

3 Godly, but leprous Uzziah, being ceremoniously unclean, was interred in the kk2 Chr. 26. 23.2 Chr 26:23field of the buriall which belonged to the Kings; understand it, within the suburbs, but without the walls of their solemn sepultures.

4 All the rest were intombed in a stately place set apart for that purpose; namely, David the holy, the man after Gods own heart;

Solomon the wise, when old, befooled by his wives: Rehoboam the simple, whose rigour rent ten Tribes from his kingdome: Abiah the wicked, butll2 Chr. 13. 15.2 Chr 13:15 valiant and fortunate in fight; Asa the upright, whose mm2 Chr. 15. 17.2 Chr 15:17heart was perfect all his days: Iehosaphat the just, whose nn2 Chr. 17. 6.2 Chr 17:6heart was lift up in the ways of the Lord: Ahaziah the Idolater, whose onelyonly cōmendation was that he raigned but**2 Chr. 22. 2.2 Chr 22:2 one year. Ioash the backslider, the lease of whose goodness determined with hisoo2 Chr. 24. 2.2 Chr 24:2 uncles life: Amaziah the rash, worsted in a needless war against the King ofpp2 Chr. 25. 21.2 Chr 25:21 Israel: Iotham the peaceable, who built theqq2 Kin. 15. 35.2 Kgs 15:35 highest gate to the house of the Lord: Ahaz the profane,rr2 Chr. 27. 22.2 Chr 27:22 who in the time of his distress, yet trespassed more against the Lord: Hezekiah the pious, who destroied the high places: Iosiah the tender-hearted, whoss2 Chr. 34. 27.2 Chr 34:27 melted at Gods threatnings, denounced against the people of the Iews.

§ 4. Amongst these still I miss Iehojakim, and long seeking for his tombe light at last on the Prophets threatning,ttIer. 22. 19.Jer 22:19 he shall be buried with the buriall of an Asse, drawn and cast forth beyond the gates of Ierusalem.

§ 5. Now as it were in exchange of Iehojakim excluded, we finde Ie…ojada admitted among the royall interments. Count it not presumption for a Priests body to intrude amongst Princes bones, seeing not his pride but the peoples gratitude preferred him to the place, becauseuu2 Chr. 24. 16.2 Chr 24:16 he had done good in Israel towards God and his house. (Oh if monuments were marshalled according to mens merits, what change would it cause in our Churches!) See we here the care the Iews had of decent burying th…ir dead. True it is, bodies flung in a bog, will not stick there at the day of judgement; p. 336cast into a wood, will finde out the way; thrown into a dungeon, will have free egress; left on the highway, are still in the ready road to the resurrection. Yet seeing they are the Tabernacles of the Soul, yea the Temples of the holy Ghost, the Iews justly began, and Christians commendably continue the custome of their solemn interment.

§ 6. Farther off from the palace, we finde the house of the mighty; where Davids worthies lived in a Colledge under Ioab their President, next the KingswwZach. 14. 10.Zech 14:10 wine-press and hisxxNeh. 7. 16.Neh 7:16 fish-ponds. Think not that the Kings of Iudah had onelyonly Crowns, Thrones, and Scepters, the Ensignes of Soveraignty, for besides these to maintain their state, they had places of profit, so thrifty as to make their own wine at the best hand.

§ 7. Next we take notice of the houses of Annas and Caiaphas both alive yyJoh. 8. 13. & 24.John 8:13John 8:24at once, and termed the high-Priests at the same time; one by courtesie, because lately he had been: the other by right, because at present possessed of the high-Priesthood. Thus that function, which ought to have been during life by Gods institution, was made alternately annuall by mans innovation. Was not the shining of two Suns together in the Jewish Church sadly ominous? And was it not high time for God to take away the office, when men began wantonly to play at in and out, with that holy profession? But besides these two high-Priests, there was a third that had more right then either to the place, our Saviour himself, at the present brought a prisoner before them. In the house of Annas an officer wrongfully zzJoh. 18. 22.John 18:22struck him with the palme of his hand, and in the house of Caiaphas he was thrice denyed byaaJoh. 18. 25.John 18:25 Peter, adjured by the high-Priest, adjudged to death, spit upon, blinded, buffeted, with other insolencies offered unto him. The houses of the high-Priests were far asunder, all which distance Christ traced on foot; and it is observable, that being posted backwards, and forwards, from Annas to Caiaphas, from Caiaphas to Pilate, from Pilate to Herod, from Herod to Pilate, from Gabbatha to Golgotha, he traversed all the length and breadth, and most of the considerable places in the City: Partly to render his passion more publick, being made a spectacle to men and Angels, partly that his beautifull feet might bring the Gospell of peace into every principall street in Ierusalem.

§ 8. Next followeth the Coenaculum, orbbLuk. 22. 12.Luke 22:12 large upper-room where Christ ended the Passover, began the Lords supper, and probably afterwards in the same place appeared to his disciples, where after his ascension, the holy SpiritccAct. 2. 3.Acts 2:3 in fiery cloven tongues fell upon them, enabling them to speak all languages, for which some senslesly slandered them to beddAct. 2. 13.Acts 2:13 full of new wine. For the excess thereof may give men more tongue, not moe tongues; and is so far from making them speak other, that it hinders the pronouncing of their own language. As for the house of the Virgin Mary, w^ch some make very fair in moūt Sion; I say a better was beneath her desert, but a worse was above her estate. Sure it is, that after hersons sufferings, she privately lived in the house of Iohn the Apostle, & Iohn formerly lay in the bo…om of Christ, & p. 337Christ once lodged in the womb of Mary, and Mary was for ever hid eeCol. 3. 3.Col 3:3with Christ in God. O holy chain, ô happy complication!

§ 9. In the last place we come to the prisons (those necessary evills in a populous City) whereof we finde three severall degrees,

1 The dungeon of ffIer. 38. 6.Jer 38:6Malchiah, a most nasty place, the mud and mire whereof shall not be stirred by my pen, lest the ill savour offend the Reader. Yet good Ieremiah was forced to lie, andggIer. 38. 9.Jer 38:9 like to die therein, had not Ebed-melech the blackmore procured his writ of removall.

2 The house of Ionathan the Scribe, made a prison extraordinary of a privatehhIer. 38. 15.Jer 38:15 dwelling. This little better then the former, so that Ieremy counted it a favour at his importunateiiIer. 37. 20.Jer 37:20 request to be preferred thence, into—

3—The court of the prison, the best of all bads; which was part of the Kings palace, where Ieremy remained many days, fed with a piece of bread out of the bakers-street kkIer. 37. 21.Jer 37:21(a place hard by) till Nebuchadnezzar at last gave him allIer. 39. 11.Jer 39:11 Gaol-delivery.

§ 10. So much of Sion, forbearing to enlarge my self in the praises thereof frequent in holy writ. As for that expression,mmPsal. 76. 2.Ps 76:2 Gods dwelling is in Sion, it seems particularly to relate to that time, when the Arke resided there, brought in bynn2 Sam. 6. 16.2 Sam 6:16 David, and placed by him in the midst of a Tabernacle which he had oo2 Sam. 6. 17.2 Sam 6:17pitched for it. Indeed he designed to make a better casket for that Jewell, had not God retrenched his resolution by speciall pp2 Sam. 7. 12.2 Sam 7:12order, intending Solomon for that purpose, who many years after removed this Ark into the Temple he erected.

CHAP. VIII. Of Millo.

AS it is a great grace in a Rhetorician, not to have bald and flat but clear and fair Transitions; so it is no less beautifull in buildings to have spacious and handsome passages therein. For this cause the Kings of Israel counted no cost too much to be bestowed upon this Millo, as being the common pass between Sion and Ierusalem. It was called Millo, that is, a filling, as some would have it, because being naturally a gulfe or concavity, it was by great expence levelled to be built upon.aaGreg. Greg. in Lex. sanc. n…mero 603. Others conceive it so named, because filled with the confluxe and confluence of people, being indeed the largest street in the whole City.bb2 Sam. 5. 9.2 Sam 5:9 David began, cc1 King. 9. 24.1 Kgs 9:24Solomon finished the building thereof. But as once Wickam Bishop of Winchester wrote in a wall of Windsor, This made Wickam; in the same sense it may be said of Millo, This made Ieroboam. For Solomon taking notice of his activity (merit commended men, and beauty women to his favour) made him surveyour of the works when he builtdd1 Kin. 11. 27.1 Kgs 11:27 Millo, which brought him p. 338from a private person into publick notice (the first admission is half a degree to honour) and gave the occasion of his future greatness. In this ee2 Kin. 12. 20.2 Kgs 12:20Millo, at the going down to Sillah, or to theffVid. Tremel. annot. in locum. bulwark, King Ioash was cruelly killed by two of his servants.

CHAP. IX. Of the Princely Palaces in this City.

§ 1. PRoceed we now to the Princely palaces in Ierusalem; The house of the forest of Lebanon.and first we light on the aa1 King. 7. 2▪1 Kgs 7:2house of the forest of Lebanon, built by Solomon: So called, because an abridgement of that great forest, wherein (I mean in the groves and gardens about it) wild beasts of all kinds (if humane Authors may be beleeved) had their habitation. Here the bellowing Harts are said to harbour, the throating Bucks to lodge, the belling Roes to bed, the beating Hares to forme, the tapping Conies to sit, and the barking Foxes to kennell. Strange musick to be heard in the midst of a populous place; and very pleasant, that such a woody retiredness should be afforded in the heart of a City. Yet Solomons minde, when mounted on these seeming felicities, was as far from reaching true contentment, as the tired traveller, when on the top of the next hill, will be from touching the skies, which whilest he was in the valley seemed contiguous thereunto.

§ 2. The length of this house was an hundred,The dimensions of this house. breadth fifty, height thirty cubits, whereby it appears both longer and broader then the Temple it self. And no wonder, for who will deny that White-Hall stands on more ground then Westminster-Abby-Church? Besides, in measuring the Temple, onelyonly the covered part thereof is reckoned on, without the Courts (wherein the greatest capacity thereof did consist:) whereas no doubt, Courts and all are taken in to make up the aforesaid dimensions in Solomons house. But grant the Kings Palace outspread the Temple in greatness, the Temple out-topped it in height; whose towred porches ascended bb2 Chron. 3. 4.2 Chr 3:4an hundred and twenty cubites. In this house Solomons golden shields and targets wercc1 Kin. 10. 17.1 Kgs 10:17 kept, tilldd1 King. 14. 26.1 Kgs 14:26 carried away by Shishak King of Egypt.

§ 3. Besides this Solomon Solomons wives house.had another house in Ierusalem which was ee1 King. 7. 1.1 Kgs 7:1thirteen years in building; and aff1 King. 7. 8.1 Kgs 7:8 third which he made for his wife the daughter of Pharaoh. Say not, they needed two houses, which had two Religions, for we finde not that she ever seduced Solomon to idolatry: nor are the Egyptian Idols reckoned up among those severallgg1 Kin. 11. 5. 7.1 Kgs 11:51 Kgs 11:7 superstitions, which his second brood of wives brought into Ierusalem. Enough to perswade some that this match was made by dispensation, if not direction of God himself, (typifying the calling of the Gentiles) and that Pharaohs daughter afterwards became a convert, following the Psalmists counsell, Forget hhPsal. 45. 10.Ps 45:10also thine own people, and thy fathers house. Hereabouts also was the Golden throne of Solomon, to which those golden Lions gave p. 339a stately ascent. It was the prayer of loyallii1 King. 1. 37.1 Kgs 1:37 Benaiah, make the throne of Solomon greater then the throne of my Lord King David, which accordingly came to pass, whether taken for this his materiall throne, or for the largeness and fulness of his royall authority.

§ 4. Pass we by the Castle of Antiochus, kk1 Mac. 1.1 Macc 1built by him as a bridle to the City;The stately palace of Herod as also the Palace of the Maccabees, wherein for many yea…s they made their residence, first built byll1 Mac. 13. 52.1 Macc 13:52 Simon west of the Temple. In Christs time Herod the great had in Ierusalem a most magnificent house, wherein his grandchild Herod Antipas Tetrarch of Galilee kept his passeover, when Pilate sent Christ unto him to be examined by him. Right glad was Herod of this occasion, because though formerly much conversing with Iohn the Baptist, yet Iohn did no mmJoh. 10. 41.John 10:41miracle, which he now in vain hoped to behold from our Saviour. For he that would not work a miracle at his mothersnnJoh. 2. 4.John 2:4 motion, would not doe it for his persecutors pleasure. Let Herod take this for a sign that Christ was the Son of God, because he would shew no sign for the will of man. However the silent shew of our Saviour wrought a reconciliation betwixt him and Pilate, which before were at ooLuke 23. 12.Luke 23:12enmity betwixt themselves. But alass the innocent Lambe is not long liv'd, when thus both Wolfe and Fox are agreed against him.

§ 5. Appendant to this Palace was the prison wherein Peter was put,Peters prison. and being to dye the next day, was found in a deadppAct. 12. 7.Acts 12:7 sleep the night before. I question whether Herod who condemned him, slept half so soundly. He must be smote before he could be waked, and his shackles fell off easier then his sleep. The Rhemish note tells us, that the chains wherewith he was bound are still preserved at Rome in the Church of Petri ad vincula. But if those there be the true chains, I dare boldly say, that others of richer metall, and finer making, more worth, and less weight, are daily worn by Peters pretended successour.

§ 6. Pilates Palace must not be forgotten,The palace of Pilate. wherein our Saviour was accused by the Iews: near whereunto was the Judgement-hall, called qqJoh. 19. 13.John 19:13Gabbatha, or the Pavement. But how even, or smooth soever the stones were laid in the floor thereof; most rough, harsh, and unequall justice was administred in this place, when our Saviour therein was condemned. This was the place, into which the high-Priests prepared for the Passeover would notrrJoh. 18. 28.John 18:28 enter for fear of pollution. O my soul enter not into their secrets, whose fe… are swift to shed bloud, but legs lame to lift themselves over the threshold of a judgement-hall, for fear of defilement. Now all these Princely Palaces were not extant in this City at the same time, but successively: and therefore as Poets, when they present Persons, who lived in severall ages, on the same stage, lay their scene in the Elysian fields; so to put these Palaces together, the reader must suppose their dust and ruines did all meet on the floor of this City, though made in our map in a flourishing estate, the better to adorn our description of Ierusalem.

p. 340CHAP. X. Of the Colledges in Jerusalem.

§ 1. PAss we now from the Court,Ierusalem an Academy for education of youth. to the Innes-of-Court, namely such places, wherein youth had liberall education. TheaaVid. Grotii annot. in Act. Apost. cap. 6. vers. 9. Iews tell us of four hundred and fourscore Synagogues at Ierusalem for this purpose. We will insist onelyonly on such as we finde named in Scripture, and begin with Huldah's bb2 Kin. 22. 14.2 Kgs 22:14colledge, wherein that Prophetess lived in the days of Iosiah. Perchance a female foundation of women alone, and she the Presidentress thereof; though surely not bound with any monasticall vow of virginity, because there also styled the wife of Shallum.

§ 2. Next, in the days of the Maccabees, we take notice of the Grecian Colledge or Gymnasium, The Grecian colledge.erected by Iason the high Priest, wherein the Jewish youth were taught to wrestle,cc1 Mac. 1. 15. & 2 Mac. 4. 12.1 Macc 1:152 Macc 4:12 ride horses, and other Grecian accomplishments. Indeed archery was an ancient Jewish exercise, (David taught the children of Israel the use of the dd2 Sam. 1. 18.2 Sam 1:18how, as it is written in the book of Iasher) but these were pure heathenish imployments. Here also they were taught to wear a garment called foreign, which some translate Hats, others buskins, eeSee the Gen… va note on 2 Mac. 4. 12.2 Macc 4:12(though head and feet are far asunder) which whether it were the generall garbe of the Grecians, or onelyonly an Academicall habit to distinguish the Students from common Citizens, let others enquire. But the worst of all was, here they were taught, not onelyonly uncircumcision of omission, (neglecting the observing thereof on infants) but also the uncircumcision of commission, practising toff1 Mac. 1. 15.1 Macc 1:15 make themselves uncircumcised, studiously deleting the character of that Sacrament out of their bodies.

§ 3. After Christs ascension we finde five Colledges or Synagogues mentioned in oneggAct. 6. 9.Acts 6:9 verse,Five Synagogues against Saint Steven. all disputing against Saint Steven,

Out of Asia those of Cilicia, and proper Asia.

Out of Africa, those of the Cyrenians and Alexandrians in Egypt.

Out of Europe, those of the Libertines of Rome.

Behold here an admirable Act hept, wherein Saint Steven was the Answerer, against whom Opponents were fetched from all the parts of the then known world; and all too few to resist the wisedome and Spirit by which he spake. What this Synagogue of Libertines was, is much controverted by learned men. Surely Libertines here are not taken in the modern notion of the word, for such as used their liberty for an occasion hhGal. 5. 13.Gal 5:13to the flesh, orii1 Pet. 2. 16.1 Pet 2:16 a cloak of maliciousness, though we confess in after ages such grew into a numerous society, whereof Satans subtilty, and mans corruption the Founders, the negligence and conivence of Magistrates the daily Benefactours: A Colledge, whose gates (like those of hell) stand always open, having no other Statutes then the Students pleasure: where the diet is so dear, that their Commons cost the souls of such as feed on them, without their finall repentance. Most probable it is, that by Libertines were intended p. 341such Romans as were manumised, or made free by their Masters; whereof Tacitus counts no fewer then four thousand in the City of Rome, which professed the Jewish Religion; some whereof with most likelyhood had their Synagogues in Ierusal…m, wherein they were more perfectly instructed in matters both of doctrine and discipline. The Gazith or Common-councell must not be omitted, coming near to the nature of a Colledge, wherein the Sanhedrin or seventy Elders had their judicatory, before whom the Disciples were summoned, andkkAct. 4. 15.Acts 4:15 straitly threatned not to preach, and afterwards, for disobeying their Order, were put into thellAct. 5. 18.Acts 5:18 common Prison. In the samemmAct. 6. 15.Acts 6:15 place Saint Steven was accused and passed his purgation, in that excellent speech, that he was no enemy to the Law of Moses, if rightly understood.

CHAP. XI. The remainder of private houses and streets in Jerusalem.

§ 1. AMongst the private,The house of Mary the mother of Iohn-Mark. dwelling in this City, we take speciall notice of the house of Mary, the mother of Iohn-Mark, wherein the Saints were assembled to pray for Peters enlargement. Hither he came and knocked at the door, when Rhoda portress thereof,aaAct. 12. 14.Acts 12:14 opened not the gate for gladness; whether because loth to lose so much time, as the opening thereof did necessarily require, (conceiving that Peter might better stand without the door, then the people stay without the news) or because her soul, surprized with suddain joy, was not at leasure to actuate her hands to open the door: yet it informed her feet, to run into the house, because that motion (was not, as the other, against the stream, but) went along with the tyde of her affection, so desirous to tell the news unto others. Sure I am, Peter got less harm by this maidens keeping him out for a time, out of this godly house, then he did by another Damosels bbIoh. 18. 17.John 18:17letting him into the high-Priests Palace.

§ 2. Adde to this the house of Ananias the high-Priest,The house of Ananias and Veronica. which stood not far off. If therein there was any rotten wallccAct. 23. 3.Acts 23:3 well whit…d over, it may pass for an embleme of him the hypocriticall owner thereof. As this was the house of a false man, so we take Veronica's to be a false house, yea meer fiction, shewn to pilgrimes at this day, in the corner of a street. Here she is said, that meeting our Saviour when carrying his Cross, she t…ndred unto him her vai… therewith wiping off his sweat, which vail thereby presently received the lively impression and portraicture of his face and complexion: with more probability they might affirme, that the picture of his see… remained in theddIoh. 12. 3.John 12:3 haire of Mary Magdalen.

§ 3. So much for particular houses.The accurate ranging of streets in Ierusalem at the best but conjecturall. Now that Ierusalem was digested and methodized into severall streets is most certain, whereof such frequent mentionccIer. 5. 1. & 7. 17. & 11. 6. &c.Jer 5:1Jer 7:17Jer 11:6 in Scripture: as sure it is also, that many fair market p. 342places were found therein, where childrenffMat. 11. 15.Matt 11:15 played with their mates, Merchants met with their Chapmen, LabourersggMat. 20. 3.Matt 20:3 waited for Masters to hire them, and Pharisees bartered their outside sanctity for thehhMat. 23. 7.Matt 23:7 greetings and salutations of the people. But the order and fashion of their severall streets are to us unknown, Scripture affording no certainty therein. And though Adrichomius seem so accurate in this point, that no London-beadle can be better acquainted with the lanes, allies, courts, corners, of the Precinct belonging unto him, yet herein he proceeds on his own fancy, and meer conjecture. OnelyOnly we meet with the names of two streets, Water-gate-street, and Ephraim-gate-street, which may justly be concluded more spacious, and roomthy then the rest, because preferred before all other places in the City to build booths therein at that solemn festivall, in the days ofiiNeh. 8. 16.Neh 8:16 Nehemiah. In the former of these, Ezra assembled the people, and read the law before thekkNeh. 8. 1.Neh 8:1 Congregation.

§ 4. Give me leave to supply out of Iosephus three eminent places,The Amphitheatre, Castle Antony, …nd Hippodrome. though not mentioned in Scripture. First, thellIosep. ant. Iud. li. 15. c. 10. Amphitheatre, erected by Herod, so capable that it could contain fourscore thousand people, if the readers beliefe be so large as to give credit thereunto. Here Herod, after the fashion of the Romans, exposed condemned persons to encounter with Lions, Bears, Boars &c. But whether Saint Paul, when after the manner of men he fought with beasts at mm1 Cor. 15. 32.1 Cor 15:32Ephesus, intended such combates with cattell, or onelyonly his contesting with foreign evill beasts, such as the Cretians arennTit. 1. 12.Titus 1:12 described to be, is not decided by Divines. Secondly, Castle Antony, built by the same Herod in the honour of Antonius, to be the keeper, yea the Gaoler of the Temple, (to which he had an underground passage, which would hold six hundred men) wherein he observed the motions of the Iews, lest they should hatch mutinies under the covert of Religion. Time was when God himself watched over the Temple to protect it, till for the sins of the people, he gave it over to be guarded by the jealous eyes of their inveterate enemies. Lastly, the Hippodrome, or place for horse-races, where the Chivalry of the City met on severall occasions. Sick Herod the great perceiving his end to approach, and knowing the same would bring a great joy to the Iews, (a Tyrants death-day is a solemn festivall in the Calendar of Nature it self) in this Hippodrome imprisoned a principall person of every City of Iudea, enjoining Salome his sister to kill them at the instant of his expiring, that so there might be a generall grief, though not for, yet at his death, whilest no place could laugh heartily being pinched with their particular loss. However after his death she discharged those prisoners, and we may easily beleeve that these Legatees were not offended with her (the Executrix of Herods Will) for not disposing the Legacies bequeathed to them, according to the minde of the Testator.

p. 343CHAP. XII. The mysteries of mount Calvary.

§ 1. SUburbs in Cities are like Suckers in trees,The dolorous way. which make them bigger, but not better; so that much of the strength of the City leaks out in such Excresences. Ierusalem therefore had no suburbs at all, but many pleasant mountains and gardens about it. We will begin with mount Calvary, and the passage thereunto, commonly called the dolorous way, (though thence came all our comfort) traced with the blessed feet of our Saviour, who suffered without the gate. This we are now to describe, and ô that our patience and practise might goe along with our pen! to observe our Saviours motion, according to the counsell of the Apostle,aaHeb. 13. 13.Heb 13:13 Let us goe forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.

§ 2. This dolorous way began at Gabbatha or the Pavement: The wild justice of Pilate.wherein we may take notice of a wild piece of justice in Pilate, first scourging, then crucifying Christ. If his offence was but criminall to deserve scourging, why was he crucified? If so capitall as to deserve crucifying, why scourged? Perhaps Pilate hoped by his scourging to satisfie the malice of the Iews, but in vain. For it was not the back-bloud, but the heart-bloud of Christ must satisfie their thirst. So that what might be pity in the intent of Pilate, proved cruelty in the event to Christ; whose bitter cup hereby was twice filled. Thus we commit double-folded, twisted, and complicated sins, which our Saviour expiated with duplicated suffering, first scourged, then crucified.

§ 3. Hence being condemned hebbIoh. 19. 16.John 19:16 bare his own Cross part of the way,Reasons of Christs fainting under the Cross. towards the place of execution, according to the custome of malefactours (and we know what Furcifer inports in the naturall signification thereof) untill, it seems, at last he fainted under the burden thereof; whereof severall reasons are assigned.

1 Probably the Iews malice provided him a Cross of extraordinary greatness, proportionable to the reputed offendour Paramount.

2 He was much debilitated with his long watching and sweating the night before.

3 The edges of the Cross grating his late whip-furrowed back, might occasion the new bleeding of his wounds, and his weakning thereby.

4 He bare withall the invisible weight of the sins of mankind, and Gods anger for the same.

Hereupon a substitute or surrogate was provided for him to bear his Cross, not out of any mercy, but the deeper malice of his enemies; partly p. 344thereby to reprieve him to a more publick death; not willing he should die under, to cover him from shame, but upon the Cross, to expose him to the greater ignominy: partly, because they were loath he should goe away so easily as in a fainting fit, and therefore their cruell kindness reserved him for a more painfull death.

§ 4. Simon of Cyrene is the person by them compelled to bear his Cross.Simon of Cyrene bearing Christs Cross. Had it been foretold that one Simon should have carried Christs Cross, and had one heard Simon Peter so lately, so solemnly promising,ccMat. 26. 35.Matt 26:35 though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee, he would hence have certainly concluded him the party for that service. But it fell out far otherwise; whilest that Simon had forsaken his Master (and now was bewailing his fault) another of that name is found out, coming out of the field, to carry the Cross before him. Let Heraulds then boast of mens bearing, and their blazing of armes, (empty huskes where the kernell of vertue is wanting) behold here a rich bearing indeed; A Cross proper carried by Simon for our Saviour. We must buckle our selves in like manner for the same burden, patiently to undergoe afflictions. The best is, our Crosses are made hollow, being greater in bulk then in burden; seeing the Cross of our Crosses, eternall damnation, is taken off by the suffering of our Saviour.

§ 5. And now Christ comes to the place of execution,Mount Calvary why so called. called Golgotha or mount Calvary, that is, a place of a skull. Either from the fashion thereof, because that hill was rounded up in the form of a mans head, or because mens bones were scattered thereabouts. Tremellius with great probability conceives this Calvary called the hillddIer. 31. 39.Jer 31:39 Gareb in Ieremy, being described to lie near the valley of the dead bodies. Here our blessed Saviour in a publick place, with infamous company, (who lived amongst Publicanes, and dyed betwixt theeves) after a cruell manner was despightfully crucified. In whose sufferings we may observe

§ 6. The length thereof, The length of Christs passion.lasting six tedious houres, exposed all that time both to hunger and cold. Indeed the theeves were longer in suffering, both being stilleeJoh. 19. 32.John 19:32 alive when Christ expired: but they endured but personall pain, whilest he underwent miseries for all mankind; so that what his Passion lacked in the length, it had in

§ 7. The breadth thereof:The breadth thereof. extended over all the parts and powers of his soul and body. No part free from pain, save his tongue, left at liberty to pray for his enemies. His senses all suffered, namely

1 Seeing, tormented with the scornfull gestures, and reproachfull postures of such as passed by ffMat. 23. 39.Matt 23:39wagging the head, to expiate the lascivious, envious, covetous glances of our eyes.

2 Hearing, grieved with the taunts, jeers, and wilfullggMat. 27. 49.Matt 27:49 mistakes of the Priests and people: so to satisfie for the pleasures our eares have taken in lustfull Sonnets, wanton jests, and other vain and wicked delights.

p. 3453 Smelling, offended with such savours as may well be presumed to be none of the best, in the place of a skull, to make amends for our luxurie in sents and perfumes.

4 Tasting. For when he cried out, I thirst, (and sorrowes we say are dry) they provided him a potion ofhhJoh. 19. 30.John 19:30 gall and vineger; so to repair Gods justice offended with our gluttony and drunkenness.

5 Touching, his hands and feet being pierced with the nailes, to expiate the rapin and violence of our hands, the swiftness of our feet in the way of wickedness, with the manifold sins, which that sense in us committeth.

What shall I speak of his head pierced with Thornes, so to make satisfaction for the profane plots and projects, the wicked machinations of our brains? And it is worth our observing, that though the Scarlet Robe (put on him to act in that Princely Pageant) was taken from him, (as of some value, no pain, and too good to be spoiled) yet the Crown of Thornes, painfull to him, and profitable to no other, was, (for ought we finde) continued on his head, all the time of his passion. In a word, it is hard to say, whether his pain was more shamefull, or his shame more painfull unto him: the exquisiteness of his bodily temper, increasing the exquisiteness of his torment, and the ingenuity of his Soul, adding to his sensibleness of the indignities, and affronts offered unto him.

§ 8. Thirdly,The depth thereof. depth. His passion was as deep as Hell it self, induring tortures in his wounded Conscience to the apprehension of a desertion; witness his Exclamation, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me! not that really he was forsaken, or totally conceived so, shewing his faith in the deepest of his distress. For as when twins in the womb of Tamar strove which should come first into the world, the**Gen. 38. 28.Gen 38:28 mid-wise adjudged the Primogeniture unto him that first put forth his hand, as a champion chall…nging his birth-right: so in this expression of our Saviours, wherin Faith and Fear did contest for the priority, Faith must be esteemed the heir and eldest, first putting forth his hand, My God; yea both his hands, My God, my God, claiming by that gemination a double interest in Gods fatherly affection.

§ 19. Lastly,The height thereof. the height: as high as heaven, because the person induring it was both innocent and infinite. Innocent; such he must be to effect our redemption,ii1 Pet. 1. 19.1 Pet 1:19 without blemish and without spot, otherwise had blurred fingers come to rub off, or wipe out the blot in mans nature, thereby it had been made the bigger: Infinite, being no less then the Son of God, which gave infinite worth and valuation to his sufferings. O then that we might be able to comprehend with all Saints, what is the kkEphes. 3. 18.Eph 3:18breadth, and length, and depth, and height, and might know the Love of Christ that passeth knowledge, so infinite every way were the dimensions thereof.

p. 346§ 10. And now he had left all he had to be severally disposed of to persons most proper to receive them,The sevenfold division of Christs goods. as namely his

1 Purse (and his own price therein) to Iudas, who bare the llIoh. 13. 29.John 13:29bag.

2 Peace unto his disciples, and the godly their successours: My mmIoh. 14. 27.John 14:27peace I leave unto you.

3 Prayers to his enemies for their pardon: Father forgive nnLuk. 23. 34.Luke 23:34them, they know not what they doe.

4 Wardrobe to the souldiers, who parted his raiment amongst them, and on his vesture did cast lots.

5 Mother to Iohn the beloved disciple:ooIoh. 19. 26.John 19:26 Woman behold thy Son.

6 Body to Joseph of Arimathea, who afterwardsppLuk. 23. 52.Luke 23:52 begged, and (with Nicodemus) embalmed and buried it.

7 Soul to God:qqLuk. 23. 46.Luke 23:46 Father into thy hands I commend my Spirit.

These things thus disposed of, he bowed his head, partly in submission to Death the messenger, but more in homage to God the sender, and not by violent compulsion, but voluntary susception of death, gave up the ghost. So ended our Saviours satis…ing sufferings, as redeemer of mankind; though his sympathizing sufferings, as mysticall head of the Church, are still behind,rrCol. 1. 24.Col 1:24 and are daily filled up with the afflictions of his servants. I say his compassion daily remains and increaseth, though his passion was then, and there ended, according to his own expression,ssIo…. 19 30. It is finished.

§ 11. Say not that the arrears thereof,Dead corps may be wronged, but not hurt. and another reckoning remained, because presently after, one pierced his side, out of which came water and bloud. For this added to their malice, not his misery: according to that expression,ttLuk. 12. 4.Luke 12:4 Be not afraid of those that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can doe; all cruelties to breathless corps amount to just nothing, and injuries to the dead though figures on the account of the offerers, yet are but cyphers on the score of the sufferers.

§ 12. Near mount Calvary was a garden,Christ buried in Iosephs sepulchre. and in that garden a rock, and in that rock a grave, which Ioseph of Arimathea had provided for himself. This was fashionable in that age to make their monuments in their gardens, so to retrench their wanton thoughts with meditations of mortality. Thus pleasure, poison in it self, is made wholsome, when well corrected with thoughts of our latter end; yea graves and green herbs make a good medly, seeingnn1 Pet. 1. 24.1 Pet 1:24 all flesh is grass, and the glory of man as the flower thereof, which withereth and falleth away. Here our Saviour was intombed, in a wwLuk. 23. 53.Luke 23:53sepulchre bewen in stone, wherein never man before was laid; it being fit, that as he was born of a virgin-wombe, he should be buried in a virgin-tombe. It was also Iosephs xxMat. 27. 60.Matt 27:60own tombe, intended for his proper interment. Such our Saviours poverty, that as he lived in lended houses, so he was buried in a borrowed sepulchre, being rather a tenant, then owner thereof. To make sure work, the grave was shut with a great stone, the stone fastned with a solemn seal, p. 347the seal guarded with a watch of souldiers; though all in vain. For all their solicitous care to suppress his resurrection, did but render it more conspicuous, and free it from all suspicion of forgery.

§ 13. Sure they did binde,Christs resurrection. but loose they did finde. For on the third day an Angell came down from heaven, causing a great earth-quake; as if the earth, like a guilty malefactor, trembled with feare, for its former boldness, that being made Gods footstool, it presumed to be his prison. This earth-quake begat a second in the heart of the souldiers▪ who frighted with fear ran all away, our Saviour being formerly risen out of his sepulchre. For the stone was notyyM…t. 28. 2. rolled away by the Angell to give his body passage out, but to give the disciples eyes passage into the grave, to behold the reality of his resurrection: otherwise he, who came in when the zzIoh. 20. 26.John 20:26door, could come out when the grave was shut. A…t…rwards he attested his rising from the dead, by his manifold appari…ions in sundry places to severall persons, as is largely recorded in the Gospell.

§ 14. However the Priests to palliate the matter,Endevoured in vain to be silenced. possess the people, and prevent the propagation of the repo…t, endeavoured by thei… money (their coin being better then their cause) whereby they had compassed the death, thereby also to hinder the beliefe of his resurrection. Though their seal on his grave was broken, they hoped to s…t a firmer on the lips of the souldiers, bribing them for the silence of the truth, and dispersing an improbable lye, that the Disciples came by night whilest they slept, and stole him away. It is admirable that such a falshood confuting it self (for if they were asleep, how could they discover them? if awake, why did they not resist them?) should by Gods permission make it passage so fast, so far, and so firme in the beliefe of the Iews. Here taking the devill (theaaIoh. 8. 44.John 8:44 father of all lies) to be father thereof, it is worth our observing in the very words of thebbMat. 28. 15.Matt 28:15 Evangelist

1 The mother of the lie, the brains of the Pharisees: they taught.

2 The nurse thereof, the tongues of the souldiers: they did as they were taught.

3 The wages of the nurse, ready paiment: so they took the money.

4 The well-batling of the babe, it grew very great: For it is commonly reported amongst the Iews.

5 The long life thereof, lasting longer then sixteen hundred years, unto this day.

And it is to be feared it will live next day, next monethmonth, next year, many years, if God be not more mercifull in convincing their erroneous judgements. Thus it is just in heavens proceedings to suffer the posterity to be poisoned, for the wilfull default of the parents.

p. 348CHAP. XIII. Of the Potters-field, Aceldama, Fullers-field &c.

§ 1. PAss we from the north-west,The Potters-field. to the south-east part of the City, where, without the walls, we light on the Potters-field, where men of that trade made brittle plate in abundance. For, although in Solomons time, such earthen ware was worthless in this City, when silver it self was aa… King. 10. 21.nothing accounted of, and made to be bbIbld. ver. 27.as stones in Ierusalem; yet, poor people in after ages, found such cheap furniture usefull for their estates. Here one might have seen those Potters absolutely lording it over their clay (purely passive to receive any impression from them) and, according to their own power and pleasure, making of the same lump one ccRom. 9. 21.Rom 9:21vessell unto honour, and another unto dishonour. Others conceive, this Potters-field was onelyonly an inconsiderable wast place, where sherds and pieces of broken pots were cast out in a bycorner.

§ 2. Surely it was neither great in extent or value,Bought for a burying place. seeing thirty pieces of silver (the restored reward of Iudas his treason) could purchase the fee-simple thereof; except any will say, it came at a cheaper rate, because intended for a publick and pious use, the buriall ddMat. 27. 7.Matt 27:7of strangers. Here their dead corps had an Hospitall, wherein their lodging and cloathing was freely bestowed upon them: and thus our Saviour, though himself a Stranger in a borrowedeeIbid. ver. 60. grave, by the price of his bloud conferred graves on many Strangers. As for the confident report, that the earth in this field will in fortyffSands his Tr…. pag. 187. with legions of other Authours. eight houres, consume the flesh that is laid therein, yea retaining that quality though transported into forein Countreys, (the grave which every where hath a voracious appetite, having here as quick a digestion) my faith is neither all wax, nor all iron herein. To speak plainly, after long fighting against an Army of Authors affirming the same, my beliefe at last is taken captive by their gravity, and number, to give credit thereunto.

§ 3. It was afterwards called Aceldama, Called Acelda ma.or the field ggAct. 1. 19.Acts 1:19of bloud, because purchased with the price of Christs bloud, and not (as some may erroneously conceive) because handselled with the bloud of Iudas therein, when his bowells gushed out. The place of whose self-execution is shewen to pilgrimes, some distance hence, on the south-west of the City, where he, who had lived ahhJoh. 12. 6.John 12:6 thiefe to his Master, dyed a felon of himself, hanged, say some, on an Elder; say others,iiAdricho. in Theatr. … sanc. on a Sycomore tree; a matter of no concernment.

p. 349§ 4. More are we troubled,The manner of Iudas his death. not for Iudas his sake (for whom two deaths were not too many) but in behalf of the Truth (which can be but one) to reconcile a seeming difference betwixt two places of Scripture about the manner of his death.

MATTH. 27. 5.

And he cast down the pieces of silver in the Temple, and departed, and went, and hanged himself.

ACTS 1. 18.

And falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowells gushed out.

We understand it thus, not that the rope breaking, Iudas falling down thence some steep place, was paunched on some sharp pile; but, that the very weight of his body, and violence of his headlong motion (having no hopes upward in heaven, and therefore hasting downward to the center of despair) brake his belly in so precipitate a fall. Thus as Traitors, when hanged, are by our law to have their bowells drawn out by the executioner: so Iudas served himself so, …o spare others the pains to punish him.

§ 5. Fullers-field must not be forgotten, where they stretched,Fullers-field. and dryed their clothes which they they had washed in the brook of Cedron. But all the sope used here by men of that trade, could not scoure the indelible stain of impiety out of the credit and conscience of King Ahaz, who in the high-way of kkIsa. 7. 3. 12.Isa 7:3Isa 7:12the Fullers-field, peevishly refused a sign, which God graciously proffered unto him. And mens severall behaviours in matters of this nature deserved to be marked. For, it was

1 Commendable inllJudg. 6. …7.Judg 6:7 Gideon andmmIsa. 38. 22.Isa 38:22 Hezekiah, humbly requesting a sign for farther strengthening of their weak Faith.

2 Pardonable innnLuk. 1. 18.Luke 1:18 Zacharias, craving one out of a mixture of infidelity, therefore granted him in loving anger; his dumbeness serving as well to correct, as confirm him.

3 Damnable in the Iews, who out of pride and presumption, in a daring wayooMat. 16. 1.Matt 16:1 demanded; and in Herod, who out of curiosity ppLuk. 23. 8.Luke 23:8expected a signe from Christ, and therefore denyed them.

But most of all in Ahaz, in whose nostrills the very perfumes of Heaven sented ill, because proffered unto him, refusing to accept a sign so freely tendered unto him.

§ 6. East of Aceldama, Tophet why so called.in the valley of the Sons of Hinnon, lay Tophet (that is, Breadth) as Saint Hierome qqIn his comment on Ier. 7.Jer 7expoundeth it, because there the Citizens of Ierusalem, pent within the walls of their City, used to dilate, expatiate, and recreate their spirits in the walks thereof. Pity it was that so pleasant a place should afterwards be poisoned with Idolatry, where children were offered to Moloch, searing them to death with his burning imbracements; of the manner whereof largely herefter. For the present let it suffice us to observe, that Iosiah is said torr2 King. 23. 13.2 Kgs 23:13 defile this place: what! was it capable of more pollution then what it had before? Understand it, by burning of dead bones therein, he made it as offensive to the p. 350nostrils of men, as formerly it had been odious in the eyes of God. Now as the stinking lake of Avernus in Italy, passeth in Pagan Poets for Hell it self: so this valley of Ben-hinnon (Gehenna in Greek) is used in the same sense by ourffMa…. 5. 29. Saviour: either because of the abominable impieties here committed by the parents; or exquisite torments here endured by the children.

§ 7. We conclude with the place wherein Saint Steven was stoned,Place of Saint Stevens Martyrdome. being on the east of the City, some distance from what at this day is termed Saint Stevens-gate: nigh which they shew the place where Saul sate, when he kept the clothes of those that stoned him. Now, seeing by Davids law,tt1 Sam. 30. 25.1 Sam 30:25 made by the brook Besor, he that tarrieth by the stuffe is to be equall sharer in the spoile with those that goe forth to the battell; the equity of this ordinance arraigneth Saul guilty alike of the bloud of Saint Steven, with those whose wardrobe he kept during the time of the execution. But, whatsoever Sauls share was in the murther, great was his part in the prayer of Saint Steven, whoseuuAct. 7. 60.Acts 7:60 petition (Lord lay it not to their charge) is justly accounted by Divines, a promoting means of his speedier conversion.

Her… the draught of Solomons Temple is to be inserted.