The Annals of the World, History 2 · Age of the world 7 (2 of 2)

The Annals of the World · History 2 · Age of the world 7 (2 of 2)

p. 805Caesar having heard both the accusation and defence of Archelaus, sent him into banishment into Vienna of France, and adjudged both his Country and his treasure to be confiscated. [Joseph. lib. 2. Bell. cap. 6. & lib. 17. Antiquit. cap. ult.] And this is that son of Herod, whom Strabo noted to have lived in exile among the Allobroges of France. [lib. 16. pag. 765.]

Augustus proscribed his only Nephew Marcus Agrippa Posthumus, The Julian Period. 4720 unlearned indeed, Year after Christ 7 but foolishly fierce out of a pride of his strength, but yet found guilty of no crime, and confiscating all his goods to the military treasury, banished him into Planasia, an Island neer to Corsica. [Tacit. Annal. lib. 1. cap. 3. D…o. lib. 55. pag. 569, 570.]

The government of Archelaus, that is, Judea, (containing the tribe of Judah and Benjamine) Samaria and Idumea, being reduced into the form of a Province, and annexed to Syria, Quirinius is by Caesar sent as Governour of Syria, that he might tax both it and all Syria, and set a valuation on the Jews estates, sell Archelaus his house, and bring the mony thereof into his own possession. [Joseph. in fin. lib. 17. & initio 18.]

p. 806The Jews, although at the first they thought but hardly of the very mention of description, yet at the perswasion of Joazar the son of Boethus the High-Priest, (who either was restored by Archelaus, or else took the Priesthood again in his absence) without much contradiction, they suffered themselves to be taxed. [Id. lib. 28. cap. 1:]

In the time of this tax…ng Judas Galileus arose, and drew away much people after him, he also perished, and all that obeyed him were dispersed, as saith Gamaliel, Acts V. 37. which Judas Josephus in 18. Antiquit. calls the Gaulonite, and saith he was born in the town of Gamala, but in another place with Gamaliel he calls him a Galilean, and writes that he sollicited the people to revolt from the Romans when Quirinius taxed Judea. [lib. 18. cap. 2. & lib. 20, cap. 3.]

This man, Sadoc a Pharisee being his confederate, laboured to stir up the people to rebellion, saying that this taxing was nothing else but a manifest profession of their servitude, exhorting all the nation to stand for their liberty, putting them in hope thereby that they should enjoy their estates, and being confirmed in the possession of them, they should be accounted valiant, neither was help from God to be hoped for, if they did not provide for themselves, these speeches were entertained by the people with great pleasure, and they were encouraged to do something, for it cannot be spoken how those men troubled the nation, for they filled all things with murthers and robberies, for they plundered without any respect of friend or foe, and murthered many noble personages; and all under pretext of defending the publick liberty, but indeed for their privat… profits sake. Judas and Sadoc were the authours of all these calamities, all that were desirous of noveleies flocking to them, which for the present only disturbed not the commonwealth, but was the seed plot of all the future calamities. [Joseph. Antiquit. lib. 18. cap. 1.]

To the three ancient sects of the Jews, (viz. of Pharisees Sadduces and Essenes) this Judas Galilaeus brought in the fourth, whose followers in other things agreeing with the Pharisees, they affirm that God only is to be accounted Lord and Master of all, and would more easily endure most exquisite torments, together with their friends and children, than call any mortall man Lord, [id. ibid. cap. 2.]

Q…irinius having sold and confiscated Archelaus his goods, and gone through with the tax, which happened in the year 37 after the victory at Actium, beginning at September of the former year) there being a sedition of the common people raised against Joazar the High-Priest, he deprived him of his dignity and substituted Ananus (or Annas) the son of Seth in his room. [id. ibid. cap. 3.]

Together with Quirinius came Coponius, who was of the order of Knighthood, being sent by Augustus and was the first governour of Judea, after it was reduced into a province, [id. ibid. cap. 7. 11. cum lib. bell. cap. 7. which command of the Governours by him sent thither seems alwaies to have been ended in the space of three yeares.

Coponius being governour of Judea, in the Passeover of this or the following year, when the Priests (as it was the custome alwaies at this feast) had opened the gates of the temple about midnight, that certain Samaritanes secretly entring Jerusalem, scattered mens bones amidst the porch, and over all the temple, whereby it came to passe, that the Priests kept more diligent watch than they were wont to do before. [Joseph. lib. 18. cap. 3.]

At the Passeover of this year, Christ in the twelfth year of his age being brought to Jerusalem by Joseph and Mary, and the seven daies of unleavened bread being ended, his parents returning home, he staied behind; they not knowing where he was, sought him three daies and found him in the temple, sitting in the middest of the Doctours, hearing them and asking them questions: and all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. [Luke. II. 41. 47.]

Jesus went down with his parents to Nazareth, and was obedient unto them, [Luke. II. 51.] followed his fathers trade of a Carpenter, eating his bread in the sweat of his browes, which thing the saying of his fellow Citizens of Nazareth doth sufficiently prove? Is not this the Carpenter, the son of Mary. [Marke VI. 3.]

Ovid was banished to Tomos in Pontus, Year of the World 4012 partly for seeing some dishonest act of Augustus, The Julian Period. 4722 which he would not have been seen; Year after Christ 9 of which misfortune we read him complaining of in (secundo. libro Tristium ad Augustum.)

Cur aliquid vidi? cur noxia lumina feci?

Cur imprudenti cognita culpa mihi est?

Why saw I ought? Why did I guilty make

My eyes? This sin why did I, wretch, partake?

p. 807Partly for his love books, which he set forth, as it is delivered by Sidonius Apollinaris and others, and which is not obscurely hinted at by himself. [ibid.] But whereas we have shewen before, That he was born in the Consulship of Hirtius and Pansa, he must at this time be fifty one years old: but the current being neglected, the Poet himself thus sets down the full number of compleat years, in his fourth book Tristum, the last Elegie.

Postque meos ortus Pisaea vinctus oliva

Abstulerat decies praemia victor eques;

Cum maris Euxini positos ad laeva Tomitas

Quaerere me laesi Principis ira jubet.

When twice five times with olive girt the Knight.

Had bore away the Prize (his virtues right)

When by my Princes rage I had command

Of th' Euxine Tomitae to seek the land.

That is, as it is more clearly expressed by him, in his book in Iben, (which at his first going to Tomos, he wrote against his accuser…) Tempus ad hoc lustris mihi jam bis quinque peractis. When to this time five lustrals I had seen. For he, by no mean mistake, is wont to co…found the Olympiades, which were every four years, with the Lustra of the Romans, which were every five years.

Ovid signifies this in his third book Tristium and 12 Elegie, The Julian Period. 4723 that he had passed the first winter in Pontus, Year after Christ 10 and with that, the first year of his banishment, (for he had passed the former winter in his journy. Year of the World 4013

Frigora jam zephyri minuunt; annoque peracto,

Longior antiquis visa Maeotis hyems:

Impositamque sibi qui non bene pertulit Hellen,

Tempora nocturnis aequa diurna facit.

Now Zephyr tames the cold; the year's run round,

A longer Winter the Maeotae found.

The signe in Aries, the night did make

Her equal howers with the day partake.

Then in the fourth Elegie of the sixth book, he designes the second year of his banishment.

Vt patria careo, bis frugibus area trita est;

Dissiluit …udo pressa bis uva pede.

Since I my Country left the Barns twice fild,

And Presses, Corn and wine did to them yield.

Marcus Ambivius was sent by Augustus, the second Governour into Judea, in whose time Salome, the sister of Herod, departed this life, she bequeathed to Julia (Livia Augusta) Jamnia, with the government thereof, and Phasealis scituate in the Plain, and Archelais very well planted with Date trees, which is a most excellent fruit. [Joseph. lib. 18. cap. 3.]

Ovid thus relates in the fifth book Tristium, The Julian Period. 4725 10 Elegie, Year after Christ 12 in the beginning of his third winter passed in Pontus.

Vt sumus in Ponto, Year of the World 4015 ter frigore constitit Ister;

Facta est Euxini dura ter unda maris.

Since I to Pontus came thrice Ister stood

With frost, and thrice lay glaz'd the Euxine flood.

The Senate and people of Rome, at Augustus his request, made a decree that Tiberius might have the same power in all the Provinces and armies as he himself had. p. 808[Vellei. Patercul. lib. 2. cap. 121.] Suetonius relates that this law was propounded by the Consuls, [in Tiberio. cap. 21.] that Tiberius should govern the Provinces in common with Augustus: but Germanicus was Consul all that year, whom Augustus being now very old, by writing, commended to the Senate, as the Senate it self did also commend him to Tiberius, as Dio tells in his History of this year: [lib. 56. pag. 587.] for it was no wonder that the Senate should be commended by Augustus, to his son his Colleague of the Empire, and partner in the Tribuneship, as Tacitus speaks, [lib. 1. Annal. cap. 3.] and being made also Censor, he committed the care of the City to Lucius Piso, because he had continued two dayes and two nights in drinking with him, being now Prince, as Pliny speaks in the last Chapter of his fourteenth book: which Piso Tacitus confirms to be Perfect of the City for twenty years together, with great approbation, and dyed Domitius Aenobarbus, and Aulus Vitellius being Consuls, that is, in the 32. year after the Christian account, and was honoured with publick funerals. [Annal. lib. 6. cap. 11.] From whence it is gathered that Tiberius was now Prince in the twelfth year of Christ, two whole years before Augustus his death: and therefore there must be a distinction observed between the beginning of Tiberius his first being Prince, and he afterward being Monarch.

Ovid mentioneth the fourth winter that he lived in exile, Year of the World 4016 in the first book of Pontus, The Julian Period. 4726 and second Elegie to Maximus in these words. Year after Christ 13

Hic me pugnantem cum frigore, cumque sagittis,

Cumque meo fato, quarta fagi at hyems.

Here the fourth winter wearied me doth hold,

Resisting adverse fate, weapons, sharp cold.

Annius Rusus is the third Governour sent into Judea by Augustus. [Joseph. lib. 18. cap. 3.]

Lucius Munacius, Year of the World 4017 and Caius Silius being Consuls, the fourth ten years space of his Empire, now coming to an end, accepts of, though against his will, for ten years longer, the Government of the Common-wealth, and continues Tiberius in the Tribuneship. [Dio. lib. 56. pag. 588.]

Sextus Pompeius, The Julian Period. 4727 and Sextus Apuleius being Consuls, Year after Christ 14 Augustus signifies in a Breviary of his Acts, cut in Marble of Ancira, that he with his Colleage Tiberius, had a third time numbred the people of Rome, in which muster were numbred of Roman Citizens 413700. [Inscript. Gruter. pag. CCXXX.] Where Eusebius in his Chronicle mistakes, saying, That there were numbred 9370000. which errour Jornandes following in his book of the succession of Kingdoms and Times, gives up a greater than this, adding that Augustus had commanded all the World to be numbred, being then in peace at the Nativity of Jesus Christ: when as both he in that place, and Eusebius conjecture, That the Nativity of the Lord, fell in the forty second year of his Empire.

When Augustus made this great muster in Mars field, a multitude of people being there, an Eagle often fluttered about him, and then went and sat upon a Temple that was nigh, upon the first letter of Agrippa his name; which being observed, he commanded his Colleague Tiberius to make those vows that were wont to be made for the next year ensuing, for although that all things were ready for the solemnities of those vows, yet he refused to make those vows that he should not live to perform. [Sueton. in Octavia, cap. 97.]

About the same time the first letter of his name, that was upon the inscription of his Statue that was set in the Capitol, fell down, being strucken with a flash of lightning: and it is answered by the Southsayers, that he should live only an hundred dayes after; which was denoted by the letter C. and that he should be canonized a god, because that AESAR, which was the other part of his name, in the Hetruscan tongue, signified a god. [Id. ibid. cap. 97. Dio. lib. 56. pag. 589.]

In the mean while he wrote a Catalogue of his doings, which he would have ingraved in Tables of Brasse, and that they should be set over his Tomb. [Sueton. in Octavio. cap. ult. Dion. lib. 56. pag. 591.] An example of which, that is, that was carried in the Marble of Ancyra, so often commended by us, in which that former muster that he took so lately is described.

And so Augustus ended his dayes at Nola in Campania, those two Sexti being Consuls, (and named upon his Tomb, [Vellei. Patercul. lib. 2. cap. 123. Sueton. in Octav. cap. 100. Tacit. Annal. lib. 1. cap. 5. & 7. Dio. lib. 56. pag. 589.] in the same house and chamber, where his father Octavius ended his life, [Sueton, ibid. Tacit. ut suprr. cap. 9.] the nineteenth day of August, on which he was first made Consul. [Sueton. ibid. Dio. ut supra. pag. 590.]

p. 809Tiberius published not the death of Augustus before he had put to death Agrippa Posthumus; yet to the Captain that killed him, and bringing back word that he had done as he had commanded him; he answered, That neither he had commanded it, and that he should give an account thereof to the Senate, willing at the present to shun the envy thereof, [Sueton, in Tiberio, cap. 22. Tacit. Annal. lib. 1. cap. 6. Dio. lib. 57. pag. 604.] And having provided all things according to the time, the same news came together that Augustus was dead, and that Tiberius Nero was Emperour, [Tacit. ibid. cap. 5.]

Although he doubted not immediately to seize upon and take the Principality, yet he along while most imprudently refused it, holding the Senate in suspence, that both prayed him, and falling on their knees to him, with doubtful and delaying answers, so that some upbraided him with it to his face; saying that others did slowly perform that that they did promise, but he did slowly promise that that he would fain have, [Sueton. in Tiberio, cap. 24. cum Vellei. Patercul. lib. 2. cap. 24. Tacit. Annal. lib. 1. cap. 7. Dion. lib. 57. pag. 602, 603.]

Between this new Principality, as Tacitus calls it, [lib. 1. Annal. cap. 6, 7.] and the former, that he had 2 years before Augustus his death, this was the difference, that that extended onelyonly to armies and provinces of the Roman Empire, but this to the head City it self, in which Tiberius onelyonly had the authority of Censorship and Tribuneship; but the Augustal Principality, that is, of governing after his own will, and being freed from all bond of laws, he obtained afterwards. For Tiberius had not equal power with Augustus, as Lucius Varus had with Antoninus the Philosopher, which two governed the Common-wealth with equal authority: as Spartianus relates, [in Hadriano, Aelio Vero, & M. Aurelio.] but such as Antonius Pius had with Hadrian, who being adopted by him, was made Colleague with his father in the Proconsulary power (in respect of the other Provinces) and in the Tribuneship (at home) as Julius Capitolinus declares. Whereupon Tiberius gave not out the Edict by which he called the Senatours into the Senate-house, by the authority of his new Principality, but by the prescription of the Tribuneship which he had under Augustus: but yet he gave the watch-word to the Pretorian Cohorts as Emperour, [Tacit. Annal. lib. 1. cap. 7.]

The Legions of Pannonia being in a mutiny, Year of the World 4018 are afrighted at a sudden eclipse of the Moon, and so submit themselves to Tiberius, [Tacit. Annal. lib. 1. cap. 28. Dio. lib. 57. pag, 604.] This total eclipse was seen on the 27 of September, five hours after midnight, so that the Moon set even in the very eclipse.

In Ovid in the 4 book of Pontus after the fifth Elegy to Sextus Pompeius who was Consul this year, follows the sixth to Brutus, in which he mentions the death both of Augustus and Fabius Maximus (who it is manifest out of the first book of Tacitus's Annals, cap. 5. that he died this year under Tiberius) in which time he sheweth in these Verses that he had past the fifth year of his banishment, and that then was the sixth, (of the beginning of which we are certain.)

In Scythia nobis quinquennis Olympias acta est,

Jam tempus lustri transit in alterius.

Now one quinquennial Olympiad's run,

In Scythia I, and th' second Lustral' gun.

which sixth year he also remembers in the beginning of the tenth Elegie to Albinovanus.

Haec mihi Cimmerio bis tertia ducitur aestas

Littore, pellitos inter agenda Getas.

This is th' sixth Summer on th' Cymmerian shores

That I must spend amongst these Getic boores.

He makes mention also in the 13 Elegie to Caras of the sixth Winter, The Julian Period. 4728 (from which he accounts the beginning of the seventh year of his banishment)

—sed me jam, Year after Christ 15 Care, nivali

Sexta relegatum bruma sub axe videt.

This the sixth Winter (my dear friend)

Must I in this cold Climate spend.

p. 810Where also he tells of a Poeme at this time written by him in the language of the Gates of the canonization of Augustus.

Ah pudet, & Getico scripsi sermone libellum,

Structaque sunt nostris barbara verba modi….

Et placu…, gratare mihi, coepique poetae

Inter inhumanos nomen habere Getas.

Ah shame, in Getick language then did I

Compile a book, phancy my Poesie;

Yea glory'd in it, and eftsoon began

Amongst these Barbars t' be the onelyonly man.

An Hebrew woman that had been bowed by Satan eighteen years, is by Christ restored to health, [Luke, XIII. 1, 16.]

Valerius Gratus is by Tiberius sent Governour into Judea in the room of Annius Rusus: in the government of which Province he continued eleven years, [Joseph. lib. 18. cap. 3.]

The Governour of Crete being dead, for the rest of the time the Island is committed to the charge of the Treasurer and his assistant, [Dio. lib. 57. pag. 611.]

When the Armenians had received Vonones into their kingdom that was turned out of his own, Year of the World 4019 at the threatning of Artabanus the King of the Parthians and Medes, The Julian Period. 4729 Vonones in vain desires aid of Tiberius by his Embassadours that he sent to Rome: Year after Christ 16 and whereas the most powerful of the Armenians followed the faction of Attabanus, Vonones being destitute of all hopes of a kingdom, retires with an huge masse of treasure to Antiochia, and yeilds himself to Creticus Silanus Governour of Syria. He in respect of the education that he had had at Rome, kept him with him in Syria, and set a guard over him, yet suffering him to maintain the pomp and name of a King: but Artabanus set Orodes one of his sons to be King over the Armenians, [Jospeh. lib. 18. cap. 3. Tacit. Annal. lib. 2. caep. 4. Sueton, in Tiberio, cap. 49.]

Ovid the Poet died in banishment, Year of the World 4020 and was buried near the City Tomos. The Julian Period. 4730 [Hieronym. Year after Christ 17 in Chronico.]

Tiberius caused Archelaus the King of Cappadocia whom he hated because he had not offered him any service all the while he lived at Rhodes, to be inveigled to come to Rome, by the letters of his mother Livia. She not dissembling her sons displeasure, offered him mercy, if he would come and beg it. Archelaus not knowing of the treachery, or misdoubting violence if he seemed to perceive it, maketh haste to the City. He is churlishly entertained, and not long after accused of feigned crimes in the Senate, [Tacit. Annal. lib. 2. cap. 42.] Being therefore accused as though he went about some innovation, the man worn out not onelyonly with extream old age, but also with the gout, and believed also to doat, answered some things for himself in his letter in the Senate, and feigning that he was not at that time well in his minde, escaped at that time the danger, [Dio. lib. 57. pag. 614.] notwithstanding not long after being tired what with grief, and what with old age, he ended his life: and then Cappadocia being reduced into a Province, is committed to the government of a Knight, [Id. ibid. Tacit ut supra. Sueton, in Tiberio, cap. 37.]

Tiberius professing that by the profits of that kingdom the tribute of one in the hundred might be cesed, appointed the tribute of one in two hundred to be raised, [Tacit. ibid.] and commanded that his chief City called Mazaca, a most noble City, should be called Cesarea, [Hieronym. in Chronico.]

At the same time Antiochus the King of the Commagenes being dead, there arose a contention between the Nobility and the Commons, the Nobility desiring that the kingdom might be made a Province, and the Commons on the other side, desiring to live under a King as they formerly had done, [Tacit. ut supra. Joseph. lib. 18. cap. 3.] In like manner also the Nation of the Cilicians is in troubles, their King Philopator being dead, many desiring the Roman, and many a Kingly goverment. The Provinces of Syria and Judea, oppressed with taxes, made a petition that their tribute might be lessened, [Tacit. Annal. lib. 2. cap. 42.]

Tiberius discoursing of these things to the Senatours, perswaded them that these commotions in the East, cannot be composed but by the wisdom of Germanicus, and thereupon by the decree of the Senate, Germanicus had the charge given him of all the Provinces, divided by sea, and a greater command also being given unto him, than any that received government, either by lot, or the Princes sending, [Id. ibid. cap. 43.] For by this colour of stirs in the East, Tiberius had a mind to withdraw him from the Legions that he was wont to command: and giving him charge over new Provinces the more exposed him to treachery and hazard, [Ibid. cap. 5.]

p. 811And because the governour of Syria Creticus Silanus was joyned in affinity with Germanicus, Tiberius appointed C…. Piso his successour, a man head-strong, and that knew not how to obey, neither was he ignorant that he was made governour of Syria to bridle Germanicus his hopes, and some beleived that he had private commands given him by Tiberius so to do, and without doubt his wife Plancina was advised by Augusta through womanish emulation to quarrell with Agrippina (the daughter of M. Agrippa) and Julia, the wife of Germanicus [id. ibid. cap. 43.]

In the same year twelve famous Cities of Asia were destroyed in one night by an earthquake; Ephesus, Magnesia, Sar…es, Mosthene, Aegae, Hiero-Caesarea, Philadelphia, Tem…us, Cyme, Myrina, Apollonia, Hyrcania, they relate also that huge mountaines were laid flat, and plaines raised up into hills, and fire flashed out of those run…s, the disaster was most grievous among the Sardians, which drew much compassion towards them, for Tiberius promised them 1000000 Sesterces, and to release them for five yeares space to all that they were to pay to the common treasury, the Magnetes neer to the mountain Sypilus, were next to them in dammage and relief, it was thought meet for the same space, to discharge of all tributes, the Temnians, Philadelphians, Aegetians, Apollonienses, and such as are called Mosthenians, or Macedonians of Hyreania, and those that inhabit Hiero-caesarea, Myrina, Cyme, and to send some of the Senatours unto them which should view and releive their present estate. This charge was committed to M. Aletus once Praetour, least if one that had been Consul over Asia had been deputed, there might some emulation have risen between equals, and thereupon the businesse have been hindred. [id. ibid. cap. 47. cum Strabone lib. 12. pag. 579. & lib. 13. pag. 627. Pliny. lib. 2. cap. 84. Dio. lib. 57. pag. 614. Euseb. in Chronico. Orosio. lib. 7. cap. 4]

For this magnificent bounty to the publick, there was a great statue erected for Tiberius in the market place at Rome by the temple of Venus, and statues also set up to him in every one of the Cities that were resored, as Phlegon Trellianus in his book of wonders relates out of Appollonius the Grammarian. Scaliger also addes that there were silver medalls co…ed for the illustration of these things, in the superficies of which coine there was the face of Tiberius, and on the other side the picture of Asia in a womans habit sitting with these words CIVITATIBUS ASIAE RESTITUTIS for the Cities of Asia restored.

Germani…us being thrust out (as Suetonius speakes in C. Caligula cap. 1.) for to compose the affaires of the East, Year of the World 4021 sailed into the Isle Lesbos, The Julian Period. 4731 where his wife Agrippina at her last delivery had Julia. Year after Christ 18 Then with a desire to resist places of antiquity and fame, he went to the confines of Asia and Perinthus, and Byzantium Cities of Thrace, then he entred the straights or Propontis, and the mouth of the Pontick sea: likewise he releived the Provinces that were oppressed with civill discord, or oppressions of magistrates: sailing to Colophon he consulted the Oracle of Clarius Apollo, which is said to have told him by darke speeches (as the manner of Oracles is) that his death was nigh at hand. [Tacit. Annal. lib, 2. cap. 54.]

But Cn. Piso sailing with all celerity by the Cyclades, and using the shortest cuts by sea overtook Germanicus at Rhodes, by whom Piso being releived from danger of shipwrack, but yet not mollified, he left Germanicus, and goes before him into Syria, whither when he was come to the Legions what with gifts, and bribes, and luxury, he endeavours to reconcile them to himself: yea he came to such an height of corruption, that among the common sort he was called the father of the legions, yea and his wife Plancina as well by her self, as by some of the souldiers, ready enough at her base commands, used reproachfull speeches against Agrippina and Germanicus, and so much the easier because it was secretly whispered, that this was not done with the Emperours dislike. [id. ibid. cap. 55.]

Although Germanicus knew those things, yet the affaires of Armenia drew him first to them, for at that time the Armenians having expulsed Vonones, had no King (i… we beleive Tacitus, for Suetonius in C. Caligula cap. 1. relates that the King of Armenia was conquered by Germanicus; to wit: Orodes the son of Artabanus King of the Parthians, as it is already declared out of Josephus,) but the good will of the nation inclined more towards Zeno, the son of Polemon the King of Po…tns, because that from his infancy he had imitated, the customes and attire of the Armenians, in hunting and feasting, and other excercises greatly esteemed by the Barbarians, he had won to him the good will both of the nobles and commons: upon this man therefore Germanicus set the Crown in the City of Artaxatis, the noble men approving it, and the multitude flocking about him, the rest reverencing him as their King, saluted him by the name of Ar…axias, which name they gave him from the name of the City. [id. ibid. cap. 56.]

p. 812Then the Cappadocians being reduced into the form of a Province, Q. Veranius is made Governour thereof, [Id.] and to give them hopes that the Roman government would be mild, some of the tributes that they used to pay to their Kings are abated: and over the Commagenians Q. Servaeus is made Governour then first reduced under the Regiment of a Praetor. [Tacit. ut supra.]

Albeit all the affairs of the Allies were prosperously composed, Year of the World 4022 yet did they not ease, Germanicus his minde being vexed at Piso his pride, who being commanded that either he himself, or by his son, should conduct part of the Legions into Armenia, neglected both. At length they both met at Cyrrhum, a City of Syria, where the tenth Legion wintered; where in the presence of a few families, Caesar began some such speech as anger and dissimulation doth suggest; and Piso answered with a proud submission, and so they departed in private grudges, one against the other. After that Piso was seldome at Caesars Tribunal, and if at any time he assisted, he shewed himself froward, and manifestly dissented from him. This speech also of his is reported at a Banquet made by the King of the Nabateans, where greats Crowns of gold were given to Germanicus and Agrippina, and light ones to Piso and the rest. That this Feast was made for the son of a Roman Prince, and not for the son of the Parthian King, and withal threw away his Crown, uttering also many things against the superfluity, which although Germanicus could hardly digest, yet endured all patiently, [Tacit. Annal. lib. 2. cap. 57.]

Embassadours came from Artabanus King of the Parthians, to Germanicus, for to renew the friendship and league between them: the King said that he would yield so much to the honour of Germanicus, that he would come to the banks of Euphrates; desiring in the mean white, that Vonones might not remain in Syria, least by private messengers he might draw the Noble men of the Country thereabouts to civil dissensions: touching the alliance between the Romans and the Parthians. Germanicus answered magnificently; but concerning the Kings coming, and the honour done to himself, he answered civilly, and with modesty. Vonones was removed to Pompeipolis, a sea Town of Cilicia, not so much at Artabanus his request, as to spite Piso, to whom Vonones was most acceptable, for many services and gifts which he had bestowed upon Plancina. [Ibid. cap. 58.]

M. Silanus, and L. Norbanus being Consuls, Germanicus went into Egypt, for to learn Antiquities, but pretended a care of the Province, and opening the granaryes, brought down the price of corn, and did other things to win the favour of the people; as going without Souldiers, wearing open shoos, and apparrelling himself like the Grecians. Tiberius having lightly blamed him for his behaviour and apparrel, sharply rebuked him, That contrary to Augustus's order, he had entred Alexandria, without the leave of the Prince: but Germanicus not yet knowing that his voyage was misliked, went up the Nilus, beginning at the town Canopus, afterwards he visited the great ruines of Thebes, where yet were to be seen the Egyptians letters in old buildings, which contained their ancient wealth: but he set his mind to see other miracles, of which the chiefest were the Image of Memnon, made of stone; which when it is strook with the beams of the Sun, yields a sound like a mans voice: and the pyramides as high as Mountains, built at use by the former Kings, to shew their riches, on the not passeable sands, and the ditches wrought by hand to receive the overflowing of Nilus: so narrow in some places, and so deep in other, that the bottom cannot be found by any search. Then he came to Elephantine and Syene, and so that Summer was spent by Germanicus in seeing divers Provinces. [Ibid. à cap. 59. ad. 61.]

At the same time Vonones having corrupted his Keepers, endeavoured by all means to escape to the Armenians, and from thence to the Albanians, and Heniochians, and to his kinsman the King of Scythia, under colour of going a hunting, he left the seacoasts, and took by-wayes, then through the swiftnesse of his Horse he came to the river Pvrimus, whose bridges the inhabitants had broken down, having heard of the Kings flight, neither could it be passed at any forde: wherefore on the bank of the river, he is taken by Vibius Fronto, Captain of the Horse and bound: and then as it were through anger he is run through by Remmius Evocatus, to whose charge he was first committed. [Ibid. cap. 68.]

Jairus, the Ruler of the Synagogue, had only one daughter, who being dead, when she was twelve years old, Christ restored to life. And the woman that was sick of the flux of blood twelve years also, by the touching of his garment is healed. [Luke VIII. 42, 43. Mark. 25. 42.]

There being many vain oracles that went about as though they had been the Sybels concerning the destruction of Rome, which should happen in the year 900, from the foundation of it. Tiberius reproving them, looked on all books, that contained any P…ophesies; and of those he rejected some, as of no moment: others he received into the number of those that were to be approved. [Dio. 57. pag. 615.]

p. 813It was debated in the Senate, touching the rooting out of the Egyptian and Jewish ceremonies, and an act made that those that used them should depart Italy, if within a certain day they did not leave off those customes, [Tacit. Annal. lib. cap. 85.] And they were compelled to burn all their religious garments, with all things belonging to them. [Sueton, in Tiberio, cap. 36.] Whither also may be referred that of Seneca in his 108. Epistle. I was a young man in the principality of Tiberius, then were the forraign rites of the Nations removed, and it was counted superstition to abstain from some kinds of meate.

An horrible villany committed against Paulina, a noble woman by the Egyptian Priest, gave occasion of the removing of the Egyptian superstition; which being made manifest, Tiberius commanded the Temple of Isis to be thrown down, and her Statue to be drowned in Tiber. [Joseph. lib. 18. cap. 4.] And for the expulsion of the Jews, a certain Impostour gave occasion, who for fear of being punished, according to their laws, fled his Country. He then living at Rome, made himself as though he were an Interpreter of Moses's Law. He had also three Associates like unto himself. And when as one Fulv…a, a Noble woman, embracing the Jewish religion, became their Scholar; they perswaded her that she should send purple and gold to the Temple of Jerusalem: which having received, they turned to their own use. Which when Tiberius knew, being informed thereof by his friend Saturninus, the husband of Fulvia, complaining of the injury done to his wife, he commanded all the Jews out of the City. [Joseph. lib. 18. cap. 5.]

The Consuls enrolled of the youth of the Jews, that were the sons of free men, 4000 Souldiers, and sent them into Sardinia, for the suppressing of robberies: supposing it no great losse if they should perish through the intemperance of the aire. Many that refused to be enrolled through the religion of their Country, are grievously punished, the rest of that Nation, or any that followed their customs, are turned out of the City, under the penalty of perpetual slavery, if they did not obey. [Id. ibid. cum Tacit. & Sueton. ut supra.]

R…ascupolis, or Rhascoporis, the King of Thracia, the killer of Cotys his brothers son, Year of the World 4023 who also was partner of the Kingdom, is betrayed by Pomponius Flaccus, (of whom Ovid makes mention [lib. Ponti. 3. Eleg. 9.] as governour of Mesia) and brought to Rom, and there condemned, then carried to Alexandria, and there put to death, as though he had made an attempt to fly from thence. [Tacit. Annal. lib. 2. cap. 67. Vellei. Patercul. lib. 2. cap. 126. Sueton. in Tiberio. cap. 37.]

Germanicus returning from Egypt, perceived that all that he had commanded, either in the Legions or Cities, was left undone, or changed clean contrary. Whereupon, were reproachful speeches raised against Piso, neither were they lesse grievous that were by him attempted against Caesar. Whereupon Piso determined to leave Syria, but was then deteined by reason of Germanicus his sicknesse: when he heard of his amendment, and that the vows were accomplished for his health, he by his Serjeants, drove away the beasts brought to the Altar, and disturbed the preparation for the sacrifices, and the solemn meeting of the people of Antioch, among whom Germanicus then was. [Tacit. Annal. lib. 2. cap. 69.] Who also, when Germanicus was sick, used him most harshly, both in words and deeds, without any moderation. [Sueton. in Cal…gula. cap. 2.]

Piso then went to Seleucia, expecting the event of Germanicus his sicknesse, which he fell into again. [Tacit. ut supra.] and there were found in the same house that Germanicus dwelt in, pieces of humane bodies dug out, verses and charms, and his name ingraven in leaden sheets, ashes half burned, and mingled with corrupt blood, and other so…ceries, by which it is beleeved that souls are dedicated to the infernal powers. [Tacit. ibid Dio. lib. 57. pag. 615.]

Germanicus moved with anger, renounceth by letters Piso his friendship, according to the ancient custome: and some adde, he commanded him to leave the Province, neither did Piso stay, but weighed anchor, yet sailed slowly, that he might returne the sooner, if the news of Germanicus his death should open him a way to Syria. [Tacit. Annal. 2. cap. 70. Sueton. in C. Caligula. cap. 3.]

Germanicus being much weakened by his sicknesse, and finding his end approaching, accuseth Piso and his wife Plancina, and desiring his friends to revenge it, gives up the ghost, to the great regret of the Province, and the neighbour people. [Tacit. ibid. cap. 71, 72.] He died at Antioch, of a disease that had no intermissions, he being 34 years old; not without suspicion of po…son, ministred unto him by the treachery of Tiberius and Piso's means. [Sueton. in C. Caligula. cap. 1. & 2.]

The day that Germanicus died, the Temples were battered with a tempest of stones, Altars overturned, the houshold gods by some thrown into the streets, children laid out to perish: they report also that the Barbarians did consent to a truce, with p. 814whom there was civil war, or war against the Romans, as in a domestick or common mourning, and that some Governours amongst them cut off their Beards, and shaved their Wives heads, in signe of their greatest mourning; and that the King of Kings forbore his hunting and feasting of the Nobles, which is a kinde of vacation among the Parthians. [Sueton. ut supra. cap. 5.]

His Funeral without any images or pomp, was solemnized with the praises and memory of his virtues: his body before it was burnt, was laid naked in the marketplace of Antiochia, which place was intended for his burial, it is uncertain, whether he shewed any signes of poison or no: for divers did diversely interpret it, either as they were inclined to pity Germanieus, or out of a presumptious suspicion, or favoured Piso. [Tacit. Annal. lib. 2. cap. 73.] Yet besides the markes that were over all his body, and the froth that came out at his mouth, the heart was found not burned among the bones; concerning which it is thought the nature of it to be such, that it will not be consumed with fire, if it be touched with poison. [Sueton. in C. Caligula. cap. 1.] The oration also Vitellius afterwards set forth, in which he striveth to prove Piso guilty of this villany, and useth this argument, and openly testifies, That the heart of Germanicus could not be burned, by reason of the poison. On the contrary, Piso is defended by that kind of disease called Cardiaca Passio, of which those that dye, their hearts also will not be burned. [Plin. lib. 11. cap. 37.]

Cneus Sentius being chosen Governour of Syria, by the Lieutenants and Senatours that were there, sent Martina to Rome, a woman infamous in that Province for poisoning, but very much beloved of Plancina: at the intreaty of Vitellius and Veranius and others, who framed crimes and accusations, as against them already found guilty. [Tacit. Annal. lib. 2. cap. 74.] But Agrippina, although tyred out with grief and sicknesse, yet impatient of all things that might hinder her revenge, took shipping with Germanicus his ashes, and her Children. [Ibid. cap. 75.]

Piso having received the news of Germanicus his death, at the Isle of Cous, expressed his joy most intemperately; but Plancina was more insolent, who then first of all left off her mourning, which she ware for the death of her sister. [Ibid.] The Centurions came flocking about him, telling him that the Legions were already at his command, that he should returne into the Province taken from him wrongfully, and now voide of a Governour. [Ibid. cap. 76.] He sending letters to Tiberius, accused▪ Germanicus of riot and pride, and that himself was driven out, that a way might be opened to innovation, that he had again taken the charge of the army, with the same fidelity he had governed it before; and withall he commanded Domitius Celer with a Gally to saile into Syria, avoiding the coasting of the shoares, and letting passe the Islands, to take the open sea. Then marshalling and arming runnagates, and rascall companions, and sailing over into the Continent, intercepts an Ensigne of raw Souldiers going into Syria, and writeth to the Lords of Cilicia to send him aide. [Ibid. cvp. 78.]

Piso and his Companions passing by the coast of Lycia and Pamphilia, met with the ships which conveyed Agrippina, each hating one the other, made ready for a fight: but being both afraid each of other, they proceeded no farther than to hard words. And Marsus Vibius told Piso that he should come to Rome and answer for himself, he scoffingly answered again, That he would then come, when the Pretout that should inquire of poysonings, should appoint a day both for the plaintiffe and defendant. [Ibid. cap. 79.]

In the mean time Domitius going to Laodicea, a City of Syria, came to the Winter Quarters of the sixth Legion, as most fit for new enterprises, he was prevented by the Lieutenant Pucureius. Sentius openeth this by letters to Piso, warning him that he should not go about to corrupt the army, nor raise any war in the Province, and withall, marcheth with a strong power, and ready for the fight. [Ibid.]

Piso seizeth upon the strong Castle of Celenderis in Cilicia, for by mingling the Runnagates and the Raw Souldiers that he had intercepted, with his own and Plancina her slaves, and the aides that he Lords of the Cilicians sent him, he had marshalled them into the forme of a Legion, then he draws our his companies before the Castel walls on a steep and craggy hill; the rest being invironed with the sea. But when the Roman Cohorts came, the Cilicians fled, and shut themselves within the Castle. [Ibid. 80.]

p. 815In the mean space Piso went about but in vain, to assaile the Navy that waited for them not far off; then returned to the Castle again, now tormenting himself upon the walls, now calling every souldier by name, offering rewards, assayed to raise a mutiny, and did so much prevaile, that the Standard-bearer of the sixth Legion went with his En…ign unto him. Then Sentius commanded the Cornets and Trumpets to sound, and give an assault to the Rampire, raised the ladders, and commanded the ablest men to follow, and others to shoot out of Engins, darts, stones, and firebrands. In the end Piso, his obstinacy being overcome, entreated that having delivered up his armes, he might remain still in the Castle, until Caesar were consulted, who should be Governour of Syria. These conditions were not accepted, nor any things granted, but onelyonly shipping, and safe conduct to the City. [Ibid. cap. 81.]

But when Germanicus his sicknesse was noised abroad, all things as coming from far, being encreased to the worse, grief, anger, and complaint, burst our, [Ibid. cap. 82.] and his death as it pleased Tiberius and Livia, so it was a great grief to all others, [Dio. lib. 57. pag. 615.] neither by any consolations, nor by any edicts could the publick mourning be restrained; yea it lasted also all the festival dayes of the monethmonth December. [Sueton in C. Caligula, cap. 6.]

Honours were decreed as every mans love to Germanicus or wit could invent: there were Arches erected at Rome, and on the bank of Rhene, and in Amanns a mountain of Syria, with an inscription of what he had done, and that he died for the Common-wealth. A Sepulchre at Antioch where he was buried, and a Tribunal at Epidaphne where he ended his life. [Tacit. Annal. lib. 2. cap. 83.]

Agrippina although it were winter, yet still continuing her voyage by sea, arrived at the Island Corcyre over against the coast of Calabria, where she rested a few dayes to settle her mind, and then sailed to Brundusium; where after she was come to land with her two children, holding the Funeral Urne in her hand, there was a general mourning amongst them all. [Id. Annal. lib. 3. cap. 1.]

Drusius the son of Tiberius went as far as Terracina to meet her with his brother Claudius, The Julian Period. 4733 and the children of Germanicus, Year after Christ 20 who had remained in the City: the new Consuls M. V…lerius, and M. Aurelius, the Senate, and a great part of the people, filled up the way. [Ibid. cap. 2.]

The day that the reliques of Germanicus were put in Augustus his Tombe in Campus Marti…s, was sometime desolate thorough silence, and sometime unquiet thorough their weeping: every one honouring him that was dead, and greatly affectionating the widow Agrippina, and railing upon Tiberius. [Ibid. cap. 4, & 5.]

Piso coming to Rome, landed at Caesars Tomb, on a day when the shoar was full of people, himself with a great company of followers after him, and Plancina with a great company of women after her, both of them looking very cheerfully, and solemnizing their happy return in an house that looked into the Market-place, which was trimmed up for Feast and Banquets, [Ibid. cap. 9.] The next day Fulcinius Tiro accused Piso before the Consuls. Tiberius referred the whole cause to the Senate, [cap. 10.] The day the Senate met Drusius Caesar made a premeditate Oration, tempered and accomodated for the mitigation of the defendants offence. [cap. 12.] Then had the accusers two dayes given them to bring in their accusations, and after six dayes space, the defendant had three dayes to answer for himself. [cap. 13.]

As the cause was a pleading, the outcry of the people was heard before the Court, that they would teare him in pieces, if he escaped by sentence of the Senate: and they had dragged his images into the Gemonies, and broken them in pieces if they had not been secured and put in their places again by the Princes command. [cap. 14.] Then was the same hatred against Plancina, but the favour of Tiberius (ill gotten as it is believed) protected her; Piso then perceived he was undone, when his wife seperated her defence from her husbands, whereupon he slew himself with his own sword, [cap. 15.]

Suetonius writes that he was almost torn in pieces by the people, being condemned to death by the Senate, [in C. Caligula. cap. 2.] Dio relates, thus for the death of Germanicus, that he was brought into the Senate by Tiberius himself, desiring that he might have time to defend himself, and that he laid violent hands upon himself, [lib. 57. pag. 615.] Cornelius Tacitus saith that he had often heard from ancient men, [Annal. 3. cap. 16.] that there was often seen a little book in his hand which he published not, but as his friends said, it contained Tiberius letters and commission against Germanicus: and that he had purposed to disclose it to the Senatours, and to accuse the prince, had he not been deluded by Sejanus his vain promises, and that he did not kill himself, but that one was sent to murder him, but (saith he) I will not assure either of these things, although I ought not to conceal it to have been uttered by those, who lived untill I came to mans estate. [Look Sueton. in Tiber. cap. 52.] Year of the World 4025

The licence and impunty of ordaining sanctuaries, The Julian Period. 4735 increased throughout the Year after Christ 22 p. 816Cities of Greece, into which were received debtours against their creditours, and those that were suspected of capitall crimes, so that the wickednesse of men was protected by the ceremonies of the Gods. Tiberius ordered that the Cities should send their charters and Embassadours to the Senate to Rome, and the Ephesians were first heard concerning this business, then the Magnetians, Aphrodisia…s, Stratonicenes, Hiero-Caesarians, Cypriots, Pergamenians, Smyrnians, Tenians, Sardians, Milesians, Cretians, and others their acts made, in which a mean was prescribed, but yet with much honour. And they were commanded to erect altars in the very Temples for a sacred memory; yet so that under colour of Religion, they should not fall into ambition. [Tacit. Annal. a cap. 60. ad 63.]

Caius Silvanus was accused of bribery by his companions, and banished into the Isle Cythera, [Ibid. a 66. ad 69.] Caesius Cordus was also accused of bribery by the Cyrenenses, at the suite of Ancharius Priscus, and is condemned. [Ibid. cap. 70.]

Aesius Sejanus killed Drusius (the son of Tiberius, Year of the World 4026 and his partner in the Tribuneship, The Julian Period. 4736 having committed adultery with his wife Livia) by poison given him by Lygdus an Eunuch, Year after Christ 23 [Tacit. Annal. lib. 4. cap. 8. 10.] who also accused the Jews that lived at Rome to Tiberius of feigned crimes, that he might wholly destroy that Nation, which he knew either onelyonly or chiefely to withstand his wicked practices, and conspiracy against the life of the Emperour. [Philo, in lib. de legat. ad Caium, & lib. in Flaccum initio.]

Drusius's Funerals being ended, Tiberius returnes to his accustomed businesse, forbidding any longer vacation: and to the Embassadours of the Ilienses that came too late to comfort him, he jeered them, as though the memory of grief had been blotted our: He answered them, That he also was sorry that they had lost so gallant a Citizen as Hector was. [Sueton, in Tiber. cap. 52.]

There are decrees of the Senate made, by the perswasion of Tiberius, that the City Cibara in Asia, and Aeginum in Achaia, that were much damnified by an Earthquake, should be relieved by remitting them three years tribute. [Tacit. Annal. lib. 4. cap. 13.]

The Samians and the Coans, by their Embassadors sent to Rome, desired that the ancient right of Sanctuaries might be confirmed, the one for Juno, and the other for Aesculapius. [Ibid. cap. 14.]

Lucilius Longus died, the onelyonly partaker of the fortunes of Tiberius, both adverse and prosperous, and who onelyonly of all the Senatours was his companion when he withdrew himself to Rhodes, [Ibid. cap. 15.]

Lucilius Capito the Governour of Asia, is condemned at the accusation of the Province; for which revenge, and because in the former year they had been revenged of C. Silanus, the Cities of Asia decreed a Temple to Tiberius, his mother, and the Senate; and leave is given them to erect one. [Ibid.]

Valerius Gratus the Governour of Judea, taking away the High Priesthood from Ananus (or Annas) made Ismael the son of Fabus High Priest, whom also he cast out shortly after, [Joseph. lib. 18. cap. 3.]

Ismael being removed, Year of the World 4027 E…eazar the son of Annus (or Annas formerly removed) by the same Valerius is made High Priest. The Julian Period. 4737 [Id. Year after Christ 24 ibid.]

Cassius Severus the Oratour, who 17 years before was banished into Creet for his ill tongue by the decree of the Senate, and whereas he used the same thing there, he had all his estate taken from him, being forbid both water and fire, he is banished into the stony Island of Seriphus; where eight years after he ended his life in extream poverty. [Tacit. Annal. lib. 4. cap. 21. Hieronym. in Chronico.]

P. Dolabella the Proconsul of Africa, calling to his aid with his Country men Prolomaeus the son of Juba, King of Mauritania, slew Tacfarinas, and so put an end to the Numidian war. The King of the Garamantes, who had helped Tacfarinas with light-horsemen that he sent from a far off, he being slain, sent Embassadours to give satisfaction to the people of Rome. [Tacit. Annal. lib. 4. a cap. 23. ad 26.]

Vibius Serenus a banished man, being falsely accused by his son of treason, is condemned for an old grudge that Tiberius owed him: and whereas Gallus Asinius was of opinion that he should be confined, either to Gyarum or Donusa, and that he might dissemble the grudge, he misliked that sentence; saying, That both those Islands wanted water, and that to whom life was granted, things necessary for life were also to be granted; whereupon Serenus is banished to Amorgus, (one of the Sporades) [Id. cap. 28, 29, 30.]

Ten years of Tiberius's Empire being ended, he made no account of resuming it by any decree for ten years longer, neither did he intend to have it divided by ten years as Augustus had done, yet there were Decennal Playes made. [Dio. lib. 57. pag. 619.]

p. 817Eleazar after one year, Year of the World 4028 being removed, The Julian Period. 4738 Valerius Gratus gives the High Priesthood to Simon the Son of Camithus. Year after Christ 25 [Joseph. lib. 18. cap. 3.]

The Citizens of Cyzicum because they had cast some Roman Citizens into prison, and had not perfected the Temple that they had begun to Augustus, as to a god, had their liberty again taken from them that they had merited by being besieged in the war of Mi…hridates. [Tacit. Annal. 4. cap. 36. Dio. lib. 57. pag. 619.]

Fonteius Capito who had governed Asia as Proconsul, is absolved, it being found that he was falsely accused by Vibius Serenus. [Tacit. Annal. 4. cap. 36.]

Eleven Cities of Asia strove with great ambition, Year of the World 4029 in which of them the Temple that was appointed for Tiberius and the Senate should be built: and Tiberius heard their Embassadours disputing concerning this businesse in the Senate many dayes together. The Hypopenians and Trallians, as also the Laodiceans and Magesians, are dissmissed as not having strength enough; nor the Ilians when they related how Troy was the mother of Rome, had any good argument, but the glory of antiquity: there was some doubt, because the Halicarnassians affirmed that their City had not been shaken with an Earthquake for 1200 years, and that the foundation of their Temple was upon a natural rock. The Pergamenians grounding their reasons because they had Augustus his Temple among them, were thought to have enough because they had that. The Ephesians and Milesians were thought that their Cities were already taken up by the ceremonies, those of Apollo, these of Diana, then the dispute came between the Sardians and Smyrnaeaeans, both whose reasons being heard, the Senate preferred the Smyrnaeans, and Volius Marius was of opinion, that M. Lepidus to whom that province befell, should have one chosen over and above to take a care of the temple, and because Lepidus through modesty refused to chuse, one Valerius Naso one that had been Praetour, was chosen by lot. [ibid. cap. 55. 56.]

When Simon had continued one year in the Priest-hood, The Julian Period. 4739 Valerius Gratus made Joseph his subcessour in that dignity, Year after Christ 26 Surnamed Caiphas, the son in law of Annas or Ananus, that was formerly put out of the Priest-hood, [John. XVIII. 13.] which annuall changes of High-Priests being thus made, Josephus intimates, that Gratus after he had been eleven years in Judea returned to Rome, [Joseph. lib. 18. cap. 3.] by which reason also we are rather induced, to refer these changes to theend of his government than to the beginning.

Pontius Pilate came successour to Valerius Gratus [Joseph. ibid.] who how he behaved himself in his government appeareth out of Philo, [in lib. de legat ad Caium.] where he writes that he was afraid, least the Embassy that was sent by the Jews, the taking away of the bucklers that were dedicated by him within the holy City, should also de…ect…b…s other crimes as his sale of judgments, rap…nes, slaughters, rackings, often putting to death of men uncondemned, savage cruelty.

The XXX Jubilee and the last falling in the XXX year of our Lord Jesus Christ, Year of the World 4030 and beginning of his Gospell: or proclaiming now by the voice of one crying in the wildernesse; Prepare ye the way of the Lord make his paths straight, [Marke. 1. 12.] and opening the acceptable year of the Lord, or the time of his divine pleas…re, in which the good God vouchsafed to manifest the great one unto the world. [Esay. LXI. 2. Luke. IV. 19.]

For in the 15 year of the principality of Tiberius Caesar, (which was the 13 of his monarchy, begun from the death of Augustus) Pontius Pilate being governour of Judea, Herod (Antipas) Tetrarch of Ga…lee, his brother Philip Tetrarch or Puraea and the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias Tetrarch of Abylene, under the Priesthoods of Annas and Caiphas, came the word of the Lord unto John the son of Zacharias in the desert, [Luke. III. 12.] according to whose command this Nazarite both priest and Prophet of the Lord did baptize in the desert of Judea, (in which that there were Cities is mentioned in [Joshua. XV. 16.] preaching the baptisme of repentance for the remission of sins, [Math. III. 1. Marke. l. 4. Luke. III. 3.] doing his endeavour, that Christ that came after him should be made known to Israel, [John. l. 7. 8. 13.] which that he might more certainly know, this signe is given to him of God; that upon whom he should see the Holy Ghost descending and remaining, that he should know that it was he that should baptize others with the Holy Ghost. [ibid. v. 33.]

It is most probable that this his ministery began, on that most convenient day, the tenth day of the seventh month, (about the 19. day of our October, which was both penitentiall, joyned with a solemn fast, in which whosoever did not afflict his soul, was to be cut off from his people, and also expiatory, in which the High-Priest went into the holy of holies, to expiate the sins of the people with blood that was offered; and that same day in which by a trumpet sounding the Jubilee was commanded to be declared over all the land. [Leviticus. XXV. 9.]

So John Baptist the preacher of repentance and remission of sins to be attained by p. 818the blood of Christ that was to come, coming into every region round about Jordan, lifting up his voice like a trumper proclaiming. Repent ye for the Kingdome of heaven is at hand, and then went out unto him Jerusalem and all Judea, and all the region round about Jordan, (especially of that huge multitude, which returned from Jerusalem, the feast of Tabernacles being ended, about the beginning of November) and were baptized of him in Jordan confessing their sins. [Matth. III. 2. 3. 5. 6. Marke. I. 5.]

And John had his garment of Camells hair, and a girdle of skins about his loins, (like Elias II. Kings. I. 8.) and his food was locusts (a clean kind of meat Leviticus. XI. 22. but cheap) and wild honey. [Matthew. III. 4. Marke. V. 6.]

John sharply reproveth the Pharisees that came to his baptisme, [Luke. III. 10. 13.] whilst the people expected, and thought within their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, he answereth. I indeed baptize you with water, but there cometh one who is stronger than I, whose shooe latchet I am not worthy to unloose, he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire, whose fan is in his hand, and he will througly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into his barne, and will burn up the chaffe with unquenchable fire. [ibid. 15. 17. with Matth. III. 11. 12. & Marke. I. 7. 8.]

When all the people were baptized Jesus cometh from Nazareth of Galilee to Jordan, to be baptized of John, [Luke. III. 22. Matth. III. 13. Mark I. 9.] which office he denying as he that had need to be baptized of him, and the Lord urging, that it behoveth that all righteousnesse be fulfilled, he baptized him, [Matth. III. 14. 15.] Jesus then beginning to be about thirty yeares old. [Luke. III. 23.]

Then there was made a most i…ustrious manifestation of the Trinity, for the son of God in the humane nature, that he assumed ascending out of the water, and praying, the heavens being opened, the spirite o… God was seen in a bodily shape like a dove, descending upon him, and the voice of the father was heard from heaven saying, This is my beloved so… in whom …am well pleased. [Matth. III. 16. 17. Marke. I. 10. 11 Luke. III. 21. 22.]

And Jesu… being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was driven by the spirit into the desert; where for forty daies and nights, being tempted of the Devill he remained among wild beasts, not eating any thing, and when they were ended he was an hungred. [Luke. IV. 1. 2. Matth. IV. 1. 2. Marke. I. 12. 13.]

Then Satan setts upon the Lord with a … temptation, all which temptation being ended he departed from him for a time, [Matth. IV. 3. 11. Luke. IV. 3. 13.] and the Angells came and minist…ed …nto him, [Matth. 4. 11. Marke. I. 13.] and Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee. [Luke. 4. 14.]

Herod Agrippa the son of Aristobulus had by Cyprus the daughter of Phasaelus Agrippa the younger, the last King or the Jews, of whom in Acts XXV. & XXVI. is mention made, for he was 17 yeares old when his father died. [Josephus. lib. 18. cap. 7 lib. 19. cap. vlt.]

Berenice his sister of whom likewise mention is made in the Acts, Year of the World 4031 is born afterwards married to Herod King of Chalcis, The Julian Period. 4741 being sixteen years old when her father died. Year after Christ 28 [Josep. ut supra.]

The fourth year of John Baptist… ministery begins, Year of the World 4033 in which his preparatory ministery (which was the chief part of his function) took end, The Julian Period. 4742 the Lord himself, Year after Christ 29 whose way he had hitherto prepared being come, and executing his propheticall office, and sealing it with famous miracles, for John did no miracle, for which magnificent preparation, so celebrated by Esay and Malachy so many ages before, none will wonder that so long space of time is assigned by us, who shall consider that a little time for so great a work would be too little, especially without the help of miracles, for the perfecting of so much as the Angell Gabriell confirmed to his father Zachary should be performed by him. [Luke. I. 16. 17.] Many of the children of Israell shall he turn to the Lord their God, and he shall goe before him in the spirit and power of Elias, that he may turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisedome of the just, and to prepare a people ready for the Lord, and those words of Paul argue that not a little space of time, but a full course of preaching was to be finished by John, before the coming of the Lord. [Acts. 13. 24. 25.] When Iohn had first preached before his coming the baptisme of repentance to all the people of Israell, and as John fulfilled his course, he said, whom thinke ye that I am? I am not he, but behold there cometh one after me whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose.

For John the next day after the coming of Christ, when the Jews from Jerusalem sent some Priests and Levites of the sect of the Pharisee…, to him as he was baptizing at Bethabara by Jordan, to aske who he was, he professed clearly, that he was not the Christ: and when he had denied that he was Elias, or that Prophet (fore-spoken of p. 819by Moses, [Deut. XVIII. 15.] the same indeed with Christ, [Acts III. 22. VII. 37.] but by the Jews thought to be another) and had said that he was The voice of one crying in the wildernesse, make straight the way of the Lord: and then added that testimony of Christ, so praised of Paul; I baptize with water, but there standeth one amongst you, whom ye know not, he it is, who cometh after me, who is preferred before me, whose shooe latchet I am not worthy to unloose. [John. I. 19, 28. with V. 33.]

The next day John seeing Jesus coming unto him, saith, Behold the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sins of the World. This is he of whom I spake, there cometh one after me, that is preferred before me, for he was before me, &c. and I saw him, and testifie that this is the Son of God. [John. I. 29, 34.]

The next day John stood and two of his Disciples with him; and he beholding Jesus walking, said, Behold the Lamb of God: which the two disciples hearing, followed Jesus, and tarried with him that day, for it was about the tenth hower. Andrew being one of these, brought his brother Simon to Jesus, who seeing him, said, Thou art Simon, Sonne of Jonah, thou shalt be called Cephas. [Ibid. 35, 42.]

The next day Jesus, going into Galilee, commanded Philip (which was of Bethsaida, the City of Andrew and Simon Peter) to follow him. He finding Nathaneel under a fig-tree, brings him to Jesu, who pronounceth him truely to be an Israelite, in whom there was no guile; and that he was that Ladder of Heaven, (foreshewn Jacob… dream, Gen. XXVIII. 12.) upon which the Angels of God were seen ascending and descending. [Ibid. 42, 51.]

On the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee, to which Jesus was invited, together with his Mother and his Disciples, where he made water, being turned into wine, the beginning of his miracles: and his glory…being in this wise made manifest, his disciples believed on him. [John. II. 1. 11.]

After that He goeth down to Capernaum, He, his Mother and Brethren, (or kinsmen) and his Disciples, and tarried there many dayes. [John II. 12.]

Now we are come to the publick Ministery of Christ, whose Acts we do, here set forth according to four distinct Passeovers, out of the Harmony of the foure Gospels, contrived by that learned man, and much exercised in the studies of the Holy Scriptures, John Richardson, Dr. of Divinity, and worthy Bishop of Ardah, in our Province of Armagh; in which this is singular, that Matthew is found only to have neglected the order of time, which is constantly observed by the other three, (if you will except the parenthesis of Johns being cast into prison by Herod) [Luke III. 19, 20.]