Bethlehem that he might destroy him amongst the rest killed all the children Herod kils the children which were in Bethlehem and in all the Coasts thereof from two years old and under according to the time of the Star first seen in the East that he had enquired of the wise men Mat. 2 10. Herod receiving letters from Antipater from Rome in which he signified that having dispatched all his business according to his own mind he would shortly return into his own Country he wrote back to him again Herod ensnares his Son dissembling his anger that he should make hast lest any thing should befall him in his absence that he should not like of and also gently complaining of his Mother he promised that he would remit all differences after his return Antipater heard no news all this while either of the death of Pheroâ—â—s or of those things that were on foot against him though there were seven moneths space between the wickedness proved against him and his return Antipaters return For in his journey at Tarentum he met with a letter of the death of Pheroras and in Cilicia those letters of his Father that called him back so hastily and when he came to Câ—lenderis a Town of Calicia he began to doubt of his return hearing of and being extream sorrowfull for the disgrace of his Mother yet sailing forwards he came to Sebaste a Port of Caesâ—rea where being saluted by none he went to Jerusalem It happened that Quintilius Varus was the same time at Jerusalem being sent as Successor to Saturninus into Syria and then called thither by Herod to assist him with his counsell in those his weighty affairs As they were sitting both together in comes Antipater not knowing any thing and in his purple garment that he used to wear entring the Pallace but himself being entred the Guards suffered none of his followers to come in with him As he was coming near his Father thrust him from him reproaching him with the murther of his Brethren and his intention of poisoning his Father telling him that the next day Varus should hear and determine all things betwixt them and accordingly the next day Varuâ— and the King sitting in Judgement his Father himself first began the accusation and left the prosecution and confirmation thereof to his old Friend Nicholas Damascene one that knew all the business and when Antipater Antipater accused by his Father could not clear himself from the crimes objâ—cted against him Varus commanded the poison that he had prepared for his Father to be brought forth which being given to a condemned man killed him immediately after which Varus rose from the Council and the next day went to Antiochia but Herod cast his Son into prison and signified so much by letters to Caesar sending also messengers who by word of mouth might acquaint him with the cursed treason of Antipater As these messengers were posting to Rome Herod Herods sickness fell sick and made his Will leaving his Kingdom to his youngest Son Herod Antipas being exasperated against his two elder Sons Archelaus and Philip by the false accusations of Antipater Judas the son of Sariphaeus and Matthias the son of Margalothus two of the most learned of the Jews and best Interpreters of the Law knowing that the Kings sickness was incurable perswaded some young men that were their Scholars to throw down the Golden Eagle The Golden Eagle hewn down that was set up by Herod over the great gate of the Temple who accordingly going up at noon day pulled and hewed down with their axes the Eagle a great multitude being in the Temple and beholding it which as soon as it was told the Captain he came with a strong band of souldiers and laid hold upon some forty of the young men together with their Masters and brought them to Herod These constantly defending what they had done Herod commanded them to be bound and sent them to Jericho Then calling for the Rulers of the Jews into whose Assembly he was brought in a Litter by reason of his weakness he complained to them not so much of the injury done to himself as to God as he said These denying that it was done by their order somewhat pacified him only he took away the High Priesthood from Matthias whom he suspected not to be a stranger to that fact and made his successor Jazer the Brother of his Wife Mariamne the daughter of Simon the High Priest but he burned alive the other Matthias that was the author of this sedition and his companions Herods Herod puts them to death His sickness encreaseth disease began now to grow worse for he was burned with a slow fire which was not perceived so much by the outward touch as by the inward effects of it which burnt up his very bowels He had also the disease called the Bulemia or Dog-like appetite which provoked him to a continuall desire of eating and yet nothing would satisfie him He was also continually tormented with ulcers in his bowels and pains of the collick His feet swelled with a moist phlegm and his thighs also His members rotted and were full of worms which occasioned an intollerable stink He was no less troubled with a Priapisme and moreover was vexed with grievous convulsions and difficulty of breathing And â—hough he was so grievously tormented that every one judged that he could not be able to endure it long All means of cure fail him yet he hoped that he should break through it being very carefull to send for the ablest Physicians and sought medecines from every place He went also beyond Jordan to the hot Baths at Calliâ—hâ—e which run into the Asphaltite lake which besides the medecinal vertue are pleasant and good to be drunk There being by the advice of his Physicians set into a bathing tub of oil he seemed to them to be giving up the Ghost yet by the sudden crying out and lamentations of his Friends he came to himself again and now seeing no hope of recovery he commanded fifty Dâ—aâ—hâ—aes to be given to every souldier and having shewed much liberâ—lity to his Captains and Friends he returned again to Jericho Augustus being told that amongst the children which Herod had caused to be slain at Bâ—thlehem there was a son also of his own slain He said That it was better to be Herods hog than his Son Herod by an edict called together to Jericho all the most Noble of the Jews and when they came he shut them all up together in a place called the Hippodrome giving command to his sister Salome and her husband Alexus that as soon as he was dead they should cause his souldiers to slay them all His cruelty that so the people might have cause of sorrow who otherwise he feared would rejoyce at his death At this time letters came from Rome from the Ambassadors whom he had sent to Caesar wherein they certified him that the Emperor left Antipater to his Fathers pleasure either to banish or to put him to death Herod hearing this was a little cheared but presently his torments returning and being greedy of meaâ— he called for an apple and a knife to pare it intending with the kâ—ife to have stabbed himself He attempts to murther himself which also he aâ—tempted but Archelaus his Nephew prevented him and holding his right hand called for help This accident caused much sorrow fear and tumult through the whole Pallace as if Herod had been dead Antipateâ— perceiving the noise thought verily that his Father was dead and thereupon begin to tamper with his Keeper about letting him out promising him great rewards both for the present and for the fuâ—ure when it would lye in his power amply to reward him This his practice the Keeper told to the King who for indignation cryed and though he was so near death yet did he raise up himself on his Bed and commanded oâ—e of his Guard to go presently and kill Antâ—pater Antipater slain Herods Will and to bury him in the Castle of Hyâ—canion without any honour which was done accordingly Then did he make a new Testament for Antipas whom before he had made successor to his Kingdom he made Tetrarâ—h of Galâ—lee and Petreâ— To his son Philip he assigned the regiâ—ns of Gaulanitis Tâ—aâ—hâ—nitis Bâ—tanâ—a and Pancada in the name of a Tetrarchy but he gave the Kingdom to his Son Archelaus To his sister Salâ—me he gave Jamnia Azâ—tus and Thasaelis with five hundred thousand Draâ—hmaes To the rest of his kindred he gave money and yearly Pensions To Cae aâ— he gave ten Millions of Drachmaes of silver and all his Plate as well of Gold as of Silver and a great quantity of precious moveables and To Livia Câ—sars wife and some certain friends he gave five Milâ—ions of Draâ—hmaes Having thus ordered these things five dayes after Antipater was put to death His Death he dyed himself having enioyed the Kingdom 34 years after the death of Antigonus but from the time that he was declared King by the Romans 37 years about the 25th of our November in the year of the world 4001 and after the birth of Christ about two years FINIS There is lately published by Mr Sam Clarke a new Piece of Lives containing the Lives of ten Eminent Divines with some â—ther private Christians the Divines being as follow Mr John Carter Mr Sam Crook Mr John Cotton Dr Tho. Hill Dr Will. Gouge Mr Tho. Gataker Mr Jeremy Whitaker A. B p James Usher Mr Rich. Capel and Dr Rob. Harris c. Sold by Will. Miller at the Gilded Acorn near the Little North Door in St Pauls Church-yard
their Captain whereupon the rest fled Being thus revenged of the Thieves he brought three thousand Idumaeans into Trachona to restrain the theiveries committed there and certified the Romane Generals that he had only used that power which they had granted against those obstinate Arabians which upon enquiry they found to be true There were Letters posted away to Rome to Syllaeus Caesar incensed against him that related matters far otherwise aggravating every thing after their manner by which Lyes Caesar was so much incensed against Herod that he wrote threatning Letters to him because he had marched with an Army out of his own Kingdom without his leave and he was so far provoked that he would not hear his Ambassadors but dismissed them without an answer The Trachanites and Arabians taking hold of this occasion molested the Garrison of the Idumaeans that Herod had set over them but Herod being affrighted with Caesars anger was fain to connive at it About this time Obodas King of Arabia Nabathaea dyed and one Aeneas succeeded him who changed his name into Aretas which Syllaeus hearing of at Rome endeavoured by false accusations to have him thrust from the Kingdom and to get it to himself bestowing much money upon the Courtiers and promising great things unto Caesar whom he knew to be offended with Aretas for assuming the Kingdom without his consent In the mean while Aretas sent Letters and rich presents unto Caesar and amongst them a Crown worth many Talents But Caesar would not hear his Ambassadors and scorned his Presents and dismissed them without any thing done Herod being continually vexed with the insolencies of the Arabians sent Nicholas Damascene to Rome to see Herod fals out with his Sons and imprisons them if by the mediation of his Friends he could get Justice from Caesar But in the mean time the discord with his Sons that he had by Mariamne was greatly heightned by the artifices of Euriâ—hus a Lacedâ—â— nian which occasioned Herod to find out their sâ—ppâ—sâ—d treachery to put to death by various torments many both of his own and of his Sons Friends yet could he find no other evil by them but some too free complaints of improvident young men concerning their Fathers immoderate cruelty and his too easie hearkning to base pick-thanks of the wicked deceits of their Brother Antipater and of the faction that was combined against them and that to free themselves from these mischiefs they were said to think of flying to Archelaus King of Cappadocia which thing indeed they did not deny Hereupon Herod cast them into prison as iâ— they had been convicted of treason against their Fâ— heâ— resolving to punish them according aâ— his ff â—rs went at Rome and concerning this businâ—ss hâ— sent Lâ—tters to Caes r by Volumnius the Roman Generall and Olympius his Friend At Rome Nicholas Damâ—scene joyned himself to the Arabians that camâ— to accuse Syllaeus professing that he was his accusâ—r also before Auguâ—us and not Herods defender and this he did lest he should be repulsâ—d as others had been before him When by this means he had gotten access into Caesars presence he indeed laid open many of Syllaeus his crimes and withall added that Caesar was circumvented with his lies in the cause of Herod which he confirmed by certain authentick records This so prevailed with Caesar that he condemned Syllaeus and remanded him into the Province that when he had satisfied the debt he might be punished Caesar is reconciled to Herod From this time Augustus was reconciled to Aretas and and Herod and then received the Presents that before he had so often rejected and confirmed the Kingdom of the Arabians to Arâ—tas He advised Herod also by his letters to call a Councel of his Friends at Berytus and joyning the Presidents of Syria with Archelaus the King of Cappadocia by their joynt advice to determine of the business about his Sons About this time the Angel Gabriel who long before had foretold to Daniel the coming of the Messias by a certain number of weeks appeared at the right side of the Altar of incense to Zachary An Angel appears to Zachary the Priest of the course of Abia telling him that there should be born to him now in his old age his wife Elâ—zabeth also being well stricken in years and barren a Son called John a Nazarite and the forerunner of the Lord in the spirit and power of Elias which he not believing was made dumb Luk. 15 22. Herod having received Augustus his letters rejoyced exceedingly both because he was returned into his favour and for that he had granted him power to do what he would with his Sons and hereupon he convened by messengers all those that Caesar had appointed to Berythus except only Archelaus and kept his sons not far from the place in a City of the Sidonians and the Case being opened Saturninus one that had been Consul delivered his opinion but moderated with circumstances that Herods Sons were to be condemned Herod procures his Sons to be condemned but not to be put to death After him his three Sons that were his Lieutenants delivered their opinions to the same purpose But Velumnius pronounced that they were to be punished with death whose opinion the maâ—â—r part followed and so the Councel being ended Herod took his Sons with him and meeting with Nicholas Damascene at Tyrus they went together to Caesarea Here when as a certain old Souldier named Tyro had smartly reprehended Herod Herods cruelty for his wickedness determined against his Sons and told him that three hundred more of his Captains were of the same opinion Heroâ— commanded him to be cast into prison Trypho the Kings Barber taking this occasion accused Tiro for that he had often sollicited him to cut the Kings throat with his razor as he was triming him and immediately both Tiro and his Son and the Barber were tortured and Herod bringing those three hundred Captains and Tiro and his Son and the Barber accused them before the People against whom the people throwing any thing that came next to hand slew them every one Then were Alexander and Aristobulus led to Sebaste Herods Sons strangled and there strangled by their Fathers command and their bodies were buried in the Castle of Alexâ—ndrian where Alexander their Grandfather by the mothers siâ—e and many of their Progâ—nitors had been buried Antipâ—ter Antipaters Treason when his Brethren were now dead intended to remove his Father also out of the way and knowing that he was hated by many in the Kingdom he endeavoured by Bribes to get the good will of his Fathers Friends both at Rome and in Judea but especially of Saturninus the President of Syria and of Pâ—eroras and Salome the Brother and Sister oâ— Herod At â—â—is time Herod sent home Glaphira the widdow of his soâ— Aâ—exander to her Fâ—ther Arâ—helaus the King of Câ—op 〈◊〉 and gâ—â— her a Dâ—wry out of his Treasury lest somâ—â—â—â—roversie
THE WICKED LIFE AND WOFULL DEATH OF HEROD the Great A stranger by Nation yet by the Romans made King of the Jews Taking in also the 〈◊〉 of the Jews during all the time of his Reign which was about 37 years whereof thirty five were before the Incarnation of 〈…〉 and two after Whereby much light is given to many passages in the Evangelists and at which time that 〈◊〉 of old Jacoâ— was fulfilled The Scepter shall not depart from Judah nor a Law-giver from between his feet till Shilo come Gen. 49.10 By 〈…〉 sometime Pastor in 〈◊〉 London The memory of the Just is blessed but the name of the wicked shall rot Pro. 10.7 LONDON Printed for William Miller at the Sign of the Gilded-Acron in St Pauls Churchyard near the little North door 1664. Imprimatur Joh. Hall R.P.D. Episc Lond. à Sac. Domest Feb. 18. 1663. THE WICKED LIFE AND WOFULL DEATH OF HEROD the Great In whose Time our LORD CHRIST was Born HEROD sirnamed the Great Herods Pedigree was the Son of Antipas or Antipater an Idumaean a prime man both for birth and wealth amongst them His mothers name was Cyprus born at an eminent place amongst the Arabians so that when this Herod acquired the Kingdome of Judea that Prophesie of old Jacob was fulfilled Gen. 49.10 The scepter shall not depart from Judah nor a Law-giver from between his feet until Shiloh come This Antipater riding his circuit about the Province of Judea whereof Julius Caesar had made him Governour repressed them who were desirous of innovation both by threats and counsell telling them that if they would be content with their Prince Hyrcanus whom Caesar also had confirmed in the High-Priesthood they might live happily in their own possessions but if they promised themselves new hopes and thought that they should gain much by innovations they should have him a Master instead of a Governour and Hyrcanus a Tyrant instead of a King and Caesar and the Romans bitter enemies instead of Princes for that they would by no means suffer any thing to be altered from what they had settled But Antipater perceiving Hyrcanus to be dull and idle he settled the state of the Province as himself pleased making his elder son Phasaelus Governour of Jerusalem and the Countries adjoyning and to Herod his second son being then a very young man Herod is made Governour of Galilee he committed the care of Galilee Herod being Praefect of Galilee there was one Esekias a Jew who associating to himself many other lewd persons exercised thievery and used to make incursions into Syria in Troops These Herod pursued and having taken Esekias he put him to Death He puts Esekias to death which fact of his gat him much â—â—vour with the Syrians which Province also was then undâ—r his Government The violence and bold nature of Herod who was desirous of the Tyranny much terrified the Princes of the Jews wherefore they addressed themselves to Hyrcanus and opeâ—â— accused Antipater but especially they complained of Herod for that hâ— had put to Death Esekias with many others without any Commission from Hyrcanus in contempt of their Laws by which no man ought to suffer though never so wicked unless he were first condemned by the Judges The Mothers also of them that were killed ceased not daily in the Temple to weary both the King and the people with their continuall â—xclamations desiring that Herod might be made to give an account of these his doings before the Sanhedrim He is cited before the Sanhedrim whereupon Hyrcanus moved herewith commanded Hâ—rod to be called before the Councell anâ— to plead his own cause Herod having ordered the affairs of Galilee as he thought best for his own advantage being forewarned by his Father that he should not come into the Councell as a Private person he took with him a moderate but yet a sufficient Guard not too great least he should terrifie Hyrcâ—nus nor too little lest he should expose himâ—â—lf to danger from the Judgement When Herod therefore presented himself before the Sanhedrim in his royall robes Appears with a Guard and his Guard in armes they were all astonished neither durst any one of them that accused him in his absence now speak a word against him but all of them kept silence not knowing what to do Then one of the Councell called Sameas a just man Sameas his boldness being not at all distracted with fear rose up and not only accused Herod of presumption and violence but laid the fault upon the Judges and King himself who had granted him so great a liberty and told them that afterwards A prediction by the just Judgement of God they should be punished by Herod himself and the event made him a true Prophet For the Judges of that Councel and Hyrcanus himself were afterwards put to death by Herod when he came to be King But Hyrcanus perceiving that the Judges were inclining to pass sentence of Death upon Herod put off the business till the nâ—xt day and privately advised him to shift for himself and so he departed to Damascus as if he fled from the King Herod flies and presenting himself before Sextus Caesar and having secured his own affairs he professed openly Refused to appear when again cited that if he were again cited by the Judges he would not appear which they took in great disdain and endeavoured to perswade Hyrcanus that all these things tended to his destruction Herod to increase his power gave a great summe of money to Sextus Caesar who thereupon made him Governour of Caelosyria He Is made Governour of Caelosyria being elated with this advancement and taking it impatiently that he had been called before the Councel raised an Army and went against Hyâ—canus But his Father Antipater and Brother Phasaelus meeting him by their intreaties prevailed that he should not go against Jerusalem but be content to have affrighted them adding that it would be dishonourable for him if he should attempt any thing further against him that had advanced him to his dignity hereupon he desisted judging it sufficient for his future hopes that he had shewed to that Nation of what power he was â—assius and Marcus two Râ—man Generals coming into Syria after the death of Julius Caesar Is confirmed in it confirmed Herod in his Government of Caelosyria and delivered to him great forces both of horse and foot and ships at Sea promising him also the Kingdome of Judea after the war should be ended which they were waging with M. Anthony and young Caesar Not long after Antipater the Father of Herod was Feasted at Hyrcanus his house at which time one Malichus corrupting the Kings Butler poysoned Antipater Antipater poisoned and presently raising a band of Souldiers seized upon the Governmen of the City of Jerusalem Phasaelus and Herod being grievously offended hereat charged Malichus with their Fathers death which he stifly denied But Herod had a great
mind presently to revenge the murther and to raise an Army for that purpose had not Phasaelus interposed who juâ—ged it more meet to circumvent Malichus by Policy least they should seem to be the beginners of a civil war and accordingly Phâ—â—aelus made as though he accepted of Mâ—lichus his justification and believed that he was not guilty of his Fathers Death and so busied himself in building a stately Monument for him In the mean while Herod coming to Samaria and finding it in a desperate estate by reason of their Civil dissentions he appeased the discords amongst the Inhabitants and restored it to peace and not long after the Feast of Penticost approaching Herod goes to Jerusalem he went to Jerusalem accompanied with some souldiers of whom Malichus being affraid perswaded Hyrcanus not to suffer him to enter which Hyrcanus accordingly did alleadging that amongst the holy People that came to the Feast it was not lawfull to bring in a mixt multitude of prophane men But Herod making small account of the prohibition entred the City by night and thereby mightily terrified Malichus who thereupon according to his wonted dissimulations openly bewailed with tears the Death of Antipater as of his dear Friend And it was judged meet by Herods Friends that he should take no notice of this dissimulation but courteously again intertain Malichus He is excited to revenge his Fathers death Herod by letters certified Cassius of his Fathers death who very well knowing the temper of Malichus wrote back unto Herod to revenge the same and secretly also gave order to the Tribunes that were at Tyre to be aiding to Herod in his so just undertaking Cassius afterward having taken the City of Laodicea Governours came from every place bringing Crowns and Presents to him and here Herod expecting that Malichus should doe the like intended to have him punished for the Murther of his Father But Malichus had another design on foot purposing that whilest Cassius was busie in prosecuting the warre against M. Anthony to stir up the Nation of the Jews to revolt from the Romans and to depose Hyrcanus and get the Kingdome to himself But Herod being Politick and understanding of the treachery invited him and Hyrcanus with some other of their companions to supper At which time he sent one of his servants under pretence of providing for the Banquet whereas indeed he sent him to the Tribunes to desire them to set upon Malichus with their weapons who being mindfull of the Commands of Cassius finding Malichus they raâ—â—â—m through and slew him at which Hyrcanus being astonished Malchus slain fell into a swoun and being scarcely come to himself he asked who had slain Malichus and when one of the Tribunes answered that it was done by the command of Cassius he said Truly Cassius hath preserved me and my Country in kiling him who was a Traitor to both but whether herein he spake as he thought or that through fear only he seemed to approve the fact is uncertain After Cassius was gon out of Syria A sedition at Jerusalem there arose a sedition at Jerusalem For Paelix who was left there by Câ—ssius with souldiers in revenge of the death of Malichus set upon Phasaelus and the people betook themselves to their Armes At which time Herod was with Fabius the Governour of Damascus and had a mind to help his Brother but was hindered by a sudden sickness Yet did Phasaelus get the better of Faelix forcing him into the Town and afterwards agreeing upon quarter suffered him to go out But he was very angry with Hyrcanus that after the receipt of so many favours from him he yet favoured Fâ—elix and suffered the Brother of Malichus to seize upon some Castles and amongst the rest of the Castle of Massada which was a most strong piece Herods Valour As soone as Herod was recovered he went against the Brother of Malichus and took from him all the Castles that he had seized upon and Massada also where he took him Prisoner yet afterwards set him at liberty upon composition He also recovered three Castles that were seized upon by Masion the Tyrant of the Tyrians in Galilee but gave Quarter to all the Souldiers and sent them home well rewarded by which means he procured the love of the Citizens His Policy but he greater hatred of the Tyrant Shortly after Antigonus the son of Aristobulus Brother to Hyrcanus invaded Judaea being assisted by Ptolomei the son of Menaeus and Fabius the Governor of Damascus and Masion the Tyrant of the Tyrians who adhered to him for the hatred that he bore to Herod whom Herod meeting when they had scarce entred the borders of Judea overcame tâ—â—â— in Battell He overcomes Antigonus and drave them thence whereupon Hyrcanus honoured him with Crowns as soone as he returned to Jerusalem For he was already accounted as one of the Family of Hyrcanus being to marry Mariamnâ— or Mary the daughter of Alexander the son of Aristobulus the Brother of Hyrcanus and of Alexandra the daughter of Hyrcanus M. Anthony having overcome Brutus and Cassius there met him Ambassies from all Nations in Bythinia and amongst the rest some of the Rulers of the Jews to accuse Phasaelus and Herod alleadging that Hircanus ruled only in shew but in truth all the power was in the two Brothers Yet Anthony highly honoured Herod who was come thither to wipe off all those objections whereby it came to passe that his adversaries were not so much as admitted to speak with Anthony and this Herod had obtained by his Bribes Yet not long after there came an hundred of the most honourable amongst the Jews to Daphne near Antioch in Syria to Anthony Herod accused to Anthony to accuse Phaesaelus and Herod having chosen out of their whole number the most Eloquent to mannage their business But Messâ—la undertook the defence of the two Brothers Herod accused to Anthony with whom also Hyrcanus joined who had betrothed his Grand-daughter to Herod Both parties being heard Anthony asked Hyrcanus whether of the two parties were fittest to Govern a Commonwealth who speaking for the young men But acquitted Anthony that loved them for their Fathers sake his old Friend he made â—hem both Tetraerchs leaving to them the Government of all Judaea writing his letters to the same purpâ—se and clapped fifteen of their Adversaries into prison and would have put them to death had not Herod intreated for them But when the People did nothing but ran upon Herod Anthony in displeasure slew them all Antigâ—nus the Son of Aâ—â—stâ—bulus hired the Parthians to tranâ— ate the King â—ome from Hyrcâ—nus to himself and to kill 〈◊〉 who câ—ming along with him and some Jews also joining themselves to him he came to Jerusalem and they set upon the Kings House War between Antigonus and Herod But Phasaelus and Herod defended it against them and in the Market place overcomming them in a fight forced them to
embarking himself with his Friends in it So into Italy he arrived at Brundusium in Italy and from thence went to Rome declaring unto M. Anthony those things that had happened to himself and his Family and that thorough many tempests and dangers he had retired unto him Anthony favours him as his onely refuge in whom all his hope lay This Narration moved compassion in Anthony remembring also his Fathers friendship towards him but that which prevailed most was the promise of a great sum of mony if he would help him to the Kingdome Anthony also hated Antigonus as a man of a turbulent spirit and an enemy to the Romans Caesar And Caesar also partly for that Antipater Herods Father had been fellow souldier with his Father in Aegypt and for other curtesies which he had shewed him and partly to gratifie Anthony whom he saw to be well affected to Herod was willing to promote his designs whereupon the Senate being assembled Messala and Atpatinus brought in Herod and after they had praised him reckoning up the love and services that both he and his Father had done for the Romans and accusing Antigonus both for former crimes and for that newly he had received the Kingdome of the Jews from the Parthians in contempt of the Romans and when Anthony also had declared to the Senate how much conducing it was to the Pâ—rthian warre then in hand that Herod should be made King Antigonus was declared an enemy The Senate make him King and the Kingly Title was devolved upon Herod by their genearll suffrage Whilest these things were transacting at Rome Ventidius the Roman Generall easiely recovered Palestine Antigonus the King thereof being much afraid of him and he exacted great sums of mony from all men but especially from Antigonus Herods Family besieged who in Herods absence had besieged his Family in Massaâ—a which place though it abounded with all other kinds of provision yet it wanted water so that Joseph Herods Brother who commanded in chief there with two hundred of his friends intended to fly to the Arabians for that he heard that Malchus now repented him of his former ingratitude towards Herod But the very night a great shore of rain falling filled their cisterns which made him chanâ—e his purpose A special providence and the next morning making a gaâ—lant salley forth they killed many of Antigonus his men Ventidius encamped near to Jerusalem and drew from Antigonus a sufficient sum of money and to the intent that his fraudulent dealing should not be discovered he left one Silo there with part of his forces under a pretence of helping Joseph who also was to be feed by Antigonus lest he should raise him some new troubles which Antigonus submitted to hoping that the Parthians would shortly come to his aid After the Senate was dismissed Anthony and Caesar went out leading Herod betwe n them who was also accompanied with the Consuls and other Magistrates and so they went all together up into the Cap tâ—l to sacrifice to the Gods and to place there the Dâ—â—â—e of the Senate and the new King the first day of hi◠〈◊〉 was Feasted by Anthony He returns homeward and within seven dâ—ys 〈◊〉 hâ— was by Anthony dismissed out of Itâ—â—y honoured 〈…〉 uâ—â—xpected felicity Shortly after Anthonâ— being to go 〈◊〉 the Parthian War had all his Acts as well past as to 〈◊〉 confirmed by the Senate whereupon he sent to some Kings by his own authority to pay certain Tributeâ— to him Herods Kingdom enlarged and he maâ—e Herod King both of the Iâ—umâ—â—â—â— and Samâ—â—iâ—â—â— Herod being returned out of Italy to Ptâ—â—eâ—ais quickly gathered store of Souldiers both of such as he hired as also of his own Countrymen pâ—lling through Galile against Antigâ—nus being aided by Siâ— and Vâ—â—â—dius who were commanâ—eâ— by 〈◊〉 to conduct him into his Kin dom and as he wâ—nt on his forces daily increased and all Galile except a â—ew fiâ—ed with him As Hâ—â—â—â— was marching towards Massâ—â—â— where he was necessarily to relieve hiâ— Kindred Jâ—ppi would not let him pass wherefore he was to reduce it lest he should leave so strong a place behind him in his passage to Jerusalem which occasion Siâ—â— taking hold on for he was not yet come to H roâ— dislodged hiâ— Army from about Jerusalem whom the Jews puâ—suâ—â— Herod relieves Silo. but Herâ—â— meeting him with a small party sâ—veâ— Silâ— who â—ought very cowarâ—ly After he had taken Jâ—â—pâ— He takes Joppa he hasted to Massâ—da to raise the siege and his Army encreased dayly many of the Country people joyning with him and having relieved his friends in Mâ—â—saâ—â— Besieges Jerusalem he hasted towards Jerusalem and though Antigâ—â—us had laid ambushments for him in divers places yet he drew near to the City Silo following and the Jews being terrified with his power When he had encamped on the West side of the City they upon the walls shot at him with darts and arrowes others also sallying out in Troops beat up some of his quarters Then did Herod by an Herald proclaim round about the Walls that he came for the publick good and to preserve the City from ruine and withall he promised pardon for all former actings On the other side Antigonus directing his speech to Silo and the Romans told them that it was unjustly done of the Senate to give the Kingdom to Herod a private man and an Idumaeâ—â— and so but an half-Jew whereas by custom it was to be given to one of the High-Priests line His men also shooting valiantly from the Towers drave the enemy from the walls and Silo who was beforehand bribed by Antigonus suborned some of his Souldiers to demand of Herâ—d more provisions and larger pay and to be withdrawn into commodious winter-quarters The Army being thus troubled and begining to dislodg Herod intreated the Captains and Souldiers of Silo's Army that they would not now forsake him he being sent both by Anthony Caesar and the Senate to take possession of the Kingdom and withall he sent into all the Country and brought in such store of provisions that there was no occasion for Silâ— and his Army to complain He commanded his Friends also that inhabited about Samaria that they should bring to Jericho Corn Wine Oyl Cattle and other necessaries that the Souldiers for the future might have plenty Antigonus having intelligence hereof sent forth some to intercept the victualers but Herod taking with him some Cohorts viz. five of the R mans and as many of the Jews with some forreign Souldiers and a few Horse mixed with them Herod takes Jericho flew out to Jericâ—â— and found the City forsaken of the Inhabitants and five hundred Families of them were fled to the tops of the Hills whom hâ— took and dismissed in safety But the Romans entring the City plundered it where they found all sorts of preciouâ— movables Hâ—â—od leaving a Garrison there returned to his Camp before
Herod had hired came rushâ—â—g 〈…〉 only but even into the Sâ—nâ—tuary some he thâ—ught to â—â—stâ—â—in by intreaty others by t reatâ— and somâ— by 〈◊〉 jâ—â—ging his victory worse 〈…〉 any of those things which were 〈…〉 wind to 〈◊〉 were â—xp â—â—â— to the view of the proâ—â—◠〈◊〉 He restraine â—â—so the plunâ—ering 〈◊〉 the Cry as much iâ— in him lay Intreaâ—ing Sâ—sâ—us to do the like askiâ—g if the R mâ—â—â— would make him King of a Wilâ—erness the City being so wasted â—y â—apineâ— and murthers Sâ—sâ—â— answâ—red tâ—at tâ—e Sâ—uldiers dâ—sired the plundâ—r of the â—ry in regarâ— of their hard servâ—ce in the sieâ—e Herod saves the City To which Herâ—â— â—eplieâ— thâ—t he woul r compence every man out of his own Treasury and mâ—king good his promise he freed the City from urther misery Fâ—r he bestowed gifts liberâ—lly upon â—he Souldiâ—r â—â—d proportionably upon the Comâ—â—nders Rewards the Romans and 〈◊〉 upon Sosius wherâ—upon Sâ—â—â—us off ring a Crowâ— oâ— Gold unto GOD withdrew out of tâ—e â— ity leading Antig nus a Prisoner along wâ—th him to Aâ—â—hâ—â— Hâ—râ—d being thus setleâ—â— Jerusalem he advanced those of his own faction and duly put to death them of â—he contrary Hâ—rods cruelty Amongst whom hâ— also slew all tâ—ose of the Sâ—â—hâ—drim who had accused him of a capitall crime beâ—â—re he was King spâ—ring only 〈…〉 and Sâ—mias his Disciple whom he hiâ—hly honourâ—d Then did he gather together all the Regall Oâ—â—aments and much silver and gold which he exâ—cted from rich meâ— all which he gave to Anthony and his Souldiers He put to death also forty and five of Antigonus his chief Noble men setting watches at their doors that none of them might be carried out under pretence of being dead and what gold or silver soever was found was all carried to Herod so that there was no end of the peoples miseries the covetousness of the needy conquerours consuming all their estates The fields also lay untilled because it was the Sabbaticall year in which it was unlawfull to sow the ground Of these miserable times amongst others were spectators Who were spectâ—tors of it Zacharias the Priest with his Wife Elizabeth Of the relicts of Davids stock Holy and Joseph Anna also the Prophetess of the Tribe of Asâ—r and Simeon the Just who received an answer from the Holy Ghost that he should not see death till he had seen the Lord Christ Luk. 2.26 Anth ny being thus possessed of Antigonus intended to keep him Prisoner to adorn his Triumph But Herod feared that if Antigonus was brought to Rome by Anthony he might there contend with him before the Senate for the Kingdom Considering also how the Nation of the Jews hated him and favoured Antigâ—nus he thereupon gave great sums of money to Anthâ—ny to cut off his head Anthony slew Antâ—gonus which accordingly he did at Antioch Antigoâ—us being the first King that was thus put to death by the Romans and in him ended the Principality of the Hâ—smâ—naeanâ— It being from the Captainship of Judas Mâ—ccabaeus to the death of Antigâ—nus a hundred twenty six years and two or three moneths and by this means Hâ—râ—â— a stranger got the Kingdom and was totally freed from his fears Hyâ—â—â—â—as as we heard before being carried Prisoner to Phraates the King of the Parthians he intreated him courteously for the Nobility of his descent and after a time freeing him from Prison he suffered him to live in Babylon Hyrcanus honoured in Babylon where were great store of Jews who honoured him no less than as their King and High Priest and not only they of Babylon but all the rest of the Nation of the Jews did the like who in old time had been carried captive beyond the River Euphrates by the Assâ—rians of whom there were many millions But Hyrcanus hearing that Herod was made King of the Jews he began to cast his hopes that ways expecting favour from Herod whose life he had saved when he was called in question before the Sanhedrim He consulted therefore with the Jews that came to visit him about his return into Judaea who by all means disswaded him from it yet could they not prevail with him Besides Herod desired by all means to get the poor old man into his clutches Herods subtâ—lty and thereupon wrote to him to get leave of Phraates and the Jews that he might return and that they would not envy him the joint ruâ—e with his Son in Law the time being now come wherein he could requite the favours that Hyrcanus had shewed hiâ— in being his nourish r and preserver He sent also his Ambassaâ—or to Pâ—raâ—tâ—s with great Presents intreâ—ting him that he would not hinder him from being thankfull to him that had deserved so wâ—lâ— of him Hyrcanus being forward of himself dismâ—ssed by the Parthianâ— and honourably â—â—â—nisheâ— by the Jâ—wâ— for the expences of his jâ—urney he came at last to Hâ—râ—â— who entertained him with all honour gave him the upper hand in all Assemblies and the more honouâ—able place at all feasts calling him Fatâ—â—â— hereby to deluâ—e him lest he should suspect any treachâ—ry Hananeel made High-priest Hâ—rod providing that none of the Nobility should be created High-Priest sent to 〈◊〉 for a Priest of a base parentage whom formerly he had been acqâ—ainted with of the racâ— of thâ—se Priests that had been carried away beyond Euphrate whose nâ—me was Ananclius or Hananeel and to him he gave â—he Hâ—â—â—-â—â—iesthooâ— Alexandâ—a takes it ill This Alexandâ—a the Daughter of Hâ—rcâ—â—us the Wife of Alexander the Son of 〈◊〉 and Mother in Law of Herod took in ill part for that Ariâ—buâ—uâ— her Son and Brother of Mâ—â—iaâ—re waâ— neglected and another from a strange place should be made High-Priest whereupon she wrote to Cleopatra Queen of Egypt and Anthoniâ—s darling that she would procure the High-Priesthood of Anthâ—nâ— for her Son Cleopatra neglected her request but shortly after Dâ—â—lius a friend of Anthâ—â—nieâ— coming into Juâ—ea â—â—rswaded her to send the Pictures of her Son Aristâ—bulus and of her Daughter Mariamne to Anthony who then would deny her nothing This she assented to and sent them by Dellius who told Anthony that they seemed rather to be of a Divine than of a humane race Anthony was much inflamed herewith Anthony sends for Aristobulus yet thought it undecent to send for a Lady that was married to Herod shunning also the jealousie of Cleopatra whereupon he wrote to Alexandra to send her Son to him under some honest pretence But these things coming to the ears of Herod he thought it not safe that Ariâ—tobulus now in the flower of his age being but sixteen should be sent to Anthony the most potent man amongst the Romans and very much given to his lusts Wherefore he wrote back that if the youth did but step out of the Kingdom all the Country would be up in Arms the Jewâ— hoping for some innovations under a new King and by this means
too much to meddle with other mens matters During Herods absence Joseph governing the Kingdom he had occasion many times to converse with Mariamne partly upon business and partly to do her honour and in their discourses there was often mention made how much Herod loved her which discourse was laughed at by the Ladies especially by Alexandra But he was carried on with such a desire of proving the Kings love to them that he told them what private command the King had given him supposing this was an infallible argument of his love because he could neither endure to live without her nor in death to be disjoyned from her but the Ladies were not of his mind rather abhorring the Tyranny of Herod who though he were dead yet would he seek their lives Presently after a rumour was spread about the City that Anthony had put Herod to death which much troubled all the Court especially the Ladies whereupon Alexandra perswaded Joseph that taking them along with him he should fly to the Romane Legions that lay before the City under the command of the Tribune Julius so that if any trouble arose in the City they might be secured by the Romans adding that she hoped if Mariamne came but once to the sight of Anthony she might obtain any thing of him yea even the Kingdom with whatsoever belonged to the Royall Famely Whilest these things were under debate there came Letters from Herod which dashed all signifying how Anthony had honoured him both in the publick Assemblies and in inviting him to his Feasts and that during the accusations 〈◊〉 Cleopatra so that he feared her not for the time to come but hoped shortly to return to them Anthony having given â—â—â—sâ—ria unto Cleopatra instead of Judea upon condition that she should not hereafter demand Judea nor trouble him any further about that business As soon as these Letters were received the speech about flying to the Romans vanished but yet their debate about it was not hid For as soon as Herod had brought Anthony part of his way against the Parthians he returned into Judea Herods return and immediatly his Sister Sâ—lome and his Mother Câ—pâ—us told him what Alexandra's counsel was neither was she herewith contented but she accused her Husband Joseph as if he had been too familiar with Mariamne and this she did out of an old grudge because the Queen a woman of an high spirit in their womanly brabbles had upbraided her with her obscure birth Mariamne by her Oath assured Herod of her chastity who told her again how much he loved her but she replied that it was not the part of a lover to command that if he died she should be put to death also Herod judging that this secret could never be known except she had committed adultery with Joseph had much ado to refrain from killing her immediatly but love overcoming his passion he refrained yet did he command Joseph to be put to death Joseph put to death without suffering him to plead for himself Alexandra also he cast into prison as the cause of all these evils Cleopatra having brought Anthony part of his way towards Parthia returned towards Egypt and by the way was entertained by Herod who assured unto her that part of Arabia which was granted unto her by Anthony to which he added the reveâ—ues of Jericho where are great store of the best Date Trees and where Balsom grows Gardens of Balsom which being a precious Oyntment only grows there in two Gardens boâ—h which are the King the one of twenty Acres the other of less By this means Herod grew into great familiarity with Cleopatra who sought to assure him to her lust either through her great intemperance or because she sought by this means to betray him but though she pretended love to him yet Hâ—â—â—d refused and held a consultation with his friends about killing her who disswaded him from it and therefore having appeased her by great presents and all manner of obsâ—quiousness he accompanied her as far as Pelusium yet searing both her and the people of the Jâ—wâ— he reserved the Castle as a refuge for himself laying in as many Arms there as were suffiâ—ient for ten thousand men Herod paved duly to Clâ—â—patra the Tributes of Juâ—aea and Arabia which Anthony had given to her nâ—t thinking it safe to give her any occasion of disgust against him Herod being now free from troubles and having taken Hyrcâ—â—â—â— a Town which hitherto a Sister of Antigonus had kept the Aâ—ian War brake forth between Augustus Caesâ—r and Mâ—rk Aâ—thâ—â— whereupon Heroâ— made great preparation for the assisting of Anthâ—â—â— Heâ—od prepares to assist Anthony but he freed him from the trouble telling him that he needed them not and so dismishing him Hâ—â—â—d returned home with a well-furnished Army wherewith he invaded Arabia going as far as Diospâ—lis at which place the Arâ—bians met him and after a fierce confl ct the Jâ—ws gat the victory After this Herod made many inrodes into Arabia in the seventh year of his raign after the death of Antigorus at which time the Aâ—ian War being begun A great Earrhquake Judea was shaken with such an Earthquake as never was the like before in which ten thousand men were overwhelmed by the ruins of the houses yet the Souldiers received no dammage because they lay in the open fields This being much aggravated by report so emboldned the Arabians that thâ—y laid hold on the Ambassadours of the Jews who in this their affliction came to demand peace and slew them and presently prepared for war with all earnestness Herod hearing hereof encouraged his men offered Sacrifice according to the custom and so in all hast marched with his Army over Jâ—rdan and having incamped at Philadelphia there the fight began about the taking of a Castle that lay between him and the Arabians Herodâ— overcoms the Arabians in which the Jews got the better and after continuall skirmishes forced the Arabians to flight who in their hast treading one upon another they lost in all five thousand men the rest were besieged in their Camp and extreamly wanting water they sent Ambassadours to Herod who would not admit of them and was more eager upon them for offering but fifty Talents for their freedom They being parched with continuall thirst came out of their Camp by great companies offering themselves to the Jews by which means they took five thousand of them in five days and at last the rest in the Camp came out to fight but despairing of any good success there fell of them in the first conflict about seven thousand more By this overthrow the courage of the Arabians was tamed and Herod was declared Governour of that Nation and so returned home with great Glory The Actian war being finished wherein Caesar finally overthrew Anthony Alexandra hoped that Herod should be severely punished by Caesar for assisting Anthony against him whereupon she sollicited her Father Hyrcanus not any longer
end who told Herod that he was sollicited by Mariamne to deliver him a love potion which he had by him but what it was he knew not Herod hereupon examined the most faithfull servant of Mariamne by torture being assured that she would attempt nothing without his privily who not enduring the torments confessed that she was offended for something that â—ohemus had declared unto her which when the King heard he cryed out that Sohemus who had ever been most faithfull both to him and the Kingdom would never have spoken of these things had there not been some more secret familiarity between them than was fitting and thereupon he commanded Sohemus to be apprehended and put to death and having called his Friends to Counsel he accused his Wife for practising to poison him which he so aggravated that all that were present perceived that he had a mind that she should be condemned Mariamne condemned to death which was accordingly done by the generall consent of them all aâ—d whereas they thought that the ex cution should not be over speedy but rather that shâ— should be secured iâ— some of the Kingâ— Castles Salome excee ingly urged the King that she should presently be put to death for â—ear lest there should be some commotion among the people she being alive and in Prison and thus was Mariâ—mne brought to h r death When her Mother Alâ—xandra saw her going to execution and considered that she must look for the same at Herods hanâ—s that she might not seem to be guilty of the some crime she began to upâ—raid her daughter as being wicked and ungratefull towards her Husband saying Her motherâ— Hypocr sie bâ—t she deserved death who â—urst â—ttâ—moâ— so hamous an act Whilst shâ— counterfeited these things and made as iâ— she wouâ—â— havâ— pulled her Daughter by the hair they that were present coâ—demned her hypocrisie Mariamnes Death but she that was led to death returned her no answâ—r but refelleâ— the falsâ— accusation with a resolute countenance and mind and underwent her death without fear She being dead Herod began to be more inflamed with love towards her Herods excessive grief for her often calling upon her Name and lamenting her death beyond decency and although he sought to divâ—rt his grief by pleasures feastings and drinking yet all availed nothing Whereupon he cast off the care of his Kingdom and so far gave up himself to sorrow that he would bid his servants call Mariamne as though she were yâ—â— living A great 〈…〉 As Herod was thus tormenting himself there came a great Plague which swept away a great part both of the Nobility and Commons every one judging that this Plague was sent by God for the unjust death of the Queen The Kings discontents being increased hereby he at last hid himself in a solitary Wilderness under a pretence of hunting where still afflicting himself he fell into a great sickness Herods Melancholy and sicknesse which was accompanied with an inflammation and great pain in his neck so that he began to rave neither could any applications ease him but rather made the disease more painfull so that those about him began to despair of his life and his Physicians partly because of the stubborness of the disease and partly because in so great danger there was not any free election of diet they gave him leave to eat whatsoever he would Alexandras treason and Death Herod lying thus sick in Samaria and Alexandra being at Jerusalem she endeavoured to get the two Castles of the City into her hands the one adjoyning to the Temple the other situate in the City For which end she sollicited the Governours of them to deliver them up unto her and to the Children of her and Mariamne lest that Herod being dead they should be seized upon by others But they who had ever been faithfull to Herod were now much more diligent in their Office both out of an hatred of Alexandra and because they thought it a great offence to despair of the recovery of their Prince Hereupon they presently sent messengers to Herod to acquaint him with Alexandra's attempt who thereupon commanded her to be slain At length overcoming his disease he recovered his strength both of body and mind but grew so cruell Herod grows cruel Salome leaves her husband and comes to Herod that upon the least occasion he was ready to put any one to Death Salome Herods Sister having been married to Cossaborus an Idumean a difference now arising betwixt them she contrary to the custom of the Jews sent him a Bill of Divorce and came away to her Brother Herod telling him that she preferred his love before her tye to her Husband the reason which she pretended was that Cossaborus had practised some innovations with Lysimachus Antipater and Dositheus confirming it from this because he had privily kept in his Country the Children of Bebas now for the space of twelve years from Herods taking of Jerusalem Herods cruelty As soon as Herod heard this he sent some to their hiding places and killed them with many others to the intent that none should remain of the kindred of Hyrcanus He also took out of the way all such as excelled in any dignity that he might do whatsoever seemed him good there being none to resist him Herod by these practises growing more secure He instituted Games to the discontent of the Jews he began to degenerate more and more from his Country fashions violating them by forreign inventions For first he instituted wrestlings every fifth year in the honour of Caesar for the exhibiting of which he began to build a Theatre in Jerusalem and an Amphitheatre in the plaine both of them very sumptuous for the workmanship but clean contrary to the Jewish customes Yea he would have thiâ— solemnity to be inrolled and to be proclaimed in the neighbouring Countries and to remoter Nations and by propounding great rewards he invited not only those that were skilfull wrestlers but also excellent Musitians and such as played on severall instrumâ—nts Yet that which above all troubled the Jews were the Trophees which being covered with Armour they thought to be Images forbidden by their Law but Herod to satisfie them commanded the Armour to be taken off and shewed them that they were meer stocks of wood whereupon all their anger was turned into laughter Herod having many wayes provoked the Jews ten Citizens of Jerusalem made a Conspiracy against him A conspiracy against Herod amongst whom one was blind who made one not because he could do any thing but to shew how ready he was to suffer with those that defended their Countrie rights Herod had appointed secret spies to discover such plots one of which had fished this matter out and acquainted Herod with it who caused them to be apprehended The conspirators are put to Death and when they were brought before him with undaunted countenances they drew out their weapons from under
Temple Yet was Herod nothing herewith terrified being ready to answer for himself But Caesar used him courteously and was nothing alienated from him for all these tumultuous complaints The Gadareus therefore perceiving the inclination of Caesar and his Friends towards Herod despairing of good success and fearing to be delivered into Herods hands some of them cut their own throats others fearing torments brake their own necks or drowned themselves in the River and thus seeming to forejudg themselves Caesar absolved Herod from all their accusations Zenodorus also having his bowels burst through much blood that came from him ended his life at Antioch in Syria whereupon Augustus Caesar gave his Tetrarchy to Herod he made him also one of the Governours of Syria Caesar still enlarged his Dominions commanding the rest of the Governours of that Province to do nothing without his advice Heroâ— bestowed upon his Brother Pheroras a hundred Talentâ— out of the revenues of his Kingdom and begged a Tetrarchy for him of Caesaâ— to the intent that if himself should hapâ—en to dy Pheroras estate might be secure and not subject to Herâ—â—s children Caesâ—â— coming into the East having setled his affairs there Heâ—â—â— conducted him to the Sea-side and so returned into his own Kingdom where he built a goodly Temple in honor of Caesar all of white Marble near to Pâ—nion Herâ—d built a Temple and eased his Subjects at the foot of which mountain were the spring-heads of Jordan He also remitted to his subjects some part of their Tribute under pretence that he would ease them after the great dearth but indeed to appease the minds of his subjects who were offended at his vast works which seemed to tend to the destruction of Religion and good manners as was commonly talked As also to prevent these reports he forbad all private meetings in the City and to frequent Feastings His jealousies He had spies also who would mingle themselves in all companies and mark what people said yea himself would go about in the night in the habit of a private person and mingle himself in the company of people to hear what they thought of him and such as peremptorily disliked his doings he would punish without all mercy the rest of the multitude he bound to him by Oath requiring that they should not depart from their fidelity and duty Yea he required this Oath of many of the Pharisees as of Pollio and Sameas c. which though he could not get them to take yet did he not punish them as he did others in regard of that respect that he bore to Pollio Neither did he impose it upon the Esseans whom he much esteemed for one Manaherus sake who was a Prophet and when Herod was but a boy he saluted him King of the Jews and foretold that he should Reign above thirty years Herod in the eighteenth year of his Reign propounded to the Jews his building the Temple at Jerusalem He rebuilt the Temple at Jerusalem whom when he saw troubled least when he had pulled down the old he should not be able to finish a new one he told them that the old Temple should remain whole as it was till all the materials necessary for the new Fabrick should be fully prepared neither did he deceive them for he provided a thousand wagons to carry stones and he chose out of all the Artificers ten thousand that were the most exquisite workmen and a thousand Priests clothed in their Priestly garments at his cost who were not altogether ignorant of the Masons and Carpenters Art to oversee them All necessary materials for this stately work being provided in the space of two years Herod began to build the Temple at Jerusalem forty six years before the first Passover of the Ministry of Christ and therefore that text Joh. 11.20 should be thus translated This Temple hath been built forty six years hitherto So the learned Primate of Ireland and our Country-man Lydiat read it Indeed the building of the Temple under Zorobabel began in the first year of the Monarchy of Cyrus and after some interruptions was finished in twenty years space viz. in the sixth year of Dariâ—â— Hystaspes but the magnificent building of it begun by Herod at this time was finished in nine years space and an half Nine years it was in building and truly the riches of Herod alone were not sufficient to perfect so magnificent a structure but all the holy treasures of many ages that were sent to them from all the parts of the world to Jerusalem were spent about it Not long after Herod set sail for Italy to salute Caesar and to see his Children at Rome and as he passed through Greece He goes into Jtaly he was not only present at but Judg of the Olympick exercises where observing that they did not answer the resort that was to them through the poverty of the Elienses he bestowed towards them an yearly revenew that so their Sacrifices might be made the more splendid as also other things that tended to the gracing of so great a meeting For which bounty he was declared perpetuall Judg of those exercises His bounty When he came to Rome Caesar intertained him courteously and delivered to him his Sons sufficiently instructed in the Liberal Sciences and so from thence he went into Galatia At Jerusalem by the diligence of the Priests the building of the Temple properly so called that contained the Holy and the Holy of Holies was finished in a year and an half during which time it is reported that it never rained in the day time but only in the nights and in the eight years following the Porches the Ranges and the rest of the buildings about the Temple were all finished When Alexander and Aristobulus were returned into Judea and had gained all mens love Salome the Sister of Herod and her Faction fearing that at some time or other they would reveng their Mothers death cast out a rumour amongst the people that they hated their Father because he had caused their Mother to be slain But Herod as yet susâ—â—cting no ill used them with all Honour as they deserved and because they were now grown to mens estate he provided them Wives Herods Sons married for Alexander Bernice the Daughter of Salome and for Aristobulus Glaphira the Daughter of Archelaus the King of the Cappadocians Then Herod hearing that Agrippa was again come into Asia he went to him and begged of him that he would come into his Kingdom as to his Friend and Guest and as he came Herod entertains Agrippa he entertained him in all the Cities that he had newly built shewing him the publick buildings and presenting both to himself and friends all kind of delights which might set forth his magnificence at Sebaste and the Port of Caesarca and in the Castles of Alexandrion Herodion and Hyrcania He brought him also into the City of Jerusalem where all the People met him in
their best and Festivall attire and with acclamations of joy Agrippa aâ—so sacrificed an Hecatombe to God and feasted the People and though he would willingly have stayed longer there yet fearing storms the Winter now drawing on he hasted to sail into Jonia both he and his Friends having been honoured with great presents by Herod As soon as the Spring came Herod hearing that Agrippa was going with an Army to Bosphorus made hast to meet him and taking his way by Rhodes and Chios he came to Lesbos thinking there to find him But Agrippa being driven back by contrary North-winds Herod staied at Chios to whom many came privately to salute him upon whom he bestowed many princely gifts Herods great bounty and when he perceived that the Gate of the City that was thrown down in the War against Methridates as yet lay buryed in its ruins and that by reason of the poverty of the Inhabitants it could not by them be restored to its former beauty and greatness he bestowed upon them so much mony as would abundantly suffice to finish it and exhorted them to hasten the restoring of their City to its former beauty and grandure As soon as the wind served he left Chios and sailed to Mytilene and from thence to Byzantium and there understanding that Agrippa had already passed the Cyanian Rock he followed him with all speed and overtook him at Sinopi a City in Pontus where beyond Agrippa's expectation he arrived with his Navy His coming was very gratefull to him and they embraced each other with singular affection His love to Agrippa Agrippa looking upon it as an evident argument of his fidelity and friendship that leaving his manifold occasions he would come to him in so seasonable a time Wherefore Herod still abode with him in the Army was companion with him in his labors and partaker of his counsels He was also present with him when he went to be merry and was the only man that he used in difficult matters for the love that he bore unto him Agrippa having forced the Bâ—sphorans to lay down their Arms in his whole journey thorough many countries and Cities he gratified Herod in many things Agrippaes love to him and at his intreaty relieved the necessities of many If any one needed an intercessor to Agrippa Herod was the only man by whom he could obtain his suit and assisted many in whatsoever they had need of When they were come into Jonia a great multitude of Jews that inhabited that Country complained of the great injuries that they suffered from the Jonians who would not permit them to live after their own Laws but that upon their Festivall days they haled them before their Tribunals and forbad them to send holy money to Jerusalem which also they perverted to secular affairs contrary to the priviledges granted them by the Romans Herods savour to the Jews in Jonia Herod took care that Agrippa should hear their complaints and allowed them Nicholas Damascâ—ne one of his friends to plead their cause which when he had largely performed before Agrippa many honourable Romans and some Kings and Princes being present the Grecians denyed the thing excusing themselves that the Jews were troublesom to them But they on the contrary proved that they were freeborn Citizens and that they lived according to their own Laws without injuring of any wherefore Agrippa answered that both for his friend Herod's sake as also because that which they demanded was just he would gratifie them therein He ordered therefore that the priviledges which were formerly granted them should remain inviolable and that none should molest them for living after their Country Laws Then Herod rose up and gave him thanks in the name of them all and so after mutuall embraces they took their leave each of other and departed from Lesbos Herod in a few days after having a prosperous gale arrived at Caesarea and from thence went to Jerusalem where calling all the people together Herod ingratiates him elf with the Jews he gave them an account of his journey and told them what immunities he had procured for the Jews in Asia and to win them the more to his friendship he professed that he would remit to them the fourth part of his Tribute with which bounty they being exceedingly taken wished him all happiness and departed with great joy He is incensed against his Sons Presently after his return he was greatly incensed by the false accusations and artifices of his Sister Salome and his Brother Pheroras against his two Sons that he had by Mariamne Alexander and Aristobulus whereupon to take down their spirits he began to use them more hardly and publickly he put hopes of the Kingdom into his Son Antipater whom he begat when he was a private man his Mother also being a woman of mean parentage whom formerly he had banished the City in favour to his two other Sons and writing often unto Caesar for him privately he gave him great commendations and at the intreaties of Antipater he recalled also his Mother Doris whom he had put away when he married Mariamne He visits Agrippa Agrippa afer his ten years Government in Asia being now to depart Herod sailed to salute him taking with him of all his Sons only Antipater whom he delivered to Agrippa with many gifts to be carried to Rome and to be brought into Caesars favour Antipaters subtilty Antipater was much honoured at Rome being commended to all his Friends by his Fathers letters and though he was absent yet desisted he not by writing to incense his Father against the Sons of Mariamne pretending his great care of his Fathers safety but in truth to make way for his succession in the Kingdom About this time Agrippa died and being brought into the market place of Rome Augustus commended him in a Funerall Oration Herod being now incensed aâ—ainst his Sons Herâ—d accuseth his Sons Alexander and Aristobulus he sailed with them to Rome to accuse them before Augustus and not finding him there he followed him as far as Aquileia before whom he accused them of treachery against him but the young men satisfied all that were present by their Apology for themselves mixed with prayers and tears so that they were reconciled to their Father After which giveing thanks unto Caesar they departed together and with them Antipater also who pretended much joy that they were received into favour again A few dayes after Herod gave Caesar three hundred Talents Caesars favours to Herod and again Caesar gave him half the revenues of the mettall Mines in Cyprus and the other half also he committed to his oversight and having honoured him with other gifts of Hospitality he gave him leave to choose which of his Sons he pleased to be his successor or if he liked it better to divide his Kingdom amongst them which when he was about to do Caesar told him that he would not suffer but that he should have
his Kingdom during his life in his own power as well as his Sons In Herods absence there was a rumour spread in Judea that he was dead whereupon the Trachonites revolting fell to their old trade of thieving but by the diligence of his Captains that he had left in his Kingdom Thieves subdued they were subdued and forty of the Chief of them being terrified by the punishment of those that were taken left their country and fled into Arabia Nabathaea where they were intertained by Silaeus who was an enemy to Herod because he had denyed him his sister Salome to wife who gave them a place to dwell in that was well fortified Herod and his Sons sailing homeward Herod returns with his Sons arrived at Sebaste in Cilicia where they met with Archelaus King of Cappadocia who courteously intertained Herod much rejoycing that his Sons were reconciled to him and that Alexander had fairely ansâ—â—red the crimes that were objected against him and so giâ—ing royall gifts each to other they parted Herod being returned into Judea called the people together and told them what he had done in his voyage and declared to them that his sons should reign after him first Antipater and then Alexander and Aristobulus that he had by Mariamne About this time in the year of the world 3994 Agrippa the first King of the Jews of that name Agrippa born was born who dyed when he was fifty four years old being struck by an Angel Act. 12.23 Also that lame man was now born who being above forty years old was healed by Peter at the Beautifull gate of the Temple Act. 4.22 Herod having finished Caesarea Stratonis in the twenty eighth year of his Reign he dedicated it with great solemnity and many sports and pastimes After which he began to build another Town in a field called Capharsala Herods great buildings which he called Antipatris after his Fathers name and a Castle also which he called Cyprus after his Mothers name In honour also of his dead brother he built in Jerusalem a very faire Tower not inferiour to the Egyptian Pharos and called it Phasalus and afterwards he built a Town of the same name in the valley of Jericho from whence the country there aboutâ— is called Phaselus Herod having wasted his wealth by his great prodigality and now wanting mony after the example of John Hyrcanus in the night He robs Davids Sepulchre without the knowledge of the people he opened Davids sepulchre where though he found no mony yet he found great store of precious things and ornaments of gold which he took away for the expiation of which fact he afterwards built a most sumptuous Monument of white Marble at the entrance of the Sepulchre Antipaters subtilty Antipater suborning other men falsly to accuse his Brethren Alexander and Aristobulus takes upon him their defence that making a shew of good will to them he might the easier oppress them and by these subtilties he so wrought upon his Father that thought him to be his only preserver Hereupon Herod commended his Steward Ptolomy unto Antipater and communicated all his Counsels with his Mother Doris so that all things were done as they pleased and still the King was imbittered against those whom it was their profit that he should be angry with About this time Pheroras Herods Brother fell so madly in love with his own servant that he refused marriage with Cypros the Kings Daughter that was offered him by his Brother He also accused Herod to his Son Alexander as if he had been greatly in love with his Wife Glaphyra for both which Herod was highly displeased with him In the year of the world 3996 he began to be diseased who lying at the Pool of Bethesda was after 38 years restored to health by Christ Joh. 5.5 Alexander by the subtilties of his adversaries Alexander reconciled to his Father being even driven to desparation was at this time reconciled to his Father by Archelaus King of the Cappadocians who came to Jerusalem to visit Herod and being accounted one of Herods chief Friends received great gifts from him and when he departed Herod brought him as far as Antioch Not long after Herod went a third time to Rome to visit Caesar in whose absence those Thieves of Trachonis Herod goes again to Rome whom Syllaeus had intertained with their inrodes infested not only Judea but all Caelosyria Syllaeus affording them both impunity and â—â—curity Heâ—â—â— beinâ— returned from Râ—me He returns and dedicates the Temple celebrated the Dedication of the Tâ—â—â—le reedified by him in the space of nine years and â—hâ— on the very bâ—rth day of his Kingdom which he waâ—â—ont to celebrate with great joy at which time he Sacrâ—â—ced unto God three hundred Oxen and other of the pâ—ople offâ—red an innumerable company of Sacrifices every one according to his ability Herod finding that in his absence his People had sustained much dammage by those Thieves of Trachonis Thieves do much mischief and seeing he could not subdue them being under the protection of the Arabian he therefore entred Trachonis and destroyed their Famelies which yet did but incense them the more so that contemning all dangers they molested Herods Countries with continuall excursions driving and carrying away the peoples goods Herod hereupon sent to the Presidents of Syria Saturninus and Volumnius desiring that he might have the punishing of the Thieves of Trachonis who by their incursions had often wasted his Country They when they heard hereof being increased to the number of a thousand began to waste both fields and villages cutting the throats of all that fell into their hands wherefore Herâ—d demanded those Thieves to be delivered over to him and withall required the sixty Talents that he had lent Obâ—das upon Syllaeus his security who had thrust Obodas from the Government and now ruled all himself But Syllaeus denied that the Thieves were in Arabia and deferred also to pay the money whereupon the business was debated before Saturninus and Volumnius and in conclusion it was determined by them that within thirty dayes space both the money should be repaid and the runawayes of both Countries should be delivered up and Syllaeus swore by the Fortune of Caesar before the Presidents of Syria that he would perform what was enjoyned But when the time was expired Syllaeus being unwilling to stand to the agreement went to Rome and in the mean time Herod by the permission of Saturninus and Volumnius to punish those obstinate people raised an Army entred Arabia and marched as far in three days as they used to do in seaven and when he came to the Castle where the Thieves kept Herod destroies the Thieves he took it at the first assault and demolished a Fortress also called Raeeptu and when a Captain of the Arabians came to their aid they joyned battell in which few of the Herodians were slain but there dyed twenty five of the Arabians together with
sâ—ould a 〈◊〉 concerning it and withall he took 〈◊〉 care â—f â—â—e young children of Alexander and Ariâ—toâ—â—â— whâ—â—h Aâ—tipaâ—er took very heavily fearing lest wheâ—â—â—ey shoâ—ld come to age they would hinder his designâ—â—â—oughâ— in â—efâ—re their destruction and he so overcam â—erod bâ— his flatteries that he sâ—ffered him to marry the dâ—ughte◠〈◊〉 Aristobulus and his son to marry the daugâ—ter of 〈◊〉 Uâ—cle Pheroras About thâ—â—â—he Herod invited Zamaris a Babilonian Jew and gave him a Country in Traâ—honis to inhabit and this he did that he might be a guard to that Country against Thieves and Zamaris coming with five hundred Horse and an hundred of his kinsmen erected Castles in divers places of that Country by which means he secured the Jews that came from Babilon to the Feasts at Jerusalem from the Thieves Antipater working treason against his Father drew in his Uncle Pheroras and some of the Kings women that were most addicted to the Sect of the Pharisees Of the Pharisees except Salome who constantly adhered to her Brother Herod These Pharisees were a crafty people arrogant and enemies to Kings and they only of the whole nation of the Jews refused to swear allegiance to Herod and Caesar and were about six thousand For which cause Herod fined them and the wife of Pheroras paid their fine for them to whom by way of requitall they foretold that the Kingdom should be taken from Herod and his children and be transferred upon her Husband and her and their children these things Salome made known to Herod Herod slew some of them who examining the business put some of the Pharisees to death and with them the Eunuch Dagoas and his darling Carus who was commended to him for his handsomeness and besides these all the rest of his Family whom he found to have conspired with the Phaâ—â—sâ—â—â— Herod having punished the Pharisees called a Councill of his Friends and before them began an accusation against the wife of his brother Pheroraâ— and when Pheroras tho to grafie his Brother would not forsâ—ke her he forbad Antipater Pheroras his company and Antipater that he might remove all suspition from himself procured by his friends that his Father should send him immediately to Augustus and accordingly Herod Herod sends his Son to Caesar sent him with great presents and his Will in which he declared that Antipater should succeed him in the Kingdom but if he died before him then his Son that he had by Mariamus the daughter of Simon the High Priest In the sixth moneth after John was conceived The Angel appears to Mary the Angel Gabriel was sent to Nazareth in Galilee to the blessed Virgin Mary betrothed to Jâ—seph of the same Tribe with her viz. of the stock of David and declared to her that she should bring forth the Son of God and call his name Jesus and she being more fully taught of his admirable conception by the power of the Holy Ghost overshadowing her with great Faith said Be it to the handmaid of the Lord according to thy word Luk. 1.26 38. and presently after she went into the Hill-Country into a City of Judah viz. Hebron a City of the Priests scituated in the mountains of Judea Josh 21.10 11. where when she entred into the House of Zachary and saluted her Cousin Elizabeth the babe sprang in her womb and she being filled with the Holy Ghost declared that Mary was blessed c. Luk. 1.39 56. Herod banished his Brother Herod banishes his Brother Pheroras into his Tetrarchy because he would not part with his wife who swore that he would never return till he heard of Herods death so that a little after Herod falling sick and often sending for him to receive some private instructions he refused to come for his oaths-sake When Elizabethâ— time was come she brought forth a Son who wa called Joâ—n John Baptist is born and Zacharies speech being restored to hâ—m he prophesied saying Blâ—ssed be the Lord God of Israel c. Luk. 1.57 â—8 and Joseph finding his betrothed wife to be with child thought of putting her away privily but being warned by God in a dream he took her to wife Mâ—t. 1.24 Pheroras Pheroras dieth falling sick and Herod beyond expectation being recovâ—red went to visit him and very kindly sought help for him but he died within a few dayes after whose boâ—y was brought to Jerusalem and interred by Herod who honoured him with publick mourning At this time two of Pheroras's freed men declared to Herod how he was killed by poyson g ven him by Doris the Mother of Aâ—tipater which whilest Herod enquired into by little and little â—e found out greater Villanies and the manifest treasonâ—â—f his Son Antipâ—â—eâ— Antipaters Treason who when he went to Rome had delivered a deadly poison tâ— Pheroras that was sent him out of Egypt from his Uncle â—heodore the brother of Doris wherewithall to mâ—ke awâ—y 〈◊〉 Father that so the suspition of the Parracide should not lye upon him being so far absent Hereupon Herod put Doris out of the Pallace and took from her Jewels that were worth many Talents He also put from him his wife Mariamne the daughter 〈◊〉 the Hâ—gh Priest as a partner of all these secrets and blotted hâ— son out of his Will and deprived her â—ather of the High Priesthood and substituted in his room Maâ—thias the Son of Theophilus that was born at Jerusalem Presently after came Bathyllus Antipaters freed-man from Rome who being tortured confessed that formerly he had brought poison and given it to Dâ—ris and Pherâ—ras that if the first proved too weak they should be sure to dispatch Herod with the second There came also letters from his Friends at Rome to the King written by the entreaty of Antipater Antipaters Craft in which Archelaus and Philip Hâ—rods sons were accused for often complaining of the death of Alexâ—nâ—â—â— and Aristobulus pittying the misfortune of their murthered brethren For these young men were studying at Rome and their Father had now commanded their return whereupon Antipater by great gifts corrupted those friends thâ—t by their letters they might make the young men suspected to their Father who if they lived might be an hindrance to his hopes About this time Augustus taxing all the Roman world our Lord Christ was born Christ is born Luk. 2.4 5. Shortly after there came wise men from the East the Star being their guide to Herod at Jerusalem and there being taught that the birth place of Christ was Bethlehem of Judea thither they went and entring into the house which was shewed them by the Star that stood over it they found the Child and fell down and worshipped him c. Mat. 2.1 12. After the Angel of the Lord appeared unto Jâ—seph in a dream warning him to fly into Egypt Joseph flies into Egypt where he remained till the death of Herod Mat. 2.13 14 15. Herod thinking that the Child was still at