THE HOPE of ISRAEL: Written By MENASSEH BEN ISRAEL, an Hebrew Divine, and Philosopher. Newly extant, and Printed in Amsterdam, and Dedicated by the Author to the High Court, the Parliament of England, and to the Council of State. Translated into English, and published by Authority. In this Treatise is showed the place wherein the ten Tribes at this present are, proved partly by the strange relation of one Antony Montezinus, a Jew, of what befell him as he traveled over the Mountain's Cordillaere, with divers other particulars about the restoratiòn of the Jews, and the time when. Printed at London by R. I. for Hannah Allen, at the Crown in Popes-head Alley, 1650. To the Parliament, the Supreme Court of England, and to the right Honourable the Council of State, Menasseh Ben Israel, prays God to give health, and all Happiness. IT is not one cause alone (most renowned Fathers) which useth to move those, who desire by their Meditations to benefit Mankind, and to make them come forth in public, to dedicate their Books to great Men; for some, and those the most, are incited by Covetousness, that they may get money by so doing, or some piece of plate of Gold, or Silver; sometimes also that they may obtain their votes, and suffrages to get some place for themselves, or their friends. But some are moved thereto, by mere and pure friendship, that so they may publicly testify that love, and affection, which they bear them, whose names they prefix to their Books; let the one, and the other, please themselves, according as they delight in the reason of the Dedication, whether it be good, or bad; for my part, I best like them, who do it upon this ground, that they may not commend themselves, or theirs, but what is for public good. As for me (most renowned Fathers) in my dedicating this Discourse to you I can truly affirm, that I am induced to it upon no other ground then this, that I may gain your favour and good will to our Nation, now scattered almost all over the earth; neither think that I do this, as if I were ignorant how much you have hitherto favoured our Nation; for it is made known to me, and to others of our Nation, by them who are so happy as near at hand, to observe your apprehensions, that ye do vouchsafe to help us, not only by your prayers; yea, this hath compelled me to speak to ye publicly, and to give ye thanks for that your charitable affection towards us, and not such thanks which come only from the tongue, but as are conceived by a grateful mind. Give me leave therefore (most renowned Fathers) to supplicate ye, that ye would still favour our good, and farther love us. Truly, we men do draw so much the nearer to Divine nature, when by how much we increase, by so much we cherish, and defend the small, and weak ones; and with how much diligence do you perform this, most renowned Fathers? who though ye seem to be arrived to the highest top of felicity, yet ye do not only not despise inferior men, but ye so wish well to them, that ye seem sensible of their calamity; ye knowing how acceptable to God ye are by so doing, who loves to do good to them who do good. And truly it is from hence, that of late ye have done so great things valiantly, and by an unusual attempt, and things much to be observed among the Nations. The whole world stands amazed at these things, and the eyes of all are turned upon ye, that they may see whither all these things do tend, which the great Governor of all things seems to bring upon the world by so great changes, so famously remarkable, of so many Nations; and so all those things which God is pleased to have foretell by the Prophets, do, and shall obtain their accomplishment. All which things of necessity must be fulfilled, that so Israel at last being brought back to his own place; peace, which is promised under the Messiah, may be restored to the world; & concord, which is the only Mother of all good things. These things I handle more largely in this Treatise, which I dedicate to ye (most renowned Fathers) ye cannot be ignorant, that it is not only not unprofitable, but very useful for States, and Statesmen, to foresee the issue (which yet is ever in God's hand) of humane Counsels, that so they may observe, and understand from Divine truth, the events of things to come, which God hath determined by his Spirit in his holy Prophets. I know that this my labour will not be unacceptable to ye, how mean soever it be, which I trust ye will cheerfully receive, because that ye love our Nation, and as part of it, the Author of this Discourse. But I entreat you be certain, that I pour out continual prayers to God for your happiness. Farewell, most renowned Fathers, and flourish most prosperously. Menasseh Ben Israel. MENASSEH BEN ISRAEL to the courteous Reader. THere are, as many minds as men, about the original of the people of America, and of the first inhabitants of the new World, and of the West-Indies; for how many men soever they were, or are, they came of those two, Adam, and Eve; and consequently of Noah, after the Flood. But that new World doth seem wholly separated from the old, therefore it must be that some did pass thither out of one (at least) of the three parts of the World, sc. Europe, Asia, and Africa; but the doubt is, what people were those, and out of what place they went. Truly, the truth of that must be gathered, partly out of the ancient Histories, and partly from conjectures; as their Habit, their Language, their Manners, which yet do vary according to men's dispositions; so that it is hard to find out the certainty. Almost all who have viewed those Countries, with great diligence, have been of different judgements: Some would have the praise of finding out America, to be due to the Carthaginians, others to the Phoenicians, or the Canaanites; others to the Indians, or people of China; others to them of Norway, others to the inhabitants of the Atlantic Islands, others to the Tartarians, others to the ten Tribes. Indeed, every one grounds his opinion not upon probable arguments, but high conjectures, as will appear farther by this Book. But I having curiously examined what ever hath hitherto been writ upon this Subject, do find no opinion more probable, nor agreeable to reason, than that of our Montezinus, who saith, that the first inhabitants of America, were the ten Tribes of the Israelites, whom the Tartarians conquered, and drove away; who after that (as God would have it) hide themselves behind the Mountain's Cordillerae. I also show, that as they were not driven out at once from their Country, so also they were scattered into divers Provinces, sc. into America, into Tartary, into China, into Media, to the sabbatical River, and into Aethiopia. I prove that the ten Tribes never returned to the second Temple, that they yet keep the Law of Moses, and our sacred Rites; and at last shall return into their Land, with the two Tribes, Judah, and Benjamin; and shall be governed by one Prince, who is Messiah the Son of David; and without doubt that happy time is near, which I make appear by divers things; where, Reader, thou shalt find divers Histories worthy of memory, and many Prophecies of the old Prophets opened, with much study, and care. I willingly leave it to the judgement of the godly, and learned, what worth there is in this my Book, and what my own Nation owes me for my pains: It is called, The Hope of Israel; which name is taken from Jerem. 14.8. O the hope of Israel, the Saviour thereof. For the scope of this Discourse is, to show, that the hope in which we live, of the coming of the Messiah, is of a future, difficult, but infallible good, because it is grounded upon the absolute Promise of the blessed God. And because I intent a continuation of Josephus his History of the Jews, our famous Historian; I entreat, and beseech all Learned men, in what part of the World soever they live (to whom I hope that shortly this Discourse will come) that if they have any thing worthy of posterity, that they would give me notice of it in time; for though I have collected many Acts of the Jews, and many Histories out of the Hebrews, the Arabians, the Grecians, the Latins, and other Authors of other Nations; yet I want many things for this my enterprise, all which I am willing to perform, that I may please my Nation; but rather to the glory of the blessed God, whose Kingdom is everlasting, and his Word infallible. The Translator to the Reader. THis Discourse of a Jew coming to my hand, and having perused it, I thought it not inconvenient to make it speak English; for the benefit of my Countrymen, who wait for the redemption of Israel; and at the same time, of the Gentiles also. That the Author is a Jew, aught to be no scandal to us (though some of us Christian Gentiles are ignorant of, and scandalised at the notion of the conversion of the jews, as the jews of old were, concerning our being Converted, and grafted into the true Stock, as in Acts 11.3.) for though God hath rejected them, yet not for ever, Romans 11.25, 26. And also the many Prophecies both in the Old, and New Testament, which concern their being received again to grace, gathered from their dispersion, and settled in their own Land; and their flourishing estate under, now our, and then their and our Prince, Jesus Christ the Messiah, who will then triumph gloriously, and all the people with him; these and many more Promises would want a fulfilling (which the God of Truth will never suffer) if there should not be the revolution of a time, in which they shall be converted, and grace and peace be poured out upon jews and Gentiles; though first upon the jew, than the Gentile. But beside this, the Author expresseth so much learning, that he deserveth honour of all; so much ingenuity, and (so fare as his light reacheth) so great a measure of the knowledge and fear of God, that he may well be set for a pattern to us Christians, who profess much better than he, but live much worse. One thing is very remarkable in him, that whereas many of us (like them who cannot see Wood for Trees) though Environed with mercies in these late revolutions, (I speak not to them who measure mercies only, or chief, by plentiful tables, full purses, rich accoutrements, and the like; that wretched Generation is unworthy of the name of Men, much more of Christians) yet will unthankfully cry out, What have we got by all these troubles? and what hath been done? surely this jew shall rise up in Judgement against such unchristian Christians; for he in his Epistle dedicatory says, The whole world stands amazed at what the Parliament hath done; besides, he cordially and openly owns the Parliament, who as fare as I know, never did him, or his Nation any further good then to pray for them; (though we hope, and pray, that their favour may extend to realities, towards that people, to whom certainly God hath made many, and great Promises, and shortly will give answerable performances:) but many among us, who enjoy peace under them, and many other blessings, (too many for an unthankful Generation) do refuse to acknowledge them, do curse them whom God hath blessed, and even in their prayers to that God who cannot be deceived, or imposed upon; do vent themselves against this present Government, in expressions so wild and false, that such Language would be accounted most unworthy, in our address to any considerable person, much more than to the great God. I shall only add this, sc. Do not think that I aim by this Translation to propagate, or commend judaisme (which its no wonder if the Author doth so much favour, especially in his thirtyeth Section) no, through Grace I have better learned the truth, as it is in Jesus: but to give some discovery of what apprehensions, and workings there are at this day in the hearts of the jews; and to remove our sinful hatred from off that people, whose are the Promises, and who are beloved for their Father's sakes; and who of Iewes, we shall hear to be, ere long, real Christians. The Authors of other Nations, which are quoted in this Treatise. A. Abrahamus' Ortelius Agathias Augustinus Alexis Vanegas Alfonsus Cemedro Alonsus Augustianus Alonsus de Erzilla Alonsus Venerus Arias Montanus. B. Baronius Berosus Boterus Bozius. C. Constantinus. D. Diodorus Siculus. Dion Duretus. E. Eselius' Geradus Eusebius Cesariensis. F. Famianus Strada Franciscus de Ribera Franciscus lopez de Gomara. G. Garcilassus dela Vega Genebrardus Goropius Guil. Postellus Guilielmus Blawius Guil. Schikardus. H. Henricus Alangre Hugo Grotius. I. Jacobus Verus Joan. de castillanos Joan. de Bairos Joan. Roman Joan. de Laet Joan. Huarte Josephus d' Acosta joan. Linschoten. L. Lescarbotus Lucanus. M. Manuel Sa. Marcilius Ficinus Marinus. N. Nicolaus Trigautius O. Origines Orosius Osorius Lusitanus. P. Petrus de Cieza Plancius Petrus Simon Petrus Hernandes de Quiros Petrus Teixera Pineda Plato Plinius Pomarius Proclus Porphyrius Possevinus Plutarch Picus Mirandulanus Ptolomaeus S. Semuel Bochardus Solinus Strabo Suetonius Tranquillus T. Tacitus Thomas Malvenda X. Xenophon. Z. Zarate. The Hebrew Books, and Authors. TAlmud Hierosolymitanum Talmud Babylonicum Paraphrasis Chaldaica R. Simhon ben Johay Seder holam Rabot jalkot Tanhuma Joseph ben Gurion R. Sehadia Gaon R. Moseh de Egypto R. Abraham Aben Ezra R. Selomoh jarhi Eldad Danita R. David Kimhi Eldad Danita R. David Kimhi R. Benjamin Tudelensis R. Moseh Gerundensis R. Abraham bar R. Hiya Don Shac Abarbanel R. Joseph. Coen R. Abraham Frisol R. Mordechay Japhe R. Mordechay reato R. Hazarya a Adomi THE RELATION OF ANTONY MONTEZINUS. IN the 18th. of the Month of Elul, the 5404 year from the World's creation, and according to common compute, in 1644. Aaron Levi, otherwise called Antonius Montezinus came into this City Amsterdam, and related to the Sieur Menassih ben Israel, and other Cheisetaines of the Portugal Nation, Inhabitants of the same City, these things which follow. That it was two years and an half, since that the going from the Port Honda in the West-Indies, to the Papian jurisdiction, he conducted some Mules of a certain Indian, whose name was Franciscus Castellanus, into the Province of Qulty, and that there was one in company with him and other Indians, whose name was Franciscus, who was called by all Cazicus. That it happened that as they went over the Mountains Cordillerae, a great tempest arose, which threw the loaden Mules to the ground. The Indians being afflicted by the sore tempest, every one began to count his losses; yet confessing that all that and more grievous punishments were but just, in regard of their many sins. But Franciscus bade them take it patiently, for that they should shortly enjoy rest: The others answered, that they were unworthy of it, yea, that the notorious cruelty used by the Spaniards towards them, was sent of God, because they had so ill treated his holy people, who were of all others the most innocent. Now then, they determined to stay all night upon the top of the Mountain. And Montezinus took out of a Box some Bread, and Cheese, and Junkets, and gave them to Franciscus, upbraiding him, that he had spoken disgracefully of the Spaniards; who answered, that he had not told one half of the miseries, and calamities inflicted by a cruel, and inhuman people; but they should not go unrevenged, looking for help from an unknown people. After this Conference, Montezinus went to Carthagena, a City of the Indians, where he being examined, was put in prison; and while he prayed to God, such words fell from him; Blessed be the name of the Lord, that hath not made me an Idolater, a Barbarian, a Black-a-Moore, or an Indian; but as he named Indian, he was angry with himself, and said, The Hebrews are Indians; then he coming to himself again, confessed that he doted, and added, Can the Hebrews be Indians? which he also repeated a second, and a third time; and he thought that it was not by chance that he had so much mistaken himself. He thinking farther, of what he had heard from the Indian, and hoping that he should find out the whole truth; therefore as soon as he was let out of Prison, he sought out Franciscus, believing that he would repeat to him again what he had spoken; he therefore being set at liberty, through God's mercy, went to the Port Honda, and according to his desire, found him, who said; He remembered all that be had spoken, when he was upon the Mountain; whom Montezinus asked, that he would take a Journey with him, offering him all courtesies, giving him three Pieces of Eight, that he might buy himself necessaries. Now when they were got out of the City, Montezinus confessed himself to be an Hebrew, of the Tribe of Levi, and that the Lord was his Gods; and he told the Indian, that all other gods were but mockeries; the Indian being amazed, asked him the name of his Parents; who answered, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; but said he, have you no other Father? who answered, yes, his Father's name was Ludovicus Montezinus; but he not being yet satisfied, I am glad (saith he) to hear you tell this, for I was in doubt to believe you, while you seemed ignorant of your Parents: Montezinus swearing, that he spoke the truth, the Indian asked him, if he were not the Son of Israel, and thereupon began a long discourse; who when he knew that he was so, he desired him to prosecute what he had begun, and added, that he should more fully explain himself, for that formerly he had left things so doubtful, that he did not seem at all assured of any thing. After that both had sat down together, and refreshed themselves, the Indian thus began: If you have mind to follow me your Leader, you shall know what ever you desire to know, only let me tell you this, whatsoever the journey is, you must foot it, and you must eat nothing but parched Mayz, and you must omit nothing that I tell you; Montezinus answered, that he would do all. The next day being Monday, Cazicus came again, and bid him throw away what he had in his Knapsack, to put on shoes made of linen packthread, and to follow him, with his staff; whereupon Montezinus leaving his Cloak, and his Sword, and other things which he had about him, they began the journey, the Indian carrying upon his back three measures of Mayz, two ropes, one of which was full of knots, to climb up the Mountain, with an booked sork; the other was lose, for to pass over Marshes, and Rivers, with a little Axe, and shoes made of linen pack-thread. They being thus accoutred, traveled the whole week, unto the Sabbath Day; on which day they testing, the day after they went on, till Tuesday, on which day about eight a clock in the morning, they came to a River as big as Duerus; then the Indian said, Here you shall see your Brethren, and making a sign with the sine linen of Xylus, which they had about them instead of a Girdle; thereupon on the other side of the River they saw a great smoke, and immediately after, such another sign made as they had made before; a little after that, three men, with a woman, in a little Boat came to them, which being come near, the woman went ashore, the rest staying in the Boat; who talking a good while with the Indian, in a Language which Montezinus understood not; she returned to the Boat, and told to the three men what she had learned of the Indian; who always eyeing him, came presently out of the Boat, and embraced Montezinus, the woman after their example doing the like; after which, one of them went back to the Boat, and when the Indian bowed down to the feet of the other two, and of the woman, they embraced him courteously, and talked a good while with him. After that, the Indian bid Montezinus to be of good courage, and not to look that they should come a second time to him, till he had sully learned the things which were told him at the first time. Then those two men coming on each side of Montezinus, they spoke in Hebrew, the fourth Verse of Deut. 6. Semah Israel, adonai Elohenu adonai chad; that is, Hear O Israel, the Lord our God is one God. Then the Indian Interpreter being asked, how it was in Spanish, they spoke what follows to Montezinus, making a short pause between every particular. 1 Our Fathers are Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Israel, and they signified these four by the three fingers lifted up; then they joined Reuben, adding another finger to the former three. 2 We will bestow several places on them who have a mind to live with us. 3 Joseph dwells in the midst of the Sea, they making a sign by two fingers put together, and then parted them. 4 They said (speaking fast) shortly some of us will go forth to see, and to tread under foot; at which word they winked, and stamped with their feet. 5 One day we shall all of us talk together, they saying, Ba, ba, ba; and we shall come forth as issuing out of our mother the earth. 6 A certain Messenger shall go forth. 7 Franciscus shall tell you somewhat more of these things, they making a sign with their finger, that much must not be spoken. 8 Suffer us that we may prepare ourselves; and they turning their hands and faces every way, thus prayed to God, DO NOT STAY LONG. 9 Send twelve men, they making a sign, that they would have men that had beards, and who are skilful in writing. The Conference being ended, which lasted a whole day, the same men returned on Wednesday, and Thursday, and spoke the same things again, without adding a word; at last Montezinus being weary that they did not answer what be asked them, nor would suffer him to go over the river, he cast himself into their Boat; but he being forced out again, fell into the river, and was in danger to be drowned, for be could not swim; but being got out of the water, the rest being angry, said to him; attempt not to pass the River, nor to inquire after more than we tell you; which the Indian interpreted to him, the rest declaring the same things both by signs, and words. You must observe, that all those three days the Boat stayed not in the same place, but when those four who came went away, other four came, who all as with one mouth, repeated all the nine particulars, there came and went about three hundred. Those men are somewhat scorched by the Sun, some of them wear their hair long, down to their knees, others of them shorter, and others of them much as we commonly cut it. They were comely of body, well accoutred, having ornaments on their feet, and legs, and their heads were compassed about with a linen cloth. Montezinus saith, that when he was about to be gone, on Thursday evening, they shown him very much courtesy, & brought him whatever they thought fit for him in his journey, and they said, that themselves were well provided with all such things, (sc. meats, garments, flocks, and other things) which the Spaniards in India call their own. The same day, when they came to the place where they had rested, the night before they came to the River, Montezinus said to the Indian; You remember Francis, that my Brethren told me, that you should tell me something, therefore I entreat you, that you would not think much to relate it. The Indian answered, I will tell you what I know, only do not trouble are, and you shall know the truth, as I have received it from my forefathers; but if you press me too much, as you seem to do, you will make me tell you lies; attend therefore I pray, to what I shall tell you. Thy Brethren are the Sons of Israel, and brought thither by the providence of God, who for their sake wrought many Miracles, which you will not believe, if I should tell you what I have learned from my Fathers; we Indians made war upon them in that place, and used them more hardly than we now are by the Spaniards; then by the instigation of our Magicians (whom we call Mohanes) we went armed to that place where you saw your Brethren, with an intent to destroy them; but not one of all those who went thither, came back again; whereupon we raised a great Army, and set upon them, but with the same success, for again none escaped; which happened also the third time, so that India was almost bereft of all inhabitants, but old men, and women; the old men therefore, and the rest who survived, believing that the Magicians used false dealing, consulted to destroy them all, and many of them being killed, those who remained promised to discover somewhat that was not known; upon that they desisted from cruelty, and they declared such things as follow: That the God of those Children of Israel is the true God, that all that which is engraven upon their stones is true; that about the end of the World they shall be Lords of the world; that some shall come who shall bring you much good, and after that they have enriched the earth with all good things, those Children of Israel going forth out of their Country, shall subdue the whole World to them, as it was subject to them formerly; you shall be happy if you make a League with them. Then five of the chief Indians (whom they call Cazici who were my Ancestors, having understood the Prophecy of the Magicians, which they had learned of the Wise men of the Hebrews, went thither, and after much entreaty, obtained their desire, having first made known their mind to that woman, whom you saw to be for an Interpreter, (for your Brethren will have no commerce with our Indians) and whosoever of ours doth enter the Country of your Brethren, they presently kill him; and none of your Brethren do pass into our Country. Now by the help of that woman we made this agreement with them. 1 That our fifth Cazici should come to them, and that alone at every seventy months' end. 2 That he to whom secrets should be imparted, should be above the age of three hundred Moons, or months. 3 And that such things should be discovered to none in any place where people are, but only in a Desert, and in the presence of the Cazici; and so (said the Indian) we keep that secret among ourselves, because that we promise ourselves great favour from them, for the good offices which we have done to our Brethren, it is not lawful for us to visit them, unless at the seventy months' end: Or if there happens any thing new, and this fell out but thrice in my time; First, when the Spaniards came into this Land; also, when Ships came into the Southern Sea; and thirdly, when you came, whom they long wished for, and expected. They did much rejoice for those three new things, because that they said, the Prophecies were fulfilled. And Montezinus also said, that three other Cazici were sent to him by Franciscus, to Honda, yet not telling their names; till he had said, you may speak to them freely, they are my fellows in my Function, of whom I have told you, the fifth could not come for age, but those three did hearty embrace him; and Montezinus being asked, of what Nation he was, he answered, an Hebrew, of the Tribe of Levi, and that God was his God, etc. which when they had heard, they embraced him again, and said: Upon a time you shall see us; and shall not know us; we are all your Brethren, by God's singular favour; and again, they both of them hidding farewell, departed, every one saying, I go about my business; therefore none-but Franciscus being left, who saluting Montezinus as a Brother, than bade him farewell, saying, farewell my Brother, I have other things to do, and I go to visit thy Brethren, with other Hebrew Cazici▪ As for the Country, be secure, for we rule all the Indians; after we have finished a business which we have with the wicked Spaniards, we will bring you out of your bondage, by God's help; not doubting, but he who cannot lie, will help us, according to his Word; endeavour you in the mean while that those men may come. The HOPE of ISRAEL. SECT 1. IT is hard to say what is certain among the so many, & so uncertain opinions concerning the original of the Indians of the new world. If you ask, what is my opinion upon the relation of Montezinus, I must say, it is scarce possible to know it by any Art, since there is no demonstration, which can manifest the truth of it; much less can you gather it from Divine, or humane Writings; for the Scriptures do not tell what people first inhabited those Countries; neither was there mention of them by any, till Christop. Columbus, Americus Vespucius, Ferdinandus Cortes, the marquis Del Valle, and Franciscus Pizarrus went thither; and though hitherto I have been of this mind, that I would speak only of solid, and infallible things, (as those things are which concern our Law) and the obscurity of the matter, making me doubt, whether it would be worth a while for me to attempt it; yet at last I was content to be persuaded to it, not that I look to get credit by it, but that my friends, and all who seek for truth, that have put me upon this work, may see how very desirous I am to please them. I shall speak somewhat in this Discourse, of the divers opinions which have been, and shall declare in what Countries it is thought the ten Tribes are; and I shall close, after that I have brought them into their own Country, which I shall prove by good reasons, following the Revelations of the holy Prophets, who I believe cannot be expounded otherwise, whatever some think; yet I intent not to dispute these things, but according to my custom, shall lay down fairly, and faithfully, the opinions of the jews only. SECT. 2. YOu must know therefore, that Alexis Vanegas saith, that the first Colonies of the West-Indies were of the Carthaginians, who first of all inhabited New-Spaine, and as they increased, spread to the Island Cuba; from thence to the continent of America; and after that towards Panama, New-Spaine, and the Isle of Peru. And he grounds himself on that reason, that as the Carthaginians (who of old did most use the Seas) so those of Peru, and the Inhabitants of New-Spaine, did make use of pictures instead of letters. But this opinion doth not satisfy, because they anciently were white men, bearded, and civil in converse; but contrarily those of Parama, St. Martha, and of the isles of Cuba, and Barlovent, went naked. Farthermore, who can think that the language which; he saith, they first spoke, should be so soon changed, that it should be wholly another: and there is no agreement between the one and the other. The learned Arias Montanus thinks, that the Indians of New Spain, and Peru, are the offspring of Ophir the son of Jokton, the nephew of Heber. And he backs his opinion, by the name Ophir, which by transposition of letters, is the same with Peru; and he adds, that the name Parvaim in the dual number, doth signify the Istimus between New-Spaine and Peru, which first was called Ophir, than Peru; and that these countries are that Peru, from whence King Solomon brought gold, precious stones, etc. as in 1 Kin. chap. 9.6.10. & 2 Chron. 9.21. This opinion seems more probable than the other, and may be backed by another name of the River Liru, which according to Gomoras, lies in the 2d degree from the Equinoctial line, from Panama 222. miles; as also by the name of the Province Jucatan, which may be derived from Joktan the father of Ophir. But besides that this notation is somewhat fare fetched, it crosses what Josephus Acosta affirms in 1. Histor. of Jud. c. 13. who saith, that the name Peru was unknown to the Indians themselves before those Spaniards gave that name. Add to this what Garcillasso de la Vega in the first part of his Commentary on Peru, c. 4 saith, that when a certain Spaniard, Basco Nunnez de Balboa, lived in that country, and asked a Fisherman, what was the name of that Province, he answered Beru; (which was the fisherman's own name, he thinking that was the question) and he farther said, that the name of the River where he fished, was called Pelu. Hence you may see, that Peru is made of both those words; which also many Spaniards besides him, we have mentioned, do testify. Besides, who can think that Solomon neglecting the East-Indies, a place so rich, and abounding with all things, should send a Fleet so fare off as to the West-Indies. Also we read in 1 King. 9 that Solomon made ships in Ezion-Geber on the shore of the red Sea, which also Jehosophat did, with Ahaziah, as Ezra saith, in 2. Chron. 20. and it is certain that those of those countries went that ordinary way to India. And it will not follow, that because the holy Scripture sometimes saith, that they went to Tarsis, and sometimes that they went to Ophir, that therefore both those places are the same; since that Tarsis is not, as some think Carthage, or Tunes in Africa; for that the navy of Solomon did not set sail from Joppa, a Port of the mediterranean, but from Ezion-Geber, a Port of the red Sea, from whence they could not sail to Carthage, but to the East-Indies. The answer of Isaac Abarbanel to that argument, cannot be admitted, who saith, that an arm of Nilus did run into the red Sea, and another arm ran into the Mediterranean, by Alexandria in Egypt; since it was never heard, that ships of great burden, did swim in those rivers; and would not he then have built his Navy in the Port of Alexandria? It is more true that Tarsis is the Ocean, or Indian Sea; and because they came into the Ocean, after that they had sailed over the red Sea, which is but narrow, therefore the Scripture saith, They Sailed to Tarsis. Rabbi Jonathan ben Vziel follows this opinion, who in his Paraphrase, for Tarsis, puts (the Sea.) The same saith Franciscus de Ribera, in his Comment on Jonah, and also Rabbinus Josephus Coen, in his Chronology; who ascribe the word Tarsis, to the Indian Sea; because that Ophir is the same country, which of old is called The Golden Chersonesus; and by Josephus, The golden Land; and at this day Malacca; from whence they brought Ivory, for the great number of Elephants which are there; none of which are in the West-Indies, And Solomon's Navy stayed in those Ports of India, 3. years, because they traded with the Inhabitants I know that learned Grotius, and famous de Lactantio think differently; as also those quoted by them; but I shall not insist in confuting their opinions because I study brevity. I do like of, in part, the opinion of the Spaniards who dwell in the Indies, who by common consent do affirm that the Indians come of the 10. Tribes. And truly they are not altogether mistaken, because in my opinion, they were the first planters of the Indies; as also other people of the East-Indies came by that Straight which is between India, and the Kingdom of Anian. But that people, according to our Montezinus, made war upon those Inhabitants the Isralites, whom they forced up unto the mountains, and the inland countries, as formerly the Britons were driven by the Saxons into Wales. SECT. 3. THe first ground of that opinion is taken from 2 Esdras. 13. v. 40. &c, (which we quote as ancient, though it be Apocryphal) where it's said, that the 10. Tribes which Salmanaster carried captive in the reign of Hoseas, beyond Euphrates, determined to go into countries fare remote, in which none dwelled, whereby they might the better observe their law. And as they passed over some branches of Euphrates, God wrought miracles, stopping the course of the Flood, till they had passed over; and that country is called Arsareth. From whence we may gather, that the 10. Tribes, went to New-Spaine, and Peru, and possessed those 2 Kingdoms, till then without Inhabitants. Genebrardus, quoting Esdras concerning that wand'ring of the 10. Tribes, saith, that Arsareth is Tartary the greater, and from thence they went to Greenland; because that America is lately found compassed with it, and so it is to be on that side farther from Sea, than it is upon other sides, being almost an Island; and they might pass from Greenland, by the Straight of Davis into the country Labrador, which is now called India, being 50. miles distant from thence, as Gomera's saith in his History: The same journeying of the 10 Tribes into India, is confirmed by that which P. Malvenda reports. That Arsareth is that Promontry which is near to Scythia, or Tartary, near the Sea, called by Pliny, Tabis, where America is parted from the country of Anian by a narrow Sea; which also on that side parts China, or Tartary from America; so that there might be an easy passage for the 10. Tribes through Arsareth, or Tartary into the Kingdoms of Anian, and Quivira; which in time might plant the new world, and firm land; which in bigness equals Europe, Asia, and Africa put together; Alonsus Augustinianus counting from the shore of the north Sea, from the country of Labrador 3928. miles, and from Sur 3000. miles; but Gomaras counts from India by the South, and Sur 9300. miles; which space is big enough for the 10. Tribes, that they may there spread in places hitherto unknown. SECT. 4. HE strengthens this opinion, that in the isle S. Michael, which belongs to the Azores, the Spaniards found Sepulchers under ground, with very ancient Hebrew letters, which Genebrardus hath Printed, in lib. 1. chro. p. 159. From whence we gather, that in that inscription there is a mistake of the Letter (T), so that the sense of it is, How perfect is God. Sehalbin is dead. Know God. Unless you will have them to be proper Names, and to signify him that is dead, and his Father, in which sense for (M) you must read (B), and then the sense will be, Meetabel, seal, the Son of Matadel; such names ending in (el) are common in Scripture, as Raphael, Immanuel, and the like. Let it suffice him who is pleased with neither of those conjectures, that Hebrew Letters were found there. And though that Island is remote from the West-Indies, yet it might be by accident that they might put in thither. SECT. 5. THat seems to be to the purpeses which Garcillasse de la Voga saith in his Comment on Peru, lib. 3. c. 1. That in Tiahuanacis a Province of Collai, among other Antiquities, this is worthy of memory, (being situated at the Lake which the Spaniards call Chutuytu) That among the great buildings which are there, one was to be seen of a very great pile, which hath a Court 15 fathoms broad; a wall that compasseth it, 2 furlongs high; on one side of the Court is a Chamber 45 foot long, and 22 broad; and the Court, the Wall, the Pavement, the Chamber, the Roof of it, the entrance, the posts of the 2 gates of the Chamber, and of the entrance, are made only of one stone; the three sides of the Wall are an ell thick; the Indians say, that that House is dedicated to the Maker of the World. I conjecture that building to be a Synagogue, built by the Israelites; for the Authors who writ about the Indies, tell us, that the Indians never use iron, or iron weapons. Also the Indians were Idolaters, and therefore it could not be that they should build an house to God. P. Acosta in lib. 6. Ind. histor. c. 14. mentions such buildings as are in that place; and he reports that he measured a stone which was 38 foot long, 18 foot broad, and 6 foot thick. Petrus Cieza in his first part of his Chonicles of Peru, c. 87. relates, That in the City Guamanga, which is situated by the river Vinaque, there is a vast building, which because then it seemed almost ruined by time, it therefore had lasted many years. He ask the neighbouring Indians. Who built that great Pile? he learned, that it was made by a people (who were bearded, and white as the Spaniards) who came thither a long time before (and stayed some time after) the Indians reigned there; and the Indians said, that they had received it from their Fathers by Tradition. The same Cieza cap. 10 5. of the Antiquity of Tiguanac, saith, that what the Indians boast to be very ancient, can by no means be compared with that Ancient buildings, and other things. From all which you may well gather, that the first inhabitants of that place were the Israelites of the 10 Tribes because they were white, and bearded. SECT. 6. TO this opinion add an argument taken from what Logicians call à simili; for he that will compare the Laws and Customs of the Indians and Hebrews together, shall find them agree in many things; whence you may easily gather, That the Indians borrowed those of the Hebrews (who lived among them) before, or after they went to the unknown mountains. The Indians of Jucatan, and the Acuzainitenses do circumeise themselves. The Totones of New Spain, and Mexicans (as Roman and Gomaza in the general history of the Indians testify) rend their garments, if their happen any sudden misfortune, or the death of any. Gregorius Garcias in Monarchia Ingasonum, an Isle of Peru, saith, that Guainacapacus hearing that his son Atagualpa fled for fear of the army of his enemy, he rend his garments. The Mexicans, and Totones, or the Totonacazenses kept continually fire upon their altars, as God commands in Leviticus. Those of Peru do the same, in their Temples dedicated to the Sun. The Nicaraguazenses do forbid their women who were lately brought a bed, to enter their Temples, till they are purified. The Inhabitants of Hispaniola think those do sin, who lie with a woman a little after her childbirth. And the Indians of new Spain do severely punish Sodomy. Many of the Indians do bury their dead on the Mountains; which also is the Jewish custom, and Garcias saith, the name Chanan to found in those countries. You may wonder at this, that the Indians do every 50. years celebrate a Jubily, with great pomp, in Mexico, the Metropolis of the whole Province. Also that on the Sabbath-day all are bound to be present in the Temple, to perform their Sacrifices, and Ceremonies. They also were divorced from their wives, if they were not honest. The Indians of Pern, New-Spain, and Guatemala did marry the widows of their dead brethren. May not you judge from these things, that the Jews lived in those places, and that the Gentiles learned such things of them? Add also to what hath been said, that the knowledge which the Indians had, of the creation of the world, and of the universal Flood, they borrowed from the Israelites. SECT. 7. THe 4th ground of this opinion is, that the Indians are of a brown colour, and without beards; but in the new world, white, and bearded men were found, who had never commerce with the Spaniards; and whom you cannot affirm to be any other than Israelites; because also as they could never be overcome, so they shall never be fully known: as appears by what follows. Petrus Simon a Franciscan, in his History of finding out the firm land, saith, that in the reign of Charles the 5. he commanded one called Philippus de Vire thither, to discover, and plant those countries; that he found them unknown toward the north of America about 5. degrees, in the Province of Omeguas, which is near the Province of Venezuela, and now is called Garracas. And he having learned of their neighbours, the greatness of that people both in wealth, and in war, he determined to war upon them. Who when they had marched a good way, at last found a rich city, full of people, and fair buildings; and not fare off 2 husbandmen tilling the ground; whom they would have made prisoners, that they might be their interpreters. But when they saw themselves set on, they fled apace towards the city; but Philippus d' Vire and his Soldiers followed them hard on horseback, and had almost taken them; whereupon the husbandmen stood still, and with their Spears wounded Philip in the breast, piercing through his Breastplate made of wool to keep off arrows. He wondering at the dexterity of that people, judged it a wiser course, not to make war upon that Province, and people so expert in war, and who dared to resist armed men. Therefore he retreated with his Company. And to this day none go to that people, neither is it known which way to go to them. It is probable that they are Israelites whom God preserves in that place against the day of redemption. Alonsus de Erzilla testifies the same thing, in 2. part. sua Araucaniae, Cant. 27. where describing those places, he thus speaks in Spanish, Some Countries there, so populous are seen, As one continued City; which have been Never as yet, discovered; but unknown To other Nations; have lain hid alone; Not found by foreign sword, nor foreign trade Do either seek, nor suffer to be made▪ But unacquainted live, till God shall please To manifest his secrets▪ show us these. SECT. 8. IOanues Castilianus Vicarius living in the City Pampelona of Nova Granada in Peru, saith, that when Gonzalus Pisarrus had revolted from his people, he sent some to search out new countries of the Indians who lived eastward, whose number could never be known, because that (as some say) their country is above 2000 miles in length, if you compute from the head of the river Maragnon, which runs near Andes of Gusco, unto the place where it runs into the Sea, where therefore the River began to be navigable, Petrus d' Orsua being a Captain, went by water, and h●s Soldiers with him, in Vessels called Canoes; which when they were too small for the source of the stream, he built Brigandines, on the bank of the River Guariaga, which washing the Province Chachapoyas, runs into Maragnon. He was scarce gone aboard his Brigandines, when one of his own Soldiers named Aquirre, a stout man, killed him, who by common consent succeeded the slain▪ When they had gone a little way, they found a plain without a mountain, where many houses stood on each side of the bank of Maragnon, being built by the Indians. They still went on for 48 hours together, and saw nothing but tall, and white houses, which they feared to go into, because the Inhabitants were numerous, and because they heard the noise of Hammers; for which cause they thought the Inhabitants to be Goldsmiths. They went on still, and now sailed in the north Sea, but always near to the shore of the Province of Margarita, where Aquirre was catcht by the Inhabitants and hanged; for they heard that he had killed his Captain Petrus de Orsua. SECT. 9 CAspar Bergarensis (whom I have oft spoke with) went from the City Loxa, which is in the Province of Quiti in Peru, and accompanied the Colonel Don Diego Vaca dela Vega going to seek a new Country. In the year 1622 they came to the Province Jarguasongo, which had been discovered by Captain Salines; and they passed the Mountains Cordillerae, where the River Maragnon is not above a stones cast over. In the Province of the jude Mainenses they built a City, whose name was S. Franciscus de Borja, at Esquilache. In his company were an 100 Spaniards in Canoes. Having conquered those Indians, and compelling them to swear fealty to the King of Spain; the Colonel being instructed by the Mainenses, went to other places, after he had put a Garrison into his new City. Having sailed fifty leagues in the River (he found some Cottages of the Indians which there hid themselves) by favour of many Rivers which there run into Maragnon. When they had sailed into the River Guariaga, where Petrus de Orsua had built his Brigaudines, and was killed by Aquerra; they asked the Indians whom they had taken (who were called Guariaga, from the River's name) what people do live on the River's side? they told the Colonel, that 5 day's journey off, there live men of tall stature, comely in presence, and have as great beards as the Spaniards have, valiant, and warlike, who are not skilled in Canowes', though the rest of the Indians use no other; he presently returned the same way he came. SECT. 10. IN Fardambuc about 40 years since, 8 Tabaiares had a mind to look out new Countries, and to see whether the Land that was beyond, and unknown, were inhabited. They having spent 4 months in travelling Westward, they came to mountains, to whose top they got with difficulty, and found a plain which a pleasant river did compass, by whose bank side dwelled a people who loved commerce, they were white, and bearded; and this 5 of the Tabaires (for 3 perished by the way, and only 5 returns) told to the Brasilians after 9 months. SECT. 11. IN our time, under King Philip the Third, Captain Ferdinandes de Queiros being returned out of India (where he had spent most of his life) to Rome, he shown a Table of Lands yet undiscovered. From thence he went to Madrid, and 5 ships were given him by che Governor of Panama (to whom he was sent) to perfect his design. He began his journey, and was scarcely entered the South Sea, but he found land, which he called, The Isle of Solomon, and Jerusalem, for reasons which he told me. He in his course of sailing always kept close to the shore of those Islands; he saw those Islanders of a brown colour, and took many; others dwelled in greater Islands, and more fruitful; these were white, and wore long garments of silk; and the Pilot being bid to bring his Ship near the shore, he split his Ship upon a Rock, and the Islanders running greedily to the sight) which being sunk, the Captain went thence, looking for the firm land, which he found to be forty degrees beyond; and he went 300 miles near the shore And when he perceived the Country to be inhabited, by the smoke which he saw, and would put into a Port on the side of the River, there ran to him many white men, of yellow hair, tall like Giants, richly clothed, and of long beards. But one of the Vessels being wracked in the Havens mouth, he was forced to put out to Sea; whereupon the Islanders sent 2 Chaloffis of a brown colour, (as the inhabitants were of the first Island) with sheep, and other provisions, and fruits, but desiring, and threatening them, if they did not departed: The Captain brought those Coloffis into Spain, from whom the Spaniards could learn nothing but by signs; and in stead of answers, (when they were asked) would show their beards, as if such those were, who were their Lords, and had sent them, and if they were asked about Religion, they would hold up their fingers to heaven, implying, that they worshipped but one God. A little while after, they died in Spain. The Captain returned to Panama, having left his 2 Ships which were wracked; and when the Governor sued him, by means. of the Senators, who are over the Indian affairs, he was dismissed, and returned with his Ships into Spain, where he abode 2 years before his matters were dispatched. But the King created him marquis of the Countries found out by him, and commanded to give him a good Army, wherewith to compass his designs. But he scarce got to Panama, when he died, not without suspicion of being poisoned by the Governor. SECT: XII. THat which I am about to tell, shall serve for a proof of that which I said of the West-Indians. A Dutch mariner told me, that not long since he was with his ship in America, seven degrees towards the North between Maragnon, and great Para, and he put into an harbour in a pleasant river, where he found some Indians who understood Spanish, of whom he bought Meats, and Dy-wood; after he had stayed there six months, he understood that that River extended eighteen leagues towards the Carybes Indians, as far as the ship could go; and that the River is divided there into three branches, and they sailing two months on the left hand, there met them white men, and bearded, well bred, well clothed, and abounding with gold and silver; they dwelled in Cities enclosed with walls, and full of people; and that some Indians of Oronoch went thither, and brought home much gold, silver, and many precious stones. Which he having understood, sent thither some Seamen; but the Indian died by the way, who was their guide, and so they did not proceed, but stayed there two months, and trucked with the Indians who were sixty leagues from Sea. That Province is called Jisbia, and is subject to Zealand; they have no commerce with the Spaniards, and the Inhabitants travel securely every way. I heard that story by accident from that Dutch master of the ship; whence some of us guessing them to be Israelites, had purposed to send him again to inquire more fully. But he died suddenly the last year, whence it seems that God doth not permit that those purposes should take any effect till the end of days. SECT: XIII. YEt I give more credit to our Monterinus, being a Portugal, and a Jew of our order; born in a City of Portugal, called Villefleur, of honest and known parents, a man about forty years old, honest, and not ambitious. He went to the Indies, where he was put into the Inquisition as the successor of many who were born in Portugal, and descended from them whom the King of Portugal Don Manuel forced to turn Christians: (O wicked, and unjust action, saith Osorius; and a little after, This was done neither according to Law, nor Religion,) and yet to this day they privately keep their Religion, which they had changed, being forced thereto. He being freed from the Inquisition, very diligently ought out these things, and oft spoke with those men; and then was not quiet till he came hither, and had told us that good news. He endured much in that journey, and was driven to great want, so that no house would give him food, or give him money for his work. I myself was well acquainted with him for six months together that he lived here; and sometimes I made him take an oath in the presence of honest men, that what he had told, was true. Then he went to Farnambuc, where two years after he died, taking the same oath at his death. Which if it be so, why should not I believe a man that was virtuous, and having all that which men call gain. And who knows but that shortly the truth of that prognostic may appear, which our Monterinus learned from the Mohanes; answerable to that which Jacobus Verus an ginger of Prague writ after the apparition of the Comet in Ann. 1618. and dedicated to his Highness the Prince Palatine, where he thus discourseth: The Comet going towards the South, doth intimate that the Cities and Provinces which God doth threaten, are those of the West-Indies, which shall revolt from the King of Spain, who will find that loss greater than he imagined, not that the Indians rebel against him of themselves, but that they are provoked to it being stirred up by others. Neither did the Comet only foretell that, but the eclipse of the Sun, which was in that Country the year before. Thus far the ginger. Our ancient Rabbins say, though we do not believe the Astrologers in all things, yet we do not wholly reject them, who sometimes tell truth. SECT: XIIII. THus far of the West-Indies; of which Isaiah may be understood (because it lies in the midst of the Sea, and also hath many Islands) in Isa. 60.9. The isles shall wait for me, and the ships of Tarshish first, to bring their sons from far, their silver and their gold with them. Jer. 31.10. Hear the word of the Lord O ye nations, and declare it in the isles afar off, and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him. Psal. 97.1. The Lord reigneth, let the earth rejoice, and the multitude of isles be glad. Where part of the ten Tribes do dwell unknown to this day. SECT. XV. YOu must know, that all the ten Tribes were not carried away at the same time. Pull the King of Assyria (as I show in the 2d: part of my Reconciler) conquered, and carried away the Tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half Manasseh, in the reign of Peka, as you may see in 1 Chron: 5.26. and Josephus in li. 9 c. 11. Tiglah-pileser 8. years after took Ijon, Abel-beth-maachah, Hazor, Gilead, Galilee, all the land of Naphtali, and he carried away all the captives into Assyria, in 2 King. 15.29. At last Shalmaneser king of Assyria, nine years after, in the reign of Hoshea the son of Elah, besieged Samaria three years; which being taken, he carried away Hoshea, with the rest of the Tribes, in 2 King. 17.6. Of those three times the Prophet Isaiah speaks, Isa. 9.1. saying, the first captivity was gentle, if you compare it with the last, which was grievous, and unsufferable, when the kingdom, and Monarchy of Israel ceased. SECT: XVI. THe ten Tribes being conquered at several times, we must think they were carried into several places. As we believe they went to the West-Indies by the straight of Anian, so we think that out of Tartary they went to China, by that famous wall in the confines of both. Our argument to prove it, is taken from the authority of two Jesuits, who erected their Colleges in those countries'. Nicolaus Trigantius a Dutchman in his discourse of the Christian expedition undertaken by the Jesuits to Sina, saith, We find that in former time the Jews came into these kingdoms. And when that society had for some years seated itself in the Court of the Pequinenses, a certain Jew came to P. Matthaeus Riccius; he was born in Chamfamfu the metropolis of the Province Honan, and was surnamed Ngay; and now being licenced to the degree of Doctor, he went to Pequin. But when he read in a certain book writ by a Doctor of China, concerning the European affairs, That our fathers are not Saracens, and know no God but the Lord of heaven, and earth; and would persuade himself that ours did profess the Law of Moses, he went into the Church with P. Matthaeus Riccius. On an altar there was the effigies of the Virgin Mary, and the child Jesus, whom St. John his forerunner worshipped with bended knees; now that day was the holiday of John the Baptist. The Jew thinking it was the effigies of Rebecca, and her two sons Jacob and Esau, he bowed also to the Image, but with this apology, that he worshipped no Images, but that he could not but honour these who were the parents of our Nation. And he ask if the four Evangelists on both sides of the altar, were not four of the twelve sons of Jacob; the Jesuit answered, Yes, thinking he had asked of the 12. Apostles. But afterward the Jew acknowledged to the Jesuit that he was an Israelite; and he found the King's Bible, and acknowledged the Hebrew letters, though he could not read them. By this occasion our people learned, that ten or twelve families of Israelites were there, and had built a very neat Synagogue which cost 10000 crowns; in which they have kept the five books of Moses with great veneration for 600. years. He also affirmed, that in Hamcheu the metropolis of the Province Chequiona, there are far more families, with a synagogue; and elsewhere that many families live without a synagogue, because that by little and little they are extinguished. He relating many things out of the old Testament, he differed but little in pronouncing those names. He said, that some among them were not ignorant of the Hebrew tongue, but that himself had neglected it, having studied the China tongue from a child. For which cause he was counted almost unworthy of their society, by the ruler of the synagogue. But he chief looked after this, that he might get to be Doctor. Three years after P. Matthaeus Riccius scent one of our brethren to that metropolis, who found all those things true. He compared the beginnings, and end of the books which the Jews keep in their synagogue, with our Pentateuch, and saw no difference, this only, that those had no pricks. The other Jesuit is Alfonsus Cimedro, who likewise saith, that there is a great number of Jews in the Province of Oroensis, on the West part of China, who know nothing of the coming, and suffering of Jesus. And he from thence gathers, that they are of the ten Tribes, (which opinion I also am of) because those Chineses observe many Jewish rites, which you may see in a manuscript, which the noble Jaochimus Wicofortius hath. And why might not some of them sail from China to New-Spaine through the Straight between China, and Anian, and Quivira, which do border upon New-Spain; and from thence they went to the Isles of Panama, Peru, and those thereabout. These in my judgement are those Chineses of whom Isaiah speaks, Chap. 49. ver: 12. (treating about Israel's return to his country) Behold these shall come from afar, and these from the North, and from the West, and these from the land of Sinim. And so Ptolemy in lib 7. c. 3. tab. 11. calls it, The country of Sinim, or Sina: and this is the true sense of the words; Aben Ezra therefore is mistaken, who derives it of Seine, a bush, or wood, which he placeth in Egypt. SECT: XVII. I Can easily believe, that the 10. Tribes as they increased in number, so they spread into more Provinces , and into Tartary. For Abraham Ortelius in his Geography of the world, and map of Tartary, he notes the place of the Danites, which he calls the Hord, which is the same which the Hebrew Jerida, signifying A descent. And lower, he mentions the Hord of Naphtali, possessed by Peroza in the year 476. Schikhardus in his Tarich, or series of the Kings of Persia, amplifies the history of this war, where ex lib. 4. of Agathias he thus saith, A little after when they were eased of that plague, (sc. 7. years' drought) in the time of the Emperor Zeno, Firuz made a double war with Naphtali, in which at last he was destroyed. For first of all he was brought to the straits of places unknown; who then sought for peace upon this condition (and obtained it) that he should swear that he would never after provoke them; and that he should do reverence to this Conqueror in token of subjection: which afterward by the counsel of the Magicians he performed craftily, for he bowed towards the Eastern Sun, that his own people might think that he bowed rather to the Sun (after his Country custom) then to honour his Enemy. But he did not truly perform that first agreement, though confirmed by Letters Patents; who because he could not digest the disgrace of bowing to his Enemy, he prepared a new Army and went against them; but a second time he being entrapped by the badness of the country, he lost his life, and many with him, in a gulf which the Nephthalites had prepared for him, having dressed it over with reeds, and some earth thrown a top; they having left in the middle some high grounds, and trees where their Souts were, that their stratagem might not be found, and that the Persians might more confidently attempt the ditch. Thus a rash King paid for his perfidy, he excelling more in daring, then in counsel, as Agathias saith. The Patent by which peace had been agreed, was hung upon a spear, and might be seen of him at distance, that he might remember his oath, repent, and desist from his enterprise: but he cared little for that. But when by his unexpected fall he saw he should die, it is said that he pulled off from his right ear a pearl of huge bigness, and whiteness, and lest any after him should find it (more likely that his carp should not be known) he threw it a great way off. The same Author asks, who those Nephthalites were? and by many arguments he proves that they are the relics of the Jews; saith he, I do wholly think that they are the relics of the Jews of the tribe of Nephtali, whom Triglath Pilesser the Assyrian carried into those places, in 2 King. 15.29. For 1. The name, in the best copies of Agathias, which Lewenclavius hath mended, is the same fully; in other books it wants nothing but an (b); now it is searce possible that in a word of many syllables that should fall out by chance. 2. Their countenance discovers it, for as Procopious I C saith they are not black, or foul in their countenance, as the Huns are among whom they live, but the only white men of that country; that it may evidently appear that they came from some other place thither. 3. Their manners agree, for the same. Author saith, that they are not Nomades, as the Huns who are unconstant in their dwelling, and eat up one place after another; but they inhabit one certain place. Beside, they observe Law and equity, as the Romans; and have policy, being well governed by their Prince: both which is rare among their neighbour Nations. Also they do not lay abroad their dead, as the Barbarians do, but they desently cover them with earth. Lastly their jornals do testify that many Jews live there, especially in the mountains, who have searched to the midland countries of East-Asia. R. Benjamin. f. 23. From thence (the coast of Persia) is 28 day's journey to the mountains Nisebor, which are near the river Gozan. The Isralites which come from thence into Persia, say, that there in the Cities of Nisebor, are 4. Tribes (so: Dan, Zabulon, Aser. Naphtali,) of the first captivity, which Shalmaneser the Assyrian carried thither, as in 2 King 17.6. he brought them to Habor, and Halab, the river Gozan, and the mountains of Media. The compass of that country is 20. day's journey; and they possess Cities, and Castles upon the mountains, by one side of which, runs the river Gozan; neither are they subject to the Nations, but have a Governor over them, by name R. Joseph Amarkela a Levite, and there are among them some who study wisdom. They sow; and reap; yea they ●rage war to the Country of Cuth. In the same place O●telius adds, in the country Tabor, or Tibur (which Solinus commends, in c. 49.) they dwell a people, who though they have lost the holy writings, they obey one King; who came into France, in Ann. 1530. and spoke with Francis the first, was burnt at Mantua by the command of the Emperor Charles the fifth, because that he did privately reach Judaisme to Christian Princes, and to the Emperor himself. Boterus saith the same in his relations of the farthest part of Tartary. But both these were deceived; for Rabbinus Jesephus Cohon, a man worthy to be believed, relates this more truly in his Chronology, saying, that the Jew who came out of that country, was the brother of the King of the Israelites, was called David the Reubenite; and having seen India in his passage, he came to Portugal, where he converted the King's Secretary to Judaisme, who fled from thence with him, taking the name of Selomoh Molho; he in short time was so well versed in the Law, yea in the Cabala itself, that he made all Italy admire him. The Secretary together with the Rendenite, endeavoured to draw the Pope, Charles the fifth, and Francis the first to Judaisme. Selomoh Molho was taken at Mantua, and burned alive, in the year 1540 He yet was offered his life, if he would turn Christian. The Reubenite was by Charles the fifth carried prisoner into Spain, where he shortly after died. Abraham Frisol Orhotolam remembers the Reubenite, saying, 45. years ago David Reubenita, a Prince of the Israelites, came from Tabor, a Province of Tartary, into Europe, who said that two Tribes are there; and other Tribes a little farther, under their Kings, and Princes, and also an unspeakable number of people. Perhaps the Province Tabor is the same that Habor; which is mentioned in ● King. 17.6. that the ten Tribes were brough●● by Salmaneser to Habor, and Halah; now the Hebrew letters (h) and (t) are near in fashion. Eldad Danita of the Tribe of Dan, came out of those Countries 500 years agone (a letter from whom, which we call Sephar Eldod adani, is kept to this day) and being examined by the Rabbins, was found an approved man. The learned Rabbi David Kimhi, who lived 450. years since, in etymol. suo in the word Segiah, he saith, Rabbi Jonah writes of the name of Rabbi Juda Aben Karis, that he heard Eldad Danita say, etc. And so what I said is true, as appears by the testimonies produced SECT: XVIII. Partly of the ten Tribes also live in Ethiopia in the Habyssin Kingdom; as divers Habissins' reported at Rome. Boterus in his relations speaks the same thing, that two potent Nations do live near Nilus, and that one of them is that of the Israelites, who are governed by a mighty King. A Cosmographer who hath added notes to Ptolemy's tables, saith thus in his table of New Africa; that part of new afric was unknown of old, the head of Nilus not being known, which is in the mountains of the Moon, as the Ancients call them; where there dwells a great number of Israelites, paying tribute to Prester John. Rabbi Abraham Frisol in the book already quoted, saith, that in his time some who had been in those countries', reported the same to Hercules the Duke of Ferraria. And without question from hence the Habyssins' learned circumcision, the observation of the Sabbath, and many more Jewish rites. Of these Isaiah seems to speak, in Isa. 18.1, 2. woe to the land which under the shadow of sails doth sail beyond the rivers of Ethiopia, by whom (the Prophet saith) are sent ambassadors in ships of bulrushes, (such as the Ethiopians use, commonly called Almadiae.) Bring back a people driven out of their country, and torn, and more miserable than any among us. Gifts shall be brought to the Lord of Sebaoth, in the place where the name of the Lord of Sebaoth, is worshipped, in the mount Zion. The Prophet Zephany saith the same, in Zeph. 3.9, 10. Then will I give to the people that they speaking a pure language, may all call upon the name of God, whom they shall serve with reverence; from beyond the rivers of Ethiopia they shall bring to me for a gist, Hatray the daughter of my dispersed ones, (that is, the Nations of Ethiopia). Which agrees with that of Isa. And your brethren (which are the 10. Tribes) shall bring gifts to the Lord. SECT: XIX. ANd without doubt they also dwell in Media; from thence they passed Enphrates, whither they were first brought, as in 2 King. 17.24. and in the book of Tobit. Josephus also speaks of them in the Preface of his book of the War of the Jews, that the Jews did think that their brethren, who dwelled beyond Euphrates, and farther, would rebel against the Romans. Agrippa in his oration to the people of Jerusalem, that they would not rebel against the Romans, speaks thus, What associates do ye expect to join with you, in your rebellion, and war? doth not all the known world pay tribute to the Romans? Perhaps some of ye hope to have help from them beyond Euphrates. And in lib. 2. Antiquit. c. 5. speaking of those who in the time of Ezra returned from Babylon to Jerusalem, he saith, All Israel dwelled in Media; for two Tribes only dwelled in Asia, and Europe, and lived subject to the Romans; as the other ten on the other side Enphrates, where they are so many, that they cannot be counted. It is not therefore to be doubted, the people increasing after their first transportation, they sought out new places, which we have formerly mentioned. SECT: XX. LAstly, all think, that part of the ten Tribes dwell beyond the river Sabbathion, or sabbatical. Rabbi Johanan the Author of the Jerusalem Talmud, who lived 160 years after the destruction of the 2d: Temple, saith in his treatise of the Sanhedrim, ca 17. That the 10. Tribes were carried into 3. places, sc. to the sabbatical river, to Daphne the suburbs of Antioch, and thither where a cloud comes down and covers them: and that they shall be redeemed from those three places; for so he opens that place of Isa: Chap. 49.9. That they may say to the captives, go forth, (sc: to them who were at the sabbatical river) to them that are in darkness, show yourselves, (sc: to them who are compassed with the cloud) and to all, they shall be refreshed in the ways, (sc: to them who live in Daphne of Antioch which is in Syria). Whence you may observe, that the learned man l'Emperiur translated it ill, at the sides of Antioch, whereas Daphne is the proper name of a pleasant grove near Antioch. Sedar olam makes mention of that cloud, and calls them mountains of obscurity. And in Talmud tractat. Sanhedr. c. 11. R. Jonathan ben Vziel, who lived an hundred years before the destruction of the 2d: Temple, in Exod. 34.10. where the Lord saith, I will do wonders before all thy people, such as were never done in the whole earth, or in any Nation, etc. and he refers all those things to the transportation of the people. He shall draw them to the rivers of Babylon, and shall carry them to the sabbatical river, and shall teach them, that those miracles were never performed to any Nation of the known world. Our ancient Rabbins in Beresit Rabath (no mean book) in Perasach, do say, that Tornunfus ask how it should appear that the day which we keep, is the 7th. day, on which God rested after the Creation of the world: Rabbi Aquebah (who lived 52. years after the destruction of the 2d: Temple) answered by an argument taken from the stones of the sabbatical river, which in the six days are tossed up and down with a continual motion, but do rest on the Sabbath day, and move not. The same is said in the Babylonian Talmud, tractat. Sanhed. c. 7. & in Tanuah Perasach. c. 9 In eodem Beresit Raba, in Perasach 37. Rabbi Simon saith, The ten Tribes were carried to the sabbatical river, but Juda and Benjamin are dispersed into all Countries In Asirim Raba, the last verse of the Song, it's said, Our bed is flourishing; that it is meant the ten Tribes, which were carried to the sabbatical river; and that river running all the week, doth cause the ten Tribes there remaining to be shut up; for though on the 7th. day the river doth rest, yet it is forbidden by our Law to take a journey then; and for that reason they remained there miraculously, as lost, and concealed from us. So that of Isa. 49. That they say to the prisoners, go forth, is interpreted of them in Jalcut. R. Aquebah after the same manner explains that of Levit. 36.38. And ye shall perish among the heathen. And that of Isa. 27. ult. and they shall come, who were ready to perish in Assyria. Because they are remote from the rest, therefore another Rabbi in Bamibar Raba Parasa 16. applies to them that of Isa. 49.12. Behold them who come from far: that so all those Authors mention that River. The testimony of Josephus is famous, lib. 7. de Bel. Jud. ca 24. saying, The Emperor Titus passing between Arca, and Raphanea, Cities of King Agrippa, he saw the wonderful River, which though it be swift, yet it is dry on every seventh day; and that day being past, it resumes its ordinary course, as if it had no change; and it always observes this order. It is called sabbatical, from the solemn feast of the Jews, because it imitates their rest every seventh day. I know some do otherwise expound those words of Josephus, but they hit not his meaning, as appears by this, that he calls the River, Sabbathio, or sabbatical: which word cannot be derived but from Sabbath; and who doth not see that it ceaseth to flow, or move, on the Sabbath day; and so Josephus must be understood according to my sense. Pliny also confirms this opinion, lib. 1. Nat: hist. c. 2. he saith, In Judea a river lies dry every Sabbath; yet I think Pliny is deceived, and ill informed, when he saith it is a river in Judea; neither is it to be found in Judea, but in another place, where many Jews live. R. Selomoh Jarchi who lived 540. years since, mentions that River in Comment. Talm. saying, The stones, and sand of that River do continually move all the six days of the week, until the seventh R. Mardochus Japhe in his learned book Jephe Thoar saith, The Arabians derive Sabbathion from the Sabbath, who use to add the particle (ion) to adjectives. The same saith, that it was told him of an hourglass filled with the sand of Sabbathion, which ran all the week till the Sabbath. And I heard the same from my father; which testimony I account as good, as if I saw it myself; (for fathers do not use to impose upon their sons.) He told me that there was an Arabian at Lisborn, who had such an hourglass; and that every Friday at evening he would walk in the street called the new street, and show this glass to Jews who counterfeited Christianity, and say, Ye Jews, shut up your shops, for now the Sabbath comes. Another worthy of credit, told me of another hourglass, which he had some years before, before the port Mysketa. He saw him by chance (or the Judge of the place) passing that way from Cadez, and being asked, what he was? he commanded him to be taken away; rebuking the Mahometans that by this mean they did confirm the Jewish Sabbath. I should not speak of these glasses, if the authority of such a man whom I have alleged, did not move me; though I believe that God did not only work that miracle, that he might keep part of the 10. Tribes there, but other also, as you may see in Esdras. R. Moses Gerundensis a learned Cabalist, and Interpreter of the Law in Parasa Aazinu, thinks the river Sabbathion to be the same with Gozan, of Guz, which signifies, to snatch away, because except the 7th. day, on all the other, it carries with it, by its swiftness, the very stones. Of this there is mention in 2 King. whither the King of Assyria led his captives; and so relates Benjamin Tudelensis in his journal, that part of the 10 Tribes dwelled at the bank of that River. But I know not where the river G●zan is. In the year 5394. that is, 15 years agone, in the City Lubin, two Polonians after they had traveled long, they wrote in Ducht a book of the original of the sabbatical river, but the Senate commanded it to be burnt at the Mart of Breslaw, by the persuasion of the Jesuits. Abraham Frisal in his Orchot Olam, c. 26. will have this river to be in India, he saith, The head of the sabbatical river is in the country of Upper India, among the rivers of Ganges. And a little after, The sabbatical river hath its original from the other side of Kalikout (which lies far above the bound of Lamik, which he placeth beyond the sinus Barbaricus) and it parts the Indians from the kingdom of the Jews, which river you may certainly find there. Though he takes Gozan for Ganges, for some nearness of writing; yet it's not to be doubted that in that place there are many Jews, witness Joannes de Bairos in his Decades. Eldad Danita speaking of the 4. Tribes, which he placeth at Gozan, saith, The sabbatical river is among them. Josephus saith, that Titus saw the sabbathion between Arca, and Raphanea. Which testimony seems the truer, because it's not to be thought that Josephus would tella lie of him, by whom be might be rebuked. I think that ye must look for it not far from the Caspian Sea: & I am not alone in this opinion. What ever it be, it appears that this river is somewhere, and that part of the 10. Tribes are hid there; and I may say with Moses in Deut. 29.28, 29. And the Lord cast them out of their land in anger, and in wrath; Secret things belong to the Lord our God. For it is not known when they shall return to their Country, neither can it perfectly be showed where they are, God suffering it, as it's said in Deut. 32.26. I determined to cast them forth unto the ends of the earth, and to make their remembrance cease from among men. As if he should say, I will cast them unto the farthest places of the world, that none may remember them; and therefore they are truly in Scripture called imprisoned, and lost. SECT: XXI. NEither is there weight in the argument which some have brought to me, if they be in the world, why do we not know them better? There are many things which we know, and yet know not their original; are we not to this day ignorant of the heads of the four Rivers, Nilus, Ganges, Euphrates, and Tigris? also there are many unknown Countries. Beside, though some live in known, and neighbour Countries, yet they are unknown by being behind mountains; so it happened under the reign of Ferdinand, and Isabel, that some Spaniards were found out by accident, at Batueca, belonging to the Duke of Alva, which place is distant but 10. miles from Salamanca, and near to Placentia, whither some Spaniards fled, when the Moors possessed Spain, and dwelled there 800. years. If therefore a people could lie hid so long in the middle of Spain, why may we not say that those are hid, whom God will not have any perfectly to know, before the end of days? And these things we have gathered concerning the habitations of the ten Tribes, who, we believe, do still keep the Jewish rites, as in 2 King. 17.26. when the Israelites were carried captive by Salmaneser, and those of Cuthah came in their stead, an Israelitish Priest was sent by the King, to teach them, because Lion's infested them, for that they were ignorant that there was another worship used in the land: but when the Priest saw that it was impossible to take that people wholly off from idolatry, he permitted them to worship divers gods, so that they would acknowledge one to be the mover of all things. The same is also sufficiently proved out of all the Histories which we have alleged. And our brethren do keep the Law more zealously out of their land, than in it, as being neither ambitious, nor contentious (which hath sometimes happened with the family of David) by which means they might easily err in the true Religion, not acknowledge Jerusalem, and withdraw that obedience, which is due to the Lord, and to his Temple. SECT: XXII. WE learn out of the first of Ezra, that none of the 10. Tribes entered the second Temple; for it is said that only some of the Tribe of Judah, and some of Benjamin did return. Ezra also saith the same in the 1 of Chronicles, that Salmaneser carried the 10. Tribes to Hala, Habor, and Hara, and to the river Gozan to this day: so that you may gather, that at that time they were there. So likewise Josephus in Antiq. Jud. lib. 11. c. 5. Perhaps some will say, since Media, and Persia are near to Bahylon, why did they not return to Jerusalem with the two Tribes? I answer, because so few of the 2. neighbouring Tribes did return from thence to jerusalem, for that they were well seated in Babylon; or else because they heard the Prophets say, that they must not look for any redemption but that which was to be at the end of days. How then can we think that they, who were more remote, and also had learned the same things of the Prophets, should leave their place, perhaps to suffer new miseries, and calamities? Beside, we do not read that Cyrus gave leave to any to return, but only to the two Tribes of Juda and Benjamin. And also it is probable (as some Authors affirm) that they could not go up from thence, because they had continually wars with the neighbour people. SECT: XXIII. HItherto we have ihewed that the ten Tribes are in divers places, as in the West-Indies; in Sina; in the confines of Tartary; beyond the river Sabbathion, and Euphrates; in Media; in the kingdom of the Habyssins'; of all which the Prophet Isaiah is to be understood, in Isa. 11.11. It shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall set his hand the second time to recover the remnant of his people, which shall be left from Assyria, from Egypt, from Pathros, from Ethiopia, from Elam, from Sinear, from Hamath, and from the Islands of the Sea. From whence you may gather, that it is meant of those places where the ten Tribes dwell. Syria, and Egypt shall be the two places of their general meeting; as more fully hereafter. Pathros, is not Pelusium, nor Petra, but Parthia, near to the Caspian Sea, where I think, with many others, the sabbatical river is. Although there is a Pathros in Egypt, as the learned Samuel Bochardus saith in his holy Geography. Chus, according to common opinion, is Ethiopia, as is proved out of jer. 13.23. and in this place of jeremy are meant the Israelites, who live in the Country of the Abyssins'. Elam, is a Province in Persia, as it appears in Dan. 8.2. where are desert places, in which, perhaps, the remnant of the ten Tribes is. Shinar, is a Province about Babylon, as in Gen. 10.10. where Babel is said to be in Shinar; and Dan. 1.2. it is said, that Nabuchadnezzar carried the holy vessels to the land of Shinar. Hamath, there are many Hamaths mentioned in the Scripture, many understand it of Antioch; but because Geographers reckon up 12. places named Antioch, therefore we can affirm nothing for certain; but I think, that that is meant, which is placed in Scythia. The seventy Interpreters by Hamath, understand the Sun, from Hamath the Sun; and they translate it, From the rising of the Sun; and I think it is no ill translation; for hereby all the Israelites who are in greater Asia, India, and Sina, may be understood. The Islands of the Sea; so almost all translate it; but I think it is to be rendered, The Islands of the West, for I am in holy Scripture signifies The West, as in Gen. 28.14. and in many other places; and upon this account those Israelites are employed, who are Westward from the Holy Land, among whom the Americans are. SECT: XXIIII. THe Prophet adds in Isa. 11.12. And he shall set up a sign for the Nations, and he shall assemble the out-casts-of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four quarters of the earth. Where he notes two things: 1. that he calls the Israelites outcasts, but the Jews scattered; and the reason is, because the ten Tribes are not only far off from the Holy Land, but also they live in the extremities and ends of countries'; from whence the Prophet calls them cast out. But he doth not say, that the Israelites are to be gathered from the four quarters of the earth, because they are not so dispersed through the world, as the Tribe of Judah is, which now hath synagogues, not only in three parts of the world, but also in America The Prophet adds in v. 13. The envy also of Ephraim shall departed, and the adversaries of Judah shall be cut off. For then there shall be no contention between Judah, and the 10. Tribes, which are comprehended under the name Ephraim, because their first King Jeroboam was of that Tribe. And then, as it is in Ezek. 37.22. One King shall be King over them all, and they shall be no more two Nations, neither shall they be divided any more into two kingdoms. There shall be one King to them both, of the family of David. Also the Lord at the redemption will dry up Nilus, and Euphrates, and will divide it into seven streams (answerable to his drying up the red Sea when they came out of Egypt) perhaps that the seven Tribes, which are in those parts, may go over it; as they pass into their Country, as Isaiah, saith in ch. 27.12, 13. And it shall be in that day, and he shall shake off from the bank of the river (some understand Euphrates) unto the river of Egypt (Nilus) and ye, O children of Israel, shall be gothered one by one. Which was never done in the captivity of Babylon. The Prophet Isaiah saith in chap. 11.11. that he will return them the second time, etc. Now the redemption from Babylon, cannot be called such an one, because all of them were not brought back to their Country. But the redemption shall be universal to all the tribes, as it was when they went out of Egypt; which redemption shall be like the first in many things, as I show in the third part of my Reconciler; and so it may be called the second, in reference to that first from Egypt. Whence jeremiah saith, Chap. 23.7, 8. That then it shall not be said, He that brought Israel out of Egypt, but from the North, and from all countries, whither he had driven them. That they shall not mention their departure from Egypt, for the cause . SECT. XXV. THe same Prophet, sc: Isa. 43.5, 6. saith, I will bring thy seed from the East, and will gather thee from the West: I will say to the North, Give up; and to the South, Keep not back; bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth. For Media, Persia, and China, lie on the East; Tartary and Scythia on the North; the kingdom of the Abyssins' on the South; Europe on the West, from the Holy Land. But when he saith, Bring ye my sons from far, he understands America; so that in those verses he understands all those places, in which the Tribes are detained. Also in Chap. 49. from ver: 7. to the end of the Chapter, he saith, that that return shall be most happy. And in ch: 56. ver: 8. God saith, He that gathers the outcasts of Israel. And the Prophet jeremiah in ch: 33. ver: 16. In those days shall judah be saved, and jerusalem shall dwell safely. It is certain, and jerom assents to all our Authors, that when judah is joined with Israel, by Israel the ten Tribes are meant. The same adds in ch: 31. ver. 15. in the comforting of Rahel, who wept for the carrying away her sons joseph, and Benjamin, the first by Salmaneser into Assyria, the last by Nabuchadnezzar into Babylon, he saith, in ver: 16. Refrain thy voice from weeping, and thine eyes from tears, for thy work shall be rewarded. And it follows in Cham 33. ver. 7. And I will cause the captivity of judah, and the captivity of Israel to return, and I will build them up as at the first. Ezekiel saith the same in Chap. 34.13. and in Chap. 37.16. under the figure of two sticks, on which were written the names of judah, and Ephraim, by which he proves the gathering together of the twelve Tribes to be subject to Messiah the Son of David; in ver. 22. he saith, And one king shall be King to them all; according as Hosea saith in Chap. 2. So also saith Amos in ch: 9 ver. 14, 15. And I will bring again the captivity of my people Israel, and they shall build the waste cities, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and drink the wine thereof: they shall make gardens, and eat the fruit of them. And they shall he no more pulled up out of their land which I have given them, saith the Lord thy God. So also Mica in ch: 2.12. I will surely assemble, O Jacob, all of thee, I will gather the remnant of Israel, I will also place him as the flack in the sheep-fold. For that in the captivity of Babylon all were not gathered together. The Prophet Zechariah in ch: 8.7. and in ch: 10.6. and all the rest of the Prophets do witness the same thing. SECT: XXVI. BUt which way that redemption shall be, no man can tell; but only so far as we may gather out of the Prophets, That at that time the ten Tribes shall come to Jerusalem under the leading of a Prince, whom some Rabbins in the Talmud, and in some places of the Chaldy paraphrase, do call Messiah the son of Joseph; and elsewhere Messiah the son of Ephraim; who being slain in the last war of Gog, and Magog, shall show himself to be Messiah the son of David, who shall be, as Ezekiel, and Hosea say, The everlasting Prince of all the twelve Tribes. Our wise men do, in many places, especially in the Babylonian Talmud, in tract. suca. c. 5. make mention of that Messiah the son of Ephraim; where they say, that he shall die in the last war of Gog, and Magog; and they so expound that of Zach. 12.10. And they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son. They add also, that the four captains, of whom the same Prophet speaks in ch. 11. are, Messiah the son of David, Messiah the son of Joseph, the Prophet Elias, and the high Priest; which four are those dignities, which shall show their power in that blessed age. Observe, that sometime they call Messiah the son of Ephraim sometime of Joseph; for he shall come out of the Tribe of Ephraim, and shall be Captain of all the 10. Tribes, who give their name to Ephraim, because that their first King Jeroboam was of that Tribe. Not without cause do they call him the son of Joseph, for he was the true type of the house of Israel, in his imprisonment, and future happiness. Add to this, that he was so long hid from his brethren, that they did not know him: as in like manner the ten Tribes are at this day, who are led captive, but hereafter shall come to the top of felicity, in the same manner as Joseph did. That Messiah of Joseph shall die in the battle of Gog, and Magog, and afterward shall rise again, that he may enjoy the dignity, not of a kingly Sceptre, but the office only of a Viceroy, as Joseph in Egypt; for that the Empire of the house of Israel fell, under the reign of Hosea the son of Elah; as the Prophet Amos saith in ch. 5.2. Therefore the Kingdom of the 10. Tribes shall not be restored, as Ezekiel saith in ch. 37. under the reign of Messiah the son of David, who shall be everlasting; and by the death of Messiah the son of Joseph, the 10. Tribes shall see, that God will not that they should have more Kings than one. As it's already spoken. SECT: XXVII. THose Tribes than shall be gathered from all quarters of the earth, into countries' near to the Holy Land; namely, into Assyria, and Egypt; and from thence they shall go into their Country; of which Isaiah speaks, in ch. 27.13. And it shall be in that day, that the great trumpet shall be blown, and they who were lost, shall come into the land of Assyria; and they who were cast out, into Egypt; and shall worship the Lord in the holy mount at jerusalem. As if he should say, as trumpets sound, to call any army together: so they shall come together, who were dead (that is, dispersed through all Asia) into Assyria; and the outcasts (that is, which are in America) shall come by the Mediterranean Sea to Alexandria of Egypt; and in the like manner those who are in Africa, when Nilus shall be dried up, and Euphrates shall be divided; as we have already said. And because the gathering together of the captivity, shall begin at those, who are in America, therefore Isaiah saith, The islands shall trust in me, and the ships of Tarsis (that is of the ocean) first of all, that they may bring thy sons from far, and with them, their silver, and gold. They shall then come with speed from those countries, prostrating themselves at the mountain of the Lord in Jerusalem, as the Prophet Hosea saith of that redemption in ch. 11.11. They shall come as birds out of Egypt, and as doves out of Assyria: so saith Isaiah in ch. 60.8. Who are those that fly as a cloud, and as doves to their nests? They which come first, shall also partake of this joy, to see others to come to them every moment; for which cause the same Prophet saith, Lift up thine eyes round about, and behold them who gather themselves to thee. And because the two countries' of Assyria, and Egypt, shall first of all kindly receive the people of Israel, and shall know the truth, first of all embracing the Religion of the Jews, sacrificing, and praying to God, therefore the Peophet Isaiah saith, in ch. 19.25. Blessed be Egypt my people, and Assyria the work of my hands; but Israel is my inheritance. For so those words are to be understood. SECT: XXVIII. ALL those are the say of the holy Prophets, from whence doth appear the return of Israel into their country. It is given to none to know the time thereof, neither it is revealed to Rabbi Simeon ben Johay, the Author of the Zoar; because that God hath reserved that mystery to himself, as Moses saith, It is hid with me. And Isaiah in ch. 63.4. For the day of vengeance is in my heart, and the year in which the redemption shall come. Which the Rabbins thus interpret, I have reveiled it to my heart, and not to Angels: and elsewhere, If any man tells you when Messiah shall come, believe him not. So also the Angel saith to Daniel, ch. 12 9 All things are closed up, and sealed to the time of the end. Therefore all those, who search after that time, as Rabbi Seadiah, Moses Egyptius, M●ses Gerundensis, Selomoh Jarchi; Abraham bar Ribi Hijah, Abraham Zaculo, Mordehai Reato, and Isaac Abarbanel, have been mistaken; for that they would go beyond humane capacity, and reveil that, which God concealed. And even to Daniel himself (to whom was made known the secret of the change of the four Monarchies) it was so revealed to him, that he confessed he did not understand it. Our Ancients did point at this from the letter (m) in Isa. 9 7. where he saith: Of the increase of his government: which (m) in the Hebrew, being such an (m) which they writ only in the end of words, and a close letter, yet is put in the middle of the word, against common practice: because that the time of the fifth Monarchy shall be hid, till the time when it shall begin. SECT: XXIX. YEt this I can affirm, that it shall be about the end of this age; and so the Prophets speak of that age about the end of days: and that after many labours, and a long captivity. So Balaam prophecies, Numb. 24.17. I see, but not now; I behold, but not near; a Star shall come out of Jacob. Isa. 24.22. They shall be cast into prison, and they shall be visited after many days. And Isa. 49.14. And Zion said, The Lord hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me. Hos. 3.4, 5. The children of Israel shall be many days without a King, and without a Prince: And after that they shall seek the Lord their God, and David their King. The King, and Prophet complains of that delay, in Psal. 44. Psal. 69. Psal. 74. Psal. 77. Psal. 83. And after that, in Psal. 89.50.51. he thus concludes, Remember, O God, the reproach of thy servants, who suffer so many injuries of so many people: wherewith they have reproached the steps of thy Messiah. As yet at this day it is said, that ALTHOUGH THE MESSIAH WERE LAME, HE MIGHT HAVE COME BY THIS TIME. Though we cannot exactly show the time of our redemption, yet we judge it to be near. For, 1. We see many prophecies to be fulfilled, and others also, which are subservient to a preparation for the same redemption; and it appears by this, that during that long, and sore captivity, many calamities are foretell us under the four Monarchies. David saith in Psal. 120.7. Lord, when I speak of peace, they speak of war. And elsewhere, We are slain all the day for thy name, and are accounted for sheep which are slain. In Isa. 53.7. He shall be led as a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb before his shearers: he shall be dumb, and shall not open his mouth. O how have we seen these things in the banishments of England, France, and Spain! and how have they proved those crimes, which most false men have said that ours did commit! Behold they have slain them, not for wickednesses, which they did not commit, but for their riches which they had. O how have we seen all those things done by divine providence, for that those misfortunes for the most part happened on the 9th. day of the month Ab, an ominous, and unhappy day, on which the first, and second Temple were burnt, and the spies wept without cause. SECT: XXX. What shall we say of that horrible monster, the Spanish Inquisition, what cruelty hath not daily been used against a company of miserable ones, innocents', old men, and children, of every sex, and age, who were slain, because they could not divine who was their secret accuser? But let us see, why in all those places (in which that Spanish tyranniaall Empire rules,) they were slain, who would observe the law of Mosts; and by how many, and how great miracles, hath that law been confirmed? and what unrighteousness is there in it? We daily see examples of constancy in ours, worthy of all praise, who for the sanctifying of God's name, have been burnt alive. Truly many who are still living, can witness all those things. In the year 1603. At Lisbon, Diego d'Assumeaon, a Monk of 24. years, was burnt alive, who defended himself in the Inquisition against some, who would have reduced him, to Christianity, who was born a Christian, and made a Jew; which all wondered at; the Inquisitors being grieved that they had published the reasons which he had alleged, would have recalled their sentence; but it was then too late; for it was divulged through the world, which I myself have by me. Also the Lord Lope de Vera y Alarcon deserves the praise of martyrdom, who being born of a noble, and eminent family, and very learned in the Hebrew, and Latin tongues, did embrace our religion; neither thought it sufficient to be such himself, but discovered himself to many others; thereupon in Ann. 1644. in the 20th. of his age, he being imprisoned at Valladolid, though he lived in the dark, yet he discovered light to many; neither could the great number of Doctors, nor the greater affliction of his parents, move him from his enterprise, either by tears, or by promises. He circumcised himself in prison (o strange act, and worthy of all praise!) and named himself believing Judas; and at last, as a 2d: Isaac, offered himself to the flames, contemning life, goods, and honours, that he might obtain immortal life, and good things that cannot perish; in the 25th. year of his age. Now though those were not of the family of Israel, yet they obtained an immortal glory, which is better than this life. Also we have many examples of our own, which did equalise them, of which that is one, which is done in our time, and is worthy to be remembered; Isaac Castrensis Tartas (whom I knew, and spoke with) a learned young man, and versed in the Greek, and Latin; he being but newly come to Fernambuc, was taken by the Portugese, and carried to Lisbon, and burned alive; he was a young man of 24. years old; scorning riches, and honours, which were offered to him, if he would turn Christian. They who say he was a traitor, do lie egregiously; for he did defend that place where he was Governor, most valiantly; as ours do deport themselves in those fortified places which are committed to their charge. The same martyrdom was undergone at L●m●, by Eli Nazarenus, in Ann. 1639. Januar. 23. who after he had lived 14. whole years in prison, all which time he eat no flesh, lest he should defile his mouth; he called himself by that name, after he had circumcised himself. Such a Martyr also, this year, was Thomas Therbinon in the City of Mexico. SECT: XXXI. IF the Lord fulfilled his word in calamities, he will fulfil it also in felicities. Therefore Rabbi Aquibah laughed, when he saith a wolf run out of the Temple being destroyed, though his companions wept; he saying, Now is fulfilled that prophecy of Jeremiah, in Lament. 5.18. And the foxes shall walk therein; and he added, and those blessings also shall follow, which the Lord hath promised. We see all the curses of God come to pass, which are mentioned in Levit. and Deuteronomy; as well as those, which concern our being scattered to the ends of the earth (which is Portugal) and those concerning the calamities of the Inquisition; and those of our banishments, as I have opened in my book, De termino vita; from whence it appears, that all the happy prophecies shall be fulfilled. And as we have perished, so also shall Bozra (that is, Rome) pe●●sh. See Isa. 34.6. SECT: XXXII. SEcondly, the argument which we bring from our Constancy under so many evils, cannot be eluded, that therefore God doth reserve us for better things. Moses in Levit. 26.44. saith, Though they be in the land of their enemies, yet I will not cast them away, neither will I abhor them to destroy them utterly, and to break my covenant with them, for I am the Lord their God. And truly these things are now fulfilled, for that in this captivity, and among the many reproaches which we Jews suffer, yet many of ours are honourably entertained by Princes, with a singular affection. So D. Ishac Abarbanel, who comes of David's line, is Counsellor to the King of Spain, and Portugal. By this also he hath got a great name, for that he composed the differences, which arose between the King of Portugal, and the Republic of Venice. And from that family of Abarbarnel (which I note by the by) do proceed my children, by my wife's side. And in the house of his son, D. Samuel Abarbanel, and of his wife Benuenida, the Lady Leonora de Toledo, was brought up at Naples, who is the daughter of D. Peter de Toledo, the Viceroy of Naples; who afterward was married to the most eminent Duke Cosmus de Medicis, and having obtained the Dukedom of Toscani, she honoured Benuenida with as much honour, as if she were her mother. That peace, which the Venetians made with the Emperor Sultan Selim, 75. years ago, was made, and ratified by a certain Jew Don Selomo Rophe, who was sent Ambassador to Venice, and received with great pomp, by the Venetians. At Constantinople D. Ben jaese, Anaucas, and Sonsiaos are of great authority with the Turk. In Egypt the Jews were always Saraph baxas, and also at this day is D. Abraham Alholn. Who knows not that D. Josephus Nassi, otherwise called Joannes Michesius, about the 66. year of the former age, was Duke of Naccia, Lord of Milum, and of the seven Islands, of whom see Famian. Strada in Histor. Belgic. part. 1. lib. 5. He was raised to these honours by Sultan Selim. As also by Sultan Amurat, Jacob Aben Jaes, otherwise called Alvero Mendez was made Governor of Tyberias; witness Boterus in Relation. part. 3. lib. 2. In Barbary▪ the Lords Rutes were always Governors of Seeks, Phes, and Taradanta. In Ann. 1609, D. Samuel Palaxe was sent Ambassador to the States, by Mulai Zidan the King of Maracco. But he died at the Hague in Ann. 1616. And the m●st eminent Prince Maurice, and the Nobles, were at his unerall▪ In Persia who knows not of what account they are? There, thirty years since Elhazar was 2d. to the King, and as it were Governor. Now David Jan succeeds him, to whom others also being joined, they live in the Court. And that must not be forgot, that when the most eminent Duke of Holstein sent Otto Burchmannus Ambassador to Persia, in Ann. 1635. he desired commendatory letters from our Jews at Hamburg, to them, who (as we have already told you) do live there in the Court, that they would make way there, for him that was a stranger; that he might dispatch his affairs. Which was also performed. By which mean ours, who are in Persia, dismissed Burchmannus, with rich gifts, and with Letters to the most eminent Duke of Holstein, which the 12. Chuzae, or Princes, had subsigned. A copy of which Leteers the most excellent D. Benjamin Mussaphia, one familiar with the Prince, helped me to. Also Claudius Duretus en son thresor des langues, fol. 302. saith, that there are almost an infinite number of Jews in Asia, especially in India, and that King Cochini is their great favourer. Yea Linschotes saith (where he treats of Cochini) that they have Synagogues there, and that some of them are of the King's Counsel. At Prague, Mordocheas Maisel had Arms given him by the Emperor Mathias, who also knighted him. Which honour Jacob Bathsebah also had, under the Reign of Ferdinand; and many other Families are graced with other honours. And in this very captivity (who could think it) they are so wealthy, that (God's providence favouring them) they may challenge to themselves a place among the most Noble. SECT: XXXIII. Who can enumerate the number of ours, who are renowned by fame, and learning? The learned R. Moses bar Maimon was Physician to Saladin the King of Ægypt. Moses Amon to the Emperor Sultan Bajaseth. Elias M●ntalto to the most eminent Queen of France, Loysia de Medicis; and was also her Counsellor. At Milan Elias Cretensis read Philosophy; and R. Abraham de Balmas, the Hebrew grammar. And how much honour had Elias Grammaticus at Rome? And almost all the Princes of Italy honoured with all kind of honour, Abraham Kolorni; as appears by a letter writ to him by Thomas Garzoni nella sua piazza universale del mundo. Picus Mirandula (who used to say, That he had but small understanding, who only looked after his own things, and not after other men's) and others, had Hebrew teachers. David de Pomis dedicated his book to Pope Sixtus the fifth, who lovingly, and courteously received both the Author, and work. So at this day we see many desirous to learn the Hebrew tongue of our men. Hence may be seen that God hath not left us; for if one persecute us, another receives us civilly, and courteously; and if this Prince treats us ill, another treats us well; if one banisheth us out of his country, another invites us by a 1000 privileges; as divers Princes of Italy have done, the most eminent King of Denmark, and the mighty Duke of Savoy in Nissa. And do we not see, that those Republics do flourish, and much increase in Trade, which admit the Israelites? SECT: XXXIIII. MOses saith in his last song, that God would revenge the blood of his people who are scattered. And Jeremiah saith in ch. 2.3. Israel is the Lords holy thing, the first fruits of his increase; all who devour him shall be found guilty; evil shall come upon them, saith the Lord. And that the histories of divers times, even from Nabuchadnezzar, to these very times, do testify. Have not the Monarchies of great Princes been destroyed? Consider with me the miserable ends of Antiochus, of Pompey, of Sisibuthus, of Philip the King of France, of Alonsus the son of John the 2d. And we may remember, how King Sebastian with his 4th. generation, and with all his Nobles, was slain in a battle of Africa, in that same place, in which he had caused the Jews to be banished. Ferdinand, and Isabel were the great persecuters of our Nation, but how did both he, and she die? as for him his son-in-law, and his own subjects did persecute him; and his only son died (leaving no issue) on his wedding-day, being 17. years old. His daughter being Heir of the Kingdom, and of her father's hatred, would not marry to Emanuel king of Portugal, unless he would compel us to be banished, and change our Religion. But she died in childbirth of her son Saragoci, and also her son, before he was half a year old; and the succession was devolved upon the Kingdom of Spain. It is not long since, that the Spaniards exercised upon us at Mantua, what ever cruelties they could invent; what shall we say of that, that at Madrid, in the year 1632. was done by the Inquisition, the King, and Princes of the Kingdom concurring; but in the very same month died the Infant Charles, and their kingdom declined. What wonder is it if God hath chastised divers kingdoms by sundry ways: but of this I treat farther in my History of the Jews. Let us conclude therefore, that that good, which God hath promised, will shortly come, since we see that we have suffered those evils, which he hath threatened us with, by the Prophets. SECT: XXXV. 3 lie, THe shortness of time (when we believe our redemption shall appear) is confirmed by this, that the Lord hath promised that he will gather the two Tribes Judah, and Benjamin, out of the four quarters of the world, calling them Nephussim. From whence you may gather, that for the fulfilling of that, they must be scattered through all the corners of the world; as Daniel saith, Dan. 12.7. And when the scattering of the holy people shall have an end, all those things shall be fulfilled. And this appears now to be done, when as our Synagogues are found in America. SECT: XXXVI. 4 lie, TO these, let us add that, which the same Prophet speaks, in ch. 12. ver: 4. That knowledge shall be increased; for then the prophecies shall better be understood, the meaning of which we can scarce attain to, till they be fulfilled. So after the Ottoman race began to flourish, we understood the prophecy of the two legs of the Image of Nabuchadnezzar, which is to be overthrown by the fifth Monarchy, which shall be in the world. So Jeremiah after he had handled in Chap. 30. the redemption of Israel, and Judah, and of the war of Gog, and Magog (of which Daniel also speaks in ch. 12.) when he treats of the Sceptre of the Messiah the son of David, of the ruin of the Nations, of the restoration of Judah, of holy Jerusalem, and of the 3d: Temple, he adds in ver: 24. The fierce anger of the Lord shall not return, till he hath executed it, and till he hath performed the intents of his heart; in the latter days ye shall understand it. From whence follows what we have said, that the time of redemption is at hand. And because Jeremiah in that chapter makes an abridgement of all things that shall be, therefore it is said in ver: 2, Writ thee all the words which I have spoken to thee, in a book. By this mean making the prophecy clearer, by relating in a clear style, what ever the Prophets had foretold; imitating Moses, the last words of whose song are, Sing, O ye Nations, with his people, in Deut 32.43. Also the last words which he spoke, after that he had blessed the Tribes, are these, Happy art thou, O Israel: who is like to thee, O people? saved by the Lord, who is the shield of thy help, and the sword of thy excellency; and thine enemies shall be found liars to thee, and thou shalt tread upon their high places, in Deut. 33.29. From whence it appears, that God will revenge the blood of Israel, which hath been shed. Joel confirms the same in ch. 3.19. Egypt shall be a desolation, and Fdom shall he a filthy desert, for the violence, and injury offered to the Jews, and because they have shed innocent blood in their land. And as they shall be punished by the just judgement of God, who wish us evil: so also God will give blessings upon them who favour us. And those are the trees of the field which then shall rejoice. So God saith to Abraham, in Gen. 12.3. I will bless them who bless thee, and curse them that curse thee. SECT: XXXVII. THese are the things which I could gather concerning this matter, which hath not been heretofore handled; from whence these consequences may be deduced. 1. That the West-Indies, were anciently inhabited by a part of the 10. Tribes, which passed thither out of Tartary, by the Straight of Anian. 2. That the Tribes are not in any one place, but in many; because the Prophets have foretold their return shall be into their Country, out of divers places; Isaiah especially saith it shall be out of eight. 3. That they did not return to the 2d: Temple. 4. That at this day they keep the Jewish Religion. 5. That the prophecies concerning their return to their Country, are of necessity to be fulfilled. 6. That from all coasts of the world they shall meet in those two places, so: Assyria, and Egypt; God preparing an easy, pleasant way, and abounding with all things, as Isaiah saith, Chap. 49. and from thence they shall fly to Jerusalem, as birds to their nests. 7. That their kingdom shall be no more divided; but the twelve Tribes shall be joined together under one Prince, that is, under Messiah the Son of David; and that they shall never be driven out of their land. SECT: XXXVIII. I Return to the relation of our Montezinus, which I prefer before the opinions of all others, as most true. For that Peru should be derived from the name Ophir, as Gulielmus Postellus, Goropius in Ortelius, Bozius de signis Eccles. lib. 2. c. 3: Marinus in arcâ Noah, P. Sa. in 3. Reg. Pomarius in his Lexicon, and Possevinus lib. 2. Biblioth. c. 8. do think, cannot be proved; as Pineda hath well observed, in Job, c. 28. p. 500 for we have said out of Garcilasso de la Vega, that that name was unknown to them of Peru. Ophir then is East-India, if we believe Josephus, lib. 8. Antiquit. Judaic. c. 6. & Acosta in lib. 1. Histor. Ind. from whence Solomon fetched gold, and precious stones. But what Gomara in part. 1. hist. Ind. fol. 120. and Zarate in proaem. hist. Peru, would have, that ours did pass over that famous, and much praised Island (by Plato in Critia, and Timaeus) of Atlantis, and so went into the neighbour Islands of Barlovent, and from thence to the firm land, and at last to the kingdom of Peru, and New-Spaine; it is deservedly exploded as fabulous; and Acosta laughs at it, in lib. 1. hist. Ind. c. 22. But Marsilius Ficinus in comment. in Timaeum, c. 4. & Critia, that he might defend Plato, thinks (and his disciples, Porphyry, Origen, and Proclus do follow him) that all that which is in Critia, and in Timaeus, is to be understood allegorically. And who will believe Lescarbotus, who saith, that they are the Canaanites, who fled thither for fear of Joshua? For I cannot be persuaded that they sought out Countries so far remote. They who will have them of Peru to have come out of Norwey, or Spain, may be confuted by their very form, manners, and the unlikeness of their languages. But that is more false, that they are Israelites, who have forgot circumcision, and their rites. For they are of a comely body, and of a good wit, as saith Doctor Johannes Huarte, in his book which is called, Examen ingenior. c. 14. But contrarily all men know that the Indians are deformed, dull, and altogether rude. And we have abundantly shown, with how great study, and zeal, the Israelites have kept their language, and Religion, out of their Country. SECT: XXXIX. MOntezinus then speaks most likely; that as other people forced the Israelites to betake them to the mountains: so America being first of all inhabited by the persecuting Tartars, they were driven to the mountains of Cordillecae, where at last they were hid, as God would have it. Truly, comparing the Israelites themselves, or their laws, with other people, I see not any thing that comes nearer truth. Perhaps also America was not of old contiguous to Asia on the North side. It doth not seem to me such an absurdity, to say, that the Israelites went out of Tartary into America by land; and afterward, that God, to preserve his, among other miracles, also wrought this, to make that a Sea, where now is the straight of Anian. Yea that might be done without a miracle, by accident, as we know that more than once, the Sea by a violent storm hath carried away the Land, and made Islands. Xenophon in suis aequivoc. mentions the inundations of Egypt, which happened in the days of Prometheus, and Hercules. Also Berosus in lib. 5. and Diodorus li. 6. mention the inundation of Attica, in which Athens stands. Pliny in lib. 2. c. 85. & lib. 13. c. 11. Strabo in lib. 1. & lib. 12. and Plutarch in Alexandr. relate the drowning of the Isle Pharaonica; of which Luther speaks so elegantly in lib. ultimo. Beside, who knows not how many, and how great Cities have at divers times been almost wholly ruined by several earthquakes? Sueton. in Tiberio, c. 48. writes, that under Tiberius, twelve Cities in Asia have been by this mean ruined. Orosius lib. 7. c. 4. and Dion Cassius, lib. 57 do affirm the same, though they differ about the time. Tacitus in lib. 14. and Eusebius in Chron. relate the destruction of that famous, and rich City of Laodicea. Origen tom. 28. in Joan. and Baronius tom. 2. Annal. Ecclesiast. Ann. 340. do speak of other Earthquakes, which have destroyed divers, and very many men, and Cities. And P. Alonsus in suo manual tempor. relates, that the same hath happened in our days; saith he, In the year 1638. a great Earthquake happened in the Islands of the Tercerae, but especially in S. Michael, where the Governor dwells; for that unheard of shaking of the earth, and houses struck so great a terror into the Inhabitants, that all fled out of their houses, and lived in the fields; a little after, two miles from thence, they saw the Sea vomit up abundance of fiery matter, which made a very thick smoke, which covered the very clouds; and it cast up many great stomes, which seemed like rocks; part whereof falling down again, made an Island in the Sea, which was half a mile over, and sixty fathom high, and an hundred and fifty fathom deep. That hot exhalation which that fiery mountain sent forth, pierced the very waters, and stifled so many fishes, that two Indian ships could not carry them. The same Island two years after, was swallowed up again of the Sea. SECT: XL. HE that doth seriously weigh those things, may (I think) well gather, that the Sea of the Straight of Anian was an inundation. By affirming which, this doubt may be answered, sc. That after the universal Flood, mankind increased again, and all beasts, which had been preserved in the Ark. But how could so many kinds of beasts, (which come by propagation, and are not bred out of the earth,) be found in those Countries? Some did swim thither, some were brought thither by some huntsmen, some were bred out of the earth, as Av●●● thinks it happened in the first Creation. But what Land-beast can swim over so great a Sea? And would Huntsmen carry Lions thither, and other such kind of beasts, oftentimes to the great hazard of their lives? And if God would have created those beasts out of the earth, he would not have commanded Noah to have kept them in the Ark. I am fully persuaded, that the beasts which are found there, passed that way into America; unless any thinks that this new world is joined to the old, on some other side, as Herrera believes, Dec. 3. Lib. 11. c. 10. SECT 42. AS for the other things in the relation of our Montezinus, they say nothing which savours of falsehood. For their saying that Semah, truly it is the custom of our people, in what part soever of the world they live; and it is the abridgement of the confession, and religion of the jews. That revelation of the Magicians; whom they call Mohanes, it agrees with those things which in 2 Esdras, you may see, concerning the Miracles which God wrought for the Israelites, as they passed over Eu●●rates, concerning those conditions of not revealing secrets to any, but such an one who hath seen three hundred Moons, (which make twenty five years) it appears to be true, by what the famous De Laet tells, in many parts of America, that the Indians do compute their years by Moons. That a secret must be told in the Field, doth not that argue a jewish custom, which the ancients have observed in jacob. who being about to departed from Laban, he called his Wives into the field. I now conclude this Discourse, in which this only was in my intention, that I might briefly, and compendiously declare mine, and the Rabbis opinion, concerning those things which I have handled. I hope t●●● this my endeavour will not be unacceptable, being desired by many men, famous both for Birth, and for Learning; not unprofitable, having therein explained the relation of Montezinus, with what brevity I could. The Name of God be blessed for ever. Amen. FINIS.