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P. van Plaets Inveren
M.Vander wucht Sculp
an
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383 & 2
A GENERAL
ECCLESIASTICAL
HISTORY
FROM THE
*
N A TI VI Τ Υ
OF OUR
BLESSED SAVIOUR
Τ Ο ,
The Firſt ESTABLISHMENT
OF
CHRISTIAN I T Y
By Humane L AWS,
Under the EMPER OUR
CONSTANTIN E the GRE A T.
Containing the Space of about 313 Years.
.
With ſo much of the Jewiſh and Roman HISTORY as is
Neceſſary and Convenient to illuſtrate the Work.
1
4
To which is added,
A Large CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE of all the Roman and
Eccleſiaſtical Affairs, included in the ſame Period of Time.
By LAURENCE ECHARD, A. M. Prebendary of Lincoln, and
Chaplain to the Right Reverend James, Lord Biſhop of that Dioceſe.
LONDON, Printed by W. Bowyer, for Facebo Tonſon, within Gray’s-Inn Gate
next Gray's-Inn Lane. MDCC II.
}
الم
م)
(2)
|
TO THE
QUEEN.
i
5
May it pleaſe Your Majeſty,
W
ERE the Performance of this
Work proportionable to the
Dignity of its Subject, it
might naturally hope for the Countenance
and Protection of Perſons of the higheſt
Rank: Since it conſiſts of the principal
Acts
a
Epiſtle Dedicatory.
.
Acts of the Church of God in the Times of
its greateſt Purity and Perfection, ſhewing
the ſlupendious Progreſs it made through-
out the World, and the glorious Conqueſts it
obtain d over all the Papers of Darkneſs
.
But Your Majeſty heing no leſs remai -
kable for Goodneſs, than for Greatneſs,
low as the Performance is, I am ſtill en-
courag’d to offer this Addreſs, and to lay
this Hiſtory before Your Majesty, as the
great Protector and Nurſing Mother of
the noblest Branch of that Church here
treated of and deſcrib'd, and the true
Defender of that Faith which was deli-
ver'd by the Mouth of our bleſſed Saviour,
propagated by the Labours of his Apostles,
and ſeald by the Blood of his Martyrs.
Your Majeſty having Hewn a bearty
Love for Your Subjects, and a generous
Regard for Your Allies, is becomie not only
the Foy and Delight of our Nations, but
alſo the very Hopes and Life of Europe;
and the Eyes of its Inhabitants are fix'd
upon Your Majeſty, looking out for Pro-
tection and Aſſiſtance, as from a Deliverer
ſent
1
Epiſtle Dedicatory.
ſent from Heaven to break their Chains,
to diſſipate their Fears, and to ſecure to
them the Bleſſings both of Peace and Li-
berty. Theſe are noble Ads, the Com-
pleating of which Providence ſeems to
have reſervd for Your Majeſty's Reign,
to render it glorious and triumphant :
But Your Majeſty's tender and affectio-
nate Care for the Church of God, and
thoſe freſh Endeavours to deſtroy its
greateſt Enemies; Vice and Immorality,
raiſe Your Majeſty's Fame to the full
Height, and cauſe it to triumph above
all the Glories of this World.
The Freeing of Europe, and the Re-
ſtoration of Peace, are Works truly great,
and worthy of the Crown Your Majeſty
wears; but the Nouriſhing God's Church,
and the Extirpation of Impiety, ſurpaſs
all Temporal Rewards, and will meet
with an immortal and incorruptible
Crown in the ineffable Glories of Eter-
nity. The Former only makes this World
happy, but the Latter adds Happi-
nefs even to Heaven it ſelf; and whilſt
the
Epiſtle Dedicatory.
the One gives Joy to the Inhabitants
of the Earth, the Other bears it to the
Angels and bleſt Spirits above ; raiſing
Tranſports of Joy in that place where
all Joys are to be found, and creating
Pleaſures in thoſe peaceful Regions where
no true Pleaſures can be wanting.
That Your Majeſty may ſucceed in all
the great Works You have ſo happily be-
gun, is the hearty Prayer of all good Men
and true Subjects, and can be no leſs of
him who with all poſſible Veneration is,
May it pleaſe Your Majeſty,
Your Majeſty's moſt dutiful,
moſt faithful and
devoted Subjeđ,
Laurence Echard.
Τ Η Ε
PRE FACE
T
HE Nature and Deſign of this Work will appear both
from the Title-Page, and from the firſt Paragraph of the
Introduction; and the Uſefulneſs of ſuch a Deſign needs
no Proof. It has been often wonder'd that ſuch an Underta-
king ſhou'd ſcarce ever have been directly attempted in the
Engliſh Tongue, when there are ſo many excellent Pens to per-
form it. The Silence and Neglect of others have caus'd a
far meaner Writer to endeavour to ſupply that Want; but if
this ſhou'd chalk out the Way to them, and excite Men of
greater Abilities and Conveniencies to perform the like, he has
the principal part of his Aim.
It is above ſeven Years-fince when this Deſign was propos’d
to me by a very ingenious Man in the Univerſity, who not
a little urg'd me to undertake it. I was then upon my Roman
Hiſtory, and fearful of undertaking ſo nice a Work, tho? I
wanted not Inclinations to try my own Strength in that Mat-
ter, ſince I had the Encouragement of great Atliſtance. It
was firſt propos’d, for my own Eaſe, only to reduce Dr. Cave's
Lives of the Apoſtles and primitive Chriſtians, and Du Pin's
Eccleſiaſtical Writers into as regular an Hiſtory as the Subject
wou'd bear; and this, if done with Judgment, was thought
wou'd be a more uſeful Book than either of theſe two Au-
thors ſeparately, or both together. But upon a particular Exa-
mination, both theſe Books, tho' excellent in their Kind, had
ſuch Defects, as well as Redundancies, that they cou'd not be
reduc'd to ſuch a perfe&t and compleat Ecclefiaftical Hiſtory, as
might reaſonably be expected. Therefore to give the Work
its due Perfection, it was judg'd neceſſary to have Recourſe to
the ancient and original Writers, and alſo to the New Teſta-
and likewiſe to mix a conſiderable Part of the Jewiſh
and Roman Hiſtory with it, to make it clear and intelligibles
as well as uſeful and entertaining.
When I had finiſh'd my Roman Hiſtory, I ſet about this,
which I found much more difficult and laborious than any Thing
I had hitherto attempted. Eſpecially ſince I labour'd under all
the Incoveniencies of Diſtance from Libraries and able Alliftants,
b
of
ment
The PRE FACE.
of many ſecular Avocations and ungrateful Interruptions, not
to mention private Troubles and Misfortunes.
But being
extremely deſirous of doing Juſtice to the Work, what I
wanted in immediate Conveniencies, I endeavour’d to ſupply
by diſtant Helps ; and therefore I took ſeveral long Jour-
nies to adviſe and conſult with the Learned, and got great
Light and Aſiſtance from ſeveral Biſhops and other eminent
Men, from whom the Work has received many real and great
Advantages
. Not that I wou'd endeavovr to ſhelter any of
the Errors or Defects of this Book under the Names of theſe
Benefactors ; ſince they wanted Time to ſee it nicely purg'd
from all its Imperfe&tions. I am ſo far from ſuch a Deſign,
that I am not only willing to take all that ſhall be found
upon my ſelf, but that all the Beauties and Excellencies in it
ſhall be accounted theirs. And I may with the more Decency
affirm that there are ſeveral, ſince I have had the Afliſtance of
ſuch great Men. As to any Faults and Defects that may be
found in it, I hope theſe generous Affiſtants who know me,
and thoſe who have read my former Writings, will judge fo
candidly of them, as to attribute them to any Thing rather
than Want of Fidelity and Impartiality,
But to deſcend a little to the Particulars of this Work, and
the Helps receiy'd from Books! The Introdu&tion is deſign'd to
give a due Light to the ſucceeding Hiſtory, ſo that it might
be intelligible to the meaneſt Capacity. In this I have been
the more fparing of my Quotations and Authorities, becauſe
it is deſign'd more for a tranſient Diſcourſe, than an elaborate
Treatiſe ; yet it is fo neceſſary, and almoſt eſſential a Part of
the reſt, that it cannot be ſeparated, without maiming the
whole. The firſt Book of the three comprehends all the Actions
of our Saviour, with ſeveral of the Jewiſh and Roman Affairs.
And tho' this in a manner is only taken from the New Teſta-
ment, Joſephus, Dion Caſims, and Tacitus, yet I found it ne-
ceſſary to conſult a great Number of modern Commentators,
Harmoniſts and Chronologers; by whoſe Means not only our
Saviour's Actions are methodically reduc'd to Order of Time,
but almoſt every ſingle Verſe in the four Goſpels are ſome way
or other explain d, or fet in ſuch a Light, that I believe their
Senſe cannot be miſtaken any farther than I may have been miſlcd
my ſelf. The chief Commentators here us'd were, Mede, Hani-
mond, Lightfoot, Grotius, and the Criticks; and the chief Har-
moniſts, Chemnitius with his Finiſhers Gartha'ait, Richardſon,
Lightfoot, Cradock, and Tillemont, with ſome others of the
fame Nature, tho' not Name, as Bifhop Taylor, Walker ,
Du
The PRE FACE.
Du Pin, gw. As to Mr. Whiſton's Harmony, tho' I ſaw it in
Manuſcript, yet I had not Opportunity and Time to receive
any Advantage from it. The Labour I have had, and the
Perfection I have aim'd at in the firſt Book, I hope will be an
Anſwer to any ſuch as ſhall think it too long for the reſt of
the Hiſtory; and I cou'd not make it ſhorter without having
it loſe vaſtly of its Uſefulneſs to the middle or inferior fort
of Men.
The ſecond Book comprehends all the Actions of the Apostles
that are authentick, with a greater Variety of Affairs than the
firſt. The third contains thoſe of the Primitive Chriſtians ,
with a ſtill greater Variety than the other. Theſe two were
not only taken from the New Teſtament; Joſephus, Philo, Euſe-
bius, Laetuntius, Orolins, and Snl. Severas, but alſo from inoſt of
the Writers in the four firſt Centuries, with all the Roman Hia
ſtorians. All which I have digeſted in as clear a Method, and
in as intelligible a Manner, as independent Stories, incohe-
rent Fragments, and a Heap of Confuſion wou'd permit me.
I have generally avoided, tho' not abſolutely rejected the Au-
thorities and Relations of Nicephorus, Metaphraſtes, with other
uncertain Writers of thoſe Ages. Thoſe more modern have
been of far greater Advantage to me, as being grounded upon
better Authorities. And that my Book might want nothing
that cou'd be procur'd from others, I conſulted all thoſe of
the greateſt Note, either Foreigners or Engliſhmen. Among
the former, I made uſe of the Magdeburg Centuriators , Baro-
nius, Brietins, Capellus, Valeſius , Spanhemius, Noris , Pagi,
Ruinart, Godeau, Le Sueur, Fleury, Du Pin, and Tillemont ;
among the latter, Fox, 'Újher
, Simpſon, Montaguc, Pearſon,
Hotel
, Stilling fleet, Cavë, Dodwell
, Wake and Wotton. From
theſe and many other Modernis I have receiv'd conſiderable
Advantages ; and I have bórrow'd from them without Fear or
Scruple, laying hold of any Thing that I thought wou'd con-
tribute either to the Uſefulneſs, or the Ornament of my Book.
For in Matters of Plagiary, I ſhall always ſtudy my Reader's
Profit before my own Řeputation : But I wou'd not ungrate-
fully conceal any Benefit I receive.
My Quotations are almoſt wholly of the Ancients, from whence
my Materials were originally taken; and are ſometimes in the
Body of the Book, but moſt commonly in the Margin next the
Binding. I order'd them in a ſmall Letter, and made them
very fhort, that they might be the leſs offenfive to the Eye of
the Reader, who in Hiſtory ought to be inſtructed with as
much Pleaſure, and as little Interruption as poſible. If any
think
The PRE FACE.
think the Quotations not particular enough, becauſe the Page
and Chapter of the Book are not nam’d, † have this to anſwer,
that there is ſcarce any conſiderable Paſſage in my Hiſtory,
but from theſe ſhort Quotations in the Body or Margin, the
Place from whence it was taken may immediately be found by
the Help of a good Index, which now few Books want. But
the quoting of Pages, &c. is of no uſe to a Reader who has
not the ſame Editions with the Author; as it often happens
to ſome who have Occaſion to enquire into an Author's Fi-
delity.
I will not trouble the Reader with ſaying any Thing of the
Chronological Table and the Map, ſince there is ſo little Occa-
fion. I only ſhall beg of him to corre&t with his Pen theſe
few following great Errata’s before he reads the Book. The
others are of little Conſequence.
The ERRAT A.
IN
N the laſt Line of the Contents, for 16 read 10. Page 63, line 17, for ſcornfully, read ſorrowfully. p.
138, 1. 6. dele the Comma between Phlegon and Trallianus. p. 239, 1.34, for Tears, read Fears. p. 243,
1. 23, for ſuperſtitious, read ſuppoſititious. p. 290, 1. 38, for Dacius, read Dacicus. p. 304, l. 23, for Vale-
rius, read Valefius. The fame in p. 319, 1. 18. p. 323, 1. 31, for Duties, read Days. p. 333,1. 45, for
Campanion, read Campanian. p.399, in the Margin, for fixth, read fifth.
)
THE
THE
CONTENTS
The INTRODUCTION
Containing a ſhort Deſcription of the Holy Land, with
an Account of the Jews, their Government and Legal
Conſtitutions, their various Revolutions, Mixtures
and Diviſions ; Obſervations upon the gradual and regu-
lar Manifeſtation of the Meſſiah; with ſome Hiſtorical
Matters preceding the Nativity of our Saviour.
*
1
1
1
}
BOOK I.
From the Nativity of our Bleffed Saviour, to bis Af-
cenſion, according to the vulgar Computation. Con-
taining the Space of 32 Tears and 5 Months.
CHAP. I.
From the Nativity of our Bleſſed Saviour, to the Beginning of the
Goſpel, and firſt Preaching of John' Baptift, according to the
vulgar Computation. Containing 28 Years and above 6 Months.
CH A P. II.
From the Beginning of the Goſpel, and firſt Preaching of John
Baptiſt, to the Beginning of the firſt Paſſover after our Blefjed
Saviour's Baptiſm, according to the onlgar Computation. Con-
taining 10 Months and 3 Days.
CHAP. III.
From the Beginning of the firſt Paſſover after our Bleyfed Saviour's
Baptiſm, to the Beginning of the ſecond Containing one Tear
wanting 10 Days.
СНАР.
The Contents.
CH A P. IV.
From the Beginning of the ſecond Paſſover after our Bleſſed Savi-
our's Baptiſm, to the Beginning of the third. Containing one
Year and 17 Days.
CHAP. V.
From the Beginning of the third Paſſover after our Bleſſed Saviour's
Baptiſm, to the Beginning of the fourth and laſt; when the only
true Paſover was ſain. Containing one Tear wanting 12 Days.
C H A P. VI.
From the Beginning of the fourth and laſt Paſſover, to the Al-
cenſion of our Bleſſed Saviour; which concluded the whole Series
of his A&tions upon Earth. Containing fix Weeks and one Day.
BOOK II.
From the Aſcenſion of our Bleſſed Saviour to the Death
of St. John, the laſt ſurviving Apoſtle. Containing
the Space of about 64. Kears.
CHAP. I.
From the Aſcenſion of our Bleſſed Saviour, to the Death of the
firſt Martyr Stephen, and the firſt Diſperſion of the Believers.
Containing near 11 Months.
CHAP. II.
From the Death of the firſt Martyr Stephen, to the firſt Call and
Preaching of the Goſpel to the Gentiles. Containing about 6 Years.
CHAP. III.
From the firſt Call and Preaching of the Goſpel to the Gentiles, to
the Martyrdom of the firſt of the Apoſtles, viz. James the Son
of Zebedee. Containing about
CHAP. IV.
From the Martyrdom of James, the firſt of the Apoſtles, to the
End of the firſt Council in the Chriſtian Church, namely at Jeru-
ſalem. Containing about 5 Years.
CHAP
4
Tears.
The Contents.
about 9
CHAP. V.
From the End of the Council of Jeruſalem, to St. Paul's laſt
Journey to that City, when he firſt became a Priſoner. Contain-
ing 9 Years.
C H AP. VI.
From St. Paul's laſt Journey to Jeruſalem, to the Beginning of the
firſt General Perſecution of the Church under the Emperor Nero.
Containing about 6 Years.
CHAP. VII.
From the Beginning of the firſt General Perſecution of the Church,
to the Deſtruction of Jeruſalem, and the Diſſolution of the
Jewiſh Oeconomy. Containing 6 Years.
CH A P. VIII.
From the Deſtruction of Jeruſalem, to the Beginning of the ſecond
General Perſecution of the Church, under the Emperor Domitian.
Containing about 25 Years.
CHAP. IX.
From the Beginning of the ſecond Perſecution, to the Death of St.
John, the laſt ſurviving Apoſtle : which concluded the firſt
Century:" Containing about 5 Years.
1
BOOK III.
Frồin the Death of the laſt ſurviving Apoſtle, St. John,
to the firſt Eſtabliſhment of Chriſtianity by Human
Laws, under the Emperor Conſtantine the Great.
Containing the Space of about 213 Tears.
CHAP. I.
From the Death of St. John, and the third General Perſecution,
to the laſt and entire Diſperſion of the Jews, under the Em-
peror Adrian. Containing the Space of about 36 Years.
CHA P. II.
From the laſt and entire Diſperſion of the Jews, to the Beginning
of
The Contents.
j
of the fourth General Perſecution of the Church, under the En-
peror M. Aurelius, or Antoninus Philoſophus. Containing the
Space of about 25 Tears.
CHAP. III.
From the Beginning of the fourth General Perſecution of the Church,
to the Middle of the fifth General Perſecution, under the Em-
peror Severus, and the Concluſion of the ſecond Century. Contain-
ing the Space of about 28 Years.
CHAP. IV.
From the Middle of the fifth Perſecution, and Concluſion of the ſe-
cond Century, to the Beginning of the ſixth General Perſecution
of the Church, under the Emperour Maximinus. Containing the
Space of about 35
Years.
CHAP. V.
From the Beginning of the ſixth General Perſecution of the Church, to
the End of the ſeventh, begun and ended under the Emperors
Decius and Gallus. Cantaining the space of about 18 Tears.
C H A P. VÌ.
From the End of the seventh General Perfecution of the Church, to
the Beginning of the Dioclefian Ara, uſually called the Æra of
.the Martyrs. Containing the space of about 3.1 Years,
CH A P. VII.
From the Beginning of the Diocleſian Ara, to the Beginning of the
tenth and laſt General Perſecution of the Church, uſually cal-
led the Dioclefian Perſecution. Containing the Space of almoft
19 Years.
CHAP. VIII.
From the Beginning of the tenth great perfecution of the Church, to
the first Eſtabliſhment of Christanity by Humane Laws, un-
der the Emperor Conſtantine the Great. Containing the Space of
about 16 Tears.
THE
M E D I T E RRA
om
310
615
310
66
67:
310
30
610
310
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Sydoit ARE
11.
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Mount Lubanus
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P H E
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A MAP
of the
HOLY-LAND
according to its State in our
Bleſsed Saviours Time
sold by Jacob Tonfonat
Grays Inn Gate in GragsInn
G A L IL E E
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Scale of Miles
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THE
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THE DEAD SEX
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3 1.
3
*
3
THE
1
INTRODUCTION
B
Containing a ſhort Deſcription of the Holy-Land, with
an Account of the Jews; their Government and Legal
Conſtitutions, their various Revolutions, Mixtures
and Diviſions ; obfervations upon the gradual and
regular Manifeſtation of the Meſſiah ; with ſome
Hiſtorical Matters preceding the Nativity of our
SAVIOUR
1
1
'M
1.
Y Deſign in this following Attempt, is to give a plain and
intelligible Account of the chief Ecclefiaftical Affairs in the
Three firſt Ages of the Chriſtian Church, and in part of
the Fourth; to trace Chriſtianity from its Birth and In-
fancy, through all its terrible Conflicts, to its full Growth.
and Vigour ; to ſhew it in its Purity and Perfection, ſometimes languiſhing
and expiring, then reviving and prevailing in all Nations, till it became
triumphant over the Pagan World, conquer'd all the Powers of Hell and
Earth, and commanded the additional Strength of Human Conſtitutions,
But in this great Variety of Affairs, many Things have been defectively and
confus’dly tranſmitted to us; ſo that in writing ſuch an Hiſtory, Method
and Perſpicuity are almoſt as neceſſary as Fidelity and Impartiality. There
fore all things ought to be repreſented with an artful Simplicity, and in
ſuch a regular Manner, as they may be moſt eaſily comprehended, and
beſt retained; which I ſhall endeavour to effect, partly by a Chronological
Diſpoſition of the Matter, and a Periodical Ordering of the main Parts,
partly by a convenient Mixture of the Jewiſh and Roman Hiſtory, and partly
by recounting ſuch Circumſtances and preceding Accidents, as will give a
Light to the ſucceeding Story. And ſince Geography is a very neceffary Illu-
ſtration of Hiſtory, it will not be improper to begin with ſome Account
of that Country where Chriſtianity had its Birth, and wliere the true Religion
for many Ages was principally known; for which Reaſon it is moſt com-
monly call'd by the Name of the Holy-Land.
The Holy-Land, firſt call'd the Land of Canaan, and the Land of Pro- The Holy-Land
miſe, lyes in Aſia, near the moſt Weſtern Part of that Quarter of the World,
defcribd.
and is bounded on the Eaſt by Arabia Deſerta, from which it is partly divided
by Mount Gilead, and Mount Arnon; on the Weſt, or rather North-Weſt,
by the fartheſt End of the Mediterranean Sea, and ſome of that Part of Syria
call d Phænicia; on the North, or North-Eaſt, by the reſt of Syria, from which
it is divided by Anti-Libanus, and Mount Hermon ; and on the South, and
South-Weſt, by Arabia Petran, and particularly by that part of it calld
A
Idumean
2
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
The Inhabi-
Idunea. It is ſituated in a very warm Climate, between 30 Degr. 4 Min.
and 33 Degr. 2 Min. of Northern Latitude;, and between 64 Degr. 49
Min. and 68. Degr. 20 Min. of Longitude ; being in Length, from the
Northern Parts of Galilee , to, the Southern Parts of Judæa, about 200
Engliſs Miles; and in Breadth, from the Eaſtern Parts of Peræa, to the
Weſtern Parts of Samaria, about half as much, and in ſome Places leſs :
So that it contain'd a Spot of Land not half fo large as the Kingdom of
England. Yet notwithſtanding the Smalneſs of the Limits, and the Heat
of the Climate, it ſurpaſs'd all Countries in the World in Fertility and Plea-
fantneſs; being a Land flowing with Milk and Honey, abounding with the
nioſt delicious Fruits and choiceſt Grains, repleniſh'd with beautiful Hills
and Fountains, with luxurious Vales and Plains, and pleaſant Groves and
Foreſts, filld with ſuch Numbers of rich Cities and Towns, and bleft with
ſuch a ſweet Temperature of Air, that God thought fit to aſſign it for the
Habitatiòn of his Elect People, and promis’d it to the Father of the Faithful,
and his Poſterity, as a Type of the Celeſtial Canaan, the Seat of the moſt
perfect Felicity. This Country is divided into two unequal Parts by the
River Jordan, and two Lakes, which are calld the Sea of Galilee, and the
Dead Sea. Jordan runs almoſt from North to South, or råther from North-
Eaſt to South-Weſt, and that part of the Country which lyes on the Weſt,
or North-Weſt Side of this River, is the largeſt, and moſt conſiderable for
Fruitfulneſs; but eſpecially for the principal Actions of our Saviour there
perform’d; which have occaſion'd ſome to call this Part alone by the Name
of the Holy-Land; and the other, The Country beyond Jordan. This is the only
Natural Diviſion of this Country; as for National Diviſions, I ſhall ſpeak
of them as Occaſion ſhall require, and proceed next to.
The Inhabitants of this Land, who were principally deſcended from Canaan,
tants, and firſt the fourth Son of accurſed Cham or Ham, one of Noah's three Sons; from
the Canaanises.
whom this Country was call’d the Land of Canaan. For immediately after Old Testa
the Confuſion of Languages at Babel, and not much above 100 Years Foſephuis
after the Flood, Canaan with his eleven Sons, paſs'd through Syria and Phee-
nicia, and took Poffefſion of almoſt all that Part of the Country on the Weſt
Side of Jordan, afterwards ſpreading themſelves, partly on the other Side of
the River. Five of his Sons were left to inhabit Phænicia and the Coaſts
of Syria; and from' tlie other ſix, together with himſelf, ſprung ſeven
remarkable Nations; wlio, for their Sins afterwards by God's particular
Appointment were to'be utterly extirpated; namely, the Canaanites, the
Amorites , the Jebirfitės, the' Hittites, the Hiùites, the Perizzites, and Ger-
geſhites; of whom the three firſt were the moſt potent. The Numbers of theſe
People increaſing, their Families were ſubdivided into many inferior Branches;
ſo that when Joshua enter'd this Land, he found above thirty Kings amongſt
them. Beſides which, they gradually admitted of ſeveral other Nations
to be their Neighbours, and partly to mix with thein; as particularly the
Philiſtines on the Weſtern Coaſts, a Gigantick People of the Race of Miſraim,
the ſecond Son of Cham; the Moabites and Ammonites, beyond Jordan, both
Deſcendents of Lot by his own Daughters; with part of the Midianites and
Edomites, Deſcendents of Midian and Eſau; both inhabiting the Southern
Parts and Borders of Arabia. So that this Country, for ſeveral Ages after the
Flood, was inhabited by a Mixture of divers Nations; moſt of them Idola-
trous to a high degree, and in a ſpecial manner hateful to God.
Theſe Nations daily incrcas’d in Wealtlı and Numbers, and liv'd ſur-
rounded with Plenty and Pleaſures; tho' not free from frequent Wars and
Conteſts among themſelves : Yet they never met with any dangerous or
fatal Diſturbance ,till near 800 Years after the firſt Plantation of the Land
when the Iſraelites, under their great Commander Foſhua took Poffeffion of
.
.
j
it,
The INTRODUCTION.
3
ز
it, ſubdu'd theſe people ; and in a few Ages enllav'd and deſtroy'd all the
cybei. old Inhabitants. This memorable Invaſion of the Iſraelites was in the 2553
Year of the World, 897 Years after the Flood, and about 1451 before our
Saviour's Nativity; the Land of Canaan having been promis’d to them 470
Years before by the immediate Mouth of Heaven. Therefore that I may
purſue the Story regularly, it will be neceſſary to look a little back, and
make ſome Enquiry into the Original and Circumſtances of theſe people
cail'd Iſraelites.
They were callid Iſraelites, from their firſt Founder Ifrael, or Jacob, the The Ifraelites.
Son of Iſaac, and Grandſon of Abraham; and likewiſe Hebrews, from Heber,
one of the Progenitors of that Patriarch, and of the Fourth Generation af-
ter Noah. Theſe were particularly ſeparated by Heaven, and in a ſhort
Tine became a numcrous and forinidable Nation, had the Aſſiſtance of God's
miraculous Hand, and were made a Scourge and a Terror to all their Op-
poſers and Neighbours. Tho' they were under a miſerable Servitude in
Ægypt, yet Heaven came triumphantly in to their Succour, ſent all kinds of
Plagues among their Oppreſſors
, and deliver'd them out of their Hands;
loading them with the Riches of that Country, and amazingly deſtroy-
ing the King thereof, and his innumerable Army. After their miraculous
Pallage through the Red Sea, they were led by Mofes into the Deſerts of
Arabia; in which wild Place they for their Sins were obligd to wander forty
Years : Yet ſtill they were protected from above, and ſupported by a conti-
nual Succeffion of Miracles, till they arrived at the Borders of the Land of
Canaan. So that theſe People were ſufficiently diſtinguiſh'd from all others in
the World; not only by God's immediate Protection, but likewiſe by his
peculiar Promiſes; eſpecially that of the Melliah, the Saviour of the World,
who was to ſpring from their Nation. For which Reaſon, they were ſtrictly
prohibited not only from joyning with the Worſhip of other Nations, but
likewiſe from mixing with them by Marriages, or any other kind of natural
Alliance.
But what ſtill farther diſtinguiſh'd tlieſe People from all others, was their Their Laws,
Laws and Cuſtoms, which were eſtabliſh'd by God himſelf; and, excepting
the Moral Precepts, were in the main peculiar to this Nation; conſiſting
of two kinds, Ceremonial and Political. The former were inſtituted for a
double End; partly for the more orderly Worſhip of God, and to preſerve
the People from Idolatry; but principally to be Types and Figures of the
Evangelical State, Shadows of good Things to come, viſible and ſymbolical
Repreſentations of the Meſſiah, and thoſe mighty Bleſſings and Privileges
to be introduc'd by Him; which no doubt was the Reaſon why God was
ſo peculiarly punctual in the Directions he gave about the minuteſt Circuin-
ſtances of the Temple-Miniſtration, becauſe every Part of it had a Glance
at a future and better ſtate of Things. The Number of their Ceremonies
and Cuſtoms was great, and the Obſervation ſo burthenſom, that the whole
Nation groan’d under the Weight of the Yoak. They were principally ſuch
as related to God's Worſhip; and may be reduc'd to, I. Such Things as
concern'd the Worſhip it ſelf: 2. The Circumſtance of the Place where :
3. The Time when: and 4. The Perſons who were to attend it. Of all
which it will be convenient to give ſome brief and general Account.
The Worſhip of the Iſraelites, beſides their Prayers, conſiſted chiefly in Tiveir Werft:ip.
two Things, Sacrifices and Sacraments. The former were the conſtant and
moſt folemn Part of their publick Worſhip; for they had their continual
Burnt-Offering, a Lamb offered every Morning and Evening with a Meaſure
of Flower, Oil and Wine; and the Charge defray'd out of the publick
Treaſury. The reſt of their Sacrifices may be conſider'd either as they were
Expiatory or Euchariſtical. The former were thoſe that were offer'd as an
A2
Atone-
4
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
Atonement for the Sins of the People, to pacify the Divine Diſpleaſure;
which they did by virtue of their typical Relation to that great Sacrifice
which the Son of God was in the Fulneſs of Time to offer up for the Sins of
the World. Theſe were either for the Expiation of Sin in general, or deſign'd
for particular Offences; of which were two kinds; the Sin-Offering, for
involuntary Offences committed through Error, Ignorance, or Surprize ;
and the Treſpaſs-Offering, for premeditated Tranſgreſſions, which the Party
cou'd not pretend to have been the Effects of Surprize or Chance. Eucha-
riſtical Sacrifices were Teſtimonies of Gratitude for Mercies receiv'd from
God; of which there were three kinds eſpecially; namely, the Meat-Offering,
compos'd of things without Life, and the Fruits of the Earth ; which the
Worſhipper offer'd as a thankful Return for the daily Preſervation and Pro-
viſions of Life: The Peace-Offering, made up of Living Creatures; offer'd
either out of a grateful Senſe of ſome particular Bleſling conferr'd, or as
a voluntary Offering to which tlie Party by Vow oblig'd himſelf, in Expecta-
tion of ſome Benefit or Deliverance to come: And the Thankſgiving-Offer-
ing; a niixt Sacrifice, conſiſting of Living Creatures and the Fruits of the
Earth, which they might offer at their own Pleaſure, only with ſome Li-
mitations. What other Proviſions we find concerning Ceremonial Unclean-
nelles, Purifications, Firſt-Fruits, the Firſt-Born, Tenths, &c. are eaſily
reducible to ſome of thoſe Heads already mention'd. The other part of
their Worſhip concern'd their Sacraments; which were two, Circumciſion,
and the Paſchal Supper, or the Paſſover : Circumciſion was the Federal Rité
by God annex'd as a Seal to the Covenant which he made with Abraham and
his Poſterity, and was accordingly renew'd and taken into the Body of the
Mofaical Conſtitutions. This was to be adminiſtred the eighth Day after
the Birth of the Child; which the Jews underſtand not of ſo many compleat
Days, but the current Time, fix fuil Days, and part of the other two. The
other Sacrament was the Paſſover, or the Eating of the Paſchal Lamb; which
was inſtituted as an Annual Memorial of their miraculous Deliverance from
their Ægyptian Bondage : This was celebrated with extraordinary Ceremo-
ny and Solemnity, becauſe it ſo eminently typify'd the immaculate Lamb
of God, and Man's Spiritual Deliverance from the Bondage of Sin and
Hell.
Their Place of Next we are to take notice of the Places of their Publick Worſhip, which
Worſhip.
were either the Tabernacle made in the Wilderneſs, or the Temple; after-
wards built at Jeruſalem; between which there was no other Difference as
to the eſſential Deſign, (tho' in the Beauty and Workmanſhip) than that
the Tabernacle was a moveable Temple, as the Temple was an immoveable
Tabernacle. No other place was allowed for Sacrifices and the Service be-
longing to them, theſe being a Type of that only Mediator Jeſus Christ, in
whom alone Mens Sins cou'd be expiated : So that for them to erect an
Altar, or offer Sacrifices in any other Place, tho it were to the true God,
was a typical Idolatry, implying a Multiplicity of Mediators; of whoſe
Unity, this one Place of Worſhip, and this one Altar, was a Sign. The Parts
of the Tabernacle, or Temple, were three; the Holiest of all, the Holy Place,
and the Outward Court. Into the firſt of theſe, call d Sanctum Sanctorum, none
entred but the High-Prieſt, and that but once a Year, it being a Type of
Heaven. In this was the Golden Cenſer, the Golden Pot of Manna, the Rod
of Aaron that budded, and the Ark of the Covenant; in which laſt were the
two Tables of the Law, and over it the Cherubims of Glory, who looking towards
each other, ſhadow'd the Mercy-Seat, which was the golden Covering to
the Ark; where God veiling his Majeſty, was wont to manifeſt his Preſence,
to give Anſwers, and to ſhew himſelf reconcil'd to his people. The ſecond
Partition, call'd the Holy-Place or Sanctuary, was that place where the Prieſts
only
The INTRODUCTION
5
only enter'd to perform their daily Miniſtrations; in which was the Golden
Candleſtick with ſeven Branches, the Table ſurrounded with a Border and a
Crown of Gold; upon which was plac'd the Shem-Bread for the Prieſts; and
the Golden Altar of Incenſe, whereon they burnt the ſweet Odors every Mor-
ning and Evening. The third Diviſion, calld tlie Outward Court, and the
Court of Iſrael, was the Place appointed for the People to offer up their Pray-
ers and Sacrifices; into which no unclean or uncircumcis'd Perſon was per-
mitted to enter. In this Part ſtood the Brazen Altar, upon which the fa-
cred Fire from Heaven, by which the Sacrifices were conſum'd, was conti-
nually preſerv'd ; and the Brazen Laver, wherein the Prieſts waſh'd their
Hands and Feet, when going into the Sanctuary; and both they and the
People, when ready to oiter Sacrifices. To the Temple afterwards an Ad-
dition was made of a fourth Court, call'd the Court of the Gentiles; into
which all unclean Perſons and Proſelyte Gentiles might enter; and in this
was the Corban, or Treaſury belonging to the Temple. To theſe Laws con-
cerning the Place of Worſhip, we may reduce thoſe that relate to the holy Their Stated
Veſſels and Utenſils of the Tabernacle and the Temple; as Candleſticks, Snuff- Seaſons.
ers, Diſhes, and the like; all which, as well as the other Inſtitutions, had
their proper Myſteries and Significations.
The ſtated Times and Seaſons of their Worſhip are in the third place to be
conſider'd; and they were either Daily, Weekly, Monthly, or Yearly. Their
Daily Worſhip was at the Time of the Morning, and tlie Evening Sacri-
fice. Their Weekly Solemnity was the Sabbath, which was to be obſerv’d
with all imaginable Care and Strictneſs; they being coinmanded to reſt from
all ſervile Labours, and to attend the Duties and Offices of Religion. Their
Monthly Feſtivals were the New-Moons, wherein they were to found the
Trumpets over the Sacrifices and Oblations, and to celebrate them with
great
Expreſſions of Joy and Triumph; in a grateful Remembrance of the Bleſſings
conferr'd upon them the preceding Month. Their Annual Solemnities were
either Ordinary or Extraordinary: The Ordinary were thoſe that return'd
every Year; of which the firſt was the Paſſover, to be celebrated upon the
fourteenth Day of the firſt Month, or March; as a Memorial of their Deli-
verance out of Ægypt; and to continue with many other Ceremonies, for
ſeven Days. The ſecond was Pentecost, called the Feast of Weeks; becauſe
it was exactly ſeven Weeks, or fifty Days after the Paffover. It was alſo of
ſeven Days Continuance, and inſtituted partly in Memory of the Promulga-
tion of the Law at Mount Sinai, fifty Days after the firſt Paſſover in Ægypt
and partly as a Thankſgiving for their Harveſt, which uſually was fully
gathered in about this Time. The third was the Feast of Tabernacles, be-
gun on the fifteenth Day of the ſeventh Month, or September, continuing
eight Days; at which Time they dwelt in Booths or Tabernacles made
of green Boughs, as a Memento of their ſojourning in Tents in the Wilder-
neſs, and a ſenſible Demonſtration of the tranſitory Duration of the preſent
Life. Theſe were the three great Solemnities, wherein all the Males of Iſrael
were oblig'd to appear before the Lord, and for many Ages at Jeruſalem
where the Temple ſtood, and to preſent themſelves and their Offerings in
Teſtimony of their Homage and Devotion. Beſides which they had ſome
Feſtivals of lefſer Note, ſuch as the Feast of Trumpets, and that of Expia-
tion. The Extraordinary Annual Solemnities, were thoſe that recurr'd but
once in the Periodical Return of ſeveral Years; ſuch was the Sabbatical Yeaf,
which was every ſeventh Year, wherein the Land was to lye fallow, and
the People were to forbear Ploughing, or in any manner cultivating the
ſame. But the great Sabbatical Year was that of Jubilee, which return'd at
the End of ſeven ordinary Sabbatical Years; that is every fiftieth Year; the
Approach of which was ſolemnly proclaim'd by the Sound of Trumpets :
In
6
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
The Perſons
adminiſtring
In it all Servants were releas’d, all Debts diſcharg'd, and mortgag’d Eſtates
reverted to their proper Heirs; which nobly ſhadow'd out the Freedom and
Privileges of the Evangelical State.
Laſtly, we are to conlider the Perſons by whom their publick Worſhip was
adminiſterd: And theſe were, firſt, an High-Priest, who had his proper
Offices and Rules of Duty, and his peculiar Habit and Conſecration; ſe-
condly, Ordinary Priests, whoſe Buſineſs was to inſtruct the People, to pray
and offer Sacrifice, to bleſs the Congregation, and to judge in caſes of Le
profy and ſuch like ; and thirdly, the Levites, who were to aſſiſt the Prieſts
in preparing the Sacrifices, to bear the Tabernacle while it laſted, and lay
up and cleanſe its Veſſels and Utenſils, to guard the Courts and Chambers
of the Temple, to watch weekly there by Turns, to ſing and celebrate the
Praiſes of God with Hymns and Muſical Inſtruments, and to joyn with
the Prieſts in judging and determining Ceremonial Cafes. There were niany
Orders and Courlcs of Prieſts among the Iſraelites, and tho' all of them were
Types of Chriſt, yet it was the High-Prieſt who did eminently typify him,
and that in ſeveral Particulars : As in the Unity and Singularity of his
Office; in the Qualifications of his Perſon, which was to be in all Refpects
perfect and comely; in the Manner of his Conſecration ; and in his fin-
gular Capacity, that he alone might enter into the Sun&tum Sanctorum; which
he did once a Year upon the great Day of Expiation, with extraordinary
Pomp and Solemnity, killing Sacrifices, burning Incenſe,ſprinkling the Victiin's
Blood upon the Mercy-Seat, going within the Veil, and making an Atone-
ment within the Holy Place. All which immediately referr'd to that one
Mediator between God and Man, the Man Jeſus Chriſt, who, by the Sacrifice of
himſelf, and through the Veil of his own Fleſh enter'd, not into the Holy
Place made with Hands, but into Heaven it ſelf, now to appear in the Pre-
Sence of God for us.
Beſides theſe Ceremonial Laws already enumerated, the Iſraelites had ſe-
veral other particular Commands, and Ritual Conſtitutions about Meats and
Drinks, and other Things relating to human Life. Such was the Difference
they were to make between the Creatures, fome to be clean, and others uni-
ſuch were ſeveral ſorts of Pollutions and Uncleanneſſes, which were
not Sins in their own nature, but Ceremonial Defilements; and of this kind
were ſeveral Proviſions about Apparel, Diet, and the ordering Family Af-
fairs, all evidently of a Ceremonial and Typical Aſpect, but too long to be
inſiſted on in this place. Wherefore I ſhall proceed next, (tho'but to a bare
mentioning) of
The other Sort of Laws given to the Iſraelites, which, beſides thoſe purely
Moral, were Political and Judicial. Theſe were the Munipal Laws of the
Nation, enacted for the well Ordering of the State, and were a kind of an
Appendage to the ſecond Table of the Decalogue, as the Ceremonial Laws
were to the firſt. They may be conceiv'd under theſe four Heads : Firſt,
ſuch as reſpected Men in their private and domeſtick Capacities, concerning
Husbands and Wives, Parents and Children, and Maſters and Servants: Se-
condly, ſuch as concern'd the Publick and Commonwealth, relating to Ma-
giſtrates and Courts of Juſtice, to Contracts and Bargains, to Eſtates and
Inheritances, and to Executions and Puniſhments: Thirdly, ſuch as belon-
ged to Strangers and Matters of Foreign nature; as Laws concerning Peace
and War, Commerce and Dealing with Perſons of other Nations : And
laſtly, ſuch as ſecured the Honour and Intereſt of Religion, Laws againſt
Apoſtates and Idolaters, Wizards, Conjurers and Falſe-Prophets, againſt
Blaſphemy, Sacrilege and ſuch like Crimes. All which Laws were peculiarly
calculated for the Iſraelites ; and tho' proceeding from the wiſeſt Law-
giver, they were not obligatory to other Nations, beſides ſuch of them
clean;
Theis Political
Lili's,
7S
The INTRODUCTION.
7
Elion and Seti
tlement.
as were Branches of the Law of Nature, the Ricafort of Them being im-
mutable and eternal.
Thus were the Iſraelites diſtinguiſh'd from all other People and Nations, Their Diſlim-
as well by the Favours and Promiſes from Heaven, as their peculiar Laws and
Cuſtoms. They were diſtinguiſh'd from each other only by their twelve
Triles, as being Deſcendents of the twelve Sons of Jacob or Iſrael; and when
they enter'd the Land of Canaan, they divided it into twelve Parts or
Portions, one for each Tribe. The Northern Parts 'were given to the
Tribes of Afer, Nepthali
; Zabulon, and Ifachar; the middle Parts, to that of
Ephraim, and half of Maneſſeh; the Southern Parts to thoſe of Judah, Ben-
jamin, Dan and Simeon; and the Country beyond Jordan, to thoſe of Ren-
ben, Gad, and the other Half of Manaſſeh. Levi, whiclr makes a thirteenth
Tribe, being felected for the ſpecial Service of God, was diſperſed among all
the other Tribes, had 48 Cities, the Tenths of all the Profits of the Land
3
and many other great Advantages and Privileges. At the firſt Entrance
of the Iſraelites, and the Diviſion of the Land, they had many mițaculous
Victories, and ſtupendious Succeſſes ; yet the old Inhabitants were not im-
mediately deſtroy'd nor ſubdu'd, being particularly reſerv'd by God for many
Years to be Scourges, and Thorns in their Sides, whenever they became
ſtubborn or idolatrous. Their Government at this Time was a kind of an
Ariſtocracy, or rather, as the Fathers call it, a Theocracy; the Legiſlative Power
being more immediately in God himſelf, and the Executive, as it is generally
believ'd, in the Congregation of the Elders; which conſiſted of 70 Perſons,
and was uſually ſtild the Sanhedrim, or Grand Council: Only upon all Exe-
gencies, they had a ſupream Officer' call'd a Fudge, whoſe Authority was
more properly that of a General of an Army, than a Governor of a Na-
tion. This Government continu'd, under ſixteen ſeveral fudges, from the Judges,
Death of Moſes, and the Paſſage into Canaan, 356 Years, according to the
moſt exact Chronologers. During which Space, the Tabernacle was prin-
cipally fix'd at Shiloh, a City of the Tribe of Ephraim, almoſt in the Middle
of the whole Country; and the Iſraelites met with many ſevere Oppreſſions
fro!n their Neighbours and no leſs lignal Deliverances from Heaven ; which
Vicillitudes continually hapned according to the Meaſures of their Obedience
or Rebellion.
At length, after a great Reformation of Religion by Samuel, the laſt of Kingsı
the Judges, in the Year of the World 2909, the Iſraelites grew weary of this
kind of Government, and niutinoully cry'd out for a King; which ſo pro-
vok'd the Almighty that he ſent them Saul, a Prince warlike and brave,
but cruel and tyrannical, and diſobedient to his Creator ; till at laſt he was
abandon'd by him, and plung’d into all the Miſerys that attend Confuſion
and Deſpair. He was ſucceeded by David, a Man after God's own Heart;
who happily reſtored the Church, took Jerufalem, and made it the Royal City
of the Nation; conquer'd ſeveral Countrys, and much enlarg’d his Domi-
nions, even from Ægypt to Euphrates; the utmoſt Limits promisd by God
to Abraham's Seed above 880 Years before. But for ſome Sins which he com-
mitted, he was not permitted to effect that Work, the Building of a Temple;
yet at his Death, he left more Treaſure, and vaſter Sums we find for that
Deſign, than ever was recorded in any Hiſtory either ſacred or prophane. After
40 Years Reign his Son Solomon ſucceeded him, a Prince the inolt renouned in
the World, both for Wiſdom and Magnificence, who undertook and finiſh'd
what his Father David had deſign’d; having the Honour of being the firſt
Man in the World, who erected a Temple to the true God. The 150000
Perſons employ'd in the Undertaking, the 3600 general Overſeers, together
with the ſeven Ycars Building, give us a noble Idea of the Greatneſs of the
Work; which was fo ſurprizingly beautiful and' glorious, that it was accoun-
ted
i
:
8
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
ted one of the greateſt Wonders of the World. This was finiſhed in the vfher.
3000th Year of the World, and about 486 after the firſt erecting of the Ta-
bemacle ; at which Time, when the Temple was dedicated, the Majeſty of
God became conſpicuous in it, by a Cloud of Glory, and Fire from Heaven.
Now was the State of Iſrael in the Height of its Splendor and Glory, and ſo
continu'd in the utmoſt Peace and Plenty moſt of this Reign; which laſted
40 Years. A King ſo wiſe and knowing, a Court ſo pompous and magnificent,
a People ſo rich and floriſhing, were never known before or ſince that Time.
But the great Errors and Infirmitys of Solomon in his latter Days caus'd God
to deprive the Nation of this mighty Proſperity, and to put an End to the
united Monarchy of Iſrael, which had, excepting two Years, continu'd intire
about 120 Years from the firſt Eſtabliſhment of Saul. Yet it is believ'd that
it was not ſo abſolute a Monarchy, but that the Sanhedrim retain'd a very
great Power and Authority, tho' not equal to that in the Time of the Judges.
The Diviſion
Upon the Death of Solomon, in the 3030th Year of the World, and 974th
of the Kingdom. before our Saviour's Nativity, his Son Rehoboam by his indiſcreet Roughneſs
caus'd Ten of the Twelve Tribes to revolt from him, ſo that the Nation be-
caine divided into two diſtinct and independent Kingdoms, one calld the
Kingdom of Judah, and the other the Kingdom of Iſrael; the former adhe-
ring to Rehoboam, and the latter chuſing Jeroboam for their King. The King-
dom of Judah contain'd all the Southern Parts of the Land, and about a
Fourth of the whole, being about 100 Miles in length, and 60 in breadth;
conſiſting of the two Tribes of Judah and Benjamin, and ſo much of Dan
and Simeon as lay intermix'd with Judah; its Royal City being Jeruſalem in
the Tribe of Benjamin. The Kingdom of Iſrael contain'd all the Northern
and middle Parts of the Land, together with the Country beyond Jordan,
conſiſting of the reſt of the Tribes, the Royal City, during the Time of this
Kingdom's Continuance, being Samaria in the Tribe of Ephraim, not much
above
30 Miles North-Eaſt of Jeruſalem. Notwithſtanding the Smallneſs
of theſe two Kingdoms, their Power and Forces were extraordinary; as ap-
pears from their vaſt Armys which they fent into the Field, particularly
when Abijah the ſecond King of Judah after the Diviſion led an Army of
400000 Men againſt Jeroboam King of Iſrael, who brought double the Num-
ber; which latter was defeated with the loſs of 500000 of his Men. Not
long after Abijah's Son Afa led an Army againſt the Arabians or Ethiopians
conſiſting of 580000 Men; yet he was much exceeded by his Son Fehoſha-
phat, who had liſted 780000 Men out of the Tribe of Judah, and 380000
out of Benjamin, in all 1160000 Men: An infinite Proportion, for a Spor
of Land not much larger than one particular County in England, and lur-
paſſing all Belief, had not the Holy Scriptures affirmed it, and God himſelf
promiſed it to Abraham, That his Seed should be as the Duſt of the Earth, and
the Stars of Heaven for Multitude.
The Kingdom of Upon the Diviſion of the Kingdoms, Jeroboam judgʻd no way more
effectual to ſecure his new acquired Sovereignty, than by diverting his Sub-
jects from the Temple and the Worſhip at Jerufalem ; therefore out of a
curſed Policy he erected two golden Calves in Dan and Bethel, one in the
Tribe of Nepthali, and the other in Ephraim; perſuading the People there
to make their publick Adorations and Sacrifices, appointing Prieſts and
other Officers for that purpoſe. From which time the true Religion be-
gan viſibly to ebb and decay, and Idolatry to gain ground after a noto-
rious manner: And tho' God permitted the Kingdom to continue under
the Government of nineteen ſeveral Kings, all of whom were idolatrous
and impious; yet he foon made it decline, and after the ſpace of 254
Years from the Death of Solomon, finally deſtroy'd it by the Hand of
Salmanaffer King of Aſyria, who not only ravag‘d the Country, but car-
ry'd
A
ffrael.
The INTRODUCTION.
9
a 이
​and as
elites.
Ifraelitess
ry'd all the Ten Tribes captive into his own Dominions, and planted other
Nations in their room. So that this Kingdom became a part of the great
Alyrian Empire, only the Moabites and Ammonites by their Induſtry re-
gain'd foine part of their ancient Dominions in the Country beyond Jordan.
This great Alteration and firſt Diſperſion of the Iſraelites happened in the The first Dipera
32834. of the World, and 721 Years before our Saviour's Nativity;
fion of the Ifra
to their State and Fortunes afterwards we have no certain Account.
In the mean time the Kingdom of Judah was ſomewhat more proſperous, The Kingdom of
and continu'd 133 Years longer than the Kingdom of Iſrael, under the Go-Judah.
vernment of twenty ſeveral Kings. Theſe two Tribes of Judah and Benja-
min were more obedient to God and their King, firmly adhering to the
Worſhip of the Temple; tho’even here Idolatry in ſome Places maintain'd
its Ground, having taken Root in the Reign of Solomon, who had been
betray'd into theſe Follies by his exceeding Fondneſs to his Wives. Tho'
ſome of the ſucceeding Princes much endeavour'd to deſtroy it, yet it was
reviv'd again by others, and with other Impieties ſo much encreas'd, that
when the Preachings of the Prophets, and the Example of the other Tribes
Puniſhment, would not avail, God thought fit to deliver the whole Nation
into the Hands of Nebuchadnezzar King of Babylon, who firſt conquer'd the
King and Kingdom, and nineteen Years after led all the Inhabitants captive
to Babylon, and utterly deſtroy'd the City of Jeruſalem, together with the
glorious Temple, after it had ſtood 416 Years, the Wonder and Envy of
the World. This was the ſecond memorable Captivity of the Iſraelites, be- The ſecond Difo
ginning 114 Years after the other, tho' not completed till thie Deſtruction of perſion of the
Jeruſalem and the Temple; when all things were left in a miſerable Deſola-
tion, and the Inhabitants made a Scorn to all Nations.
After 70 Years Captivity, in the 3468th Year of the World, and 536th
before our Saviour's Nativity, Cyrus the Great, King of Perſia and Babylon,
by means of a Divine Impulſe, reſtor'd theſe two Tribes to their ancient
Habitations, and gave them Commiſſion to rebuild their City and Temple.
Which laſt Work was immediately begun, and continu'd with great Dili-
gence by Zerubbabel and others; but with ſo much Oppoſition from the
neighbouring Inhabitants, that it was not finiſhed till twenty Years after.
And after all the Care and Zeal of the Undertakers, this ſecond Temple
was far inferior to the firſt, not only in the outward Beauty and Magnificence,
but alſo in the wànt of five inward or more ſpiritual Advantages, which were
the Glory of the Iſraelites; namely, the Ark of the Covenant, the Fire from
Heaven that lay upon the Altar, the Shekinah or Preſence of the Divine
Majeſty on the Mercy Seat, the Urim and Thummim, and the Spirit of Pro-
phecy, which departed from the Nation not many Years after. About 61
Years after the Dedication of this Temple, the Buildings of Jeruſalem were
all finiſhi’d, and the Walls completed, 454 Years before the Æra of our
Saviour's Nativity, in which Year, Uſher and the beſt Chronologers place
the Beginning of Daniels 10 Weeks. And about this time, as 7oſephus in-
forms us, theſe two ſurviving Tribes of Judah and Benjamin loſt their an-
cient Name of Iſraelites, and have ever ſince been called by the Name of
Jews. There was not only an Alteration in their Name, but alſo in their
Language
and their Government. Their Language was chang’d from the
pure Hebrew to one compos'd of Chaldee and Hebrew, ſince calld the Syriack;
which Language they continually us’d till the laſt Deſtruction of Jeruſalem
by Titus. And their Government was now no longer Regal, but rather Prieſts.
Sacerdotal, the High Prieſt having the greateſt Authority, but the greateſt
Power was retain'd by the Sanhedrim.
Porophus
For 122 Years after the Finiſhing of the Walls of Jeruſalem, the Fews,
tho' confin'd to ſmall Dominions, and deſpis’d by their Neighbours, con
B
tinud
IO
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
tinu'd in a tolerable Degree of Quiet and Proſperity. At which time, the
whole Land of Canaan or Iſrael became ſubject to the Macedonian or Gre-
cian, as before it had been to the Babylonian and Perſian Empires. This
was effected by Alexander the Great; after whoſe Death this Country fell
to the Mare of the Kings of Syria, by whom it began to be call’d by the
Name of Paleſtine, and was divided into theſe five diſtinct Provinces, three
on the Weſt Side, and two in the Country beyond Jordan. I. Galilee, the
moſt Northern Province, bordering upon Syria and Phænicia, and contain-
ing the old Habitation of the four Tribes of Afer, Nepthali, Zabulon and I ſa-
char ; being divided into the Upper and Lower, and about 85 Miles in
Length, and 70 in Breadth. 2. Samaria, on the South of Galilee, and bor-
dering upon the Mediterranean Sea, containing the old Habitation of the
Tribe of Ephraim and half of Manaſſeh; being about 75 Miles Long, and
near 50 in Breadth. 3. Judea, South, or rather South-Weſt of Samaria,
containing the Habitation of the Tribes of Judah and Benjamin, together
with Din and Simeon ; being almoſt the ſame with the old Kingdom of
Fudah, and about 100 Miles in Length, and 60 in Breadth. Beyond Jordan
were 4. Traconitis, on the Eaſt of Galilee, bordering upon Syria, and con-
taining the old Habitation of the other half of Manaſſeh; being a Coun-
try leſs fruitful than the reſt, and about 70 Miles in Length, and 50 in
Breadth. 5. Perea, (which Name was ſometimes given to all that Country
beyond Fordan) on the Soutlı of Traconitis, and Eaſt of Samaria and 73-
dea, containing the old Habitation of the two Tribes of Gad and Ren-
ben, and ſomewhat more; being about 110 Miles in Length, and near 60
in Breadth. This was the Diviſion of the whole Land, which continu'd
to our Saviour's Time; when another Province was added by the Ro-
mans to this Country, callid Idumea, which we have but little Occaſion
to deſcribe.
Of theſe five Provinces, the Jews only poſſeſs'd that call’d Judæa, and
for a conſiderable ſpace nor all that
, being hated and oppreſs’d by all their
Neighbours, eſpecially the powerful Nations of Ægypt and Syria, two great
Branches of the Macedonian or Grecian Empire. The King of the former,
Ptolemeus Lagi, ſhortly after the Death of Alexander, enter'd Judæa, took
crufulem it ſelf, and carried infinite Numbers both of the City and the
The third Dir. Country captive into Ægypt. This was the third remarkable Disperſion of
perfion.
this People, which happened in the 320th Year before Chriſt, and 216
Years after their Return from Babylon. After this, they were extremely
harraſs’d by the Kings of Syria, eſpecially by Antiochus Epiphanes, who in
the 170th Year before Chriſt, enter'd Jeruſalem, made a miſerable Slaugh-
ter of the Inhabitants, prophand and pillag'd the Temple, and compellid
many by Tortures both to eat forbidden Meats, and offer Sacrifice to Idols.
At which time God rais'd up Mattat hias a Prieſt, and the Head of the Aſmo-
næan Family, who together with his three brave Sons and Succeſſors, Judas
Maccabans, Jonathan, and Simon, became ſo ſucceſsful in aſſerting the Li-
berty of their Country, that the Jews in few Years not only freed fudea
from the Syrians, but likewiſe enlarg’d their Dominions to the gaining of
almoſt all the old Poſſeſſions of the Twelve Tribes of Iſrael, together
with Idumea, whoſe Inhabitants they compellid to be circumcis'd. Info-
much, that in 62 Years, Ariſtobulus, one of the Succeſſors of the Macca-
bees, thought fit to take the Crown upon him, and was the firſt King fover
the fews after the Babylonian Captivity; their Sacerdotal Government, as
it is called by ſome, having continu'd, without any noted Intermiſſion,
428 Years.
The Jews ſub- . But this new Regal Government continu'd not free and independent
je&ted to the above 46 Years; at which time Pompey, the great General of the Romans,
coming
Romans.
The INTRODUCTION.
I!
ma
viour's time,
coming down like a Torrent upon the Eaſt, was by the Uſurpation of Ariſto-
bulus II. and the Indiſcretion of his Brother Hircanus, made Maſter of all
this Country: So that Paleſtine from this time became a Province of the
Roman Empire 3 which happened 62 Years before the vulgar Æra of our
Saviour's Nativity. Yet notwithſtanding this Conqueſt, the fornier Laws
and Cuſtoms were continu'd to this Country, as alſo the Sacerdotal Go-
vernment, which remain d about 22 Years longer in its full Force; till
Herod an Idumean Prince, accidentally obtain’d the Kingdom of Judæa of And to Hcrodi
the Senate of Rome, and in three Years became Maſter of the whole Coun-
try, which he enlarg'd, and brought to more Grandeur and Magnificence,
than cvcr it had been in ſince the Reign of Solomon : Yet at the ſame time
he depreſs’d the Prieſthood, extirpated the Maccabean Family, and miſera-
bly enllav'd the Inliabitants. This was the firſt Foreigner to whom the
Jems became immediatcly ſubject; in whoſe Reign our Bleffed Saviour came
into the World: So that'the ancient Prophecy of the Scepter's departing from
Judah, is by the beſt Criticks ſuppos'd to begin to take Place at this time,
though it was not intirely completed till the laſt Deſtruction of Jeruſalem,
and the fatal Diffolution of the Jewiſh State.
II. From this ſhort Account already given, it will appear, that at the the Stateof the
time of our Saviour's coming into the World, the Inhabitants of the Land Jews in our Site
of Canaan or Paleſtine were a Mixture of divers Nations both of Foreigners
and Natives; and that the Jews themſelves were but a Remnant of an
often ſcatter'd, conquer'd, and captivated People ; but two entire Tribes
of twelve, and thoſe tributary both to Herod and the Romans. The
Foreigners who reſided in this country were principally Grecians and
Romans, the former being the Reliques of the Macedonian Empire, and
the latter, Magiſtrates, Governors, and Soldiers, to keep it in Obedience,
and to receive the Tributes. The reſt of the Inhabitants, tho' of many
different Extracts, may principally be conceiv'd under theſe two following
Names. 1. Jews, and 2. Samaritans; of whom, for Diſpatch fake, I ſhall
firſt take notice of the latter.
1. The Samaritans were principally Deſcendents of thoſe Aſſyrians whom The Samari-
Salmanaſſer ſent to inhabit the Kingdom of Iſrael, when he carry'd the
Ten Tribes captive; originally Pagans, and calld Cuthites by the Jews, ei-
ther from the Name of their Country, or by Way of Reproach. But
mixing with the Remainder of the Tribes, and being puniſh'd with Lions,
and inſtructed by ſome Iſraelitiſh Prieſts, they gradually receded from their
Pagan Idolatries; and after the Babylonian Captivity, they became zealous
in the Worſhip of the true God. They were circumcis'd, offer'd Sacrifices,
perform'd the Ceremonies of the Law, and expected the Meſſiah, who
was to deliver them from all Calamities, and teach them all Things: Yet
they never comply'd with fudaiſm any farther than to own the five Books
of Mofes, rejecting all the Prophets and the other Sacred Writings. And
tho’they had Prieſts and Sacrifices like the fews, yet they would not allow
Jeruſalem to be the Place of publick Worſhip; therefore to divert the com-
mon Sort from the Temple of God, by the means of Sanballat, a great Prince
of their Nation, they erected another Temple of great Magnificence, upon
Mount Gerizim, near Sichem, and not far from Samaria; imitating the Po-
licy, tho' not the Idolatry of Jeroboam, the firſt King of Iſrael after the
Diviſion. This Temple was built 204 Years after the Babylonian Captivi-
ty, and 332 before our Saviour's Nativity, and prov'd a great weakning
to the Jewiſh Church; for all profligate Wretches, Malefactors, and excom-
municated Perſons among the Jews, immediately repair’d to this place, and
join'd with the Samaritan Worſhip. This, with former Reſentments
occaſion d
tans.
2
В 2
I 2
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
occafion'd fuch violent Heats between the Jews and Samaritans, tho' im-
mediate Neighbours, that they would have no Commerce or Correſpon-
dence with cach other, and continually branding the other with the moſt
reproachful Titles imaginable. About 200 Years after, the Fews growing
powerful by the Valour of the Maccabees, the Samaritans were ſubdu'd by
Fohn Hircanus, who deſtroy'd Samaria and their Schiſmatical Temple, and
confind them to a narrower Spot of Land, even to that little Province
of Samaria, which I have before deſcrib'd. Yet this did not extinguiſh
their Hatred and Prejudices, but they ſtill kept Mount Gerizim for their
Place of publick Worſhip, and continu'd their Schiſm till the total De-
ſtruction of both Nations by Titus the Emperor.
The Principles of the Samaritans, beſides their rejecting all the Scriptures
but the Books of Mofes, were their denying the future Judgment, the
Reſurrection of the Dead, and the everlaſting Life, becauſe they thought
thoſe Doctrines not reveald in the Pentateuch, in which they agreed with
the Jewiſh Sadduces. They were likewiſe noted for being much addicted
to Sorcery, Magick, Witchcraft and Inchantments, with all other curious
and unlawful Arts; which gave occaſion to the Jews, when they deſign'd
to reproach our Saviour with having a Familiar Spirit, to call him a San
maritan. Beſides which, they were ſo ſwelld with their imaginary Per-
fections and Holineſs, that they thought themſelves defiled by any Com-
pany or Converſation but their own. Therefore if they convers'd or traded
with any Foreigner, at their return, they ſprinkled themſelves with Urine:
But if through Negligence or Neceſſity they had touch'd them, they waſh'd
themſelves and all their Cloaths at the next Fountain; in which Superſti-
tion they reſembled the Sectaries of the fews. They maintain'd themſelves
to be the Deſcendents of Joſeph, and Heirs of the Aaronical Prieſthood;
yet they had ſeveral Diviſions and Sects among themſelves, more particu-
larly tlieſe three, the Dofitheans, the Sebueans, and the Gortheni.
1. The
Their Se&ts. Dofitheans, were ſo called from Doſitheus or Doſthui, ſuppos'd to be the
firſt Prieſt ſent into this Country by the King of Aſyria. Theſe diſagreed
with the reſt of the Samaritans in owning the Doctrine of the Reſurrection;
did eat nothing that had Life, like the Pythagoræans; abſtain'd from Mar-
riage, like the Jewiſh Efenes; and in the Point of Sabbath-keeping exceed-
ed the Phariſees ; it being reſolvd amongſt them, That in whatſoever Po-
ſture a Perſon was found on the Sabbath-day Morning, he ought to conti-
nue in the ſame the whole day without Alteration. 2. The Sebuæans, fo
nam'd from Sebua or Sebuiah, one of the Aſſociates of Dofithæus; who, tho’
they kept the ſame publick Feſtivals with the Jews and other Samaritans, yet
obſerv'd not the ſame time; transferring the Paffover to Augriſt, the Pente-
coſt to Autumn, and the Feaſt of Tabernacles to the time of the Paſſover :
For which Reaſon they were not permitted to worſhip at the Temple of
Gerizim. 3. The Gortheni kept the ſame Feſtivals, and obferv'd the ſame
times of thoſe Solemnities as the Law required; but contrary to the Law
they kept only one of the feven appointed days, and neglected the reſt as
days of ordinary Labour.
The Jews.
2. The Jews were moſt properly ſuch as inhabited the Country of Judæa;
but becauſe in our Saviour's time all were calld Jews, who obſerv'd the
Law of Moſes and all the Prophets, we fhall take notice of them in their
full Extent, and under theſe three Denominations and Diſtinctions. 1. Hel-
leniſts, 2. Profelytes, and 3. Feros in a proper Senſe, who are often call'd
by the Name of Hebrews.
The Helleniſts. The Helleniſts or Grecizing Fews, were ſuch as were real Fews by Def-
cent and Profeſſion, but living diſpers’d in almoſt all parts of the Roman
Empire; they made uſe of the Greek Tongue, the moſt general Language
of
T be INTRODUCTION.
13
.
:
of that time, in their publick Offices of Religion, and alſo the Septnagint's
Trantlation of the Old Teſtament : For which Reaſon they were called
Helleniſts, in Oppoſition to the other Jews, who in their Worſhip made
ufe of the Hebrew Tonglie only. They are likewiſe calld fems of the Weſt-
ern Diſperſion, occafion'd principally by the Oppreſſions of thc Ægyptians
and Syro-Macedonians; and weru very numerous, eſpecially in Ægypt, Ly-
bia and Cyrene. Theſe were as fuperititious in their Sabbath, as tenacious
of their Circumciſion, and of the other Rites and Ceremonies of their Law,
üs the Jews of Paleſtine; for which Reaſon they were continually deſpiſed
and hated by the Romans and Grecians, and other Gentiles, among whom
they reſided. Yet notwithſtanding their Strictneſs, they were not throughly
eſteem'd by the Hebrew Jews, but reckon'd by them as Jews of an inferior
Rank, upon the Account of the Heathen Language they us'd, and the Hea-
then Countrys they inhabited.
The Proſelytes were ſuch as were Gentiles by Birth and Deſcent, but con-
The Proſelytes.
form'd themſelves to the Jewijh Cuſtoms, and were admitted into their
Religion: And theſe were of two diſtinct Kinds, one calld Profelytes of the
Covenant, and tlie other Proſelytes of the Gate. The firſt were accounted as The firſt Sort.
real, tho' but adopted Jews, bound to the ſame Obſervances with them,
and convers'd as freely with them, as if they had been ſo born ; neither
might they eat, drink, or deal with the Gentiles more than the other, leſt
they became unclean. They worſhip'd in the ſame Court of the Temple
with the Hebrews, where others were probibited Entrance; and were par-
takers with thein in all Privileges both Divine and Human, differing in no-
thing but their Race and Parentage. The uſual way of the Jews making
theſe Profelytes, was by Circumciſion, Baptiſm and Sacrifice, if they were
Males; and by only Baptiſm and Sacrifice, if Females; as Maimonides and
the chief of the Rabbins aſſure us. Baptiſm was an ancient Cuſtom among
the fews, and many Ages before our Saviour's Appearance in the World.
Many account it as ancient as the Patriarch Jacob; but moſt do agree that
it was practis'd before the Delivery of the Law in the Wilderneſs. And
as Circumciſion was us'd to the Children of the Fews, fo was Baptiſm alſo
to the Children and Infants of the Profelytes; the Talmud giving this Rea-
ſon for it, That they may privilege a Perfon, tho' he be uncapable of knowing
it; but they ought not to difprivilege a Perfón witbout his Knowledge
. 2. The The ſecond Sorts
Profelytes of the Gate, were ſuch Gentiles as were by the Femos admitted to
the Worſhip of the God of Iſrael, and the Hopes of a future Life j
but
were not circumcis’d, nor yet conform’d to the Mofaical Rites and Ordi-
nances; being only oblig'd to the Obfervation of thoſe Precepts which the
Hebrew Doctors call The ſeven Precepts of the Sons of Noah, and are recorded
under theſe following Titles : “ Firſt, to renounce Idols, and all idolatrous
Worſhip. Secondly, to worſhip the true God, the Creator of Heaven and
“ Earth. Thirdly, to ſhed no Man's Blood. Fourthly, to refrain from all
“ unlawful Luſts and Mixtures. Fifthly, to fhun all Rapine, Theft and
Robbery. Sixthly, to adminifter true Juftice. Laſtly, not to eat the
" Fleſh of any Beaſt taken from it alive; by which all Cruelty was pro-
“ hibited. Theſe Profelytes, tho they were admitted to worſhip in the
Temple; yet becauſe they were uncircumcis'd, they were ſo far look'd
upon as Gentiles, as not to be admitted into the ſame Court with the
Profelytes of the Covenant; but were accounted as unclean, and had their
particular Court aſſign'd them in their Worſhip of God, which was call'd
the Court of the Gentiles and of the Unclean. As the firſt of theſe in
the New Teſtament are call’d ſimply Tlegránulou, the latter are calld Eschulvors
or Worſhippers z and were much more numerous in all Parts of the Roman
Empire than the former. Their Conditions were more free and unconfind,
and
C
14
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
The Jew's
tions.
and their Precepts more eaſie and natural than the other; and their Prin-
ciples fitting them for the Reception of the Goſpel, they became the moſt
apparent Cauſe of the firſt great ſpreading of Chriſtianity.
Laſtly, We are to take notice of the Jews in a more proper Senſe,
firiefly ſo cal'd. who were often diſtinguiſh'd by the Name of Hebrews, and were the In-
habiters of Paleſtine, and more principally that part of it calld fudæa.
Theſe were the Perſons with whom our Bleſſed Saviour was pleas'd chiefly
to converſe, at a time when they were but the Relicts, and even the Dregs
of an often broken, and then deteſted Generation; when to be a few
was a Name of Diſgrace, and to be circumcis'd a Mark of Infamy : So
that they might well be a peculiar People, not only becauſe God ſepara-
ted them from all other Nations, but becauſe all other Nations ſeparated
from them. God liad now ſeem'd to have forſaken them, by his with-
drawing from them the Spirit of Prophecy, and his frequent and imme-
diate Revelations, formerly the Glory of their Nation ; and likewiſe by
his leaving them to the Mercy of every Tyrant and Conqueror. All
which was but the juſt Puniſhment of their numerous Impieties and Cor-
ruptions; which had been provoking in all Ages, but more notorious in
this. Before the Babylonian Captivity, Idolatry was their great Crime ;
for which God ſo often puniſh'd them, and more particularly with that
Their Corrup- ſeventy Years Slavery. But after their Return, they gradually ran into a
contrary Extreme, which was a rigid Superſtition; and this encreaſing, and
receiving in ſome Notions of the Grecian Philoſophers, it not only pro-
duc'd an inſupportable Pride and Obſtinacy, but likewiſe ſeveral Sects and
Hereſies amongſt them. By this means their Lives and Morals became
extremely corrupted, Luſt and Avarice prevailing in a ſhameful manner;
and as the Roman Yoak grew heavier, ſo their Notions of the Meſſiah
became groffer than formerly; expecting inſtead of a ſpiritual, only a tem-
poral Prince and Deliverer, who ſhould raiſe them to the height of worldly
Grandeur. So that ſcarce ever any Church or Religion in the World
was more baſely degenerated, or more miſerably corrupted, than that
of the Fews, at the time of the Manifeſtation of our Bleſſed Sa-
viour.
To deſcend a little to Particulars, we may pertinently take notice of
theſe four; their Temple, their Prieſthood, their Law, and their Sects.
1. Their Temple had lately been rebuilt by Herod, to almoft an incredi-
ble degree of Beauty and Magnificence; yet as it had been prophan’d by
Antiochus, Pompey, and Craffus, ſo it was likewiſe by Him, making it
fubfervient to his impious Policies and Deſigns. And the Jews themſelves
were no leſs guilty of Prophanation, turning all that part of it calld the
Court of the Gentiles into an Exchange and Market; ſo that the Place where
Men were to meet with God, and to converſe with Heaven, became
Ware-houſes for Merchants, and Shops for Uſurers and Extortioners. The
Worſhip formerly perform'd there with the moſt pious and devout Affe-
ctions, was now become a meer Shell and outward Shew ; Rites of hu-
man Invention had juſtled out thoſe of Divine Inſtitution, and their ve-
ry Prayers were made Snares to catch the unwary People, and to devour
Widows and Orphans. 2. Their Prieſthood was ſo chang’d and con-
founded, that it retain'd ſcarce any thing but its ancient Name: The High
Prieſts, who by their original Inſtitution were to ſucceed lineally, and to
retain their Office for Life, were become almoſt annual, and which is worſe,
venal; Herod expoſing the Prieſthood to Sale, ſcarce admitting any who
paid not well for his Patent. By which means this high Station was
fill’d with the Refuſe of the People, by Men of weak Abilities, and de-
bauch'd Manners, who had neither Parts nor Piety to recommend them,
he
The INTRODUCTION.
IS
1
CC
lie being accounted beſt and worthieſt who offer’d moſt. 3. Their Law
which had been deliver'd with the utmoft Grandeur and Majeſty, and for
which they pretended the greateſt Veneration, was by them iniferably cor-
rupted and depraved, eſpecially the Moral Part of it; and that by their
groſs and abſurd Interpretations, as alſo by their Oral Law and Traditions.
The Scribes and Phariſees, who ruld the Chair in the Jewiſh Church, had
by falſe and corrupt Glofſes debas'd the Majeſty and Purity of the Law,
and made it ſerve the Purpoſes of an evil Life : They taught the People,
that the Law requir'd no more than external Righteouſneſs, that if there
was but a viſible Conforinity of Life, they needed not be ſolicitous
about the Government of their Minds, or the regular Conduct of their
Thoughts or Paſſions ; ſo that if Men did but preſerve a laudable Ap-
pearance in the World, the ſecret Purity of the Soul was necdleſs : And
farther, that a punctual Obſervance of ſome external Precepts of the Law,
would compenſate for the Neglect or Violation of the reſt. Their Oral
Law and their Traditions was another way of weakning and debaſing
the Written Law of God; and of theſe they were ſo fond, that they
preferr’d them before the Writings of Moſes, ſome of them pretending
that they were deliver'd by God himſelf to Mofes, and ſo tranſmitted to
Poſterity. Theſe brought them into infinite Niceties, and ſuperſtitious Pra-
Etices, ſuch as their frequent Waſhings and Purifications; in which, and
innumerable other Trifles, they were to exceedingly ſcrupulous, that they
made the Neglect of them of equal Guilt with the greateſt Immorality,
not fearing to affert, “ That he who eats Bread with unwafhen Hands is
is if he lay with an Harlot. 4. The Sects and Diviſions among the Jewis Their Sects:
are laſtly to be taken notice of; and theſe were partly religious, partly po-
litical, and partly diſtinct. Tho' there were many Branches and Diſtin-
cțions among the Jews, yet what are moſt proper for our Purpoſe to be
taken notice of, may be comprehended under theſe ſeven Denominations.
1. Phariſees, 2. Sadducees, 3. Effenes, 4. Scribes, 5. Publicans, 6. Herodians,
and 7. Galileans.
(1.) The Phariſees were ſo calld from the word Peraſh, importing Ex-The Phariſeer:
poſition, or rather Paraſh, implying Separation, becauſe they were ſeparated
from all others in their extraordinary Pretences to Piety. It is uncertain
when this Sect began to appear in the World, tho it is moſt cominonly
believ'd to be about 300 Years before our Saviour's Birth. However, in a
ſhort time it became a bold and daring Sect, not fearing to affront Prin-
ces, and Perſons of the greateſt Quality; they were crafty and inſinuating,
and by a Shew of mighty Zeal, and infinite Strictneſs in Reigion above
the ordinary Rate of Mankind, had procur’d themſelves a ſtrange Venera-
tion from the People. They faſted twice a Week with all imaginable Nicety,
inured themſelves to all kinds of Auſterities, and diſcriminated themſelves
from the Kerd and Community, not only by their lowre and ſanctified
Countenances, but alſo by ſome peculiar Notes and Badges of Diſtinction ;
ſuch as their long Robes, their broad Phylacteries or Scrolls, and their
large Fringes and Borders of their Garments, whereby they made them-
ſelves known from the reſt of the World. They were no leſs exact in
the Payment of their Tithes, even to things of the leaſt Value, and finalleſt
Concernment; and were as careful in paying the Beſt of their Increaſe,
the. Top of the Heap, the Flower of the Wheat, the firſt Running of
the Wine, &c. Yet notwithſtanding their ſpecious Pretences to an extra-
ordinary Sanctity and Severity, they were but religious Villains, and the
moſt inſolent and implacable Generation that ever any Age produc'd ;
difdamning and trampling upon all but their own Party, and accounting
the reſt Slaves, and Sons of the Earth. They were ſpiteful and malicious,
griping
16
ECCLESIASTICAL History.
The Zealots.
griping and voracious, mercileſs Dealers, and moſt ſuperlatively cenforious
and uncharitable; and to ſum up their Morality at once, it is hard to ſay
which was moſt predominant, their inſatiable Avarice, their inſupporta-
ble Pride, or their unfathomable Hypocriſie. As to their Principles, they
believ'd, that the Souls of Men are Immortal, and had thicir Dooms awar-
ded in the ſubterraneous Regions; that there is a Metempſychoſis or Tranſmi-
gration of pious Souls out of one Body into another; that things came
to paſs by Fate, and an inevitable Neceſſity; and yet that Man's Will is
free, that all Perſons might be rewarded and puniſhed according to their
Works. They likewiſe held, that the Oral Law of the Jews was of far
greater Moment than the written Word; and that the Traditions of their
Forefathers were åbove all things to be embrac'd and follow'd, the exact
Obfervance of which would entitle a Man to cternal Life: And in this
they aſcrib'd ſo much Sanctity to frequent Waſhings, eſpecially when they
came from publick Places, and before Meals, that if any came to an Houſe
where there was not Water enough both to drink and waſh, the Phariſee
would chuſe the latter, tho' he died with Thirſt.
The Phariſees were diſtinguiſh'd into ſeveral Branches, the moſt remar-
kable of which were call'd by the Name of Zealots, by ſome accounted a
diſtinct Sect. Theſe were a moſt outragious and ungovernable People,
fierce and ſavage, who being zealous Allertors of the Honour of God's
Laws, and the Strictneſs and Purity of Religion, aſſum'd to themſelves
a Liberty of Queſtioning notorious Offenders, without ſtaying for the
ordinary Formalities of the Law; nay, when they thought fit, and as the
Caſe required, they executed capital Puniſhment upon them with their own
Hands. Thus when a Blafphemer curſed God by the Name of any Idol,
the Zealots that next met him, might immediately kill him, without
bringing him before the Sanhedrim. They look'd upon themſelves as the
true Succeſſors of Phines, who in an extraordinary Zeal for the Honour
of God, inflicted immediate Death upon Zimri and Cozbi; which Action
was ſo pleaſing to God, that he made with him and his Secd after hinz
the Covenant of an everlaſting Prieſthood, becauſe he was zealous for his God,
and made an Atonement for Iſrael, as Mofes aſſures us in the 25th of Nilm-
bers. In Imitation of him, theſe Men aflum'd a Power of executing Judg-
ment and Puniſhment in extraordinary Caſes, and that not only by the
Connivence but alſo with the Permiſſion of the Rulers and the People; till
in after-times, under a Pretence of this Liberty, their Zeal degenerated into
all kinds of Licentiouſneſs and wild Extravagance; ſo that they became
the Peſt of the State, and the total Ruin of it, as ſhall be related after-
wards.
T?:? Sadducces. (2.) Next were the Sadducees, oppoſite to the Phariſees both in Tem-
per and Principles ; ſo calld either from Sadock, who liv'd near 300
Years before our Saviour's Birth, and is ſuppos’d to be the Founder of
the Sect, or from Sedeck, which ſignifies Juſtice, as tho' they were the
only exact Diſtributers of Juſtice, and able to juſtifie theniſelves before the
Tribunal of God. Theſe paſs under a very ill Character, even among
the Writers of their own Nation, being ſtil'd impious Men, and of very
looſe and profligate Lives; which is no more than the natural Conſe-
quence of their Principles, this being one of their main Dogmata or Opi-
nions, That the Soul is not Immortal, and that there is no future State
after this Life. The occaſion of which dangerous Hereſic is ſaid to have
been a Miſtake of the Doctrine of their Maſter Antigonus Sochaus, who
was wont to preſs his Scholars not to be like mercenary Servants, who
ferve tijeir Maſters purely for their own Advantage, but to ſerve God for
his own Sake, without Expectation of Rewards. Which being miſunder-
ſtood
The INTRODUCTION.
17
ſtood, they at laſt concluded, that their Maſter had abſolutely denied any
State of future Rewards; and having laid this dangerous Foundation,
theſe unhappy Superſtructures were built upon it, That there is no Rei
ſurrection of the Dead; That the Soul is not Immortal, nor exiſts in a
ſeparate State ; That there is no ſpiritual Subſtance diſtinct from Matter ;
and that there is no Divine Providence, but that God is perfectly plac's
as beyond the Commiſſion, ſo beyond the Inſpection of what Sins or Evils
are done in this world. Theſe pernicious and atheiſtical Principles juſtlý
expos’d them to the Reproach and Hatred of the People, who were wont
to ſtile them particularly The Hereticks, as alfo Infidels and Epicurcansź no
Names being thought ill enough for Men of ſuch Opinions. They were
great Oppoſers of the Phariſees, and utterly rejected their Traditions for
which they were ſo zealous, teaching that Men were to keep to the Letter
of the Law, and that nothing was to be impos'd upon their Belief or Fra-
ctice, but what was expreſly contain’d in the Pentateuch. In which, as well
as in many other of their Notions, they follow'd the Herelie, thic' not the
Schiſm of the Samaritans. Joſephus obſerves that they were the leaſt nume-
rous of the religious Sects, but uſually Men of the better Rank and Quality :
who liaving greateſt Opportunities of following a looſe and debauch'd lite
were ready to take Sanctuary in thoſe Opinions which moſt extinguita che
Apprehenſions of an After-reckoning. For this Reafon the Saddarens ever
appear'd moſt vigorous in preſerving the Peace, being the most percre and
implacable in their Puniſhment of all Tumults and Seditions, left tncy hould
interrupt their ſoft and eaſie Courſe of Life, the only Happineſs their Prin-
ciples allow'd them to expect.
(3.) The Eſſenes were a Sect diſtinct, and very different both from the The Eriones,
Phariſees and Sadduces ; of whoſe Name and Original we have no very
certain Account. They began in the Times of the Miccabees, above 150
Years before Chriſt's Nativity, after the violent 'Perſecutions of Antiochus liaď
forc'd great Numbers of the Jews to retire to the Woods and Mountains.
Many of whom being pleas'd with theſe undiſturb'd Solitudes,'forni'd tliem-
ſelves into Religious Societys, leading a Monaſtick and conteiſplative
Courſe of Life, and following in many Things the Pythagorean Philofo-
phers; particularly in Community of Goods, abſtaining from lawful Pica-
ſures, forbidding of Oaths, aſcribing the Conduct of Affairs to Fate and
Deſtiny, prohibiting the uſe of Wine, and uſing only inanimate or un-
bloody Sacrifices. They liv'd remote from all Citys and Places of publick
Concourſe, being uſually about four or five thouſand iti Niibet, and ve-
ry ſtrict and methodical in their Rules and Diſcipline. They ada due
Reverence to the Temple, by ſending Gifts and Preſents thirier; but you
worſhip’d God'at Home, and 'us'd their own Rites and Cerennoilys; in which
they were Schiſmaticks, and differing from all other Jews. Every févēritir
Day they met at their Synagogues, were very harmleſs and innoceiit in
their Manners, and exact Obfervers of the Rules of Jultice, ſomewhat be-
yond the Practices of other Men. They induſtriouſly: tilled and cultivated
the Ground, and liv'd upon the Fruits of their own Labours ; admiting
none into their Society, unleſs he brought all that he had into their com-
mon Treaſury, and that not till after three Years Probation. Out of a
peculiar Regard to Wiſdon and Virtue they neglected'all Care of the Body,
renounced all conjugal Embraces, abſtained very much from Meats and
Drinks, ſome of them not eating or drinking for three, others for five
or fix Days together; accounting it unbecoming Merriof ſuch' a Philofo-
phical Temper and Genius, to ſpend any part of the Day: upon the Ne-
ceſſitys of the Body. Their way they call'd seeytedy, Worſhip, and their
Rules copias d'éviellei Doctrines of Wiſdom; their Contemplations were fub-
с
lime
18
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
The Scribes.
lime and ſpeculative, and of Things beyond the ordinary Notions of other
Sects; they ſtudy'd the Names and Myſterys of Angels, and in their whole
Carriage they bore a great ſhew of Modeſty and Humility. We find no
mention of this Sect in the new Teſtament, they not concerning them-
ſelves with Chriſt or his Apoſtles; yet it is the Opinion of many judicious
Men, that our Saviour and St. Paul did ſometimes allude to the Cuſtoms
and Diſcipline of theſe People.
(4.) We are to take Notice of the Scribes, which Word does more properly
ſignify the Name of ſome Office or Function, than of any Sect; they be-
ing more antient than any Sect among the Jews. Theſe were Perſons of
great Repute, being call'd in the new Teſtament Scribes of the Law, Teacher's
of the People, Dockors of the Law, and ſometimes Lawyers; and as ſuch, this
Office began immediately after the Babylonian Captivity, above 500
Years
before Chriſt, Ezra himſelf being one of the firſt. They were generally
the moſt learned Men of the Nation, and regularly of the Tribe of Levi,
their Office or Function conſiſting principally of two Branches. Firſt they
were the only Perſons that were to copy out the Bible for any ſuch as
had occaſion for it: For every one was not thought fit to tranſcribe the Ori-
ginal Scriptures, nor any vulgar Pen permitted to copy Things of fo ſub-
lime a Nature. Therefore theſe were a peculiar and ſpecial Order of Men
appointed to take care of the Preſervation of the Purity of the Text, in all
Bibles that ſhou'd be copy'd out, that no Error or Corruption ſhou'd creep
into the Original of the Sacred Writ. Secondly they were the publick ang
common Preachers among the People, being more conſtant Teachers than
any other of the Clergy, taking upon them not only to be the Prefer-
vers and Providers for the Purity of the Text, but alſo the moſt certain
and conſtant Interpreters and Expounders of it in Sermons. In which Re-
ſpect they may be compared to the Canoniſts in the Church of Rome, or
the Divinity Lecturers in ſome publick Academies; and they grew into ſuch
Repute in the Jewiſh State, that it was hard to ſay, whether the Phariſees
or they were held in greater Veneration. For what the Phariſees gaind in
the common People by their Pretentions to an extraordinary Sanctity, theſe
obtain'd more juſtifiably by their Zeal for the written Word, which they
preſerv'd from the common Dangers of Corruption and Contempt. And
tho' theſe Scribes were more properly an Order than a Sect; yet ſince they
were ſo cloſely link'd with the Phariſees, and concurr'd with them in moſt
of their Superſtitions and Corruptions, we may look upon them as a ſtrong
and potent Faction, of great Authority and Influence in all Affairs of Mo-
(5.) The Publicans were Perſons of no particular Sect, nor of any
reli-
gious Function, but were certain publick Officers employ'd by the Romans
to collect their Tributes, Tolls and Impoſts; which Office was formerly
of great Account and Reputation among the Romans, and conferr’d upon
none leſs than the Equeſtrian Order; but afterwards falling into the Hands
of inferior Farmers, and the worſt of the Natives, it became baſe and in-
famous. But two things eſpecially concurr'd to render this Office odious
to the Jews. Firſt, the Perſons who manag‘d it were uſually covetouş,
and great Exactors; for having themſelves farm'd the Cuſtoms of the Re-
mans, they generally us'd all Methods of Extortion and Oppreſſion, to en-
able them both to pay their Rents, and to raiſe Advantage to themſelves :
And upon this Account they became infamous, even among the Gextiles
themſelves, who frequently ſpeak of them as Cheats, and Thieves, and pub-
lick Robbers, and worſe Members of a Community, more voracious and der
ſtructive in a City, than wild Beaſts in a Foreſt
. Secondly, theſe Tributes were
not only a Grievance to the Pựrſes of the Jews, but alſo an Affront to the
Liberty
.
ment.
The Publicans,
The INTRODUCTION
19
put to
:
Liberty and Freedom of their Nation; for they look'd upon themſelves
as a Frec-born People, and that tliey had been immediately inveſted in this
Privilege by God himſelf, and accordingly beheld this as a daily and
ſtanding Inſtance of their Slavery, which of all other things they could
leaſt endure. To which we may add, that theſe Publican's were not only
oblig'd by the Neceſſity of their Employment to have frequent Dealings
and Converſe with the Gentiles, which the Jews held unlawful and abo-
minable, but alſo being generally Jews themſelves, they rigorouſly exacted
theſe things of their own Brethren, and thereby ſeem'd to conſpire with
the Romans to entail perpetual Slavery upon their own Nation. Upon
all which Accounts, Publicans became ſo univerſally abhorr’d by the Jewiſh
Nation, that it was accounted unlawful to do them any Office of common
Kindneſs or Courteſie, nay they held it no Sin to couzen and over-reachi
a Publican, and that with the Soleninity of an Oath; they might not cat
or drink, walk or travel with them; they were look'd upon as common
Thieves and Robbers, and Money receiv'd of them might not be
the reſt of a Man's Eſtate, it being preſum'd to have been gain’d by Rapine
and Violence; nor were they admitted as Perſons fit to give Evidence in
any Cauſe. They were ſo infamous, as not only to be baniſh'd all Commu-
nion in the Matters of Divine Worſhip, but to be avoided in all Affairs of
civil Society and Commerce, as the Peſts of their Country, Perſons of an
infectious Converſe, and of as vile a Claſs as Heathens and Sinners, with
whom they were generally rank’d.
(6.) The Herodians, whom we are next to mention', were a Party The Herodianse
of Men who were extraordinary Favourers and Aſſiſtants of Herod
the Great, and alſo of his Son after him; but whether they were of a
particular Sect or Hereſie, or only of a Faction, Authors are not well agreed.
Thoſe who Account them of the former Kind, ſuppoſe them to be Perſons,
wlio partly ſurpriz’d at the Grandeur and Magnificence of Herod's Court,
and partly to ingratiate themſelves with that Prince, maintain’d him to be
the expected Melfiah. But they ſeem more probably to be only a Faction
or Party, who were great Eſpouſers of Herodºs ſecular Intereſt
, and Suppor-
ters of his new-gotten Sovereignty. For' Herod being a Stranger, and 13-
ving by the Roman Power uſurp'd the Kingdom, and afterwards govern'd
it tyrannically, became generally hateful and burthenſon to the People;
ſo that beſides the Aſſiſtance of a Foreign Power, he wanted ſome to join
with his Intereſt who were Natives. Theſe were pecullarly active in prefling
the People to pay Tribute to Cæfar, Herod being obligd by the Charter
of his Sovereignty to be careful of the Tribute due to the Romans; and
they could not do him a more acceptable Service; 'than by this ineans
endearing him to his great Patrons at Rome: In Matters of Opinion they
feeni'd to have join'd with tlie Sadducées; for what St. Matthew calls the
Leaven of the Sídducees, St. Mark ſtiles the Leaven of Herod. Probably
they had induc'd Herod to be of their Principles, that as they had zealoully
afferted his Right to the Kingdom, he might favour and maintain their
impious Opinions. And it is not unlikely but a Perſon of ſuch enormous
Vices as Herod, might very eaſily be tempted to take ſhelter under Princi-
ples fo directly ſerving the Purpoſes of a wicked Life.
(7.) Laſtly, we are to take ſome Notice of the Galileans, which Name The Galilcáns.
either ſignifies a particular Faction directly oppoſite to the Herodians, and
called alſo by the Name of Gaulonites, or elſe the Inhabitants of that Part
of Paleſtine call'd Galilee. But ſince that Faction of the Galileans, or Gau-
lonites, began after our Saviour's Birth, we ſhall refer our Account of them
to their proper Place, and here only take Notice of the Galileans as they
were Inhabitants of the Province of Galilee. Theſe anciently were for
C 2
the
1
1
20
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
+
the moſt part Deſcendents of thoſe Aſſyrians whom Salmanaffer ſent to in-
habit the Kingdom of Iſrael, when he carry'd the Ten Tribes captive; then
Pagans, and of the ſame Extract with the old Samaritans, of whom they
were a part. But mixing with the Remainders of the Four
Tribes of Aſer,
Nepthali
, Zabulon, and Iſachar, they in a great meaſure forſook their Paga-
nilin ; and afterwards being ſubdued by the Maccabees, and receiving great
Numbers of the Tribes of Judah and Benjamin among them, before our
Saviour's tine, they became true and orthodox Jews, and as great Abhor-
rers of the Gentiles and Samaritans as the Jews in Judæa were. They were
exact Obſervers of the Temple Miniſtration, and conſtant Repairers to fe-
rufalem at the uſual Times, and generally ſo zealous in their Religion, that
no Threats nor Force could oblige them to offer Sacrifice for the Health of
the Roman Emperors. They were alſo People of great Courage and Hardi-
neſs, and of no leſs Plaineſs and Unpoliteneſs; differing from the other
Jews in ſeveral Cuſtoms, (but not ſuch as could cauſe a Schiſm in Religion)
and alſo in their Dialect, which was of a much broader and rougher Pro-
nunciation than that in Judæa. Tho' they were true Jews in all Reſpects,
yet upon the Account of their near Communication with the Gentiles
their mixt Extract, and their rough Simplicity, they were extremely deſpis’d
by the Inhabitants of Judæa, as Perſons mean and ignoble, and half Stran-
gers. So that the Name of a Galilean, was in ſome ſort a reproachful
and deſpicable Title, and Galilee a Province from whence no extraordi-
nary Perſon was expected. Yet notwithſtanding the Galileans were the moſt
illiterate, and moſt deſpisºd part of the Jews, they were the Perſons with
whom our Saviour was pleas'd principally to converſe, and from whom he
choſe moſt, if not all, of his Apoſtles.
III.
Such was the State and Condition of the Inliabitants of Paleſtine,
when our 'Bleſſed Saviour came into the World, miſerably corrupted and
divided, and both in Policy and Religion declining, and running headlong
to Ruin and Deſolation. And tho' there was an extraordinary Appearance
of Grandeur and worldly Proſperity in the Court of Herod, and ſtill more
in the Roman Empire, yet the Times were exorbitantly bad, and deplorable,
and the whole World as it were involv'd in Wickedneſs and Idolatry. How-
ever in theſe degenerate Times
, and to the above deſcrib'd degenerate Pea-
ple, did the aļl merciful God ſend his eternal Son from the ineffable Glo-
ries of the Heaven of Heavens, to debaſe himſelf even to the form of
one of the meaneſt and moſt deſpis’d of all rational Beings; and this to
redeem loft Mankind, tho' before he promis'd the Bleſſing, they had not
the leaſt Right to claim it, the leaſt Merit to procure it, nor the leaſt Rea-
ſon to expect it. This is that ſuperlative Work which we are affur'd the
Angels themſelves deſire to look into, and the Credit of which the Devils
and wicked Men continually endeavour to enervate; and ſo ſtupendious,
that it is beyond all the Tongues of Men and Angels to expreſs. Upon
which Occaſion one emphatically obſerves, Suppoſe we could graſp in the
whole Compaſs of Nature, as to all the Particulars and Varieties of Being
and Motion, yet we ſhould find it a vaſt, if not an impoſſible Leap from
thence to aſcend to the full Comprehenſion of any one of God's Attributes;
much more from thence to the myſterious Oeconomy of the Divine Per-
fons; and moſt of all to the aſtoniſhing Work of the World's Redemption
by the Blood of the Son of God himſelf, condeſcending to be a Man, that
he might die for us. But ſince theſe are Heights above the Reach, and
Depths beyond the Fathom of all mortal Intellects, we ſhall only take ſome
Notice of the wiſe. Methods of Providence in the regular Manifeſtation of
this great Redeemer, and the gradual Appearance of the Sun of Righteouſneſs,
whoſe
The INTRODUCTION.
@ I
Hive Metfial:
i
..
whoſe Courſe was correſpondent to that of the Sun in the Firsı:ament, froni
its firſt Dawnings to its full Splendor.
Immediately after the fatal Lapſe of Mankind, God, that he might not the gradual
leave them without all Comfort, before he denounc'd the Judgments duc Rezclaims of
to their Tranſgreſſions, promis'd a Redeemer, who was to deſtroy the So-
vereignty of Satan. And this was the firſt glimmering Appearance of that
great Liglit which was to ſhine throughout the World; which tho' feebly
repreſented, and as at a vaſt Diſtance, was yet ſuitable to the Weakneſs of
the Eyes that then beheld it, enough to keep them from a total Darkneſs
and Deſpair, and ſufficient for a true Faith to lay hold on. And herein
bath the Wiſdom and Mercy of God did wonderfully diſplay themſelves;
that when he promis'd the World a Redeemer, he usd luch Means and
Methods, that Human Kind, in the midſt of all its miſerable Blindneſs and
vile Corruptions, ſhould become capable both of ſeeing and receiving
ſo mighty a Bleſling: And this not by any extraordinary Addition of
Strength to Man; or fupernatural Reſtoration of his original Facultys, but
by an amazing Condeſcention in his Divine Nature, and by accommo-
dating his Manifeſtations, not only to the Lowneſs of Mankind in general,
but even to the Frailties and Infirmities of the lapſed State. All which
eminently appear in all his Revelations, more eſpecially of his Blefled Son,
which were manifeſted by many Steps and Degrees, and at ſeveral Pe-
riods of time, as the World became fit and prepared to receive them.
And in theſe lie did not only treat Mankind with all the Tenderneſs
of a father towards his Children, but in all the Declarations of his Will,
he freely convers’d and diſcours’d with them according to their own Stile
and Capacities, and with as much Familiarity, as if there had been ſome
kind of Equality between the mighty Creator of Heaven and Earth, and
mere Duſt and Aſhes.
The firſt Promiſe of a Redeemer was made to the Woman's Seed in
ge-
neral, and for many Ages not confin’d to any one Branch of Human Kind;
ſo that any of Adam's Progeny, for what was then revealed, might have ho-
ped to be the happy Parent of that Seed which ſhou'd deliver Man from the
Slavery of the Devil. And thus it continu'd for above twe thouſand
Years, in which Space the Church of God, tho' never extinguiſh d, feem'd to
have been limited to a very ſmall Compaſs, and ſometimes to a ſingle Family.
But at length, when God was pleas'd to call Abraham from his own Coun- First of the
try, the Promiſe was made more Special, and particularly confin'd to
Jews.
the Offspring of his Loins; God ſeveral Times declaring to him, That in
his Seed all the Nations of the Earth ſhould be bleſſed. Abrahan had two Sons,
Ifrael the Son of his Bond-Woman, and Ifaac the Son of his Wife; and
from which of theſe two the Meſſiah ſhou'd proceed, was undeterminablc,
till God entail'd the Bleſſing upon Iſaac, declaring to Abraham that in Iſaac
bis Seed ſhould be call'd, and repeating to Iſaac the Promiſe made formerly to
his Father, That in his Seed all the Nations of the Earth Shor'd be bleſſed. Ifaac
alſo had two Sons, Efau and Jacob; but the Elder was excluded, and the
Promiſe entail'd upon Jacob; God likewiſe declaring to him, Tluat in his
Seed: all the bamilys of the Earth ſhould be bleſſed. From facob ſprung the
twelve Patriarchs, and from them the twelve Tribes of Iſrael, among
whom the Proinife of the Meſſiah was entail d' upori that of Judah; So that
the Promiſe was now made more ſpecial, and confind to a particular
Tribe, as 232 Years before it had been to that Natiön that was to ſpring
from the Loins of Abraham. And now the very Time of the Appearance
of the. Meſſiah, who is there term'd Shilot, was likewiſe pointed out, Hanie-
ly before the Scepter and the Lawgiver departed from Judah; 'tliát is, before
theitemporal Government and Oeconomy of the Jems were diffolv'd.'
For
į
22
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY
.
!
1
CC
66
For above 230 Years after this, we have no expreſs Propheſie concerning
the Melfiah, yet in that Space God was pleas'd to make a farther Mani
feſtation of him by other Means, namely, by inſtituting a great Number
of typical Ordinances, and lively Repreſentations of his Perſon and Fun-
ction, which were to be continu'd by an uninterrupted Succeſſion, till he
himſelf came to diſſolve them. At this time the Church of God was
much enlarg d, even to the Compaſs of a whole and numerous Nation
and God having appointed certain ſpecial Rules and Laws for its Obſer-
vation, his great Prophet Moſes, before he left the World, gave the People
a more particular Knowledge of the Meſſiah that was to come, to whom
all were to hearken as an extraordinary Perſon ſent from God to procure
Happineſs to Mankind. The Tribes of Iſrael being ſettled in the Land
of Canaan, and very greatly encreas’d, more eſpecially that of Judah, about
400 Years after the Death of Moſes, God thought fit to make the Promiſe
of the Meſſiah yet more ſpecial; as there had been three great Limita-
tions of it before, the firſt to the Seed of the Woman, the ſecond to the
Nation of the Iſraelites, and the third to the Tribe of Judah; this laſt
was made to the Family of David, a Perſon whom God had exalted to
be King of his People, as a Type of that Bleſſed King to come. The
Promiſe was not only entaild upon his Family, but alſo the Perſon of
the Meſſiah was more fully repreſented to him tlian to any before him,
as appears from the Writings of this inſpired Prince, where he is clearly
deſcrib'd in ſeveral Paſſages. “He ſhew'd the Dignity of his Perſon by cal-
ling him Lord; yet he repreſented him as a ſuffering Melliah, that ſhould
“ be betray'd by one of his Diſciples; ſhould feel violent Agonies, be ex-
pos’d to cruel Mockings, and have Vinegar and Gall given to him; that
" he ſhould be nail'd to the Croſs, and have his Garments divided
among
es the Soldiers; yet he ſhould be the true Pafchal Lamb, for not a Bone of
“ him ſhould be broken; after which he ſhould ariſe from the Dead,
" and not ſee Corruption, and laſtly he ſhould aſcend triumphantly into
Heaven.
Above 200 Years after the Death of David, ſeveral other Prophets be-
gan to foretel the Meſſiah, eſpecially that noble Perſon Iſaiah, who was to
particular concerning Him, that he is by ſeveral calld the fifth Evangeliſt,
or the Evangelical Prophet. He inform’d the Iſraelites “ of the Divinity of
“ his Perſon, and of the extraordinary and miraculous Manner of his Birth,
which ſhould be of a; pure Virgin, and of the Family of David's
" that he ſhould have a Forerunner to make Way for him ; that he
“ ſhould begin to preach in the Province of Galilee; be endu'd with
incomparable Gifts and Graces, and perform many Miracles į that
“ he ſhould be a Man of Sorrows, be beaten, ſpit upon, treated as a
Malefactor, ſuffer for our Sins, and be a Propitiatory Sacrifice for
“ all Mankind and that he ſhould obtain a decent Burial, and be
" deliver'd by a glorious Reſurrection. From Hofea the Iſraelites: were
inform’d of his flying into Ægypt, and from Micah ſoon after of the
very Place of his Birth, “ which was to be Bethlehem-Ephratab, the
“ leaſt of the Cities of Judah, but honour'd above all the reſt with
" the Nativity of a Prince, who was to be Ruler in Iſrael, whoſe
Goings forth had been from everlaſting. Jeremiah alſo after him affer-
ted his Divinity " and that he ſhould ſpring from the Poſterity of
“ David, with whom ſeveral other Propheſies agree: So that beſides the
conſtant and ſtanding Types and Repreſentations, there was frequent-
ly ſome new Revelation concerning this great Prince to come. But
in the time of the Babylonian Captivity, Daniel, by a Meſſage from
the Angel Gabriel, gave a more lively and particular Account of the
Meſſiah
CC
(
3
60
The INTRODUCTION.
23
60
A
Meſſiah than ever, declaring, “ that he Mould come into the World
“ to introduce a Law of everlaſting Righteouſncls, and to die as a
“ Sacrifice and Expiation for the Sins of the World, and particularly
“: ſhould put a Period to the Levitical Sacrifices and Oblations. And
whereas other Propheſies had only in general defind the time of his
Appearance, this particularly determind the Period, “.that it fhould
“ be at the end of ſeventy prophetical Weeks, that is, at the Ex-
piration of 490 Years, after the rebuilding of the Walls of Jeru-
ſalem.
From this time there were not many Revelations of the Meſſiah,
and but three Prophets ſucceeded Daniel, namely, Haggai, Zechariah,
and Malachi, who all declare ſomething concerning Him. The former,
animating the People, who were much dejected by reaſon of the mean
Appearance of the ſecond Temple, inform’d them, “ that the Glory of
“ the latter Houſe Mould be greater than of the former, which ſhould be
“ effected by the Manifeſtation of the Deſire of all Nations: which ma-
nifeſtly ſhew'd the Dignity of his Nature; for the firſt Temple had the
Preſence of God on the Mercy Seat, but this ſecond was to be more
glorious by means of a more lively Preſence of his Son, the only true
Sacrifice, of whom all others were but Types and Shadows. Zechariah
immediately after inforni'd them of the Humiliation of this Prince, “ that hie
“ ſhould come riding into Jeruſalem upon an Afs, that he ſhould be
“ fold for thirty peices of Silver, and that the Soldiers ſhould pierce
“his Body. After him ſucceeded Malachi, the laſt of the Prophets, who,
about the Reſtoration of Jeruſalem, and the Beginning of the above na-
med ſeventy Weeks, concluded his Propheſie with exhorting the People
to a firm Adherence to the Law of Mofes, “ till the great Prophet of
" the Church ſhould appear, whofe Forerunner, Fohn the Baptiſt, ſhould
“ firſt come, in the Spirit and Power of Elias, to turn the Hearts of the
“ Fathers to their Children, and the Diſobedient to the Wiſdom of the
Fuſt. After this, for above 400 Years, till the ſecond Appearance of the
Angel Gabriel foretelling the Birth of fohn, all kinds of immediate Re-
velations ceas'd among the Jews, and all other extraordinary. Privileges
and Favours were alſo remov'd not long before; as the Divine Pre-
ſence on the Mercy Seat, the Urim and Thummim, and other things
formerly mention'd. So that the Jews became in a great meaſure like other
Nations, had no peculiar Advantages and Prerogatives to ſhew above
other People, had no greater Diſtinctions than their ordinary and fixed
Laws, and nothing to boaſt of but their former Revelations. And
God's withdrawing theſe Favours, was not only juſtly due to their De
generacy and Corruptions, but was alſo highly conducing to the Mani-
feſtation of the Meſſiah; for it is neceſſary that the Stars and interior
Lights ſhould diſappear and vanilh before the Beams of the riſing Sun.
The want of theſe Benefits, as it was a manifeſt Sign of God's Diſplea-
ſure, and a Foretoken of his rejecting a wicked Generation, ſo it was
allo a proper and powerful Means of awakening them to a more live-
ly Expectation of a new and perfect State of things: And as the exact
time of the Meſſiah was particularly mark'd out, ſo about the time of his
Appearance, the Jews were in ſuch a great Expectation of him, that many
of them were ready to imagine and conclude Herod the Great to be the
Perſon.
Thus was God pleas'd to make Way for his only Son among his pe- Secondly to the
culiar People ; but as this great Bleſſing was deſign'd for the Bene- Gentiles.
fit of the Gentiles as well as fews, and for all that ſhould believe
in him, ſo Providence was no leſs careful to make Way for him in
the
24
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
i
the Pagan World ; and this was effected by divers Methods, particu-
larly by ſoine open Revelations, and prophetical Words put into the
Mouths of Gentile Prophets; but more eſpecially by means of ſeveral
Diſperſions of the Iſraelites and Fews. Among the prophetical Perſons
we may reckon Balaam, who gave a lively Account of the Meſſiah un-
der the Name of a Star coming from Facob ; Hydaſpes, Triſmegiſtus and
the Sybils, who were all very particular concerning this Prince : Tho'
theſe three latter have been very much queſtion'd by ſome modern Cri-
ticks, yet they were never fully diſprov'd, their Arguments being rather
Preſumptions than Proofs. And now it was that not in Jerry alone
was God known, but he whoſe Name was great in Iſrael, did make Way
for the Knowledge of himſelf among all the Nations of the Earth.
In order to this, the Nation of the Iſraelites, the great Store-houſe of
Divine Knowledge, which before was an incloſed Garden, was now
thrown open, and great numbers of the Inhabitants tranſplanted into
foreign and remote Countries. And this was done ſeveral times by the
ſpecial Hand of Providence; but more eſpecially at the times of the
three great Captivities formerly taken notice of, viz. the Aſſyrian, by
Salmanaffer, in the Year 721 before Chriſt; the Babylonian, by Nebu-
chadnezzar, in the Year 607; and the Ægyptian, by Ptolemeus Lagi, in
the Year 320: Which Captivities occaſion'd many other lefler Dif-
perſions of this people, ſo that in our Saviour's time, there were Jews
dwelling in all the principal Countries of the World, Jews of every Na-
tion , under Heaven, as St. Luke expreſſes it, A&t. 2. 5. Theſe Captivities
and Diſperſions, tho' they ſeem'd to have been only the just Puniſh-
ment of a diſobedient and corrupted Nation, yet prov'd of infinite
Advantage to the reſt of the World, which was excited and enliglıtned
by thoſe people who were not worthy to inhabit their own Coun-
try. By theſe, the World had the Opportunity of looking into the
holy Scriptures, and of being inform’d both of the Neccility and the
Nature of a Mediator; and by theſe, great numbers of Profelytes were
made, eſpecially thoſe call’d Proſelytes of the Gate, whoſe Principles be-
ing ſo very conformable to the Laws of true Reaſon and Nature, they
became the moſt viſible Cauſe, as I hinted before; of the firſt Propaga-
tion of Chriſtianity.
The general Partly by means of theſe diſperſed, tho generally deteſted Jems,
Expectation of partly by means of ſeveral peculiar Revelations to the Gentiles, and
partly by the exceeding Growth of human Learning, not long before
our Saviour's Birth, the whole World as well as the Inhabitants of Pa-
leštine, was awakened into an Expectation of the Appearance of ſome
extraordinary and wonderful Perſon, who was to be exceedingly bene-
ficial to all Mankind. Particularly the Romans were alarm'd upon eve-
ry ſlight Occaſion, and once. fo terrified upon the noiſe of Naizre's being
about to bring forth, a King, that about the time of Augufius's Birth, the
Senate inade a Decree, tho'. never executed, that no Male born that
Year ſhould be brought up; and thoſe whoſe Wives were with Child,
conceiv'd great Hopes, applying the Propheſie to themſelves, 'as Suetonius
reports it. The like kind of Alarms and Expectations are mention'd by
Dion Caſſius and Tacitus, as well as Joſephus himſelf. So that there was
a ſort of an univerſal Impulſe, to call it no more, imprinted upon the
Minds of the whole Eartlī, which was a Divine Apparatus to introduce
the Son of God into the World, with the general Curioſity and Com-
motion of all Nature. So true was that Propheſie of Haggai's, which
calls him the Defire, and conſequently the Expectation of all Nations.
IV. Such
The INTRODUCTION.
25
every ſide.
IV. Such was the Expectations, and ſuch the Circumſtances of the
World about the time of our Saviour's Appearance; the State of the Ro-
man Empire and of Learning being at the higheſt, and the State of the Jews
and of true Religion almoſt at the loweſt: Yet in Judæa there was a Herod's Reign:
remarkable Appearance of Grandeur and State, by reaſon of the magni-
ficent Court of Herod the Great ; a Prince whoſe profuſe Temper taught
him ſometimes to flatter and oblige, tho? much oftner to injure and op-
preſs his Subjects. On the one ſide, he freely conform’d to the Jewiſh
Religion, and was circumcis’d, and likewiſe rebuilt their Temple with
all the Courts and Out-Buildings to a moſt ſurprizing Degree of Beauty
and Glory ; on the other, he introduc'd many of the Pagan Cuſtoms
and Games us'd at Rome, ſuppreſs’d and chang’d the High Prieſt's Of-
fice as he thought fit, and prophan'd even the Temple it ſelf. He
was exceedingly jealous and ambitious, cruel and tyrannical, and rag'd
among the Jews like a Bear and a Lion, devouring and waſting on
He had ſlain their legal King, extirpated the whole
Race of the Maccabees, and with them ſeveral of his own intimate
Friends, and deſtroy'd the whole Body of the Grand Sanhedrim, and
ſubſtituted others in their Places. Nor was his Rage confin'd to the
Jews, but deſcended to his own Family and neareſt Relations, even
to the executing his beloved Wife Mariamne, and his own Sons
Alexander and Ărištobulus, upon ſlight and trivial Pretences. So that
ſetting aſide fome Appearances of Generoſity and Greatneſs, there ne:
ver was a more mercileſs Governor, or a completer Tyrant than
He: A manifeſt Sign that the Scepter was departing, if not departed
from Judah, when inſtead of that, a Rod of Iron was put into the
Hands of a bloody Executioner to bruiſe and break the Inhabitants all in
Pieces.
In the thirty fifth Year of this Prince's Reign, when all the former
Propheſies were almoſt completed, and all holy Perſons in a longing Ex-
pectation of a glorious Redeemer, God was pleaſed to make his
laſt Ma-
nifeſtations concerning his Son, being about to ſhew him in the moſt
conſpicuous and lively manner. But becauſe it was not fit that ſo great
a Perſon ſhould come into the World without an eminent Harbinger to
introduce and uſher in his Arrival, a great Forerunner was deſign'd him,
to prepare his Way, and to be a Morning Star to this Sun of Righteouſ-
neſs. This Harbinger was promis’d to an eminent Prieſt of Judæa calld
5:20. Zacharias, who with his Wife Elizabeth, of the fame Tribe of Levi and
the Progeny of Aaron, were celebrated for their unſpotted Lives; but had
the Diſgrace of Barrenneſs laid upon them, being then very ancient, and
paſt Hopes of Iſſue. Zacharias executing his Office at Jeruſalem according
to his fixed Courſe, which was that of Abia, or the eighth Courſe ; and
great Multitudes being aſſembled at the Temple, probably on a Sabbath
Day, he by Lot was appointed to enter into the Body of the Temple
with his Cenſer to burn Incenſe, while the People were offering up
their Supplications in that Court calld the Court of Iſrael. At the Al-Gabriel apă
tar of Incenſe he was exceedingly ſurpriz'd with the Sight of an Angel pears to Zacht-
from Heaven, who ſtood on the North Side of it; which being an un-
uſual Viſion, rais'd a great Terror in him. But the Angel immediately
remov'd his Fears, aſſuring him, That his Prayers were heard, and his Wife
ſhould bear him a Son, calld by the Name of John: That he and many
others should meet with extraordinary Joy and Comfort at his Birth: That
this Son ſhould be a Perſon of Auſterities, abſtaining from Wine, and ſo Great
in the sight of God, that he should be replenißd with the Holy-Ghost from
D
bis
Luke 1.
rias.
26
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
his Mother's Womb. That he ſhould convert great numbers of the Jews from
their Corruptions, going before the Meſſiah in the Spirit of the great Refor-
mer Elias, to prepare his Ways for him, and to diſpoſe Men to receive him.
Zacharias was aſtoniſh'd at this News, and raſhly deſir'd to be fatisfy'd
as to the Truth of it, ſince he thought it beyond the Courſe of Nature,
both he and his Wife being very ancient. Whereupon the Angel let him
know, That he was no leſs than Gabriel, a Special Attendent on God's Throne,
and diſpatcht purpoſely to inform him of this great Happineſs : But ſince
he was so incredulous as to require a Sign, le ſhould have one, which ſhould
be a Puniſhment of bis Unbelief as well as a Confirmation of his Faith, namely,
that till after the Birth of the Child he ſhould be entirely dumb : intimating,
as many believe, that the Silencing of the Levitical Prieſthood was now
approaching, when Men were to expect another kind of Worſhip.
During this Intercourſe, the People abroad were ſurprizd at his long Luke 1.
tarrying, expecting that he ſhould come forth and give them the uſual 21--25.
Bleſſing; bút upon his Appearance their Wonder encreas’d, perceiving
by his making of Signs that he was unable to ſpeak to them, and rightly
judging that he had ſeen ſome extraordinary Vifion within the Temple.
This happened towards the latter end of the Month of September, ac-
cording to the moſt common Account ; but ſome others believe it
to have been about the beginning of June, particularly Dr. Lightfoot,
who infers it from the ordinary Courſes of the Prieſts. After Zacha-
rias's Courſe was finiſh'd, which continu'd a Week, he repair'd to his
own Habitation, which was Hebron in the Mountainous Part of the
Province of Fudæa, an ancient City about 24 Miles almoſt South of
Jeruſalem. Where, when his Wife Elizabeth perceiv'd her ſelf with
Child in her old Age, ſhe retired her ſelf from the World, probably till
her Delivery, that ſhe might be free from all Defilements, and have a truer
Certainty and Senſe of God's miraculous Favour, in taking away the Re-
proach of Barrenneſs, and giving her a Son, of wliom ſuch extraordinary
Hopes were conceiv’d.
Thus did the Almighty think fit to revive his former Way of Reve- luke 1:
lations, and then to proceed to the cleareſt and nobleſt Manifeſtations of 26--38.
his Son; which began to be diſplay'd about fix Montlıs after, in the thirty
ſixth Year of the Reign of Herod. At which time the ſame Angel Ga-
briel, who appear'd to Zacharias, and above 500 Years before to the
Prophet Daniel, was ſent from God into Galilee, an oppoſite Province of
Paleſtine, and to a mean City calld Nazareth, about 60 Miles almoſt North
of Jeruſalem. And now was the fifth and laſt Limitation of the Pro-
miſe of the Meſſiah ; the firſt being to the Seed of the Woman, the ſe-
cond to the Nation of the Iſraelites, the third to the Tribe of Judah,
the fourth to the Family of David, and this laſt to the Perſon of a moſt
holy Virgin calld Mary; a Perſon of low Condition, eſpous'd to Joſeph,
of the ſame Family of David, but of no higher Profeſſion than a Car-
penter : An inſtance of the profoundeſt Humility, as well as fublimeſt
Mercy. At the Angels Approach to this pious Maid, he immediately
congratulated her with her being moſt highly in Favour with the Almighty,
and being bleſſed above the reſt of her Sex. Which ſurprizing Words, and
unuſual Sight rais'd a ſtrange Commotion in her Breaſt, and no leſs Ad-
miration at ſuch an uncommon Salutation. But the Angel bad lier ſuffer
no Diſturbance in her Mind, ſince ſhe was ſo highly eſteemid by God : For she
should have the Happineſs of bearing a Son calld by the Name of JESUS,
or a Saviour, who ſhould be the long expected Meſſiah, to whom God ſhould
give the Throne of his Father David, and his Sovereignty and Kingdom ſhould
have no Period. Mary not doubting the Angel's Veracity, but admiring at
the
ܪ
And then to
Mary.
The INTRODUCTION
27
1
the Greatneſs of the Work; modeſtly deſir'd to be inform'd how this could
be brought to paſs, ſince ſhe was to continue a Virgin, according to the an-
cient Propheſie. Whereupon the Angel very readily told her, That this was
to be effected by the inviſible Power and Operation of the Holy Ghoſt overſhadowing
her, for which Reaſon the Holy Perſon to be brought forth fhould be no leſs than
the Son of God. And to fhiew that nothing was impoſſible to the Almighty,
her Cozen Elizabeth, who was ancient and many Years barren, was now gone
fix Months with Child. Being fully ſatisfy'd with this Anſwer, the pious
Maid with all Modeſty and Humility accepted of the Divine Bounty, and
upon the Angel's Departure, the Holy Ghoſt wrought in her this great
Myſtery, for which ſhe had formerly been fitted and diſpos'd by the plen-
tiful Effuſion of his Graces; ſie being then about 15 Years of Age, as ie
is conceiv'd by ſeveral.
Luke 1
The Angel's Meſſage, and Conſequence of it
, immedediately rais'd in Mary viſits
39--56. this Virgin an extraordinary Deſire of viſiting her Cozen Elizabeth; there. Elizabeth.
fore with all Speed ſhe undertook a Journy of about 80 Miles to Hebron:
Where, entering Zacharias's Houſe, Elizabeth upon hearing her firſt Sa-
lutation, immediately perceiv'd the Child to ſpring up in lier Womb; and
being inſpired with the Gifts of the Holy Ghoſt, thé cry'd out, Bleſſed
art thou above thy Sex, and Bleſſed the Fruit of thg Body! How vaſt is my
Felicity, to be viſited by the Mother of my Lord! And declaring the extra-
ordinary Accident of her unborn Child, ſhe farther pronounc'd her Bleſſed
for the Greatneſs of her Faith, affuring her of the Accompliſhment of
all that the Angel had told her
. Whereupon Mary, without any Swel-
ling or Oſtentation, broke out into a Rapture of Thankſgiving, glorifje
ing and praiſing the Almighty with all the Faculties of Sorl eand Spirit, for
looking down upon the mean Condition of her felf, which fhould cauſe all
ſucceeding Generations to pronounce her Bleſſed : Humbly acknowledging that
this Favour proceeded from an omnipotent Being, whole' Name was Holy,
and whoſe Mercy extended to all Generations that obeyid him : Onę who by
his powerful Arm had deſtroy'd the Imaginations of the Proud, thrown down
the Haughty from their Thrones, elevated and firniſh'd the humble and
needy Souls, while the High and Wealthy were utterly rejected: And One
who could not forget his ſelee People, and his Promiſe of the Meſſiah made
to the great Patriarch Abraham and his Progenty for ever.
Thus were
their Joys teſtified on both Sides, being as great as any on this Side
Heaven and Mary to gain a full Aſſurance of hier own Pregnancy, tar-
ry'd with her Cozen about three Months, and then return d to her owni
Habitation at Nazareth..
Shortly after the Virgin's. Departure, Elizabeth was deliver'd of lier Soni, John burž.
57-80. and all her Neighbours and Relations' repaired to her to congratulate the
Favours ſhe receiv'd from Heaven: And on the eighth Day, wheri the
Child was to be circumcis'd and nam'd, they all gave him the Name of
Zacharias, as his father was calld; but Elizabeth oppos’d them, declaring
that he ſhould be nam’d John : Whereupon they alledg'd that none of her
Family was call’d by that Name, and made Signs to his Father to ſhew
his Pleaſure concerning it; which he did by requiring Writing-Tables,
and writing That his Name ſhould be John. This was a great Surprize to
them, and a greater when they found that upon this His Speech was im-
mediately reſtor'd to him, which he employ'd in the Praiſes of the Al-
mighty. So that there was a great Rumor and Aſtoniſhment through all
the neighbouring Parts of the Country; and all who heard the Report,
lodg’d it in their Breaſts, admiring what manner of Child this ſhould
prove. But Zacharias now perceiving the Myſtery of the Incarnation,
and being inſpired with a Prophetick Spirit, bleſſed the merciful God of
D 2
Ifracle
1
Luke 1.
1
20
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
Ifrael, for his Redemption of his. People by a mighty Saviour, rais'd out of the
Family of David; who had been promis'd from the Beginning of the World, to
Eve, Abraham, and the ſucceeding Prophets; that Mankind might be freed
from the Slavery of their Spiritual Enemies, and be obedient to their Creator in
true Holiness, without Fear and Servility. As for his own Son, He should
be namid the Prophet of the High God, to go before him, to prepare his
Ways, and to manifeſt Salvation to his people by the Remiſſion of their Sins ;
and all this through the unbounded Mercy of God, who ſent the Sun of Righ-
teouſneſs amongſt them, to illuminate thoſe in Darkneſs and the Vale of Death,
and to guide them into the Ways of eternal Peace and Happineſs. All which
was accompliſh'd in proceſs of Time; and God, that he might preparę
this Infant for the Office he deſign'd him, daily ſtrengthen'd him with all
ſpiritual Gifts, and kept him in the Deſerts of Judea till the appointed
time of his appearing to his people.
Mary ſuſpe&ted. During this Space, the holy Virgin being return'd to Nazareth, ftill Marke
conceald the Myſtery that God had wrought in her from her eſpous 1.18-25.
Husband Joſeph; but her pregnant Symptoms ſoon diſcover'd it, and tho'
her Deportment had been pious and chaſte to a Miracle, yet he was aflur'd
that ſhe was with Child. This rais?d no little Concern in his Breaſt; but
being a merciful good Man, and extremely unwilling to inflict a publick
Puniſhment upon her, he reſolv'd upon a Separation with all Privacy. But
between his Reſolution and the deſign d Execution of it, an Angel from
Heaven appear'd to him in a Viſion, courteouſly. faluting this mean Arti-
ficer by the Title of Son of David; affuring him, That there was no Reafon
for arry farther Concern, for his Wifé's Conception was the immediate Work of
the Holy Ghoſts and that she should bear a Son, whoſe Name be should call
Jeſus, or a Saviour, becauſe he shou'd ſave his People from their Sins. Joſeph
with great Satisfaction ſubmitted to the Angel's Command, and gladly re-
remaind with his Wife, living in perfect Chaſtity both before and after her
Delivery, according to the Opinion of moſt Interpreters. So that, as
St. Matthew obſerves, here was a remarkable Completion of Maiah's Pro
pheſie, which ſays, That a Virgin ſmall conceive and bring forth a Son, who
Shall be calld Immanuel, which ſignifies God with us.
Thus we ſee the profound Humility of our Bleffed Lord, who choſe
not to deſcend from Heaven with the Glories of a triumphant Monarch
and Deliverer, but privately to enter into the Womb of a mean Virgin;
from thence to be brought forth as an Infant, and then to appear in the
World in the Form of the loweſt Rank of Mankind. And this eminently
diſplay'd the Wiſdom as well as Mercy of the Almighty; for as he deſign d
to build the Exaltation of Feſus higher than all, lo he laid his Humilia-
tion loweſt; that as Pride had been the Deſtruction of Mankind, ſo Hu-
mility ſhould be their Reſtoration: An admirable Pattern to be imitated
Chriſt's Genea- by all his Followers. Yet notwithſtanding our Saviour's voluntary Ap-
logy.
pearance under theſe mean Circumſtances, we are to remember that even
in his Human Capacity he was true Heir to the Kingdom of Iſrael, which
had been by God intaild upon David and his Poſterity; ſo that he was
the King of the Fews in a natural and legal, as well as a ſpiritual and di-
vine Senſe. And this appears, not only from former Propheſies, Types,
and other Circumſtances, but alſo from the Genealogy of our Saviour's An-
ceſtors, given us by the two Evangeliſts Matthew and Luke; which Ge-
nealogies, tho' they have their Difficulties, and their ſeeming Diſagree-
ments, yet they both manifeſt him to have been of the Line of David.
The former draws the Pedigree of his reputed Father Foſeph; and the
latter, that of his Mother Mary: The former ſhews his Political or Royal
Pedigree, and his Anceſtors as they were Heirs to the Crown of Iſrael, ;
and
The INTRODUCTION
2 1
and the latter ſhews his natural Deſcent through the ſeveral Succeſſions of
thoſe from whom he took Fleſh and Blood: The former being a few i
and writing to the Jews, repreſents him as the Son of David and Abraham,
in whom they had ſo great an Intereſt; but the latter being a Gentile, and
writing to them, and being about to ſhew him bruiſing of the Serpent's Head,
he repreſents him as the Seed of the Woman, from whom Gentiles as well
as fews were to expect Salvation. And this is the moſt receiv'd and con-
ſtant Opinion of orthodox Divines, which clears the main Difficulties of
the Evangeliſts Accounts, and ſhews Foſeph to have been of the Elder and
Royal Branch, and Mary of the Younger Branch, but both of the Family
of David.
Feſus's being rightful and legal King of the Jews, and that only by his
reputed Father's Side, is an unanſwerable Argument, both againſt thoſe
who affirm Foſeph to have had other Children by a former Wife, as alſo
againſt thoſe who deny the perpetual Virginity of Mary; affirming that
Foſeph had other Children by her after the Birth of Jeſus. For had Joſeph
had any Children, either by Mary, or any other Wife, they as coming
from the elder Branch by Foſeph their Father, muſt have claim'd the In-
heritance of the Kingdom in bis Right, and not Jeſus the Son of Mary,
who deſcended from a younger Line, and therefore could not legally in-
herit, but upon Default of Iflue from Joſeph the only remaining Heir of
the Elder. So that Jeſus was the very laſt of the Royal Line of David,
which was fully terminated in him, who is alſo God bleſſed for evermore,
and his Throne is for ever and ever.
The End of the Introduction.
.
:
**.
31
.
1
;
Eccleſiaſtical Hiſtory.
.
Β Ο Ο ΚΙ.
From the Nativity of our Bleſſed Saviour, to bis Aſcen-
fion, according to the vulgar Computation.
Containing the Term of 32 Years and Months.
المخدرات
C HA P. I.
hindi
From the Nativity of our Bleſſed Saviour, to the Beginning of the
Goſpel, and firſt Preaching of John Baptiſt
, according to the
vnlgar Computation.
Containing the Term of 28 Tears
, and above. 6 Monthsa
"A
1.
T the Time of our Bleſſed Saviour's firſt Appearance in the A. D. i.
World, the Romans by many Steps and Advances had made
themſelves Maſters of the moſt confiderable Parts of Europe,
Aſia, and Africa; and the State of their Empire was then in
the utmoſt Perfection, as to regular Eſtabliſhments, liberal
Arts, and outward Magnificence; but much declining as to the inward Vi-
gour, and rigid Virtue of its ancient Subjects. This mighty Empire was AUGU-
now govern’d by Auguſtus Cæfar, one of the moſt renowned Monarchs that
ever appeared in Pagan Hiſtory; a Prince ſo remarkable for his vaft Capa-STUS,
city and Policy, his fagacious Penetration and Management, his profound Rome.
Knowledge and Wiſdom, and withal, his ſingular Generoſity and Humanity,
that his Character cannot be much eaſier drawn, thian his Actions can be re-
preſented, in a few Words. When he was but eighteen Years of Age, and
the Roman Common-Wealth in a greater Ferment than it had been ſińce the
Building of the City, he enter'd upon Deſigns far above his Years; and in
his Progreſs waded through innumerable Difficulties, till by his Policy and
Management he freed himſelf from all Rivals and Pretenders, and made
himſelf Emperor of the World, neither by Inheritance, nor Uſurpation, nor
Conqueſt; nor Election, but by a ſtrange Mixture of all theſe together. The
Beginr,ings of his Sovereignty, or rather his firſt Endeavours for Sovereignty,
were
32
2
Cent. I. ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. Book I.
pro-
3-5.
Taxation.
were too much mingled with Blood and Cruelty to be wholly vindicated;
but in the Progreſs of it, his Actions became more unblameable, and were
attended with ſuch a Proſperity, that he not only allay'd all the Storms in
the Roman State, but thrice Shut up the Temple of fanus in Token of a
Peace with all the World, which was oftener than it had been for above
700 years before. So that conſidering the mighty Affluence of Pleaſure and
Plenty, and the Pomp and Splendor of this Reign, together with the ex-
traordinary Encouragement of all kinds of polite Learning, none need to
wonder that the Court of Auguſtus has been celebrated above all others in
the World.
The Emperor having ſhut up the Temple of fanus the third and laſt
time, bringing an univerſal Peace, not only to the Roman Empire, but
bably to the whole World, after a Reign of 38 Years from the Death of Fülins
Cæfar, he enter'd upon his twelfth Conſulſhip together with L. Sylla. In Lukee,
His general which Year, being freed from all Troubles and Conteſts, he determind to
enquire into the Strength and Riches of all his Dominions; and in order
to that, he iffu'd out a general Edict that all Perſons in the Roman Empire,
with their Eſtates and Conditions, ſhou'd be regiſter'd at certain appointed
Places, according to their reſpective Provinces, Cities, and Families, proba-
bly that they might be tax'd accordingly. For this purpoſe Cyrenius or Qui-
rinus was ſent over with extraordinary Power into Syria, which alſo included
Judæa and Herod's Dominions, to enroll that Part of the Empire; which proba-
bly occaſioned St. Luke to call him Governor of Syria. By Virtue of this Edict
Joſeph and his eſpouſed Wife Mary, being both of the Tribe of Judah
and Family of David, were oblig'd to remove from their Habitation at
Nazareth, and take a Journy of above 60 Miles into fudæa, to a City
callid Bethlehem; which tho a ſmall Place, was the Mother City of the
Tribe of Judah, as feruſalem was of Benjamin. This declining City, about
five Miles South-Weſt from Jeruſalem, was the place where this Couple
were to be enrolld, notwithſtanding the near Approach of Mary's Deli-
very; and this was the Birth-place of David himſelf, and by God fore-
told to be that of his great Anti-type the Meſſiah. And as this was
neceſſary to the Completion of God's Word, ſo he wiſely deriv’d the
Cauſe of their coming hither as far as Rome, and brought it about
without either Miracle or Revelation: And thus the Decree of a Pagan
Emperor became the Occaſion of the Accompliſhment of the Decrees of
Heaven.
It was in the beginning of the 37th Year of the Reign of Herod, and in Luke za
the Month of December, according to the moſt receiv'd Opinion, that“7
Joſeph and Mary arriv'd at Bethlehem, for this Enrolment. In which
City they might have expected a good Entertainment after a troubleſom
Journy, but the great Conflux of People upon this Occaſion, had al-
ready filld up the Inns and Houſes of Reception, ſo that they were con-
ſtrain’d to repair to a Stable for Lodgings; which, according to Tradi-
tion, was a ſort of a Cave cut out of a Rock, a common Receptacle for
..Jeſus born. Beaſts on the Eaſt Side of the Town. In this mean Place, was the Bleſſed
Virgin deliver'd of her Holy Burthen, without Pain, ſince it was conceiv'd
without Sin; and ſhe her ſelf perform'd the Office of a Midwife, bound
the Infant in ſwadling Cloaths, and laid it to reſt in a Manger: A no-
ble Inſtance of the Humility of our Lord, who as the laſt Scene of his
Life was repreſented among Thieves, ſo his firſt was among Beaſts. But,
as one obferves, this Stable was then a Temple full of Religion, full of
Glory, when Angels were the Miniſters, the Holy Virgin the Worſhiper
The Time of his and Chriſt the Deity. This memorable Nativity happened 4000 Years
Nativity. after the Creation of the World and the Fall of Man, according to Uſher,
and
Chap. I.
33
AUGUSTUS the 2d Rom. Emp.
Tukea.
8. 21.
and many other great Chronologers, in the firſt Year of the 194th Olym-
piad, in the 749th of the City of Rome, in the 39th Year of Auguſtus from
the Death of "Julius Cæfar, the 26th from his Overthrow of Anthony at
Aftium, and the 22d from his full Eſtabliſhment in the Empire by the Se-
nate and People, he himſelf and L. Sylla being Conſuls. This is the trueſt
Æra we can find of our Bleſſed Saviour's Birtlı, beginning juſt four Years
before the vulgar Computation now in uſe, which commenc'd in the 43d
of Auguſtus, under the Conſulſhips of Cor. Lentulus, and Cal. Piſo; and this
is apparent from the Reign and Death of Herod, and from many Cir-
cumſtances in the Roman and Jewiſh Hiſtory: But to avoid Confuſion in our
ſucceeding Chronology, we ſhall follow the vulgar Account now in uſe in
all Chriſtendom. The Day of this Birtlı, according to the moſt receiv'd
Accounts and antient Traditions, was the 25th of December ; tho' Mede,
Lightfoot, and ſome others have given very remarkable Arguments to
prove it was in September, and more particularly at the Feaſt of Taber-
nacles.
Notwithſtanding the Privacy and Obſcurity of our Saviour's Entrance His fifi Reven
into the World, the ſame Night God was pleas’d to make a pompous berdosa
lation to Slepo
Revelation of himn to certain poor Shepherds, who were attending their
Flocks not far diſtant, in thoſe Plains where David the Father of our
Lord liad often attended his. For in the midſt of their innocent Im-
ployment, an Angel from Heaven, ſurrounded with moſt refulgerit Rays
of Glory, deſcended upon them; which ſtrange Sight caus'd a great Con-
ſternation amongſt them. But the Angel ſoon remov'd their Fcars by aſlù-
ring them, That he brought them ſuch News as should prove the infinite Foy of
all People; for a Saviour was born that Night in Bethlehem, who was no leſs
than Chriſt the Lord. But to prevent their Expectation of an Earthly Prince,
he told thein, That the Token of knowing this Perſon, ſhould be his being wrapt
in ſwadling Cloaths, and lying in no better Place than a Manger. Upon this,
immediately there appear'd an innumerable Company of tlie Militia of
Heaven, all breaking out into this triumphant Doxology, Glory to God in
the higheſt Heavens, Peace to the Earth, and Good-will to Mankind ? Thus
as all the Angels ſung at the Beginning of the old World, at the Creation,
Job 38. 7. ſo much more at the Beginning of the New, at the Redem-
ption. Upon the Angels Departure into Heaven, the over-joy'd Shepherds
immediately haſtened to Bethlehem, where they found Joſeph and Mary, and
the Infant in a Manger, as the Angel had inform’d them; and they return'd
praiſing and extolling the Mercies of God, and publiſhing in all Places what
they knew concerning this Child, to the exceeding Amazement of all that
heard them. But Mary on the contrary kept all theſe Things ſecret, and
lodg’d them in her Breaſt as the Subject of her private Meditations. And as
She and Joſeph were exact Obſervers of the Law of Moſes, and to teſtifie
that the Child was the Son of Abraham, they circumcis'd him on the eightli
Day, and call’d his Name Jeſus, according to the Appointment of the Angel
Gabriel before his Conception.
Having been punctual in obſerving the Law of Circumciſion, they were His Circumci-
22-24. no leſs exact in the Performance of two other Commandments of the Law; fion.
one concerning Mothers, and the other the Firſt-Born of their bodies. The
firſt oblig'd every Woman, after her Delivery, not to touch any holy Thing
for a fix'd time, nor to enter into the Temple for forty Days after the Birth
of a Son, and at the end of that Term to go thither to be purify'd ; for
which Purpoſe ſhe was to offer a Lamb for a Burnt-Offering, if able, or elſe
a pair of Pigeons or Turtles, which being ſacrific'd by the Prieſt, ſhe was
clean. The ſecond enjoyn'd all Perſons to bring their Firſt-born Males,
both of Man and Beaſt, to be preſented to God at the Temple, the latter
E
Luke 2.
to
34
Cent. I.
3
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
Book I.
Ne.
by Simeon.
to be ſacrific'd, and the former to be redeem'd for five Shekels, or about
ten Shillings, and this in Commemoration of God's llaying all the firſt-
Born of the Egyptians to deliver the Iſraelites. In Obedience to thefe two
Laws, forty Days after her Delivery, the Holy Virgin with Foſeph went up
to Terufalem, to offer the Sacrifice preſcrib'd by the Law for her Purification,
tho' her Son's immaculate Conception needed not that Ceremony: And
St. Luke obſerves that ſhe offer'd tlie Sacrifice preſcrib'd to ſuch as were
indigent, namely, two Turtle Doves, or two young Pigeons. This was
performi'd at that remarkable Gate of the Temple, call’d the Gate of Ni-
canor, at the great Paflage between the Court of the Women, and the Court
His Preſent 2- of Iſrael and the Prieſts; in which Paſſage the Child Jeſus was preſented
tion in the Ter:- to the Lord, deliver'd into the Hands of the Prieſt, and redeemed according
to Law. Thus was the only begotten Son of God, and the Firſt-Born of
every Creature, preſented at his own Temple, which began to verifie the
Propheſie of Haggai, namely, That the Glory of the latter Houſe ſhould be
greater than of the former.
But as there was no publick Act about this Child, but was attended by Luikea.
ſomething miraculous and extraordinary; ſo at the ſame Inſtant a pious and 25-38.
devout Perſon of the City, nam'd Simeon, was directed by the Spirit of God
into the Temple. This Simeon, ſuppos’d to be the Son of the famous Hil-
lel, had long waited for the Redemption of Iſrael, and had been promis’d
by the Mouth of Heaven, that he ſhould not leave the World before he
His Reception had ſeen the illuſtrious Perſon who ſhould effect it. And when the Child
was brought in, this raviſh'd old Man took him in his Arms, and being ex-
cited by a Divine Inſpiration, bleſs'd the Almighty, begging, That accor-
ding to his Promiſe he might be diſmiſs'd this World, ſince his bodily Eyes had
beheld his Salvation, deſign d for all Nations; a Light to illuminate the Pas
gan World, as well as to be the Glory of the Jewiſh State. From thence he
turn'd to his aſtoniſh'd Parents, and Bleſſing them alſo, declar'd to Mary,
That this Child should be the Occaſion of the Ruin or Happineſs of many Ifra-
elites, and a Mark at which obdurate Sinners ſhould level their malicious Ob-
loquies; which tho they should prove the Diſcovery of many Hearts
, yet like
a ſharp Sword they ſhould pierce her very Soul with Sorrow : Which ſome think
was a Propheſie of her Martyrdom. Now that the Divine Teſtimony con-
cerning our Lord might be ratify'd by two Witneſſes in the Temple, and
thoſe of both Sexes, about the ſame time came an antient Widow of the
And by Anna. Tribe of Afer, calld Anna, 84 Years of Age; one noted in the Goſpel for
her conſtant Obſervance of the Temple-Miniſtration, and her frequent Fa-
ſtings and Prayers. She likewiſe by a prophetick Spirit, gave God Thanks
for this infinite Mercy, witneſſing Jeſus to be the Meſſiah, declaring the
ſame to all ſuch in Jeruſalem as waited for his coming. After the legal
Performances Joſeph and Mary with the Child return'd to Bethlehem
with great Joy and Satisfaction, and there continu'd till they were
order'd by God to remove; tho' St. Luke, who deſignedly omitted many
things related by St. Matthew, ſeems to intimate their ſerling at Nazareth in
Galilee.
II. During theſe memorable Tranſa&tions, Herod at Jeruſalem was em- Fefp'in
baraſs'd with many Miſchiefs and Troubles, ſuch as uſually attend Tyran-
nical Governments, as not only Fears and Jealouſies, but alſo real Conſpi-
racies againſt his Perſon ; which were carry'd on by ſeveral of his neareſt
Relations, particularly his Brother Pheroras,' his Wife the High Prieſt's
Daughter, and his Son and deſign'd Heir Antipater. Theſe treaſonable De-
ſigns were detected by means of the unnatural Death of Pheroras, and other
Accidents: Several Perſons were tortur’d, others executed, his Wife divorcid,
her
A. D. 2.
Chap. I.
35
AUGUSTUS the 24 Rom. Emp.
% -8.
velation to the
and
Matth.z.
3-11.
her Father depos'd from his High-Prieſthood, and his Son Antipater im-
priſon'd, in order to receive Sentence from the Court of Rome. But theſe
things were ſcarcely effected, before this jealous Prince was alarm’d with
Alictsh.a. a new and unexpected Accident, which was the Arrival of certain learned
and eminent Aſtronomers or Magicians from Arabia or Chaldæa, to Jerufa-
lem. Theſe having ſeen in their own Country a ſtrange and extraordi- His ſecond Rey
nary. Star, and underſtanding by ſome old Propheſie, ſuch as that of Ba-
Magi,
laan, or ſome new Revelation, that this fignify'd the Birth of the Meliah
promis’d to the Jews, they travelld to the Metropolis of Judæa, there en-
quiring after this New-born Prince, that they might teſtifie' their Adoration
and Homage. Their Publick Character and Appearance, and their open
calling him the King of the Jews, drove the King into a great conſterna-
tion, and the whole City into no little Commotion, as both fearing and
hoping ſomething, extraordinary. But Herod, reſolving to deſtroy this
ſuppos'd Rival in his Kingdom either by Policy or Force, immediately afſem-
bled the whole Body of the Sanhedrim, conſiſting of the nioſt Learned of
the Fews, and demanded of them the very Place where the Meffiah ſhould
be born. They readily anſwer'd him Bethlehem of Judæa, for which they
alledg’d the Senſe, tho' not the very Words of Micah's Propheſie concern-
ing that Matter. Upon which Herod with the utmoſt Privacy ſent for the
above mentioned Aſtronomers, and carefully enquiring of them the exact
time of the Star's firſt Appearance, diſpatch'd them to Bethlehem, ordering
them to make a diligent Search for this young Prince, and upon Diſcovery, to
bring him word to Jeruſalem, that he might go Pay
him Homage as well
as they
Theſe Perſons having receiv'd the King's Inſtructions, departed towards
Bethlehem, and in their way were ſurpriz'd with a new Sight of the ſame
miraculous Star they had ſeen in their own Country, which went before
them, and like the fiery Pillar in the Wilderneſs, directed them to the very
Houſe where Jeſus and his Mother were lodg’d. The Sight of this was an
extraordinary Comfort to theſe Travellers; who obſerving the Star's laſt
Station, enter'd the Houſe, and finding the young child with his Mother
Märy, without deſpiſing his mean Appearance and Attendance, fell proſtrate who acknow-
to the Ground, according to the Eaſtern Cuſtom, and ador'd him. And ledge him with
having brought with them the richeſt Products of their own Country, they
humbly made Preſents to him of Gold and precious Odors, particularly
Frankincenſe and Myrrh ; in all which Gifts, ſeveral believe that there was
ſome myſtical Meaning. Thus was God pleas'd to manifeſt his Son by ſu-
pernatural Means not only to Jews, but alſo to Gentiles; but by different
Methods as well as to different Underſtandings and Qualities. The former
were poor illiterate Shepherds, the latter learned Philoſophiers, probably of
no mean Quality: The former, acquainted with the true Worſhip of the
Creator, had an Angel for their Guide; the latter, contemplating the Crea-
ture, had a Star for theirs ; the All-wiſe God accommodating his Reve-
lations to the peculiar Circumſtances of Mens natural Genius's and Edu-
cations.
The Eaſtern Strangers deſign'd to have return'd to Herod at Jerufalem,
but God, who knew the Heart of that Tyrant, prevented them by a Vi-
ſion at Night, and directed them into their own Country by another Way.
And at the ſame Night he ſent his Angel to Foſeph, ordering him to ariſe
immediately and take both Mother and Son with him, and fly as far as the
Country of Egypt, and to continue there till farther notice; informing him,
That Herod had a bloody Deſign of deſtroying the young Child. Foſeph, who His Flight into
was all Obedience, immediately got ready with his wife, and with their Ægypt,
greateſt Treaſure Fefus, undertook a Journey of above 200 Miles into
E 2
Ægypt ;
Adoration.
Matth.2.
12-15
36 Cent. I.
Book I.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY:
16-18.
!
Ægypt; the late Preſent of Gold being of ſpecial Uſe to them in the de-
fraying of their Expences in a foreign Country. Thus did our Lord begin
to take Poffeffion, as it were, of his promiſs’d Inheritance of the Gentiles,
which accompliſh'd that prophetical Prefiguration of Hoſea's, Out of Ægypt
have I cald my Son. At their firſt Arrival, as may be collected from En-
ſebins and Athanafius, the Child Jeſus being by Deſign or Providence car-
ry'd into a Temple at Hermopolis in the Province of Thebais, the Idol Gods
fell down, like Dagon at the Preſence of the Ark, and ſuffer'd their timely
and juſt Diſſolution: Which remarkably verify'd a Propheſy of Iſaiah,
which ſays, That the Lord ſhould come into Ægypt, and the Idols of Ægypt
shou'd be moved at his Preſence. Iſai. 19. 1.
In the mean Time Herod impatiently waited for the Return of the Stran- Matth.2,
gers; but ſhortly finding himſelf deluded, and his moſt ſecret and ſubtle
Herod's Maſſa- Deſigns blaſted, he fell into a violent Rage and Fury. And reſolving to
In-
fints.
effect that by Severity which he had been diſappointed of doing by Policy, he
immediately ſent out his Soldiers, and made a bloody Maflacre of all the
Children in the City of Bethlehem and the neighbouring Towns, that were
two Years of Age and under ; that he might be certain to include the
whole Time, and more, from the firſt Appearance of the Star ſeen by the
Eaſtern Aftronomers : A Barbarity ſurpaſſing all Belief, had not Herod been
the Contriver and Projector. This deplorable Cruelty was accompany'd
with ſuch Lamentations and Bewailings, that the Evangeliſt thought fit to
mention the Sorrows and Bemoanings taken notice of by Jeremiah concern-
ing.the Babylonian Captivity, as having a more eminent Completion at this
Time. The Abylines of Æthiopia in their Liturgy, and the Greeks in their
Calendar, do commemorate the Number of 14000 that were ſlain at this
Time ; and the Execution was fo nicely rigorous, that one of Herod's Sons,
then at Nurſe, was alſo ſain in the Number. Upon which Account, An-
guſtus hearing of this and his other Cruelties to his own Family, after-
wards declar'd, That he had rather be Herod's Hog than his Son, as Macrobius
aſſureś us: For the Religion of his Nation was a Security for Swine, but no
Religion cou'd be any Security for his Child.
His frange Di. Not long after this Herod began to feel the Vengeance of Heaven upon gojepb.
Stemper.
him, being ſtricken with a ſtrange and terrible Diſtemper, which made
him exceedingly paſſionate and jealous of the juſt Hatred and Contempt
of his Subjects. And this was heightned by Means of a bold Attempt made
by ſeveral young Men of the City, who finding the King declining, and alſo
hearing of his Death, pulld down the large golden Eagle, which he had
prophanely ſet upon the main Portal of the Temple; which being done
in a tumultuous Manner, caus’d the Death of many of the Spectators by
the Soldiers, and their own ſevere Executions by Herod's Command. His
Diſtemper daily encreas'd after an unheard-of Manner, and he himſelf la-
bour'd under the moſt loathſom, and tormenting Accidents that can be ima-
gin'd; as gradual Heats and grievous Ulcers in his Entrails and Bowels, a
furious Cholick, a voracious and inſatiable Appetite, venomous Swellings
in his Feet, Convulſions in his Nerves, violent Aſthmas, a filthy Priapiſm,
Rottenneſs in his Joints and Members, accompany'd with prodigious
Itchings, crawling Worms, and intolerable Smells; fo that he was a perfect
Hoſpital of incurable Diſeaſes. Yet all theſe furious Torments did not
take away his Hopes of Recovery; for which Reaſon he ſent for Phyſi-
cians from all Places, and refus'd no Medicines that they judg’d proper for
him. He alſo ſhifted his Poſt, and paſs’d over the River Jordan to the hot
Baths of Callirrhoe, which were both medicinal and potable, where his Phy-
ficians try'd many Experiments in vain upon him; from whence he remov'd
to Jericho, his laſt Station, about 20 Miles almoſt Eaſt of Jeruſalem.
But
Chap. I.
37
AUGUTUS the 2d Rom. Emp.
0
ders.
But as the Bodies of Beaſts grow hard and callous by Stripes, and the
Preflures of the Yoak , ſo did the Heart of Herod, by theſe Loads of the
Divine Vengeance. For finding that he muſt die ſhortly, and fearing no-
thing more than the Rejoycings of the Nation at his Death, he refolvid
that the laſt Scene of his Life ſhould equal, if not ſurpafs all the reſt. There-
före having by the ſtricteſt Summons gather'd together all the Nobility and
moſt conſiderable Men of every City, Town and Village in Judæa, he-com-
manded his Soldiers to ſhut them up in a ſpacious Place calld the Hippodrome.
And then calling his Siſter Salome, her Husband Alexas, with a few choice
Friends, he told them with Tears, That he was ſenſible of the Jews Hatred His cruel 0:n
to his Government and Perſon, and that his Death would be a high Satisfa-
ction to them; therefore his Friends ought to procure him fome Solace and Di-
verſion in the midſt of his bitter Anguiſh; which if they perform d according to
his Order, the Mournings and Lamentations at his Death would be as great
anid magnificent as ever any Prince had. And this Order mas, that on the ſame
Hour he ſhould expire, the Soldiers ſhould ſurround the Hippodrome, and put
all the encloſed Perſons to the Sword, and then publiſh his Death; which would
cauſe his Exit to be doubly triumphant, firſt for the poſthumous Execution of his
Commands, and ſecondly for the Quality and Number of his Monrners. Upori
the Promiſes of his Friends to perform his Orders, and receiving ſome accep-
table News from Auguſtus of the Execution of an Enemy, and of Power
granted him to punih others, he began to revive ; but his Torments ftill
encreaſing, ſhortly after lie endeavour'd to ſtab himfelf, but was preven-
ted by Achiabus his Grandchild. The Belief of his Death at this time en-
couragʻd his impriſon's Son Antipater to attempt an Eſcape, but he was not
only prevented, but alſo beheaded by his Father's Command, who five
Days after dy'd himſelf, having by his Teſtament divided his Domi- And Death.
nions between his three Son Archelaus, Antipas and Philip. This hap-
ned between the 25th of November, and the 20th of March follow-
ing, in the 750th or 75 ift Year of Rome, according to the niceſt Chrono-
logers ; tho' moſt probably in the latter, and about a Year and a Quar-
ter after our Saviour's Nativity, in the 70th of his Age, and the 37th of his
Reign.
III. For many Years, the Land of Paleſtine or Canaan was entire
, and A. D. 3.
govern’d by one Perſon, but ſhortly after Herod's Deceaſe, by his Will and
Cæfar's Appointment, it was divided into three diſtinct Governments. Tho’Archelaus
for a ſhort time Archelaus was look'd upon as King, and his Father's Suć-
cesſor
ceſſor, by the Soldiers and People; all acknowledging him with great Ap-
plauſes, upon the Account of his ſpecious Promiſes, and the Satisfaction
they received from the Delivery of all thoſe noble Perſons whom his Father
had deſign'd for Slaughter. But he had ſcarcely finiſh'd his Father's Obſe-
quies, which were very ſolemn and magnificent, before many in the City
began to bewail Matthias and his Aſſociates, who had been put to Death
for pulling down the golden Eagle; tumultuouſly requiring that their Me-
mories ſhould be honour'd by a publick Mourning, and their Accuſers con-
demn'd. And this Sedition encreaſing at the Feaſt of the Paſſover, about
that time they procur'd great Numbers to join with them, and ſecur'd them-
ſelves in the outward Courts of thie Temple : Which caus'd Archelaus imme-
diately to ſend out an armed Party of a thouſand Men againſt them ; but
being repelld with ſome Loſs, he ſent his whole Body of Foot, with a ſtrong
Party of Horſe, who falling in with them, put about 3000 to the Sword,
and forc'd the reſt to the neighbouring Mountains. And having thus quell'd
the Sedition, he with all Haſte repaired towards Rome with his mother and
his choiceſt Friends, to obtain the Confirmation of his Father's Teſtament
by
Joſephs
own'd his S46-
38 Cent. I.
Book I.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY:
bles.
by Auguſtus, and to procure himſelf to be ſetled in the Kingdom of Judæa;
committing the Government of his Houſhold and his Affairs to his Brother
Philip
The Jews Trou In the Abſence of Archelaus, the Jews fell into new Troubles and Confu-
ſions; firſt occaſion d by Sabinus, the Emperor's Agent in Syria, who enter'd
Jeruſalem, ſeiz’d upon Herod's Palace, and by his Avarice grievouſly oppreſs’d
the Inhabitants : Inſomuch that on the Feaſt of Pentecoft, great Numbers
repaired thither from all parts of the Land, reſolving to be reveng’d on
Sabinus, and poſſeſs'd themſelves of the Porticos and Cloyſters of the Tem-
ple. ' But the Roman Legion there under Sabinus, vigorouſly attack'd them,
ſet fire to ſome of the Buildings, and burnt down a conſiderable Part of the
Cloyſters, to the Deſtruction of many; and then puſhing forwards, pillag'd
the Treaſure of the Temple where the Sacred Money was kept, and car-
ry'd off above four hundred Talents. But the Jews rallying again in vaſt
Numbers, and with part of Herod's Soldiers, beſieg'd Sabinus in the Palace;
which oblig'd him to fend immediately to Varus Governor of Syria to come
to his Relief. At the ſame time, the Jews who had taken too little notice
of the true Meſſiah; were puniſhed with ſeveral falſe Meſſiahs, or pretended
Kings of the few's; particularly Simon, one of Herod’s Servants, remarkable
for his Shape and Stature; who being follow'd by great Multitudes, pillagʻd
and ravag'd all the Country about Jericho. Athronges an obſcure Shepherd,
but of extraordinary Bulk and Strength, was another who aſpir’d to the
Crown, and for a conſiderable time retain’d all the Marks of Sovereignty,
waſting all the Country about Jeruſalem. In Idum&a about 2000 of Herod's
old Soldiers aſſembled together, to the great Damage of that Province; and
in Galilee, Judas or Theudas (mention'd A&. 5. 36.) the Son of a famous
Robber, with a Party of deſperate Men, made Incurſions into Judda. Theſe
and many other Troubles were quellid in no long time, partly by ſome of
Herod's Party, and principally by the coming down of Varus out of Syria with
all his Force; who reliev'd Sabinus in Jeruſalem, and put an end to theſe cedi-
tions with the Crucifixion of no leſs than 2000 Perſons. Thus God began
to puniſh the Jews, both for their Corruptions, and their being ſo regardleſs
of his Son, after he liad ſufficiently manifeſted him both at Bethlehem and
Jeruſalem.
Archelaus op In the mean time, Archelaus at Rome met with much Oppoſition and ma-
pos’d.
ny Obſtacles, not only from his Enemies, but ſeveral of his ſuppos'd Friends,
who accus’d him of many Crimes before Auguſtus, and pleaded for his Brother
Antipas, who had been appointed Succeſſor to Herod in a former Teſtament.
But Auguſtus had not fully determined to whom he ſhould give the Preference,
before fifty Ambaſſadors or Repreſentatives of the Jewiſh Nation were, by
Varus's Permiſſion, arriv'd at Rome, and with no leſs than 8000 of their own
Country Men in the City, repair’d to Auguſtus in their diſtreſſed Country's Be-
half; Firſt declaiming againſt the Memory of Herod, alledging, That he had
been the moſt cruel Tyrant that ever reign'd, and ſo barbarous, that thoſe who
eſcaped with their Lives, thought themſelves leſs happy than thoſe who were exe-
cuted. For he had not only torn his Subjects Bodies with Tortures, but alſo de-
faced the Cities of his own Country, to beautifire thoſe of Strangers, and permitted
Foreigners to maſacre the Jews without Revenge. And their Country was ſo im-
poveriſh'd and waſted with Injuſtice, that during Herod's Reign they had ſuffer'd
more Murthers and Miſeries than their Anceſtors had from the Babylonian Cap-
tivity to his time. That being inured to the Yoak, they had readily acknowledged
Archelaus, notwithſtanding he was the Son of ſuch a Tyrant, and publickly
mourned for his Father's Death. But that he to shew himſelf the genuine Offspring
of Herod, began his Reign with the Slaughter of 3000 Citizens, who fell a Sa-
crifice to his Rage even in the very Temple. Wherefore their humble Petition was,
that
Chap. I.
39
AUGUSTUS the 24 Rom. Emp.
nions' dividida
Matth.2.
that Auguſtus woulib judge the Remainder of the Jews worthy of Compaſſion, and
not abandon their Nation to Herod's Family, but that he would join it to the
Province of Syria;, and put it under the immediate Subječtion of Roman Go-
vernors. Anguftus having heard theſe Complaints, and the Anſwers of the Herod's Domi:
other Party, ſhortly after gave Archelaus half the Dominions of his Father,
witli tle Title of Ethnarch, promiſing him that of King, if his Carriage de-
ſerved it; and dividing the other half into two Tetrarchies, he gave one to
Hcrod-Antipas, and the other to his Brother Philip : So that we are to con-
tider Pileſtine now as divided into three diſtinct Juriſdictions. 1. That un-
der Archelaus conſiſted of the Provinces of Judaa and Samaria, together with
Idumea, a little Province taken out of. Arabia, and of late including part of
Judæa; all amounting to 500 Talents. Yearly. 2. That under Herod-Anti-
pas
conſiſted of the Provinces of Galilee and Perea beyond Jordan; amoun-
ting to 200 Talents. 3. That under Philip conſiſted of the Province of Tra-
chonitis, including Batanda and Aurarinitis or Ituræa in Syria; amounting to
100 Talents. Gaza in Judæa, and Gadara and Hippon in Trachonitis were
join'd to the Government of Syria; Jamriu, Azotus, Phafalis and Aſcalon
were given to Herod's Siſter Salome; and the Money which Herod gave
to Auguſtus by Will
, which amounted to 1500 Talents, he generouſly di-
ftributed among his Family, reſerving for himſelf only ſome Jewels of ſmall
Value:
The State of Paleſtine being thus eſtabliſhed by Auguſtus, God now thought Icfus's Returs
Luke: fit to call his Son out of Ægypt; therefore by his Angel in a Vilion he in-tim Ægypt.
39, 4c. form’d Joſeph of the Death of all ſuch as ſought the Child's Life, and
order'd him to take Him and his Mother, and return into the Land of
Ifrael, or Paleſtine. All which he diligently perform’d; and arriving ini
Judæa, he was inform’d of the Return of Archilaus, and his governing
that Part of the Country ; and knowing his natural Cruelty, and his
near Relation to Herod, he fear'd to ſettle there. But being directed by
God in another Viſion, he turn'd to the Dominions of his Brother Herod-
Antipas, in Galilee, to his former Habitation at Nazareth, where the ſtrange And Habitation
Occurrences of our Lord's Birth were utterly unknown. Which being ?
mean and deſpicable Place, it afterwards gained Jeſus the reproachful Ti-
tle of a Nazarenze, according to the Aim and Tenor of ſeveral Prophe-
cies, as St. Matthew obſerves. And this obſcure Education not only con-
tributed towards his intended Sufferings, but likewiſe ferv'd to confound
the Wiſdom of the haughty Scribes and Phariſees, who for their Con-
tempt of theſe late Revelations, and their other Crimes, were juſtly hardened
and blinded in their Underſtandings. He was now about two Years of Age;
and for ten Years after, we have no certain Account of Him or his Pa-
rents, only that they annually repair'd with Him to Jeruſalem at the Paf-
ſover, and as his Body encreas'd in Stature, ſo more eſpecially the Fa-
culties of his Soul were enlarg’d, being highly repleniſh'd with Wiſdom
and the Grace of God.
Not long after our Saviour's Settlement at Nazareth, Auguſtus, who had Auguſtus's
ſo often and eaſily diſpos'd of the Kingdoms and Governments of the Troubles,
World, was extremely afflicted in his own Family, and by his own Daugh-
ter Julia, marry'd to his Wive's Son Tiberius, who by her luxurious Re-
vels, and her adulterous Meetings had made her ſelf infamous in the
whole City. This Emperor, tho* a Pagan by Education and Profeſſion,
had ſo great a Senſe, not only of the Scandal, but alſo of the Immora-
lity of her Actions, that he once reſolved to have put her to Death
but upon Reconſideration he baniſhed her to a deſolate Iſland called
Pandataria, ſtrictly prohibiting her the uſe of Wine, and all kinds of De-
licacies, either in Diet or Cloaths; and permitted no Perſons to approach
her
Dion,
&c.
3
40
Book I.
Cent. I.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY,
Lord.
The Government
Sons,
her who were not celebrated for their good Lives and Morals. Shortly af-
ter he was diverted by ſome Wars in Armenia, wlich, according to Noris,
caus’d hiin to open the Temple of Janus the laſt time, which had continu'd
ſhut for about fix Years in Token of an univerſal Peace; which Peace being
as it were to introduce our Saviour into the World, he has alſo upon that
Occaſion been ſtild The Prince of Peace. But what Eccleſiaſtical Writers do
And Refuſal of more particularly obſerve of this Emperor, is, that upon his Entrance on
the Title of his fourth Decennalia, or ten Years Governinent, he utterly refus'd the Ti-
tle of LORD, which the People unanimouſly offer'd him; which many
Chriſtians believe not to have been without ſome Divine Influence, and par-
ticularly upon the Account of a Sybil's foretelling the Appearance of a greater
Prince, to whom all the World ſhould pay Adoration. And here we can-
not eaſily omit a Relation mention’d by Suidas, who tells us that Auguſtus
ſending to the Pythian Oracle to enquire who ſhould ſucceed him, was an-
fwer'd by that Damon, That an Hebrew Child, Lord of the Gods, had com-
manded him to return to Hell, and that no farther Anſwer was to be expected;
and that upon this he erected an Altar in the Capitol, Primogenito Dei, Te
the Firſt-Born of God. However in the ſame Year that he refus’d the Title
of Lord, he appointed Tiberius for his Heir, obliging him to adopt his Bro-
ther Drufus's Son Germanicus ; and being Pontifex Maximus, he made the
laſt Regulation of the Roman Calendar, which continues in Uſe with us
to this Day; tho' alter'd in ſome Countries by Pope Gregory XIII. above
1 20 Years ago. This Regulation was order'd by Auguſtus to be engraven in
Braſs, and was completed in A. D. vul. ær. 4.
In the mean time the three Brothers, Archelaus, Herod and Philip go-Joſeph-
of Herod's
vern’d Paleſtine without any open Sedition or Diſturbance, each endeavour-
ing to improve their Dominions by Buildings, and other publick Works.
Archelaus re-edify'd the Palace in Jericho, and ſumptuoully adorn'd it ; and
drawing half the Waters from Neara, through the Field he had planted
with Palm Trees, he built a Town in that place calld Archelais. Herod en-
clos'd Sephoris with a ſtrong Wall, and made it the chiefeſt Ornament of
Galilee; and alſo fortify'd another City callid Bataramphta, on the Sea of
Galilee, and nam'd it Julias in Honour of Julia, before her Diſgrace.. Pbi-
lip repair'd Paneadas, on the Head of Fordan and Borders of Syria, and calld
it Cæſarea Philippi ; and likewiſe repaired the Borough of Bethſaida, on the
Sea of Galilee, and gave it the Dignity of a City, both for the Number of
the Inhabitants, and for other Pre-eminencies. But Archelaus following the
Steps of his Father, in a ſhort time made himſelf odious to the Jews, not on-
ly for his diſpoſſeſſing of the High Prieſts, and his illegal marrying his Bro-
ther Alexander's Wife Glaphyra, but alſo for ſeveral Acts of Cruelty and Ty-
ranny: Inſomuch, that after a Reign of nine Years and a few Days, the
chief Governors among the Jews and Samaritans made a publick Complaint
of him to Augufius; who being a generous Prince, and deteſting all Oppreſ-
fions, in a great Paſſion ſent his Agent for him in Perſon to Rome, to an-
fwer to his Accuſations. Archelaus was found feaſting and banqueting with
his Friends, and hurry'd away with great Precipitation to Cæfar; who upon
Archelaus de- a full Hearing both of his Crimes and Vindication, deprivºd him of his
posed and ba. Dominions, confiſcated all his Goods, baniſh'd him, and perpetually confn'd
damunder Ros him to Vienna a City in Gaul. Upon this the Dominions of Archelaus were re-
man Governors. duc'd into the Form of a Roman Province, and ruld by a Governor of the
Emperor's callid by the Name of Procurator, but in ſome Caſes ſubject to the
Preſident or Governor of Syria: So that there were two Alterations in Pa-
leftine between our Saviour's Birth and his Baptiſm; firſt, the Diviſion of the
whole Country among Herod's Sons; ſecondly, the ſubjecting the moſt con-
ſiderable Parts of it, namely, Judæa, Samaria and Idumaa to Roman Gover-
Imme-
nors.
Chap. I.
41
AUGUSTUS the 2d Rom. Emp.
--
Iınınediately after the Baniſhment of Archelaus, Auguſtus ſent over Copo-Coponius the
firſt.
mills to be Procurator or Governor of Judæa, and with him Cyrenius or Qui-
rinus into Syria, to make a ſecond Taxation or Valuation of all Perſons
Eſtates in thoſc Parts. Upon his Entrance into Paleſtine, the Inhabitants, Cyrenius's Se-
thoʻwith ſome Regret, ſubmitted; but in a ſhort time there aroſe one Judas which cauſed a
a Ganlanite by Birth, but a Galilean by Habitation, and ſo callid AF. 5. 37. new Se&t called.
who with Sadoc a' Phariſee, excited the People to a Rebellion; alledging,
That this Affeffment was an open Acknowledgment of their Servitude, exhorting
the whole Nation vigourouſly to maintain their Liberties, and giving them
Aflurance not only of Glory and Renown, but alſo of a full Deliverance from
their York. Theſe Perſuaſions, together with the corrupt Expectations of
a Temporal Prince or Meſſiah, now ready to appear, drew great Numbers
after him, who under the Pretence of Liberty, and diſowning all Foreign
Authority, committed infinite Murthers and Diſorders in ſeveral Parts of
the Land. And tho’ they were tiinely ſuppreſs’d, and the Multitudes diſpers’d,
yet ſtill they were ſo potent as to create a fourth Sect aniong the fews not
known before ; the other three being Phariſees, Sadducees and Eſſenes.
Theſe were not only a Sect, but alſo a Faction directly oppoſite to thoſe
call’d Herodians, and had the Name of Gaulanites from the Birth-place of Gaulanitess
their Captain, and ſometimes Galileans, as in Luke 13. 1. becauſe they were
then more numerous in the Province of Galilee. As the Herodians join'd
with the Sect of the Sadducees, ſo theſe join'd with the Phariſees and niore
eſpecially thoſe call’d Zealots, already deſcrib'd in the Introduction. And
they became ſo zealous in aſſerting God alone to be their Lord and Maſter,
that, as Joſephus informs us, they would ſooner chiuſe the moſt exquiſite
Torments for themſelves and Children, than acknowledge any Man living
for their Lord. And by joining with the Zealots, they together became the
principal Cauſe of all the ſucceeding Miſeries in the Jewiſh State, and the fi-
nal Ruin of it at laſt.
Cyrenius having finiſh'd the Valuation of every Man's Eſtate, and confif-
cated the Goods of Archelaus, he depos’d Joazer the preſent High-Priet
upon the People's Complaint and Sedition, and eſtabliſhed Ananus in his Annas mads
High-Frieſt.
Place, whom the Scriptures call Annas; and after that return'd to his Go-
vernment in Syria, Varus being ſent by Auguſtus to the German Wars. Co-
ponius remaind in his Province of Judæa; and in the ſecond Year of his
Government, in the Beginning of the Pafover, Joſephus tells us of a re-
markable Prophanation of the Temple by certain. Samaritans, who when
the Gates were opened at Midnight, according to the Cuſtom of the Feaſt,
privately enter'd the Temple, and ſtrewed the Perches and the principal
Parts of it with dead Mens Bones; which was an extraordinary Offence to
the Jews, and gave Occaſion to the Prieſts to be much more careful and vi-
gilant than formerly.
It was at this ſame Feaſt, according to the moſt probable Accounts, that Jeſus at
42-52 our Bleſſed Saviour began to ſhew. ſome Rays of his extraordinary Wiſdom Age comes to
and bright Faculties; who now being twelve Years of Age, came up to Jeruſalem,
Jeruſalem with his parents, according to Cuſtom. ' His Parents having per:
form'd the uſual Ceremonies of the Feaſt, and tarry'd the whole ſeven Days,
return'd with great Numbers of their Neighbours and Acquaintance towards
Galilee, accidentally leaving fėjus behind
them at Jeruſalem. But not doubt-
ing but he had join'd himſelf with the Multitude of the Galileans, they
patiently travelld a Days Journy; and at Night made a diligent Search
for him among his Relations and particular Friends, but without any Şuc-
ceſs." It is not eaſie to imagine the Greatneſs of their Fears and Apprelien-
fions at that time, which caus'd them to return haſtily to Jeruſalem, and
make all poſſible Enquiry in that Place. But on the third Day after they
F
miſs'd
Luke 2.
i
42
Cent. I.
Book I.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
miſs'd him, to their exceeeding Surprize, they found him in one of the
Rooms of the Temple, probably in that of the grand Sanhedrim, fitting
And diputes amidſt the learned Doctors and Maſters of Iſrael, hearing and propounding
with the Do- Q ieftions to them; which he did in tich a manner as caus’d the Aſtoniſh-
ment of all his Auditors, wlio were confounded at the Ripeneſs of his Un-
deritanding and Anſwers. His Parents were alſo amazed to find him in
that Place; and his Mother telling him with what Impatience they had
fought him, and blaming him for putting tliem into to great a Fright; lie
made Anſivcr, Wlay was this Search? Did you not know, that I muſt be employ'd
in the Houſe or Service of my Father ? Intiinating, as ſome good Criticks ob-
ſerve, that they had till then ſought for him in a wrong Place : However
they did not then underſtand his Anſwer ; but Mary carcfully lodg'd all his
Words in her Heart. Soon after Jeſus return’d home to Nazareth with his
Parents, living in Subjection to them; and as he encreas'd in Body and Sta-
ture, ſo the Faculties of his created Soul were enlarg’d, and lie daily grow
more and inore in Favour with God and Man.
Auguſtus's Re About the ſame Year, Auguſtus made ſtrict Laws concerning Marriages Disn.
gulations.
and Divorces, which are taken Notice of by ſeveral Eccleſiaſtical Writers; 9:44 pho.
and were occaſion d by the great Numbers of the looſe and unmarry'd Equi-
tes. Theſe the Emperor judg’d ſo fatal to good Policy and true Morality,
that upon a full Affembly, after a high applauding of the marry'd Sort, and
a ſevere Reprimand of the others, be impos'd great Fines upon every Knight
that continu'd unmarry'd after the Term of a Year. Yet to ſhew that he
would diſcourage nothing that bad the Appearance of Virtue and Abſtinence,
he beſtow'd conſiderable Rewards on ſuch as had vow'd a perpetual Virgi-
nity. And that no publick Promoter of Looſeneſs might eſcape his Cenſure,
ſhortly after he baniſh'd his Favourite Ovid, the celebrated Poet, for his
amorous Epiſtles, and his Art of Love; the ſoftneſs whereof being thought
capable of enervating and corrupting a larger Empire than that of the Ro-
Ambivius the Plans. About the fame time le remov'd Coponins to another Place, and ſent
fecond Governor M. Ambivius into Judæa in Quality of Procurator or Governor ; in whoſe
in Judaa.
Governinent Salome Herod's Silter dy'd, and gave all her Poſſeſſions to the
Emperor's Wifc Livia. Shortly after, and two Years before Auguſtus's Death,
his deſign'd Succeffor Tiberius was join'd with him with almoſt equal Autho-
rity in the Government of the Enpire ; which has caus'd fome eminent
Chronologers to reckon the Years of Tiberius's Rcign from this Æra, par-
ticularly in Luke 3. 1. which 15th Year of the Reign of Tiberius, according
to them, is meant the 13th from the Death of Auguſtus.
91. Ambivių s-having continu'd between two and three Years in Judaq, An-
Rufus the third nius Riefis was fent by Auguſtus into his Place; and he was the third Romian
Governor in Ju- Governor in thoſe Parts. Not long after, Auguſtus having made his Will,
and deliver'd it to the Veſtal Virgins, he repair'd upon ſome Buſineſs to No-
14 near Capua : And there finding himſelf dangerouſly ill
, he ſent for Tibe-
rius, and his choiceſt Friends and Acquajątance, to whom he recominended
many wife and uſeful Things, particularly
, declaring to them, That he had
faunch Rome built with Clay, lint he had left it. of Marble, meaning not ſo
much the Beauty and Strength of the Buildings, as the Majeſty and Firmneſs
of the Empire Ang *laat. He might lcave, the World wảh the Triumphs of
a Pau. Philofophar, he called for, a, Looking-Glaſs, causid his Hair to be
combid and his wijnkled Cheeksto be ſmooth d up, and as Actors, upon the
sezogen he ask'd his Friends, moeter he had, playd his Part well in this: World:
Auguſtus dies. And upon their anſwering Yes, he cry'd Pjandite ! and expir'd in the Embraces
of his beloved Wife Limia, bidding laer Remember their Alarriage, and, Farespel.
Thusdy d Airgultys on the 19th Day of Auguſt, in the Conlllhips of the two
Scandi mabove 57 1. fpis after we Death of his Great-Uncle Julius A, D, uub. r-14.
data.
bi soir.
cir
He
Chap. I.
's
TIBERIUS the 3° Rom. Emp.
43
:
He dy'd to the unexpreſſible Grief of all his Subjects, having conquer'd greater
Difficulties, met with greater Succeſs, completed greater Deſigns and eſta-
bliſh'd a greater Empire than any Prince in the World. According to the
Paganiſh Superſtition he had Temples erected to him, Divine Honours de
creed him, and a large ſum of Money was given by Livia to Numerius Atti-
cus, a Senator, for having ſworn that he ſaw him aſcending into Heaven,
as Proculus liad anciently ſworn of Romulus.
IV. The Romans, during the Adminiſtration of Auguftus, had all the A.D. 14
Happineſs of a free People, and were reſtrain'd from nothing but thoſe Mif-
chiefs which a corrupted Liberty produce; but ſhortly after his Death they
TIBE-
met with great Alterations, and à quite different Treatment from his Suc-RIUS,
ceffor Tiberius, whoſe Wiſdom conſiſted of a myſterious Slyneſs and Suſpi- the third Ro-
man Emperor.
cion, and his Policy of continu'd Artifices and Diſſimulation. Yet in the
Beginning of his Reign he made a great Shew of Modeſty and Affability,
and perform'd many laudable Actions towards the Reformation of Mens
Lives and Manners : Particularly he regulated the Licentiouſneſs of the
Theatre, baniſh'd the Aſtrologers and Magicians from Rome, reſtrain’d the
Delicacies of Eating-Houſes and Taverns, ſeverely puniſh'd the Looſeneſs of
young Perſons of either Sex, prohibiting by Proclamation the Kiffes which
were daily given by way of Salutation, and adminiſter'd Juſtice with great
Exactneſs and Diligence. But afterwards, giving a Looſe to his deprav'd
Temper and Inclinations, he became Guilty of all kinds of Enormities and
Oppreſſions, and prov'd to be the moſt ſubtle and deſigning Tyrant in Nature
Dion obſerves, that lie never ſhew'd any Inclination to what he deſir'd, nor
ever ſpoke as he thought; he look’d ſullenly on his Friends, cheerfully on
his Enemies; was fair to thoſe he deſign'd to puniſh, and ſevere to thoſe
he thought to pardon; and his Maxim was, That a Prince's Mind muſt
be known to no Man. Hence all who were concern'd with him were in con-
tinual Danger ; and to underſtand, or not to underſtand liis Mind, was of
equal Peril: For ſome were ruin'd for agreeing to his Words, becauſe they
diſagreed to his Mind; and others were ruin'd for agreeing to his Mind, be-
cauſe he perceiv'd that they had diſcover'd his Thoughts
. In ſhort, he
was a moſt exquiſite State-Jugler, a moſt jealous and barbarous Governor, a
Debaſer of the Roman Empire, a Corrupter of all that was good, and an In-
troducer of all that was bad in it.
In the ſecond Year of this Emperor's Reign, Rufus was recail'd from Judæa,
and Valerius Gratus ſent to ſucceed him, who was the fourth Governor in Gratus the
fourth Governor
thoſe Parts, after the Baniſhment of Archelaus. In the beginning of his Go-
in Judæa.
vernment, the Jews addreſs’d themſelves to Tiberius for an Eaſement of their
Impoſts, who referr'd it to his Nephew Germanicus, then going into the
Eaſt, but with no Succeſs that we can find. About two Years after, the The Jeivs perfe-
Villany of three or four profligate Jews in Rome, in impoſing upon á Noble cuted in Rome.
Lady call'd Fulvia, caus’d Tiberius to uſe great Severities to all the Jews in
the City: Particularly 4000 of them were ſent to Sardinia into hard Service,
and the reſt threatned with Baniſhment, if they did not renounce their Reli-
gious Ceremonies by an appointed Day. All which Troubles, and ſome
others, Philo attributes principally to the impious Deſigns of the Emperor's
Favourite Sejanus; for after his Death, the Jews met with a more moderate
Treatment. In the mean time, Gratus in Judæa made ſeveral Changes in
the High-Prieſthood; firſt depoſing Annas, and appointing Iſmael the Son
of Fabius in his Place; and ſhortly after removing him, and putting Elea-
Zer the Son of Annas in his Room; and about a Year after, he laſtly made
Joſeph ſirnam'd Caiaphas, Son in Law to Annas, High-Prieſt; who continu'd
in that Dignity till
after our Saviour's Death.' And tho there could be but Gaiaphas
made
Foseph.
F 2
one
44 Cent. I.
Book 1:
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
Philo.
dva.
vernment.
one Higla-Prieſt at the ſame time, yet we are to take Notice, that Annas is
nam'd with Caiaphas by St. Luke as if they were High-Prieſts conjointly, Luke
3. 2. Act. 4. 6. becauſe Annas was illegally depos'd, and ſtill rightful High-
Prieſt; or becauſe he was Father-in-Law and Sagan, or Deputy to Caiaphas ;
or becauſe he was Nafi, or Preſident of the Sanhedrim, and repreſented Mo-
fes as the other did Aaron; or laſtly, becauſe the Romans had broke the
Rules of the original Inſtitution. But in this the principal Criticks are not
agreed.
A.D.26. Gratus liaving continu'd in Judæa eleven Years without any publick Di- Joſeph
Pilate the fifri ſturbance, he return'd to Rome, and Pontius Pilate was ſent Governor in his
Goucitor in Ju- Place; a Perfon too like his Maſter Tiberius, of a fierce and irreconcilable Spi-
rit, and of a cruel and covetous Diſpoſition. He was made Procurator in
the 12th Year of Tiberius's Reign, and began his Government very much to
His ſevere Go- the Diſpleaſure and Diſturbance of the Jews, bringing the Emperor's Ima-
ges into Jeruſalem by Night, in Contempt of their Law which ſtrictly for-
bids ſuch Practices. This unuſual Action gave exceeding Diſcontent to the
City and all the Country; who upon the Report of it, immediately repai-
red to Jeruſalem, and from thence in vaſt Multitudes to Cafarea, where Pilate
then reſided, earneſtly begging of him not to violate their Law, but to re-
move the Images to ſome other place. But when Pilate deny'd their Requeſt,
becauſe it would redound to the Emperor's Diſhonour, the whole Multitude
fell proftrate upon their Faces, weeping and lamenting, and continu'd in
that Poſture five Days and five Nights, as Joſephus relates it. On the fixth
Day he ſate upon the Tribunal, and ſent for the Multitude to give them a
final Anſwer; and at the ſame time he order'd his Soldiers ſuddenly to ſur-
round them, who with their drawn Swords threatned them all with im-
mediate Death, if they would not deſiſt in their Suit, and ſpeedily return to
their Habitations. But this had no Effect upon them; for they all unani-
mouſly offer'd their naked Throats, profeffing that they had rather dye than
conſent to the Violation of their Laws. Pilate amazed at their Conſtancy,
and being order'd by Tiberius, remov'd the Images from Jeruſalem to Cæfa-
rea; a noble City built by Herod the Great, about 55 Miles almoſt North
of Jeruſalem, upon the Mediterranean Sea, and the moſt frequent Reſidence
of the Roman Governors. After this Pilate gave the Jews a new Occaſion
of Sedition, by a ſacrilegious Attempt upon ſome of the Sacred Money in
the Temple, which he employ'd in bringing of Water by Conduits to the
City. Which Work, thouſeful and beneficial to the City, yet the Inhabi-
tants look'd upon it as ſo great a Prophanation, that when Pilate came to
Jeruſalem, they gather'd about him in vaſt Multitudes, openly murmuring
at his Proceedings. But having before receiv'd Intelligence of their defignd
Complaints, he caus'd Soldiers ſecretly arm'd to mingłe themſelves among
the People in privaté Apparel, ordering them not to uſe their Swords, but
to fall on with large Battoons, upon a Signal given. All which was
executed in the Preſence of Pilate upon his Tribunal, where many dy'd of
the Blows receiv'd, and many were trodden to Death by the Throng; which
put an End to this Tumult and Sedition.
Thus ſeverely did Pilate exerciſe his Government over the Jews. At
the ſame Time Philip continued more moderate and peaceable in his Tetrar-
chy; and his Brother Herod not very burthenſom in his, tho' extreamly vi-
Herod builds cious and corrupt in his Actions. This latter gaining the Friendſhip of Ti-
berius founded a City in Honour of his Name, and call'd it Tiberias, where he
kept his Court and uſual Reſidence, it being ſituated in the fruitfulleſt Part
of Galilee upon the Lake of Genezareth, or the Sea of Galilee, which occa-
fion'd that Lake to be often call’d the Sea of Tiberias. The City was peq-
pled by Strangers, who repaired thither from all Parts, and by many ore
the
Tiberias.
Chap. I.
45
TIBERIUS tbe 3" Rom Emp. 1
the Inhabitants of Galilee, who were both encourag'd by great Privileges,
and conſtrain’d by Authority to dwell there : And that becauſe it was built
in a Place full of Sepulchres, which by the Jewiſh Law was accounted un-
clean. This was finiſh'd about the firſt Year of Pilate's Government in Ju-
died. On the following Year, and 13th of Tiberius he travelld towards
Reape to wait upon the Emperor, together with a half Brother of his calld
Herod, or Philip-Herodes; which, according to Jofephus, cannot be Plrilip the
Tetrarchi, as it is moſt commonly believ'd. In this fourny, he fell in Love And marries his
Brother's Wife
with Herodias, this Brother Philip's Wife, and Daughter to their Brother
Ariftobulus ; and by a private Agreement with her, after his Return from
Rome, he took her from his Brother, and marry'd her himſelf, comuniting
at the fame Time both Inceſt and Adultery. And to compleat the Injurys
done to his former Wife, he divorc'd her, tho' ſhe was Daughter of Aretas,
King of Arabia-Petrae, a potent Prince, who afterwards found a Sufficient
Opportunity of Revenge.
Not long after this, and about a Year before the firſt Preaching of Joha-
Baptiſt, Joſeph, the reputed Father of our Saviour dy'd, according to the Joſeph dies:
moſt receiv'd Opinion; it ſeeming good to the Divine Wiſdom, that he whoſe
only true Father was in Heaven, after his Manifeſtation, ſhould have no re-
puted Father to appear on Earth; and by his Death, he became legal Heir
to the Crown of his Father David. What our Bleſſed Saviour's Employment Jeſus's private
was from the 12th Year of his Age till this Time, is only hinted at by the Education.
Evangeliſts; from whom we may collect, as alſo from other Writers, that
he wrought with Joseph in the Trade of a Carpenter. And Juſtin-Martyr
tells us that his main Buſineſs was making of Ploughs and Yokes, and other
Inſtruments of Husbandry for the uſe of his Neighbours. After the Death
of his reputed Father, he ſtill follow'd the ſame Employment, till the time
of his Manifeſtation, as appears from Mark 6. 3. whereas in other Places, by
way of Contempt, he was call*d the Carpenter's Son, he is there calld the
Carpenter himſelf, as having alone practis'd that Trade. And we may alſo
infer from the rude Treatment of the Nazarenes his Towns-Men, and their
Surprize, as alſo from the total Silence of the Evangeliſts as to his Actions,
that tho' he grew in Favour with God and Man, his Life was a Life of Obſcu-
rity in reſpect of his Excellencies, and that he ſhew'd no miraculous Marks
to diſtinguiſh him from the reſt of the World. And this was the mean and
obſcure Education of the Bleſſed Jeſus, who inſtead of being taught in the
moſt famous Schools of the Rabbins, or brought up in the Temple among
the Prieſts, was conſtrain'd to earn his Bread by the Labour of his Bodý, and
live under the Circumſtances of the pooreſt Servant and Apprentice. Which
was an Inſtance of the moſt amazing Condeſcenſion and Benignity; and not
only ſo, but of the moſt ſurprizing Wiſdom and Underſtanding: For he who
was to guide and reform all Mankind, and to be their Example, thought fit
to ſhew them the moſt perfect Inſtance of Humiliation; and he who was to
be the Wonder, as well as the Saviour of the World, refus'd all Aſſiſtances
of human Learning, that his Knowledge and his Works might be more ma-
nifeſtly and apparently the Effects of a ſupernatural Power.
СНАР,
46 Cent. I.
Book I.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
CH A P. II.
From the Beginning of the Goſpel, and firſt Preaching of John-
Baptiſt, to the Beginning of the firſt Paſſover after our
Bleſſed Saviour's Baptiſm, according to the vulgar Computa-
tion.
Containing the Term of 10 Months and 3 Days.
A.D.29. I. Affoundere Hetirement and Privacy as to his Office, and fully comple-
pro-
Tiber. ?
jó ted the Age neceſſary for the Jewiſh Prieſthood; when Daniel's Seventy
Weeks were almoſt expired, and all Perſons in the higheſt Expectation of
the Meſſiah, God was pleas'd to begin the cleareſt and nobleſt Manifeſtation
of his Perſon and Function. But as John was deſign'd for a Harbinger to
go before him in his Birth, and Entrance into the World; ſo much more
to make Way for his publick Appearance and Miniſterial Office. Therefore Luke 3,
John was firſt order'd by the Mouth of Heaven to enter upon his Office, which ', z.
was exceedingly rigid and auſtere, the better to ſearch and heal the Cor-
John's Life. ruptions of a moſt degenerate and profligate People. For which purpoſe
he led the moſt ſevere and mortify'd Life in the Deſerts on the Southern
Parts of Judæa, ſpending his Time in Faſtings, Prayers and Contemplation,
without the leaſt Delicacies either in Diet or Habit: A Life proper to rouſe
and awaken the languiſhing as well as corrupted State of the Jews. Nicepho-
rus tells us, That his Mother Elizabeth fled with him into the Deſerts, when
he was eighteen Months old, to avoid the Fury of Herod the Great, when
he deſtroy'd the Children at and near Bethlehem; and ſhortly after both ſhe
and his father dying, he became expos'd to all the Dangers and Infelicities
of an Orphan. But when his natural Parents were remov’d, God became
his more immediate Guardian, who, according to the Greek Tradition, ſent
his Angel to be his Nouriſher, as he had formerly done to Elias, when he
fled from the Rage of Ahab, who was the true Type of this great Prophet
and Reformer John.
His Miniflry. Prepared by ſo ſingular an Education, this Perſon, who was a Prieſt by Mattb.
Birth, and the greateſt of all the Prophets, by an immediate Commiſſion 3;";
from Heaven, enter'd upon the actual Adminiſtration of his Office, lifting
up his Voice like a Trumpet in the Deſerts of Judæa, and about Jordan, be-
ing the Herald to proclaim the firſt Approaches of the long expected Meſſiah;
accompliſhing therein two ancient Prophecies, the one Malachi's, who calls
him the Meſſenger or Angel of God to prepare his Way before him, Mal. 3. I.
and the other Iſaiah's
, who calls him the Voice of one crying in the Deſerts,
Prepare the Ways of the Lord, and rectifie his Paths; all Valleys ſhall be rais’d,
Mountains levelld, crooked Paths ſtreightned, and rough Ways plaind, Iſa. 40. 3,4.
Which figurative Expreſſions import a new Regulation, and rectifying of
Mens crooked and perverſe Lives; or the removing all Obſtacles and Impedi-
ments to Perſons coming to Chriſt; for all Flesh was to ſee the Salvation of the
Lord. St. Luke particularly points out the Time when he receiv'd his Com-
miſſion from God, which was in the 15th Year of the Emperor Tiberius,
when Pontius Pilate was Governor or Procurator of Judæa, Samaria, and Idu-
mæa; Herod Tetrarch of Galilee and Per&a; Philip Tetrarch of Truchonitis
with Itur&a; and Liſanias Tetrarch of Abilene, a little Province in the Limits
of Syria; in the High-Prieſthood of Caiaphas, to whom Annas ſeem'd join'd,
for
Mark 1.
1 - 4
Luke 3.
1, 2, 3
The Time.
Chap. II:
47
TIBERIUS tbe 34 Rom. Emp.
a nC\V.
Luke 3.
3-6.
4,5.
for one of thoſe Rcafons formerly mention'd. This remarkable Period of
Time is by St. Mark call’d the Beginning of the Gospel, or thoſe glorious Things
to be introduc'd by the Meffiah; a noble Æra to be obſervd by all Chriſtians,
when the Renovation of the old World began, or a kind of a Creation of
The tịme of the Year, according to the vulgar Computation, was
about Midlununer, when John is ſuppos'd to begin to be 30 Years of Age.
Lighi fuot and ſome others, who believe our Saviour to have been born in
September, and likewiſe that John was now beginning to be 30 Ycars of Age,
are of Opinion that he began to Preach about thc Paflover. But Ylber and
bis Followers do witha molt Probability ſuppofe his Prcaching to begin uponi
the tenth Day of the ſeventh Month, five Days before the Feaſt of Taber-
naclcs, upon the great Day of Expiation, when the High-Prieſt enter'd the
Holy of Holies, which was penitential, and join'd with ſo ſolemn a Faſt,
chat whoſoever did not aftlict his Soul at that time was to be cut off from
the People. This, according to him, anſwers to our 19th Day of October,
and was likewile the Day, that by a folemn ſounding of the Trumpet, the
30th and laſt Jubilee was proclaim'd among the Jews, which publick Time
remarkably agrees with the Nature and Freedom of the Gofpel, of which the
Jubilee was a Type, and alſo with Iſqiah's Prophelie of proclaiming the accep-
table Year of the Lord, Ifa. 61. 2.
This great Prophet began his Preaching about the River Jordan, with a
Mai11.3
. Lolewın calling for Repentance and Reformation, proclaiming That the His Preaching;
Mistik r. Kingdom of Heaven, or the Meljah, pas non approaching : And to gain the
greater Anithority to his Sermons, he preach'd Repentance by his Example
as well as Words, hiş Garb and Diet being moſt courſe, and ſuitable for a
Penitent. The former was only a rough Hair-cloth thrown about him, and
faltned with a Leathern Ģirdle, literally making good the Character of Elias,
who is deſcrib'd: 26 an hairy Man, girt with a leathern Girdle about his Loins,
2 Kings 1.8. The latter was only Locuſts and Wild-Honey, ſuch as pure Na-
ture laad produ'd in thoſe wild Places; and his Abſtinence was ſo great, and
his Food Lo uncommon, that the Evangelil ſays of him, That, he came neia
ther anting nor drinking; fo much eclipſing the oftentacious Faſtings of the
Phırifees, that they maliciouſly rcported he had a Devil. His free and re-
folute Preaching, togetlace with the great Severity of his Life, foon procur'd
him a vaſt Auditory, and numerous Profelytes of all Ranks and Qualities
,
from Jerufaler, and all Judæa, and all the Region about Jordan, who con-
tolling their Sins before God; were enter'd into this new Inditution by Bap- And Baptiſin :
tiſm, from whence he deriv'd the Title of the Baptist or Baptizer. And
whereas Baptiſm was anciently and continually us’d ainong the Jews for the
Adinition of Profelytes to their Church and Religion, it was now propos'd
by John to the Jews themlelves to be receiv'd by them, ſhewing by it that
they were now to be enter'd and tranſplanted into a new Profeſſion. Many
Things contributed to this great and ſudden Conflux of People, as the ſolemn
Time and Year of John's Preaching, and the great Multitudes at Jerufalem at
the Feaſt of Tabernacles: the high Expectation of the Meſſiah juſt about this
Time, and the Hopes he gave them of his iminediate Appearance; and par-
ticularly the belief that the Meſſiah expected a repenting Nation; for it was a
coinmon Saying among them, "If Iſrael repent bit one Day, the Melliah imme-
diately cometh.
Among the great Multitudes that came to John's Preaching and Baptiſm, Follow'd by att
Suiken. were many of the Phariſees and Sadducees; People of the moſt haughty
and wicked Diſpoſitions, brought bither both by Fear and Curioſity; upon
whoſe offering themſelves, John cry'd out; venomus Progeny! Who has
warnd you to fly from the Wengeakce. denozinc'd against this Nation? Therefore
produce Fruits that will manifeſt .theSincerity of your: Repentance ; and do not
preſume
ii.
hivi;!;.3.
. ܝ
Selts.
d
48 Cent. I.
Book I.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
>
}
He foretcls the
Meſſiah.
preſume to boaſt of your being the promiſs’d Seed of Abraham ; for I muſt tell
you, That God is able to raiſe up ſuch a promiſs’d Seed from theſe very
Stones.
And the Axe of God's Judgments is now already laid to the Root of the Tree;
so that every Tree that bears not good Fruit, shall be hewen down and conſum'd
in the Fire. Upon this ſolemn Denunciation, the Body of the People with
no ſmall Concern, demanded of him what they ſhou'd do to eſcape : He im-
mediately advis’d them to an extenſive Charity ; particularly, that He who
had two Coats Shor'd give to him who wanted one ; and ſo likewiſe in Meat and
other Neceſſarys. Among the Multitude were alſo many Publicans and Ro-
man Soldiers, Perſons highly deteſted of the Jews, who coming to his Bap-
tiſm, demanded of him what they ſhou'd do: Both of theſe he advis'd to
beware of thoſe Crimes to which their Employments made them moſt lia-
ble ; particularly that the Publicans Shoi'd uſe no Methods of Extortion and Ex-
action; and the Soldiers ſhou'd offer at no Violence, nor falfe Accuſations, but
reſt ſatisfy'd with their uſual Pay.
Theſe ſolemn Admonitions, accompany'd with ſo much Innocence and I uke 3.
Authority, procured a mighty Veneration from the People, ſo tliat they Klatkoz
.
generally conceiv'd that he himſelf was the Melfiah. But to remove all harki.
Thoughts of this Nature, he freely declar'd, That he only baptiz'd them with 7, 3.
Water to Repentance and a new Life, but there was one coming after him who
shou'd baptize them by the Effuſion of the Holy Ghoſt, which. Boud purge them
like Fire. And that this Perſon ſo much exceeded him in Power and Excel-
lence, that he was not worthy to do him that mean Office of bearing or unlosſing
his. Shoes. That He had his Fan ready for Separation, and wou'd effectually
cleanſe the - Floor of his Church, gather the good Wheat into his Repoſitory, and
conſume the Chaffj Hypocrites with unextinguiſt eble Fire., Tieſe and many o-
ther Things did John preach to the People'; going into ſeveral Parts, but
principally keeping to the River Jordan for the Conveniency of Water; where
ħe daýly made great Numbers of Prótelytes, ſeveral of wliom were Foreign-
ers, as we may collect from St. Luke, Act. 19. 3. Theſe were the firſt Dawn-
ings of the Goſpel, and John was truly the Morning Star to Jeſus the Sun
of Righteouſneſs. And from this: Time, as our Saviour obſerves, the King-
dom of Heaveni fuffer'd Violence, and the Violent took it by Force ; which ap-
peard from the Multitudes that tlırong’ and preſs’d into it, and chiefly of
thoſe who had the leaft Appearance of Right' to it; as younger Brothers
before the Elder , Gentiles before Jews, Publicans and Proſtitutes be-
fore the Scribes and Phariſees ; wlio by their Vigilance and Importunity
like violent Invaders ſnatch'd the Kingdom from thoſe to whom it was firſt
offer'd.
The firſt Year of Chriſt's publick Miniftry.
.
Matth.3.
16
Luke 3:
21, 220
A.D.30.
II. Affcr John häd preach'd and baptiz'd for ſeveral Months, our Blef-
Tiber.
fed Lord Jeſus thought fit to remove from his private Retirement at Naza-13-17
17 reth, and to enter upon his publick Miniſtry: In order to which, he paſs’d 9-11
.
over into Judæa, to the River Jordan, where Fohn was then baptizing: And
tho he who was without Sin needed not the Baptiſm of Repentance,
yet being made Sin for Mankind, he ſcrupled not to perform the Sacrament
of Sinners; and accordingly offer'd' himſelf to be baptiz'd by John. The
Baptiſt had never ſeen his Face till now, being educated in a diſtant Part of
the Country; but he was immediately infpired with ſo: diſcerning a Spirit
that he knew łyim, and ſo much of his Worthi, that he utterly declined the
Office; dcclaring, That himſelf needed to be baptiz'd by him; therefore he ad-
mir’d är Jeſus's Humility in coming to him. But Jefus fatisfyd him, That
it
Chap: III.
49
TIBERIUS.the 34 Rom. Emp.
it was requiſite for the. Accompliſhment of all Righteouſneſs, both for the San-
ctification of the Inſtitution, and the Fulfilling of the Law, which oblig'd
all Prieſts to be inaugurated by Waſhings or Baptiſm. Upon which he ad-
pitted of the Honour, and baptized Jeſus in the River Jordan ; ſo that the Jeſus baptized.
fame River which made Way for the Iſraelites Paffage into the Earthly Ca-
Haan, now made Way for the Paſſage of Mankind into the Heavenly. Im-
mediately after there was made a more illuſtrious Manifeſtation of the Tri-
nity; for upon our Lord's Addreſſes to Heaven, the Skies were divided with
great Radiency, and the Holy Ghoſt viſibly deſcended upon him after the
manner of a Dove, accompanied with the Voice of the Father from
Heaven, pronouncing him to be bis beloved Son, in whom he was well pleaſed
with Mankind. So that Chriſt was inſtalled into his Miniſterial function
by Baptiſm and the Unction of the Holy Ghoſt, as the Jewiſh Prieſts were
conſtantly inſtalled into theirs by Waſhing and Anoincing.
The Day of our Saviour's Baptiſm is moſt commonly believ'd to be the The Time wher,
6th of January, the ſame on which we celebrate the Epiphany; he being ac- and hors Age.
cording to the vulgar Computation 29 Years of Age and 12 Days. Which
Age and Computation ſeem to be warranted by St. Luke 3. 23. or at leaſt by
moſt of his Tranſlators, who tranſlate is woed és Telexorla diszówka, began, or
beginning to be about thirty Years of Age, which is often interpreted to be his
Entrance upon his 30th Year, or Completion of his 29th. But this will
not agree with the Age of the Jewiſh Prieſts and Levites, who, according to
what I can find, were oblig'd to be 30 Years of Age compleat before their
Inauguration. Therefore ſome interpret e fs Teréxovlde d'exóukit his Er'trance
upon the following year after he was compleatly thirty : But others more
juſtly look uponi d'exáullo as a mere Expletive or Pleonaſm, and therefore
left out in the old Syriack Verſion; the Verb eszow.com being frequently us’d
as ſueh in the New Teſtament, particularly in the ſame Chapter, v. 8. and
many other Places. So that that Word does not diſprove our Saviour's
being above thirty Years of Age when he was baptiz’d. This Sentence will
alſo admit of another Interpretation, fatisfactory I preſume to thoſe who
will not readily allow cig xóuxeo to be an Expletive, which is according to
the Mons Tranſlation of the New Teſtament, running thus, He was thirty
Fears
, of. Age pheri he: begin [the Exerciſe of his Miniſtry.] Either of whichi
Interpretationis will ſerve for our Purpoſe. And ſince Ş. Luke only deſign'd
to ſhew that:our Saviour had compleated the Age for the Prieſthood, and not
the exact Year; we conclude, from all the main Circumſtances of Hiſtory
and Chronology, that he was then about 33 Years of Age; and, if born in
the 25th of December, and baptized in the 6th of January, juſt 33 Years and
12 Days.
Our Lord being thus prepared for his Prophetick Office, by the Incita- His Comb.it
lukea. tion or Inpullion of the Holy Ghoſt, was carry'd into the Deſert of Judæa, with the Devil.
w not far from the Place of his Baptiſm, there to be ternpted by the old Ser-
12, 1z." pent; and to enter upon that famous Combat foretold Gen. 3. 15. Here he
continu'd forty Days and forty Nights without any Suſtenance, as Moſes
and Elias, as Types of Him, were formerly enabled to do ; being in the
midſt of wild Beaſts, attended with all the Miſeries of Solitude and Watch-
ings, and continually attack'd with the inward Suggeſtions and Temptations
of the Devil, as we gather from Mark 1. 13. and Luke 4. 2. At the End of
which Time, being afſaulted with Hunger, Satan aſſum'd a bodily and viſi-
ble Shape, and vigorouſly ſet upon him with a threefold Temptation. Firſt
of Diftruſt and Deſpair of his Father's Care of him, in abandoning him to
that Conditioni
, perſuading him that he was not the Son of God, and put-
ting him to prove himſelf ſo by making the Stone's become Bread. But our
Saviour immediately anſwer di lim out of Deuteronomy, intimating, That
;
G
Bread
.
Matth.4.
50
Book I.
Cent. I.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
Bread was not the only support of Man's Life, but the Providence of God, which
continually attended the Obſervers of his Word. Whereupon the Devil en-
ter's
upon a contrary Experiment, trying how far Preſumption and Pride
would affect him ; taking him up and ſetting him upon the higheſt Part of
the magnificent Temple of Jeruſalem; which was ſo high on the South Side
next the Valley, that Joſephus tells us, that no Man's Sight could reach the
unmeaſurable Diſtance. Here he put him upon ſhewing himſelf to be the
Son of God by throwing himſelf off
, and flying in the Air, probably in
View of the Inhabitants, attacking him with a Text out of the Pſalms, ſub-
tilly apply'd, namely, That God would give his Angels Charge over him, to bear
him up in their Arms, and keep his Feet from daſhing againſt the Stones. But
Jeſus as ſoon anſwer'd him with another Text out of Deuteronomy, comman-
ding Men not to tempt God; which tho' usd upon another Occaſion, was
very applicable here, which was not to tempt God to an unneceſſary Con-
ſervation. The Devil finding himſelf twice defeated, united all his Arts and
Force, and reſolv'd to tempt him with the Charms of Ambition, the moſt
boundleſs of all Paſſions; and accordingly tranſported him through the
Air to the Top of an exceeding high Mountain, ſuppos’d to be Piſgah; where
by an Angelical Power he made a lively Repreſentation to him of all the
Kingdonis in the World, with all their dazling Glories at one View: And
then he told him That theſe, with all their Pomp and Splendor were deliver'd
to his Diſpoſal, and should be given him, if he would but acknowledge bis Be-
nefa&tor, and adore him. Which unpararell’d Boldneſs and Blaſphemy pro-
vok'd the Indignation of our Lord, who peremptorily commanded him to
depart from him, pronouncing a third Text out of Deuteronomy, which po-
ſitively ſays, Thou ſhalt worſhip the Lord thy God, and ſhalt ſerve him only.
Whereupon the Devil left him for that Time, and Angels from Heaven
came in to refreſh him after this triumphant Combat, wherein he began ſo
ſignally to bruiſe the Serpent's Head, and after he had forty Days done Pe-
nance for Man's Sins, and conſign’d to his Church the Doctrine and Diſci-
pline of Faſting, in order to the reſiſting and conquering all the Tempta-
tions of the Devil.
III. During our Saviour's Temptation in the Deſert, his faithful Fore-
John's Teſtimo-
ny of Jeſus." runner John continu'd his Baptiſm and Preaching with all Diligence; and
upon our Lord's ſtrange and ſudden Removal from the People, when
the Voice had pronounc'd him the Son of God, he cry'd out to them,
That this was the very Perſon whom I mention'd to you, one who comes
after me, yet preferr'd before me, for he really was before me.
After which,
he or the Evangeliſt adds, And we have all receiv'd out of his Pleni-
tude a sufficiency of all Graces. For Moſes only gave us the Lam
which was ſeveré and obſcure ; but Jeſus Chriſt has brought Grace and
Truth, or Mercy and Perſpicuity. He is the only begotten Son, who is in
the Borom of his Father, and has reveald God to us, whom no Man has
ever ſeen.
He is thought to Notwithſtanding John ſpoke thus honourably and clearly of the Meſſiah, John 1.
be the Meſſiah. yet his own Worth and Fame were ſo ſpread abroad, that the grand "San- 19-23.
hedrim at Jeruſalem were in diſpute whether he was the Perſon or not; and
accordingly deputed a ſet Number of Prieſts and Levites, who were Pha-
riſees, to demand of him who he was; it being their Buſineſs to take Cog-
nizance of all ſuch Matters. John very readily acknowledg’d to them,
That he was not the Meſſiah, nor, as they ſuppos’d, Elias, whom they
imagind would perſonally appear among them; nor yet any other Pro-
phet riſen from the Dead, or he mention'd by Mofes, Deut. 18. 18. Upon
which Anſwers they were very urgent with him to declare who and what
he
Chap. II.
51
TIBERIUS the 3' Rom. Emp.
John 1.
fus.
he was, that they might return an Anſwer to thoſe who had deputed them.
He immediately let them underſtand that tho' he was not Elias himſelf, yet
lić was the Prophet whom Iſaiah had foretold of the ſame Nature, the
l'oice of one crying in the Deſerts, Rectifie the Ways of the Lord. Upon
this they demanded of him, ſince he was neither the Meſſiah, Elias, nor
any of the ancient Prophets, lVhy did he preſume to baptize Perſons, which
belonged to Men of a more publick Station To whom he made Anſwer,
That his Baptıſm was only of Water, but the Efficacy depended upon one among
them, of whom they had no Knowledge; one who ſucceeded him in Time, but
so furpaſs’d him in Dignity, that he was not worthy to unlooſe bis Shoes. St. John
tells us tliat theſe things were tranſacted at Bethabara beyond Jordan; to
.which Place John had then remov'd his Station, to gain new Proſelytes
and Diſciples. This is generally ſuppos'ul to have been the Place of tije
Ifraelites firſt Paſſage into Canaan ; but others with more Probability place
it in Trachonitis, not far from Jordan, where it falls into the Sea of Ga-
lilee.
The next Day, after the Departure of the Phariſees, our Saviour return d
29-34 from the Deſert and came to Bethabara ; where John upon the Sight of him, John's ſecond
alluding to the Lamb for the daily Sacrifices, cry'd out, Behold the imma- Tejtimony of Je.
culate Lamb of God, which takes away the Sins of Mankind! adding, that this
was the Perſon of whom he had ſaid ſo much, namely, that tho he came after
him, he was before him both in Dignity and Exiſtence : And that formerly he
had no Knowledge of his Perſon; but His Coming and Baptiſm was purpoſely
to make Way for the Other's Manifeſtation to Iſrael. And he farther aſſured
them, That he ſaw the Spirit of God deſcending from Heaven like a Dove, and
remaining upon him; and tho' he had not till then ſeen the Face of Jeſus, yet
he was inform’d by God, who had ſent him to baptize, that whomſoever he sam
attended with thoſe Signs, was the very perſon who was to baptize with the Holy
Ghoſt. And ſince he had ſeen all this, he now folemnly witneſs'd him to be the
Son of God. And this was the ſecond publick Teſtimony of John concerning
the Perſon of the Meſſiah.
Upon theſe Atteſtations, our Lord retired himſelf; but the next Day two
35 - 42. Hours before Sun-ſet, he paſs’d by the lame Place, where John ſtood with
two of his Diſciples, one call’d Andrew, who afterwards follow'd Jeſus, and
the other John, as it is commonly believ'd. Upon Sight of him, the Bap-
tiſt again pointed him out as the true Sacrifice for Sin, calling him The His thirds
Lamb of God; which ſo excited the two Diſciples that they immediately
follow'd Jeſus; who turning himſelf, demanded of them whom they fought?
They immediately callid hiin Rabbi, a Title given to no ordinary Perſon,
deſiring to know where lie lodg’d; and the other courteouſly invited them
to the Place, where they went and continu'd with him all Night. His
Communication had ſuch Effect upon them, that Andrew the ſame Night Andresv, John,
or the next Morning, haſtned to an elder brother of his call'd Simon, and
told him the joyful News of their having found out the long expected
Meſſiah, and brought him immediately to Jeſus. Our Lord no ſooner ſaw
him, but (that He might not want as ſolid Proofs of his Divinity as John's
Teſtimony was to his Brother) he calld him by his Name, and declar'd
his Parentage ; and after that chang’d his Name from Simon to Cephas or and Péter be:
Peter, which ſignifys a Rock; intimating that he ſhou'd be afterwards a lieve in Jeſus,
principal Foundation Stone in his Church. Thus was our Saviour made
known to three of his Diſciples at one Time ; tho' they were not publickly
call'd to that office till about a Year after.
The Day following Jeſus thought fit to encreaſe the Number of his Diſci-
43-51. ples; for having croſs d Jordan, or perhaps the Lake, and arriv'd in Galilec,
he found a Perſon namd Philip, an Inhabitant of the City Bethſaida, the
Dwelling-
John I.
Fohn 1.
G2
52
Book I.
Cent. I.
HISTORY.
ECCLESIASTICAL
1
I-I
Philip calld to Dwelling-Place of Peter and Andrew. Upon the firſt sight of him, he
be an Apoſtle. commanded him to follow him, the conſtant Form he afterwards us’d in the
Choice of his Diſciples, and thoſe who inſeparably attended him; ſo that
Philip was the firſt of all the Apoſtles who had the Honour of a publick
Call. Upon this, Philip with great Joy fought out an intimate Friend of
his callid Nathanael, who is generally believ'd to be the ſame with the Apo-
ſtle Bartholomew; and finding him under a Fig-tree, probably at his De-
votions, he told him, That they had found out the Meſſiah, whom Moſes and
the Prophet's had foretold, and that Jeſus of Nazareth the Son of Joſeph was
the Perſon. Nathanael, a little confounded at the Name of Nazareth inſtead
of Bethlehem, demanded Whether any good Thing could come from thence? But
the other deſired him to come and ſatisfie himſelf; and upon his Approach
towards Jefus, he immediately calld Nathanael a true Ifraelite without Guile !
A Name which his Integrity had probably gain'd him among his Neighbours.
Therefore he was ſurpriz’d, and deſir'd to be inform'd how Jeſus knew
him; who readily told him, That he had ſeen him 'under the Fig-tree
The Teſtimony before Philip came to call him. Convinc'd with this Inſtance of our
of Nathanael. Lord's Divine Knowledge, he declar'd him the Son of God, and the
King of Iſrael. Whereupon our Saviour told him, That ſince upon
ſuch an Inſtance he could believe him to be the Meſſiah, he should have
greater Arguments to confirm his Faith, namely, he ſhould afterwards
ſee the Heavens opened, and the Angels aſcending and deſcending to at-
tend the triumphant Aſcenſion of himſelf; whom, out of Humility and
Love to Mankind, he there, as in many other places, ſtild The Son of
Man.
Jeſus goes to 4 Our Saviour having thus gain'd five Diſciples, tho' ſolemnly call d but Jobm 2.
Marriage.
one, the next Day thought fit to make a more undeniable Manifeſtation of
himſelf
, for the Confirmation of their Faith; which he did at a Marriage
Feaſt at Cana, a Place not far from Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee, where
he and his Diſciples were invited. His Mother was there before; which,
together with her Care about the Feaſt, cauſe moſt Perſons to believe that
the Marriage was for ſome Relation of hers, and particularly in the Houſe
of Cleopas or Alpheus, Husband to her Siſter or Cozen German Mary. At
this Solemnity there was a great Want of Wine; and the Holy Virgin pi-
tying the unſeaſonable Scarcity, apply'd her ſelf to her Son, hoping he would
uſe ſome Means for a Supply. But Jeſus, to ſhew that in thoſe Actions
where the Service and Honour of God were concern'd, no Reſpect ought
to be had to Men, made Anſwer, Tà fuoà xj ooi, What is that to me and
my Hour is not yet come ; or This is not a convenient Juncture. His Mother
ſtill expecting ſomething extraordinary, order'd the Servants to obey his
Where he works Commands with the utmoſt Exactneſs; and he not long after order'd them
his firſt Mira-
to fill fix large Water-Pots full with Water, which ſtood there for the ordi-
nary Waſhings at Meals, each containing about twenty Gallons of our Mea-
ſure. This being done, and the Pots full to the Brim, he immediately com-
manded the Servants to fill out, and carry the Liquor to the Governor of the
Feaſt, for him to diſtribute to others according to Cuſtom. All which was
done without his and moſt of the Gueſts Knowledge; ſo that when the
Governor taſted this excellent Wine, he was extremely ſurpriz’d, and jo-
cundly told the Bridegroom, That uſually People brought out their beſt Wine
in the Beginning of the Feaſt, and the worſi when the Gueſts had drank
plentifully; but he contrary to Cuſtom had reſerv'd the beſt Wine till the latter
End.
This Change of Water into Wine was the firſt Miracle that Jeſus wrought, Zaim a.
for St. John calls it the Beginning of Miracles; which was perform'd chiefly
to mapifeſt his Glory to his Mother, Relations and Diſciples, and was a
great
ز
30H.
cle.
Chap. III.
53
TIBERIUS the 3d Rom. Emp.
great Confirmation of their Faithı. After which our Saviour departed from
thence with his mother, Brethren or Cozens, and thoſe Diſciples he had, He repaits 1:
to Capernaum, the Metropolis of all Galilee for Riches and Traffick, Capernauın.
ſituated upon that Lake call'd the Sea of Galilee, a Place where he
afterwards had his chief Reſidence and Habitation. But he continu'd
here not above a Fortnight or three Weeks, before he thought fit
to go towards Jeruſalem to the great Feaſt of the Paſſover, which
hapned on the 6th Day of our Month April, and the 16th Year of
the Reign of Tiberius the Emperor, and about three Months after his
Baptiſm.
CH A P. III.
From the Beginning of the firſt Paſover after our Bleſſed Sa-
viour's Baptiſm, to the Beginning of the ſecond.
Containing the Term of one Year, wanting io Days.
John 2.
13-17.
I.
UR Lord arriving at Jeruſalem at the great Feaſt of the Paſſover, A.D.30.
when there was tlie greateſt Concourſe of People, began the firſt Tiber. 15
Manifeſtation of himſelf by a vigorous Regulation of a publick Abuſe and Jeſus at Jeru-
Prophanation of the Temple at
theſe Times, which was this. The Law falem at the
Paſſover:
requiring that all ſuch as dwelt at a great Diſtance, ſhould buy their Sacri-
fices at Jeruſalem, and likewiſe that all Males from twenty Years of Age
and upwards, ſhould pay half a Shekel to the Lord ; theſe with the fe-
veral voluntary Oblations of people of all Ranks, occaſion'd a Neceſſity
of changing greater Coin into leſs, and very often of Foreign Coin into
that which was current in the Nation. Now the Rulers gradually had in-
troduc'd Money-changing, and the Sale of Oxen, Sheep and Doves for Sa-
crifices, into the outward Court of the Temple, call'd the Court of the
Gentiles, a ſpacious Place ſurrounding all the other Courts, together with
the Body of the Temple. And this was done under a Pretext of having
the Sacrifices near and ready for the People; tho’ in reality it was a cove-
tous Deſign of extorting and taking Advantage of the Peoples Neceſſities,
and likewiſe Pride and Contempt of that Court where the Gentile Wora
ſhipers were permitted Entrance; for whom they had ſo little Eſteem, that
they join'd them with Beaſts in their Devotion. Our Saviour look'd upon
theſe Practices as notoriouſly ſcandalous and prophane; and therefore with
a Scourge made of the Cords belonging to the Beaſts, he drove all the
Sellers and Barterers from the Sacred Ground, overthrew the Money-Chan-Clears the tema
ple of Traders.
gers Stalls, and pour'd down all their Money; particularly commanding the
Dove-Sellers to remove their Goods, and not make his Father's Houſe an Houſe
of Merchandize. This zealous Act of our Lord brought to the Remembrance
of his Diſciples what his Father David had formerly ſaid, viz. His Zeäl
for God's Houſe had even devour'd his Spirits.
Jeſus ſhewing ſo much Bravery and Authority, the Jews were exceedingly
38 - 22. ſupriz’d and incens'd, and demanded of him What Miracle he would ſhew to
evidence his Commiſſion for acting after ſuch an extraordinary Manner ? He
immediately mention'd to them one of the greateſt of his Miracles, which
would be a ſufficient Evidence, namely, That they ſhould deſtroy this Temple,
and he would rebuild it in three Days. The Jews ſtill more ſurpriz'd, and
concluding he meant that Fabrick built by Herod, reproachfully' ask'd him,
Home
John 2.
Cent. I. ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
54
Book I.
ددان:.
23-25
Chaf: 3,
Nicodemus,
How he could build up that Temple in three Days, which was began 46 Years
fince, and not yet completely finiſh’d? But the Evangeliſt obſerves, that he
meant his own body, which might well be call'd a Temple, ſince the Deity
inhabited it, the Jeruſalem Temple being only a Type of this. This was
alſo unintelligible to his Diſciples; but after his Reſurrection they recol-
lected what he had ſaid, and were fully confirm'd in their Faith. And this
we may look upon as a kind of a Pattern of Chriſt's Manner of ſhewing
himſelf to the Jews ; which was frequently ſuch a Manifeſtation of him-
ſelf as all could not then underſtand, becauſe he would not occaſion them
to ſhorten the Courſe of his Miniſtry, or make himſelf juſtly thought
a Malefactor : But yet it carry'd ſuch Evidence with it, as that all
well diſpos’d Perſons inight be convinc'd he was the Meſſiah, and the
Son of God.
kes Mi Tho our Saviour refus'd to work any Miracle at the Inſtigation of the John 2.
Jews, yet ſhortly after he wrought many, in the open View of the mixt
Multitudes; but the Evangeliſt names them not, only that many believ'd 1-21.
in him who ſaw them. However Jeſus wou'd not confide in theſe Perſons,
well knowing the Bottom of their Hearts, and that many of them were
unſound and imperfect in their Faith. The light of his Miracles was a great
Surprize to the City, and particularly they excited the Curioſity of a Perſon
Diſcourſes with call d Nicodemus, a conſiderable Man in the grand Sanhedrim, and of the
Sect of the Phariſees, who privately repaired to Jeſus in the Night, de-
claring, that he believ'd him to come immediately from Heaven, and that his
Miracles were a ſufficient Demonſtration of it. Whereupon Jeſus let this Pha-
raſee know that ſuch a Belief was inſufficient, and that ſomething more was
expected; ſolemnly aſſuring him, That without a ſecond and a Supernal Birib,
no Man, cou'd enjoy the Benefits of his Kingdom. Nicodemus being ſur-
priz'd, and demanding how a Man in Years cou'd enter into his Mother's
Womb, and be born a ſecond time? Jeſus inform’d him, That this Birth was not
to be of a Woman, or the Fleſh, for that wou'd produce nothing but Flesti, and
corrupted Nature; but of Water, waſhing away Sins, and of the holy Spirit, giv-
ing the Power and Effecacy; without which, no Perſon ſhou'd enter the King-
dom of Heaven. And this Spirit inſpired as it pleaſed; and like the Wind,
which no Man knows from whence it comes or whither it goes, was only dif-
cernable by its Effects. Nicodemus ſtill admiring, and even doubting the
Poſſibility of theſe Things, Jeſus gently reprov'd his Ignorance, in that
being a Maſter of Iſrael, he knew not the Nature of Baptiſm and Regeneration,
so frequently intimated in the old Teſtament; again folemnly afluring him,
That he spoke nothing but of what he had a certain Knowledge, tho' the Jews
had not receiv'd his Teſtimony: And ſince he was not believ'd when he spoke in
Similitudes taken from Earthly Things; How ſhou'd it be expected, when he de-
liver'd them as Heavenly things? After which he proceeded to ſublimer My-
ſteries, intimating that from him alone they were to be learnt, namely, the
Son of Man, who came down from Heaven, and was ſtill in Heaven, whither
no Man cou'd aſcend. That the brazen Serpent ſet up by Moſes in the Wilder-
neſs, for the Cure of thoſe bitten by Serpents, was only a Type of Him; that as
the Lookers on one receivid Relief, so the Believers on the other ſhould have
eternal Life. And all this through the unexpreſſible Love of God, who gave
his only begotten Son to the World, that all Believers in Him ſhould not periſh,
but enjoy everlaſting Felicity : For he ſent his Son not to condemn the World,
but by his Merits to Save it from Deſtruction. Therefore the Believers were ſafe,
but the Unbelievers in an actual State of Condemnation, for not regarding the
only begotten Son of God. The main reaſon of which was, that tho? a Light
was come to illuminate the World, yet they choſe Darkneſs before it ; for their
Actions being evil, they hated the Light, and avoided it, left they ſhou'd
be
.
Chap. III.
55
TIBERIUS tbe za Rom. Emp.
FobH 3:
be detected and condemned. Whereas the Lovers of Truth approach'd the
Light, that their Actions might become conſpicuous, and appear to be the Work of
Heaven.
Thus did our Saviour open to Nicodemus the great Doctrines of the New-
Birth Baptiſm, Free Grace, Faith, Obedience, and the Love of Truth;
and made him a faithful tho' ſecret Diſciple, as appears from fonie other
Folan 3. Paſſages in St John. But he wou'd not truſt himſelf with the unſtable and
malicious Hierofolymites, and therefore left Jeruſalem, and went about the
Province of Judæa, where he continu'd about ſeven or eight Months. In He goes and,
which ſpace we have no Account of his Actions, but only that he bap-baptizes in Jüa
tiz'd, and made more Profelytes than the Baptiſt himſelf. But St. John
tells us that He baptiz'd not with his own Hands, but by the Hands of
his Diſciples. For, as it is obſerv’d, being employ'd in greater Affairs, in
teaching and relieving the Peoples Neceflitys, he deligated this Office to
his Diſciples, as a Thing to be carefully continu'd after his Departure, in
the Succeſſion of them to the End of the World.
II. During theſe Tranſactions, John faithfully continu'd the Courſe of
23–36. his Miniſtry, and croſſing the River Jordan, remov'd his Station from Be-
thabara to Ænon, near Salim, a Place remarkable for Springs and Waters,
within or near the Precincts of Galilee, where he had a great Conveniency
for Baptizing. Here the Fame of Jeſus's Progreſs occaſion'd a ſharp Diſpute
between ſome of John's Diſciples and the Jews concerning Baptiſm; infomuch
that they complain'd to their Maſter, That the Perſon at Bethabara, of whom
he had ſo honourably teſtify'd, baptiz'd as well as be, and was follow'd by all
Men. The Baptiſt, who would not have made Diſciples but to reſign them John's laſt te
to the Son of God, made Anſwer, That Jeſus could not have had ſuch Suc- ſtimony of
ceſs but by the Will of Heaven; appealing to their own Memories, That he
had declar'd himſelf not to be the Meſſiah, but as a Paranymphus to go
be-
fore_him: That the other was the true Bridegroom of the Church, and himſelf
his Friend or Attendant, who now had compleated his Joy in 'Seeing the Bride-
groom's Careſſes. That therefore he was but the Morning-Star, whoſe Glory muſt
decreaſe, as that of the Sun's increas’d. That he himſelf was of the Earth,
and ſpoke of earthly Things; but the other came from Heaven, and was above
all having the cleareſt Knowledge of what he teſtify'd : Altho' the Gene-
rality of the Jews had not receiv'd his Do&rine, depriving themſelves of the
Honour of ſetting their Seals to the Veracity of God, which was by undenyable
Evidence deliver'd by him, as having the Holy Spirit without Meaſure, and so
belov'd by his Father, as to have all things deliver'd into his Hands. And
that all Men might know what Perſon they ſlighted, and how great
Salvation they neglected, he ſumm'd up all his Diſcourſes, and conclu:
ded his Miniſtry with an important Sentence to this Effect; Whoſoever be
lieves on the Son of God, Mall enjoy everlaſting Life; but whoſoever believes
him not, ſhall never ſee Life, but is an Object of the Divine Wrath and Vens
geance.
John having diligently perform'd the rigid Courſe of his Miniſtry, and he goes to thie
143-s being in the Dominions of Herod the Tetrarch, he boldly repaired to the Court of Herodo
Court of that ſubtle Prince, and with no leſs Freedom reprov'd him for his
lykes
: numerous Enormities, and more particularly for his cohabiting with Hero-
Joſeph. dias, the Wife of his Brother Philip-Herodes, fearleſly pronouncing it un-
lawful. Herod was not immediately exaſperated with this Holy Man; but
on the contrary, believing hini truly juſt and honeſt, had a great Venera-
tion for him, feard him, was a diligent Hearer of him, and follow'd his
Inſtructions in many Things. But John uſing the ſame Freedom to Herod,
as Elias did to Abab, met with the like Proſecution from the Wife Herodias,
who
Martly
Mark 6.
17 - 20.
56 Cent. I.
Book I.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
.
jord by bun.
I-36.
Samaria.
who like a ſecond Jezebel fought all Occaſions to deſtroy him. By her Ma-
And os inpri- lice and Initigation, Herod became daily more averſe to him, and to ſatisfie
her linportunities, ſent him to Priſon, deſigning alſo to put him to Death;
but he fear'd an Inſurrection of the People, who had the higlieſt Veneration
for him, and juſtly accounted him a Prophet. The Phariſecs alſo repreſen-
ted him as an Author of a new Sect, a Promoter of Seditions and Revolts,
and a Perſon dangerous by Reaſon of the Multitude of his Followers, He-
rod craftily made that his Pretence of Impriſonment, as appears from Joſe-
phus. And the better to remove him from the People, he ſent him bound
out of Galilee into Peræa, to a ſtrong Caſtle calld Machærus, near the Dead
Sea; and towards the Borders of Arabia, where he continu'd above a Year
in Priſon. Thus ended the famous Miniſtry of John the Baptiſt
, the greateſt
Prophet that ever was born of a Woman, after a Courſe of one Year and
a little above a Month.
III. About the Time of John's Impriſonment, our Lord who had been John g.
baptizing about ſeven or eight Months in Judæa, underſtanding the
Phariſees Concern for his great Numbers of Proſélytes, reſolv'd to leave that
Province and paſs into Galilee, where the Phuriſces had leſs Intereſt, there
Jeſus enters to enter upon a more ſolemn Part of his miniſterial Function. In his Journy
it was neceſſary for him to paſs through Samaria, that Province lying be-
tween Judæa and Galilee; and about the middle of it he arriv'd near a con-
ſiderable City callid-Sychar or Sichem, not far from the famous Mount Geri-
zim; in a Portion of Land which the Patriarch Jacob gave to his Son fo-
Seph, where was a celebrated Well call’d Jacob's Welt
. Jeſus travelling on
Foot," and being: wearied with the Journy and the Heat of the Weather,
about Noon time fat down on the Well Siđe, ſending his Diſciples into
the City to buý Proviſions.". Ir their abſence a Woman of loi ſe Life came
out of the City, {fo"draw Water at this Well.;' and 'Jejus being thirſty, and
deſirous to entertain ſome ſpiritual Difcourfe with lier, requerted of her
Diſcourses with fome Water to-Hrink." The Woman perceiving him to be a jem, uncivilly
dernarded of him, How belieled offer mini-fueh Requeſt toa Samaritan, ſince
there were ſo great Feuds, and to Fitrte» Dealings betubeèn vách other. But
Jefus told her, That if she had but knordni" the Bountydy Heaver, and the
Digriily: 'of the Perfon who defiřd Water, he would have requeſted of him,
and read frðm Him living Water. The Woman underſtandmy him in
a literal Sentė, told hini, Since the Well szobas deep, and he had nothing to
draw mi b;! hoho could he pradüce Yuch extraordinary Water, unleſs Piould
fito a better Welly and was greater than their Father Jacob, who wisi his
wkole Family had made aiſe of this; Andigidén it to theme for an Inheritance ?
W Hereupon Jeſis to thew His
: Iprétmintieej! inform'd her," "That their Witter
wrontot only give temporary Satisfaction, 'Bu bis' a durable and laſtingis innd
Sköndal běcome a: Well in the Perſöre Springing up to everlaſting Lífe. Upon
thisi khe Woman deridingly.Jasku for ſome of that Watër; " that ſhe might
never have Occaſion to come to, that IVell again. But Jeſus to make her fen-
fible that he knew her Heart;'and-her-lööfe Life, nánd Her Husband to
het, bidding her go thd call himniplit ker; and wlien ſhe told him, That ſhe
hed"ro Husband, he mide Anilwer, That Betud ſpoken truly for thö ke had
had five fèveral Husbands, yet ë now livd in a State of Adultery or Concubi-
nage. This reitärkable Diſcovery tiadeiner tnore humble;' and to acknow-
ledige; That he'ndaşi si Prophetias Sticá tliereupon propounded to him that great
Qu Ition Controverded between tħe'ffezbriand Samaritant, concerning the
Piave Of Ipubličk-Worſhip’atrdi
Sacrificë," namely, 17 hether - Morint Gerizim,
according to their Filther's Cutloth, $j Jeruſalem according to 'rhe Jews Fras
the frité iPlace ? Feffis readily:införin'd lick, 'That the Samarîtan Worship was
Civi
uncertain
a Samaritan
Woman.
??
Chap. III.
57
TIBERIUS the 34 Rom. Emp.
Fobin 4
uncertain and precarious, but the Jewiſh upon ſure Grounds, that Nation ha-
ving had the higheſt Advantages of Salvation. But that this Queſtion was of
no great Moment, ſince the Time was approaching when neither Gerizim nor
Jeruſalem ſhould be the Place of Worſhip: That the Sacrifices and ceremonial
Rités were ſhortly to ceaſe; and that God being a Spirit, expected to be wor-
Shiped in a more spiritual and Sublime manner than formerly. The Woman
ſaying, That when the Meſſiah came, he would put an end to all theſe Diffe-
rences : Jefus knowing himſelf to be in a ſafe Country, frankly told her,
That he himſelf was the very Perfon.
Immediately after the pronouncing of theſe Words, his Diſciples re-
27-42. turn’d from the City with Food, being ſurpriz'd to find him in Diſcourſe
with a Woinan, and a Samaritan; but the great Reſpect they had for hini
prevented their demanding the Reaſon of it. But the Woman in great
Haſte left her Water-Pot, and with no leſs Wonder ran into the City, and
deſir'd tlie Inhabitants to go immediately and ſee a Perſon who had told her all
the Secrets of her Life, and undoubtedly muſt be the Meſſiah: Which was done
according to her Reqneſt. In the nican time Jeſus's Diſciples having pre-
par'd the Food, deſir'd their Maſter to tat; but he told then, That he had
other Meat unknown to them, intimating the Converſion of many Souls in
the City. But they taking it in a literal Senſe, and thinking ſome others
liad furniſh'd liim, Jeſus told them, That his Meat was the Performance of
his Father's Will, and the Accompliſhing his Work. Then pointing to the
Multitudes coming out of the City, he ſaid, You reckon it now four Months
to Harveſt, but behold yonder, and ſee what an evangelical Harveſt there is alrea-
dy, juſt ripe with Expectation, and ready for the Sickle : And he who reaps here,
Mall receive the Wages of eternal Life ; which will cauſe both Sower and Reas
per to rejoyce together; and accompliſhes that Proverb, One Soweth and another
reapeth. I send you to reap where you have beſtom'd no Labour ; the Patriarchs
and Prophets have labour'd here, and you enjoy the Benefits of their Labours.
About the fame Time the Woman, with the Inhabitants of the City, arriv'd
at tlie Well, and earneſtly requeſted of our Lord to tarry with them in their
City, to which he readily comply'd : For tho' after this, during his own
Miniſtry, he commanded his Apoſtles not to go to the Samaritans; and tho’the
time of ſpreading his Glory to the World was not accompliſhed; yet as an In-
troduction to the Calling of the Gentiles, and in Compaſſion to theſe Peoples
Wants and Deſires, he was pleas'd to ſtay with them two Days. Here
many believ'd in him only for the Woman's Relation of his extraordinary
Knowledge ; but many more upon the Account of his own Words, who
declared to the Woman, Nom indeed we believe, not upon your Teſtimony And converts
alone, but becauſe we have heard him our ſelves, and are convinc'd that many Sumaris
he is indeed the Meſſialı, the Saviour of the World : Which was more
than
any of the Jews at that time did acknowledge or believe; who
look'd upon the Meſſiah as only a Saviour of their own Nation. And
thus Sichem, which was the place where the firſt Profelytes were made to
the Church of Iſrael, Gen. 34. 24. and 35. 2. was the firſt Place profelyted
to the Goſpel.
After two Days tarrying, our Lord departed from this City, and leaving
43-54. Nazareth in his Way, teſtifying, That a Prophet had no Honour in his own
Country, he repaired to Cana, where he had chang’d the Water into Wine,
being kindly entertain'd by the Galileans, who at the Pallover had ſeen his
Miracles at Jeruſalem. To this place came a certain Nobleman of Caper- He cures
saun, ſupposid to be Chuza, Herod's Steward, who hearing of his Fame biemar's son up
Capernaum.
and Beniguity, humbly begg’d of him that he would pleaſe to come domu
and cure his Son, who by a violent Feaver was brought to the point of Deaths.
jefiis, perceiving this Perſon to apprchend him only as a Prophet, who
H
could
>
ans.
70994.
58 Cent. I.
Book I.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
.
could cure him if preſent, made Anſwer, Except they ſaw Signs and Mi-
racles, they wonld not believe what he was. And upon the Nobleman's far-
ther 'urging him to go with him, lejt it should prove too late, he diſmiſs'd
Itim with this Affertion, That his Son livd; fignifying that he could cure
him as well abſent as preſent. This was believ'd by the Nobleman, and
the Sbí immediately receiv'd the Benefit of his Father's Faith ; for being met
the next day by his Servants, who inform'd him of his Son's Recovery, he
enquir'd into the Hour when it began, and was told it was the ſeventh Hour,
or about one a Clock, when his Feaver left him. Which exactly agreeing
with the Time that Jeſus had told him of his Son's living, he and his whole
Family believ'd, and became Profelytes to our Bleffed Saviour. This, as
St. John obſerves, was the ſecond Miracle that he wrought in Galilee; which
being done at the Requeſt of ſo great a Man in Capernaum, was a happy In-
troduction towards his Settlement in that great City, which hapned not long
after.
Matth.go
10. 37.
The ſecond Year of Chriſt's publick Miniſtry.
A.D.31.
IV. Shortly after the great Prophet John had finiſh'd the Courſe of Luke 4.
Tiber. :7 bis Miniſtry, our Bleſſed Lord, being return'd by the Guidance of the Ho-Markt
Jeſus begins to ly Spirit into Galilee, thought fit to make more illuſtrious Manifeſtations of 41:
preach in Gali- himſelf, and in that deſpited Province to begin a more folemn Part of 17.
his Miniſterial Function. Both St. Matthew and St. Mark, ſpeaking of John's
Impriſonment, obſerve, That from that Time Jeſus began in more eſpe-
cial Manner to preach the Goſpel or Glad-Tidings of the Kingdom of
God, proclaiming, That the great Time was accompliſh’d, and the Kingdom
of the Meſſiah at hand; therefore all muſt repent and believe the Gospel. This
was done in many Parts of Galilee, where he daily taught and preach'd
in the Synagogues, or Places of ordinary Worſhip, in ſuch an extraordina-
ry Manner, that he was admired by all, and his Fame was ſpread
throughout all the Country. This may be called a ſecond Æra or
Beginning of the Goſpel, and is ſo intimated by St. Peter to Curne-
lins, who told him, That the Word which was publiſk'd throughout all Ju-
dæa, began from Galilee, after the Baptiſm which John preached, Act.
In this Progreſs he came to Nazareth, the Place of his Education, where lıke4.
rech,
a kind Entertainment was reaſonably expected, and on a Sabbath Day, be- 16-30.
ing in the Synagogue, he ſtood up to read, as was uſual for Lay-Men át
that Time. Here the Prophecy of Iſaiah was deliver'd to him; out of
which he read theſe Words, “ The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has
conſecrated me to preach the Gospel to the Poor, ſent me to cure the Broken-
" hearted, to pronounce Liberty to the Captives, and Recovery of Sight to the
Blind, to free the Oppreſſed, and to proclaim the acceptable Year of the Lord.
Upon this he clos'd the Book, return'd it to the Miniſter, call’d Angelus
Ecclefiæ, and explaining the Prophecy, declar'd, That it was now accompliſh'd
in himſelf
. Upon this the Eyes of the whole Congregation were fix'd upon
him, admiring at his Diſcourſe ; but many who had known him in the Difad-
vantages of his Education, began to have too mean Thouglıts of him up-
on the Account of his Extract, as if he had been Son to a Carpenter
Therefore our Lord knowing their Thoughts, told them, That they wou'd
undoubtedly apply the Proverb of Phiſician cure thy ſelf, as a Reproach to him,
for not working Miracles in his own City as well as in Capernaum. But he
farther aſſur'd them, That a Prophet was never juſtly eſteem'd in his own Coun-
try; proving it by two eminent Examples, the firſt of Elias, who in a Fa-
Goes to Naza-
CC
CC
miine
Chap. III.
59
TIBERIUS the 34 Rom. Emp.
ز
Mut!.4.
31.
mine of above three Years, was not ſent by God to any of the diſtreſſed Widows
of his own Country Iſrael, but to a Widow at Sarepta in another Country:
And the other of Eliſha, who cur'd a foreign Lord in Aflyria of his Leproſy,
when there were many Lepers in Iſrael, who wou'd not defire a Cure from him.
Theſe Words ſo highly reflecting upon the Ingratitude and Inſenſibility of where he is bat:
the Nazarens, provoked the whole Afſembly, inſomuch that they impi- barouſly trea-
oully hurry'd him out of the City, and brought him to the Brow of the
Hill on which it was ſituated, with a Deſign to caſt him down from it and
deſtroy him. But by a miraculous Power he withdrew himſelf from the
Fury of theſe wretched People, and left their City.
From this barbarous Place our Lord repaired to Capernaum, and made He fettles at
Hites that the chief Place of his Reſidence and Habitation, where it is conjectur- Capernaum.
ed that his reputed Father Joſeph had ſome little Poſſeſſions, or at leaſt a
Houſe. This Place being ſituated upon the Coaſts of the old Tribes of
Zabulon and Nepthali, St. Matthew obſerves that our Saviour's Habitation
there remarkably accompliſh'd a Propheſie of Iſaiah, namely, In the Land
of Zabulon, the Land of Nepthali, the Sea-Coaſt beyond Jordan, and in Ga-
lilee of the Gentiles, the Inhabitants who fit in Darkneſs Saw great Light,
and new Light Sprung up to them who ſat in the Region and Shadow of Death;
intimating that all theſe Places, which had received the greateſt Damages
from Foreigners, ſhou'd afterwards receive the greateſt Light of the Goſpel,
and moſt of the Preſence of the Meſſiah; the not underſtanding of which
Paſſage, and others following it, very much confounded the Jews, who
little imagin'd that the Meſſiah's chief Reſidence ſhould be in Galilee. Ca-
pernaum, as was formerly obſerv'd, was the Metropolis of all Galilee, ſitua-
ted in a very rich and populous Country, upon the Lake of Gennefareth,
or the Sea of Galilee ; a famous Lake about: 20 Miles in Length, and
half as much in Breadth, repleniſh'd with all kinds of Fiſh, and ſur-
rounded with ſeveral remarkable Cities and Towns, which ſtood
upon
the Banks of it. On the Eaſt Side were Corazin, Bethſaida, Julias and
Hippo ; on the Weſt, Capernaum, Tiberias and Tarichæa, beſides other
Places of inferior Note. And this Lake was highly convenient for our
Lord's Miniſtry and Deſigns, his eaſie Paffages, his breaking the Multitudes
of his Followers, his Retirements, and alſo his avoiding the wicked Deſigns
of Herod, and the untimely Proſecutions of the Scribes and Phariſees at Je-
rufalem.
V.
Our Bleſſed Lord being thus ſettled in a convenient and populous
Muth.4
. Country, and finding the Miniſtry daily encreaſing, thought fit to make
Mohori Choice of ſome Diſciples, who in a particular Manner ſhould be Aſſiſtants
57-26 and Witneſſes of his Actions. Therefore walking by the Sea Shore, he
ſaw two Fiſhing Veſſels, one belonging to Peter and Andrew, and the other
to fames and fohn; who being all Companions, after a tedious and un-
ſucceſsful Night, were gone a Shore to waſh and dry their Nets. As our The Calling of
Saviour was preſs’d on by the Multitudes out of Capernaum, he ſtep'd rather andere wv,
into Peter's Veffel, defiring him to put a little from the Shore, and from John.
thence he preach'd to the People. Sermon ended, he reſolvèd to ſeal up
his Doctrine with a Miracle, to give them a full Aſſurance of his Miſſion;
therefore he order'd Peter to launch out farther, and let down his Nets
for a Draught. Peter inform’d him of their unſucceſsful Toiling all Night,
but in Obedience to him he was willing; and upon letting down their Nets,
they immediately inclos'd ſuch a Multitude of Fiſhes, that their Nets began
to break; ſo that they were oblig'd to call to their Partners in the other
Veſſel, to come in to their Aſſiſtance. This Draught was ſo great, that it
fill'd both the Veſſels, and ſo loaded them, that it endanger'd their ſinking
H2
before
F.like so
i
60
Book I.
Cent. I.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY:
2.
before they could get ſafe to Shore. All were amaz’d at this miraculous
Sight, eſpecially Peter, who in an Ecſtaſie of Admiration, and dreading
the viſible Appearance of ſo great a Power juſt by him, threw himſelf at
the Feet of Chriſt, praying him to depart from him as a vile and finful Per-
Son. But our Lord to abate his Fears, let him underſtand that he had no-
bler Work and Employment for him, That from this time he ſhould catch
the Souls of Men. Upon which he pronounc'd theſe Words both to him
and his Brother Andrew, Follow me, and I will make you Fiſhers or Catchers
of Men ; uſing alſo the ſame Call to fames and John, who with their Father
Žebedee, were mending their Nets in the other Veſſel. Theſe four imme-
diately obey'd his Call, being ſatisfy'd of his Divine Miſſion ; and leaving
their Veſſels, Nets, and their Employment, they became conſtant and inſe-
parable Diſciples to our Lord; it being about a year after their firſt Know-
ledge of him at Bethabara.
Our Saviour after the Choice of theſe four Diſciples, return'd with them Maik
into the City; and on the next Sabbath Day he enter'd the chief Syna- Loke **
gogue, and preach'd to the People, with ſo much Efficacy and Authority, 31-37.
and ſo differently from their uſual Teachers the Scribes, that all were aſto-
Jeſus reſtores a niſh'd at him. Among the Multitudes of his Auditors, there was a Man
Capernaum.
whoſe Body was poffeſs'd and actuated by an impure Demon, who upon the
ſight of him roar'd out in a hideous Manner, Let us alone! What have we
to do with thee, thou Jeſus of Nazareth ? Art thou come to deſtroy us? I know
that thou art the Son of God. Whereupon Jeſus rebuk'd him, and com-
manded his Silence, and Departure out of the poor Wretch’s Body; and
the Demon finding he muſt reliquiſh his Pofleiſion, rack'd the Man with
moſt violent Convulſions, threw him upon the Ground, with a diſinal Out-
cry, and at length left him found in Body and Mind. Such poſſeſſed Per-
fons were very frequent among the Jews at this Time ; but the Cure of
them was always look'd upon as beyond the Reach of humane Power :
Therefore the Spectators were ſeiz'd with the greater Surpriſe and Amaze-
ment, queſtioning among themſelves what wonderful Doctrine and Authority
this was, which commanded the Obedience even of the impure Spirits ! ſo callid
becauſe they delighted in all Impurity. Upon which his Fame was
ſpread throughout all Galilee, and the neighbouring Parts.
From the Synagogue, our Lord retired to the Houſe of Peter and An-
drew, who liad lately remov'd from Bethfaida to this City: taking alſo 2013
James and John along with him. Here he was informºd that Peter's Wive's 14-17.
Mother was ſeiz'd with a violent Feaver, and was deſired to have pity on 38-4*.
Cures Peter's her Condition, which he accordingly had. For going to her Bed's ſide,
Wive's Mother, and taking her by the Hand, he rebuk'd the Paroxyſms, commanded the
Feaver to depart, and in a Moment reſtor'd her to perfect Health; ſo that
as if ſhe had never been fick, ſhe immediately aroſe, and waited upon the
Company. This and the other Miracle in the Synagogue, caus’d the whole
City to gather about Peter's Houſe, as ſoon as the Sun was ſet, and the
Sabbath ended, bringing with them all kinds of Diſeaſed and Poſſeſſed, beg-
and many other ing the Bounty and Relief of the heavenly Phyſician. And he readily cu-
sich Perjons. red all their Diſeaſes, by laying his Hand upon the ſick Perſons, in ſome
Meaſure accompliſhing that Prophecy of Iſaiah, which ſays, He took our
Infirmitys upon himſelf, and bore our Diſeaſes. He alſo caſt out many Devils
only by a Word, who cry'd out, That he was the Melfiah and the Son of God!
But Jeſus wou'd not permit them to diſcover that he was the Meſſiah, be-
cauſe of the ill Uſe likely to be made of it; for tho' all his Actions and
his Diſcourſes ſufficiently manifeſted him to be the Perſon, yet for good
Reaſons, he declin'd owning it to the Jews in expreſs and poſitive Terms.
Mark 1,
All
Chap. III.
61
TIBERIUS the 34 Rom. Emp.
Mark 1.
17/11
3
as
A1.li. .
Muttb.8.
2 - 4
All People thus flocking after him, the next Morning, to prevent the
Muth.4. like Concourſe, and to prepare himſelf for his deſign's Journy, he aroſe
incat very early, and retir’d to a private Place to make his Prayers to God.
43, 44. And Peter and his other Diſciples follow'd him, and hoping now to advance
theinſelves in his terreſtrial Kingdom, told him, That all Men ſought af-
ter hini. But Jeſus let them know, That he muſt now go to the neighbou-
ring Towns, and preach to them; and that he came out for that Purpoſe.
In the mean time, the People who fought him arriv'd at the Place
where he was, and would have engag’d him to continue ſtill in Caper-
but he told them, That he muſt preach the Kingdom of Heaven
to other Cities as well as theirs, and that his Father had ſent him with
that Deſign. And thereupon he niade a Progreſs about Galilee, in He makes a ſe-
which little Province Joſephus tells us there was 204 Cities and Towns ; cond Progres
through Gali-
where he preach'd the Goſpel in the publick Synagogues, cur'd all kinds lec.
of Diſtempers and Diſeaſes, and diſpoffeſs'd all Demoniacks. The Evan-
geliſt particularly mentions Demoniacks, Lunaticks, and Paraliticks,
the principal Perſons he reliev'd in this Journy; which caus’d his Fame
to be ſpread throughout all Syria, and engag’d infinite Numbers out
of many ſeveral Provinces to follow him, not only out of Galilee where he
taught, but alſo from the Region of Decapolis, Judaa, Jeruſalem, and the
Country beyond Jordan.
In the Progreſs through Galilee our Lord was met by a Man overſpread
42-45. with a foul Leproſie, who falling proſtrate at his Feet adored him, and cry'd,
12-16. Lord, if it be they Pleaſure, thou canſt make me clean. A Prayer fo full He cures a Len
of Faith and Humility, mov'd the Compaſſion of Jeſus ; who put forth his per.
Hand and touch'd him, ſaying, 'Tis my Pleaſure, be clean : And he was
perfectly cur'd in that Moment. Our Saviour ſtrictly charg'd him to diſcover
it to no Man, till he had perform'd the Law in that Cafe, preſented him-
ſelf to the Prieſt, and offer'd a Sacrifice for a Teſtimony of his Clean-
neſs. But the overjoy'd Perſon, inſtead of Secreſic, publiſh'd it abroad in
all Places; which ſtill ſo increas'd his Fame, that Jefus could not openly
enter into his City Capernaum, leſt ſuch Multitudes of Followers ſhould
carry a Shew of Sedition, and the preſſing of Lepers contrary to Law,
Inconveniencies. And therefore after he had taught the Multi-
tudes, and cur'd all their Infirmities, he withdrew himſelf to a deſert Place,
where he ſpent ſome Time in Prayer; after he liad made a glorious Pro-
greſs in Galilee of near three Montlis.
Shortly after he enter'd privately into Capernaum, and probably Peter's He returns to
Houſe; but his Return was ſoon known to the City, and ſuch a Mul- Capernaum,
titude of People gather'd to him to hear his Sermons, and to bring their
Like diſeaſed, that both the Houſe and the Space about the Door could not
contain them. In the Houſe were many great Perſons, Phariſees and
Doctors of the Law, from Jeruſalem and Judæa as well as Galilee, who
brought thither by their Curioſity, came and ſate down by him, rigidly
examining his Sermons and his Miracles. Among the ſick Perſons, a Pa-
ralytick was brought; but ſo infirm, that four Men were hired to bear
him in his Bed. But finding it impoſſible to paſs ſo great a Throng,
being confident of our Lord's Compaſſion and Aſſiſtance, they boldly un-
cover'd the Roof of the Houſe, and with Cords let the ſick Man down
in his Bed, before the Place where he ſate. Jeſus being pleas'd with ſo
much Faith, and ſuch Reliance upon his Mercy, and to diſplay his Glo-
firſt applyed himſelf to the Cure of his moſt valuable Part, his
Soul, calling the Perſon Son, and bidding him be of good Courage, for
his Sins were forgiven him. This extraordinary Mark of Authority pro-
vok'd the Indignation of the Proud Scribes and Phariſees, who in their
Hearts
Matt!.9.
2-8.
Mark 2.
I.12.
ry,
62
Book I.
Cent. I.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY,
Hearts condemn'd him as a Blafphemer, ſince none could forgive Sins
L'here he frecs but the Almighty God. But Jefus knowing their ſecret Thoughts,
buth From Luis demanded of thoſe envious and conceited People, Why they cheriſi'd
Sins and lis ſuch evil Imaginations; and whether they thought it more difficult to fora
Difeufc. give, that fick Man's Sins, than to make him whole, and take up bis
Bed and walk? But, proceeded he, that the Son of Man has Power to
forgive Sins on Earth, the Recovery of this Man ſhall be a Proof; there-
fore he bad him, Riſe, take up his Bed, and go home to his Houſe :
Which was immediately done, to the exceeding Amazement of the whole
Company. Tho' the Power of Healing be much leſs than Forgiving Sins,
yet becauſe it is not ſo eaſie to impoſe a Cure upon the World, where
Mens Senſes are Witneſſes, as Remiſſion of Sins, which is ſecret and invili-
ble; therefore all the People, who were convinc'd by their Eyes of the
Efficacy of Chriſt's Words, Ariſe and walk, were ſatisfy'd of the Truth of
the former, Thy Sins are forgiven thee. For which Reaſon they glorify'd the
Almighty, who had manifeſted ſuch Power on Earth, and being fill'd with
a reverential Fear, declar'd, That they had been ſtrange and wonderful Things
that Day.
Matthew.
From hence our Lord remov'd to the Sea Side, as he frequently Mutsh.g.
did, where was more Air and Room for ſuch a Conflux of People. Mark.2.
As lie paſs’d along, teaching great Multitudes that follow'd him, he at linked to:
length came to the Cuſtom-Houſe, where he eſpy'd a rich Publican , 27, 28.
The Calling of callid Levi or Matthew, the Son of Alpheus, ſitting in his Office; his Bu-
ſineſs being to gather the Cuſtoms of the Commodities that came by the
Sea of Galilee, and the uſual Tribute which Paflengers were to pay that
went by Water; an Employment ſufficiently odious to the Jews, as has been
formerly obſerved. Upon the firſt Sight of him our Lord, according to
his uſual Manner of calling Diſciples, bad him follow him. Matthew,
tho' doubtleſs incumber'd with many Buſineſſes and Accounts, yet being
touch'd by the Divine Power, forſook his gainful Employment, and
follow'd him, becoming not only an Apoſtle, but afterwards one of the
Evangeliſts. And thus we have had a particular Accounc of Chriſt's cal-
ling lix of his twelve Apoſtles ; namely, Philip, Peter, Andrew, James,
John, and Matthew. Some of the Harmoniſts have made Matthew's
Feaſt immediately to ſucceed his Call; but for good Reaſons we have
follow'd Chemnitius, Lightfoot, and ſome others, who place Jeſus's going
to Jeruſalem to the ſecond great Paſſover, immediately after Matthew's
Cali; which Paffover hapned on the 28th Day of our Month March,
in the 17th Year of the Reign of Tiberius, and one Year wanting 10 Days
after the laſt Paſſover.
C H A P.
IV.
From the beginning of the ſecond Paſſover after our Bleſſed Sa-
viour's Baptiſm, to the Beginning of the third.
Containing the Term of one Year, and 17 Days.
1-14.
A.D.31. I. AT
T the great Feaſt of the Paſſover, our Lord repaired to Jeruſa- Jolins.
lem a ſecond Time after his Baptiſm, where he made a farther
Tiber.
18 Manifeſtation of himſelf to the Jews upon this Occaſion. In the South-
The ſecond
Paſover.
Eaſt Part of the City, near the Sheep-Gate, was a famous Pool or Pond,
aud
Chap. IV.
63
TIBERIUS tbe 34 Rom. Emp.
Man at the Pool
and a Building call?d Betheſda, or the Houſe of Mercy, which conſiſted of five
Porticos; in wlitch lay a great Multitude of poor impotent People, as
Blind, Láme, witlier’d, &c. waiting for the moving of the Water of thîs
Pool. For tliis Water ſerving for a holy Ufe, namely, the waſhing of
the Scrifices before tlicy were offer'd in the Temple, as is moſt generally
Believ'd, an Angel from Heaven deſcended at certain Times, and moving
the Water, infus à ſuch Virtue, that the firſt Perſon who enter'd it after
this Motion, was cur'd of whatſoever Diſtemper he had. It is uncertain
at what particular Times the Water receiv'd this extraordinary Virtue, and
wlten this Miracle began. But many Criticks do ràtionally believe that it
begän niot long before our Saviour's Appearance, and was a Preſage of his
near Approach, and perhaps of the Virtue of the Water of Baptiſm. On
ilie Sabbath Day Jefis repaired to this Hoſpital of ſick Perſons, out of
whom he made Choice of one moſt impotènt, and moſt unlikely to reco-
ver, having a languiſhing Infirmity of 38 Years Continuanice: And to excite
his Faith and Expectation, he firit ask'd him Whether he would be cured?
The Man not knowing him, ſcornfully told him, That he had no Man to where Jeſus
pict him into the Pool as ſoon as the Water was 'mov'd; but that while he was cures an infirm
endeavoitring, another always ſtep'd in before him, and prevented him. Upon
of Betheſda.
this Fefits bad him riſe and walk, and to ſhew his Power over the Šab-
bath, to take up his Bed alſo; all which was immediately done, but much
to the Diſpleaſure of the Jews, who exclaim'd againſt him for bearing a
Burthen on the Sabbath Day, directly contrary to their Law. The Man
excus'd himſelf by declaring That he was ſo order'd by the Perſon who had
miraculouſly cur'd him, thinking that a ſufficient Warrant; which caus’d the
Jews 'to make ſtrict Enquiry after Jeſus : But a Multituđe being gather'd
about the Place, he convey'd himſelf from thence. Shortly after, Jeſus
finding the Man in the Temple, probably returning Thanks for his Reco-
very, caution'd him, ſince he was reſtord to his Health, not to ſin again lejz
a greater Misfortune ſhould befall him: Intimàting that ſome extraordinary
Crimne had caus'd this.
The overjoy’d Man, witliout deſigning any Målice, immediately went and
15:47. inform’d the Jews, That Fejtis was the Perſon who had wrought his Cure.
Upon which they violentlý proſecuted him before the grand Sanhedrim, He is call'd be.
deſigning to take luis Life as a Propháner of the Sabbatli.. Here in Defence for the Sanhe-
of himſelf he declar’d, That his Father wrought continually, and be did but
the ſame; which much nore provok'd the Jens againſt hin, not only as
a Sabbátli Breaker, but as the greateſt Blafphemer, who ſaid God was his
Father, and made himſelf equal with Hitn. In farther Vindication of him-
felf, he ſhew'd that he was tlie Mefliah, thơ nột in expreſs Terms; firſt
manifeſting lits Power and Authority, and folemnly declaring, That tho' His Defence,
according to his Office he could do nothing without the Concurrence and Co-
operation of his Father; jet ſo great was his Father's Love to him, that he
had communicated all Power to him, ſuch as should produce greater Things than
they had yet ſeen : Particularly raiſing the Dead, as his Father had done under
the Old Teſtament; and judging the World, which Power was wholly commit-
ted to him, that all Men might honour him equally with his Father ; for with-
out one, the other would be ineffettual
. Then he ſolemnly aſſured them, That
whoſocver harkned to his Words, and believed his Miſſion, ſhould never be con-
demn’d, but paſs from a State of Death to everlaſting Life. Farther decla-
ring, That the Time was coming, when the very Dead ſhould hear the Voice
of the Son of God and ſuch as heard, ſhould live : For as the Fai her had
Life within himſelf, so had the Son ; and alſo Authority to paſs Judgment at
the laſt Day, not only as God, but alſo as Man. And they needed not to
wonder at this, for the Time should come, when all Mankind in their Graves
ſhould
John 5.
hedrim.
sy
3
64 Cent. I.
Book I.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY,
but by
Should hear his Voice, and come forth; the Good to the Refurre&tion of Life, and
the Evil to the Reſurrection of Damnation. But in theſe judicial Proceedings,
he could act nothing but by Commiſſion; therefore his Judgment was juſt, becauſe
be fought not his own, but his Father's Will who had delegated him. After
our Lord had thus fearleſly ſhewn the Sanhedrin the Greatneſs of his Au-
thority, he proceeded to ſeveral undenyable Teſtimonies of it, and firſt
of John Baptiſt
, to whom they had ſent Deputies ; a burning and a ſhining
Light, whom for a while they admired, of whoſe Teſtimony he was aſſured.
Tho he needed no Human Witneſs, yet he mention d him, to convince them,
and bring them to Salvation. Secondly, he had a greater Teſtimony than
John's, even the Miracles he had wrought, which were undeniablé Evidences of
his Divine Miſſion. Thirdly, the Father himſelf had declar'd him his Son; but
as they had neither heard his Voice, nor ſeen his Shape, ſo they regarded not
his Words, disbelieving the Perſon whom he had ſent. Fourthly, the holy
Scriptures, which they had ſearchd, and acknowledg’d the right Way to Hap-
pineſs, did abundantly teſtifie of him; and yet they refus’d to come to him,
and receive that Happineſs. And he fought not the Applauſes of Men, but the
Honour of God, which he knew they wanted; ſince they receiv'd not him who
came in his Father's Name, when they were ready to receive any Impoſtor who
came in his own. Which Infidelity was the less ſtrange, becauſe they were so
zealous for the Glory of Men, and ſo little for the Glory of God. Laſtly,
Moſes, in whom they had the greateſt Confidence, wrote concerning himz there-
fore he needed not to accuſe them to the Father, ſince Moſes would do it. But
ſince they disbelieved their great Prophet's Writings, it was not to be expected.
that they ſhould believe his Words.
We have no Account of the Iſſue of this remarkable Diſcourſe;
the Evangeliſt's Silence, we may conclude that there was ſuch an irreſiſtible
Power in our Lord's Words, that tho' the Sanhedrim would not comply
He toleries with them, yet they could not deny the Truth of them. However on the Matt.az
mark the Plz very next Sabbath Day, he gave the Jews a freſh Occaſion of Complaint, Mark z
e the Sabéitis, in his Paſſage with his Diſciples through ſome Corn Fields near the
city, ikea
probably in going to ſome neighbouring Synagogue to preach. His Diſci--3.
ples being at this time very hungry, took ſome Ears of Corn as they paſs’d,
rubb’d them in their Hands and eat them, a thing uſual on ordinary Days.
Which piece of Labour was immediately obſerv'd by the malicious Eyes of
ſome Phariſees then mix'd with the People, who exclaim'd againſt them,
as doing an Action unlawful on the Sabbath Day. But Jeſus to vindicate
them, firſt urg'd the Example of pious David, who when he wanted Suſte-
nance, enter'd into the Houſe of God with his Followers, and did eat the
Sacred Bread, unlawful to be touch'd by any but the Prieſts; ſhewing that Ne-
ceſſity takes away the Rigour of the Law. Secondly, the Example of their
own Prieſts, who were accounted blameleſs, thoʻon the Sabbath Days they per-
form'd the Labours of the Temple : Which Temple, if it juſtify'd their_Actions,
there was one preſent greater than the Temple, who could juſtifie his Diſciples.
But if they had underſtood the Meaning of Hoſea's Words, I chuſe Mercy be-
fore Sacrifice, they would not ſo rafhly have condemn’d the Innocent : But they
inverted the Order of Things, Suppoſing Man to be made for the Sabbath, and
not the Sabbath for the Benefit of Man : And therefore the Son of Man was
Lord even of the Sabbath Day.
Shortly after our Lord left Jeruſalem, and return'd into Galilee, where Mali.se
on another Sabbath, or Saturday, he preach'd in a Synagogue, probably Mail
at his own City Capernaum ; in which Place was a Man with a wither'd il
thru Hud on and mortify'd Hand, whom St. Ferom reports to have been a Mafon. Here 6. la
the Sabbath. the Scribes and Phariſees were nicely obſervant, watching for a Pretence :
of an Accuſation againſt Jefus, if he ſhould offer to cure on the Sabbath
ME:"
*:;'315 to
Cert: ?UTI,
veids
Sifariin iliria
Days
Chap. IV.
65
TIBERIUS the 34 Rom. Emp.
Matt. 12
14-21.
Day; therefore they firſt demanded of him whether he thought it lawful to work
Cures on the Day of Reſt? Jeſus knowing their malicious Intentions, immediately
bad the decrepid Perſon ſtand up in the midſt of the Aſſembly, as an object of
Commiſeration; and then deſired theſe haughty Perſons to anſwer him one
Queſtion, viz. Whether they thought it lawful on the Sabbath Day to do good, or
ill; actually to five Life, or negligently to deſtroy it? This Queſtion putting them
to Silence, he farther demanded of them, Whether any Man of their Opinions
would not venture to pull a Sheep out of a Pit on the Sabbath Day; and much more
help a Man, who was far more valuable than a Sheep? An undeniable Proof, that
they acknowledg’d it was lawful to do good on the Sabbath Day. Then looking
about him with great Marks of Indignation for their ſtrange Perverſeneſs,
he commanded the poor Man only to ſtretch out his lame Hand; which be-
ing obey'd, it was perfectly reſtored, and made found as the other.
Tho' the Phariſees were filenc'd by his Arguments, and ſurpriz’d by the
Miracle, yet ſo great was their Stubbornnels and Prejudice, that they re-
21.4.1.3
. ſolv'd to attempt even his Life ; and that they might not fail of Succeſs,
berete 6. they joiu'd with the Herodians, tho' perfectly oppoſite in Principles, conſul-
ting with thoſe State-Sectaries how they might deſtroy him. But Jeſus
diſcovering their impious Deſigns, withdrew himſelf with his Diſciples
to the Sea Side, being follow'd by innumerable Multitudes not only from
Galilee, but from feruſalem, the Provinces of Judæa and Idum&a, and all
the Country about Jordan, as far as the Mediterranean Sea, to the Coaſts
of Tyre and Sydon, who came in Throngs from all theſe Places to hear
him, and to be cur’d of their Diſtempers : Inſomuch that he order'd his He works many
Diſciples to wait with a ſmall Veſſel at the Shore, that he might not be Miracles.
too much incommoded with them. As the Multitudes of diſeaſed Perſons
preſs’d to touch him, ſo he was ready to afford them Relief, curing all
their Diſtempers, and diſpoſſeſſing all the impure Spirits, who falling pro-
ſtrate before him, loudly proclaim'd him the Son of God. But our
Lord with great Humility commanded their Silence in that Point ; ac-
compliſhing as St. Matthew obſerves, theſe Words of Iſaiah, Obſerve my
Servant whom I have choſen, my Beloved in whom my Soul is delighted : I
mill injpire l'im, and he shall proclaim Juſtice to the Gentiles. He ſhall not
be tumultuous, nor noiſy, nor ſhall bis Voice be heard in the Streets. He
Shall not break the bruiſed Reed, nor quench the ſmoaking Flax, till be
renders Judgment triumphant : And the Gentiles shall truſt in his Name. All
which truly repreſented the quiet, humble and meek Temper of the Meſſiah.
II. Above a Year and a Quarter after our Lord's Baptiſm, and above
. four months after his moſt folemn Entrance upon his Miniſtry, and the
Licha Impriſonment of John, he reſolv'd to make a publick Election of ſome par-twelve Apoſtles,
ticular Perſons above all the reſt, for more ſpecial Ends and Employments;
both to be Witneſſes of all his Actions and Diſcourſes, and after his De-
parture out of the World to be his Vicegerents upon Earth, Founders of
his Church, and Propagators of his Goſpel. In order to which great De-
ſign, our Lord withdrew himſelf to a ſolitary Mountain, not many Miles
from Capernaum, and commonly callid the Mount of Chriſt, where he con-
tinu'd all Night in his ſolemn Addreſſes to Heaven for Succeſs in this im-
portant Work; herein leaving an excellent Example to the Governors of
his Church, how to proceed in Matters of the like Importance. The next
Morning, out of the great Number of his Diſciples, he inade Choice of
twelve Perſons, according to the Number of the Patriarchs and Tribes of
Iſrael; whom by a Prolepſis he calld by the Name of APOSTLES,
which imports a Special Meſſenger, or Ambaſſador; and was an Honour the
greateſt that ever our Saviour conferr'd upon Man, and attended with the
nobleſt Privileges.
This
jak i
1, -19.
Hos Choice of by
I
66
Book I.
Cent. I.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
Peter,
This Election was made about the Time of the Feaſt of Pentecoſt; at which
Time the Law was promulgated to the Iſraelites on Mount Sinai : And the
Perſons elected were theſe following. 1. Simon the Son of Jonah, whom Je-
Sus nam'd Peter, a Fiſher-Man of Bethſaida, who after his Marriage became
an Inhabitant of Capernaum. He is generally acknowledg’d to be the el-
deſt of all the Apoſtles, and at leaſt ten Years older than our Lord him-
ſelf; and his Age and Gravity may have caus'd both Sacred and Eccleſiaſtical
Hiſtories to give him a Precedency, tho' not a Superiority in the College of
Andrew,
the Apoſtles. 2. Andrew, a younger Brother of Peter's, of the fame Town
and Employinent, and formerly a Diſciple to John Baptiſt, as Peter is rea-
James,
ſonably ſuppos’d to have been. 3. James, commonly calid James the Great,
Son to Zebedee and Salome, an Inhabitant of Bethſaida, a Fiſher-Man and
a Partner with Peter and Andrew, but ſuppos’d to exceed them in worldly
John, Abilities, as having ſeveral Servants to aſſiſt him in his Trade. 4. John,
younger brother to fames, and much the youngeſt of all the Apoſtles, Fiſher-
Man and Partner with his Brother, and Diſciple to the Baptiſt. Theſe two
were in fome Degree related to our Saviour, and were by him ſirnamd
Boanerges, or the Sons of Thunder, upon the Account of their brave and
Philip, reſolute Tempers. 5. Philip, alſo an Inhabitant of Bethſaida ; a Fiſher-
Man and marry'd as is believ'd, who had the Honour of being firſt callid
Eartholomew, by our Saviour. 6. Bartholomew, moſt probably the ſame with Nathanael
formerly mention'd; Bar-Tholomeus, ſignifying only the Son of Tholomens,
an Inhabitant of Cana in Galilee, and ſuppos'd to have had ſome Skill in
Marthew, the Jewiſh Law. 7. Matthew, call'd alſo Levi, Son to one Alpheus, a rich
Publican of Capernaum, but ſaid to have been born at Nazareth, the Place
Thomas, of our Lord's Education. 8. Thomas, calld alſo Didymus, which in the
Syriack ſignifies a Twin, a Galilean of mean Parents, who, as is reported,
James, brought him up to the Fiſhing Trade. 9. James commonly diſtinguiſh'd
by the Name of James the leſs, the Son of Alpheus or Cleophas and Mary, Co-
zen German, if not Siſter to the Bleſſed Virgin ; upon which Account, ac-
cording to the Jewiſh Cuſtom, he is often calld the Brother of our Lord.
Simon,
10. Simon, diſtinguiſh'd from Simon-Peter by the Title Cananite, froni Cana
the ſuppos'd Place of his Birth, and Zealot, from the Sect he was of. Whe-
ther he was that Simon, who was Brother to James the leſs, is very
uncertain. II. Judas, moſt commonly calld Jude, and ſometimes Thad-
dars and Lebbæus, a marry'd Man, Brother to fames the leſs, and Kinſman
Jucius Iſcarior. to our Lord. 12. Judas Iſcariot, or a Man of Kerioth, an ancient Place in
Judæa, of whom we have no other Account, but only his having the Title
of Traytor given him.
Thus did our bleſſed Saviour begin as it were the Foundation of his
Church, chuſing Perſons of the loweſt Conditions to effect it, Perſons
who were moſtly poor Fiſher-Men, honeſt and illiterate, ignorant of what
they were to do, and chiefly expecting temporal Power and Advantages.
Yet theſe Galileans, the moſt deſpis d Part of the moſt deſpis’d Nation the
Jews, were the Men deſign’d to reform the Errors of a proud and wicked
World, to confound the Wiſdom of the Learned, and to prevail againſt
all the Powers of the Mighty. Certainly if human Wiſdom had been to
manage this Affair, it wou'd have taken contrary Meaſures, and choſen out
the profoundeſt Rabbins, the acuteſt Philoſophers, and the moſt charming
Orators, who by the Powers of. Reaſon and Arts of Eloquence might have
triumph'd over the Minds of Men, grappld with the Stubbornneſs of the
Jers, and baffled the fine Notions and nice Speculations of the Greeks and
Romans. But the Wiſdom of God is infinitely beyond that of Man : And
as our Saviour was pleas'd to make uſe of the meaneſt Inſtruments, ſo he
alſo thought fit to chuſe one whom he knew wou'd prove a Villain and a
Traytor.
Jude, arid
Chap. IV.
67
TIBERIUS the 34 Rom. Emp.
vils,
upon the grouinta
Traytor. Which not only ſhews, That the Efficacy of the Miniſtration de-
pends not upon the Perſon, but the Inſtitution; but alſo, That it is not
to be expected that Chriſt's Church on Earth ſhou'd ever be in a better Con-
dition, as to the Worthineſs of its external Members, than when he firſt
founded it hiinſelf.
Our Lord having choſe his twelve Apoſtles, deſcended to the Plain and
cured innumerable Diſeaſes among the Multitudes, and caſt out many De-
giving Relief to all who touch'd him, by Means of an extraordinary
Virtue that proceeded from him. And finding greater Throngs and a vaſter
Auditory than ever he had before, he thought fit to give the moſt emi-
nent Marks of his Prophetick Office, and upon a Mountain in Galilee to de-
liver the Evangelical Law, as Moſes had done the old upon a Mountain in
the Wilderneſs; tho' St. Luke makes it uncertain whether it was upon a
Mountain or in a Plain : This celebrated Diſcourſe is however generally Chriſt's Sermon
call’d the Sermon upon the Mount, beginning with pronouncing Bleſſings,
Maih.s. as the moſt proper and comfortable Tenor of the Goſpel, and to ſuch
Likes Perſons as the Jews and the World accounted miſerable; as particularly,
20-25. To the Poor and Humble-minded, who ſhou'd inherit the Kingdom of God :
To the pious Mourners, who fou'd be comforted : To the Meek-ſpirited, who
shou'd posſeſs the Earth: To ſuch as hunger'd and thirſted after Righteouſneſs, who
shou'd be ſatisfy'd : To the Kind and Merciful, who shou'd obtain Mercy: To
the Pure-hearted, who shou'd ſee God: To the Peace-makers, who ſluou'd be na-
med The Children of God: And laſtly, to ſuch as were perſecuted upon the
Account of Righteouſneſs, who shou'd enjoy the Kingdom of Heaven. Ad-
ding a particular Bleſſing to his Diſciples, when the World Shou'd hate, revile,
ſeparate, perſecute, and ſcandalize them for his Sake : That they ought to re-
joice to ſee that Time, and be raviſh'd with Joy; for their Rewards Scou'd be
great in Heaven; and that the Prophets of old bad met with the like Perſe-
cution. But Woes were denounc'd againſt the Rich, who had already receiv'ch
their Confolation : Againſt the Full, who ſhou'd find Want: Againſt the
Scoffers, who ſhou'd mourn and weep: And againſt themſelves, when the World
ſpoke well of them; as it hapned to the falſe Prophets. For all his Followers
were the very Salt and Seaſoning of the Earth, and if that once became inſi-
pid, it was the moſt Worthleſs Thing in Nature ; and alſo the Light of the
World, which ſhou'd be as conſpicuous as a City on a Hill, and not to
be lighted up and put under a Bufhel,
Bufbel, but on a Candleſtick, that it
might be viſible to the whole Houſe. Therefore their Lights ought so to
ſhine before Men, that they might ſee their good Actions, and glorifie thcir Fæ-
ther in Heaven.
Next he proceeded to condemn the wretched Gloſſes and Interpretations
17-48. which the Jews had made on the moral Law, firſt ſolemnly declaring,
That he came not to deſtroy, but to accompliſh the Law in the utmoſt Extent ;
and that Heaven and Earth ſhould ſooner be diſſolv’d, than one Tiitle of
the Law loſe its Force. Therefore whoever violated the leaſt moral Pre-
cept, and taught others the ſame Do&trine, ſhou'd be as little in the Efteen of
Heaven; but whoever obſerv'd thoſe Precepts and taught them to others, ford
be
great in the Eſteem of Heaven. And ſince the Scribes and Phariſees had
introduc'd ſuch Corruptions in the Law, except Mens Righteouſneſs exceeded
theirs, they ſhould never enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Then proceeding
to the Laws themſelves, he expounded the true Meaning of ſeveral of
them, which had been ſo corrupted by human Traditions, that they
were not underſtood: As 1. The Law againſt Murther, which, as they ſaid,
made only the Actor liable to the Judgment of Death by the Sword. But
he declar'd, That this Law prohibited all Degrees of unjuſt Anger, of which
God's Puniſhment of the loweſt was anſwerable to their ordinary Puniſhment
I 2
of
Matth.5.
Luke 6.
27-36.
68
Book I.
Cent. I.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
2.
5
of Murther : That of the ſecond Degree, as calling a Man Raca, or Worth-
leſs Fellow, was anſwerable to the grand Sanhedrim's Judgment, Stoning :
And the higheſt Degree, as pronouncing a Man Fool, or rather Reprobate,
was anſwerable to their higheſt Puniſhment, the Fire in the Valley of Hinnom.
Therefore whoſoever brought his Offering to the Altar, and remember'd that he
had injur'd any Man, ought to go immediately and be reconcild to him, before
he preſund to offer it : And this out of Policy as well as Piety: For elſe be
mori'd be before God like a Bankrupt to his Creditor, who for Want of timely
Compoſition with him, ſhould be deliver'd over to the Judge and his Officers,
and ſo to Priſon ; from whence he shou'd never be freed, till he had com-
pleatly diſcharg‘d the Debt. The Law againſt Adultery, which, as they
thought, only prohibited the groſs Act : But he declar'd, That whoſoever
gazd on a Woman with a luſtful Defire, had actually committed Adultery with
ber before God. Therefore they ought to cut off all Occaſions of Sin', and
mortifie the Lufts of the Fleſh, thò they were as dear to them as a right Eye,
or é right Hand : For it was better to be depriv'd of thoſe Enjoyments here,
than to be depriv'd of all Enjoyments in Hell hereafter. Declaring farther, That
tho' they thought it lawful to put away their Wives, only upon exhibiting a
Bill of Divorcement; yet whoever did put away his Wife, except for the
Cauſe of Whoredom, caus’d her to be an Adultereſs
, and the Perſon who mar-
ryd her an Adulterer. 3. The Law againſt Perjury, which, as they inter-
preted it, only prohibited falſe Swearing : But he declar'd, That it prohibi-
ted all common Swearing, not only by the Creator, but alſo the Creature
as by Heaven, by Earth, by Jeruſalem, or by their own Head; for the
first was God's Throne, the ſecond his Footſtool, the third bis City,
and the laſt that over which Man had no Power : Terefore in con-
mon Converſation they ought to uſe nothing but plain Affirmations and De-
nials; for whatſoever exceeded thoſe, proceeded from evil Principles. 4. The
Law for puniſhing Offenders with an Eye for an Eye, a Tooth for a Tooth,
which, as they judg'd, allow'd all private and proportionable Revenge
But he commanded them to retaliate no private Injuries, and rather than re-
venge them, upon the receiving of one Blow, to take another; upon the Loss of
their Coat, to give up their Cloak alfo ; and upon their being preſsd for one
Mile, to go two; and ſuch ordinary Injuries : Always Shewing an extenſive
Charity and Readineſs to help ſuch as begg’d, and ſuch as wou'd borrow,
without exacting upon ſuch as had receivd their Goods, and dealing with
others as they expected from them. 5. The Law of loving our Neighbours,
to which they had fallly added, That they ſhould hate their Enemies : But
he declar'd, That they ought to love their Enemies, to do good to, to bleſs
and pray for thoſe very Perſons who hated and perſecuted them; that they
might be the true Sons of the God of Heaven, who diſpens'd his Bleſ-
ſings of Sun and Rain upon the Bad and Good, the Juſt and Unjuſt: But
if they lov’d, befriended, and did good only to their Friends and Bre-
thren, and ſuch as would return their Kindneſſes ; What Virtue and Re-
putation was that? How did they exceed the Publicans and Sinners ? There-
fore in their Bounty and Goodneſs, they ought to imitate their Father in
Heaven.
Our Lord having thus ſhewn the true Extent of ſeveral Precepts, pro- Mutoh,s
ceeded to explain and preſs three great Duties; 1. Alms, which were not to ?- 13.
be done in the Face of the World, like the hypocritical Phariſees, who pro-
claim'd theirs as it were with a Trumpet in the Synagogues and Streets, to gain
the Applauſes of the People; which was all the Reward they had : But if they
expe&ted a Reward from Heaven, their Alms muſt be ſo ſecret, that one Hand
Mou'd not know what was done by the other ; and their Father the Seer of all
Secrets, word reward them publickly. 2. Prayer, in which they were to avoid
the
Chap. IV.
69
TIBERIUS the 3. Rom. Emp. 1
Murrh.b.
1
the Cuſtom of the Phariſees, who affeated to pray openly in the Synagogues
and Corners of the Streets, to be gaz'd on: by the People, which was all the
Reward they had : But their. Prayers opght to be in their. Cloſets; and in
private 3 and particularly free from the vain Repetitions of the Pagans, who
imagind that a Multiplicity of Words causid them to be heard, but their
Father know their. Neceſſities before they asked him; therefore they should pray
after this Manner Our Father, who, art. in: Heaven! Thy Name be San-
Ctified: The Kingdom come i Thy Will be accompliſh d, on Earth as it is
« in Heaven. Give us this:Day our daily Bread: Aid forgive us our Treſ-
paſſes as we forgive our Trefpafferso. And lead us not into Temptation : But
deliver: 45 from Evil. For the Kingdom, and the: Power, and the Glory
are thine, for ever. Amen. As our Lord in this form imitated the
Jewiſh Form then in Ulej ſo lie intimates in the following Words, that
forgiving of Treſpaſſes was the principal Part of the Prayer ; namely, If
they forgave Meń their Treſpalle's, their heavenly Father would forgive theirs;
but if otherwiſe
, they were to expect no Forgiveneſs. 3. Faſting, in which they
were not to imitate the Pliarifees, who with iforre Countenances and disfigur'd
Faces shem'd it to the World:; inhich was all the Reward they had : But they
should adorn their Heads and Faces, in ſuch a Manner; as, their Faſțing's might
not appear to Mén; but to their Father whó": faw all Secrets, and would remard
them publickly.; "...!
After theſe Duties, he diſſuaded them from all covetous Inclinations,
19-34. adviſing them, Not to heape zip Treaſure on Earth, which was liable to Cox-
ruption and Robbers, but an incorruptible Treaſure in Heaven ; for. Mens Treas
Jure would draw their Hearts after it. And as the Eye was the Light and Di-
rector of the Body's So the Judgment was the "Eye of the Soul ; which if libe-
Fal, the whole word be illuminated ; if covetons, darkned, and that to the
higheft Degree: For they could not ferve two contrary Maſters, God and Riches
alſo. Therefore they onght not to be ſolicitous cither about their Food, or their
Raiment ; ſince it was eaſier to give Food than Life, and to procure Raiment
than to produce a Body. As for Food, they might obſerve the Birds of the Air,
who tho they took no Pains for it, yet they receiv'd it from the Bounty of
Heaven; and certainly They cou'd not want it, who were ſo much more valua-
ble than the Birds ; eſpecially ſince they depended ſo much upon Pravidence,
that they cou'd not add one Cubit to their. Stature. And as for Raiment,
they might conſider the Lillies in the Field, which without any Labour'
,
exceeded the Splendor and Glory of King Solomon himſelf
. And if God
thus cioath'd the momentary and fading Products of the Field; how much more
the nobler Parts of his Creation? Therefore they ought not to be ſolicitous about
the common Neceſſaries of this Life, which was the Pagans Concern; nor be
anxious about the following Day, for the Trouble of one Day was suf
ficient. But ſince their heavenly Father Sufficiently knew all their Wants,
if they firſt ſought the Kingdom of God, and his Righteouſneſs, all other
Bleſſings and Neceſſaries shou'd be given to them overplus.
After this he proceeded to ſeveral other Precepts and Inſtructions, as
I 1. To avoid all raſh Cenſures and Judgments, and be ready to fhem Acts of
37–46. Kindneſs and Forgiveneſs ; for they shou'd receive the ſame Meaſure which
they gave, and that with great Addition. Therefore they ſhou'd beware of ob-
ſerving the ſmall Faults of others, when they had greater themſelves ; nos
cou'd thay with any Countenance bid their Brother pull the Mote out of his Ey?,
when they had a Beam in their own. 2. Not to give holy Things to Dogs,
nor caft Pearls before Swine; left the latter trampled themi under their Feet,
and the Dogs turn d again and worry'd them. 3. To be inſtant and fervent
in Prayer; and then they shou'd not fail of Succeſs from their heavenly Fiz-
ther. For no earthly Parents wou'd give their Children Stones inſtead of Bread,
Mutth.7.
ز
77???
70
Cent. I. ECCLÉSIASTICAL HISTORY. Book I.
Hos Serpents inftead of Fift ; but tho” they were niggardly and baſe, knew how
to give them good Things ; much more their heavenly Father knew haid to be
bountiful to thoſe who faithfully ask'd him. Therefore for the more Certainty
of Succeſs, they ought to do the ſame to others, as they deſir'd others ſhou'd
do to them; whichi was the Sum of the Law and the Prophets. 4. To ſtrive
to enter in at the Strait Gate ; for the Gate was wide, and the Way Spacious,
that led to Deſtruction, and great Numbers paſs’d it; but the Gate was ſtrait,
and the Way narr.amo that led to eternal Life, and Small Numbers found it.
5. To beware of falfe Prophets, who were ravenous Wolves, tho’in Sheeps
Cloaths ; but their Furnits were the certain Way to diſcover them: For as Grapes
and Figs were known. not to proceed from Thorns and Thiſtles; so good Fruit
could not proceed from a corrupt Tree; nor yet corrupt Fruit from a good Tree :
But now every Tree. that bore not good Fruit, ſhould be hewn down and con-
Jumd in the Fire. Therefore not every one who cry'd Lord, Lord, shou'd en-
ter the Kingdom of Heaven, but ſuch as rightly perform’d the Will of Heaven.
For
many
in the laſt Day Mou'd cry to him, Lord, Lord, have we not pro-
phecy'd, ejected Devils, and wrought many. Miracles in thy Name? But be
wou'd declare to them, That he never knew them, but command them to depart
from him, as Workers of Iniquity.
Then he concluded his admirable Sermon with this important Exliorta- Mitth.7.
tion: Whoever hears theſe Diſcourſes of mine, and practically obſerves them, iukes:
shall be compard to a wiſe underſtanding Man, who laid a deep Foundation of47-49
his Houſe.upon a Rock; ſo that when great Rains, Floods and Storms beat vio-
lently upon it, it ſtood unmov’d; being so firmly founded : But every
Hearer
of theſe Diſcourſes, who do's not practiſe them, Mall be compar?d to an ignorant
fooliſ Perſon, who without a Foundation built his Houſe upon the Sand i so
that when the Rains, Flooding and Storms came upon it, it immediately fell
down, and the Fall of it was great and terrible. All this Sermon was deliver'd
with ſuch extraordinary Gravity, and Majeſty, that it caus'd the Amaze-
ment of the Multitudes : For, as St. Matthew obſerves, he taught them as
one having Authority, and not as their uſual Teachers, the Scribes.
Jeſusretions to Our Lord having given theſe wiſe and uſeful Inſtructions, return’d to Luke 7.
Capernaum, his own City Capernaum, where was a Centurion, a Roman Officer and Matth.8.
Centurion's Captain of a hundred Men; who hearing of his Fame, ſent ſome of the 5--13.
chief of the City to him, humbly begging of him, to come and cure his
Servant, who was very dear to him, and juſt at the Point of Death with a
Palfy. Theſe were very urgent with him, repreſenting not only the Dan-
ger of the Servant, but the Worth of the Maſter, who tho'a Gentile, and
but a Profelyte of the Gate, had ſo lov'd the Jewiſh Nation, that he had
built them a Synagogue. Whereupon Jesus repair'd with them towards the
Place; and in his Way was met by more Friends from the Centurion, who
with the profoundeſt Humility beg'd of him, not to give himſelf ſo much
trouble, for their Friend thought himſelf not worthy to receive him under his
Roof, or ſo much as to meet him in Perſon ; but if he pleas'd to speak the
Word, he'doubted not of its Power and Efficacy; ſince he himſelf, who was
brut a Subordinate Officer, and ſubject to the Commands of others, cou'd be ex-
actly obey'd by thoſe Soldiers under him, who were ready to come, go and run at
his Command. Jeſus was ſurpriz'd to find ſo much holy Confidence in
Pagan, and turning himſelf to his Followers, folemnly declared, That he
had not found so ſtrong a Faith, among the Iſraelites themſelves: Adding
withal, That many ſhould come from the fartheſt Part of the World, and
have a Place in the Kingdom of Heaven with the great Patriarchs Abraham,
Iſaac, and Jacob : While the Jews, the very Children of the Kingdom, ſhould
be excluded, and caſt into the Place of the utmoſt Darkneſs, Ontcries, and
Diſpair. To this extraordinary Faith Jefus added the Cure, telling them,
Servant.
it
Chap. IV.
71
TIBERIUS the 34 Rom. Emp.
Luke 7.
11 - 17.
+
Alats.it III.
2-6.
i.
it shou'd be according to the Centurion's Belief; and upon their Return, they
found the Servant in perfect Health.
The next Day Jeſus departed with his Diſciples from Capernaum, and in his He goes to
Journy enter'd Naim, a City of Galilee, not far from Nazareth, with great resim arides
Multitudes after him. At his Arrival at the City Gate, he was met by a sono
Funeral of a dead Corps, carry'd out upon a Bier, the only Son of a Wi-
dow, and follow'd by a numerous Attendance. The Sight of this poor
atHicted Widow mov'd the Compaſſion of our Lord, who bad her ceaſe
her Tears, and touching the Bier, and pronouncing theſe Words, Young
Man, I command thee to ariſe ; the dead Perſon reviv'd, ſat up, and ſpoke,
and was deliver'd found to his Mother. This was the firſt perſon that our
Saviour rais'u frein the Dead ; which was a Thing ſo wonderful and ſur-
prizing, that it caus'd a great Terror to the whole Multitude, who glo-
rifying God, declar'd, That a mighty Prophet was Sprung up among them, and
that God had viſited his People : And the Fame of it was ſpread through-
out the whole Country of Judæa, and the neighbouring Provinces.
Our Lord's Fame daily encreaſing, and John Baptiſt in Machærus John ſends to
izkez. Caſtle being inform’d of his great Miracles, after five Months Impriſonment, Jeſus,
18-23. he ſent two of his Diſciples to Jeſus, enquiring of him, whether he was really
the Meſſiah, or whether they were to expect another ? Deſigning by this the
full Confirmation of his Diſciples Faith; and perhaps not without ſome Ex-
pectation of being himſelf freed by his miraculous Power. Our Lord in-
îtead of giving a direct Anſwer to their Queſtion, wrought many Miracles
in their Preſence, and then order'd them to go and inform their Mafter what
His Anſwers
they had heard and feen; particularly, the Blind ſaw, the Lame walked, the
Lepers were cleans'd, the Deaf heard, the Dead were rais'd, and the Poor had
the Goſpel preach'd to them : Pronouncing a Bleſſing to all ſuch as were not
Seandaliz'd at his mean Condition in this World.
At the Departure of theſe Meſſengers, Jefus continu'd his Diſcourſe con- and Diſcourſe to
luks 7. cerning John to the Multitudes then preſent, demanding of them why they the People upon
that Occaſion
24-35. in ſuch Throngs went to the Deſert? Was it to ſee ſome little Trifle; or to
fee a Man adorn'd with all the Marks of Splendor and Delicacy; or rather to
ſee a Prophet? Adding withal, That he was more than a Prophet, being the
very Perſon foretold by the Prophets ; and there calld the Meſſenger of God
to prepare his Ways before him: Colemnly declaring, That there had not
been a greater Prophet born of a Woman than he ; yet the meaneſt cv.ingelical
Miniſter, in reſpect of the Clearnefs and Perfection of the Doctrine, exceeded
him. From the Beginning of his Preaching, the Kingdom of Heaven was
preſsd into, and as it were invaded by the ordinary Perſons and Publi-
cans, who receiv'd his Baptiſm; but the proud Scribes and Phariſees, who
pretended moſt Right to the Kingdom, nad rejected his Baptiſm and the
Counſel of God. All the Prophets and the Law did point out the Meſſiah tilt
John; but he did it more illuſtriouſly, and was the very Elias, who was to
come; therefore they ought to acknowledge him. And being deeply concern'd
for the Blindneſs and Hardneſs of their Hearts, he compar'd them to thoſe
ſtubborn and perverſe Children, who playing in the Market, wou'd not anſwer
their Companions either when they pip d merrily, or ſung mournfully to them.
For when John appear'd with great Auſterities, they declar'd him Mad and
Poſleſs'd ; but when he himſelf came with a more open and free Converſation,
they pronounc'd him a Glutton and a Sot, and a Friend to Publicans and
Villains : But the Wiſdom of God wou'd be juſtify'd by her genuine Offspring.
From thence he took Occaſion to upbraid the Obſtinacy and Impenitency
of ſeveral Cities where he had wrought Miracles; particularly denouncing
Woes againſt Chorazin and Bethſaida, more eſpecially his proud City Caper-
naum,
M1.01.11
7-30.
72
Cent. I. ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. Book I.
He dines with
35-50,
Feet.
declaring, That if the Pagan Cities, Tyre and Sidon bad ſeen the Miracles
naun, which from its Exaltation to Heaven, flou'd be brought down to Hell;
that were ſeen in Chorazin and Bethſaida, they wou'd have repented even in
Sackcloth and Aſhes : And if that abominable Place Sodom had ſeen the Mi-
racles that were wrought in Capernaum, it wou'd have ſtood till that Day.
Therefore in the dreadful Day of Judgment, it shou'd be more tolerable for
Tyre and Sidon, and even for Sodom it ſelf, than for thoſe impenitent Ci-
ties. But ſince theſe Things were myſterious, he celebrated the Name of
his Father, the Lord of Heaven and Earth; whoſe good Pleaſure it was to
conceal the Goſpel-Salvation from the Worldly-Wiſe, and reveal it to unexpe-
rienc'd Infants : Declaring, That the Father had deliver'd all Things into
his Hands; who only knew the Son throughly: Nor cou'd any Man know the
Father beſides the Son, and he to whom the Son should reveal him. Con-
cluding his Diſcourſe with theſe comfortable Expreſſions, Come to me, all
you who labour under the Burt hen of your Sins, and I will give you Reſt :
Take my roke upon you, and be taught by me, who an meek and humble
Spirited, and
your
Souls ſhall find Refreſhment: For my Yoke is pleaſant, and
my
Burthen light. Alluding, as ſome think, to his former Trade of making
Yokes and Ploughs.
Upon finiſhing his Diſcourſe, a certain Phariſee calld Simon, out of Cu- Luke 7.
Simon the Pha- rioſity, deſired him to dine with him, which was readily granted. At the
Mary Magda- Table, a Woman of infamous Life, call’d Mary Magdalene, out of whom
len anoints his he had ejected ſeven inipure Spirits, came trembling behind him, and with
a Flood of Tears waſh'd his Feet, wiped them with the Hair of her Head,
kiſſed them, and anointed them with a moſt precious Ointment. Which
Familiarity was a great Offence to the Maſter of the Houſe, who immediately
concluded within himſelf, That if Jeſus had been a Prophet, he wou'd have known
her to have been a lewd Woman, and not have permitted her to touch him. But fe-
ſus knowing his Thoughts, and to rectifie his miſtaken Notions, propos’d to
him an Example of a certain Creditor, who had two Debtors, one owing him
ten times as much as the other ; but finding them unable to pay, he frankly
forgave both their Debts: Demanding of this Phariſee, Which of the two wou'd
have the greateſt Love for his Creditor Simon anſwer'd him, He Suppos’d the
greateſt Debtor. Which Anſwer being approv'd of by Jeſus, he thus inade the
Application. At
my
Entrance into your Houſe you gave me no Water for my
Feet, nor no Kiſs, nor no Oil for my Head, according to the Cuſtoms of Hospi-
but this Woman has exceeded even thoſe Cuſtoms, us'd her Tears in-
ſtead of Water, beſtow'd ber Kiſs upon my very Feet, and anointed them with
rich Odors : Therefore her Love was great, becauſe her Sins that were forgiven
her were great alſo ; but of thoſe who were leſs conſcious of their Sins, the Love
wou'd be proportionable. Upon which he declar'd to her, That her Sins
were forgiven her. The Gueſts at the Table were inwardly offended at his
pretending to forgive Sins; but our Lord contemning the private Murmu-
rings of this proud Generation, bad the Woman depart in Peace, for her
Faith had ſav'd her. It is very uncertain where this was tranſacted,
whether in Galilee or Judæa : Lightfoot thinks in the latter, and at Be-
thany near Jeruſalem : However we find him not long after in Galilee , I.nke s.
going through every City and Village, preaching the joyful Tidings of 1-3
the Kingdom of God, being accompany'd not only with his twelve Apo-
He is follow'd by ſtles, but alſo with many pious Women, particularly Mary Magdalene,
many Women. and Joanna, Wife to King Herod's Steward Chuza, with Suſanna, and ma-
ny others, who having been cured of ſeveral Diſeaſes, out of Grati-
tude attended him, aſſiſted him with their Purſes, and became part of his
lioly College.
tality;
.
After
Chap. IV.
73
TIBERIUS the 34 Rom. Emp.
M.ctt.12
and Denuncias
After a few Months Progreſs, our Lord return'd again to his own City
Muk"z. Capernaum, where in a ſhort Time fuch Multitudes of People repaired to
19-30. liin, that neither he nor his Diſciples cou'd find Time to eat; which,
when his Kindred heard, they went to reſcue him, fearing he might be
too much tranſported by his Miniſtry, and endanger'd by the Throng. At
the fame time he was preſented with a miſerable Spectacle, a poor Demo- He curés a
niack, depriv'd both of his Speech and Eye-Sight; but by his miraculous dumb and blinu
Power he foon reſtor’d him to both, to the great Aſtoniſhment of all the the Pharilees
People, who immediately cry'd out, Is not this the Son of David, or the blafplume,
Meíliah? But the proud Phariſees and Doctors of the Law, who came
from Jeruſalem, rather than acknowledge this Honour, moſt maliciouſly and
impioully aſcrib'd the Miracle to the Power of the Devil, and even to
Beelzebub the worſt of the Devils. Therefore our Lord, to vindicate him-
ſelf, firſt urg’d, That as every Kingdom, City or Houſe muſt fall to the Ground, His l'indication
if it be divided againſt it ſelf; ſo muſt Satan's Kingdom, if it was ſo far
tion agrirst
divided, as to lend Aſiſtance againſt it ſelf
, and one Devil to caſt out another. them,
Secondly, If he ejected Devils by Beelzebub, by whom did their own Exor-
ciſts pretend to do it? Therefore they were ſufficient to condemn their
ungroun-
ded Milice. But thirdly, Šince he did it by a Divine Power, it was evident
that the Kingdom of God or the Meſſiah was come among them : Or elſe how
cou'd Satan be thus maſter'd and Spoild, but by one ſtronger than himſelf?
A:rd that he was an Enemy to Satan, their own Proverb teſtify'd, viz. He who
was not for a man was againſt hini. After this, he ſhew'd them the fatal
Danger of their Malice, folemnly declaring, That all ather Sins and Blaf-
phemies were of a pardonable Nature, but the Blaſphemy againſt the Holy-Ghoſt
was otherwiſe. That the Calumnies and Reflections that were made againſt his
Perfon, were pardonable upon Repentance; but their blafpheming the Holy
Ghoſt, the clear Light of that Power by which he wrought his Miracles, Shoud
never be pardon'd, neither in this World, nor by Death it ſelf; which; as
they imagin’d, atton'd for all Blasphemies. But ſince every good or bad Tree
ivis known by its Fruit, it was not to be expected that ſuch a venomous Ge-
neration ſhou'd utter any Thing that was good; for what Men Spoke proceeded
from the Plenitude or Repoſitory of the Heart ; and as that Treaſure was good or
evil, ſo were their Words. Declaring farther, That Men ſhou'd give an Account
at the Day of Judgment, for every evil Word they ſpoke; and that their Words
Mou'd either clear or condemn them.
Notwithſtanding the Scribes and Phariſees had ſufficient Means of Con-
viction from our Saviour's Miracles; yet after this tliey impudently deman-
mark? ded of him ſome new Sign or Miracle to evidence his Million. But Jeſus and againſt the
pronounc'd them an impious and illegitimate Generation, and they ſhou'd have Nation of the
no Sign for their Conviction, but only one for their Condemnation ; namely that
of Jonas, whoſe Deliverance from the IVhale's Belly, after three Days Confine-
ment, was an eminent Type of his Reſurrection, afier as long a Continuince in
the Bowels of the Earth. And the Inhabitants of Nineveh, a Pagan City,
and alſo the Queen of Sheba, ſhou'd riſe up in Judgment againſt this Genera-
tion, and condemn it for the former repented at the Preaching of Jonas, and
the latter took a vaſt Journy to partake of the Benefit of Solomon's Wiſdom; but
They refus'd to hearken to one far greater than either Jonas or Solomon. There-
fore it ſhou'd be with theſe impious People, as with a Man diſpoſſeſs’d of an im-
pure Demon, who having been cleansid and reformd, receives him again with
Seven other Spirits more wicked than the firſt, and so makes his Condition
more wretched and deplorable than ever: Intimating and foretelling the dread-
ilil Apoſtacies, as well as Corruptions of the Jewiſh Nation. In theſe Dif-
courſes he was interrupted by ſome who told him, That his Mother and Ilis Mother&c.
bis Kindred were withont, defiring to Speak with him, but he being diſſatisfy'd defire to speak
K
with
Mett.12
38-50.
Luke 8.
13.21.
with hiin,
74
Book I.
Cent. I.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
1
1-9.
Mark 4.
Luke 8.
Serinon,
ly, and
away: That which
or-
with their unſeaſonable Preſſing, to ſhew that thoſe Relations were leſs than
the Tyes of Duty and Religion, firſt ask'd, Who were his Mother and his
Kindred? And then pointing to his Diſciples, he declar'd, That they were
his trueſt Relations, who heard the Word of God and practis'd it.
The ſame Day our Lord left the Houſe, and for the greater Conveniency Matt.13
repaired to the Sea Shore ; where being follow'd by the ſame Multitudes,
to avoid the Throngs he enter'd a Veſlel, and taught them from thence. :?
His Preaching was now different from his former Way, yet very uſual among +-8.
the Jewiſh Nation, which was by way of Parables or obſcure Similitudes,
under which were hid myſterious Truths, bright enough to ſhew the Peo-
ples Infidelity, tho' not to diſpel their Ægyptian Darkneſs, which they
His Parabolical had contracted by their habitual Obſtinacy. 1. The Kingdom of Heaven
was like a Sower of Corn, who ſcattering his Seed on ſeveral Sorts of Grounds,
That which fell on the Path-Way, was devour'd by the Birds: That which fell
among ſtony Places, for want of Mould and Depth of Earth Sprung up ſudden-
upon
the San's Approach was ſcorch'd and wither'd
fell among Thorrs, was ſtifled by them; and that which fell upon good Ground,
brought forih Fruit in Abundance, according to its Nature. 2. The Kingdom Mitt.13
of Heaven was like a Man who fowed good Seed in his Field, but afterwards 24-34.
diſcover'd it to be mix'd with Tares, or Darnel, which his Enemy had ſomn
in the Night; and tho his Servants when they ſaw it deſired to weed it up,
yet he wou'd not permit it, left the Corn shou'd be endanger'd by it, but
derd that both hond grow up together till Harveſt; and then the Reapers fhou'd
bind the Darnel in Bundles to be burnt, and gather the Wheat into his Barn.
3. The Kingdom of Heaven was like a Grain of Muſtard Seed ſown in a Field,
which was the fmalleſt of all Seeds, yet when grown up, it was the largeſt of
Herbs; and became a Tree Sufficient for the Birds of the Air to lodge in its
Branches. 4. The Kingdom of Heaven was like a little Leaven, which being
put into a large Quantity of Meal, it leaven'd the whole Maſs. Theſe and
many other. Things did our Lord deliver to the Multitude, exciting
their Attention, all in Parables, and nothing without ; accompliſhing,
as St. Matthew obſerves, the Words of the Pfalmiſt;
“ Month in Parables, and publiſha Secrets which were so from the Creation of
" the World.
Upon our Lord's Retirement from the Multitudes, his Diſciples defir'd Matt.13
to be inform'd wlay lie deliver'd himſelf to the People in Parables and Si- Mark A.
And Explana- militudes : He told them, That to them it was given to know the Miſteries of lakes
Heaven, but it was not to those obftinate People ; for whoſoever improv'd what 8-ig.
he had, ſhou'd receive in abrindance; but he who did not so shou'd loſe all.
Therefore he spoke to them in obfcure Parables, becauſe they saw and did not
perceive, heard and wou'd not underſtand; therein verifying Iſaiah's Words,
“ You ſhall bear with
your Ears and not underſtand, and fee with your Eyes
“ and not perceive : For the Hearts of this people are grown ftupid, their Ears
deafned, and their Eyes clos'd; left their Eyes fron’d direct them, their
“ Ears teach them, their Hearts inſtrucĚ them, and convert them, and I fou'd
“ beal them. But Their Eyes and Ears were bleſſed, for They both ſaw and
heard, and had the Happinefs of hearing and ſeeing what many great Prophets
and holy Men earneſtly long'd for without obtaining. Then he thus explain'd to
them the Parable of the Sower : The Seed is the Word of God, and that
which fell on the Path-Way, relates to him who hears the Word, but for want
of dne Attention, Sátan comes and catches what was ſown in his Heart. That
which fell among ftony Places, relates to him who hears the Word, and im-
mediately receives it with Joy; but for want of Root, continues but for a
Time, being diſcouragʻd by the firſt Afli&tions and Perfecutions that ariſe upon
its Acconnt. That "foron among Thorns relates to him, who after hearing the
Word,
I will open my
tion,
co
Chap. IV.
75
TIBERIUS the 34 Rom. Emp.
Alut.13
Word, is incumber’d with the Cures and Pleaſures of the World, and the De-
ceitfulneſs of Riches, which ſtijle it, and render it. fruitleſs. But that ſowon
in good Ground relates to him who hears the Word with Patience, and with
an honeſt and good Heart, producing Fruit according to the almoſt of his Abi-
iilies. It is not nfual, added he, for People to light up a Candle and put it un-
cier a Buſhel, but in a Place where it is moſt beneficial ; So no advantageous
Secret shoid lie hid, but ſhor'd come abroad, and be made manifeſt
. They ought
therefore to take care how and what they heard ; for the Improver ſhou'd receive
great Advantage, but the other loſe all. And it was in the Kingdom of Hea-
ven juſt as with a Man, who having once foron bis Seed, it grew up gradually
he knew not how ; firſt the Blade, then the Ear, and then the full Corn, till
it was fit for the Sickle.
Upon this, his Diſciples alſo deſir’d him to explain to them the Parable of
76-52: the Darnel in the field, which he did in theſe Words: The Sower of the good
Seed is the Son of God, the Field is the World, the good Seed the Children of
the Kingdom, the Darnel the Children of Darkneſs, the Enemy ſowing it the
Devil, the Harveſt the End of the World, and the Reqpers the Angels. There-
fore as the Darnel is gather'd up, and burnt in the Fire ; So at the End of the
World ſhall the Son of God ſend his Angels and gather out all wicked Offen-
ders, and caſt them into a fiery Furnace of Lamentations and Despair : . While
the Righteous ſhall be glorious as the Sun in the Kingdom of their Father.
After this he added three other Parables, 1. The Kingdom of Heaven was
like a vaſt Treaſure hid in a Field, which being found by á Man, ibe conceald
it, and for Joy of the Diſcovery, ſold all he was worth, topurchaſe that Field.
2. It was like e Merchant, trading for rich Pearls, who finding one of extra-
ordinary Value; ſold all his other Stock, and bought that. 3. It was like:
remarkable Net catching all kinds of Fiſh; which, being full, and drawn a Shore,
the good were gather'd inta Vefſels, and the bad caſt away. Juſt: So it ſhou'd
be at the End of the World, when the Angels soovid.comie forth, and ſeparate
the Wicked from among the Juſt, and caſt them into a: fiery Furnace of Lamenta-
tions and Deſpair. Laſt of all he ask'd them, I'hether they underſtood all
theſe Things, and upon their anſwering in the Affirmative, he told them,
That every Goſpel-Teacher ought to, reſemble a well-furniſh'd Houſe-Keeper, who
brings all things out of his Repoſitory, both old and new, according to the Occa-
fions of his Gueſts.
IV. Our Bleffed Saviour continu'd but a ſhort Time in Capernaum, be-
18-22. fore he reſolv'd to croſs the Lake; or Sea of Galileas into the Dominions
Bytheon of Philip the Tetrarch, and order'd his Diſciples to prepare a Veffel: accor-
dingly, it being now about our Michaelmas time. As he was ready to take His Anſwer to a
Shipping, a certain Scribe, hoping to gain ſome great Advantage or Repu- Scribe, and two
tation, came to him, and told him, That he was ready to follom him whither you follow hin.
ſoever he went. But Jefus foon gave him a Check by letting him know,
That he was to expect no temporal Profit from him, who wanted even the Con-
veniences of Foxes and Birds, who had their Holes and their Neſts, while he
had no Place to lay his Head. But tho' he rejected the proud Scribe, he treated
one of his Diſciples after another Manner, commanding him to follow him
but this Diſciple deſiring Leave to bury, a dead Father firſt, he made anſwer,
Let the Dead, thoſe who ſeek no Immortality, bury their Deads but do you go and
preach the Kingdom of God. To theſe St. Luke adds a third Perſon, who being
deſirous to follow Chriſt, begg’d to go and bid tliem firft.Adiep that were of
his Family, and diſpoſe of his Goods; but Jeſus Ict him know, That whofoever
laid his Hand to the Plough, and look'd back, was unfit for
the Kingdom of God.
Intimating, that as a Plough-Man cannot fook back without damaging his
Work; ſo a Follower of Chriſt cannot look back without hazarding his Sal-
vation.
About
i
Mutth.3.
2
$
K2
76 Cent. I.
Book I.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
ges 4 Storm
He ayrives at
28-34-
Markso
He takes Ship About the Evening Jeſus embark'd for the other Shore, with his Diſci- Mattb.8,
ping, and afqua- ples, who had
ſent away the Multitudes; but there being ſeveral other ſmall murah
Ships in the Port, part of them made uſe of them, and accompany'd him. 36-41
Being under Sail, and weary'd with his Day's Service, or to try the Faith of 22-25.
his Diſciples, he retired himſelf to the Stern of the Ship, and fell aſleep.
At which Time there aroſe a moſt terrible Storm, ſo violent and impetuous,
that the whole Ship was almoſt ſwallow'd with the Waves, and the Men in the
moſt imminent Danger. Whereupon his Diſciples in a great Confternation a-
woke him, and with a diſmal Outcry call'd, Lord, ſave us, or we periſh!
Then blaming them for their Fears, and the Weakneſs of their Faith, he
aroſe, and rebuk'd the Storm, and commanded the Waters to be ſtill. Im-
mediately the Elements obey'd the Words of their Creator, and there was
a great Calm, and no leſs Wonder and reverential Dread from his Diſci-
ples, and thoſe in the other Ships, who were Partakers both of the Danger
and Deliverance. And this being the firſt Miracle they had ſeen of this
Kind, and having ſomething in it very ſurprizing and aſtoniſhing, they cry'd
out, What ſort of Man is this, to whom the very Winds and Seas are obe-
dient !
Our Lord, the next Morning landed on the Eaſt Side of the Lake, in Mattb.3.
the Gadarenes Philip's Dominions,
and the Province of Traconitis, in that Part of it call’d
the Country of the Gadarenes or Gergeſenes, the Relicts of one of the old Cana-1:20
anitiſh Nations; a Country inhabited partly by Jews and partly by Gentiles. 25-59
Upon his firſt Arrival, two poſſeſſed Men grivouſly diſtracted, with ſome
torn Rags about tliem, came running towards him, and fell at his Feet and
adored him. Both were hideous Spectacles, but one much fiercer than the
other, being only remember'd by St. Mark and St. Luke, who Day and
Night made diſmal Outcrys, and cut his Fleſh with ſharp Stones; and tho’
he had often been loaden with Fetters and Chains, he as often broke them
in Pieces, ranging with his Companion among the Rocks and Tombs, and
ſo furious and outrageous, that no Travellor durſt paſs that Way, Upon
their Approach to Jeſus, the Devils who ſpoke by their Mouths, cry'd
out, That he was the Son of the moſt high God, fearing that he came to torment
them before their Time. Our Lord ask'd the moſt furious Man, what was
his Name; who anſwer'd him Legion, becauſe ſuch a Multitude of Devils
had poſſeſs'd him: And ſince it is one of the greateſt Torments for theſe
infernal Spirits to be reſtrain d from doing Miſchief to Men, they earneſtly
Where he cures implor'd him, if be caſt them out of the poffeſs’d Perſons, not to ſend them in-
to the Abyfs, but to permit them to enter into an Herd of Swine feeding upon
niacks, and per-
mits theDevils the Mountains not far off, probably for the uſe of the Roman Gariſons and
to enter a Herd Foreigners. Jeſus, partly to fhew his own Authority and the Greatneſs of
the Deliverance, and partly to try the Faith of the Gadarenes, and par-
haps to puniſh the Owners for their contempt of the Law, readily permit-
ted them to enter the Swine, which was accompany'd with ſurprizing Ef-
fects for the whole Herd ran furioufly upon the Rocks, and caſt them-
felves head-long into the Lake, where no leſs than two thouſand were
drowned and utterly loſt. The Devils immédiately betray'd their malicious
Deſigns of preventing the Gadarenes Converſion: For the Keepers of the
Swine immediately fled, and in a great Fright reported this ſtrange Accident in
the City Gadara, and the neighbouring Places; which brought great Multi-
tudes to the Place, where they found the Man who was freed from the Legion
of Devils, fitting at the Feet of Jefus, cloath'd, and perfectly found in Mind,
to their great
Fear and Amazement. And the whole City of Gadara, which
confiſted of Jews, Greeks and Syrians, went out to meet Feſtes, looking up-
on him with a ſtrange kind of Terror : For tho' they had a great Venera-
tion for him who had fo much Power over the Devils, yet they fcard the
Mai
two Demo-
of Swine.
i
Chap. IV.
77
TIBERIUS tbe 3. Kon. Emp.
1-17.
Man who had driven their Swine into the Sex; and therefore, either think-The Gadarenes
ing themſelves unworthy of his Preſence, or fearing farther Damages, tliey leave their
be/eech in ts
befought him to depart out of their Country. The Man who had receiv'd Country-
the greateſt Deliverance was ſo ſenGble of the great Mercy of God, that
he begg'd of Jeſus to ſuffer himn to go along with him but he order'd
laim to return to his Houſe and his Friends, and to dulare and publiſh what
wonderful Things the Lord had done for him; which he did in many Pla-
ces to the Wonder of all Men. By following Chriſt, he wou'd only have
benefitted himſelf; but by publiſhing this Miracle to others, he might be a
Means to cauſe them to believe in the Meſſiah.
R1etth.g. Our Lord embarking again, croſs'd the Lakc, and return’d to his own
Merk 2. City Capernaum, where the People were ready to receive him with great
Kukes: Joy and Satisfaction. And at the ſame Time, or ſhortly after, his Apoſtle Mariew's
29-53. Matthew made a great Feaſt for him; and among the Diſciples were alſo many fuss's Discount.com
of his former Profeſſion, Publicans, and ſeveral others of no ſtrict Life and upon it.
Manners. The Sight of which mix'd Company was a great Offence to the
nice Scribes and Phariſees, who murmur'd extremely, and demanded of the
Diſciples, Why their Mafter wou'd offer to eat and drink with ſuch Scanda-
lous Perſons as Publicans and Sinners? But Jeſus foon let them know, That
as the Healthful needed no Phyſician, so he came not to aſſiſt fuch, but Sinner's
who needed his Help : Therefore they ought to learn the Meaning of Hoſea's
Words, I chuſe Mercy before Sacrifice, and they wou'd ſoon know that Cha-
rity towards Mens Souls was preferable to Sacrifice and Ceremonies. Being
filenc'd by theſe Words, they join'd with ſome of John's Diſciples then pre-
fent, and maliciouſly demanded of him, Why his Diſciples obſerv’d no Faſts,
when they themſelves and the Diſciples of John obferv'd many? Whereupon
our Lord told them, That it was not to be expected that the Special Friends
of the Bridegroom shou'd faſt and afflict themſelves, while they had his Com-
pany; but the Time ſhou'd come when the Bridegroom ſhou'd be remov'd, and
then they ſbou'd have Reaſon to faſt and mourn. Beſides it wou'd be dis pre-
pofterous to impoſe rigorous Auſterities upon his Diſciples, who were but No-
vices in Religion, as to few a new piece of rough Cloth upon a rotten Garment,
which tears it in pieces ; or to put new Wine into old IVine-Bags, which
breaks the Bags and deſtroys the Liquor. Adding farther, That ſuch as
had been long u'd to old Wine, cou'd not be immediately brought to drink
This Diſcourfe and Apology of our Lord's was interrupted by the coin-
Merk's. ing in of Jairus, the chief Ruler of the Synagogue, who with the greateſt
22:34
. Marks of Sorrow fell proftrate at his Feet, humbly begging of him to come
41 -48. to his Houſe and lay his Hands upon an only Daughter of bis, about twelve
Years of Age, and juſt ready to expire ; but his Prefence wou'd certainly recover
her. Jefus being ready to affiſt all Believers and afflicted Perſons, without
Delay follow'd liim, being accompany'd with his Diſciples, and great
Throngs of people, who preſs’d forwards to be Spectators of the Cure:
Among whom was a certain Woman who was tormented with an unnatu-
ral Flux of Blood for twelve Years together, and had fpent' het whole
ofir bloody Fluir,
Eſtate upon Phyficians, but without any Relief; yet ſo ſtrong and noble
was her Faith, that ſhe was certain of a Cure if ſhe cou'd get to touch
but the Hem of his Garment: Which ſhe did, and found her ſelf per-
fectly found. Jeſus, to whom Secrecy it ſelf was open and known, imme-
diately turn'd himſelf about in the Throng, and demanded who touch'd Bima ?
On the other ſide Peter admir'd at this Queſtion, when he was prefs d' and
crowded by the Multitudes; bur Jefies perfiſted in the Enquiry, declaring;
That Yorre one had torch'd him, becaufe he perceii'd Virtue was gone out of
him, till the Woman with great Fear and Trembliog, becaurfe it was una
lawful
nem.
#
Matth.g.
AWoman heul'd
78 Cent. I. ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. Book 1
ز
23-26.
Mik 5.
lawful for unclean Perſons to touch others, diſcover'd before the People
both the Cauſe and miraculous Effects of her touching him. But our Lord
was ſo far from rebuking her that he call d her Daughter, applauded her
Faith, and attributed her Cure to the Strength of that. St. Ambroſe fup-
poſes this Woman to have been Martha, Silter to Lazarus ; but Euſebius
reports her to have been an Inhabitant of Ceſaræa Philippi, who out of
Gratitude erected a brazen Statue of our Lord before her Door, and ano-
ther of her own proſtrate at his Feet: But this and the reſt of the Story has
been often doubted.
During this Action, the Delay prov'd fatal to Jairus, as he imagin’d; for Math.g.
a Meſſage was brouglıt to him, That his Daughter was really dead, and it
was in vain to trouble Jeſus any fart her; conceiving, that tho' he cou'd cure 3:43.
Diſeaſes, yet none cou'd recover Life. But Jeſus ſtill bad Jairus fear no-4956
thing, if he did but believe, ſhe ſhou'd be reſtor’d: And approaching the Houſe,
they found the Muſicians and Mourners already come, who were deploring
her Death with mournful Tunes and loud Lainentations, according to the
Cuſtom of thoſe Times. Jeſus deſired them to ceaſe their funeral Ceremo-
nies, for the Girl was not dead, but only aſleep; but they derided him, know-
ing ſhe was dead, and not knowing, that with him there was no Difference
between Death and a common Sleep. Then chuſing only Peter, James
and John, a triumvirate which he generally us’d upon extraordinary Occa-
ſions; and taking alſo the Girl's Father and Mother, he diſmiſs'd the reſt
of the Company, and enter'd the Chamber where the Corps lay. And ta-
Jairus's Daugh- king her by the Hand, le commanded her to ariſe ; by which powerful
ter reſtor’d to Words he reſtor'd her to Life, and ſhe immediately roſe up, and walk'd
Life.
about the Room, to the exceeding Amazement of lier Parents, whom he
order'd to give her ſomething to eat. This was the ſecond Perſon whom
our Lord rais'd from the Dead; which ſtill encreas'd his Fame throughout
all the Land : Yet at the ſame Time he wrought it in Secret, and ſtriąly
commanded the Silence of her parents, and this either becauſe, Capernaum
had ſo much forfeited the Benefit of his Revelations, or becauſe he wou'd
not too much haften the Effects of the incurable Malice of the Scribes and
Phariſees.
Jeſus cures two Our Lord returning from the Houſe of Jairus, was follow'd in tlie Streets
Mitth.g,
by two poor bļind Men, who cry'd after him, O Son of David, have Mer: 27***
cy on us! a true Acknowledgment of his Perſon. Jefies ſeem’d to take no
Notice of them till he enter'd his Houſe ; but the Men following him
thither, becauſe of the great Infidelity of the City, he firſt demanded, of
them, Whether they believ'd he was able to reſtore theirt Sight?. Upon their
anſwering in the Affirmative, and calling him Lord, he touch'd their Eyes,
ſaying, Be it according to your Faith; and their Eyes were immediately open'd.
And tho’he ſtrictly charg'd them to conceal the Miracle, yet theſe over-joy'd
Perſonis cou'd not contain themſelves from ſpreading it in all Parts. After
the blind Men were gone, the People brought to him a dumb. Man
Demoniack. poſſeſs’d with a Demon ; which being caſt out by our Lord, the Per-
fon, immediately recover'd his Speech, to the great Aſtoniſhment of the
Multitudes, who cry'd out, ſuch. Things were never ſeen in Iſrael! But the
Phariſees, perſiſting in their old Malice and unpardonable Blaſphemy; de-
clar'd as formerly, That he ejected, Devils by the Help of Beelzebub their
Prince.
Our Lord having made no long Stay in Capernaum, departed with Iris Matti
Time to Naza. Diſciples to ſome other Places in Galilee; and tho? about a Year before, with
he had been impiouſly and barbarouſly treated by his own City Nazareth,
yet he thought fit to offer them Mercy once again. And on a Sabbath Day
he enter'd their Synagogue, and taught the Inhabitants; who tho'they were
blind Men.
And a dumb
.رز
reth,
I..
il!
Chap. IV.
9 g
TIBERIUS the 3. Rom. Emp.
1
Tacitus.
Dion.
all aſtoniſh'd at his Abilities, were yet ſcandaliz'd at his Perſon, crying out,
From whence has this Man theſe extraordinary Faculties, and theſe wonderful
Endovoments? Is not this the Carpenter, the Son of Joſeph and Mary, the
Kinſman of James and Joſes, Simon and Jude? And do not we know all his
Kindred and Relations Then how comes he by ſuch Wiſdom and Knowledge?
And they were exceedingly offended at him. But Jeſus inform’d then, Ikere he w
That a Prophet never wanted Honour, but in his own Country, among his own Kin-flixisted:
dred, and in his own Houſe
. And being ſurpriz'd and deeply concern'd for
their great Infidelity, he refus'd to work any Miracle there, but only the
Cure of a few ſick Perſons, leaving them to the Judgment of their impe-
nitent Hearts.
This concluded the ſecond Year of our Saviour's publick Miniſtry ; in
which Year the City of Rome ſuffer'd much from the wicked Policy of the
Emperor Tiberius, and the ſubtle Deſigns of his greatFavourite Sejanus. The
Emperor had formerly been freed from his ſuppos'd Rival Germanicus, and
in the Year when he ſent Pilate into Judæa, by the crafty Inſinuations of
Sejanus, he retir’d wholly from Rome, and abandon'd himſelf to all the
Miſchiefs that attend Jealouſie and Cruelty, as well as Luſt and Debauche-
ry; which occaſion'd Sejanus to attempt both his Life and Empire ; but
lie was preverited and puniſh'd with the Death of himſelf and Family, ini Sejanus exeiu:
the ſame Year of which we are treating. His Death rather encreas'd the ted, and the
Emperor's jealous Temper ; but as Philo obſerves, he ſoon underſtood that Jews eas'él.
the Crimes which Sejanus had laid to the Jews Charge, were feign'd by him-
ſelf; and therefore he commanded the Governors of all Provinces, that in
every Town they ſhou'd ſpare that Nation, except a very few who were
guilty of great Crimes 3 and that they ſhou'd alter none of their Cuſtoms,
but ſhou'd look upon thoſe people as Lovers of Peace, and their Cuſtoms
as conducing to the publick Tranquillity. So that the Jews were generally
unmoleſted in this Emperor's latter Days; and Tacitus obſerves that in Judéa
they had a long Peace under Tiberiusz that is, they had no ſuch publick Sex
ditions as cou'd give any great Diſturbance to the Roman State. Which
we ought to conſider as one great Reaſon why among the Romari
Writers there is ſo remarkable à Silence of our Saviour's Actions: For
they ſcarce ever publiſh'd any thing of Foreign countries, but whers
they themſelves were concern'd, or where it tended to their particular Ho-
nour and Fame.
18
6.
ig
jefus reviſits
Galilee.
The third Year of Chriſt's publick Miniſtry.
Martin V. The Beginning of our Saviour's third Year of his publick Mi A.D.32.
nieks. niſtry was with a general Viſitation of Galilee, and his repairing to moſt of Tiber.
the Citys and Villages of that Province, teaching in the publick Synagogues
preaching the Goſpel, and curing all kinds of Diſeaſes and Diſtempers among
the People. But at length obſerving the numerous Multitudes and Throngs
of People he was mov'd with a generous Pity and Compaſſion towards them,
as being like ſo many Sheep languiſhing and diſpers’d for want of Shepherds
to take care of them. Upon which Account he ſorrowfully told his Dif-
ciples, That there was a plentiful Goſpel-Harveſt, but a Scarcity of Reapers :
Therefore they shou'd fupplicate the Lord of the Harveſt, to ſend Reapers into
his Field.
For this Reaſon our Lord thought fit to ſend forth his twelve Apoſtles,
Matt 10. to preach the Goſpel, and to work Miracles like himſelf, after they had tie itiffion of
Markis been a conſiderable Time Learners and Hearers, and about eight Months the twelve Apo-
after their ſolenn Electioni.'' He ſeni tliem out by Two and Two together, (trustions to
and theme
7. 11.
luke 9.
5.
80
Book I.
Cent. I
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY,
16 - 42
and probably as St. Matthew joyns them; namely, Peter and his Brother
Andiew, James and his Brother John, Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas and
Matthew, James and his Brother Jude, and Simon and Judas Iſcariot. And
that they might eſpecially depend upon his Protection, hé commanded
them Not to incumber themſelves in their fourny with any Kind of Mony
or Proviſion-Bags, nor with Multiplicity of Cloaths, Shoes or Staves for De-
fence : for as they deſervd, ſo they might expect a Subſiſtance from thoſe to
whom they preach'd. Next they ſhou'd preach“ That the Kingdom of Heaven
or the Meſſiah was at hand; to which they were to add all kinds of Mira-
cles, as curing the Sick, cleanſing the Lepers, raiſing the Dead, and ejecting De-
vils; diſpenſing thoſe Gifts as freely as they receiv'd them : But ſtill they were
to avoid going either to the Gentiles or Saniaritans. That in whatſoever City
or Town they enter'd, they ſhould inquire after the moſt worthy Perſon, and to
avoid Levity, continue there till they left the Place. And in every Houſe they
enter’d, they ſhou'd offer Peace to it by the Gospel; which if qualify’dhi Shou'd
receive the Bletſing; but if otherwiſe, it ſhou'd return to them again. If any re-
firs’d to hearken to them, and rejected them, they at their Departure ſhou'd ſhake
off the Duſt of their Feet, for a Teſtimony againſt their Infidelity; ſolemnly
affiring them. That it ſhould be more tolerable for the Inhabitants of Sodom
and Gomorrah in the Day of Judgment than for that people.
Our Lord next proceeded to let them know the Conſequences of their Matt.10
Miniſtry, eſpecially after his leaving the World, That they were not to ex-
pect Honors, Riches or temporal Advantages; but on the contrary, were
ſent into the World like Sheep amidſt ravenous Wolves ; which ought to teach
them the Waryneſs of Serpents, as well as Innocence of Doves : For they ſhou'd
be deliver'd up to the Jewiſh Conſiſtories, Scourg'd in their Synagogues, and
afterwards brought before foreign Governors and Potentates for his Sake, to
be Witneſſes to both Jew and Gentile. That when they were thus deliver'd
up, they ſhou'd not be Solicitous about what Anſwer to make ; for in the ſame
Moment their Anſwer ſhou'd be given them from above, and by the Impulſe
of their Father's Spirit within them. That they Mou'd be hated by all Men
for his Sake ; and ſuch Heat's ſhou'd be rais'd, that Fathers and Children, and
Brothers and Relations ſhou'd perſecute each other to Death; but ſuch as per-
Sever'd to the laſt, ſhou'd eſcape: Next he advis'd them in theſe Times of Per-
ſecution, to fly from one City to another; and that the Son of Man Shoud come
to bring Vengeance upon the Nation before they had gone through all the Ci-
ties of Iſrael. And ſince the Jews had blafphemouſly calld him Beelzebub, it
was not to be expected that his Diſciples, who were not above their Maſter,
Mou'd meet with a better Treatment. Therefore they ought to be courageous,
and
fearleſly bring the Secret Truths of the Gospel to Light, and proclaim them
as it mere from the Houſe Tops : Not regarding them who cou'd kill the Body,
and not the Soul; but only him who was able to deſtroy both Body and Soul in
the eternal Flames of Hell. That God's Providence extended to the Sparrows,
which were of ſo ſmall a Price, and to the very Hairs of their Heads; and
therefore certainly much rather to them, who were more valuable than a Multitude
of Sparrows: Therefore whoſoever ſhou'd acknowledge him before Men, he won'd
acknowledge that Perſon before his Father in Heaven ; but whoſoever deny'd
him before Men, ſhou'd meet with the Same Treatment from Heaven. Then
be let them underſtand, That the firſt Effects of his Doctrine would not be
Peace, but War ; cauſing ſuch Marks of Diſtinction, as wou'd ſet Fathers and
Sons, Mothers and Daughters, and neareſt Relations at Variance
. For he who
lov'd either Father or Mother, Brother or Siſter, more than him, or refus’d
even the Croſs it ſelf when his Goſpel requir'd it, was unworthy of his Favour :
And he who fought his Life in this caſe, shou'd utterly loſe it; and he who
loſt it for his Sake shou'd eternally find it. Laſtly, for an Encouragement
.
1
to
Chap. IV.
81
TIBERIUS the 34 Rom. Emp.
Nett.11
M.lik 6.
6.
Mitt.14
to them, he inform’d them, That whoſoever receiv'd then; receiv'd both. Him
and his Father who ſent him ; and whoſoever receiv'd a Prophet in the Name
of a Prophet, and ont of Regard to his Office, ſbord be Partaker of the Prophet's
Reward; and so likewiſe of a righteous Man. And farther, whoſoever ſbou'd
only give a Cup of cold i fater to the leaſt of his Diſciples, for his Maſter's Sake,
that Perſon Mou'd in no wife miſs of his Reward.
Our Lord having thus given Commiſſion to his Apoſtles, continu'd the
Courſe of his Preaching and Miniſtry iri Galilee : At the ſame Time, ac-
Intel cording to Order, the Apoſtles went into all Parts of Paleſtine inhabited Their Journy
by the Jews, which their Maſter call’d the loft Sheep of the Houſe of Iſrael,
and Preaching
Preaching the Goſpel, and the Doctrine of Repentance as a part of it,
and working Miracles for its Confirmation. And in their iniraculous Cures,
St. Mark informs us that they us’d the outward Rite or Ceremony of
Anointing with Oil, which ſeem'd to have been implicitly included in that
Part of their Commiſſion, Heal the ſick. And this being a Symbol of that
miraculous Power, as the greateſt Criticks believe, St. James, Chap. 5. 14.
exprelly enjoin'd the Uſe of this Ceremony to be continu'd in the Church,
as long as this extraordinary Gift of Healing ſhou'd continue.
A few weeks after the Apoſtles Departure from our Lord, King Herod
Mark 6. on his Birth-Day made a ſplendid Entertainment for the Lords and chief
21-29. Officers of his Dominions, at the ſtrong Caſtle of Machærus beyond Jordan;
which produc'd the laſt and fatal Scene of John Baptiſt's Lite, who had
been Priſoner above a Year in the ſame Caſtle. At this. Feaſt Herod was
infinitely pleas'd with the Dancing of a young Lady, Daughter to his il-
legal Wife Herodias ; and in the Heat of his Mirth and Jollity, promis'd
with the Addition of an Oath, to grant her whatſoever ſhe demanded,
tho? it amounted to half of his Dominions. Unwilling to loſe ſo fair
an Opportunity, ſhe immediately conſulted with her mother what Favour
to ask; who being prompted by the Height of Malice and Revenge, nam'd
the Head of John Baptiſt to be brought in in a Charger : Which in all
Haſte was demanded of the King, in the Preſence of the whole Compa-
ny. This ſtrange Requeſt: at firſt caus’d. an exceeding Damp upon the
King's Spirits ; but recovering himſelf, out of a pretended Reverence to The Death of
his Oath, and Reſpect to his Nobility then preſent; lie ſent an Executio- John Baptiſt,
ner, who beheaded the holy Man, and brought his. Head in a Charger
to the young Lady, who deliver'd it to her Mother, to glut her Eyes with
the Sight of it: A Cruelty unknown among the Barbarities of the worſt of
People, to mingle Banquetings with human Blood, and Mirth and Pleaſure
with the Sight of Death. Thus dy'd the great Fore-runner of our Bleffed
Saviour, about two Years and three Months after his Entrance upon
his
publick · Miniſtry, being about 35 Years of Age and eight Months, and the
firſt that ſuffer'd upon the Account of the Goſpel, tho ſeldom call’d the
firſt Martyr. Joſephiss himſelf gives him the Character “ of a Man endu'd
“ with all Virtue, who exhorted the Jews to the Practice of Juſtice towards
Men, and Piety towards God; and alſo to Baptiſm, which wou'd be-
come, acceptable to God, if they renounc'd their Sins, and to the Clean-
“ neſs of their Bodies added the Purity of their Souls.
VI. Herod had now fecurd himſelf againſt the great Diſturber of his
1, 2, 13, unlawful Pleaſures, yet the cncrcaſing Fame of our Lord Jeſus alarm’d him, Herod's fears,
gave him new Fears and Jealouſies. Some of his Courtiers, believ'd it
14-16
. was Elias, or ſome other of the ancient Prophets come to viſit the Nation;
buke 9. but Herod's guilty Conſcience, 11otwithſtanding his Sadducaical Principles,
join 6. made him with ſome others ſuſpect that it was John himſelf riſen from the
Dead; fcaring perhaps that he would now revenge his Blood upon him.
L
About
66
CC
Nictt. 14
11.
Mark 6. and
it
the
82
Book I
Cent. I.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
TKIN.
a
and five thou-
The Apoſtles Re-About the fame Time our Lord's Apoſtles return d from their ſeveral Jour-
nys,
and
gave
him an Account of all their Actions and Sermons; and Je-
Sús hearing of John's Murther by his Diſciples who bury'd the Body, and
well knowing the Subtilty and Cruelty of Herod, order'd the Apoſtles to pre-
pare a Veſtel, and to croſs the Sea of Galilee with him to å Deſert near
Bethſaida, where they might retire and reſt themſelves for a while; for the
Multitudes were ſo numerous and preſſing, that they had no Leiſure ſo much
as to eat. To this private Plače Jeſus was follow'd by great Numbers,
many of who
of whom ran after him on Foot by the Lake Side from the Place
where he took Shipping. Seeing their Zeal and Earneſtneſs, he receiv'd
them with a generous Compaſſion, like ſo many Sheep without a Shepherd;
and aſcending a Mountain with his Apoſtles, he taught them many Things
concerning the Kingdom of God, and cured all their Sick.
Towards the Evening his Apoſtles deſired him, ſince they were in a Place Matt.14
deſtitute of all Proviſions, to diſmiſs the Multitudes, that they might furniſh Marks.
themſelves in the neighbouring Towns and Villages. But Jeſus told them, That Liman.
the People needed not to depart, for they might provide them one Meal; and ; 47.
viewing their Numbers, he ask'd Philip, who well knew the Country, Where 5-17
they skoud buy Bread for all the Company? Philip conſidering the Number of
the Gueſts more than his hoſpitable Maſter's Power, betray'd the Weakneſs
of his Faith, and told him, That fix Pounds worth of Bread was not ſuffi-
cient for every perſon to take a little. Upon this our Lord enquired what
Bread they had among them, and was anſwer'd by Andrew, That there was
young
Man who had five Barly Loaves, and two ſmall Fiſhes; a moſt incon-
The Miracle of foderable quantity for ſuch a Multitude. But Jejus forthwith order'd them
the five Loaves, to be brought to him, commanding his Diſciples to cauſe all the People
fand Men. to ſit down upon the Graſs, in diſtinct Companies, by Hundreds and Fifties
in Ranks. Being plac'd in this Order, to the Number of five thouſand
Men, befides Women and Children, he took the Loaves and the Fiſh, and
begging a Bleſſing upon them from Heaven, diſtributed them to his Apo-
ftles, and they regularly to the Multitudes, till all were fully ſatisfy'd.
Then ordering the remaining Fragments to be gather'd up, both of the
Bread and Fiſhi,- they fillid twelve Baskets with them, each Apoſtle one.
The People ſeeing ſuch a miraculous Multiplication, were exceedingly aſto-
nilh'd, and looking upon Jefus as the Meſſiah, declared, This was really the
Prophet which shoud come into the World: Upon which they took a Reſo-
lution to ſet him up for a King by main Force, and to become ſubject to
him. But he well knowing the Miſchief of ſuch a Deſign, immediately
conſtrain'd his Diſciples, who probably were too ready to join in it, to take
Shipping, and to paſs by Bethſaida to Capernaum, whilſt he himſelf diſmiſs'd
the Multitudes, and retir'd himfelf to a neighbouring Mountain for Prayer
and Contemplation ; where he continu'd till after Midnight.
In the mean Time, the Ship where the Apoſtles were enter'd was tofs'd Matt.:
with a great Storm in the middle of the Lake ; the Waves ran ſo high, Mark
and the Wind was fo contrary, that when the Morning was approaching,
they liad not got much above a League on their Voyage. Our Lord wlio 17--:1.
knew under what Pains and Fears they labour'd, immediately convey'd
Jeſus walks on himſelf upon the Surface of the Sea, and tho' he refus'd to gratifie rhe
Devil
, when tempted to throw himſelf from the Temple; yet he teadily
committed himſelf to a boiſterous and unſtable Element, which in effect
became as firm as Braſs to wait upon its Creator. His miraculous walking
upon the Sea near the Veſſel, added new Fears to the Diſciples, who took
him fór fome ſtrange Apparition, perhaps ſuch as might cauſe the Storm,
and cry'd out with the Terror. But he foon allay'd their Fears, by al-
furing them, That it was he himſelf: Whereupon Peter being eagerly affected
botlı
47-56.
John 6.
the Sen.
Chap. IV.
83
TIBERIUS the 3d Rom. Emp.
.
Perer to do the
1
Jobr 6.
both with the Novelty and Wonder of it, deſir’d, That if it were He, he
might bave leave to come walking to Him upon the Water ; which being granted, And empowers
he left the Veſſel, and went towards his Maſter upon the Sea : But finding
ſame.
the Winds bear hard againſt him, and the Waves riſe round him, he began
to fear, notwithſtanding the Word of our Saviour; and being ready to link,
he in a paſſionate Fright cry'd out, Lord, ſave me ! Jeſus who might have
juſtly left him to the Puniſhment of his Infidelity, mercifully reach'd out
his Hand, and ſet him again upon the Top of the Water, with a gentle
Reproof of the Weakneſs of his Faith, and his doubting his Power. Be-
ing both enter'd the Ship, the Winds, obſerving their Duty to their Sove-
reign, ceas'd; and he himſelf was more than Wind to the Veſſel, for it
was inſtantly carry'd to the deſign d Place of Landing, Capernaum. All theſe
Miracles opend the Eyes of the Diſciples, who, as St. Mark obſerves, had
their Hearts hardned, and had not ſufficiently conſider'd that of the Loaves;
and being exceedingly amaz’d, they acknowledg’d the Author of them to
be the Son of God, and ador'd him under that Title. At the ſame Time
great Numbers out of the Country brought their Sick and Diſeaſed on
their Beds, and laid them before him in the Streets ; beſeeching him to
permit them only to touch the Border of his Garment; and as many as
touch'd him, were miraculouſly cured.
Jefus having thus withdrawn himſelf, the Multitudes whom he had
22-59. miraculouſly fed, were in great Expectations of finding him the next Morning
on the Mountain ; for they had ſeen the Diſciples take Shipping without
their Maſter, and no other Veſſel left for him. But finding him departed
as well as them, and being provided with Boats from Tiberias, they paſs’d
over with all Expedition to Capernaum, where they found him teaching in
the Synagogue, and with no ſmall Surprize demanded of him, How he got
thither? Our Lord knowing their corrupt Expectations of temporal Advan-
tages, folemnly declar'd, That they fought him not for his miraculous Gifts, but Jefus's Dif-
for the Plenty of Bread he had beſtow'd upon them : Therefore they qught not courſe concer-
to endeavour for that periſhing Food, but for ſuich as nouriſh'd them to everlaſting nima Bio Flesho
Life ; which ſhou'd be given them by himſelf, who had receiv'd his Sanction
from God the Father. Then demanding of him, What they ſhou'd do to
obtain this Spiritual Food ? he let them underſtand, that the Foundation
was to believe on Him whom. God had ſent. Upon which, finding themſelves
check'd in their Expectations, they inſolently demanded of him ſome new
Sign or Miracle to confirmi their Belief; ſince Moſes their Maſter had already
done as much; namely, had miraculouſly fed them with Manna from Heaven.
But Jeſus ſhewd them the great Difference, by letting them know, That Mo-
them not the true Bread from Heaven, but only his Father, whoſe Bread
woud enliven the World. Upon their deſiring to be conſtant Partakers of
it, he told them, That he himſelf was the Bread of Life ; that his Followers
and Believers should neither hunger nor thirſt. Yet tho' they had ſeen him, and
been Witneſſes of ſo many Miracles, they wou'd not believe in him; but by their
Infidelity depriv'd themſelves of the great Advantages, which ſhou'd be enjoy'd
by all thoſe whom his Father had given him, namely, a certain Acceptance here,
and a glorious Reſurrection to eternal Life. The Jews being confounded in
their Underſtandings, began openly to murmur againſt him, crying, Is not
this Jeſus the Son of Joſeph, whoſe Father and Mother we know? Why then
does he tell us that he came down from Heaven? But Jeſus, was ſo far from
mollifying or recanting theſe Truths, that he confirm'd them more ſtrongly;
firſt ſhewing them, That it was their natural Impotency, and the Want of his
Father's Grace that hinder'd them from coming to him; proving from the
Scriptures, “ that they ſhou'd be taught of God, and all whom his Father
had taught ſhou'd come to him, thò' his Father was not to be ſeen by their bodily
L 2
Eyes.
fes-gave
84 Cent. I.
Book I.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
gave
61--7s.
Eyes. Then he again afſured them, That he was the Bread of Life, which
came down from Heaven ; that the Manna in the Deſert did not preſerve the
Eaters of it from dying ; but his Fleſh was the true living Bread, which
Life and Immortality to all that eat of it. Theſe laſt Words made thein more
averſe to him, and they diſputed among themſelves how he could polſibly
give them his Fleſh to eat. Nevertheleſs he purſu'd his Diſcourſe, and
atſured them, That his Fleſh and his Blood was not imaginary, but real Food
and Nouriſhment; and that without eating the one, and drinking the other, they
cou'd have no Life in them; and ſuch as fed on him, Mou'd be rais'd up at
the laſt Day, and obtain everlaſting Life. Laſtly, he declar'd to them wliat
great Effects his Body ſhou'd work in the Souls of all ſuch as were Parta-
kers of it; namely, There ſhou'd be ſuch an Union, that they shorid dwell in
him, and he in them; and that they ſhor'd live by him, as he himſelf livd by
his Father.
Theſe ſublime Truths of our Lord's Deſcent from Heaven, and the Be- Juhn G.
nefits of his Incarnation, ſo gravellid the Intellects of his Auditory, that
even his Diſciples began to murmur, ſaying, Who can hear ſo harſh a Doctrine !
But Jefus to ſatisfie them, intimated, That his Aſcenſion into Heaven won'd
be a Proof of his coming from thence; and that their feeding upon him was
not after a carnal Manner, which wou'd prove inſignificant, but after a ſpiritual
and divine, which wou'd give Life and Vigour." Declaring again, That their
Infidelity proceeded from their natural Impotency, and the Want of his Father's
And the Confe- Grace preventing them. Notwithſtanding this, many of his Diſciples and
quences of it. Followers, perceiving now that he was not ſuch a Meſſiah as they imagin'd,
whoſe Kingdom ſhou'd conſiſt in external Grandeur and Plenty, wholly
deſerted him, and never follow'd him after. Among which Number, Epi-
phanius believes St. Mark the Evangeliſt was one, tho' afterwards ſeaſonably
recover'd by St. Peter. Upon this great Défection, Jeſus with no little
Concern demanded of the twelve Apoſtles, Whether they wou'd go away alſo?
Peter, whofe Faith was found, tho' ſmall, as general Speaker for the reſt,
anſwer'd him with a ſeeming Abhorrence of the others Apoſtacy, Lord! to
whom all we go? Thou haſt the Words of eternal Life : We believė, and are
convinc'd, That thon art the Meſſiah, the Son of the living God. But not-
withſtanding this Confidence and frank Confeflion, bie let them under-
ſtand, that they were not all equally found, for among the twelve that he had
ſelected, one of themi noas a Devil and Traytor.
Theſe Things were tranſacted immediately before the third Paffover, af-
ter our Saviour's Baptiſm, as may be.collected from John 6; 4. Which Pallo-
ver hapned on the 14th Day of our Month April, in the 18th Year of the
Reign of Tiberius the Emperor, and one year and ſeventeen Days after the
laſt Paffover.
1
11
C H A P,
Chap. V. TIBERIUS the 34 Ronn. Emp.
85
19
The Galileans
..
CHAP. V.
From the Beginning of the third Paſſover after our Bleſſed Sa-
viour's Baptiſm, to the Beginning of the fourth and laſt; when
the only true Paſover was ſlain.
Containing the Term of one Year, wanting 12 Days.
I. A
T this third Paſſover after our Saviour's Baptiſm, according to the A.D.32.
moſt probable Accounts, Pilate took an Occaſion to chaſtiſe that
turbulent Sect of the Galileans or Gaulanites, mention'd Luke 13. 1.
Tiber. 18
who coming with the Multitudes to Jeruſalem to ſacrifice, the Governor Naughter'd by
ſent ſome Soldiers into the Temple, who put many of them to the Sword Pilates
in the Time of their Offerings, and fơ mingled the Blood of them with
the Blood of their Sacrifices at the Altar. And about the fame Time à
Tower in the City; calld Siloam, fell down, and flew eighteen Perſons ;
which with the othet Calamity, were the Marks and Forerunners of God's
Indignation against an obſtinate and impenitent People. It is not abſolute-
ly certain whether our Lord was at this Paffover or not; but it is high-
ly probable, tltat he who came to fulfil all Righteouſneſs, wou'd not neg-
lect that great Ordinance. It is moſt generally believ'd that he was there,
tho' fectetly, and as it were incognito; but the wicked Defigns of the Jews
u Galileë; for he wou'd not walk in Jury, becauſe the Jews fought to kill
« him; John 7. 1.
Shortly after the Paffover, ſome of the Scribes and Phariſees were ſent Jeſus's Diſpute
from Jeruſalem to Galilee, to ſearch into our Lord's Doctrine, and to be concerning un-
Mark.? Spyes upon his Actions, whether he was a true Obſerver of the Law of waß'd Hands,
Moſes, and their Rites. Theſe Perſons being preſent where He and his
Difciples were to eat, obſerv'd that they ſat down without waſhing their
Hands according to the common Cuſtom of the Jews, in which Matter ma-
ny were grown exceeding nice and fcrupulous, even to the making the Waſh-
ing of Oups, Pots, &c. a religious Concern. Therefore they were extreme-
ly offended at the Apoſtles; and demanded of their Maſter, Why they preſum'd
to violate the Tradition of the Elders, by eating with unclean Hands; Whereupon
Jefus fhařplý reprov'd theſe Spies for their hypocritical Pretences; as Iſaiah
ſaid of them “ for honouring God with their Mouths, and neglecting of him
" in their Hearts; for their vain Worſhip, and their teaching the Doctrines of
“ Men inſtead of the Commandments of Heaven. Then by way of Recri-
mination he told them, That they by their Traditions and Gloffes had vacated
the Laws of God, particularly that which commanded “ all Men to honour their
Parents, and relieve them in their Wants, denouncing Death againſt ſuch as
“ curs'd them and negle&ted them: But according to their Traditions"
“ Man did but ſay to his needy Parent, That that Portion which ſhou'd have
gone for his Relief was Dedicated to God, it was ſufficient to exempt him from
" all farther Care and Duty. Then diſdaining to hold any farther Diſcourſe
with them, be turn'd to the Multitude, and urging their Attention, in-
form'd them of this Truth, that there was no real Turpitude in what enter'd
a Man's Month, biet only in what proceeded from thence. Upon this his Dif-
ciples came to him and let him know, That the Phariſees were offended at
his Do&rine. Bere he made Anfwer, That every Plant not planted by his
heavenly
Matt.15
J--20,
1-23
co
If a
a
CC
86
Book I.
Cent. I.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
pards Plioni-
cia.
ز
heavenly Father, ſhou'd be rooted up ; and that they were to be deſpis'd as blind
Leaders of blind People, with whom they ſhou'd fall into the Ditch, and pe-
riflz eternally together. Upon his retiring, the Diſciples, as yet unſatisfy’d,
delir'd him to explain what he had ſaid to the People. Jeſus reprehend-
ing their weak Underſtandings, told them, that whatſoever a Man eat cou'd
not affe&f his Mind, the only Seat of Defilements, but paſs’d through the Sto-
inach, and was evacuated in courſe; but that what came out of the Heart
was premeditated and voluntary, ſuch as evil Thoughts, Adulterys, Fornica-
tions, Murthers, Thefts, Covetonſneſs, Pride, Blaſphemies, and the like : That
theſe were real Defilements, and not eating with unclean Hands, which was a
mere outward Rite and Ceremony.
He repairs to Sliortly after our Lord retired to the North-Weſtern Parts of Galilee into Matt.15
the Limits of Phænicia, and the Coaſts of Tyre and Sidon; where enter- Muka
ing into a Houſe, he endeavour'd to conceal himſelf; but he was ſoon dif- 24-30.
cover'd by a Pagan Woman, a Grecian by Birth, but a Phænician by Habi-
tation, therefore by St. Matthew calld a Woman of Canaan, becauſe Phæni-
cia was the ancient Seat of the Canaanites properly ſo call'd. This Wo-
man finding him out, call'd him Lord, and Son of David; begging his Pity
for a poor Daughter of hers, grievouſly tormented with a Demon. Jeſus at firſt
gave her no Anſwer; but when his Diſciples deſired him to free them from
her troubleſom Crys and Importunitys, by granting her Requeſt, he told
them, That his Miſſion was principally to the loft Sheep of the Houſe of Iſrael.
But the Woman not diſcourag'd by his Coldneſs, but rather emboldned,
threw her ſelf at his Feet and adored him, crying, Lord, help me! Upon
which our Lord ſeem'd to parly with her; telling her, That the Children
the Jewsy ought firſt to be filled, and that it was not fit to take their Bread
and caſt it to the Dogs. The Woman, ſenſible of her own and her Nation's
Unworthineſs, readily reply'd, That the Dogs however might reaſonably be
permitted to eat the Crumbs that fell from their Maſter's Table. Jeſus, liighly
Flores a Woman pleas'd with ſo much Reliance and Humility from a Heathen, greatly ap-
of Canaan's plauded the Strength of her Faith, telling that he had granted her Petiti-
Daughter.
on; and at her Return to her Houſe, ſhe found her Daughter laid upon
her Bed, and perfectly cured.
From theſe Retirements Jeſus paſs’d Eaſtward into Decapolis, a Region Mark 7.
the Sea of Ga-chiefly within the Bounds of Galilee and Traconitis, conſiſting of ten noted mat.is
Citys, moſtly inhabited by Gentiles; and from thence to the Sea of Ga=29-35.
lilee, where was brought to him a miſerable Object, a Man both deaf and
dumb, whom he was deſired to lay his Hand upon. Our Lord taking him
from the Throngs that were about him, and uſing as it were natural Means,
put his Fingers in his Ears, and ſome of his Spittle upon his Tongue:
Then lifting up his Eyes to Heaven, with a deep Sigh, he cry'd, Be
open’d and unloos’d; and immediately his natural Facultys were reſtor'd, ſo
deinb and desf. that he heard and ſpoke plain. Jefus forbad thoſe who had been Wit-
neſles of this miraculous Cure, to divulge it to any Perſon; but the more
he charg’d thenı, the more they proclaim'd it, and in their Aſtoniſhment
declared, He had done all things perfectly, made the Deaf to hear, and the
Dumb to speak.
This Miracle was ſucceeded by many others, for upon his repairing to a Mull.is
Mountain, the Multitudes brought great Numbers of Perſons troubled with 1-2
all kinds of Lameneſs and Diſtempers, and laid them at the Feet of this 110.
heavenly Phyſician; who, as in niany other Places, mercifully cured them
all : Inſomuch that they glorify'd God for what they ſaw, and cou'd not
but follow him, who had confirm'd his ſaving Doctrine with ſo many
Miracles. Their Readineſs to attend him had made them unmindful of their
bodily Food; ſo that when Jeſus was ready to diſmiſs them, he told his
Diſciples,
Where he
He returns to
And chees one
Mark 8,
Chap V.
87
TIBERIUS the 34 Rom. Emp
Matt.16
1 - 12.
Mark 3.
neſs of the Pha-
Difciples, that he cou'd nat but pity theſe People, who had now been with him The Miracle
three Days, and had natking to eat: That therefore he wou'd not ſend them of the ſeven
home faſting, left they fhoid faint by the Way, for that ſeveral had a long Jour-tboufendpeople,
my to go. His Diſciples, forgetting his former Miracle of the Loaves, ask'd How
they cou'd make ſufficient Provilion for ſuch a Multitude, in a deſert Place?
But he only enquir'd what Proviſion they had; and being told ſeven Loaves
and a few ſmall Fiſhes, he order'd all the People to ſit down upon the
Ground; and taking the Bread and Fiſh, he bleſſed them, and diſtributed
them to his Diſciples, and they to the People, till all were fully ſatisfy’d.
And tha' tliere were four thouſand Men, beſides Women and Children
yet the reinaining Fragments fill’d ſeven Baskets. And this, with one for-
merly mention'd, were the only Miracles of this Nature which our Saviour
is recorded to have wrought.
Our Lord having diſmiſs'd the Multitudes, embark'd with his Diſciples, Jeſus repre.
and landed on the South-Eaſt Parts of the Lake, on the Coaſts of Dilma-bends the Blind-
19-21. nutha or Magdalag where the Phariſees joyning with their Enemies the Sa- rilecs;
dúcees, again impudently demanded of him fome new Sign or Miracle from
Heaven. But inſtead of ſatisfying thoſe obſtinate and conceited People, he
feverely reprov'd them, for that being so quick-fighted in foretelling the Fair-
neſs and Foulneſs of the Weather by the Face of the Skys, they were yet ſo blind
as not to perceive the manifeft Signs of the Meſſiah's Arrival
. Then deepiy
ſighing, he return'd them the ſame Anſwer which he had formerly given
to the like Demand, namely, that ſuch an impious and illegitimate Genera-
tion ſhou'd have no other Sign, but that of the Prophet Jonas. Upon this he
immediately left them, and failed back with his Diſciples, whom lie ſtrict-
ly caution'd in their Paſſage, to beware of the Leaven of thoſe fower People
the Phariſees and Sadduces. They having accidentally forgotten to take
Bread with them, readily imagin'd that this was to prevent their ſeeking
Bread from the Phariſees. But Jeſus foon check'd them for the Weakneſs
of their Faith, and the Blindneſs of their Underſtandings, as alſo for the And of his own
Shortneſs of their Memories ; putting them in Mind of the five Loaves and Diſciples.
the five thouſand, and ſeven Loaves and the four thouſand fed by them,
and that with extraordinary Remains. Then he made them underſtand,
that his Words did not concern the Leaven of Bread, but the corrupt
Doctrine of the Phariſees and Sudducees ; which laſt are by St. Mark calld
Herodians,
Our Lord landed at Bethſaida, the Birth-Place of ſeveral of the Apoſtles, He cures a
where he had wrought many Miracles, but to no great Effect, as appears Bethfaida
.
from Matth. 11. 21. Here a blind Man was brought to him, but he wou'd
not voucbſafe to cure him in that place where he had met with fo much
Perverſneſs and Infidelity. ; therefore taking him out of the City, like an or-
dinary Phyfician, he anointed his Eyes with a Collyrium of Spittle ; and
laying his Hands- upon him, ask'd him whether he ſaw any Object; the Man
looking up, made Anſwer, That he ſavo Men walking, but so imperfectly that
he could not have diſtinguiſhed them from "Trees but by their being in Motion.
Whereupon Jeſus a ſecond Time put his Hands upon his Eyes, as'tho' he had
only made uſe of common Means, till the Man began to diſtinguiſh Things
clearer, and at laſt came to his perfect Sight. After his Recovery he ſent
him home, and chargʻd him not fo much as to go into the City, or to
diſcover it to any one belonging to that Place:
II. It was now about or above a Year after the folemn Election of the
2. Apoſtles, that our Lord thought it convenient to make a particular Tryal
72:50. of their Faith and Underſtanding, and alſo to give them a farther Light
18-24: into the Nature and Deſign of his Miſion. Therefore taking them pri-
vately
Mark 8.
22 - 26.
blind M12 ti
1
21411.16
13
88
Book I.
Cent. I.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
fion.
21 - 28.
Mark 8.
.
22 • 27.
Jefus tries bis vately to the Northern Parts of Galilee, about Cæfarea Philippi, on the Bor-
Diſciples. ders of Syria, and within the Limits of Philip's Dominions, he demanded
of them, What the generality of the World Said concerning him? They made
Anſwer, That Mens Opinions were various, that ſome ſaid he was John Bap-
tiſt, riſen from the Dead ; Some Elias, ſent down from Heaven; and others
Jeremias, or ſome other of the ancient Prophets reſtor’d again to Life. Upon
which he ask’d, What was Their real Opinion concerning him? Simon Peter,
always forward to ſpeak for himſelf and Brethren, anſwer'd in poſitive
Peter's Confef- Terms, That he was the Meſſiah, the Son of the living God. Upon this
noble Confeſſion Jejies pronounc'd him Blefed, ſince this cou'd not proceed
from any human Revelation, but only from his Father in Heaven : Declaring
farther, That as his Name imported « Rock, ſo he wou'd make him a Foun-
dation-Stone, and a prime Miniſter in building bis Church; which ſhou'd be ſo
firmly eſtubliſh'd upon that Faith which he had confeſs'd, that all the Powers
of Hell should not prevail againſt it. And that for the more orderly Govern-
ment of it, he would give him the Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven; so that
his Sentence, whenfoever he ſhou'd regularly exclude, or receive in, any Perſon
01 Earth, Mooii'd ſtand valid in Heaven. "Then to prevent the ill Uſe that
might be made of his Diſcovery, he ſtrictly commanded his Apoſtles, not
to declare to any Man that he was the Meſſiah.
By the former Diſcourſe with Peter, Jeſus perceiving that his Diſciples Mutt.16
had gotten a true Notion of his Office and Divinity, notwithſtanding the
different Opinions of the Nation, began to prepare their Minds for his Suf-21:38
.
Jefus's first., ferings. And from that Time, as St. Matthew obſerves, he began to diſco-Luke s.
Diſcovery of his
Paſ1911
.
ver to them that he muſt go to Jeruſalem, and ſuffer many Cruelties and Indig-
nities from the Jewiſh Governors, the chief Prieſts and Scribes, and even
Death it ſelf; and that after three Days he Shori d riſe again. Peter, unable
to endure a Thought ſo diſagreeable to the Dignity of his Maſter, broke
out into this unſeaſonable Interruption, Far be it from you, Lord; this muſt
not befal you. But Jeſus knowing that this Advice croſsd his gracious Pur-
poſes of Man's Redemption, with no little Indignation reply'd, Away, St-
tan, who art & Scandal to me, and reliſheſt earthly and not heavenly Things.
Then to remove the Notions of a temporal Kingdom from them, and from
the People whom he then call’d to him, he ſolemnly declar'd, That who-
ever would be bis Diſciple, muſt deny himſelf
, daily take up his Croſs, and
follow him : That to lay down his Life for him and the Gospel, was thie ſure
Way to be ſaved.; but to ſeek Salvation without him, was to deſtroy himſelf:
That a Man cou'd gain nothing by the Poſſeſſion of the whole World, if he loſt
that ineſtimable Treaſure his Soul. And that whoſoever ſhou'd out of Shame
diſown him or his Goſpel, before an impious and degenerated People, he would
diſown that Perſon when he came triumphantly at the laſt Day, Surrounded with
the Rays of his Father's Glory, and of the holy Angels, to reward every Man
according to his Works. Concluding, That there were ſome then preſent who
fhori'd not dye, before they had ſeen the Beginnings of his glorious Kingdom
and Power : Particularly his Aſcenſion into Heaven, and his coming to take
Vengeance upon the Jewiſh People and Nation.
About a Week after, our Lord who had given his Diſciples, a fad De- Mite.17
ſcription of his greateſt Humiliation, thought it a ſeaſonable Time to give Maike.
ſome of them a Specimen of his future Glorification: Therefore taking - 8.
His Transfigu-
with him his three more intimate Apoſtles, Peter and the two Sons of Ze- 28 -36.
bedee, he aſcended a very high Mountain, generally believ'd to be Tabor, a
round Mount, ſituated in the Plains of Galilee. While he was earneſtly
employ'd în Prayer, lie was ſuddenly transform'd into another kind of
Appearance; a radiant Luſtre darted from his Face more glorious than the
Sun; and a dazling Splendor proceeded from his Garments, exceeding not
only
..
the
eittion upon
Mount.
Chap. V.
89
TIBERIUS the 34 Rom. Emp.
Matt.17.
-13.
only the whiteſt Snow, and the utmoſt Power of Art, but alſo the Light it
ſelf. During this heavenly Scene, there appear'd Moſes and Elias, cloth'd
with all the Brightneſs and Majeſty of a glorify'd State, familiarly conver-
ſing with him, and diſcourſing of his Death and Sufferings z by which he was
to be exalted above every Name both in Heaven and Earth. While the Inter-
courſe continu'd between theſe three, Peter and his two fellow Apoſtles were
fallen alleep, it being probably Night when this hapned; but waking juſt
before their Departure, they were exceedingly ſurpriz'd and terrify'd at the
Sight of ſo much Glory and Majeſty. And Peter in an Ecſtaſie of Admi-
ration addreſs’d himſelf to his Maſter, begging, that they might continue in
that happy Place, and erect three Tabernacles or Tents, one for himſelf, and
other two for Moſes and Elias. But while he was thus talking, ſcarce know-
ing what he ſaid in this Fright and Tranſport, a bright and ſhining Cloud ſud-
denly came over them, and a Voice, from thence crying, This is my beloved Son,
in whom I am well pleaſed; hear ye him! Upon which the Apoſtles were ſeiz'd
with a greater Conſternation than ever, and fell proſtrate upon the Ground;
but our Lord gently touch'd them, bad them ariſe and fear nothing; and
looking up, they ſaw none but their Maſter, the reſt having vaniſh'd and
diſappear'd. In Memory of theſe great Tranſactions, Bede tells us, that
in purſuance of St. Peter's Petition about the three Tabernacles, there were
afterwards three Churches built upon the Top of this Mountain, which in
later Ages were held in great Veneration.
As they were defcending the Mountain, Jeſus ſtrictly commanded them He deſcends
Like to diſcover to no Man what ſtrange Things they had ſeen, till the Son of from the Morn:
Man Shou'd be riſen from the Dead. They were ready to obey his Command,
but did not underſtand the laſt Words; therefore they had ſome Diſpute
among themſelves concerning the Meaning of that Expreſſion, the Son of
Man's riſing from the Dead. At the ſame Time they had another Diffi-
culty to ſolve; for having ſeen Elias with our Saviour upon the Mount,
they took an Occaſion to ask him, Why the Scribes and Phariſees did affert,
That that Prophet muſt come upon the Earth before the Meſſiah? Jeſus anſwer'd
them, That Elias Shord come indeed, and be rejected and barbarouſly treated,
as well as the Son of Man; adding withial, That he was already come, and
that the Jews had done to him what they thought fit ; ſo likewiſe wou'd they
cauſe the Son of Man to ſuffer as they had done his Fore-runner. This Anſwer
clearly diſcoverd to the Apoſtles, that the laſt Elias of whom he had ſpo-
ken, was John Baptiſt, who had gone before the firſt Coming of Jeſus
Chriſt in the Spirit and Power of Elias, as Elias himſelf, according to tlie
Opinion of
many,
ſhou'd before his ſecond Coming.
The following Day, our Lord being return'd to his other nine Apoſtles, Returns to his
Apoſtles.
14. he found a great Multitude about them, and the Scribes queſtioning and
diſputing with them : At his firſt Appearance the People ran to him, and
1749 ſaluted him with all the Marks of Joy and Admiration. Jeſus demanded
of the Scribes, What was the Occaſion and Subject of their Diſpute ? but was
interrupted by a certain Man, who breaking through the Preſs, fell pro-
ſtrate at his Feet, beſeeching him to have Pity upon his only Son, a deplorable
Object, a Lunatick and Pofeſſed, Deaf and Dumb, often thrown upon the
Ground, and into the Fire and Water, rack'd with violent Convulſions, accom-
puny'd with diſmal Outcries, Foamings, gnaſhing of Teeth, Pinings, and miſe-
rable Bruiſes and Torments : That he had brought this Child to his Diſciples
in his Abſence, but they were not able to cure him. The Unbelief of the Jews,
as well as Weakneſs of the Diſciples Faith, was now the moſt dangerous
Diſtemper, and had been a frequent Impediment to our Saviour's Miracles,
therefore he firſt aim'd at the Cure of that; crying out, О faithleſs and per-
verſe Generation! How long shall I be with you to convince you How long
M
Mall
go
Moit 17.
Morku.
14-9.
90
Book I.
Cent. I.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
Paſſion;
Matt.17
22-27
Marks.
3 331
Ikke...
Shall I endure jour Infidelity? Upon ordering the Child to be brought to
him, the Devil began to tear him with fierce Convulſions, and threw him
upon the Ground with terrible Struglings and Foamings. Jeſus asking the
Father, how long he had been under theſe Afflictions, was anlwer’d, from his
Childhood; urging him again, If he cou'd do any Thing, to have Pity upon him:
Jeſus told him, If he cou'd believe, all Things were poſible to a true Believer.
Immediately the Father cry'd out with Tears, Lord, I believe ; supply thon
íry Unbelief! Whereupon our Lord commanded the deaf and dumb Spirit to
And cures a pos-depart out of the Child, and never to return: And the Spirit with hideous
feſſed Lunatick. Outcries tore the Child, and left him breathleſs upon the Ground, ſo that
many concluded he was dead; but Jeſus taking him by the Hand, lifted him
up, and deliver'd him to his Father, perfectly cured, to the great Aſtoniſhi-
ment of all the Spectators. Jeſus retiring ſhortly after, his Diſciples deſi-
red to know the Reaſon why they cou'd not caſt out this Spirit; he an-
ſwer'd them, firſt
, becauſe of their Unbelief; for that if they had had but one
Grain of true Faith, they might have remov'd Mountains by the bare Word of their
Mouth : Secondly, becauſe this was one of a peculiar kind of Spirits, that were
not to be ejected without Prayer and Faſting ; in which they had been too negli-
gent and deficient.
His ſecond Di Our Saviour ſhortly after paſs’d from this Place through the midſt of Ga-
covery of his lilee towards Capernaum, but with all Caution and Privacy, his Thoughts
being much employ'd in fitting his Diſciples for the ungrateful Approaches
of his Death: Therefore he diſcover'd it to them a ſecond Time, deſiring till
them to attend ſeriouſly, and let theſe Words ſink into their Hearts ; That
the Son of Man ſhou'd be deliver'd into the Hands of wicked Men, who shoou'd
put him to Death, and that the ſhoud riſe again the third Day. But their Hopes
of a temporal Kingdom, and their natural Averfion to the Croſs, made it
very difficult for them to believe or conceive it; yet this Frediction calt them
into ſuch a melancholly Fear, that they durft not ask him to explain it to
them. Being arriv'd at Capernaum, the Collectors of a certain Tribute of
two Drachmas, or fifteen Pence an Head for the Uſe of the Temple, came
to Peter, who was an Inhabitant of that City, and ask'd him, If his Ma-
fter did not pay that Tribute ? Petër knowing his Maſter's Readineſs to pay
all Dues, anſwer'd, Yes; but entering the Houſe, was prevented by Jeſus,
who ask'd him, Whether the Kings of the Earth exacted Tribute of their own
Children, or of Strangers ? Peter anſwer'd, Of Strangers ; upon which Jéſus
concluded, That the Children were exempted, leaving it to hini to'infer, That
he being the Son of God ouglit to be excus'd paying Tribute to the Tem-
And Payment of ple, But however, to avoid all Occaſions of Offence, he order'd him to.go
Tribute at Ca- and caſt a Hook into the Sea; telling him, that in the Mouth of the firſt. Fiſh
he caught, he shou'd find a Stater, a piece of Money of half a Crown Value,
which ſhou'd be given to the Collectors, both for his Maſter, and him-
ſelf.
About the ſame Time there aróſea Diſpute among the Apoſtles, which Mut. 18.
of them ſhou'd be Greateſt in their Maſter's Kingdom; ſtill iinagining and list
His Sermon of expecting a temporal Sovereignty. But Jeſus knowing their Thoughts, and som
Humility. miſtaken Ambition, ask'd them concerning their Diſpute ; to which they 46-50.
durſt give no Anſwer: Only, when the twelve were together, they propos'd
this Queſtion to him, who was greateſt in the Kingdom of Heaven He:an-
ſwer'd them, "That if any. Man was ambitious to be firſt in his Kingdom, he
Shou'd be laft, and Servant to the reſt. Then-calling a little Child to him,
whom ſome ſuppoſe to have been St. Ignatius, he took liim in his Arms
before them all, and told them, "That except they imitated the Innocence and
Humility of little Children, they hou'd never enter the Kingdom of God; but
that whoſoever came neareſt to them, ſhou'd be greateſt in that Kingdom :
pernaum,
Adding
Chap. V.
91
TIBERIUS the 3d Rom. Emp.
.
Scandals,
1
Adding withal, That whoſoever ſhou'd receive ſuch a little Child; or humble
Chriſtian in his Naime, receivid both him, and his Father who ſent him, and
that the moſt humble among themifhou'd be moſt iexalted. Hereupon John the
Son of Zebedee interrupted him, ſaying, Maſter, we fuma Man eječting De-
vils in your Name, but we forbad him to proceed, becauſe he refus’d to follow
Hs. Jeſus diſapprov'd of the A&ion, and told them, That ke ought not to
be lookd upon as an Enemy, who declard dot againſt him, and had wronght
Miracles in his Name Then re-aſſuming his former Subject, he dedar'd,
That a Cup of Water only, given them for his Sake, ſbou'd in no wiſe miſs of
a Reward : But that whoſoever shou'd öffend and fcandalize a little Child and of Shunning
weak Believer, it were better for him having & Milftome about his Neck, to
be plungid into the midſt of the dead Sea. That they ought the more carefully
to avoid contemning frech Perſons, becauſe their Guardian-Angels had iſuch free
Acceſs to the Throne of God: that the Son of Man came to recover ſuch as were
Loft: That as a diligent Shepherd, having miſsid one Sheep out of a hundred,
ſeeks in all Places for it; and having found it, Frejoyces more over that; than
over all the reſt that never spent aſtray: So was the Father unwilling that any
of theſe. Believers thor'd perifh. That tho’ the World was full of Scandals and
Offences, and ſuch Things wou'd neceſſarily come, yet it won'd be difinal to
that Perſon who cans'd them: That therefore they ought to renrove all Occaſions
of falling, and to mortifie their Affections, tho? they were as dear to them as
an Eye, an Hand, or a Foot's because it was infinitely more eligible to be blind,
maimed or lame, and to be depriv'd of the Enjoyment of theſe Members here on
Earth, than to be depriv'd of all Enjoyments in the inextinguiſhable Flange's of
Hell. That as'the Sacrifices were uſually ſeasoned with Salt, fo:they were to be
feaſoned with Fire and Affli&tions: And that as Salt was the moſt worthleſs.
Thing in Nature, when it had loſt its Savour, so wou'd they bey for which Rea-
ſon they ought to be careful to preſerve it among themſelves', namely; ſuch a
Peace and Vnity, as wou'd ftifle all. ambitious Contentions
Our Lord having ſhewn the fatal Dangers of Scandals and Offences, after-
15-35wards, in Order to preſerve a due Charity and Compaſſion for Offenders, pre-
fcrib'd excellent Rules both for their Puniſhment and Pardon; and ſuch as
were very agreeable to the Cuſtoms and Diſcipline of the Jewiſh Church. Firſt, of private and
that if one Perſon offended another, the injured Perſon ſhoid admonik him pri- Jules
vately, that if it were poſſible, he might be reclaimd by that Means : And that
if a private Admonition had no Effect upon him, it ought to be repeated before
one or two more, who ſhou'd be Witneſſes of the Matter : But if that alſo provid
anſucceſsful, he ſhou'd declare bis Offence to the Church, and the publick Congre-
gation; and upon the Offender's Contempt of that, he was to be cut off from
her Communion, and lookd upon as a Heathen and an Infidel.
Infidel. And that
the Church might effectually ſeparate all obſtinate Offenders, he now gave
to all, as he had done before to Peter, the Power of Binding and Looſing;
folemnly afſuring them, That whatſoever they regularly pronounc'd and declard
on Earth, he would ratifie and confirm in Heaven. Promiſing farther, That
if but two of them on Earth did agree about any Thing to be demanded by Prayer,
it ſhou'd be granted by his heavenly Father : For that where two or three only
were gather'd together in his Name, he wou'd not fail to be with them. Peter
obſerving the Diſcourſe, and learning from his Maſter's Words, that if a
private Admonition prevail'd, the injured Perſon muſt forgive the other, de-
fired to know, how often he was oblig'd to forgive an offending Brother; Whether And of forgiring
ſeven Times were not ſufficient? Jeſus let him underſtand that the Number of Injuries.
Times was not to be limited, that he was to forgive him, tho' he offended
Seventy Timcs as often. And to ſhew the abſolute Neceſſity of ſuch a mer-
ciful and compaſſionate Temper, he propounded an excellent Parable of a
certain King, who calling his Servants to Account, found one of them who
owed
Matt. iS.
;
1
M 2
92
Book I.
Cent. I.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
He is advis'd to
John 7.
owed him ſo vaſt a Sum that he was unable to pay it; namely, ten thouſand
Talents, or a Million eight hundred and ſeventy five thouſand Pounds;
whereupon he commanded him to be ſold, with his wife and Children,
and all that he had, towards the Diſcharge of the Debt. But his Servant
falling at his Feet, and humbly imploring his Mercy and Forbearance, out
of a generous Pity, he freely forgave him the whole Debt. This Wretch
was no ſooner gone out, but he met one of his Fellow-Servants, who
owed him a ſmall Debt of an hundred Denarii, about three Pounds two
Shillings and fix Pence; and laying Hands upon him, took him roughly by
the Tliroat, and cry'd, Pay me my Debts. And tho' his Fellow-Servant usd
the ſame pathetical Intreaties that he had done to the King his Maſter, yet
he wou'd not hearken, but without any Pity immediately ſent him to Pri-
ſon. The King being inform’d of this Severity, ſent for the ungrateful
Servant, firſt upbraided him with his Baſeneſs and Cruelty, when he had
juſt receiv'd ſo much Favour and Mercy; and then in a great Rage order'd
him to Racks and Tortures, till he ſhou'd diſcharge the whole Debt. Then
Jeſus concluded with this moſt folemn Application, ſo likewiſe hall my bea-
venly Father deal with all ſuch as will not forgive their Brother's Treſpaſſes
from their Hearts.
Our Lord having continu'd a ſhort Time at Capernaum, ſome of his Re-
gº to Jeruſalem lations, whoſe Hopes and Faith were ſtill unſound, became uneaſie that 2-10.
at the Feast of he confin’d himſelf ſo much to one Province, and therefore urg'd him to
ſhew his Miracles at the capital City Jeruſalem; for which he cou'd not have,
as they conceiv'd, a better Opportunity than the great Feaſt of Tabernacles
then approaching: Defiring him, If he expected to be famous, to shew bim-
ſelf to the World, and not deprive his Diſciples at Jeruſalem of the Happi-
neſs of his Preſence. But Jeſus told them, That they might go to the Feaſt as
ſoon as they pleas’d; but he himſelf muſt be very wary and cautious, becauſe be
had
many
Enemies; that the World, which had nothing to object againſt them,
hated him, becauſe he reprov'd their ſinful Actions : That therefore the
they went to the Feaſt immediately, he wou'd not go yet ; for the proper
Time was not fully come : Whereupon he made a ſhort Stay in Galilee; but
foon after their Departure, he ſet forwards towards Jeruſalem, not publickly,
but as it were in ſecret, leſt he ſhou'd too much awaken the Jealouſie of his
Enemies.
His Journy to
In his Paſſage through the Province of Samaria, he ſent ſome of his
wards that Ci- Apoſtles as Harbingers to provide Lodging in one of their Villages, who 51-56.
upon their firſt Trial were uncivilly rejected and refus'd Entertainment; be-
cauſe the Samaritans perceiv'd they were going to Jeruſalem to the Feaſt,
which they violently hated. This piece of Rudeneſs and Inhumanity was
ſo deeply reſented by James and his Brother John, that they immediately
defir'd Permiſſion of their Maſter, in Imitation of Elias, to command Fire
down from Heaven, and conſume tlieſe inhoſpitable Wretches. But the Son
of God willing to teach them, that the Marks of a true Chriſtian were
Meekneſs and Love, not Fury and Revenge, gave them this ſerious Reproof,
Ye know not by what Spirit ye are acted; for the Son of Man is not come to de-
ſtroy Mens Lives, but to ſave them. And ſo they went and took Lodgings in
another Village.
The Misſion of III. A little before our Lord's Arrival at Jeruſalem at the Feaſt of Ta- Luke vor
the eventy Dif- bernacles, about ſixteen Months after his ſolemn Election of his Apoſtles,
ciples.
and eight Monthis after their firſt Miſſion, he thought fit to make a ſecond
Choice of Diſciples; and as his firſt was of twelve, according to the
Number of the Patriarchs and Tribes, this was of ſeventy, according to
the Number of the Elders or Senators of Iſrael. The Names of moſt of
theſe
Luke 9
1.16.
Chap. V.
93
TIBERIUS the 3d Rom. Emp.
John 7.
11-36.
Tabernacles,
theſe are unknown to us; and we have only an uncertain Account of twen-
ty of them out of Eufebius and Epiphanius, which are Matthias, Mark, Luke,
Barnabas, Stephen, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, Nicolas,
Fuſtus, Apelles, Softhenes, Rufus, Niger, Cephas, Thaddæus, Ariſtion, and John.
Thete Seventy were ſent out by two and two together as the Apoſtles; and
tho' they were of an inferior Rank, yet our Lord gave the ſame Reaſon for
their Million; namely, That the Evangelical Harveſt was great, but the Rea-
pers few. The Apoſtles Commiſſion was to go at large to any of the Cities
of Iſrael ; but theſe Seventy were to go only to thoſe particular Places
which Jeſus himſelf deſign'd to viſit, to make way for his Preaching and
Reception ; who deſign'd now a more full Revelation of himſelf.
As their Journy was to be ſhort and expeditious, he order'd them to
avoid all Impediments, particularly the formal Salutations then in Uſe,
and the great Scrupulouſneſs that ſome had of eating ſuch Things as
were ſet before them by Strangers. The other Inſtructions to them were
the ſame as he had given to the Apoſtles; only adding the ſame Woes
againſt Chorazin and Bethſaida, and his own proud City Capernaum, which
he formerly denounc'd before the Multitudes, when John had ſent his Diſci-
ples to him.
The Feaſt of Tabernacles always continu'd eight Days, and began this Jeſus's Arrival
Year on the ſeventh or eighth Day of our Month October ; at which Time at the Feast of
the Jews made great Enquiry after Jeſus at Jeruſalem, and had various Dif-
courſes concerning him; ſome ſaying he was a good Man, and others an
Impoſtor. But when all
Mens Expectations were almoſt over, on the fourth
or fifth Day of the Feaſt, he ſhewd himſelf openly, and taught in the
Temple, to the great Wonder of the Jews, who were exceedingly ſurpriz'd
to find him ſo perfect in the Scriptures, when his Education had been with-
out Learning. Whereupon he told them, That he ſpoke not of himſelf; and
that if they were deſirous of performing the Will of God, they wou'd ſoon per-
ceive, that his Doctrine proceeded from God that ſent him, whoſe Glory alone
he ſought to promote; but they were ſo far from keeping the Law of God, that
they ſonight even his life. The People cry'd out, He was poſſeſs’d; and ask'd
him, Who fought his Life? Upon which, he put them in mind of the infirm
Man at tlie Pool of Betheſda, whom he curd a Year and a half before on
the Sabbath Day; for which, tho' they themſelves us'd Circumciſion on the ſame
Day, without accounting it a Breach of Moſes's Law, yet they were so implaca-
bly incens'd againſt him, that they had refolu'd to ſay him. At the ſame
Time fome who knew the great Hatred of the Magiſtrates againſt him, ad-
mired to ſee hiin ſpeak with ſo much Freedom and Authority, and ſaid, Are
ihey convinc'd that this is really the Meſſiah? Adding withall
, That they knew
this M.an's Parentage, but the Meſſiah's wou'd be wholly unknown. But Jeſus
with a loud Voice declar'd, That tho they knew his Earthly. Parentage, they
knew not his Heavenly, which was beyond their Conception. Then ſeveral of the
People believ'd on him, being convinc'd by the Greatneſs of his Miracles, that
he was the Meſſiah; but the Phariſees and Rulers of the People ſent their Offi-
cers to ſecure him: Jefus who cou'd not ſuffer before his prefix'd Time, ſaid
to the Officers, That he was with them but for a ſhort Time, and ſhou'd return to
Him who ſent him; that they ſhou'd ſeek to him in vain, for he was going to
Place whither they cou'd not come. The Jews did not underſtand theſe
Words, but believ'd that he deſign'd to leave Judæa, and teach the Greeks
and Gentiles.
On the laſt and great Day of the Feaſt, when they perform’d the joy-
37.5}. ful and pompous Ceremony of offering and pouring out the Water, our Sa-
viour ſtood up in the Temple, and cry'd out, If any Man thirſt, let him
come to me and drink : Whoſoever believeth on me, according to the Tenor of
the
R
fimm 7.
Cent. I. ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY
94
Book I.
bim.
1
him.
1.
the Scriptures, out of his Belly ſhall flow Rivers' of living Water : Meaning,
as St. John obſerves, the abundant Graces of the Holy Spirit, which ſhou'd
be poured out upon the Souls of all Believers, after his Entrance into Glo-
ry." The People were much divided in their Ophions concerning this Sen-
tence; for ſome accounted him a Prophet, ottiers acknowledgʻd him the
Meſſiah, and others, who knew nothing of his Birth-Place, cou'd not be-
lieve him to be the Perſon, becauſe they knew that the Meſſiah fhou'd not
be born in Galilee, but in the City of Bet kilehem, and of the Family of Da-
The Jews divi- vid. At the ſame Time the Magiſtrates belongitig to the Sanhedrim, cxamin'd
ded in their opi- the Officers whom they had ſent to take him, why they had not brought
nions concerning
him; and they being charm’d with his Preſence, atifwer'd, That never Man Spoke
like this Man. Tlie Phariſees being more iprag'd at their Reaſon, than the
Neglect of their Office, upbraided them for being so foolifħly feduced, and
Following the Error of the ignorant and curſed Populary, when 'not one of the
Nicodemus for Rulers and learned Rabbies had own'd him. Upon this, Nicodemus, who
had formerly convers’d with our Lord, and reinain'd his fecret Diſciple;
calmly told the Allembly, That according to the Labo,' they ought not to con-
demn any Man unheard. But they with ſome Anger, ask'd Whether he was å
Favourer of this Galileen? and bad him ſearch, and he shor'd find, that no
Prophet ever came from thence. Thus the Aſſembly broke up without pro-
ceeding againſt him, and every Man return'd to his own Houſe.
On the famie Night Jeſus repaired to the Mount of Olives about a Mile John B.
from the City, and probably lodg'd at Bethany, at the Houſe of Lazarus.
Early in the Morning, he return'd to the Temple, and in the Court of Wo-
men, at the Treaſury, he fate down and taught the People that were gatherd
They bring aWo- about him. Shortly after, the Scribes and Pharifees with no little Solem-
man to him ta- nity brought in a Woman taken in Adultery, and placing her in the midſt
ken in Adultery of them ſaid, Maſter, this Woman was taken in the very Act of Adultery: Nord
Moſes in his Law exprefly commanded, That ſuch Perſons shou'd be ſtored to
Death; but What is your Judgment and Determination This infnarcing
Queſtion was to find an Ocaſion of accuſing him, either of aſſuming Judi-
dicial Power, if he condemn'd her ; or of nulling the Law, if he freed her.
Jeſus, like a Judge taking Minutes of a Cauſe before him, ſtooped down,
and wrote ſomething with his Finger upon the Duſt of the Pavement:
but they being urgent with him for an anſwer; he rais'd himſelf up, ſay-
ing, He that is without Sin among you let him eaſt the firſt Stone; and ſtoop-
ing down, wrote as before. This unexpected Anſwer amaz'd theſe deſign-
ing Accuſers; and finding themſelves throughly convicted of their own
Crimes, retired one by one, leaving the Woman by her ſelf; which was
little leſs than a Miracle. Jeſus finding the Woman alone, ask'd her, Where
were her Accuſers ;, and whether any Man had condemn’d her ? She anſwer'd,
no Man had: Upon which he told her, That neither did he condemn her, but
bad her Go and ſin no more.
Jeſus diſputes
After this Interruption Jeſus return'd to inſtruct the People, and taking Join 8.
with the Phi- occaſion, probably from the Sun's bright ſhining in the Morning, he de-
clard That he was the true Light of the World, and that whoſoever follow'd
him, ſhould not walk in Darkneſs, but in the Light of Life. Hereupon the
Phariſees reply'd, That the Teſtimony he gave of himſelf was not worthy of Cre-
dit. But he deinonſtrated to them. That they judg'd amiſs, according to their
own Law, and that the Teſtimony he gave of himſelf was of sufficient Force, be-
cauſe it was confirm’d by the Teſtimony of his Father, who wrought ſuch great
Miracles by him: They then ask'd him, Where his Father was? He anſwer'd
them, That they knew not his Father, becauſe they wou'd not acknowledge his
Son. He added moreover, and ſaid, I go my IVay, and ye ſhall ſeek me, and
fhall dye in your Sins : Whither I go, ye cannot come. And becauſe they ig-
norantly
ܪ
12:59.
rifecs.
Chap. V.
95
TIBERIUS the 34 Rom. Emp.
Rorantly thought he wou'd kill himſelf, that they might not follow him,
he declar'd, That he was not from below, as they were, but from above; and
that if they did not believe in him, they fond dye in their Sins. Then they
asking him, Who he was; he anſwer'd, he was the. Meffiah, but in ſuch
Terms as they did not underſtand : Adding withall, That when they had
lifted him up upon the Croſs, they fhou'd know, that he had done nothing of hima
ſelf
, nor ſaid any Thing, but what he had beard from his Father. Theſe
Truths which blinded the Proud, enlightned ſeveral other Perſons, who
beliey'd on him; to whom he declar'd, That if they continu'd firm in the Ob
ſervation of his Word, they were his real Diſciples: That they ſhou'd know the
Truth, and the Truth ſhou'd make them free. The other Jews reply'd, That
they were never Servants, but free, as being the Children of Abraham. Hé
anſwer'd them, That whoſoever committed Sin, was the Servant of Sin į and
tho' Servants might have ſome Temporary Privileges, they cou'd not be truly free,
unleſs he made them ſo: That they were Abrahain's Children according to the Fleſh,
but in rejecting the Truth, and ſeeking the Life of him who told them the Truth,
they did not follow Abraham's Steps, but made themſelves Children of another
Father, by following his Example and immitating him. They maintain'd, That
in that Senſe they had no other Father but God; but Jefus reply'd again,
That if they were the Children of God, they would hearken to his Word, and
love his only begotten Son, ophom he had ſent. That as Murther and Lying
were the Works of the Devil, and the Marks of his Children; so ſuch as fought
the Deſtruction of an innocent Perſon, and refus’d their Afent to the Truth,
had the Devil for their Father. They made no Reply to this, but by rail-
ing at him, calling him a Samaritan, that was poſteſi'd with a Devil. But
Jefus calmly anſwer'd, That he had no Devil, but honour'd his Father, who
would do him Juſtice, becauſe he fought not his opon Glory: Declaring after-
wards, That whoſoever kept his Word, ſkori'd never dye, meaning an eternal
Death: But the Jews, who underſtood it of the Death of the Body, took
occaſion to inſult over him; demanding of him, whether he was greater
than Abraham and the Prophets, that he cou'd preferve them from Death that
kept his Commandments, which thoſe great Men coxid not avoid; therefore what
did he pretend to make himſelf? He anſwer'd them again, That he honour'd
not himſelf, but deriv'd all his Honour from his Father, whom they worſhiped
as their God, but knew him not : That as for Abraham, in whom they ſo much
hoaſted, he had carneſtly deſired to ſee his happy Day, did ſee it
, and was folld
with great foy. Upon this, they ſcoffingly ask'd, Whether he cou'd have ſeen
Abraham, when he was not yet fifty years of Age? That is, arriv'd at the com-
mon Years of Superannuation among the Jews. But he reply'd, Verily, verily
1. Say unto you, before Abraham was, I am. Upon which Aſſertion, which
And is in Dana
they took for Blaſpliemy, after the manner of the Zealots, they took up ger of being ſton
ſome of the broken Stoues of the new Buildings, deſigning to kill him. But he ned.
iniraculouſly withdrev himſelf out of the Temple, and eſcap'd their Fury.
A little before our Saviour's Departure from the City, the Seventy Diſci- The Return of
; 4. ples return'd from their . Journy and Miniſtry, greatly rejoycing, becauſe the the jezenty Dil
very Devils, by means of his Name, were ſubječt to them. feſus in Confirmati- ciples,
on of their Report, told them. That while they were preaching, he ſaw the
Prince of them, falling like:Lightning from his Empire and Dominion : Declar-
ing farther, That he gave them Power to tread upon the moſt venomous and maliga
nat Powers of the Devil, without the leaſt Damage : Yet that they ought not so
much to rejoyce. for the Subje&tion of theſe evil Spirits, as for their having their
"Names written in Heaven, At the ſame Time Jeſus was tranſported with
the like Motion of the Spưit as formerly, glorifying the Name of the Lord
of Heaven and Earth, for revealing the Myſteries of Heaven to ſuch Infants
, and
mean Inſtruments, and concealing them from the Great and Wife in the World.
Then
Cuki 10.
96 Cent. I
Book I.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
1
Luke iam
6
Then turning to his Diſciples, he privately pronounc'd a Bleſſing upon their
Eyes which were Partakers of ſuch Happineſs: Declaring, That many great
Prophets and Kings had paſſionately longʻd to ſee and to hear what they had
done, without obtaining the Bleſſing.
Jeſus's Dif About this Time, a certain Doctor of the Law among the Company ſtood
courſe with a up, and that he might find Occaſion againſt him, demanded of him, What 25-37.
Lawyer.
he muſt do to inherit everlaſting Life ? Our Lord perceiving his Conceit, re-
ferr'd him to the Law, asking him, What he read there? The Man readily
anſwer'd out of Deuteronomy, · Thou ſhalt love the Lord thy God with all
thy Heart, with all thy Soul, with all thy Strength, and with all thy Mind;
. and thy Neighbour as thy ſelf. Jeſus told him, He had rightly anſwer'd, and
bad him, Perform that, and be ſhou'd live. But this Scribe being deſirous
to appear Holy, and an exact Obſerver of the Law, demanded farther of
him, Whom he ought to account his Neighbour? Jeſus anſwer'd him by a Pa-
His Parable of rable of a certain few, who in the great Road between Jeruſalem and Je-
the good Sama- richo was robbed, ſtripped, barbaroully treated, and left almoſt dead with his
Wounds: When a Prieſt and a Levite both of his own Country, paſs’d fe-
verally that Way, they uncharitably avoided him, and gave him no Aft-
ſtance: But a Samaritan a Stranger, and abhorrd by the Jews, ſeeing this
diſtreſſed Perſon, with great Compaſſion came to him, poured Oil and Wine
into his Wounds, carefully bound them up, ſat him upon his own Beaſt,
and carry'd him to an Inn, where he committed him to the Care of the
Hoſt, and left him Mony to provide Neceſſaries for him, with a Promiſe
of a farther Supply if Occaſion requir’d it. Jeſus deſirous that the Doctor
ſhou'd make Application himſelf, ask'd him, Which of theſe three Paſſengers
was Neighbour to the diſtreſſed Man? He anſwer'd, He who few'd Mercy to
him. And Jeſus approving the Anſwer, bad him, Go, and do likewiſe : In-
timating, that Mercy was due to all Perſons, and that Neighbours were
not confin'd to Countries and Relations, nor Religions.
Shortly after, our Lord departed from Jeruſalem towards Galilee ; and in
the Beginning of his Journy, he enter'd a ſmall Village callid Bethany, on
the fartheſt Parts of Mount Olivet, about two Miles Eaſt of Jeruſalem,
He is enter- where he was joyfully entertain'd by a Woman calld Martha, who with a
taina by Mar- Siſter Mary, and Brother Lazarus were highly in Favour with him. While
Martha was buſie in preparing what ſhe cou'd for her heavenly Gueſt, her Siſter
Mary, whom ſeveral believe to be the ſame with Mary Magdalene, ſat at
Jeſus's Feet, hearing his Words with great Attention. Whereupon Martha
complain’d to him, That her Siſter Suffer'd her to take all the Trouble upon
her, defiring that he wou'd command her to help her. But Jefus anſwer'd her
with great Seriouſneſs, That fiue cumber'd and diſturb'd her ſelf with worldly
Cares, whereas one Thing was primarily needful, the hearing his Word, which
ſince Mary had choſen, She shou'd never want the Benefit of it. By which
Words he condemn'd not the Hoſpitality of Martha, but taught her, That
her Care and Toil, tho' commendable in its ſelf, was of far leſs Value and
Concern than that of her Siſters.
A few Days after, Jeſus being probably returu'd into Galilee, his Diſci- Luke 11.
He teaches the ples ſeeing him at Prayers, one of them deſired him to compoſe a Prayer
Diſciples to for their Ufe, as John had done for his Diſciples. Whereupon he gave
them the ſame excellent Prayer, which he had done above eighteen Months
before in his Sermon upon the Mount, only omitting the Doxology at laſt.
Then he encourag'd them to uſe Fervour and Importunity in their Prayers,
And invites by producing two familiar Inſtances : The firſt of one Friend coming to
another at Midnight to borrow Proviſions for his Stranger, who at that xin-
Examples. Seaſonable Hour might obtain bis Requeſt by his Importunity, when he cou'd not
by his Friendſhip : Much more they ſhou'd obtain their Petitions, when ask'd
and in Like la
38.42.
and
1.13.
fidy.
thein liy two
with
Chap. V.
97
TIBERIUS the 34 Rom. Emp
1
Luke 11.
Tsh
duinb Demga
exrces their
with an inſtant Zeal and Perſeverance. The ſecond was of a common Parent,
who wou'd not give his Children Stones inſtead of Bread, nor Serpents and
Scorpions inſtead of Eggs and Fiſh. ' And if evil Parents knew how to give good
Gifts to their Children, much more their heavenly Father wou'd give the Holy
Spirit to ſuch as ask'd him.
After this, St. Luke mentions our Lord's diſpoſſeſſing a dumb Demoniack; He difpalestes a
upon which Occaſion the Phariſees not only perſiſted in their former Blaſ-
niacks
phemy, that he ejected Devils by Beelzebub their Prince, but alſo again im-
pudently demanded of him a Sign from Heaven. But Jeſus confuted their
Malice by the ſame. Arguments he formerly us’d upon that Account; and
likewiſe gave the ſame Anſwer to their demanding a Sign; declaring, That
they fou'd have no other but that of Jonas the Prophet : Adding ſome few of
the ſame Inſtructions to the People as he had formerly given in his Sermon
upon the Mount. In the midſt of his Diſcourſe, a Woman in a Tranſport
cry'd out, Bleſſed was the Womb that bare him, and the Breaſts that gave
him.
Suck! But Jeſus declar'd, That they were more bleſſed who hear’d the Word of
God and obſerv'd it. At the finiſhing his Diſcourſe, he was invited by a Dires with it
Phariſee, not
certain Phariſee to dine with him, where he ſat down without waſhing his
Hands, according to the Traditions and Cuſtoms of thoſe People ; which seti,
both ſurpriz'd and offended the nice Maſter of the Houſe. But our Lord
knowing the corrupt Deſigns of him and the reſt that were with him, very
freely told him, That they were very careful in cleanſing the Ontſicles of their
Cups and Veſſels, but their inward Parts, their Hearts, were full of Rapine and
Impurity; ſhewing their Ignorance in not knowing that the ſame Workman made
both; and preſcribing a Remedy, namely, Alms and Acts of Mercy, which ſhou'd
make all Things clean and pure to them. After which he took an Occaſion
to expoſe all the great Hypocriſie and Villanies of the whole Sect, together
with the Scribes and Doctors of the Law, who were offended at his invective
Diſcourſe: Inſomuch, that the Company were extremely exaſperated, and
us'd all poſlible Methods to enſnare him, and to gain an Opportunity of
deſtroying him.
In the mean Time, an innumerable Multitude of People being gather'd
about him, ſo that they trod one upon another, Jeſus admoniſh d his Dif- He cantions his
ciples to beware of the Leaven of the Phariſees, which was Sowerneſs and Hy- Diſciples an:
gainſt Hypocris
pocriſie'; and not to be diſcourag'd at the Malice and Perſecutions of Men, but fie,
to fear God alone, and to repoſe a ſtedfaſt Confidence in him. In the miuſt
of his Diſcourſe, one of the Company, more intent upon his temporal than
ſpiritual Concernment, deſir'd hiin, to speak to his Brother peaceably to di-
vide the Eſtate lately fallen to them. But Jeſus, to ſhew that every Perſon
ought to keep within his Calling, anſwer'd, Who made him a Jucige or. a Sur-
veyor of their Concerns? Upon which he admoniſh'd his Auditory carefully
to beware of Covetouſneſs ; for Mens Happineſs conſiſted not in plentiful Polis
foons. And to enforce it the more, he propounded this Parable: A certain Courtaufneſs,
wealthy
. Man, finding his Land to produce a vaſt Increaſe of Fruits and Goods
reſolvd to pull down. bis old Barns and Repoſitories, and build largers and
when he had thus ſecur'd his Profits, he wou'd ſay to his Soul, Soul, thou
haſt plentifully provided for many Years, now take thine Eaſe, eat, drink
and enjoy thy Pleaſures : But Gad deſtroy'd all his Deſigns, and ſaid to him,
Thou Fool, this very Night Mall thy Soul be requir'd of thee; for whoni
then laſt thou ſecured theſe Things ? Such is the Condition, added he, of
him who hoards up Treaſure for himſelf, and is not rich in his Actions to
God. For this Reaſon he taught his Diſciples, not to be ſolicitous or an-
xious for the Things of this Life ; that they shou'd be so far from heaping up
Riches, that they ought to part with what they had to the Poor,; that they
might have a Treaſury in Heaven, which wou'd naturally draw their Hearts
N
after
Luke 12.
1-59
98 Cent. I.
Book I.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
He warns the
Luke 73.
tance.
after it. That they were indeed ſmall in Number, but however, they ſhou'd be. of
good Courage, ſince it was their Father's Pleaſure to give them the Kingdom.
AndCarelefreſs. He told them farther, That they shou'd be always in a. Readineſs to appear
before God, to have their Garments girt about them, and their Lights burning,
as Servants who watch for the Return of their Maſter from the Wedding. That
being made Stewards of God's Houſe, to diſtribute to others the Food of his Word,
they ought to diſcharge their Truſt faithfully; not like the fooliſh Steward, who
finding his Lord to defer his Return, conſum'd the Goods intruſted to him in,
Debaucheries, and usd his Authority to abuſe his Fellow. Servants ; for orhich
he ſhori'd have his Portion with Hypocrites and Unbelievers. That ſince the Son
of Man wou'd come in a Day and Hour unknown to them, to require an Account
of their Management, they ſhou'd always watch as a Maſter of a Houſe wou'd
do, if he knew what Night the Thief deſign’d to rob his Houſe. That knowing
the Will of their Maſter, they were the more culpable if they did not obey.it; and
the more they had entruſted with them, the greater their Accounts wou'd be. To
theſe Diſcourſes he join'd and added ſome others, already obſerv'd in the
Sermon
upon the Mount, and his Inſtructions to the Apoſtles when he firſt
ſent them to preach the Goſpel.
Before the Multitude departed, ſome Perſons then preſent mention'd to
Jews to Repen-
our Lord that ſevere Puniſhment inflicted upon the Galileans or Gaulanites 1-5.
by Pilate, whoſe Soldiers cut them in Pieces while they were facrificing at
the Altar ; defiring to know his Opinion of thoſe miſerable Sufferers. Je-
ſus diſcerning their Thoughts, firſt ask'd them, Whether they believ'd thoſe
to be greater Sinners than the reſt of their Selt, becauſe God had left them to
ſuch dreadful Vfage. And then declar'd, That without their Repentance, they
Mou'd all meet with the ſame or the like Judgment. He alſo let them un-
derſtand, That they ought to make the Same Application of the other. Calamity.
that hapned in Jeruſalem lately ; namely, the Fall of the Tower of Siloam
which caus’d the Death of eighteen Perſons of the City. And that he might
engage them to make the moſt profitable Uſe of their Time for a ſincere
Repentance, he ſet forth the Patience of the Almighty towards them by
The Parable of the Parable of a barren Fig-tree in a Vineyard, which wanting Fruit
the barren Fig- for three Years ſucceſſively, the Maſter of the Vineyard order'd it to be
cut down, as uſeleſs and cumberſome. But upon the Gardiner's promiſing
to uſe a more than ordinary Care about it, he deferr'd it a Year longer,
with a Reſolution of deſtroying it, if it continu'd unfruitful; as God
wou'd do to thoſe People if they brought not forth Fruits as wou'd Evi-
dence a true Repentance.
Jeſus cures a On a Sabbath Day not long after, Jeſus, according to his Cuſtom tauglit Luke 13.
crooked Woman. in one of the Jewiſh Synagogues; in which Place there came a Woman grie-
vouſly afflicted with an evil Spirit, which St. Luke calls a Spirit of Infirmi-
ty, which had continu'd eighteen Years, and ſo bowed her Body, that
ſhe cou'd not lift her ſelf up. Jeſus ſeeing this deplorable Object, calld
her to him, mercifully laid his Hands upon her, and pronounc'd her freed
from her In firmity; and at the ſame inſtant ſhe was made ſtrait, and glo-
rify'd God for her Cure. Whereupon the Ruler of the Synagogue with
a malignant Concern told the People, That there were fix Days in every
Week by God allow'd for Labour ; that they might come for Cure in thoſe
And confutes Days, and not on the Sabbath, which was a Day of Reft. But Jefus ari-
the Ruler of the ſwering him, demanded of thoſe Hypocrites, Whether it was not equally
.
lawful for him to looſe a Daughter of Abraham and the Covenant, from
eighteen Years Bondage of Satan, on the Sabbath.; as for them to looſe an
Ox or an Aſs on the Same Day, and lead: them to watering ? At which
his Adverſaries were filenc'd and exceedingly aſham'd, while the People
highly rejoyed at his glorious Actions. Wlierefore that he might prevent
them
ز
tree.
10-21.
Chap. V.
99
TIBERIUS the 3° Rom. Emp.
...
them from being diſcourag’d at the mean and ſmall Beginnings of his
Kingdom, he compar’d its ſpreading Nature to a Grain of Muſtard Seed,
which in Time comes to be the largeſt of Herbs; and to a ſmall Quanti-
ty of Leaven, which in a ſhort Time diffuſes it ſelf through a large Maſs
of Bread.
.
Julen so
I-12.
of any
ز
IV. A little above two Months after the Feaſt of Tabernacles, our He goes to Je-
Lord, after ſeveral Removals, repaired again to Jeruſalem, at the Feaſt of rufalem at the
Dedication, which this Year began on the 13th or 14th Day of our Month cation.
December. This Feaſt was inſtituted by Judas Maccabeus, in Memory of his
Dedication of the Teinple, after he had clear'd that and the Altar from the
horrid Prophanations of Antiochus Epiphanes; and was annually celebrated
in the Month Cafleu, and continu'd with great Solemnity eight Days. Je-
fus being arriv'd at this Time, and walking in the Streets on a Sabbath Day,
ſaw a poor Man blind from his very Birth. Whereupon his Diſciples, ac-
cording to the Jewiſh Notion of Souls (inning in ſome pre-exiſtent State, de-
fir'd to be ſatisfy'd, Whether it was his own or his Parents Sins that caus'd this
Calamity? Jeſus inform’d them; That bis Blindneſs was not upon the Account
Šins committed by him or his Parents, but that God might more conſpi-
cuouſly manifeſt the Works of his Power : Adding, That it was his Office to do
theſe i Vorks in the Time allotted him, before he was taken from them; and that
so long as he continu'd in the World, he was the Light and Guide of it. Then Where he cures
ſpitting upon the Ground, he form'd fome Clay, and anointed the poor Slind.
Man's Eyes with it; a Way the moſt unlikely to cure Blindneſs, ſending him
to waſh in the Pool of Siloan, a Spring in the City remarkable for mira-
culous Accidents. The Man was obedient to his Commands; and upon
his Return found his Sight perfectly reſtored, to the great Amazement of
his Neighbours and Acquaintance; who at firſt doubted whether he was
the ſame Man who ſat begging in the Streets. But he aſſur'd them, That
he was the very Perſon, and that a Man calld Jeſus had reſtored his Sight;
and inform'd them how it was effected.
This ſurprizing Accident made fome very inquiſitive after Jeſus; but not The Man is
13-34 finding him, they carry'd the Man before the Grand Sanhedrim, to be ex- the Sanhedrin,
amin'd by the Rulers. Here ſome of the Phariſees were very ſtrict and
uneaſie; and being inform’d that the Cure was performd by the ſervile
Works of making Clay and Waſhing, they declard, That this Man was not
of God, becauſe he kept not the Sabbath Day. But others cou'd not believe
that a wicked Man or an Impoſtor cou'd work ſuch Miracles; fo that there
was a great Diviſion in the Aſſembly. Whereupon they ask'd the poor
Man, What he thought himſelf; who anſwer’d, That he lock'd upon Jeſus as a
Prophet. Theſe Things were ſurprizing and aſtoniſhing, but they wou'd
not believe the Miracle till they had fent for the Parents of the recover'd
Man; of whom they enquir'd, Whether he was really their Son who was boris
blind, and by what Means he was reſtored ? But they fearing the Phariſees,
and knowing that they had made an Order to excommunicate any Perſon
who ſhou'd acknowledge Jeſus to be Chrift; made Anſwer, That they knew
the Party to be their Son, and that he was born blind, but were ignorant of the
means of his Recovery, and of the Perſon who effected it; but that they might
be throughly informd by their Son, who was of Age to anſwer for himſelf.
Whereupon they called the Man to them a ſecond Time, and order'd hiin,
To give God the Glory, for they knew Jeſus to be a Sinner. He anſwerd,
That he knew nothing of his being a Sinner ; but so much he was aſſured of,
that he had been blind, and was now recover'd. But they, reſtleſs in their
Inquiries, again ask'd him, How he receivd bis Sight? He anſwer'd them
with ſome Rouglineſs, That he already informd them, but to no Effect; asking
N 2
them,
John 9.
IOO
Book I.
Cent. I.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
miested.
3
Cit. ! Ce
the Jews.
And proves
them, Whether they deſign’d to be his Diſciples? At which, they told him
in a great Rage, That he was his Diſciple, but they were Diſciples of Mofes,
who they knew was commiſſion el from God; but as for this Jeſus, they knew
not whence he was. The Man boldly reply'd, That it was very unaccountable,
that they mori'd not perceive whence that Man wins, whom God had indue'd
with ſuch a miraculous Power of opening the Eyes of one born blind; a Thing
never heard of ſince the World began : Adding, if this Man were not of God,
he cou'd do nothing. This extremely provok'd them, That ſuch a vile
And excommu- Sinner as he fou'd preſume to teach them; and they caſt him out of
the Aſſembly. As John Baptiſt was the firſt who ſuffer'd Death fo
this was the firſt who ſuffer'd Excommunication upon the Account of the
Goſpel.
Jeſus hearing of the poor Man's Fate, met him ſhortly after in ſome guine.
publick Place, and ask'd him, Whether he believ'd on the Son of God ? Heim
reply'd, Who is he, Lord, that I may believe on him? Jefus telling him, That 1.3i.
he had already ſeen him, and that l:e who Spoke to him was the Perſon;
he anſwer'd, Lord, I believe ! and immediately fell down at his Fect
Jeſus expoſes and adored him. Fefus turning to the People, declar'd, That he came
into the World to bring an amazing Judgement, that the Blind might ſee,
and ſuch as ſam might become blind; that is, ſuch whoſe Pride hinder'd
them from acknowledging their ſpiritual Blindneſs: For ſome of the Pha-
riſees demanding of him, IV hether they alſo were blind? He anſwer'd them,
If they were ſenſible of their Blindneſs, they shor'd be freed from their Sin; but
becauſe they diſown'd that Imperfection, their Sins wou'd be inputed to them.
And having expos’d the Pride and Vanity of thoſe blind Guides, he pro-
pounded to them three different Characters of ſuch as undertook the Care
of Souls, under the Parable of a Shepherd and his Sheep; teaching them,
That there were ſome, who inſtead of entring by the Door of the Sheep-fold,
himſelf to be the climb'd up ſome other Way, like Thieves and Robbers to ſteal and deſtroy. And
good Shepherd.
he explain d this Similitude, which they did not underſtand, by declaring,
That he was the Door, by urhich Men muſt enter either for the Government of
the Flock, or the Salvation of their Souls; that all other Pretenders were 119
better than Thieves and Robbers. Secondly, There were others, who having en-
ter'd by the Door, guided and govern’d the Flock as Mercenaries and Hirelings;
and
upon the Appearance of the Wolf abandon'd the Sheep, becauſe they lov'í
themſelves only, and not the Flock. Thirdly, There were alſo the good Shep-
herds, who enter'd the Sheep-Fold with the Porter's Attendance, knew their
Sheep and their Names, and were known and follow'd by them. Of theſe third
Sort" he declar'd himſelf to be, proving, That he was the good Shepherd,
ſince he came to lay down his Life for his Sheep, and that willingly and freely,
in Compliance to his Father's Pleaſure : for as much as 110 Man cou'd take it
away from him; and when he had laid it down, he could take it up again,
and none cou'd hinder him. Then he declar'd, That the Jews were not the
only Sheep for whom he won'd die ; that he had other Sheep, namely, the Gen-
tiles, whom he wou'd bring into his Fold, and out of both wou'd make up one
Flock, conſiſting of ſuch as heard his Voice, of whom he himſelf wou'd be the
Shepherd alone. This Diſcourſe rais’d a new Difference among his Audi-
tors
is ſome ſaid He was poſſeſs'd and mad; but others declar'd, That a Mar
poſeſs’d cou'd not utter ſuch excellent Things, much leſs open the Eyes of one
born blind.
Before the Concluſion of the Feaſt, it being Winter and cold Weather,
our Saviour, according to the Cuſtom of the Jews, walk'd in thoſe
mag-
nificent Cloyſters on the Eaſtern Parts of the Temple and the Court of the
Gentiles, call’d by the name of Solomon's-Porch. Here the Jews ſoon ga--
ther'd about him, and ask'd hin, How long he mou'd keep them in Sufperces
requiring
Chap. V.
IOI
TIBERIUS the 34 Rom. Emp.
not.
requiring him to tell them in poſitive Terms, whether he was the Meſſiah, er
He made Anſwer, That he had already inform’d there fufficiently, but in
no Effect; that the Miracles he wrought in his Father's Name were a full Evi.
dence of his Perſon; but that they believ'd not, becauſe they were none of his
Sheep, who both hearkned to him, and follow'dl him. And to thew them how He v in Danger
great Loſers they were by not being of his Fold, he added, That he gave of being stered
to his Sheep eternal Life, and they ſhould never periſh ; for no Mun cou'd
pull them out of the all-powerful Hands of his Futher, nor out of his own, be-
cauſe He and lis Fut her were really One. Upon this laſt Exprcffior the Jews
concluded him a Blaſphemer, and after the manner of the Zealots took up
ſome of the Stones of the new Buildings to ſtone him. Wherelipon Jefuis
asked thern, For which of thoſe many good IVorks which he had Hemed
them from his Father it was that they went about to uſe him so barba-
rouſly? They readily made Anſwer, That it wils not for any goed Work, but
for direct Blaſphemy, for making himſelf God, whenus He was but a Man. But
he made it appear, That ſince in the Scriptures Men mere ſometimes callid Gods,
they could not charge hin with Blaſpheniy, for giving himſelf that Name, efpe-
cially him who was really the Son of God, and fanétify'd by his Father. And
that he was so, he told them, was evident from his Miracles, which shou'd
command their Belief, tho’his Words did not; they being real Proofs that He
was in his Father, and his Father in Him. All this did not appeaſe their
Rage and Fury againſt him, for they ſought ſtill how they might take
him, but he eſcap'd out of the Temple, and ſhortly after departed from
the City.
This concluded the third Year of our Saviour's publick Miniitry; in
which Year a new Volume of the Sibyl's Books was received, and added to
the reſt by a Decree of the Senate of Rome ; but not well reliſh'd by the
Tiberius's
Emperor Tiberius, who now more and more afflicted the City and Nobility Reign inſuppor-
by his ſubtil, jealous and tyrannical Behaviour. Tho'he liv'd retir'd from
Rome, and at a conſiderable Diſtance, yet the Degeneracy of the Senate,
and the Buſineſs of Spyes and other wicked Inſtruments, caus’d infinite Ac-
cuſations, Puniſhments and Executions. A Concern for the Glory of the
Empire, was accounted a Deſign of gaining it; an innocent Remembrance
of Liberty, was thought an Aim to re-eſtabliſh the Common-wealth ; to
praiſe Brutus and Caſſius, was a capital Crime ; to bewail Auguſtus, a fe-
cret Offience; and every Action became liable to forc'd Interpretations: Sim-
plicity of Diſcourſe, they ſaid, expreſs'd evil Deſigns; a ſecret Silence,
conceald miſchievous Intentions; Joy, was the Hopes of the Emperor's
Death; Melancholy, an Envying his Proſperity; and Fear, the jult Ap-
prehenſions of a guilty Conſcience : So that Speaking or Silence, Joy or
Grief, Fear or Aſſurance, were all Crimes, and often incurr'd the extream-
eſt Puniſhments. Virtue and Caution were now no Security to great Men;
for it was not ſufficient for them to be freed from the Corruptions of Ac-
cuſers, and the falſe Reports and Suſpicions of wicked Informers, but they
alſo ſtood in fear of the very Imagination of the Emperor; and when they
juſtly thought themſelves ſecure by the Innocence, not only of their Acti-
ons but their Thoughts alſo, they were often ruin'd by the Malice and Sub-
tilty of his Conjectures.
Tacirsu
Dich.
table.
The fourth Year of Chriſt's publick Miniſtry.
V.
We are now arrivd at the fourth and laſt Year of our Blcffed A.D. 33.
Saviour's publick Miniſtry, which began in the fifth Month of the nine-Tiber. ?
teenth of Tiberius; a Year the moſt happy and memorable that ever did
2.0
or
I02
Book I.
Cent. I.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
dan.
23-35
or can happen within the whole Compaſs of Time; in which were brought
about thote glorious and ſtupendious Acts, the Redemption of Mankind
by the Death of the Son of God, his Reſurrection from the Grave,
his Aſcenſion into Heaven, the Deſcent of the Holy-Ghoſt, and the Eſta-
blilhment of the Chriſtian Church. This Year began with our Lord's
Leisn
.
Jeſus croſſes Departure from Jerufalem, and his Paſſage over the River Jordan to Betha- 48.42.
the River Jor- bara, where Johir had formerly baptiz’d. Here he was follow'd by great
Multitudes, whom he taught according to his cuſtom, and cured all that
were Sick and Diſtemper'd among them. This caus'd many new Followers
and Believers, who declar'd, That thoº John wrought no Miracle, yet they hadh
found that all was truc that he had ſpoken of this Man.
While he continu'd in theſe Parts, a certain Man put a curious Queſtion Luke 13.
to him, concerning the Number of the Bleſſed, whether many or few
ſhou'd be ſaved : Upon which he took Occaſion to adviſe his Auditors, to
His Anſwer con- uſe their quickeſt Endeavours to enter in at the ſtrait Gate, for that many
ning the shou'd ſeek to enter it, and not be able. That when once their Time was paſt,
Number the
Blefjed;
and the Door Shout, it wou'd be in vain for them to cry, Lord open to us! for
the Maſter of the Houſe, wou'd then declare that he knew them not : And when
they should alledge, That they had eaten and drunk with him, and heard him teach
in their Streets, he wou'd command them to depart as Workers of Iniquity. That
then fou'd the Jews weep and lament to ſee ſo many Heathens, from all Parts
of the Earth, posſeſs’d of the Glories of Heaven, with Abraham, Iſaac and
Jacob, and all the Prophets, and themſelves, who were Heirs of the Kingdom,
thruſt ont; and be made the laſt, who were once the firſt. The ſame Day
he was interrupted by ſome of the Phariſees, who advis'd him to depart
immediately, for tliat Herod was reſolv'd to have his Life if he ſtay'd in
his Dominions. But Jefus, knowing the Time of his Death, fcarleſly bad
And to Herod's them, Go tell that ſubtle Fox, that he had ſtill ſome Time remaining to eject
Threatnings. Devils and cure Diſeaſes, and that then he shou’d conſummate his Sacrifice by
Suffering Death at Jeruſalem, which was the Place appointed, as it were, for
the Slanghter of all the Prophets. Whereupon he made a moſt pathetick Éx-
clamation againſt that unhappy City, uſing the ſame Words which we
ſhall have occaſion to remember in another place.
Shortly after, our Saviour was invited by one of the chief of the Pha-Lk 1
rifees to dine with him on a Sabbath Day; whither he was follow'd by a
fick of the
Man fick of the Dropſy. Jeſus obſerving the Man, firſt demanded of the
Droply.
Scribes and Phariſces then preſent, Whether it was lawful to heal on the Sab-
bath Day? But receiving no Anſwer, he leald him; and having ſent him
way, juſtify'd what he had done, by asking then Whether they would not
have done as much to ſave an Oxe or an Aſs on that Day? To which they
cou'd make no Reply. Then obſerving that the Gueſts then invited en-
deavour'd every one for the chief Places at the Table, he took that Occaſion
ing Feasts;
to reprove ſuch proud Contention for Precedence ; telling them, That when
any Man was invited to a Feaſt, it was not Wiſdom in him to take the higheſt
Place, leſt he ſkord be forc'd with Diſgrace to remove lower, to make Room
for ſome more honourable Perſon : But that on the contrary, it was beſt to take
the loweſt Place, that ſo he who invited him might, if there were Cauſe, make
him to go higher, which wolid gain him more Honour' among the Gueſts : For
that the Proud ſbou'd be debaſed, and the Humble exalted. After thus in-
ſtructing the Gueſts, he then turn'd his Diſcourſe to the Maſter of the
Houſe, whom he found too. regardleſs of the Poor and Needy; adviſing
him in his Feaſts, Not to invite his rich Neighbours and Relations, who wou'd
be ſure to return his Invitation ; but rather the Poor, Blind, Lame and Impo-
tent, who cou'd make no Returns ; for that God wou'd recompence ſuch cha-
ritable Afts at the Reſurrection of the Juſt. One of the Company hearing
theſe
1.24.
He CHP's one
He delivers
Rules conccin-
Chap. V.
103
TIBERIUS the 34 Rom. Emp
a Parable.
25:35.
Filloner's to
theſe laſt Words, repeated that known Saying among the Rabbins, “ Bleſſed.
is he that shall eat Bread in the Kingdour of God. Whereupon Jeſus ſpake
a Parable to them of a certain Man who made a noble Entertainment, and Together with
having invited many conſiderable Gueſts, ſent his Servants to deſire their
Company juſt when the Supper was ready: But they all made Excuſes; one
bad purchas'd Land, another had bought Oxen, a third bad lately marry’d,
and all refus'd to come. This very mụch enrag’d the Maſter of the Feaſt,
who in all Haſte ſent into the Streets and Lanes of the City, and gather'd
together all the poor, lame and impotent Wretches that were to be found.
But finding ſtill that he had much Room for more Gueſts, he order'd his
Servants to go out of the City, into the High-Ways and Hedges, and uſe
Compulfion to ſuch as they found, thạt his Houſe might be filld; ſolemnly
declaring, That not one of the firſt invited Gueſts floou'd taſt of his Supper :
Intimating by this Parable, that the principal of the Jews ſhou'd be re-
jected, while the moſt deſpicable Part of them in the Streets and Lanes,
and the poor. Gentiles in the High-Ways and Hedges, ſhou'd be re-
ceiv'd.
Luke 14. Jeſus purſuing his Progreſs, was follow'd by great Multitudes; and He exherts his
well knowing the unfound Minds of many of them, he declar'd to them,
Precaution by
as formerly, to his Apoſtles, That whoſoever hated not his Father and Mother, two Examples,
his Wife and Children, his Brothers and Siſters, and his own Life alſo, when
it came in Competition with Him, cou'd not be, his Diſciple. And that they
might not fail in the Day of Trial, he advis’d them to caft up before-hand,
what a real Poffefſion of Chriltianity might coſt them: That as a Man who
intends to build a Tower, ought firſt to compute whether he be able to defray
the full Charges of it, left he ſhou'd be afterwards laugh'd at før his Folly;
and as a King who makes War with another King, ought firſt to conſider whe-
ther he has ſufficient power to engage him, and be provided with all Neceffaries
for ſuch an Undertaking : So they ought to conſider whether they could be con-
tent to relinquiſh all to be his Diſciples. Adding farther, That his. Followers
ought to be the Salt and Seaſoning of the World, which if it once loſt its Savour,
was the moſt uſeleſs and unprofitable Thing in Nature.
Among the great Multitudes that daily follow'd our Sayibur, were many
Publicans and others of a wicked Life, who tlırong’d to hear his Diſcour-
ſes; which gave great Offence to the proud Scribes and Phariſees, who
murmur'd at his condeſcending Goodneſs, in freely.converſing and eating
with ſuch infamous People. Therefore to convince: them, that their Com- He cxpoſes the
plaints were unreaſonable, he ask'd thein; Whether if a Man had a hundred Pharifees wur-
Sheep, and one of them ſtray'd, he wou'd not leave his ninety nine, and ſeek rabkes of the
for that One; and when he had found it, wou'd not take it upon his Shoulders loft Sheep,
with great Joy, and call in his Friends to congratulate his good Fortune ? And
in the like Marner, whether a Woman, who had ten. Pieces of Silver, if she The Piece of
fou'd loſe one of them, would not ſweep the whale Haufe for it; and upon find- Silver,
ing it, rejoyce with her Neighbours : Telling them, Tbat as in theſe Caſes the
finding of the Sheep and Piece of Silver, wou'd cauſe greater Joy than all the
reſt that were never loſt; ſo the Converſion of one profligate. Sinner, wou'd cauſe
greater Joy among the Angels in Heaven, than ninety nine Perſons who were never
in that State. Which Truth he then farther explaind and prov'd by another
excellent. Parable. There was a Man who had two Sons, and the younger And the prodi-
of them having receiv'd his Portion of Goods from his Father, travell’d gal Son.
into a foreign Country, and ſpent it all in Lewdneſs and Debauchery. . Af-
ter he had confum'd and devour'd all, he was neceſſitated through Want
and a Famine to keep Swine to get a hard Livelihood; and in this low
Condition, reflecting upon his Folly and Miſery, he reſolv'd to return to
his father, and humbly acknowledging his Fault, to beg his Favour to
entertain
.را ن ت
13:
104
Book I.
Cent. I.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY,
entertain him again, not as his Son, but his Domeſtick Servant, that he
might not periſh with Hunger. As ſoon as his Father ſaw him at a Diſtance,
he was affected with an extraordinary Joy and Compaflion; and running to
him, fell on his Neck, and kiſs'd him; while the Son, not elevated with
this Kindneſs, with the profoundeſt Marks of Sorrow and Humility, declar'd,
That he had ſinned againſt Heaven, and before him, and was not worthy to be
calld his Son. This free Confeſſion wrought an entire Reconciliation to
his Father; who in all Haſte ſtripp'd him of his Rags, callid for the richeſt
Habit for him, and made a magnificent Feaſt in his Houſe, to rejoice for
his Return. This generous Action was highly diſpleaſing to the elder Bro-
ther; who returning out of the Field, and perceiving the Muſick and Jolli-
ty, refus’d to enter into the Houſe, becauſe his Father had ſhewn greater
Reſpect to his lewd extravagant Brother than ever he had to him, tho he
had always been very faithful in his Duty towards him. This being ob-
jected to his Father, he made Anſwer, That he was always with him, and all
that he had was his; but it was Neceſſary to feaſt and rejoice over his Brother,
whoſe Caſe was extraordinary, having been dead and reſtor’d to Life, loft and
found again. By theſe Parables, he not only diſplay'd the Tenderneſs of
God, and his Readineſs to accept to Mercy all true Penitents ; but alſo,
under the Name of the elder Brother, he reprov'd the unjuſt Murmurs
of the Phariſees, who were diſpleas'd at his entertaining Sinners, tho
the Salvation of ſuch was the main End of his coming into the
World.
After Jeſus had expos’d the Pride and Envy of the Phariſees, he proceed- Luke 16.
ed to reprove their Covetouſneſs, in another Parable propounded to his 1.13.
He reproves Diſciples; which was of a certain rich Man, who had reſolv'd to call his
their Covetou - Steward to an Account, and to remove him from his Place, having receiv'd
rable of the un- an Accuſation againſt him, that he had embezled his Goods: The Steward
just Steward ; finding himſelf in Danger of being reduc'd to Begging, or to ſuch Labour
as he cou'd not ſuſtain, invented this Project to make up his Loſs, and
cauſe others to entertain him; he calld all his Lord's Debtors, one by
one, and diſcharg'd them of a Part of their Debts; permitting him who
owed a hundredi Barrels of Oil, to ſet down but fifty in his Bill; and him
who owed a hundred Meaſures of Wheat, to make it but eighty; and pro-
portionably the reſt. Then he taught his Diſciples not to imitate the In-
juſtice, but the Forecaſt and Policy of this Steward, by employing their earthly
Riches to make them Friends in the Perſons of the Poor, by that Means to be
receiv'd into everlaſting Habitations in Heaven; ſo that the Children of Light
might not be leſs prudent in Things relating to their Salvation, than the Chil-
dren this World were in the Management of their temporal Affairs. After
which he taught them, That as Men were faithful or unjuſt in ſmaller Things,
they ought to be ſo accounted in greater : So that if they were unfaithful Stewards
of the Riches of this World, they ſhou'd not be entruſted with the Riches of Hea-
ven : And that God and the World's Riches were two ſuch contrary Maſters;
as no Man cou'd ſerve at the Same Time.
The covetous Phariſees heard theſe Truths with Contempt, and derided Like !6.
the Speaker of them ; but Jeſus ſharply reprov'd their liorrible. Pride and “+31.
Hypocrifié, and their Affectation of the Eſteeni of Men, which was abomi-
nable in the Sight of God; and the more culpable in them, becauſe they liv'd
in the Time of the Preaching of the Kingdom of God, which began at John,
and was preſsid into by all the inferior People. And tho' it was eaſier for Hea-
ven and Earth to be diffolu'd, than one. Tittle of the Moral Law to fail, yet
they had endeavour'd to weaken it by. their Traditions; particularly the ſeventh
Commandment, which they frequently broke by permitting and practiſing Divore
ces upon unjuſtifiable Grounds. Then, as it were, re-aſſuming his Diſcourſe
againſt
1
Chap. V.
105
TIBERIUS tbe 34 Rom. Emp.
ز
againſt Covetouſneſs, he propounded a moſt affecting Parable or Examplc And the Exam
of a certain pamper'd rich Man, every Day enjoying the Pleaſures of Diet ple of Dives and
and Habit, Eaſe and Luxury; and of a certain miſerable Beggar nam'd La-Lazarusi
Zarus, laid at his Gate cover'd all over with Ulcers, and ſo oppreſs'd with
Hunger, that he beg'd to be fed with the Crums that fell from the other's,
Table, but cou'd not obtain that Charity from the hard-hearted Wretch;
whoſe Dogs, more nierciful than their Maſter, went and apply'd their heal-
ing Tongue to the Beggar's Sores. At the Deaths of theſe two, their Fates
were as different as their Lives; the poor Man was tranſported by the An-
gels into Abraham's Boſom, the Place of the moſt perfect Felicity; the rich
Man had the Honour of a ſplendid Funeral, but his Soul was carry'd to the
diſmal Regions of Hell : From whence, in the midſt of his Torments, be-
holding the Happineſs of the Beggar whom he had contemn'd, he cry'd
out to Abrahan for Mercy, begging, That he wou'd ſend Lazarus but with
one Drop of Water to cool his Tongue, for he ſuſtain'd unexpreſſible Torments isz
that Flame. But the holy Patriarch told him, That it was juſt, that as he
had enjoy'd all the Pleaſures in his Life Time, and Lazarus born all the Mi-
ſeries, that he ſhoid meet with Torments, and the other with Confort. And
farther, That it was impoſſible to afford him Relief, by Reaſon of that vast
Abyſs between them, that cut off all Intercourſe whatſoever : The rich Man
perceiving that tiiere was no Mercy to be obtain'd for himſelf, thought of
his five Brothers, then living in the ſame Luxury and Riot; beſeeching
Abraham to ſend Lazarus and give them an Account of his miſerable Condition,
to prevent their Coming into the ſame Place of Torment. But Abraham reply'd,
That they had the Holy Scriptures, which were sufficient to teach them their
Duty. Whereupon the other alledg'd, That if one went to them from the
Dead, it would work a certain Repentance. But the Patriarch gave himn this
peremptory Anſwer, That if Men refus’d to hearken to the Holy Scriptures,
they won'd never be perſuaded by one who aroſe from the Dead. This Para-
ble not only ſhew'd the miſerable Fate of covetous and uncharitable Perſons,
but alſo hinted at the Deſtruction of the unbelieving Jews, who wou'd nei-
ther liearken to Moſes and the Prophets, nor to Jefus riſing from the
Dead.
Then Jeſus turning to his Diſciples, acquainted them as formerly, That He adviſes his
it was impoſſible to prevent Scandals and Offences, but that it wou'd be diſmal Diſciples
to that Perſon who caus’d them : That he who ſcandaliz’d or diſcourag'd the duls",
leaft Believer, had better be plung'd into the Ocean with a Milftone about his
Neck: That it was their Duty to admoniſh and reprove an offending Brother,
and to pardon him if he repented, tho he trespaſsed ſeven Times in one Day.
The Apoſtles apprehending ſome Difficulty in his Injunctions, pray'd, That
he wou'd increaſe their Faith ; Jeſus anſwer'd them, Íhat if their Faith were
but true, one Grain of it would be of ſufficient Force to command that Sy-
camore Tree to be remov’d into the midſt of the Sea. Then to remove from And the
them all Thoughts of Merit, when they had done their beſt Services, he Thoughts of
propounded an Example of a Servant, who after his Return from
Ploughing and other Labour in the Field, was not immediately to find Eaſe
and Refreſhment, but to wait and attend his Maſter till he thought fit; and
after he had us’d his utmoſt Diligence, was not to expect Thanks from his
Maſter, as tho' he was oblig'd to him. And so likewiſe that they, when
they had obſerv'd all the commands of God, were to account themſelves
unworthy and unprofitable Servants, for that they had only perform'd their
Duty.
VI. After two Months Abſence from Jeruſalem, our Lord deſigning
to begin his laſt Journy toward that City, paſs'd between Galilee and
Q
Samaria,
Luie 17.
1.10.
againſt Scana
Merit.
2.156€ 17.
.:.
106
Book I.
Cent. I.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
co 37
Sam:aria, to take a ſhort Circuit beyond Jordan in Perea, and to enter Ju-
Jeſus cures ten dea not far from Jericho. In his Paſſage towards Jordan, at a certain Vil-
Letersi
lage, he ſaw ten Men together, all Lepers, who ſtanding at a Diſtance,
cry'd out, Jeftis, our Maſter, have Pity on us ! Jeſus only order'd them to
go and ſhew themſelves to the Prieſts, according to the Law; which they
obeying, were cur'd in the Way. One of them, who was a Samaritan,
and a Stranger in Reſpect of the Jews, immediately return’d back, glori-
fying God, and caſt himſelf
at our Lord's Feet; to return him Thanks for
the extraordinary Favour. Jefits to ſhew the Gratitude of this Man, ſaid
in a kind of Altoniſhment, Were there not Ten cléunſed? Where then are the
other Nine? It is ſurprizing, that none fhond return to give God Glory for
ſuch a Mercy, but this Stranger. And lie ſaid to him, Ariſe, and depart,
thy Faith has been thy Cure.
About this Time, the Pharifées, who waited for the Coming of the lake 17.
He ſhews the Meſſiah, and had drawn up a Romantick Scheme, that he ſhou'd appear
Corning of his with the utinoſt Glory of a temporal Monarch, demanded of him, Wher
Kingdom.
the Kingdom of God shor'd come? He anſwer'd them, That it shor'd not
appear with outward Pomp and Splendor, hor be confin'd to any particular
Place, but that it was already come, and was begun amongſt them. From hence
he took an Occaſion to acquaint hïs Diſciples, That the Time wou'd come
when they shor'd deſire to enjoy his Preſence but one Day, but ſhou'd not ſee
him : That his next Coming shou'd be ſudden and glorious, like a Flaſh of
Lightning flying along the Skies; but that he muſt firſt ſuffer many Things, and
be rejected by the Jews. hat as it was in the Days of Noah, when Men eat,
and drank, and marry'd, not thinking nipon the Flood, till it came ſuddenly
upon them, and conſim'd them; so it flou'd be at the Time of his ſecond
Coming : And that as the Fire from Heaven fell unexpectedly upon the Inha-
bitants of Sodom; so shor'd His Coming 'be, to take Vengeance upon the Jewith
Nation, as unexpected as that. That then all their Thoughts froid be employd
in faving themſelves, without looking behind then, either to pity or ſave others;
remembring the Fate of Lot's Wife, who for looking back was chang’d into a
Pillar of Salt. That ſuch as usid any unchriſtian Courſe to ſave their Lives,
ffon'd loſe them; but that ſuch as ventur'd them, as they ought, ſhould preferve
them. And that in that Time there ſhor'd be much of God's diſtinguiſhing
Mercy and Providence diſccion’d, in' reſcuing ſome, and leaving others to periſh
by the Calamity. His Diſciples asking him, Where theſe Things Shou'd happen;
he hinted to them, That Jeruſalem and Judæa ſhou'd be the Carcaſs, that
Mou'd be torn in Pieces by the Roman Eagles.
At the ſame Time Fefits taught his Diſciples not to faint, nor be weary Lake is.
rency in Prayer of Prayer; and to friew of how great Advantage it was to pray with Fer-
of the unjuſt yency and Perſeverance, le propounded a Parable of a poor Widow, who
Judge; by her continu'd Importunity alone, prevaild with an unjuſt Judge to vin-
dicate her Wrónigs, thoʻke fëär'd neither God nor Man. And if so, much
more might they expect that the 'juſt God tou'd revenge his Elect, who cryd to
him Day and Night, tho” he ſeem d Aow in the Execution. He farther in-
form'd them, That this Vengeance againſt the unbelievingi Jews:fhrou'd be fpcedy;
yet 'he intimated, that at his Coming to take it, he ſhould find bút little
Faith, but little of that patient Waiting for God, which he had been ur-
ging. Then 'to ſhew that Humility in Prayer was as Neceſſary as Perfe-
verance, and to beat 'down the Pride and Confidence of the Pharifees, he
And Humility deliver'd another Parable: Two Men 'went up into the Templc to pray,
by the Pardble the one a Phariſee, a Man of Repute, the other a Publican, a Man of
and Publicam Infamy; the former went boldly up to the chief Place, and pray'd after
this Manner, God, I thank thee, I am not ſuch a Sinner as other Men are,
I'ani nö Extortioner, not Unjut, no Adulterer, nor like yon Publican; I Fiji
He teaches Fer.
114
turice
Chap. V.
107
TIBERIUS the 24 Rom. Emp.
Mitt.19.
-12.
Mark 10.
1:12.
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twice every Week, and
pay Tithes of all Things I poffefs. But the
poffefs. But the poor Pub-
lican on the other side, ſtanding at a Diſtance in the Court of the Gen-
tiles, out of a deep Senſe of his Unworthineſs, and not daring to lift
up
his Eyes towards Heaven, beat upon his Breaſt, and cry'd, Lord, be merci-
ful to me a Sinner! Then Jeſus declar’d, That this latter departed more accep-
table to God than the other ; for that the Proud jhori'd be debaſed, and the
Humble be exalted.
Shortly after, Jefas croſs’d the River fordan into Perea, where he was He goes into
follow'd again by vaſt Multitudes of People, whom he both taught and cu- Per&a ;
red of ſuch Diſtempers as they had. Here the Phariſees came to him, and
demanded of him, Whether it was lawful for a Man to put away his Wife for Where ke dis-
every Cauſe ? By which Queſtion they thought to enſnare him; for if he putes with the
anſwer'd affirmatively, it wou'd contradict his foriner Doctrine ; if nega- cerning Diver-
tively, it might render himn odious to many of the People: Whereupon he ces.
ask'd then, What Mofes commanded in the Law? They reply'd, That Moſes
allow'd them to put away their Wives, upon giving them a Writing to teſtifie their
Divorcement. But Jeſus referr’d them to the firſt Inſtitution of Marriage by
God himſelf; where it was declar'd, when Male and Female were created,
"That a Man fhou'd leave Father and Mother and cleave to his Wife, and that
they two shou'd become one Fleſh: And that therefore ſeeing God had united
them, Man ought not to ſeparate them. They ſtill inſiſted upon the Per-
miſſion given them by Moſes; but he anſwer'd thein, That Mofes allow'd it
only for the Hardneſs of their Hearts, but that from the Beginning it was other-
wiſe : That therefore whoſoever put away his Wife, unleſs in the Caſe of Whore-
dom, and marry
d another, was an Adulterer ; and whoever marry'd the divor-
ced Party, was Guilty of the ſame Sin. His Diſciples when they had retird
to a Houſe, conſulted him again upon the ſame Subject, and he return'd
them the ſame Anſwer; from whence they made this concluſion, That if
the nuptial Laws were ſo ſtrid, it was better not to marry at all. Jeſus told
them, That the Purity of a ſingle Life was attainable by only a few, whom ei-
ther Nature had befriended, or human Force had rendred incapable of Marriage,
or whom the ardent Deſire of Heaven had enabled to preſerve a Virginal Chaſti-
ty. And ſince all Men were not capable of ſo great a Virtue, he concluded
with theſe Words, He who is able to obſerve it, let him do ſo : That is to
fay, He who has the Gift of Continence beſtow'd on him, let him uſe it ;
it is more commendable for ſuch an one to live ſingle.
Several of the Company perceiving how ready our Lord was to do good He bleſſes cer-
to all who came to him, brought little Children to him, that he might lay tain Infants.
16. this Hands upon them and bleſs them. His Diſciples, thinking it unfit that
15.iz." their Maſter ſhou'd be diſturb’d and interrupted by Infants, rebuked and
ſpoke roughly to the Perſons who brought them. But Jefus, who had
ſhewn his Regard to ſuch not long before, was displeas’d at this Action,
and order'd them, To ſuffer, and not forbid little Children to come to him
and be his Diſciples, for to ſuch belonged the Kingdom of Heaven : Solemnly
declaring, That whoſoever receiv'd not the Kingdom of God with the Humility
and Simplicity of a little Child, fou'd never enter into it. After this, le
took the Children up in his Arms, laid his Hands upon them, and bleſſed
them; and then departed from thence.
As Jeſus was on his Journy, a young Perſon of Quality, of
Makto. and Authority, ran to him, and humbly upon his Knees propos'd to him
Limites. this important Queſtion; Good Maſter, what good Thing muſt I do to obtain
$2.57. eternal Life ? Jeſus knowing that he took him for a Man only, firſt ask'd
him, Why he gave him the Title of Good, which only belong’d to God himſelf : His Anſwer to
And then in Anſwer to his Queſtion told him, that if be expected eternal Life, the young Man;
be muſt begin with keeping the Commandments. The young Man asking him,
which
M10.19.
1:IS
Markio.
Matt.19.
16.26.
great Riches
2.
108 Cent. I.
Book I.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
Mark 10.
which of them he muſt keep, he referr'd him to all the Commandments of the
ſecond Table, as a certain Sign of his Keeping thoſe of the firſt, and nam'd
them diſtinctly to him. Upon which he return'd a ready Anſwer, That he
had kept all theſe from his Youth, deſiring to know, in what he was yet de-
fective. Jeſus looking on him, ſhew'd ſome Signs of Love and Pity towards
one who was ſo ſolicitous concerning his eternal Happineſs; but withal
knowing his Covetouſneſs, and willing to touch the ſecret Sore of his
Mind, he gave him this extraordinary Command to try him; namely,
That he shou'd go and ſell all that he had, and diſtribute it to the Poor, and
take up his Croſs and follow him; telling him that if he did ſo, he ſhou’d
meet with a greater and more certain Treaſure in Heaven. This was like a
Thunder-Clap to the young Gentleman, who being unable to endure the
Thoughts of parting with 10 vaſt an Eſtate, tho' for Heaven it ſelf, depar-
Anid Rcpreken- ted with great Sorrow and Concern. Jeſus ſeeing him thus troubled, look'd
fion of Covetouſ- round about him, and declar'd to his Diſciples, That it was extremely diffi-
nels:
cult for a rich Man to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. And becauſe they
were much ſurpriz’d at theſe Words, he repeated the fame Truth to them
;
ſaying, Little Children, how hard is it for ſuch as truſt in their Riches, to
enter into the Kingdom of God! It is eaſier for a Camel to paſs through the
Eye of a Needle, than for ſuch to paſs into Heaven. This Affertion encreas'd
the Aſtoniſhment of the Apoſtles, who thereupon ſaid one to another, Who
then can be ſaved? But Jeſus remov'd their Fears by letting them know, That
tho' theſe Things were impoſſible with Men, they were not ſo with God, who
cou'd change the Hearts and Affections of Men as he pleas’d.
The Apoſtles having heard what Reward Jeſus had promiſs’d to the Matt. 19.
young Man in Exchange for his earthly Riches, Peter in the Name of the 17:30.
His Fromiſe to reſt, deſir'd to know, What Reward they might expect, ſince they had relin- 28-31
oric Flowers , quib'd all and follow'd him? Jefus reply'd, That at the general Reſurre&tion, 33.3.0
.
when he himſelf shor'd be ſeated upon his Throne of Glory, they alſo ſhou'd fit
upon twelve Thrones, judging the twelve Tribes of Iſrael: Declaring farther,
That not only they, but whoſoever ſhou'd forſake his Houſe and Lands, his Kin-
dred and Relations, for His and the Goſpels Sake, ſhori'd receive ſuch Comforts
in this World, with his Perſecutions, as ſhou'd vaſtly exceed his former Loſſes,
and in the World to come Eternal Life. But to teach them, that the firſt may
come to be laſt, and the laſt firſt; and to ſhew them, that theſe high Re-
wards proceeded from the Bounty of Heaven, and not Mens Merits, he
and Parable of propounded this remarkable Parable. A certain Maſter of a Family went
the Labourers out early in a Morning to hire Labourers into his Vineyard; and agreeing 1-16
in rhe Vineyard. with ſeveral at certain Wages, -amounting to ſeven Pence half Penny of
our Mony, he ſent them immediately to work : About the third Hour of
the Day, he found other Labourers unemploy'd, whom he alſo ſent to work
in his Vineyard; telling them, That he wou'd give them what was reaſonable.
About the ſixth and the ninth Hour he did the ſame, and alſo about the
laſt Hour of the Day, ſtill ſending in new Labourers, with the ſame Pro-
miſe of giving them what was reaſonable. At Night, when all were to receive
their Wages, he order'd his Steward to begin with the laſt Comers, and to
pay them the ſame Wages that he had promiſs’d to the firſt; which caus’d
the other to expect more, and to murmur againſt the Maſter for equalling
thoſe who had wrought but one Hour, to them who had labour'd a whole Day.
But the Maſter reprov'd their invidious Complaints, and made it appear,
That he did them no Injury, becauſe he paid them according to Agreement;
and for the reſt, it was lawful to give them as much as he pleas'd. Thus
thoſe Workmen who moſt valu'd their Labour, notwithſtanding they had
wrought longeſt, were laſt regarded, and leaſt eſteemed; and thoſe who
had leaſt Confidence, were firſt rewarded, and liberally treated. From
Whencs
Mait...
,
Chap. V.
109
TIBERIUS the 3. Rom. Emp.
nit.
1-16.
Matt.20.
whence Jeſus concluded, That the laſt ſhould be firſt, and the firſt laft: For
many were called, but few were choſen.
VII. Our Bleſſed Saviour continu'd not many Days in Peræa, before
he received a Meffage out of Judæa from two Siſters of Bethany, Martha Jeſus is ſent for:
and Mary, of the dangerous Sickneſs of their Brother Lazarus, a Perſon Martha and
Mary
whom he lov'd in a particular Manner. Jefus made Anſwer, that his Sickness
was not irrecoverable, but inflicted on him to manifeſt both the Glory of God, and
of his Son; therefore, thio' he liad a ſpecial Kindneſs for the Family, he
haſtned not, but tarry'd two Days ſtill in the ſame Place. After that he
propos'd to the Apoſtles his Returning into Judæa ; but they, apprehenſive
of their own as well as his Danger, objected, the late Endeavours of the
Jems to ſtone him, and were ſurpriz'd at his Deſign. Jeſus acquainted
them, That his Time, like each particular Day, had its ſtated Length, in which
he might walk in the Light without Danger, till the Night ſhou'd put a period to
it. Then he added, That their Friend Lazarus was fallen aſleep, but he wou'd
go and awake him. His Diſciples underſtanding his Words literally, made
anſwer, That his ſleeping wou'd prove his Cure, therefore he need not go: But
he told them in plain Terms, That Lazarus was really dead, and that for their
Sakes, and to confirm their Faith, he was glad that he was not preſent at the
Time; but that however now he wou'd go to the Place. Thomas finding his
Maſter reſolv'd to go into Judæa, where there was ſo much Danger, with
no little Courage cry'd out, Let us go alſo, and venture our Lives with
him.
In this Journy, the Apoſtles Minds were filld with diſcouraging and me-
12,281. Jancholy Apprehenſions ; and Jeſus to arm and prepare them againſt the His third Dis.
38:44 Scandal of the Croſs, taking them apart, declared a third Time, That he covery of his
Paffion.
31-34. muſt go up to Jeruſalem, where all Things that were written by the Prophets
concerning him ſhou'd be fully accompliſ'd; particularly that he shou'd be deliver'd
up to the Jewiſh Governors, the chief Prieſts and Scribes, who fhoid pronounce
him Guilty of Death, and turn him over to the Gentiles, from whom he ſhou'd
meet with the higheſt Indignities, and Crucifixion it ſelf: But that he fou'd
riſe again the third Day. But they ſtill conceiving and expecting a tempo-
ral Kingdom, were at a Loſs; and, as the Goſpel obſerves, knew not the
Things that were ſpoken. In hopes therefore of this imaginary Greatneſs,
and ſuppoſing the Reſurrection he had ſpoken of to be the Beginning of his
terreſtrial Kingdom, the two Sons of Zebedee, by the Mouth of their Mo-
ther Salome, humbly petition'd, That they two might have the Honour of Sit- The Ambition of
ting one at his right Hand, and the other at his Left in his Kingdom; a's the James and
John.
Heads of Judah and Joſeph had the firſt Places among the Rulers of the
Tribes of Iſrael. Jeſus immediately condemnd their Raſhneſs, and firſt
ask'd them, Whether, as a Qualification for his Kingdom, they were able to
Suſtain that bitter Cup, and that bloody Baptiſm that were appointed for himſelf?
They, without conſidering the Conſequence, anſwer'd, That they were able.
Jeſus mercifully bearing with their Infirmities, told them, That they ſhou'd
partake with him in his Cup and his Baptiſm, but that the great Honour of the
chief Places of his Kingdom was to be diſpos'd of according to the Pre-deter-
mination of his Father. The Ambition of theſe two extremely provok'd the
Indignation of the other Ten; but Jefus to cure their Jealouſie, as well as
the others Ambition, declar'd to them all, That his Kingdom was far diffe-
rent from thoſe of this World, whoſe Princes and Governors ſtrove to exerciſe
their utmoſt Power and Dominion over their Subjects; whereas, whoſoever expe-
ited to be Great and Chief among his Followers, muſt be a Servant to the reſt ;
according to the Example of himſelf, who came not to be waiter on, but to ſerve
others, and even to lay down his Life for their Redemption,
Jeſus
IIO
Cent. I.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
Book I
Luke 19.
Jeſus goes to Jeſus croſſing the River Jordan into Judæa, ſoon after paſs'd through
Jericho; Jericho, a celebrated City, ſecond to Jeruſalem, and about twenty Miles al-1-10
.
moſt Eaſt of it. In this City reſided a certain general Collector among the
Publicans called Zaccheus, a Man very rich, and not a little deſirous of See-
ing Jeſus: But becauſe the great Throngs prevented him, he ran before,
and being of a very ſinall Stature, climb'd up into a Sycamore Tree, in a
Place by which he knew he was to paſs. Our Lord, knowing the Hearts
of Men, and being pleaſed with his Earneſtneſs and Zeal, as he paſs’d by,
Where he con- call’d him by his Name from the Tree, and deſired him to haſten down,
verts Zaccheus. for he deſign d to be his Gueſt that Day. This Call was receiv'd with great
Joy and Satisfaction by Zaccheus; while others murmur'd and reflected up-
on Jeſus for entering the Houſe of a Man of ſo Scandalous a Profeſſion. But
he made it appear by the miraculous Change wrought in the Heart of this
Publican, that he went thither only as a Phyſician for the Cure of a dif-
temper'd Family; for Zacchens preſenting himſelf before him, folemnly
declar'd, That he wou'd give even half of his Eſtate to the Poor, and if he
had knowingly wrong'd any Man, he wou'd reſtore him fourfold. Whereupon
our Lord pronounc'd, That Salvation was come to his Houſe, and that he mas
a Son of Abraham as well as others; for that the Son of Man was come to ſeek
and to ſave what was loft.
All thoſe who were preſent, harkned to Jeſus with great Attention ; and Luke 19.
as they were near to Jeruſalem, tliey thought that the glorious and imagi- 11-27.
nary Reign of the Meſſiah wou'd immediately commence, ſuppoſing that
Jeſus had undertaken this Journy to the Paffover to ſeat himſelf upon his
Throne, and to be inſtall'd in his Kingdom. But he knowing their
The Parable of Thoughts and Expectations, propounded this Parable to them: A certain
great
and noble Man, being ready for a Journy into a foreign country,
in order to take Poffeſſion of a Kingdom juſt fallen to him, call'd all his
Servants, and gave to every one an equal but ſmall Summ of Mony to
trade withall, and imporve, till he ſhou'd return. Some of his Country-
Men, who hated him, ſent after him, and declared that they wou'd not
admit of him for their Governor : But notwithſtanding this oppoſition,
having obtain'd his new Kingdom, he return'd again, and firſt call'd his
Servants to Account to whom he had intruſted his Mony: And finding
that one of them had improv'd his Mony to ten Times, and the other to
five Times the Sum, he munificently rewarded the Induſtry of the firſt with
the Government of ten, and of the ſecond with the Government of five
Citys. But calling a third Servant, who inſtead of trading with his Mony,
had carefully lock'd it up, fearing, as he pretended, the great Severity of
his Maſter, and not daring to hazzard what was intruſted to him, the
King immediately condemn'd him by his own Words, and that his fearing
a ſevere Account was an Aggravation of his Neglect ; therefore he took
away his Mony and gave to him whom he had moſt bountifully reward-
ed; declaring, That all who improv'd what they had ſhou'd have more, but that
the others Mou'd loſe all. This done, he ſummond all thoſe who refus'd
to acknowledge him for their Governor, and ordered them to be put to
Death in his Preſence. By This Parable our Saviour intimated not only
the Puniſhment of negligent Chriſtians, but alſo the Deſtruction of the
contumacious Jews.
The next Day, Jeſus leaving Jericho, and being accompany'd with great Mark 10.
jeſus cures two Multitudes, a certain blind Man, named Bartimeus, the son of Timæus, 40-42
.
blind Men near who ſat by the Way-ſide begging, being inform'd of the Meaning of this 29-3+.
ſcricho.
great Concourſe of People, and hearing that Jeſus paſſed by, cry'd out
with another Blind Man in the fame Road, Jeſus, thou Son of David, have
Mercy on me! The People who accompany'd Jeſus, eſpecially thoſe wlio
the ten Pieces
deliver'd to ten
Servants.
Wenit
Chap. V.
III
TIBERIUS the 34 Rom. Emp.
-
'filin ul.
17:44
bere, my
:
went before him, ſpoke roughly to him, urging him to keep Silence ; but,
he cry'd out ſo much the louder, as alſo did his Companion, Thou Son of
Diivid, have mercy on me! Jeſus, who had cured another blind Man at his
Entrance into Jericho, ftood ftill
, and commanded him to be call’d; which
caus'ų fome about him to bid him be of good Courage ſince Jejus callid
him." Bartimeus immediately caſt away his Garment, aroſe and went with
his Companion to Jeſus; who asked them both, What Favour they expected
from hin? They anſwer'd, Lord ! that thon wouldſt open our Eyes. Where-
upon our Saviour, being mov'd with Compaſſion, and pleas'd with their
ready Faith, touch'd their Eyes, and immediately they receiv'd tlieir Sight,
and followed him, glorifying the Almighty God; as likewiſe did all the
People, who had been Witneſſes of this Miracle.
Four Days after Lazarus was bury'd, our Lord arriv’d at Bethany, within He goc's to be
two Miles of Jeruſalem, where inany of the Jews from Jeruſalem had re-thany;
paired to.condole the two Siſters Martha and Mary, for the Loſs of their
Brother. Before he enter'd the Town, Martha with great Eagerneſs met
him, and in a moft .pathetick Manner cry.d out, Lord? if thou hadſt been
Brother had not dyed. Adding, That ſhe was certain, that ſtill God
wou'd grant whatſoever be pleas'd to ask ; doubting as it were, his, tho' not
his Father's Power. Jefus affur'd her, That her Brother Shori'd riſe again;
which ſhe readily granted, bụt believ?d it ſhou'd be at the general Relur-
redtion at the laſt Day. Whereupon Jefus declar'd, That the Reſurrection
and the Life-depended upon him alone, That ſuch as beliąg'd in him, if they
mare deas, fhord be reſtor’d to Life; and farther, ſuch as liv'd and believ'd
in hin, shorid not die eternally : Demanding, Whether ſhe believ'd he had ſuch
a Power? She aſſented to all at once į declaring, That ſhe belicu'd him to
be the promifs d Meſſiah, the Son of the living God. After this Diſcourſe,
ſhe return d to :her Siſter Mary, and told her privately, That the Maſter was
come and expected to ſee her ; upon which ſhe immediately roſe up and haſtned
to the place where Martha left him ; which ſudden Action causid the Jews
to follow her at a Diſtance, ſuppoſing that according to Cuſtom, ſhe went
to lament at her Brother's Tomb. Mary approaching the Bleſſed Jeſus,
fell proſtrate at his Fect, and with the profoundeſt Marks of Sorrow, cry'd,
Lord! If thou hadſ been here, my "Brother:had not dy'd. Her Tears and Sora
row, accompany'd with the Lamentations of her Followers, affected the
Son of God, ſo that he groan'd within himſelf; ſhewing his Indignation
againſt Sin, which had drawn on Death and this Affliction. Then deman-
ding where they had, bury'd the. Body, Le follow'd them to the Place, ſym-
pathizing with them, and weeping as well as they; Which occaſion d ſome
of the Jews to ſay, Obferve, how he lov’d him! while others malicioully
ask’d, cou'd not he; who open'd the Eyes of the Blind, have prevented this
Man's Death ? Jefus ſtill manifeſting the ſame Perturbation of Mind, came
into the Grave, which was a Pit, with a Stone laid at the Mouth of
it, which Stone he commanded to be remov'd; but Martha objected, That
the Body had been now dead four Days, and that the opening of the
Grave woud -only occafion a noiſome Smell. Jefies reprov'd her Infidelity,
and told -her, She might :expect to see the Glory of God manifeſted in him.
Then-thie Stone -being remov?d, he ſolemnly lift up his Eyes to Heaven,
and-pray'd ; ſaying, Father, I thank thee
. that thou haft heard me; I know And raiſes la
that thou heareſt me at all Times; but I Speak this becauſe of theſe people who zarus from the
ſtand by, that they may be convinc'd and afur'd of my Divine Miſſion. Ha-
ving ſpoken thefe Words, he cry'd with a loud Voice, Lazarus, come forth:
And immediately he aroſe from his Bed of Darkneſs, having his Hands and
Feet bound with Grave-Clothes, and his Head wrapp'd with a Napkin; all
•which Jefus order'd to be loos’d. This was the third and greateſt Miracle
ouri
112
Book I.
Cent. I.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
!
our Saviour had wrought in this Kind ; and was a remarkable Fore-runner
of the greateſt of all his Miracles, his own Reſurrection.
This folemn and inconteſtable Miracle caus’d the greateſt Surprize and fihomini
Aſtoniſhment to all the Spectators, and convinc'd the greateſt Part of them, 45-57
who from that Time believ'd in Jeſus; but others more obſtinate, reported
the Matter in Jeruſalem to his mortal Enemies the Phariſees. Upon which
The Sanhedrim Report immediately the grand Sanhedrim met, and had a ſolemn Debate,
conlult ag:in}
Jelus.
What they ſhou'd do, ſince this Man had wrought many Miracles? That if they
thus permitted him to go on, all the Nation wou'd believe him to be the Meſſiah';
and that then the Romans fearing he fou'd ſet up for a King, and withdraw
the People from their Obedience, wou'd come and deſtroy their City and Nation.
Whereupon the High-Prieſt Caiaphas ſtood up, and very imperiouſly deli-
ver'd his Opinion, That they underſtood nothing, nor conſider'd, that the pub-
lick Safety was firſt to be conſulted, that it was neceſſary for one Man to die,
rather than a whole Nation ſhou'd periſh. Thus did this wretched Man ex-
preſs the cruel Motions of his Hatred againſt the Son of God; but thoº
he knew nothing of the Deſigns of Heaven for the Salvation of Mankind,
Caiaphas pro- yet God was pleas'd at this Time to honour his Prieſthood in the Perſon
pheries of his of his High-Prieſt
, and prophecy'd by his Mouth of the Death which Jeſus
Shou'd ſuffer, to ſave not only the Jews, but alſo to gather together into one
Church the Children of God, which were diſperſed in all other Nations. This
Advice was ſo well approv'd by the reſt, that from that Time the Prieſts
and Phariſees ſought all Opportunities to put him to Death; and to that
End iffu'd out Orders, That if any Man knew where he was, he shou'd diſco-
Jeſus retires to ver him, that he might be apprehended. But becauſe his Hour was not yet
Ephraim.
come, tho' it drew very near, he declin’d their Fury for a ſhort Time, by
not appearing in Publick, but retiring into a deſert Place, and a little City
calld Ephraim, not far from. Jericho, where he continu'd a few Days with
his Apoſtles.
Six Days before this laſt Paſſover, our Lord, in order to go up to Jeru- "Jelin 12.
Salem, repaired again to Bethany, where he was gratefully entertain'd at a
Supper by the two Siſters; Martha waited, but Lazarus whom he had rais'd,
was one of thoſe who ſat at the Table with him. This Supper was made
upon a Sabbath Night, which, according to Cuſtom, was always more plen-
tiful than any other; and Mary to expreſs her Love and Bounty, took a
Pound of the moſt valuable Ointment compos'd of Spikenard, and anointed
Where Mary -
the Feet of Jeſus, and wiped them with the Hair of her Head and
noints his feet. the whole Houſe was filld with the fragrant Perfumes. The Sight of
this coſtly Entertainment provok'd the corrupt Humours of Juda's Iſca-
riot, who complain'd, That this might have been fold for 300 Dena-
rii, about 91. 7 s. 6 d. of our Money, and given to the Poor; not
that he valu'd the Poor, but, as the Goſpel obſerves, that he might
gratifie his Avarice.' But Jeſus order'd him, Not to hinder her, for ſhe had
reſerv'd it againſt the Day of his Funeral; and they had always Opportunity
to Mew their Charity to the Poor, but not go to him. At this Supper great
Numbers of Jews came to Bethany, not only to gain a Sight of Jeſus, but alſo
of Lazarus, whom he had ſo miraculouſly rais'd from the Dead. But the
chief Prieſts out of Fear and Envy conſulted alſo to put Lazarus to death,
becauſe that by Means of his Reſurrection many of the Jews believ'd and
were converted to Chriſt.
He returns to
Bethany ;
I-11.
j
S
A
VIII. The
Chap. V.
113
TIBERIUS the 34 Rom. Emp:
:!*211
Aldrid
Palm-Sunday:
VIII. The following Day after our Saviour's Supper at Bethany, began March 29,
the laſt great Week of his Paſſion, which was the Tenth Day of the
Line Month Niſan, anſwering to our 29th of March, and was the ſame Day
23. that the Paſchal Lamb was taken up and preſented at Jeruſalem. On this Jeſus's Kingly
12-19. this Day, our Lord, deſigning no longer to avoid the Fury of the Jews, Entrance into
riſolved to make his publick and Kingly Entry into Jeruſalem, and preſent
himſelf in the Temple as the true Lamb of God. Therefore leaving Bea
thany in the Morning, and taking his Diſciples and others with him, he
arriv'd at a Place call'd Bethpage, upon Mount Olivet, ſomewhat leſs than
a Mile from Jeruſalem: From whence he ſent two of his Apoſtles, proba-
bly Peter and John, to a neighbouring Village, telling them, That at a
Place where two Ways met, they ſhou'd find a She- Afs, and a Colt with her
that ras never back'd; ordering them, to looſe them both and bring them to
him: And that if the Owner interrupted them, they ſhou'd let him know, That
the Lord had Occafon for them; upon their ſaying which, he wou'd freely per-
mit them to go : Shewing by this his Divine Power over the Hearts and
Wills of Men. The two Apoſtles exactly obey'd this Order, and finding
all Things as Jeſus had foretold, they brought the Aſs and Colt to him ;
and laying their Garments upon the latter, they ſate Jeſus upon him, who
in that folemn Manner rode to Jeruſalem; accompliſhing thereby that Pro
pheſie of Zechary, Fear not, Daughter of Sion, behold thy King cometh, full
of Meekneſs, and riding upon the Colt of an Afs. In the mean time, the
People who repaired to the Feaſt, being inform’d by ſeveral Eye-Witneſſes
of the Reſurrection of Lazarus, and excited by an extraordinary Impulſe,
came running out of the City in mighty Throngs to meet Jeſus withi Bran-
ches of Palm-Trees in their Hands, crying out, Hoſanna! Salvation and
Glory! Bleſſed be the King of Iſrael, who cometh in the Name of the Lord !
And great Numbers of Pcopie ſpread their Garments in the Way, and others
cut down Branches from the Trees, and ſtrew'd them where he was to
paſs; hereby giving him thoſe Honours that were us’d only in the
Triumphs of Kings and Emperors. When he was arriv'd at the Deſcent
of Mount Olivet, the whole Body of the Diſciples being tranſported with
the Honours ſhewn to their Maſter, broke out into Raptures of Thankſgi-
ving, and loud Doxologies to God for all the mighty Works they liad ſeen.
And all the People, as well thoſe who went before, as thoſe who follow'd
after, join d with the Diſciples in their triumphant Acclainations ; ſo that
Jeſus was ſurrounded with ſolemn Shouts and Applauſes, crying ſtill
, Ho-
Sanna! Honour to the Son of David! Bleſſed be he that cometh in the Name
of the Lord : Bleſſed be the Kingdom of our Father David, which we have
m ſeen : Hoſanna! Peace and Honour in the higheſt Heavens !
The Phariſees cou'd not ſee ſuch extraordinary Honours (hewn to onc
whoſe Death they had reſolv'd, without great Indignation, and therefore
thius argu'd among themſelves, Do ye not perceive, that we prevail nothing?
Blatt.is. Behold all the World is gone after him! But ſome of them could not ſo
eaſily conceal their Envy and Diſpleaſure, but with ſome ſeeming Com-
plaiſance deſir’d Jeſus to command the Silence of his Diſciples. Jefus to
give them a final Auſwer, declard, That if his Diſciples ſhould join ſo fari
as to Smoother his Honour, the very Stones wou'd proclaim it. Upon their
near Approach to Jeruſalem, and a full View of that glorious City and
Temple, Jeſus caſting his Eyes upon that wretched Place, whoſe deplorable He reepis ovet
P
I
.
bon 12
19
Luk 19.
39.
10, 11.
Miſeries the city:
114 Cent. I.
Book I
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
ders,
Miſeries he forefaw, ſhed forth Tears as a sign of liis Tenderneſs and
Compaſſion for Her; crying, Ol that thou hadjt known, at leaſt in this tly
appointed Day, the Things conducing to thy Peace! But now, álas, they are
hidden from thine Eyes. For the fatal time ſhall come when thy Enemies
Shall throw up Trenches about thee, keep thee in on every Side, deſtroy thy
Children, demoliſh thee, and not
leave in thee one Stone upon another, becauſe
thou wouldſt not know the happy Time of thy Viſitation. By which he lhew'd
himſelf more affected with the Calamities of the City, than the Acclama-
tions of the People. Being enter'd the City with ſuch a vaſt Concourſe of
People, all the Citizens were mov'd with an extraordinary Curioſity, and
every Perſon enquir’d, Who it w.us? The Multitude made anſwer, 'That it
was Jeſus, the great Prophet of Nazareth in Galilee.
Our Lord, to fhew that his Kingdom was a ſpiritual Kingdom, did not Mar.25.
repair to the Palace, but went directly to the Temple; where, looking about lice,
him, he ſaw the Court of Gentiles notoriouſly prophan’d and diſhonour'd 15.15.
Temple of them by Trading and Merchandize. Therefore to thew his Authority and juſt
Indignation, as he did three Years before, he drove out all the Buyers
and Sellers from the ſacred Ground, overthrew the Tables of the Money-
Changers, and the Stalls of the Dove-Sellers; declaring, that according
to the Scriptures, His Houſe shou'd be callda Houſe of Prayer, but they
had made it a very Den of Thieves. Then to manifeſt his Authority and
Power, he miraculouſly cur'd many blind and lame Perſons, who were
brought to him into the Temple. The People were filled with Admi-
ration at theſe Things ; but the chief Prieſts and Scribes ſecing theſe Mi-
racles, and perceiving the Acclamations of the Children who cry'd out in
the Temple, Hoſanna, to the Son of David ! were extremely enragʻd, and
diſcover'd their Anger by asking him, If he heard what they ſaid But he
ſilenced them by (hewing, That what was ſo highly diſpleaſing to them,
did really fulfil the Scriptures, particularly that place in the Pſalms, where
it is ſaid, Out of the Mouth of Babes and Sucklings thou haſt perfected Praiſe.
This ſo little ſatisfy'd them, that they more earneſtly ſought Occaſions to
deſtroy him; but they were much aw'd by the People, who heard him
with the greateſt Readineſs and Attention.
Beſides the Jews, who were come to Jeruſalem at the Paſſover, great John 1 2.
His Diſcourſe to Numbers of Gentiles, being Proſelytes of the Gate, alſo repaired thither it?;
sert.inGreeks.to worſhip God at that Feaſt. Some of theſe, whom the Evangeliſt calls
Greeks, excited by Curioſity, deſired Philip, one of the Apoſtles, to bring".
them to a ſight of Jeſus; which was ſoon effected by the Aſſiſtance of An-
drem. Jeſus, who by his Death was to obtain Salvation for Gentiles as
well as fews, to remove the Scandal of the Croſs, declar'd to them, That
the Hour was now approaching that he ſkou'd be glorify'd : And that as a
Grain of Wheat brought forth no Fruit, till it was dead in the Earth where
it was ſown; ſo fou'd his Death be the Seed which ſhou'd produce a plen-
tiful Harveſt; that the Product of it, the Faithful, ſhou'd learn by his Exam-
ple to hate their Lives in this World, that they might be preſerv'd in the
next, and that their Service in following him through all Troubles, might be
rewarded with eternal Glory. While he was thus Preaching of his Death
and Sufferings, he ſeem'd ſeiz'd with a natural Horror of his approaching
Paſſion, and God's Wrath againſt Mens Sins that were laid upon him;
crying, My Soul is oppreſs’d, what shall I Say ? Father, ſave me from
this Hour.
But conſidering again what great Glory God wou'd receive by his Death,
he added, But for this Cauſe came I to this Hour : Father, glorifie tly Name.
At the ſame time there came a Voice like Thunder from Heaven, ſaying,
I have glorify'd it already, and will glorifie it again. Of thoſe who were
preſent, ſome thought it only a Clap of Thunder, others that an Angel
ſpoke
1
Morkis.
Chap. V.
115
TIBERIUS tbe 34 Rom. Emp.
ſpoke to him; but he aſſurd then; That this Voice came not for his, but
for their Sakes. And to let them know what Influence his Death upon the
Croſs ought to have upon all Mankind, he declard, That now was the World
judged, and the Prince of it, the Devil, caft ont; and that when the Son of
Man was lifted up from the Earth, he wou'd draw all Men to him. Upon
this the Jews demanded of him, How the Death of the Son of Man
cou'd be conſonant to the Holy Scriptures, which. Say, That Chriſt muſt
endure for ever? Asking farther, Who was the Son of Man ? Jeſus anſwer'd
them, That they ſhou'd enjoy that Light but a ſhort Time ; therefore ſince they
could not walk nor act, when they were depriv'd of it, they ought to believe in
the Light while he was with them. But neither theſe Divine Diſcourſes,
nor the miraculous Cures cou'd gain the Faith of many of the Jews, who
were determined by their human Intereſt; for tho' many of the Rulers be-
liev'd in him, yet they durſt not confeſs it becauſe of the Phariſees, va-
luing the Praiſes of Men more than the Eſteem of Heaven. At the
Evening, Jeſus to avoid Sufpicion, return’d to Bethany with his Apoſtles,
and lodg'd there.
Monday.
Markur.
12:19.
Matt.21.
It'9.
Jion 12
The next Morning Jeſus return'd, again to Jeruſalem, and perceiving March 30:
himſelf Hungry, by the Way, he went to a Fig-Tree not far diſtant, which
in. being full of Leaves he expected old Fruit upon it, tho' it was not the Sea-
14.50. fon for new: But finding nothing to ſatisfie his Hunger, for the Inſtruction He curſes a
of his Diſciples, he was willing to Thew a Miracle upon a fruitleſs Tree ; Fig-Tree.
and thereupon curſed it in their Preſence, ſaying, Let there be no Fruit
grow on thee for ever : And immediately the Fig-Tree wither'd away. And
hereby, as in a Type, he fore-lhew'd the Curſe and Judgment of God,
which ſhou'd come upon that hypocritical and barren Nation the Jews,
for rejecting the Means of Grace and Salvation now offer'd to them.
Then entering the Temple, he again clear'd it from all Traders, as ap-Clcars the Tent-
pears from St. Mark, not permitting any Man to carry a Veffel through ple agains
the Court of the Gentiles; alledging, That it was written, That his Houſe
ſhou'd be calld a Houſe of Prayer to all Nations, to Gentiles as well as Jews :
Intimating, that the Partition-Wall thou'd be remov'd, and all Nations
partake of the ſame Privileges. Thefe things encreas'd the Indignation of
the Scribes and Phariſees, who continually ſought his Life, but were much
reſtrain'd by the Eſteem and Veneration the People had for him. After
this Jefus cry'd out in the Temple, That whoſoever believ'd and ſaw him,
both believ'd and ſaw him who ſent him: That he was come a Light into the
World, that whoſoever believ'd on him, might be freed from Darkneſs : That
he came to ſave, and not to judge ; and that he who rejected his Words, Shou'd
be judged by the Same Word at the laſt Day; for that he had not ſpoken of
himſelf, nor taught any thing but by the express Orders of his Father,
whoſe Commandments were eternal Lifé. Having taught this Day publickly
in the Temple, at the Evening he retir'd again from the Multitudes, and
return’d with his Apoſtles to Bethany.
Tueſday.
Mark!!.
ز
Muit.21.
20-22.
The next Morning our Lord repaired a third Time to Jeruſalem ; in March 31.
20.26. his Paſſage the Apoſtles having caſt their Eyes upon the Fig-tree which
Jeſus had curſed the Day before, and obſerv'd that it was quite wither'd
away,
P a
116 Cent. I.
Book I.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
7
Tice.
20,
away, and dead to the very Roots, Peter witir no little Admiration ſhew'd
His Diſcourſe it to his Maſter, as a thing very furprizing and aſtoniſhing. Whereupon
concerning the Fefits took an Occaſion to Thew them, how great was the Power of Faith
when join'd with Prayer, declaring, That if they had a ſtedfaſt Faith in
God; they flu'd be enabled to perform greater
Miracles than this, not only to
blaft a Fig-Tree, but to remove Monntains, and conquer all the Difficulties in
the Work of their Miniſtry : And whatfoever they ſhor'd ask with Faith in
Prayer, ſhon'd be certainly granted them, provided that they were careful be-
fore Prayer to pairlon all thoſe who had offended them; for that unleſs that
were done, God won'd never pardon thrcir Offences.
Jefas again entet'd the Teniple, and while lie was teaching and ptcach- Matt.21.
ing the Goſpel to the People, the chief Prieſts, Scribes and Rulers of the Mazkia.
People, whoſe Buſineſs was to enquire into Affairs of this Nature, came 22:33
He is queſtion'd to him, and imperiously demanded of him, By what Authority, and by t-.
hy the Rulers,, whoſe Conmiſſion he did theſe Things? Jefits, who had at other Times fufti-
who are puzled.
ciently vindicated his Authority, wou'd give them no direct Anſwer, but
told them. That he wou'd propoſe one Queſtion to them, which if they anſwer'd,
he wou'd give theriu full Satisfaction; and that was, Whether the Baptiſm of
John was from Heaven or of Men, of Divine or Human Inſtitution? This
prov'd a very knotty Queſtion to them, for they durft not affirm that his
Baptiſm was from Heaven, left Jefus thou'd retort it upon them, Why they
refits'd to believe itAnd ſhou'd they have affirm'd it to be a mere human
Inſtitution, they fear'd that the Multitude, who had ſo great an Affu-
rance of John's being a Prophet, wou'd ſtone them: Therefore, as the
ſafeſt way, they made Anſwer, They con’d not tell. Jefors let them know,
That his Anſwer ſhou'd be to the ſame Effect, by declaring, That neither
The Parable of Doon'd he tell them, by what Authority he did thefe things. And to this lie
the two Sons in fubjoin'd a Parable of a certain Man, who commanded his two Sons to go
the Vineyard. and work in his Vineyard : The firſt told him płniały, That be morid not
go, but afterwards repented, and went; the other promis'd him to go, but
went not. Then Jeſus demanded of the Priefts and Scribes, Which of the
ttoo Sons performd the Will of his Father? They readily anſwer’d, The firA.
Whereupon he ſhew'd, That the firſt fignify'd the Pâblicans and cominon
Proſtitutes, Who believ'd and repented at the Preaching of John Baptiſt ; and
that they themſelves not believing this his holy Fore-ranner, who came to them
in the Way of Righteouſneſs, Shóid not enter into Heaven ſo eaſily as thoſe im-
pions and ſcandalous People, whoſe Faith and Example they refus’d to fol-
lory,
The Parable of
After this, our Lord added another Parable, which more particularly Nutt.zr.
the ungrateful repreſented the Perverſeneſs and Obſtinacy of the Jews; and this was of Markiz.
a certain Maſter of a Family, wlio planted a Vineyard, carefully enclos'd
it with a Fence, digg’d a Wine-Preſs, and built a Tower in it; and then, 9-19.
letting it out to Husbandmen, travell’d into a foreign country. About
the Time of the Vintage he ſent one of his Servants to the Husbandmen,
to receive the Fruits of it ; but they took the Servant, beat him, and
ſent him away empty. Then he ſent another to them, whom they abus'd
and wounded; and a third, whom they ſton'd and murther’d; and like-
wiſe many others, whom they treated after the like barbarous Manner. At
length he reſolved to ſend his only Son, whom he lov’d moſt tenderly, be-
ing perſuaded that they cou'd not but ſhew Reſpect to him : But on the
contrary, as ſoon as they ſaw him, they impioully reſolv'd to kill him,
hoping the Inheritance wou'd be their own; and thereupon ſeiz'd him,
ignominiouſly caſt him out of the Vineyard, and flew him. Then Jeſus
ſaid to the People, When the Lord of the Vineyard returns, how will be
deal with theſe Husbandmen? Sontre of them anfwer'd, That he cou'd do no
leſs
Husband men.
1-12.
Luke 20.
.
1
Chap. V.
117
TIBERIUS the 3d Rom. Emp.
Mutt.22.
biti
leſs than exterminate thoſe impious Wretches, and let ont his Vineyard to other
Husband men, who wou'd pay him the Fruits when due. He approv'd of their
Anſwer, and aſſured them, That theſe Wretches shou'd indeed, be treated in
that Manner, and the Vineyard given to others; but others perceiving how
nearly the Parable concern'd them, cry'd, God forbid. Whereupon Jeſus
Jooking upon them, ask'd them, Whether they underſtood the Meaning of
that Paſſage in the Pſalms, “The ſame Stone that the Builders rejected, is be-
come the Head of the Corner ; This is the Lord's Doing, and marvellous in
your Eyes?? And to make a full Application, he declar'd, That the Kingdom
of Heuvin pou'd be taken from them, and given to a Nation producing the
Fruits of it : And that whoſoever ſhoid ſtumble on that Stone, ſhoori'd be
bruis’d by it; but that whoſoever ſhou'd feel the Il'eight of it, ſhou'd be grown'd
to Powder. The Prieſts and Scribes readily perceiv'd that Jeſus aim'd at
them, and wou'd then willingly have ſeiz'd on him, but ſtill the Fear
of the People reſtrain’d them from attempting it, tho they were ex-
ceedingly enrag'd' and alham'd to ſee themſelves fo livelily painted out
in this Parable.
To much the ſame Purpoſe Jefus deliver'd a third Parable, which was The Parable of
of a certain King, who having made a great and folemn Invitation to the the Marriage-
Feaft.
Marriage of his Son, lent his Servants when all things were ready to de-
fire the Company of thoſe who had been invited; but becauſe they re-
fus'd to come, he ſent other Servants to perſuade them, and to let them
know, what extraordinary Preparations were made for them : But this
made no Impreſſion upon them; for one went to his Farm, another
to his Merchandize, and the reſt laid violent Hands upon the King's Ser:
vants, treated them outragiouſly, and flew them. The King hearing of
this ungrateful and barbarous Uſage, in a great Fury ſent out his Armies,
deſtroy'd theſe Murtherers, and burnt down their Cities; and inſtead of
theſe, he ſent for all that cou'd be found out of the High-ways, bad and
good, to be his Gueſts ; ſo that the Houſe was fillid: This being done,
the King came to ſee his Gueſts, and there perceiving a Man, who con-
trary to Cuſtom and Law, had no Wedding-Garment, he ask'd him, Homo
he dar'd to come there in ſuch a Habit? And the Wretch was Speechleſs.
Whereupon he commanded his Servants to bind him Hand and Foot,
and to caſt him into a Place of the extremeſt Darkneſs, Lamentations and
Deſpair. Then Jeſus made the Application, That among
the
many that were
call's, both of the Jews and Gentiles, few were choſen; for that ſome
rejected the Call, and others came unprepared.
The Phariſees, who had as great a Share in the Application of theſe Pa- The Phariſees
Heimirables as any other, departed with much Anger, and a firm Reſolution to plot againſt
12,17 ſearch out all Occaſions of deſtroying the Perſon who had thus confoun-
2025. ded them. At length they imagined that they had found out an infal-
lible Expedient, by enſnaring him in his Diſcourſe: Whereupon they ſent
ſome of their Diſciples, as great Hypocrites as themſelves, together with
the Herodians, Men of a contrary Faction, all counterfeiting themſelves
Men of great Holineſs, to tempt him to ſpeak ſomething which might
render him obnoxious to the Government, or at leaſt odious to the Peo-
ple. Theſe Men therefore went and addreſs'd themſelves to him with
their utmoſt Arts of Inſinuation, ſaying, Maſter, we are ſenſible that you
are a Perſon of Honeſty and Integrity, one who teaches the }Vay of God in
Truth and Sincerity, without Fear or Regard to any Man : Therefore pray
favour its with your Opinion ; Is it lawful to pay Tribute to Cæſar, the Ro-
man Emperor, or not. Now if he had anſwer'd in the Affirmative, the
Multitude might have deteſted hiin as a Betrayer of their ancient Liber-
tics, or abandon'd him as a Diſclaimer of his own Sovereignty; if in the
Negative,
Matt. 22.
him.
܀
I 18
Book I.
Cent. I. * ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY,
them
li
Silences the
Sadducees
Negative, the Herodians wou'd have accus'd him as a Rebel againſt the
Emperor Tiberius. But he well knowing their malicious and ſubtle Inten-
tions, declar'd them Hypocrites, and demanded a Sight of the Roman De-
narins, the common Tribute Money; and taking it in his Hands, he ask'd
them, Whoſe Image and Superſcription it had? They anſwer'd him, Cæſar's.
He defeats
Then reply'd Jefus, Render therefore to Cæfar the Things that are Cæſar's, and
to God the Things that are. God's; as if he had ſaid, Pay Cæfar his own
Money, and God his own Dues. In which Anſwer, ſince they cou'd find
no Fault, they departed with Shame and Silence, as well as Admira-
tion.
Shortly after the Departure of theſe Men, the Sadducees, having ga- Mistt. 22
ther'd all their Strength together, reſolv'd to attack him with a Queſtion Wikia
and a Difficulty concerning the Reſurrection, which they thought inſule e com
perable. Their Queſtion was founded upon a Cornmand in the Law of
Moſes, which oblig'd a Man to marry the Widow of his elder brother dy-
ing without Iſſue ; upon which they put the Caſe to him of a certain
Woman who was marry'd according to this Law to ſeven Brothers fuc-
ceſſively, who all dy'd without Children, wherefore they deſir'd to know
of him, Whoſe Wife of the ſeven she ſhou'd be after the Refurrection ? Ima-
gining, that a Woman's being marry'd to ſeven Husbands, and yet Wife
but to one, was an Abſurdity ſufficient to deſtroy the Belief of that State.
But Jeſus ſhew'd them, That they neither underſtood the Senſe of the Scrip-
tures, nor the Extent of the Divine Power: For that Marriage, tho it was
neceſſary in this World to raiſe up Children and Poſterity to mortal Men, was
not ſo in another, where, after the Reſurrection, Men Shord be immortal, and
like the Angels in Heaven. Having thus anſwer'd their Queſtion, he then
deſtroy'd their Principles, and prov'd the Truth of the Reſurrection from
thoſe very Scriptures which they acknowledg’d, particularly where the
Lord calld himſelf the God of Abraham, Iſaac and Jacob, after their Bo-
dies were actually dead; for le cou'd not be the God of thoſe who were
finally dead, but of thoſe who in effect were living. Certain of the Scribes
who heard this Anſwer, cou'd not but acknowledge that he had made a
ſufficient Reply, and all the People continu'd their Admiration of his
Doctrine.
The Phariſees hearing that the Sadducees were filenc’d, began to rally Matt.23,
again ; and one of them, who was a Doctor of the Law, by way of makia.
Tryal ask'd our Saviour, Which was the greateſt Commandment of the Law? 27
it being much diſputed at that Time, whether the ceremonial, or the mo- ****
ral Precepts were the greater. Jeſus anſwer'd him out of Deuteronomy,
And anſpers a That the greateſt Commandment was to acknowledge one God, and to love
the
' him with all their Hearts, with all their Souls, with all their Minds, and
' with all their Strength; and that the next was like unto it; namely, (TO
' love their Neighbours as their felves : On which two depended all the Lare
and the Prophets. The Phariſee highly approv'd of his Anſwer, and con-
fefs'd, That as he had rightly acknowledg‘d the one God, so he had deſervedly
preferr'd Love to him and our Neighbours above all other things; as what was
more acceptable to God than all Burnt-Offerings and Sacrifices. Jeſus finding
that he anſwer'd diſcreetly, and that he did not wilfully oppoſe the Truthi,
Then confounds pronounc'd him not far from the Kingdom of God. And now Jefits ha-
all by one Que- ving anſwer'd ſeveral Queſtions, put one himſelf to the Phariſees, who
stion.
in great Numbers gather'd about him, asking them, What they thought
of the Meſſiah, whoſe Son was he. They readily anſwer'd, The Son of Da-
vid. Whereupon Jefus objected to them theſe Words of the Pſalmiit,
• The Lord ſaid unto my Lórd, &c. and propos’d to them to explain how
he coni'd be David's Son, when by the Inſpiration of the Holy Spirit, he calld
1
Lika 20.
Law.
*
ding
Chap. V.
119
TIBERIUS the 34 Rom. Emp.
Mt.23
38-40.
Luke 20.
4547
leading Men.
him his Lord? This Queſtion confounded them, for they wou'd not ac-
knowledge the divine Nature of Jeſus Chriſt; ſo that they were ignorant
that as God, he was really Lord of David, tho'as Man he was his Son.
Our Lord having defeated all Parties and Oppoſers, turn'd his Diſcourſe He expoſes the
mak12. to the People, but chiefly to the Diſciples, admoniſhing them to obſerve Villanies of the
and practiſe those Truths, which the Scribes and Phariſees taught them, ſince Phariſees and
they fut in Moſes's Chair, and had a right to inſtruct them. But that they
ought to beware of imitating their Actions; becauſe they were Hypocrites, teach-
ing without practiſing, and binding in ſupportable Burthens on others, without
bearing the leaſt Weight themſelves. That they perform'd all their Works to
be admir'd by the World; enlarg'd their Phylacteries and Fringes, to ſhew a
greater Degree of Sanctity; affected the higheſt Places in Feaſts and Syna-
gogues
, the chief Salutations in the Markets, and the diſtinguiſl.ing Title of
Rabbi. But that for their parts they were to avoid the Titles of Maſter and
Father, and to acknowledge themſelves to be all Brethren, ſince they had but
one Father, who was God, and one Maſter Jeſus Chriſt. Adding, That the
Greateſt amongſt them Mou'd be Servant to the reſt ; that the Proud
ſhou'd be debaſed, and the Humble exalted. Then turning his Speech di-
rectly againſt the hypocritical Scribes and Phariſees, with the Authority of
a Judge and Lawgiver, he denounced eight ſolemn Woes and Execrations
againſt them.
1. For Shoutting the Kingdom of Heaven againſt others, with-
out so much as entring themſelves. 2. For making long Prayers a Pretence
and Occaſion of devouring and ruining Widows ; for which they fou'd receive
the greater Damnation. 3. For traverſing Sea and Land to gain one Profe-
lyte, and then making him doubly more the Child of Hell than themſelves.
4. For teaching Men, that they were free from their Oaths when they ſwore by
the Temple and the Altar, and only oblig'd when they ſwore by the Corban
and the Oblation; whenas in reality the former ſanctified the latter, and in-
cluded them and all their Appurtenances, as well as Heaven Suppos'd the
Throne of God, and Him who ſat thereon. 5. For being ſo nice in paying the
Tythes of their Garden-Herbs and ſmalleſt Concerns, and omitting the moſt
important Duties of the Law, Juſtice, Mercy and Faith in God, which more
eſpecially ought to have been practiſed. 6. For cleanſing the Ontſide of the
Cup and the Diſh, while within they were full of Rapine and Incontinence.
7. For being like painted Sepulchres, whoſe Ontſides were beautiful, but their
Inſides full of rotten Bones and Putrefa&tion; so were they outwardly righte-
01ts, and inwardly villainous. 8. For repairing and beautifying the Monu-
ments of the Prophets and Righteous, and ſhewing an Abhorrence of their Fa-
thers Cruelty, when by their Actions they teſtified themſelves to be of the Poo
fterity of the Prophets Murtherers, and had filld up the Meaſure of their An-
reſtors Wickedneſs. To theſe Woes our Lord joined ſeveral Invectives,
calling them Hypocrites, Blind-Guides, Strainers' at Gnats and Swallowers
of Camels, Serpents, Progeny of Vipers, who were to expect the hotteſt Flames
of Hell. Then he added this dreadful Threatning, Behold I will ſend to
you Prophets, Wiſe-men and Inſtructers, and ſome of them ye will kill and cru-
fie
, others ſcourge in your Aſemblies, and perfecute from City to City; that all
the innocent Blood shed by your Fathers may fall upon your Heads, from the
Blood of Abel down to that of Zecharias, who ſhall be ſlain between the Tem-
ple and the Altar. Then he concluded with this pathetical Exclamation
uſed formerly, O Jeruſalem, Jeruſalem! thon who murt hereft God's Prophets,
and the Meſſengers of Heaven! how often wou'd I have gather'd thy Children
together, with the Same Tenderneſs that a Hen does her Chickens under her
Wings, but ye refus'd my Love. Know therefore, your Houſe is left deſolate;
and after a while ye shall not ſee my Face, till you fall be glad to say, Beſ-
ſed is be who cometh in the Name of the Lord,
Our
120
Book I.
Cent. I.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY:
Liriki 23.
rufalem.
Our Lord having concluded his Diſcourſes, and being in that part of stark 12.
the Temple call'd the Court of the Women, over againſt the Treaſury, be-
fore he departed, he carefully obſerv'd great Numbers, who according to 1-4
the Cuſtom at or near the Feaſt, threw Mony into the Cheſts for that
le alpl.uol.com. purpoſe; ſome of whom being rich, gave conſiderable Sums. And ſee-
poor Widon
ing a certain poor Widow caſting in two Mites, amounting to no more
than a Farthing, he call’d to his Apoſtles, and to her laſting Honour al-
ſur'd tlem, That that poor Widow had been more generous and bountiful than
all the reſt; for the rich Men who had made large Oblations, had done it
out of their Abundance; but on the contrary that Woman from her meer Ne-
ceffaries had offer’d to God all that ſhe had, even her whole Livelyhood.
On the Afternoon our Lord departed from the Temple, in order to re- Maut .
turn to Bethany; at which time the Apoſtles took a View of the ſeveral 2.13.
Buildings of the Temple, and with no ſmall Admiration ſhew'd their Ma--23
ſter thoſe rare and magnificent Structures, all built with the fineſt Marble, s...
beautified with the richeſt Ornaments, and endow'd with the nobleſt Pre-
ſents. Whereupon Jeſus acquainted them with the approaching Ruin and
Deſtru&tion of the whole, That all thoſe ſtately Works Shou'd be demoliſh'd,
and not one Stone left upon another. This was very ſurprizing to the Apo-
ſtles, who had been taught with the other Jews, That the Deſtruction of
the Temple ſhou'd be the Concluſion or Conſummation of the Age: There-
fore when Jeſus had feated himſelf upon Mount Olivet, in full View of that
His prophetical glorious Pile of Buildings, four of them, Peter, James, John and Andrew,
Sermon concern- deſired to be ſatisfied in two Queſtions, namely, When this Deſtruction
in the Dheftru- hond happen? And what were the forerunning Signs of his Coming to take
Temple and Je- this Vengeance, and his fhutting up the preſent Age? Which they ſuppos'd
wou'd be the Beginning of the new World, and the temporal Kingdom
of the Meſſiah. Jeſus beginning with their latter Queſtion, firſt inform’d
them of ſuch Signs as ſhou'd at ſome diſtance precede this Deſtruction;
namely, That there shou'd appear many Impoſtors and Falſe-Meſſiah's, who
Mou'd ſeduce and miſlead great Numbers. That there shori'd be Wars, Sedi-
tions and Commotions, Nation riſing againſt Nation, and Kingdom againſt
Kingdom, accompanied with violent Earthquakes
, Famines and Peſtilences,
and other Miſeries, and with dreadful Prodigies and amazing Signs in the
Heavens : All which ſhou'd be but the Beginnings of thoſe Sorrows and Cala-
mities which fuori'd befall the Jewiſh Nation. But that before theſe things
bapred, they were to expect to be perfecuted, brought before Judges, scourg d.
in Synagogues, deliver'd to Puniſhment by the neareſt Relations, hated by all
Men for his ſake, and many of them to ſuffer Death. But that for their In-
couragement, the Holy Ghoſt Mould give them ſuch Wiſdom to Speak before
their Judges, as their Adverſaries ſhou'd not be able to anſwer or reſiſt ; that
they ſhou'd ſecure and ſave their Souls by Patience, and in ſpite of all the
Rage of their Perſecutors, not one Hair of their Heads shou'd periſh : That
Falſe-Prophets and Hereticks shou'd deceive many; that Perſecutions Shor'd
cauſe great Numbers to apoſtatize; that Iniquity Mou'd abound, Charity grom
cold, and Parents and Children and neareſt Relations deſtroy each other; and
that ſuch as perſever'd to the laſt ſhore'd be ſaved. But that before the great
Deſtruction came, the Gospel should be preach'd throughout all or the princi-
pal Parts of the World. Then Jeſus proceeded to inform them of ſuch
Signs as ſhou'd more immediately precede this great Deſtruction ; particu-
larly, That when they ſaw Jeruſalem inveſted with Armies, and God's Tem-
ple polluted with execrable Abominations, they might affure themſelves that the
Deſolation of them was nigh; that then the Inhabitants of Judæa ought to fly
the Mountains and Deſerts with the utmoſt Expedition, not turning
for their Cloaths, or their greateſt Neceffaries, that they might not be involv’d
in
Chap. V.
Ι2Ι
TIBERIUS tbe 34 Rom. Emp.
Mutt.;4.
.
in their country's Calamities. Therefore, it wou'd be diſmal to ſuch us were
with Child, or ſuckled Children, or if their Flight hapned in the Winter, or
on the Sabbath; for in thoſe Days there fou'd be ſuch extreme Miſeries and
Calamities, ſuch dreadful Wrath and Vengeance, as never hapned from the
Creation of the World to that time, nor ever ſhou'd again : When the Jews
Shou'd be miſerably Naughter'd, made Slaves and Captives to all Nations, and
their magnificent City trodden under Foot by the Gentiles. And this shou'd
be executed with ſuch Rigour and Severity, that if God did not ſhorten the
Days upon the Account of his Elect, no Fleſh cou'd eſcape : That then they
ought more eſpecially to beware of falſe Meſſiahs and Impoſtors, who ſhou'd
riſe up and ſhew ſuch Signs and Miracles, that if it were poſſible, wou'd deceive
the Elect.
Our Lord having thus ſhewn the fore-running Signs, he proceeded to
al vikiz deſcribe the Deſtruction it ſelf, comparing it as it were to the Deſtruction
34-37; of the World, of which many believe it to be a Type: Declaring, That
25-36. his Coming Skou'd be impetuous, and ſwift as a Flaſh of Lightning darting
from the Eaſt to the Weſt; which ſhou'd expoſe the Jewiſh Nation as a Car-
cars to be devour'd by the Roman Eagles. " At which Time there ſhou'd be a
ſtrange Concuſſion of Nature ; above, Signs in the Sun, Moon and Stars; on
Earth, Diſtreſs and Anxiety, the Sea and Waves roaring, and all Men in a
general Conſternation and Amazement. Then the Jewiſh Tribes ſhou'd mourn,
and be ſenſible of his Coming, by the ſignal Marks of his Glory and Majeſty
in the Heavens; and he fou'd ſend out his Miniſters with the Trumpet of his
Goſpel, and from all Parts of the World gather together his choſen People, and
conſtitute a Church out of the Gentiles, after the Diſolution of that of the
Jews. Upon this, his faithful Servants, who had been under ſevere Perſecu-
tions, might lift up their Heads with Confidence ; for as they might know the
approaching Summer by the Tenderneſs and Buddings of the Fig-trees ; so
by theſe Signs they might know that their Redemption and Deliverance drem
near, and that the Kingdom of God was even at their Doors. All which
Things he aſſur’d them ſhou'd be accompliſh'd before that Generation paſs'd
away ; and that his Words were more firm than Heaven and Earth. But
for the preciſe Time of his Coming, of which they were ſo inquiſitive, that was
unknown to all created Beings; for it ſhou'd happen as in the Days of Noah,
while Men were eating and drinking, marrying and eſpouſing, they were ſud-
denly Swept away by the Flood. At which Time there shou'd be many Inſtan-
ces of God's diſcriminating Providence, in ſaving ſome and leaving others
to periſh in the Calamity: That therefore they ought to be watchful over them-
ſelves, and not ſuffer their Minds to be overcharg’d with Riot and Drunken-
neſs, and the Cares of this Life. That they shou'd watch and pray continually,
that they might be accounted worthy to eſcape thoſe Miſeries, and appear before
the Son of Man : And that they ought to be as much upon the Guard as a
Maſter of a Family wou'd be, if he knew the exact Time when Thieves wou'd
come to rob his Houſe. Whereupon he produc'd a Parable of a Servant The Paoabie oja
whom his Maſter upon a Journy had made Governor of his Houſhold, the careful Ser-
to provide his other Servants with Neceflaries and Employment; whoſe
Caſe ſhou'd be very happy, and he ſhou'd be highly rewarded, if his Ma-
fter at his Return found him doing his Duty: But that if this Servant
ſhou'd fooliſhly imagine that his Maſter delay'd his Return, and there-
upon abuſe his Authority by beating his Fellow-Servants, and ſpending
his Time with Sots and Epicures; his Maſter wou'd return in an unexpected
Hour, wou'd cut him aſunder, and appoint him his Portion with Hypo-
crites, where ſhou'd be Lamentations and Deſpair. Then our Lord a ſe-
cond Time repeated his former Command to them, To watch, left the Son
of Man ſhon'd come ſuddenly upon them, and find them ſeeping.
Our
svant.
I 22
Book I.
Cent. I.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
Our Saviour having earneſtly exhorted his Diſciples to Watchfulneſs, and Matt 25.
knowing that human Infirmity wou'd incline them to Remiffneſs, re-urg'd 1:46.
The Parable of the Neceſſity of it by two eminent Parables. The firſt was of ten Virgins,
the ten Virgins. who by Night took their Lamps and went out to meet the Bridegroom and
Bride, and accompany them to the nuptial Entertainment. Five of them
who were fooliſh, only lighted up their Lamps without any farther Care;
but the other five, wiſely foreſeeing that the Bridegroom might tarry, car-
ry'd Oil along with them in their Veſſels, to ſupply their Lamps if they
were in Danger of going out. And thus it happen'd, for the Bridegroom
deferr'd his Coming, and they all ventur’d to repoſe themſelves; till at
Midnight they were ſuddenly awaken’d with a Cry of the Bridegroom's
Coming, which caus’d them to riſe immediately and trim their Lamps:
But the fooliſh Virgins perceiving their Lamps juſt going out, deſir’d ſome
Oil of the others, who excus'd themſelves and ſent them to the Oil-Sel-
lers; and in their Abſence the Bridegroom came, and all ſuch as were
ready enter'd with him to the nuptial Feaſt. The other Virgins came af-
terwards, but the Door was then ſhut, and when they knock'd and cry'd,
Lord, open to us! he gave them this peremptory Anſwer, I know you not.
Jefus concluded the Parable with exhorting them, to watch therefore, be-
cauſe they knew not the Day nor the Hour of the Son of Man's Coming. The
The Parable of ſecond Parable was of a Man who being about to travel into a far Coun-
the Talents.'try, put his Stock into the Hands of his Servants, delivering five Talents
to one, two to another, and one to a third; to every one according to
their Abilities, to trade with. At his Return he found that moſt of them
by their Induſtry had doubled what Money they had received, and there-
fore ſaid to them one by one, Well done, thou good and faithful Servant,
becauſe thou haſt been faithful in a few Things, I will make thee Ruler over
many, enter thou into the Joy of thy Lord. But finding one among them,
who out of Fear and Slothfulneſs had hid his Money in the Ground, he firſt
convinc'd that unprofitable Servant of his notorious Neglect, and then caſt
him into a Place of Darkneſs and Deſpair. From this Parable our Lord
The Deſcription proceeded to deſcribe the Manner of the laſt and univerſal Judgment.
of the last
judgment.
When the Son of Man ſhou'd come ſurrounded with the moſt refulgent
Rays of his Majeſty, and all the holy Angels of Heaven; and being ſeated
on his bright Throne of Glory, all the Nations in the World ſhou'd be
aſſembled before him, and he ſhou'd ſeparate them as a Shepherd does
his Sheep from his Goats, placing the Sheep on his right Hand, and the
Goats on his left. That then the Judge of Heaven and Earth wou'd ſay
to thoſe on his right Hand, Come, ye bleſſed Saints, enjoy the glorious King-
dom prepared for you from the Foundation of the World: For I was Hungry,
and Thirſty, and a Stranger, and Naked, and Sick, and a Priſoner, and ye
mercifully aſſiſted, and relieved me in all theſe Diſtreſſes. That theſe good
Men being ſurpriz'd with the King's bountiful Acknowledgments, wou'd
then ask him, When they aſſiſted him in any of theſe Extremities? and that
he wou'd ſolemnly aſſure them. That inaſmuch as they had been ſervice-
able to the meaneſt Chriſtian, they had been ſerviceable to him. And that
then he wou'd proceed to thoſe on his left Hand, and ſay, Go, ye execrable
Wretches, into everlaſting Flames, prepar’d for the Devil and his Angels :
For when I was in all the above-named Diſtreſſes, of Hunger, Thirſt, Tra-
vel, Nakedneſs, Sickneſs and Impriſonment, ye were hard-hearted, and refus’d
your Charity. And that when they ſou'd alledge, that they wanted Opportunity,
becauſe they never ſaw him in thoſe Circumſtances; he wou'd filence them by
this Anſwer, That inaſmuch as they negleted the meaneſt Chriſtian they neglected
him: And that thereupon theſe uncharitable Creatures ſhou'd be condemn'd
to everlaſting Puniſhment, and the Righteous exalted to eternal Life.
Our
*
Chap. V.
3
TIBERIUS the 34 Rom. Emp.
123
Mai! 25.
6.
Nare!
3.9.
Fuln 13,
III.
Our Lord having finiſh'd his Prophetick Sermon upon Mount Olivet, at
the Evening repaired again to Bethany, and ſuppd at the Houſe of one Jeſus fups at
calld Simon the Leper, who probably had been cured by him formerly Simon sale
per's;
At this Supper, Mary, who had been before reprov'd by Judas for her pro-
fuſe anointing Jefus's Feet, reſolv'd once more to teſtifie the Greatneſs of
her Love and Reſpect, and out of an Alabaſter Crule pour'd a large Quan-wherd Mary
tity of the ſame rich Ointment upon his Head; ſo that the whole Houſe anoints his
was fill'd with fragrant Odours. The ſeeming Luxury and Prodigality of ilead.
this Woman now provok'd the Indignation of the reſt of the Apoſtles as
well as Judas, who like him made the ſame Objection, That it might bet-
ter have been ſold for a large Sum of Mony, and given to the Poor. But
Jeſus undertook the Defence of her, and inform’d thoſe who condemn'd
her, That ſhe had done a noble Work, and had embalm’d his Body before-
hand, againſt the Day of his Burial ; and as for the Poor, for whoſe Relief
they ſeem'd So ſolicitous, they always had an opportunity of Shewing their Care
and Charity to them, but not ſo to him : Therefore ſince that Woman had done
ſo much, he folemnly declar'd, That where ſoever the Gospel Mou'd be preach'd
throughout the whole World, her munificent Regard of him facud be publiſh'd
to her perpetual Honour and Renown. Supper being ended, Jeſus bearing
in Mind his Departure, that he was now going to God, where he ſhou'd
take Poſſeſſion of all Power in Heaven and Earth, and having conſtantly
and immutably lov'd his own, reſolv'd to give them a ſignal Teſtimony
of his Love and Humility. Whcrefore riſing from the Table, he laid
aſide his looſe upper Garment, like a Servant attending his Maſter, and
He will hit
girding himſelf with a Towel, he pour’d Water into a Baſin, and began Ajailes fonts
to waſh his Apoſtles Feet, and to wipe them with the Towel. Peter amaz'd
at ſuch extraordinary Condeſcenſion, utterly refus'd at first, and likewiſe a
ſecond time, till Jeſus inforın'd him, That he had a more Spiritual and holy In-
tention in it, and that unleſs he were waſh’d, he cou'd have no Part nor Portion
in him. Whereupon Peter deſired, That he wou'd waſh him in all Parts, if
that might ſecure his Intereſt ; but our Lord anſwer'd him in Alluſion to
a Man's coming from a Bath, who needed not to uraſh his whole Body agairt,
but only his Feet, which contracted Soil by walking : Declaring farther,
That they were really clean, but not all; meaning Judas, then deſigning to
betray him.
Jeſus having waſh'd his Apoſtles Feet, put on his Garments, ſat downl
, Teaches their
and
gave then the Reaſon of this Action; telling them, That he deſign't Hurrility's
it for an Example of Humility to them; that ſince he who was juſtly acknoir-
ledgʻd to be their Lord and Maſter, had so far debas’d himſelf as to wafla
their Feet, they ſhou'd think it no Diſhonour to perform the meaneſt Offices of
Kindneſs and Charity to each other: For tho' they were exalted to the Digni-
ty of his Apoſtles, yet they were but bis Servants, and it wou'd be a high
piece of Arrogance for them to aſſume more State and Grandeur than their
own Lord had done : Adding, That if they knew theſe things, they were happy
if they performd them. Then being mov'd with the near Proſpect of his
ſad Sufferings, or the monſtrous Treaſon of Judas, he declar’d, That öne Foietets ju
them preſent ſhou'd betray him, verifying that Scripture, . He that eateth das's Tieejot;
Bread with me, hath lift up his Heel againſt me. Peter hearing ſo plain
an Intimation, that one of the Apoſtles ſhou'd be ſo great a Traitor, was
very deſirous to know the Perſon, poſlibly that he might endeavour to
diffuade him from ſuch an horrid Attempt ; and ſeeing John the beloved
Diſciple leaning upon Jeſus's Boſom, becken’d to him, that he wou'd ask
Jeſus who it was, who accordingly put the Queſtion, and receiv'd this
private Anſwer, That he wou'd give e Sop to the Perſon who ſhou'd do it.
Then having dipped the Sop, he gave it to Judas Iſcariot ; into whoſe
2
Heart
ز
11-13
124
Book I.
Cent. I.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
Heart at the ſame time Satan enter'd, to embolden him in that impious
Deſign, which he had in his Thoughts ſome time before. Jeſus by way
of Irony bad him, Do what he had deſign’d with all Expedition; where-
upon Judas went out ; but the other Apoſtles knew not whither lie was
gone, ſuppoſiug that Jesus had ſent him to provide for the approaching
Feaſt, or to give ſomething to the Poor, becauſe it was he who carry'd
the Purſe. Upon Judas's Departure our Saviour comforted himſelf againſt
his approaching Death; declaring, That he ſhortly ſhou'd be glorify'd, and
alſo his Father glorify'd in him, who ſhou'd raiſe him from this low Eſtate,
and exalt him above the higheſt Heavens. Then calling them, little Chil-
dren, he told them, That he cou'd be with them but a ſhort time, and that
as he told the Jews, he was going to a Place whither they corid not come.
And gives his But in the Words of a parting Friend, he ſtrictly engagéd them, To ob-
Duriples of nie'w ſerve his new Commandment to love one another, with ſuch a Love as he him-
Jelf had given them an illuſtrious Example of ; telling them alſo, that their
Love Shor'd be as a glorious Badge, by which they might be known to be his
Diſciples from all other Religions and Profeſſions. Peter reflecting upon his
Maſter's Departure, deſir’d to know, Whither he went; but Jeſus told him,
That at preſent he cou'd not follow him, but ſhou'd hereafter. Peter agriev'd
at this Anſwer, raſhly proffer'd to follow him, tho' he shou'd lay down his
Life for his Sake : But our Lord advis'd him not to be too confident, and
folemnly aſſur'd him, That he himſelf shou'd deny him three Times, all within
the uſual Time of Cock-crowing.
Commandment:
Wedneſday.
3.5.
1.-16.
The Sanhedrim
Mark 14.
,,,
وہ: ;" را
Like 22.
On the foilowing Day, our Lord in all probability continu'd wholly Matt.25.
April 1.
at Bethany, without repairing to the City as uſually. In the mean Time
conſult a ſecond the grand Sanhedrim afičmbled at the Palace of Caiaphas the High Prieſt,
Time against where the Prieſts, Scribes and Senators of the People had a ſolemn De L.;
Jctus.
bate and Conſultation how they might take Jeſus by ſome ſecret Strate= 1-6.
geme, and put him to Death.
him to Death. This was the ſecond Council they had held
upon this occaſion, and in which they had reſolv'd upon his Death; yet
they thought it not ſo ſafe and proper to do it at this great Solemnity,
loſt it might cauſe a Sedition among the People, who had the liiglieſt
Veneration for him. In the midſt of their Doubts and Projects, fudas
came among them, and put an end to all their Difficulties, promiſing
them that for a Sum of Mony, he wou'd deliver Jeſus Safely into their
Hands, when the Multitude shor'd be abfent ; for that he knew where he
uſually retired himſelf, and all his cautious Methods; and therefore had
Judas bargains a greater Opportunity than any other to betray him. This Propoſition
was highly pleaſing to the Sanhedrim, who immediately bargaind with
him for thirty Pieces of Silver, call'd Staters, or Shekels of the Sanctuary,
amounting to three Pounds and fifteen Shillings of our Mony, the moſt
uſual Price for Slaves at that time: Which accompliſh'd Zechary's Pro-
phecy, Chap. 1 1. v. 12. Judas taking the Mony, fought all Opportunities
of betraying him in the Abſence of the Multitude.
This Day the whole Nation of the Jews always apply'd themſelves
to put away all Leaven from their Houſes, and it was the Day immedi-
ately preceding the fourth and laſt Paſſover after our Saviour's Baptiſin,
which Paſſover hapned on the ſecond Day of our Month April, in the
19th Year of the Reign of Tiberius the Emperor, and one Year wanting
twelve Days after the third Paflover.
with them.
CH A P.
Chap. VI.
125
TIBERIUS the 34 Rom. Emp-
A
C H A P. VI.
From the Beginning of the fourth and laſt Paſſover, to the
Aſcenſion of our Bleſſed Saviour ; which concluded the whole
Series of his Actions upon Earth.
Containing the Term of ſix Weeks and one Days
Thurſday:
1. w
A.D.33;
Matt.26.
17-19.
7.13
20
E are now arriv'd at the laſt and great Paſſover in our Saviour's
Time, à Paffover the moſt memorable and renowned that was
Mark * ever folemniz'd;' in which the only true Paſchal Lamb was ſlain, where-Tiber.
Lawake 22. of all others were only Types and Shadows. In the Morning, the Apo April 2:
ſtles, knowing that their Maſter was careful in obſerving this Solemnity, Jeſus prepares
defir'd to know where he wou'd eat the Paſſover, and where the Lamb
for the laſt
Paljover',
{hou'd be made ready. Whereupon Jeſus ſent Peter and John into Ferie-
falcm to prepare all things according to Law, telling them, That as ſoon
as they were enter'd the City, they ſhou'd meet a Man bearing a Pitcher of
Water, by following of whom, they shou'd find a Spacious Gneſt-Chamber ready
firniſh'd by the Maſter of the Houſe, whoſe Heart fon'd be ſo inclin'd by the
Divine Power, as to be willing to accommodate them upon that Occaſion. The
two Diſciples being directed by this ſpecial Token, went directly to the
City, and found all things to ſucceed as he had foretold them; and
having provided a Lamb, Ilain it in the Temple, ſprinkled the Blood on
the Altar, and got all other Things neceſſary for the Celebration of the
Paſchal Supper, they return'd to their Maſter at Bethany.
Before our Lord's Departure to Jeruſalem, the Apoſtles, whoſe Minds
had forinerly been elevated with all the Imaginations of Pomp and Gran-
deur, were now depreſs’d with melancholy Thoughts, and diſinal Appre-
henſions of ſome great approaching Misfortune. Therefore, perceiving 11: comforts lsis
hot to their Concern, he bad them Not be dejected, but believe in him, as they Diſciples before
had believed iz Ged; for that in his Father's Houſe were many Manſions, whi-
tler he was going to prepare Places for them, and returning wou'd receive
them into the ſame glorious Habitation with himſelf; and that the Place and
Way were already made known to them. Thomas, ſuppoſing he meant ſome
Earthly Palace, made Anſwer, That they knew not the Place, much leſs the
Way leading to it. Whereupon Jeſus declar'd, That he himſelf was the
Way, the Truth and the Life; that none could go to God but by him only;
and that if they knew him as they ought, they wou'd know his Father alſo,
ſince he was the expreſs Image of his Perſon. Philip, not conſidering the
Force of our Saviour's Reaſonings, deſired him to Mew them the Father,
by giving them a viſible Repreſentation of his Glory. But Jefits ask'd
him, Whether he knew not him after so long a Continuance with them? Ad-
ding, That in ſeeing him, they ſaw the Father; for he was in the Father,
and the Father in him ; which they might have diſcern'd by the Miracles he
wrovight: Afſuring them, 'That if they believ'd in hin, they ſhou'd work the
Same Miracles, and greater ; becauſe whatſoever they ask'd of God his Father
in his Name, it shou'd be obtain'd : But that if they lov'd him, they muſt
shew it by their Obedience. Then he promis'd them, That he wou'd by his
Prayers
126
Book I.
Cent. I.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
2
He celebristes
20:29.
Prayers obtain another Comforter for them, who ſhou'd remain with them for
ever; namely, the Holy Ghoſt
, the Spirit of Truth, whom the World corid not
receive, becauſe it knew him not; but that they ſhou'd know him, and be in-
Iubited by him. That he wou'd not leave them comfortleſs, but wou'd return
to them, and they shou'd ſee him, when the WorldSkou'd not have that Hap-
pineſs: That he wou'd one day flew them that he was in his Father ; for hc
zou'd manifeſt himſelf to ſuch as lov’d him, and prov'd it by keeping his
Commandments. Hereupon Jude, whoſe Thoughts as well as the reſt
were taken up with the Expectations of a Temporal Kingdom, interpos’d,
and ask'd him, Why he wou'd manifeſt himſelf to them, and not to the
Ilorld? Jeſus intimated, That the Reaſon was becauſe the World had no
Love for him nor his Doctrine; therefore this Bleſſing was only deſigned for
ſuch as obey'd bis Laws, with whom his Father and he wou'd make their
Abode. Adding, That the Doctrine he had taught them, was his Father's ;
and that the Holy Spirit he had promiſed wou'd make them underſtand and
remember all thoſe Truths he had deliver’d. Then for a Farewel, lie told
thein, He left his Peace with them, and that in a more affectionate manner
than the Il'orld ever did ; that if they lov'd him, they won'd rejoice that he
return'd to his Father, who was greater than him, as he was Mediator. That
he foretold them what fou'd come to paſs, that when the time was expir'd
they might believe on him who had foretold it: That he wou'd not ſay much
more to them, for he was juſt ready to enter the Liſts with Satan, the Prince
of the World, who tho he had no Power over him, yet he was willing to
Suffer what was brought upon him, that he might ſignally teſtifie bis Love and
Obedience to his Father. Upon finiſhing his Diſcourſe, he order'd his
Diſciples to ariſe, and go with him towards the City Jeruſalem.
At the Evening they all arriv'd at the Place appointed, which ſome Matt. 26
the Paffoner ; believe was in the Houſe of one of our Lord's Diſciples callid John, and
ſirnamed Mark. The uſual Hour being come, which was never before it e
was dark, Jeſus and his twelve Apoſtles ſat down at the Table, uſing all 14-23.
a leaning Poſture, as was particularly neceſſary in that folemnity. He be-
gan his Diſcourſe with declaring, That with great Earneſtneſs he had defir'd
to eat the Paſſover with them before he ſuffer'd; for this was the laſt he
shou'd eat with them, till it was fulfild in Heaven, where that and all
other Myſteries ſhould liave a full Accompliſhment. Then taking the
firſt Cup of Wine, with which the Paſchal Supper always began, lie
bleſs’d it, drank of it, ordering them, To take it, and divide it among
then-
ſelves, for that this was the laſt Time he ſhou'd drink with them, till the
Kingdom of God fhor'd come, meaning perhaps his Reſurrection. When
they had begun the Supper, Jeſus a ſecond time aſſur'd his Apoſtles, That
one of them ſhou'd betray him; which caus’d a general Sorrow and Sadneſs
amongſt them, every one asking, Whether he was the Perſon? He told
them, that he who dipped his Hand with him in the Diſh was the Perſon :
Adding, That the Son of Man went forth to ſuffer, according to the Scrip-
tures ; but that it would be miſerable to that Man who shou'd betray him;
that it wou'd have been better for him never to have been born. Noovith-
ſtanding this Denunciation Judas boldly ask'd him, whether it was he?
And Jeſus made Anſwer, He had nam'd the Man. At the Concluſion of
Amd inßitutes the Supper, when the third Cup was uſually drank, our Lorii thought
the Euchariſt. fit to inſtitute a new Rite and Sacrament, inſtead of the Pallover, in
Commemoration of his infinite Love to Mankind. Therefore firſt taking
Bread, he bleſs'd it, brake it, and diſtributed it to his Apoſtles, with this
Injunction, Take, eat, this is my Body which is given for you: Do this inz
Remembrance of me. Then bleſſing the Cup alſo, he gave it to them,
ſaying, Drink ye all of this, for this is my Blood of the New Teſtament,
Mark 14.
Lxle 22,
which
Chap. VI.
127
TIBERIUS the z. Rom. Emp.
L: L22.
which is ſived for the Remiſſion of the Sins of many. Intimating, that the
Bread was now his Body, in the ſame Senſe as the Paſchal Lamb had
been before ; and the Wine was now his Blood, of the New Teſtament,
in the fame Senſe as the Blood of Bulls and Goats had been under the
Old. Then he told them, That that was the laſt Wine he muſt drink, for
the Hand of him who betray'd him was at the Table.
Immediately after there hapned a very unſeaſonable Contention among
***8. the Apoſtles concerning Priority, which of them ſhou'd have the greatelt He compoſes the
Share in their Maſter's Kingdom. Jejus check'd their Ambition, by re- test, and warns
peating the Subſtance of what he had formerly ſaid to them upon the them of their
like Occaſion, That it ſhou'd
not be ſo with them, as with terreſtrial Kings, who Temptation.
govern'd their Subjects with Power and Authority; but the greateſt among them
Shou'd be leaſt, as he their Maſter had been, not as one ſitting at the Table
, but
as a Servant waiting. But ſince they had held firm to him in all his Perſe-
cutions, he wou'd prepare for them a Kingdom, as his Father had done for
him ; where they ſhou'd be neareſt to himſelf; ſitting on Thrones, and judg-
ing the twelve Tribes of Iſrael. He added, That at this Time Satan had a
more than ordinary Deſire to ſhake them and fift them like Wheat; but he had
pray'd for them, and particularly for Peter, that his Faith might not fail ;
bidding him when he had recover'd, to ſtrengthen his Brethren. Whereupon
Peter to ſhew his Reſolution told him, That he was ready to follow him
both to Priſon and to Death; but he knowing his Weakneſs, declar'd a ſe-
cond time, That before the ſecond Crowing of the Cock that Night, he ſhou'd
deny him thrice. Then turning to the reſt of the Apoſtles, he ask'd them,
Whether they wanted any Thing, when he ſent them without Purſe, or Bag, or
Shoes? Upon their anſwering No, he inform’d them, That now it wou'd
be otherwiſe ; for ſuch Diſtreſſes fhond happen, that they wou'd ſtand in need
of all theſe, and of a Sword more than of a Garment to put on : For all
that was written concerning him, was juſt ready to be accompliſhd; namely,
He was reckon d among the Tranſgreſſors. The Apoſtles taking his
Words in the moſt literal Senſe, told him, They had two Swords there ;
but he to intimate that he had another Meaning, gave them this ſhort
Reply, It is enough.
After this they proceeded to ſing the Hymn, or rather to finiſh the
Hallel, which in all conſiſted of ſix Euchariſtical Pſalms, beginning at
the 113th, and concluding with the 118th. A little before their Depar- He gives his
firewel Exboia
ture our Lord gave his farewel Exhortations to his Apoſtles, and taking tarims.
Occaſion probably from the Sight of Vines from out the Window, he
told them, That they were holy and pure, becauſe they had receiv'd the Do-
&rine of the Gospel; but that they might bring forth ſuch Fruit as the Gof-
pel requir’d, they muſt of Neceſſity abide in him, as the Branches of the Vine
muſt abide in the Body of it, without which they cou'd not bear Grapes: That
his Father was glorify'd when his Diſciples brought forih much Fruit; but
that he wou'd cut off and caſt into the Fire ſuch as bore no Fruit,
as the Vine-Dreſſers uſually cut off and burn'd the dry and dead Bran-
ches of their Vines : That the principal Fruit his Father expected was
that Love which they ought to have to one another, imitating their Maſter
who fewed the ſublimeſt Inſtance of it, even the laying down his Life" for
his Enemies : That they had not choſen him, but he had choſen them to bring
forth contimual Fruit, and that he had not us’d them as Servants, but as
Friends, in teaching them what he had learnt from his Father : That in
chuling them to be his Followers , he had ſeparated them from the World ;
and that not being of the World themſelves, they were to expect to be ha-
ted and perſecuted by it, as he himſelf was. Then he informd them, That
the Jews fou'd be ſo zealous againſt them, as not only to excommunicate them,
Matt.26.
30.
Mark 14.
26.
John is.
1.27
Cap. 16.
1.4
.
hut
128 Cent. I. ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. Book I.
tions.
plainly of the Father. Secondly, That praying to the Father in his Name,
but alſo to think they did God a Special Service in taking away their Lives;
and this becauſe they knew not the Son, nor the Father who ſent him: That
he had forewarn’d them of theſe Afflictions, becauſe he was leaving them;
and that they might remember his Words when they came to paſs; and
by remembring , fortifie their minds under the moſt violent Perſecu-
The Apoſtles heard theſe Truths with a profound Sorrow and Silence, John 16.
being much afflicted and aſtoniſh'd at the Loſs of their dear Maſter. He 5-33.
mildly reprov'd their Silence, telling them, That he was going to him that
ſent him, and none of them ask'd whither he went. But for their Comfort
he let them know, That his Departure wou'd be highly for their Advantage;
for till then, the Holy Spirit, the Comforter wou'd not come : That when this
Comforter was come, he wou'd convince the World, eſpecially the Jews, of Sin,
in not believing his Million; of Righteouſneſs, by manifeſting his glorious
Reſurrection and Aſcenſion; and of Judgment, becauſe he had condemnd the
Devil, the Prince of this world. That that ſame Spirit of Truth Shou'd
make them underſtand all the Truths they had heard, and shou'd teach them
thoſe Doctrines, which at preſent they were not able to bear. That the ſame
Spirit shou'd glorifie him alſo, by a more illuſtrious Manifeſtation of his mira-
culous Gifts, which had been communicated to him by the Father. Then
he added, A little while, and they shou'd not ſee him; and after a little
while they ſhou'd ſee him, becauſe he went to the Father. The Apoſtles un-
derſtood not the Meaning of theſe laſt Words, but queſtioned each other
concerning them, deſiring alſo to ask Jesus himſelf. He perceiving this,
aſſurd them, That they ſkond weep and lament, but the World ſhou'd rejoice
and triumph; but yet as a Woman, who in the Time of her Labour had great
Sorrow, but upon her Delivery forgot all her Pains, for Joy of an Heir's being
born; in like manner they ſhou'd be in Sorrow for a Time, but that he wou'd
foon return to them again at his Reſurrection, and then their Sorrow shou'd
be chang’d into Joy, ſuch as no Man cou'd take from them. After this he
promis'd them two things, Firſt, That after his Reſurrection, he wou'd not
Speak to them in Proverbs and Parables as formerly, but wou'd ſpeak to them
which they had not as yet done, they shou'd obtain whatſoever they petition'd of
him; for that the Father loved them, becauſe they had loved the Son, and
believed that he came from God. Then he declar'd in plain Terms, That
he came from the Father into the World; and that he was now leaving the
World, and returning to the Father. Upon this the Apoſtles acknowledgºd,
That he had ſpoken plainly, without Proverbs; and were aſſur’d that he knew
all Things, even their very Thoughts, and therefore muſt come from God.
Jeſus intimated, That their Aſurance was yet but weak; for the Time was
juſt approaching, when every one of them shou'd fly from him, be diſpers’d,
and leave him alone ; . who yet was not wholly So, becauſe his Father was with
him. Concluding all with theſe Words, I have told you theſe Things, that
in me ye might have Peace; in the World ye shall have Tribulation : But be
of good Comfort, I have conquer'd the World.
Having ended theſe comfortable and dying Exhortations, our Lord zolim 12
thought fit to leave us a Pattern of his perpetual Interceſſion in Heaven 1-26.
as our great High-Prieſt; and in the Audience of the reſt poured forth a
moſt divine and heavenly Prayer, ſupplicating for Himſelf
, for his Apo-
ſtles, and for all other ſucceeding Chriſtians. Firſt for himſelf. “O Fa-
ther, the Hour is come, glorifie thy Son, that thy Son may glorifie thee : And
as thou haſt given him Power over all Fleſh, so to as many as thou haſt
given him, he has given eternal Life; which conſiſts in the Knowledge of
thee, the true God, and Jeſus Chriſt
, whom thou haſt ſent. I have glorify'd
thy
7
His folemn
Prayer.
C
Chap.VI.
129
TIBERIUS the 34 Rom. Emp.
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7
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C
C
be
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othy Name on Earth ; I have accompliſh'd the great Work thou haſt appointed
for me : And now, Father, glorifie me with thy divine Majeſty, and with
o the Same Glory I had before the Creation of the World. Secondly for his
Apoſtles: " I have manifeſted thy Name to thoſe whom thor haft ſelected for
me out of the World: They have kept thy Word: They have known, that
? whatſoever thou haſt given me, proceeded from thee; and they aſſuredly be-
"lieve that thon didſt ſend me. I intercede now for them, and not fer the
6 wicked World, but for them whom thou haſt given me, who are thine, and
' in whom I am glorify'd. And now, Holy Father, as i am leaving the World,
' and they continuing behind, preſerve theſe choſen Perſons for thy Name Sake,
· That there may be a perfect Union amongſt ihem. Whilft I continu'd with
them, I have preſervd tbem, and have loſt none, but the Son of Perdition,
according to the Scriptures. And now I'am returning to thee, I speak theſe
Things openly, that their former Joy may be compleated: I have given them
• thy Word, and the World has hated them, becauſe, like me, they are not
of the World. I pray not that thou wou’dſt take them out of the World,
but that thou won' dſt preſerve them from the Evil of it; and wou’dſt ſanctin
fie' them by thy Word, which is Truth it ſelf. I have ſent them into the World,
as thou haft ſent me ; and for their Sakes, I fanctifie even my self,
that they may be Sanitify'd throngh the Truth. Thirdly for all ſuceecding
Chriſtians : Neither do I pray for theſe alone, but likewiſe for all ſuch as
Skall hereafter believe in me by Means of their Preaching : That there may
ſuch a Spiritual Union amongſt them, as may reſemble ours ; so that the
World may be convinc'd that thou haſt ſent me, that I have made them
· Partakers of thy Glory, and that thou haſt loved them as thou haſt loved
me. Father, I
pray
that thoſe thou haſt given me may alſo be Poffeffors of
'the Same Place with my ſelf, that they may behold the ineffable Glory thou
haft beſtow'd on me, which was the Effect of thị eternal Love before the
· Foundation of the World. O Holy Father, the World has not known thee,
s but I have known thee, and theſe have known that I came from thee : And
I have proclaim'd thy Name to them, and will continue to do so, that they
may be Partakers of thy Love, and my Mediatorſhip.
Our Lord having finiſh'd this divine Prayer, immediately departed out
of the City with his Apoſtles, over the Brook Kedron, towards Mount He departs
Et Olivet and Bethany as formerly; where he might prepare himſelf for his over Kedroń ;
approaching Paflion, and be taken like the Paſchal Lamb without Noiſe
and Tumult. Upon their leaving the Houſe, Judas it ſeems llipt away
from the Company towards the High-Prieſt's Palace, where he had his
wicked Inſtruments ready to execute his abominable Deſign. In the mean
Time, our Lord in his Paſſage with a mighty Concern declar'd to his Apo-
ſtles, That that very Night all of them Mou'd be offended, and fall array And foretelis,
from him ; that according to Zechary's Propheſie, “The Shepherd Mou'd be bis Apostles in:
Smitten, and the whole Flock diſpersid: But that after his Reſurrection, he firmities,
wou'd go before them into their old Country Galilee. Whereupon Peter with
great Aſſurance made Anſwer, That tho' all Mankind ſhou'd fall away from
him, he wou'd do otherwiſe : But Jeſus aſſured him a third Time, That in
that Night he ſhaou'd deny him thrice, before the ſecond Cock-crowing was paſt.
But Peter being now arm’d with a Sword, and tranſported with an unuſual
Zeal, declar'd with the utmoft Vehemence, That he wou'd not deny him, tho’ be
fou'd be oblig’d to die with him; and all the reſt join'd in the ſame Pro-
miſe.
Having palled Kedron, they went to a Place call’d Gethſemane, a Place
of Oil-Preſſes at the foot of Mount Olivet, where was a Garden well
known to Judas, to which our Lord often repair'd with his Apoſtles, both
40-46. for Retirement and Devotion. Here he was to enter upon the Ante-Scene of
R
bis
C
Mart.26.
30.3.
Musk 14.
39.
juin is.
Mutt.26.
36-46.
Markt,
; .
322
Luke 22.
Folin 18.
192.
130
Book I.
Cent. I.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
in the Garden.
1
His Ante-Paſ- his approaching Tragedy; and to begin to recover that in a Garden of
fion and Agony Sorrows, which the firſt Adam had loſt in a Garden of Pleaſures. Here
he order'd eight of the Apoſtles to ſtay at the Entrance into the Garden,
while he retir'd to his private Devotions with God; commanding them
to join their Prayers, that they might not be deliver'd over to Temptation.
Then entering the Garden, he took Peter, James and John, who had been
Spectators of his glorious Transfiguration, now to be his Comforters in
the Time of his moſt deplorable Affilictions; telling them, That his Soul
was unmeaſurably oppreſs’d, even to the Pangs of Death, therefore he deſired
that they wou'd watch with him. And now he felt the moſt terrible Con-
flict between the Fleſh and the Spirit, had all the Powers of Hell and
Darkneſs let looſe upon him, and labour'd under the moſt violent Agonies
that ever human Nature ſuſtain'd. Having withdrawn himſelf about a
Stone's caſt from his three Apoſtles, he threw himſelf proſtrate upon the
Earth, and with the higheſt Marks of the moſt intenſe Grief, cryed out,
Ob
my
Father ! if it be poſſible, as all Things are posſible with thee, let me
eſcape this bitter Potion; but with a Spirit full of Submiſſion and Charity, he
feem'd to correct theſe firſt Motions, adding, Nevertheleſs, not according to my
Will
, but thine. When he had thus pray'd he return'd to his Diſciples, pro-
bably to receive Comfort from them, as well as to afford them Aſſiſtance
in this Hour of their Temptation, as well as his; but they being over-
whelm'd with Grief and Sorrow, were fal'n aflcep: Jeſus awak'd them,
and with a Reproof full of Love ſaid to Peter, Doſt thou ſleep, Simon ?
What, cou'd ye not watch with me one ſingle Hour ? Now watch and pray,
that
ye enter_not into Temptation : The Spirit indeed is willing, but the Fleſh is
weak: Their Minds were well affected, but their Bodies were apt to betray
them. Then returning, he pray'd a ſecond Time, crying, Oh my Father,
if I muſt not eſcape this Potion without drinking of it, thy Will be done.
And coming to his Diſciples, and finding them ſo ſleepy, that they knew
not what to anſwer him, he return'd a third Time, and pray'd after the
ſame Manner. And now his Prayers were more vehement, having a full
Senſe of God's Wrath againſt ſinful Man; and his Agonies ſo violent and
aſtoniſhing, that the Sweat that fell from his Body was like large Drops of
Blood ; and ſince the Diſciples neglected their Office, an Angel was at laſt
ſent from Heaven to ſtrengthen him, at a Time wben Nature was brought
to the utmoſt Paffability, and was diffolving her ſelf in a mortal Sweat.
Then recovering himſelf, he return'd a third Time to his Diſciples, and
finding them ſtill ſleeping, he ſaid to them by way of Reproof and Irony,
That now they might ſeep on and take their Reſt; for the Time was come
when their Maſter Shor'd be deliver'd into the Hands of Villains : They muſt
now ariſe, for the Traytor was juſt at Hand.
His Apprehen Jeſus had ſcarcely ſaid theſe Words, when Judas, who well knew this Mast.26.
fion. Place of Retirement, arriv'd with a Company of Soldiers and Officers, ac-7.6.
companied with ſome of the Chief Prieſts and Phariſees, and Elders of 43-sa.
the People, all arm’d with Swords and Staves, and furniſh'd with Lan-47053
terns and Torches, left they ſhou'd miſs of him, tho’ it was now a full
Judas's Trea- Moon. Judas gave them a Sign, that the Perſon whom he kiſs'd was the
fon.
Man they were to apprehend ; and thereupon went up to Jeſus, ſaying,
Hail, Maſter; and gave him á Kiſs: But Jeſus only made this gentle Re-
ply, Friend, why are you come hither ? Betrayeſt thou the Son of Man with a
Kiſs? Then ſtepping forwards, with an Air of Majeſty, he demanded
of the Soldiers, Whom they fought? They anſwer’d, Jeſus of Nazareth;
and upon his replying, That He was the Man, they ran back, ſeiz'd with
great Horrour, and fell to the Ground: And his thus confounding them
by his bare Word, ſhew'd that none cou'd take his Life from him, un-
leſs
Junn 18.
3-1..
*
Chap. V.
TIBERIUS the 3d Rom. Emp. 131
leſs he laid it down of himſelf. Theſe Men riſing up, Jeſus ask'd them
again, Whom they fought? And they returning the ſame Anſwer, he told
them, ſince they fought him alone, be expected that they ſhou'd Suffer his Difu
ciples to depart; therein accompliſhing that Sentence in his Prayer, That
he had lost none of them whom his Father had given him; and taking care that
they ſhou'd eſcape that Storm, which none but himſelf cou'd ſuſtain.
Then the rude Multitude began to lay Hands on him; which when the
Diſciples faw, they ſaid, Lord, Mall we uſe the Sword? and immediately
Peter, to ſhew his promis'd Courage, drew out his, and in a great Fury
ſtruck at Malchus, a Servant to the High-Prieſt, deſigning to cleave his
Head, tho' he happen'd only to cut off his right Ear. But Jeſus rebuk'd
his intemperate Zeal, and commanded Peter to put up his Sword, de-
claring, That ſuch as us’d the Sword illegally, shori d periſh by the Sword.
That if he had thought fit to decline the Potion appointed for him, and de-
fign'd a Reſcue, he cou'd have pray'd to his Father, and have had more than
twelve Legions of Angels at his Command : But how then cou'd the Scriptures
be accompliſh'd, which declar'd he muſt ſuffer. Then miraculouſly healing
the Man's Ear, he expoſtulated with the Multitude, perhaps to reduce
them to ſome Remorſe, and ask'd them, Why they came againſt him with
Swords and Staves, as tho' he were ſome Thief or great Malefactor, when they
had daily Opportunity of apprehending him publickly in the Temple ?. But
this he ſaid was their Hour, and the Power of Darkneſs. The Apoſtles now The Apoſtles
ſeeing their Maſter bound, loſt all their former Courage, forſook liim, Flight.
and becook themſelves to Flight; only one young, whom many ſuppoſe
to be John, follow'd him, with only a Linen Garment about him; but
the Soldiers laying hold on him, he left his Linen Garment, and fled
from them naked.
Matt.26. Jeſus being thus apprehended, the Multitude led him immediately to Jeſus brought
before Angas;
Annas, out of Reſpect to him, who was Father-in-Law to Caiaphas the
Sissos High-Prieſt, and who had formerly had the ſame Office ; but Annas ſent
54-63 6s him to Caiaphas's Palace, where he and the whole Body of the Sanhedrim And then before
were aſſembled, tho' thus late at Night. Here Caiaphas ſtrictly examin’d the Sanhedrim:
19-24. him both concerning his Doctrine, and his Followers; endeavouring to
find Hereſie in one, and Sedition in the other. But Jeſus wou'd give him
no farther Satisfaction than by declaring, That what he had taught and
acted was in the View of the World, in the publick Synagogues and Temple,
where all Men reſorted; that therefore he had no Reafon to ask him, but ra-
ther thoſe who conſtantly heard him. At theſe Words one of the Officers,
more zealous than ordinary, ſtruck him on the Face, asking him, Why
he gave ſuch an Anſwer to the High-Prieſt? But Jeſus reply'd, If he had
anſwer'd amiſs, he might teſtifie againſt him; if otherwiſe, he had no cauſe
to ſtrike him. In the mean time the whole Council fought falſe Wit-
nefſes againſt Jeſus to put him to Death, and tho' many were pro-
duc'd, yet they all notoriouſly diſagreed. At length two appear’d who
agreed upon the ſame Subject, tho' they manifeſtly perverted our Lord's
Meaning, declaring, They had heard him Say, “That he wou'd deſtroy the
· Temple of God, and rebuild it in three Days; in the wording of which
they alſo diſagreed. This Teſtimony was likewiſe found inſufficient; ne-
vertheleſs Caiaphas, riſing up in the midſt of the Aſſembly, ask'd him, Why
he made no Reply to theſe Witneſſes? But finding that he wou'd return
no Anſwer to this Queſtion neither, he put another to him, which if he
anſwer'd in the negative, it wou'd make him an Impoſtor; if in the af-
firmative, a Blaſphemer according to their Notion: And that he might
not fail of an Anſwer, lie adjur'd him by the living God, to declare when
ther he was the Meſſiah, the Son of God, or not. Jesus in Reverence to that
P2
Name,
:
57,59-68
Mark 14.
John 18.
12-14.
132
Book1.
Cent. I.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
the Servants.
Nork to
seglo iz
i um 22.
frin iß.
IS.18.
Naine, made Anſwer, declaring, That he was; and that they ſhou'd find the
Experience of it, when they shond ſee him fitting at the right Hand of the
Almighty, coming in the Clouds of Heaven. Whereupon the Highı-Prieſt,
as a Teſtimony of his abhorrence, rent his Cloaths, crying out, He was
Blafphemer, and there needed no other Witneſs againſt him ; demanding
their Opinion. They all join'd with him, pronouncing himn Guilty of
Death, according to their Law; and ſo left him that Night to the Mer-
He is inbumar-cy of the Servants and Soldiers, who entertain'd him with bitter Scoffs
ly treated by and Buffets, blinded his Eyes, and ſtriking him with their Fiſts, bad him
ſhew his Meſſiahſhip, and propheſie who ſtruck him; adding many other vile
Indignities and abominable Blaſphemies.
During theſe melancholy Tranſactions, Peter, whoſe Fears had driven alatt. ;6.
him to fy from his Maſter in the Garden, having a little recover'd his 8.57%
Spirits, and hoping to paſs undiſcover'd in the Throng, ventur'd in among
others to ſee the iſſue of this fatal Night, and by the Intereſt of his Fel-s-62
low Diſciple John who went with him, he was let in by a Maid-Servant
Peter's Denial into the High-Prieſt's Palace: And entering the Common Hall, where the 25-07.
of his Maſter. Servants and Officers were ſat round a Fire they had lately kindled, he alſo ſat
down warming himſelf with the reſt. Here the Maid, who liad been his
Portereſs, fixing her Eyes upon him, knew him, and ſpoke aloud, This
Man was alſo with Jeſus of Nazareth ; asking him, if he was not one of his
Diſciples? Peter, ſtartled at this Queſtion, deny'd it before all, and an-
fwerd her, Woman, I know him not, I am none of his Diſciple, nor do I
know what thou Sageft; and thereupon withdrew himſelf into the Porch,
where he heard the Cock crow; a fair Intimation of his Fault, but his
troubled Thoughts took no Notice of it. In the Porch another Maid
chargʻd him with being Jeſus's Diſciple, but he confidently deny'd it a ſe-
cond Time, and with the Addition of an Qath; ſo natural it is for one
Sin to draw on another. About an Hour after, ſome others began to charge
him with the ſame Matter, alledging, That his Dialect diſcover'd him to
be a Galilean; but what ſtill made the Matter more Indiſputable, the
Man's Kinſman whoſe Ear he had cut off, declar'd, That he ſaw him in the
Garden with Jeſus. This laſt Affertion reduc'd Peter to the utmoſt Fright,
which made him both ſwear and curſe, That he knew not the Man, nor
what they ſaid : And immediately the Cock crew a ſecond Time. At the
ſame Time Feſus being brought down by the Soldiers, gave Peter ſuch a
Glance, as brought to his Mind what he had foretold of his Denial ;
and being forely oppreſs'd with Shame and Grief, he went out and wept
bitterly.
Good-Friday.
Sanhedrim.
II.
April 3.
Early in the Morning, our Lord having been allow'd no Sleep, Lake 22.
Jeſus brought the Sanhedrim met again in a full Body at their Room in the Temple, to Méd?.
again before the which Place they order'd Jeſus to be brought, enquiring of him a ſecond
Time, whether he was really the Meſſiah, or not ; deſigning to try whether he
wou'd ſtand by his former Aſſertion. Jeſus well knowing the Hardneſs of
their Hearts, told them, That his Anſwer wou'd never convince their Infide-
lity; becauſe they were ſo obſtinate, that they wou'd neither pretend to confute
him, nor diſmiſs him : But that hereafter they ſhou'd find the Truth of what
he had ſaid, when he shou'd fit at the right Hand of the All-powerful God.
Then they ask'd him, Whether he was the Son of God? And upon his an-
ſwering in the affirmative, they declar'd, They needed no further Witneſs,
for they had his Condemnation from his own Month. And thereupon they
rcſoly'd
Chap. VI.
133
TIBERIUS the 3d Rom. Emp.
Mart, 27.
3.10.
Juhn 18.
Matt. 27.
man Governor
i
I.S.
Luke 22.
1-4.
rafolv'd to deliver him up to the Roman Power. Judas, who had care-
fully attended and watch'd the Iſſue of the Matter, finding his Maſter de Judas's Deſpair,
liver'd to a Pagan Power, and Things carry'd beyond his Expectation, re-
pented his being an Inſtrument in ſuch an execrable Fact; and to give ſome
Eaſe to his tormented Conſcience, brought the Mony he had received
back to the Sanhedrim: Declaring openly, That he had ſinned, for he had
betray'd innocent Blood. Here was the deepeſt Repentance, the moſt pub-
lick Confeſſion, and a moſt juſt Reſtitution ; yet all too little for one
who had done ſuch Deſpite to the Spirit of Grace, and was now fallen
into the Hands of the living God. The Prieſts, inicurious of thoſe Hell
Torments he felt within him, becauſe their own Fires burn'd not yet,
diſmiſs’d him with a rough Anſwer, That he might look to what he had
done himſelf; and with the Mony he had thrown down, purchas'd a ſpot
of Ground, calld the Potter's Field, for the Interment of the Profelytes
of the Gate; accompliſhing thereby a Prediction of the Prophet Zechery.
But Judas being deliver'd over to Satan, went and hang'd himſelf; and And flrings
Alts 1. the Judgment was made more ſignal by an Accident unuſual at ſuch Deaths, Death,
18, 19. for being prodigiouſly ſwell’d, he fell Headlong from the Tree, burſt
in funder, and his Bowels fell out, in ſo wonderful a Manner, that it
was noted by all that dwelt at Jeruſalem. As the Wickedneſs he had com-
mitted was beyond all Precedent, ſo the Puniſhment he ſuffer'd was above
all Example.
Our Lord being condemn'd to Death by the Sanhedrim, the chief Jeſus is brought
, Prieſts, Senators and Multitude immediately hurry'd him to the Præto- before tl.c Re-
1,2-11." rium, the Palace of the Roman Governor, Pontius Pilate; a Perſon, as Pilate
Markıs
. was formerly obſerv'd, of a violent and furious Spirit, and of a cruel
and covetous Diſpoſition. But they refus’d to enter into the Hall of a
Pagan at this Time, leſt they ſhou'd be defiled, and render'd unfit for
the Solemnities of the Chagigah, which St. John calls the Paſſover, as being
a very conſiderable Part of the Feſtival. Therefore Pilate came out to
them at the Palace-Gate, and demanded of them, What Accuſation they
had againſt Jeſus? They made Anſwer, If he had not been a Malefactor, they
wou'd not have brought him thither. The Governor told then, If he was
a Malefactor, they might take him and judge him according to their own
but they fearing the Mobile, and being willing to throw off the
Odium of his Death from themſelves, alledg’d, That they had loſt the
Power of putting any to Death. And proceeding to the Particulars of his
Accuſation, They declar'd, That he had perverted the Nation, That he
had forbidden Men to pay Tribute to the Emperor, and had proclaim'd himſelf
ihe Meſſiah, a King. Pilate hearing the Name of a King, thought him-
felf concern’d to examine that Point; and returning into his Judgment
Hall, he there ask'd Jeſus, Whether he was the King of the Jews ? Where-
upon Jeſus deſir'd to know, Whether he ask'd that Queſtion for his own
Satisfaction, or whether that had been charg'd upon him as a Crime by the
Jews? Pilate told him, That he was no Jew, nor acquainted with their Cuſtoms;
but that his own Country-Men, and the chief of his Nation had deliver'd him
and therefore he expected to know of him what was his Crime ? Jeſus
wou'd not deny his Kingdom, but withal declar'd, That it was not of this
World; for that if it had been ſo, his Subjects and Followers wou'd have fought
for him, and fav’d him from the Hands of the Jews. Pilate, ſurpriz'd to
ſee a poor abandon'd Man affume Sovereignty, ask'd him in a deriding
way,
Whether he was really a King? Our Lord anſwer'd in the affirma-
tive, adding, That for that End he was born, and ſent into the IVorld, to
bear Witneſs to the Truth; and every Man that lov'd the Truth, heard his
Voice. Pilate then ask'd him, What he meant by Truth; but having no
Deſire
Laws;
HP ;
134
Book I.
Cent. I.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY,
SHI2.
with Scorn.
Deſire to engage any farther in Matters, which he ſuppos’d, related pe-
culiarly to the Jewiſh Religion, he roſe ſuddenly from the Bench, taking
Jeſus with him, and returning to the People abroad, profeſs’d to them,
Who finds no
That he found no Fault at all in the Man. Here the chief Prieſts and
Fault in him. Senators accus'd him again of many Crimes; but ſince they deſerv'd no
Anſwer, he was ſilent: And tho' Pilate urg'd him, to make him ſenſible
of the numerous Accuſations, yet ſtill he held his Peace, to the great
Wonder of the Governor ; who, tho’he well knew the Jews Malice, cou'd
not with all his Subtilty dive to the Bottom of this matter.
The Rulers finding Pilate ſo ready to releaſe him, began to be more Luke 23.
fierce and vehement, repreſenting him as a turbulent Mover of the People,
Spreading his ſeditious Principles throughout all Galilee and Judæa, even to
Jeruſalem. The Governor hearing the Name of Galilee, and underſtan-
ding he was a Galilean, and conſequently belonging to the Juriſdiction of
He is brought Herod, without any Delay ſent him to Herod, who was then at the Feaſt
before Herod ; in Jeruſalem ; both to oblige an Enemy, and to be freed from this odious
and puzling Affair. Now Jeſus ſaw the Monſter who murther'd his Fore-
runner, and Herod was extremely pleas'd, for he had often heard of his
Fame, and now expected to have ſeen ſome Miracle wrought by him.
But our Lord, who had often ſhewn his Miracles to poor indigent Peo-
ple, wou'd not proſtitute his Gifts, nor gratifie the Curioſity of a Tyrant
polluted with Inceſt and Blood; nor wou'd he vouchſafe him one Anſwer
to all his Queſtions, tho' urg'd by all the Heat and Violence of the
Scribes and Rulers, who followd him thither : Inſomuch that Herod, in-
ſtead of a rival King, look'd upon him as a moſt inſignificant deſpicable
And ſent back Perſon, and his Soldiers and Guards array'd him in ſome caſt-off Robe,
as a Mock-King, derided him, and carry'd him again to Pilate. And
from that Time Herod and Pilate were perfectly reconcild, who before
were great Enemies.
Being return’d to Pilate, the Governor again call'd all the Prieſts, Ru- Luke 23.
brought before lers and People to the Gate, and publickly declar'd, That tho they had 112;
Pilate;
brought this Man as a ſeditious Perſon, yet upon Examination, he cou'd not 13:23
.
find him Guilty of any of thoſe Crimes laid to his Charge; and that Herod,
to whom he had ſent him, had paſs’d the very ſame Judgment : But to com-
ply a little with their Fury, becauſe he knew they had proſecuted him
only out of Envy and Malice, he propounded to ſcourge him, and ſo dif-
miſs him. This being diſapprov'd of, he invented another Contrivance
to ſave him: The Governor was oblig'd by a certain Cuſtom, every Paffo-
ver to releaſe a Criminal, whom the Jews ſhou'd nominate ; and all the
People were very urgent with him to thew them the ſame Favour they had
uſually receiv’d. Now there was then in Priſon a notorious Malefactor
nam'd Barabbas, who had been ſeiz'd with other feditious Perſons,
becauſe he had committed Murther in the Inſurrection: Therefore Pilate
juſtly imagining that if he only propounded Jeſus and Barabbas to be re-
ſeas'd, they wou'd prefer an innocent Man before a Thief and a Mur-
H'ho in vain pro- therer, told them, That he found no Crime worthy of Death in the Perſon
poſes to release they accus'd; but ſince they had a Cuſtom to have a Criminal freed at their
bin
Feaſt, he propos’d to them to chuſe one of the two, Barabbas or Jeſus calld
Chriſt: And this he propos'd to the People in general, who were prin-
cipally concern'd in this Cuſtom, and whom he knew to be better ‘affe-
Ĉted to our Lord than the Rulers were. About the ſame Time there
hapned a new Accident, which caus'd no little Concern in the Gover-
nor; for while he was ſitting on the Tribunal, his Wife ſent a Meſſage
to hin, moſt earneſtly warning him, Not to concern himſelf with that juſt
Man then before him ; for ſhe had juſt then ſuffer'd many Afflictions in a Dream
upon
He is again
Mark 15,
6-IS.
John 18.
39,10.
Barabbas.
Chap. VI.
135
TIBERIUS the 3d Rom. Emp
Jonn 19.
17
Mulli.27.
1
upon his Account. Whereupon Pilate became more diligent in his Endea-
vours to releaſe him: But the Prieſts and Rulers were ſtill more inſtant
in moving and perſuading the People to require his Favour for Barabbas,
and that Jeſus might be put to Death: So that when Pilate ask'd them a
ſecond Time, which of the two they wou'd have releas'd, they all cry'd out,
Away with this Man, and give us Barabbas! And now thoſe who lix Days
before expected a temporal Kingdom, cry'd Hoſanna, and ſpread their Gar-
ments in the Way, were as loud in their Crys for the Deſtruction of their
King. And when Pilate ask'd them, What he ſhou'd do with Jeſus callºd Chriſt?
All cry'd, crucifie him, crucifie him! not only ignorantly demanding Juſtice,
but impudently preſcribing the Puniſhment, which was the cruelleſt that
cou'd be nam'd. Then Pilate ask'd them a third time, What Crimes he
had committed ? for he cou'd find none worthy of Death; therefore he wou'd
Scourge him, and releaſe him. Whereupon they redoubled their Cla-
mours, and in the moſt tumultuous Manner imaginable requir'd that
he might be crucify'd; inſomuch that their Voices prevaild upon the
Governor.
Pilate finding no Arguments effectual
, immediately gave Order that Jeſus Jefus ja
ſhou'd be ſcourg'd; a Puniſhment very terrible and diſhonourable among
Scourgd
26-,0. the Romans, therefore nor exercis'd on any but Slaves; and this was
13-19. perform’d, no doubt, with extraordinary Severity, ſince the Soldiers ad-
ded ſo many Inſolencies and Indignities beſides. For after they had mi-
ſerably torn his Body, they took him into the Common Hall with the
whole Colort about him, and having ſtrip'd him, they threw a looſe
Purple Coat about him for a Robe, put a Wreath of Thorns upon his crown'd with
Head for a Crown, and a Reed in his Hand for a Scepter. Then in Dea Thorns ;
riſion they ſaluted him, and bowing the Knee to him, ador'd him, cry-
ing, All Health to the King of the Jews! And at the ſame Time they ſpit
upon
his Face, and ſtruck him on his Cheek with their Hands, and on
his Crown with the Reed, that his Head might be more wounded with
the Thorns. Pilate now conceiv'd that the Jews cou'd not behold him
in this deplorable Condition without Remorſe and Pity; and therefore
went again out of his Palace, in a conſpicuous Place, declaring to them,
That he had brought him again to them, that they might be ſenſible he found
him Guilty of no Crime. And immediately Jeſus was brought forth, with
all his mock Ornaments, Thorns, Coat and Reed, and his Head, Face and
Body all embrew'd in Blood: Then Pilate cry'd out to the Multitude,
And expos d to
BEHOLD THE MAN! As if he had ſaid, See this rueful Spe-the Jews.
Eracle of ſuffering Innocence, and be confounded. But as ſoon as they
ſaw their once expected King in ſuch miſerable Circumſtances, they more
readily cry'd out as before, Crucifie him, crucifie him! Pilate ſaid to them,
Do ye take him, and crucifie him, for I find no Fault in him: They an-
ſwer'd, They had a particular Law, according to which he ought to die, be-
cauſe he made himſelf the Son of God.
Theſe laſt Words ſtruck him, tho a wicked Governor, with a reve- Pilate exa-
rential Dread, and added new Perplexities to his former; therefore with mines him
no little Aſtoniſhment he returned with Jeſus into the Prætorium, and be- again :
gan a new Examination of him, demanding of him whence was his Ori-
ginal ! But Jefus return'd him no Anſwer. Upon this Pilate was more
urgent, and ask'd him, Whether he was not ſenſible, that he had Power either
to crucifie or releaſe him? To this Jeſus calmly reply'd, That he cou'd have
no Power to hurt him, were it not permitted from Heaven above; therefore
they who deliver'd him up were Guilty of a greater Sin than he. This Si-
lence and there Anſwers did not ſlacken Pilate's Endeavours to releaſe him.
But the Jetos at length found out an Expedient to work upon the Ti-
morouſneſs
John 19.
9-13
136
Look I.
Cent. I.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
:
innocent)
him to be crH-
M111.27
31-34.
37,78.
morouſneſs of the Judge, and cry'd out, That if he did not puniſh a Man
And being ter- who ſet himſelf up for a King, he was an Enemy to the Emperor. This did
rify'd, not a little ſtartle the Governor, raiſing in him a Fear quite contrary
to the Fear of God; for he well knew the jealous temper of his Malter
Tiberius, who never ſpar'd the leaſt ſeeming Rival, and had very lately
us'd intolerable Severities to all Sejanus's Accomplices; and if the Jews,
whom he had often oppreſs’d and diſguſted, thou'd accuſe liim of prote-
Eting a Rebel to the Empire, it might eaſily have prov'd his Ruin. There-
fore returning to the Hall, he brought forth Jeſus in the ſame Habit to
his publick Tribunal, in a paved Place call d Gabbatha; and tho' he in-
tended to paſs Sentence upon him, yet he let them underſtand, that he
did it contrary to his Opinion and Inclination. Being ſeated, he ſaid to
the Jews, Behold your King; but they cry'd out, Away with him, away with
bim, crucifie him! And when he ask'd them, Whether he shou'd crucifie their
King ? They made Anſwer, That they had no King but Cæſar; which was
the firſt Time we find that they own'd the Roman Emperor for their So-
vereign. Pilate finding that all his Attempts to ſave Jeſus did only en- Matt. -7.
creaſe the Tumult, and thinking he had ſufficiently done his Part, calld 24-26.
for Water, and waſhing his Hands before all the People, as a Token
(After his pro- of the Purity of his Intentions, folemnly declar'd, That he was innocent
nouncing him of the Blood of that juſt Man; and that they muſt anſwer for it. Upon
which the whole Body of the People moſt impiouſly cry'd out, May bis
Blood fall upon us and all our Poſterity! An Imprecation as black as Hell.
He condemns Hereupon Pilate releas’d to them Barabbus, and condemn’d Jeſus to the
cifyd.
Croſs ja Death the moſt painful and ignominious of all others.
Our dear Lord being thus condemn'd, and abandon d by all the World,
the Soldiers and Officers, after new Indignities offer'd him, took the Pur-
ple Coat off his mangId Body, and put on his own Garments; and Mark 1
then laid an heavy Croſs upon his Shoulders, who now like Iſaac bore 25-28?
through Jerute the Wood, with which he was to be facrific'd himſelf. In this ſolemn 26-13
Proceſſion he paſs’d through one of the principal Streets of the City, julm 19
to the infinite Triumph of his Enemies, and the no leſs Diſcourage- 16-22.
ment of his Admirers; till being overburthen'd, they compeld one Si-
mon a Cyrenian, Father to Alexander and Rufus, to bear his Croſs the reſt
of the Way. Among the vaſt Throngs and Multitudes that follow'd to
this Execution, there were many People, eſpecially Women, who cou'd
not behold this deplorable Object without the higheſt Grief and Lamen-
tations. Our Lord obſerving what Floods of Tears were ſhed upon
his Account, lifting up his all bloody and disfigur'd Countenance, cry'd,
O Daughters of Jeruſalem! weep not for me, but for your ſelves, and for
your Children: For know that the fatal Time is approaching when ye shall
all ſay, Bleſſed are thoſe barren Wombs that never bore Children, and thoſe
Breaſts that never gave ſuck : Then ſhall they begin to call upon the Moun-
tains to fall on them, and the Hills to cover then from the Vengeance of Hea-
ven: For if the Romans deal thus with a green Tree, what will they do with
a dry and Sapleſs Trunk? Thus was the great Sacrifice convey'd out of
the Holy City, as an accurſed Thing ; juſt as the ſcape Goat, loaden
with the Iniquities of the People, and the Beaſts for Sin-Offerings, were
by Law carry'd out of the Camp. Paſſing the Gates, they brought hiin
to a Rocky Hill, on the Weſt Side of the City, call'd Golgotha and Cal-
valry, a kind of a Charnel Houſe for the City, and place of Execution.
Here they firſt gave him a Mixture of Vinegar and Gall to drink, inſtead
of the uſual Compoſition of Wine and Myrrh, given to Malefactors to
caſe them in their Torments; but upon taſting of it, he refus’d to drink.
Then ſtripping him of his Garments, they naild his Hands and his Feet,
He is led
ز
with
Chap. VI.
137
TIBERIUS the 34 Rom. Emp .
;
Matt.2).
35039
44.
Multitudes
with his Body ſtretch'd out upon the Croſs, and lifted him up, as the And crucify'd
Brazen Serpent upon the Pole in the Wilderneſs. And to put him to the between into
greater Shame, and to obſcure his Innocence, they crucify d two common
Malefactors one on each side of him; accompliſhing Iſaiah's Propheſie,
· He was number'd among the Tranſgreſſors. On the Top of his Croſs Pi-
late appointed this Inſcription, JESUS OF NAZARETH, KING OF
THE JEWS, in the three moſt univerſal Languages, Hebrew, Greek and
Latin, that all Strangers might take Notice of his Crime. The chief
Prieſts were much offended at this, and beg’d of Pilate to alter the In-
ſcription, and inſtead of King of the Jews, to write, he pretended himſelf
King of the Jews; but Pilate with ſome Anger made Anſwer, That what
he had written fou'd ſtand good.
It was near the ſixth Hour, or Noon, when our Saviour was fix'd
to the Croſs, tho' by St. Mark call’d the third Hour, becauſe the ſixth
Morks. s. was not yet fully began; and the firſt thing he utter'd was a gracious
2. Prayer for his Enemies z ſaying, Father, forgive them, for they know not
34-37. what they do. Immediately thoſe four Soldiers, who were his Executio- His Garments
John 19. ners, went to divide the poor Spoil his Garments, cutting them into four are divided.
23-27. Parts, each Soldier one; only his Coat was woven from the Top to the
Bottom without any Seam, therefore rather than ſpoil it, they agreed to
caſt Lots for it, whoſe it ſhou'd be ; accompliſhing thereby the Words
of the Pfalmiſt, They parted my Garments among them, and caſt Lots for
' my Veſture. While our patient Lord hung thus languiſhing in the ex-
tremeſt Torments, the Paſſengers and the Multitude added all they cou'd to He is hlaj-
his Miſery by their reviling Speeches and provoking Blaſphemies, ſome pland by the
nodding their Heads, and crying, Ah, you that have power to deſtroy the
Temple, and rebuild it in three Days, ſave your ſelf; if you be the Son of
God, come down from the Croſs. The Chief Prieſts and Rulers entertaind
him with the like Scoffs, ſaying, He Savd others, but cannot ſave him-
ſelf; if he be really the King of Iſrael, the choſen of God, let him come
down from the Croſs, and we will believe him: 'He truſted in God, let him
deliver him now if he will have him ; ſince he has declar'd himſelf the Son
of God. The Soldiers who ſtood to guard him alſo derided him, and
bad him, Save himſelf if he was the King of the Jews. Nay one of the
crucify'd Malefactors urg'd him to ſave himſelf and them, if he was the
Meſſiah. But the other Malefactor, now finding the Benefit of our Sa- He triumphs in
viour's Prayer for his Enemies, and being mov'd with a wonderful Im-me of the
Thieves
pulſe, feriouſly rebuk'd him in theſe Terms, Doſt not thou fear God, ſee-
ing thou art condemn’d to the Same Puniſhment
, and that moſt juſtly? We;
alas, receive the due Reward of our Crimes, but this Perſon has done nothing
to deſerve this Puniſhment. Then looking upon Jeſus with a noble Reliance,
he cry'd, Lord, remember me when thon comeſt into thy Kingdom. A moſt
ſuperlative and ſtupendious Faith, to fly for Succour to one in the
ſame miſerable Circumſtances, whom all the World had abandon'd, and
whom God himſelf had ſeem'd to have forſaken ; and the Succeſs was
accordingly: For our Lord immediately embrac'd him with the Arms of
his Mercy, and ſolemnly aſſur’d him, That that very Day he fou'd be
with him in Heaven. After our Lord had ſhewn himſelf thus trium-
phant upon the Croſs, he proceeded, as it were, to make his Will: For And inakes hi
ſeeing his beloved Diſciple John, with his Virgin Mother, her Siſter, Will.
Mary Magdalene, with other Woinen, who beheld him with unexpreſſible
Grief, he firſt ſpoke to his Mother, ſaying, Woman, behold thy Son, mean-
ing John; and he ſaid to John, behold thy Mother ; thus recommending
both to each other: And from that Time John took her to his own Houſe,
where they dwelt as Mother and Son together.
During
139
Book I.
Cent. I.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
M011.23
The Sun durk-
Nevers
.
During theſe melancholy Tranfactions, the whole Frame of Nature be-
gan to be chang'd, and out of order; for the Sun was ſo darken'd, that are
the Stars appear'd, and the Eclipſe was prodigious in the Manner as 33-37
.
well as Degree, becauſe the Moon was not then in Conjunction, but in 44-46
tle Full. This miraculous Darkneſs was univerſal., in all probability, 18:36
and was recorded by many Pagan Writers, as Phlegon, Trallianus, &c.
and we are told by later Writers, that Dionyſius the Areopagile being in
Aigypt, and obſerving this ſtrange Eclipſe, cry'd out to his friend Apol-
lophanes,: That either God himſelf Suffer'd, or Sympathiz'd with the Sufferer.
The Darkneſs continu'd from about twalye a Clock till three, when all
Things were full of Terror and Amazement, and Men's Hearts with Fear
began to relent, and their fornier Inſults to be turn'd into a profound Si-
lence and Expectation of the Illue. . All this Time our bleſſed Lord con-
tịnu'd meck and ſilent, languiſhing and conſuming in the Flames of God's
Jeſus crys out Wrath againſt Sinners; till finding his Soul unlufferably oppreſs’d with
in his Agonies ; the Burthen, and all the Powers of Hell upon him, without one pitying
Angel to alliſt, he in a loud and diſmal Tone cry'd, Eli! Eli! lana fa-
bacthani? i.e. My God! My God! Why haſt
, thou forſaken me? his Divi-
nity at this time ſuſpending from his Humanity thoſe Comforts with
which his Servants in their greateſt Sufferings are uſually refreſhi’d. Some
of the Spectators hearing the Words Eli, Eli, out of Ignorance of the
Tongue, and a fond Expectation of the Coming of Elias, thought he
call'd for Elias, to help him in his Diſtreſs. Then being in the Agonies
of a high Fever, to fulfil the Scriptures, he cry'd, I thirſt; and one of
the Company took a Sponge, and dipping it in Vinegar that ſtood by,
upon the End of a Reed, or long Stalk of Hyffop, put it to his Mouth,
that he might drink; others ſaying, Let us ſee whether Elius will come and
help him. Jeſus having taſted the Vinegar, and feeling the Pangs of
Death upon him, cry'd, ALL IS ACCOMPLISHED; all the Pro-
phecies and Types fulfill'd, and the great Sacrifice offer’d. Then with
another ſtrong Out-cry like the former, he faid, Father, into thy Hands I
recomnend my Sonl; and bowing down his Head, he expir’d. Thus did
the glorious Sun of Righteouſneſs ſet in a ſad and clouded Skie, running
fpeedily to ſhine in the other World.
Jefus dy'd about three a Clock, the Time of offering up the Evening Sa- Matt 27
. .
critic, at the End of the ſixth Day of the Week, as entering into his Sab- murkis.
Several Prodi- bath of Reſt. His Death was immediately accompany'd with a moſt ter- Luke 23.
les attend bis rible Earthquake, as tho’ Nature was breathing her laſt, which rent them;
Jewish Types
Racks in ſunder, and open’d the Graves of many Saints, who were ready 31-37.
to attend Jefus at his Reſurrection. But what was ſtill more ſurprizing,
the Veil of the Temple, which ſeparated the ſacred Moſaick Myſteries
from the Eyes of the People, was rent in two from Top to. Bottom
ſhewing that God had forſaken his former Reſidence, and put a Period
to all the Temple Miniſtration. To which we may add from the Jewilla
Writers, that from this Time, the Lot did no more go up into the right
Hand of the Prieſt; nor the Scarlet Ribbon on the Scape-Goat any more
turn white; nor the Evening Lamp burn any longer; and that the Tem-
ple Gates open'd of themſelves. The Centurion and Soldiers that guarded
Jeſus, ſeeing ſo many Prodigies at his Death, in a great Confternation
cry'd out, Certainly this Man was the Son of God; and all the People, eſpe-
cially the Women, were no leſs affected than they, returning in a great
Amazement, and ſmiting upon their Breaſts. Becauſe the next Day was
the Sabbath, and a Paſchal Feſtival beſides, the Jews deſired Pilate that
the Bodies of the Sufferers might not continue on the Croſs that Day,
but that their Legs might be broken to haſten their Deaths, and their
Amit dies,
Deuth, Grill: the
Hin Ent. .
j
Bodies
Chap. VI.
139
TIBERIUS the 34 Rom. Emp.
C
Matt. 27.
57-61.
38-42.
ز
Bodies taken down. This was immediately executed upon the two Thieves,
but the Soldiers coming to Jeſus, and finding him already dead, inſtead of
breaking his Logs, one of them out of Wantonneſs pierc'd his Side with a Hus side is
Spear, out of which there iflu'd a great Quantity of Blood and Water, piere’d,
poured out as the Sacrifice's was, at the foot of this Altar, on which the
Lamb of God was fix’d. This compleated the great Sacrifice, and as
St. John obſerves, accompliſh'd two Propheſies; the firſt,“ A Bone of him
· ſhall not be broken ; the ſecond, ‘They ſhall look on him whom they
pierc’d.
Among the Diſciples of our Lord, there was one nam'd Joſeph, a Man
of great Wealth and Honour, born in Arimathæa or Ramah, a City of Ju-
42.147. daai who, thio' he was one of the Rulers of Jeruſalem, yet being a ſecret
Lok 23. Admirer of Jeſus, he wou'd not conſent to any of thoſe Judgments againſt
Jelin 19. him. He ſtood in ſome Fear of the Council, but the Death of liis Ma- His Body beg'd
ſter filling him with more Courage, he went to Pilate, and beg'd leave and bury'el
.
of him to take down the Body of Jeſus and bury it. The Governor was
ſurpriz’d to hear he was ſo ſoon dead; but being aflur'd of it by the
Centurion, he commanded the Body to be deliver'd to Joſeph, who ta-
king it from the Croſs wrap'd it in fine Linen Cloaths which he had bought
for that Purpoſe. At the ſame Time, Nicodemus the Ruler, who came to
Jeſus by Night, being deſirous to ſhare with Joſeph in paying theſe laſt
and fad Offices to their Maſter, brought a Mixture of Aloes and Myrrh of
about an hundred Weight; and they two wrap'd up the body with the
Perfumes and Spices, according to the ordinary Manner of the Jews. Near
the Place of Crucifixion was a Garden belonging to Jofeph, where he had
lately hewn a Sepulchre out of a Rock for his own proper Interment; but
Divinely ordain'd for our Lord's Body, near hand, ſo that all Things might
the better ſerve for the Evidence of his enſuing Reſurrection. Here they
laid the Body of Jeſus, covering it with a large Stone cut out of the Rock,
which fitting the Mouth of the Sepulchre, was not to be remov'd but by
many Hands. Mary Magdalene, and the other Women who were preſent
at the Death of Jeſus, did alſo aſſiſt at his Burial, and took Notice where
they laid him; and having conſider'd on it, they went and prepar'd new
Spices for the farther embalming him, as ſoon as the Sabbath-Day ſhou'd
be over : By which they teſtify'd their Love, but had but ſmall Expecta-
tions of his Reſurrection.
ܪ
Saturday.
att. 27
All this Day were the Apoſtles, Diſciples and Followers of our Saviour April 4.
under a diſmal Cloud of Darkneſs, overwhelm’d with the moſt profound
Sorrow and Sadneſs, confounded, diſpirited, and ſunk into the loweſt Vales
of Affliction, forgetting thoſe Promiſes that might give them Hopes of
better Days. In the mean Time the Jews, the Rulers, now triumphant in
62-66. their Malice, that the Diſciples might gain no Advantage, went to Pilate
and told him, That this Impoſtor having declar'd in his Life Time, that he The fruities
won'd riſe again within three Days, they deſir’d that he wou'd command the Caution of the
Sepulchre to be kept under a ſtrong Guard till the third Day, left his Diſci-
Jews.
ples ſhou'd come by Night and ſteal the Body away, and then perſuade the People
he was riſen from the Dead; and ſo the laſt Error might prove more pernicious
than the firſt. Poſſibly they deſign’d to have ſhewn his Body to the People
at that Time, to weaken and deſtroy all his Doctrine. Pilate told them,
They might have a Guard, and ſecure the Tomb as well as poſſibly they cou'd :
Hereupon they took a ſufficient Number of Soldiers to watch by it, ſed
$ 2
a Seal
*
140
Book I
Cent. I.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
a Seal upon the Stone, and as an ancient Tradition fays, bound it about
with Labels of Iron, to ſecure it againſt all private Attempts. Which Care
and Diligence of theirs ſerv'd to render our Lord's Reſurrection clear and
evident beyond Diſpute.
Eaſter-Sunday.
Mark 16.
1.8.
Luke 24.
Julen 20.
1.
re&tion.
April 5.
III. On the firſt Day of the Week, which may alſo be call'd the firſt mal. 25.
of the new Creation, Mary Magdalene, and the other Women who had 8.
prepar'd their Spices and Perfumes on Friday in the Evening, went very
early in the Morning to perform their laſt Offices of Love and Duty, and 1:18
.
arriv'd at Jeſus's Sepulchre about Sun-riſing. Theſe Women knew nothing
of the Guard and Seal ſet upon it, their main Care and Conſultation by
the Way, being how they ſhou'd remove that large Stone at the Mouth of
Jeſus's Refur- the Tomb. Not long before their Arrival, our Lord had made a full Con-
queſt over Death, and broke forth from the Bowels of the Earth, with a
terrible Commotion like that at his Death, being follow'd by the Reſur-
rection of ſeveral of the Saints, who appear'd to many in the City. At
the ſame Time an Angel from Heaven, wlioſe refulgent Countenance was
like Lightning, and his Rairnent like the whiteſt Snow, having rolld away
the Stone, ſat upon it; the Sight of whom together with the Noiſe of the
Earthquake, ſtruck ſuch a Terror into the Guards, that they became all
like dead Men: So that when the Women came to the Place, they found
neither Guards nor Stone that cou'd hinder their Entrance ; but being en-
ter'd they were extremely aſtoniſhid, when they found the Body remov'd.
In the midſt of their concern their Fears were encreas'd by the glorious
Appearance of two Angels in reſplendent Apparel, which caus'd them to
bow down their Faces to the Ground. The Angels ſaid to them, Why
do ye ſeek the Living among the Dead ? Fear nothing, we know ye Seek Jeſus
of Nazareth, who was crucify'd : He is not here, but riſen from the Grave:
Řemember what he told you in Galilee, “That the Son of Man muſt be deli-
ver'd into the Hands of Sinners, be crucify'd, and be rais'd again the third
Day. Come view the Place where the Lord lay; and go quickly and tell his
Diſciples, particularly Peter, that he is riſen from the Dead, and that he will
go before them into Galilee, where they ſhall ſee him according to his Pro-
miſe. The Women then remembring our Lord's Words, left the Sepul-
chre, and ran with all Speed to find out the Apoſtles, their Minds being
filld with great Fear, as well as Joy and Wonder ; but tiie Apoſtles be-
liev'd them not, looking upon all as the Product of a weak frighted
Fancy.
Mary Magdalene found out Peter and John, and tho' ſhe had heard of 7km 20,
Jeſus's Reſurrection from the Angels, yet ſhe ſtill ſeem'd to doubt of it, and
with great Eagerneſs told them. They had taken away the Lord from the
Sepulchre, and they knew not where they had laid him. Hereupon the two y-11.
Apoſtles ran both to the Sepulchre : John arriv'd firſt, and ſtooping down
diſcover'd the burying Cloaths laying on the Ground; a sign that the Body
was taken by no Robbers. But Peter went directly into the Tomb, and
faw beſides the Shroud, the Napkin that was about his Head, lie decently
wrap'd up by it ſelf: And John following him ſaw the faine Thing, both
concluding that the body was remov'd, as Mary had told them for as
yet they did not ſufficiently underſtand the Scriptures, nor our Lord's Say-
ings, concerning his Reſurrection. And they both return'd back, amaz'd
at theſe Things, and earneſtly expecting the Iflue. But Mary, more impa-
tient than any other, wou'd not depart from the Tomb, but in a melan-
chols
2-S,
Luk 2
sarkisi
Chap. VI.
141
TIBERIUS the 3' Rom. Emp.
, o.
pearance to cere
tain Women.
Mott. aS.
Ilis.
choly weeping Manner look'd in again, where ſhe diſcover'd two Angels
in bright Apparel, ſitting where the Body had lain, one at the Head and
the other at thc Feet, like the two Cherubims at each End of the Ark.
The Angels ask'd her why ſhe wept; ſhe made Anſwer in a doleful Tone,
They had taken away her Lord, and ſhe knew not where they had laid him.
Then turning her fclf about ſhe ſaw Jeſus himſelf, who ask'd her the ſame His firſt Ap-
Queſtion, and whom ſhe fought. But flie ſuppoſing him to be the Gar-pearance to ma-
ry Magdalene.
diner, who cou'd give her an Account of the Body, beg'd of him, To let
her know if he had remov'd him, that she her ſelf might take care of him. Where-
upon Jeſies call d her by her Name ; at which Word ſhe immediately
knew him, and in a Tranſport cry'd out, Rabboni, my Maſter! offering to
embrace him, but he bad her not to touch him then, ſince she had Time enough
before his Aſcenſion ; but, added he, baſten to my Brethren the Apoſtles, and
tell them that I am about to aſcend to my Father and your Father, to my God
and
your
God. Mary immediately went to the Diſciples, and told them,
That ſhe had ſeen the Lord ; but their Sorrows were ſo great, and their
21.11.-9. Faith fo weak that they did not believe it. In the mean Time the other His ſecond Ap-
Women were met by our Lor), who gave them this Salutation, All Hail !
and they in an Ecſtaſie fell down at his Feet, imbrac'd them, and ador'd him:
Jeſus bad thcm feir nothing, but appoint bis Brethren to go into Galilee, where
they ſhou'd ſee him.
During theſe buſie Tranſactions, ſome of the Guards in a great Fright
fled into the City, and related all that occurd to the chief Prieſts and Ru-
lers, who immediately aſſembled themfelves to conſult upon this impor-
tant Affair. And as their Malice was beyond all Example, ſo they were
reduc'd to the moſt wretched Shift, and to the moſt unaccountable Falſity
that ever Rulers invented ; namely, That his Diſciples ſtole him away by
Night, while the Watch were aſleep. And that this story might certainly The Guards
ſucceed, they gave large Sums of Mony to the ſuppos’d Sleepers to report
and affert the Thing, tho' upon that Suppoſition it was impoſſible for
tliem to know it: Promiſing withal, That if their Neglect came to the Go-
vernor's Ear, they wou'd ſecure them from Puniſhment. The Soldiers readily
took the Mony, and obey'd their Orders; ſo that this Report was com-
monly ſpread among the Jews for many Years after.
The ſame Day two of the Difciples, which ſeem to be of the Number
is of the Seventy, took a Walk in the Afternoon to a Town call d Emmaus,
12, 13. about ſeven Miles and an half North-Weſt of Jeruſalem, diſcourſing by
the Way of all the late melancholy Accidents. In their Walk Jeſus him- Jeſus's third
felf overtook them in the Diſguiſe of a Traveller; and ſeeing them much
Appelrance to
two Diſciples.
dejected, chearfully ask'd them the Subject of their Diſcourſe, which ren-
der'd them ſo ſad and diſconfolate. One of them, nam'd Cleophas or Al-
pheus, Father to two, if not three of the Apoſtles, made Anſwer, Are
you
the only Stranger in Jeruſalem, that are unacquainted with the Things that hap-
red ſó lately? Upon his asking What Things? they anſwer’d, concerning
Jeſus of Nazareth, a Prophet wonderful in Words and Actions before God
and the whole People, whom the chief Prieſts and Governors have dčliver'd to
Death, and crucify'd. Alas, we truſted that he was the Perſon who ſhou'd have
redeem'd Ifrael! But what is ſtill more aſtoniſhing, this very Day, which is the
third ſince his Deaths, Some Women of our Company having been early at the
Sepulchre, and not finding his Body, ſurpriz'd us with an Account that they had
ſeen a Viſion of Angels, who aſſur'd them that he was alive : Which Relation
was confirm’d by some of us, who went alſo to the Sepulchre, and found all as
the Women had reported; but did not ſee him. From lience Jeſus took an Oc-
caſion to reprove their Unbelief, ſaying to them, O Fools, whoſe Hearts are
So now in believing what the Prophets have foretold! Ilas not the Meſſiah to
have
brib'd.
Luk: 210
142
Book I.
Cent. I.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
ter,
19-23
Luke 7:40
have ſuffer'd all theſe Things, before he enter'd into his Glory? Then begin-
ning at Moſes, and going through all the Prophets, he explain’d to them
all the Types and Propheſies concerning himſelf and Sufferings. Arri-
ving at Emmaus, by making a Shew of going farther, he gave them an Op-
portunity to ſhew their Hoſpitality, by deliring him to ſtay and eat with
them, ſince the Day was ſo far ſpent and towards Evening. He readily
comply'd with their Requeſt, and fitting at the Table with them, he took
Bread, bleſs’d it, broke it, and deliver'd to them, as he had often done
formerly : Upon which their Eyes were open'd, and they knew him ; but
he immediately vaniſh'd out of their Sight. Then in a great Aſtoniſhment
they ſaid to one another, Were not our Hearts fired within us at his Diſcourſe
by the Way, and his Expoſition of the Scriptures? And without any longer
tarrying, they roſe up, and haſtned with great Joy and Speed to Jeruſalem;
His fourth Ap- where they found the Apoſtles gather'd together, who told them, that the
pearance to Pe- Lord was certainly riſen, and had appear’d to Peter ; which Appearance is
mention’d by St. Paul 1 Cor. 15. 5. Whereupon theſe two related what had
hapned to them in their Journy, and how Jeſus was made known to them by
breaking of Bread. Nevertheleſs ſeveral ſtill remain’d incredulous; proba-
bly arguing and imagining from our Lord's frequent and ſudden Diſappear-
ance, that it was only ſome Spirit in his Likeneſs.
The Apoſtles with ſome others being now aſſembled in a private Place for John 2..
Fear of the Jews, and being ſat down to Supper late in the Evening, with
His fifth Ap- the Doors ſhiut, Jeſus himſelf came in, and ſtood in the midſt of them, ſay-Boyle
pearance to ten ing, Peace be with you! The Sight of him prov'd a great Terror and Aſto- 14.
of the Apoſtles.
niſhment to the Apoſtles, who ſuppos’d they had ſeen a Spirit or a Fantom.
But Jeſus to ſatisfie them, ask'd them, Why they were ſo concern'd? aſſuring
them it was he himſelf, bidding them look upon his Hands and Feet, handle
him and obſerve, for a Spirit had not Fleſh and Bones, as they ſaw he had.
Then he ſhew'd them the Wounds in his Hands, and his Feet, and his Side.
The Apoſtles were fo tranſported with Joy and Wonder, that ſtill they did
not fully believe, till Jeſus ask'd them, Whether they had any thing to eat?
Upon which they brought him a Piece of broild Fiſh, and alſo ſome Hony-
comb, and he eat before them all; not for the Support of his Body, for
that being ſpiritualiz’d by his Reſurrection, needed not ſuch Nouriſhment,
but to confirm their Faith, and to give them ſenſible Proofs that he was
riſen from the Dead. Then, as St. Mark ſays, he upbraided their Unbe-
lief and Hardneſs of Heart, for giving ſo little Credit to thoſe who had
ſeen him before: Declaring, That what they now ſaw he had foretold them,
that all Things muſt be accompliſh'd that had been written in the Law and
the Prophets. Then he enlarg’d their Intellects, that they might underſtand
the Scriptures, ſhewing them, That thus it was written, and thus it was ne-
ceſſary for Chriſt to ſuffer, and to riſe again the third Day: And that Re-
pentance and Remiſſion of Sins ſhou'd be preach'd in his Name, among all
Nations, beginning firſt at Jeruſalem. And that they were Witneſſes of theſe
Things. Before he left them, he gave them this ſecond Benediction, Peace
be with
you ; and breathing upon them, he ſeem'd to renew their Apoſto-
lical and Miniſterial Power, in theſe moſt folemn Words, Receive the
Holy Ghoft; whoſoever Sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them, and whoſo-
ever Sins
ye retain, they are retained. And thus ended the firſt Day of
the Week, which in Honour of the Reſurrection, has ever ſince been kept
as the Sabbath among the Chriſtians. This Day Jeſus appear'd five Times,
firſt to Mary Magdalene, ſecondly to the other Women, thirdly to the two
Diſciples, fourthly to Peter, and fifthly to the Apoſtles and ſome others
with them.
ye
Thomas
Chap. VI.
143
TIBERIUS tbe 34. Rom. Emp.
Jabon 20.
mine ny
!
:
Julm 21.
I. I3.
Thomas was not with the other Diſeiples when Jeſus appear'd to them
24-29. in the foremention'd Manner; and upon his Return to them, when they
told him, Thit they had ſeen the Lord, he wou'd not believe it, unleſs he him- The Infidelity
ſelf had the utmoſt Evidence of Senſe; namely, Except he ſaid in his Hands ºf Thomas.
the
very
Holes made by the Nails, and thruſt his Fingers into them, and alſo
bis Hand into his Side. Tlre Son of God who made uſe of all his Infidelity,
to eſtabliſh the Certainty of the Reſurrection, wou'd not forſake this Apo-
ftle in his Unbelief; and therefore on the Sunday following, as a ſecod Jeſus's ſixth
Eſtabliſhment of that Day for the Chriſtian Sabbath, he appear'd again to Appearance
, **
his Apoſtles, when they had met at the ſame Place and Thuť tlie Doors,
and ſtanding in the midſt of them, ſaluted them as formerly, Peace be with
yout. Then mercifully looking upon Thomas, whom neither the Scriptures
for the Apoſtles cou'd ſatisfie; he faid, Reach hither thy Fingers, and exa:
Hand's 's and reach hither thy Hand, and thruſt it into
ray
Side, and
be not faithlefs, but a Believer. Thomas having receiv'd the Sarisfaction, in a
Tranſport cry'd out, My Lord, and my God! A ſhort but abſolute Con- Thomas Sitij:
feflion of Faith. Jefus ſaid to him, Thomaš, thori haft believed becaufi thomfy’d.
haft had the Demonſtration of Senſe; bleſſed are thoſe who believe without that
Demonſtration. This was the ſecond Time that our Lord appear'd to his
Apoſtles in a Body
IV. About a Day.or two after our Lord's ſecond Appearance to his
Apoſtles, they all reſolv'd to leave Judan, and return into their own Pro-
vince Galilee ; going in all Probability in ſeveral Companies, left their
Numbers ſhou'd awaken the Power and Jealouſie of their Encmies; feven
of the Apoſtles in a ſhort Time arriv'd at the Banks of the Sea of Galile;
namely, Peter, Thomas, James, John, Nathaniel or Bartholomem, and two
others not namd. Here Petet propos'd to go a Fiſhing, and the reſt joind
with hin, probably for a preſent Supply of Proviſions; but entering a Veffel,
they caught nothing all that Night; as it alſo happen'd to Peter at our Lord's
firſt calling him from his Fithing-Trade. In the Morning, a Perſon un- Jeſus's (event) }
known to them appear'd on the Shore, and as if he were ſome indigent Tra-pedronce, at
veller, ask'd then, Whether they had any Meat. Upon their anſwering No, lilee.
he advis'd them to caſt their Net on the right side of the Veſſel that the
Miracle might not fërm the Effect of Chance, and they ſhou'd 170: fail of
Succeſs; which being done, they immediately inclos'd in it fuchs 7 uit
Draught of Fiſh, that they were not able to draw it up. Joh:- amaz'd at
the Strangeneſs of the Matter, cry'd out to Peter, it was the Lord himſelf ;
and the other, impatient of Delay, girt his Fiſher's Coat about him, wirich
he had laid aſide, threw himſelf into the Sea, and ſwam to the shore.
The other Diſciples remain'd in the Veſſel, which was about an hundred
Yards from Land; and with much Labour drew it a Shore, dragging with
them the Net full of Fiſhes. Upon their Landing, they were entertain'd
with another Miracle, naniely, a Fire ready made, and Fiſh laid upon it, with
Bread, all immediately created by the Divine Hand. Then Jeſus order'd
them to bring the Fiſh they had caught; and Peter went up and drew the
Net to Land, which contain'd an hundred and fifty three large Filhes,
without any Damage done to the Net. After this he invited them to dine
with him; they came, but out of Fear and Reverence durſt not ask him any
curious Queſtion, who he was, and the like, knowing him to be the Lord.
Then taking the Bread and the Fiſh, he diſtributed to them, and eat him-
ſelf with them, to give them a farther Aſſurance of the Truth of his hu-
man Nature, ſince his Return from the Grave.
Dinner being ended, our Lord more particularly addreſs’d himſelf to Pe-
ter, and by way of Reflection upon his late Confidence and Failure, he
ask'd
John 21.
1-24
144
Book I.
Cent. I.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
89 Perer
Matt.28.
His Inflructions ask'd hiin, IVhether he lov'd him more than the reſt of the Apoſtles? Peter
anſwer'd in general, That he knew that he lov’d him; upon which Jeſus
comınitted to him the Care of Feeding his Lambs, teaching thoſe of the
younger weaker Capacities. He put the ſame Queſtion to him twice more,
and receiv'd the ſame Anſwer, not without ſome Concern from Peter the
laſt Time ; and he having made fome Amends for his Sin of denying him
thrice, by giving a Triple Teſtimony of his Love, Jeſus incited him
to ſliew his Love by Feeding his Sheep, his Flock in general. Then to ſhew
him what Difficulties he ſhou'd encounter, and what Fate ſhou'd attend his
Office, he told him, That tho' when he was young, he girt himſelf, liv'd at his
own IVill
, and went whither he pleas'd; yet when he was old, he fou'd ſtretch
forth his Hands, and another shou'd gird and bind him, and lead him whither
he had no Inclination : Intimating, as the Evangeliſt tells us, by what Death
he ſhou'd glorifie God, that is, by Crucifixion, as it hapned in proceſs of
Time. And then riſing up, he commanded him to follow him, myſtically
implying his imitating him, and his Conformity to his Death. Peter was
ready to drink the bitter Cup; and feeing John alſo following, he deſir'd
to know of his Maſter, What ſhou'd be the Fate of him, he who had been fo
much the Object of his Love. But Jeſus a little check'd his unneceſſary Curio-
ſity, telling him, If he deſign d him to continue on Earth till bis coming to
take Vengeance upon the Jews, it was not material to him, whoſe Buſineſs was to
follow his Maſter. Theſe Words ſeem'd to intimate to the Apoſtles that John
ſhou'd never die ; but he himſelf confuted that Opinion in his Goſpel. This
was the third Time that Jefus appear'd to his Diſciples in a Body, after his
Reſurrection.
Not long after this, our Lord liaving appointed a ſolemn Meeting for
the whole Multitude of his Galilean and other Diſciples, and nam'd a cer- 16:20,
His eighth Ap- tain Mountain in Galilee, appear'd there, not only to the Eleven, but to Is-18.
pearance,to 500 above five hundred Brethren at once, as St. Paul teils us 1 Cor. 15. 6. This
ſeems to be that Mountain which he had often us'd for his Solitude and pri-
vate Devotions, a Place free from Houſes, Highways or Paſſengers; our
Lord deſigning no general Manifeſtation of himſelf to the fems, or to the
World, but only to a ſelect Number of Perſons, that ſome Contradiction
might add the more Virtue to the Chriſtian Faith. At his firſt Appearance,
they fell down and ador'd him; but fome doubted of the Reality till now.
And now the Encloſure and Partition-Wall being thrown down which kept
the Apoſtles from Preaching to the Gentiles, and the Jews having loſt their
Privileges of being a peculiar People, our Lord thought fit to enlarge the
Power and Commiſſions of the Apoſtles to the utmoſt Extent: Declaring to
ilk Commiſſion theni, That all Power was given to him in Heaven and Earth; therefore he
to the Apoſtles. commanded them to go through all the World, make Diſciples of all Nations,
and preach the Goſpel to every Creature, baptizing them in the Name of the Fa-
ther, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghoſt; and teaching them to obſerve all
Things that he had commanded them. Adding farther, That he that believ'd
and was baptiz'd fou'd be fav’d; but that he that believ'd not ſhou'd be damn’d.
And that for the Propagation of the Goſpel at firſt
, theſe following Signs
shoud attend Believers ; namely, They ſhor'd eject Devils in his Name, Speak
with new Tongues, take up Serpents, drink Poiſon without Hurt, and by laying
Hands on the Sick Shord recover them. Laſtiy, ſince the Apoſtles had need
of Power and Strength to exerciſe the Miniſtry entruſted to them, he
proinis'd them his continual Protection ; folemnly aſſuring them, That he
he isoli'd be ever preſent with them, even to the End of the World. To theſe
we may add a Paſlage out of Clemens Alexandrinus, who affures us, that
our Saviour faid theſe words to his Apoſtles. If any Iſraelite Mall repent, and
believe in God through my Name, his Sins ſhall be forgiven him. But after
Brethren.
twelve
Chap. VỊ.
145
TIBERIUS the ża Rom. Emp.
Aits :.
2-4.
Luk 24.
19.
twelve Years, go je into the World, leſt any ſhou'd ſay we have not heard. After
this our Lord appear’d to St. James in particular, as St. Paul tells us, 1 Cor. His ninth Ap.
15.7. perhaps to eſtabliſh him in the Church of Jeruſalem, but we have no Petrance, to
James
Account of the Particulars.
Forty Days was the Time predeſign'd for our Lord's Continuance
upon
Earth after his Reſurrection, for the Manifeſtation of himſelf, and for the
monokio preparing of his Apoſtles for their future Employment. Theſe Days being
alınoſt expired, the Apoſtles according to Order, with ſome other ſelect
Friends, return’d to Jeruſalem, and there aſſembled themſelves privately.
Our Lord coming amongſt thein the laſt Day, particularly commanded them,
Hulaſt Appeara
That they ſhou'd not depart from Jeruſalem, till i hey had receiv’d the Promiſe of ance, to 120
God, and were inveſted with Power from above. For John indeed baptized Diſciples.
them with Water, but they in a particular Manner ſhou'd be baptiz’d by the Holy
Ghoſt, and that within a few Days. The Apoſtles liearing him diſcourſe of
this extraordinary Effuſion of the Spirit, and imagining it wou'd be an In-
troduction to his glorious temporal Kingdom, which Notion they ſtill re-
tain'd, ask'd him, Whether he wou'd at that Time reſtore the Kingdom to Iſrael
or not? Jefus reply'd, That it was not proper for them to pry into the Times
and Seafons, which God bad put into his own Power : But after the Deſcent
of the Holy Ghoſt upon them, they ſhou'd receive ſufficient Power and Know-
ledge, and have the Honour of being his Witneſſes in Jeruſalem, in all Judæa,
in Samaria, and in the fartheſt Parts of the Earth. And now the Time being
come, when Jeſus ſhou'd receive the glorious Reward of all his Humility
and Afflictions, and be far exalted above every Creature in Heaven and
Earth, he led all the Company out of the City to that Part of Mount Oli-
vet which was near Bethany; where lifting up his Hands, which ſhew'd the
dear Marks of his Sufferings, he gave them his laſt Benediction. And Before whom be
while they were all in an adoring Poſture, he was parted from them by aſcends into
Degrees, and taken up in a Cloud, and carry'd in the moſt triumphant
Manner into the ineffable Glories of Heaven. And there he ſits at the
right Hand of his Father, being our eternal High-Prieſt, our continual
Advocate and Interceffor, and the ſole Head of the Church, which he Go-
verns by his Paſtors, enlightens by her Doctors, ſanctifies by his Sacraments,
protects by his Grace, and quickens by his Spirit.
Our Lord aſcended on the 14th Day of our Month May, in the ninth
Month of the 19th Year of the Emperor Tiberius, and in the 36th Year of
his Age, when Men are generally in their full Strength and Vigour. If he
was born on the 25th of December, the full Time of his Continuance on
Earth was preciſely 36 Years and five Months; almoſt a Year longer than
his Fore-runner John Baptiſt.
Heaven.
The End of the firſt Book.
T
ECCLE
i
147
Eccleſiaſtical Hiſtory.
BOOK II.
From the Aſcenſion of our Bleſſed Saviour, to the Death
of St. John, the laſt ſurviving Apoſtle
.
Containing the Term of about 67 Tears.
CH A P. I.
From the Aſcenſion of our Bleſſed Saviour, to the Death of the firſt
Martyr Stephen, and the firſt Diſperſion of the Believers.
Containing the Term of near eleven Months.
Aits I.
TO- 1 2.
Luke 24.
"T
$2.
1
I. T was with no ſmall Surprize and Aſtoniſhment that the Apo-A.D.33.
upon our bleſſed Saviour, as he aſcended towards his glorious Tiber. 19
Habitation, and his eternal Kingdom; and perhaps not with-
out Expectation of the Return of their dear Lord and Maſter.
While their Minds were tranſported, and their Eyes fix'd upon Heaven,
two Angels in glorious Veſtments, deſcended and ſtood in the midſt of Jeſus's Diſcia
them; two of our Lord's Train, whom he left behind to entertain ples comforted
them with a new Meſſage, and divert them after this triumphant Sight, by two Angels
,
which was both joyful and ſorrowful, as they thought upon their Ma-
ſter's Honour, or their own Loſs. The Angels call’d them by the Name
of Galilæuns, and ask'd them, why they ſtood ſo earneſtly and intently
looking towards Heaven? And then aflur'd them, That the very ſame
Perſon, Jeſus, whom they had ſeen taken up into Heaven, fou'd deſcend
again to Judgment in the ſame manner as they ſaw him aſcend; that is,
viſibly, and with the ſame Body; when he ſhall appear in the Clouds,
with great Majeſty and Glory. Having heard this, they return'd to Jea
ruſalem with great Joy; and they who lately were overwhelm’d with
Sorrow at the Mention of their Maſter's Departure, entertain'd it now
great Satisfaction, being more and more ſenſible of his triumphant Ad-
vancement, and of his ſpecial Care and Love towards them.
The
T 2
148 Cent. I
Book II
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
12-14
[xk« 24.
15 - 26
They return to
The Apoſtles and the reſt being return’d to the City, which was near a Adls .
Jeruſalem. Mile from the Place, that they might prepare themſelves for the Reception
of that Holy Spirit they were ſhortly to receive, ſpent their Time in con-53.
tinual Acts of the moſt heavenly Devotion. And for the greater Conve-
Aſſemble them- niency, they aſſembled themſelves vis utegãov in an Upper Room, whịch
Upper Roomwas dedicated by them to the Service of God; moſt probably not in the
Temple, as ſome have thought from St. Luke's Goſpel, but in the Houſe
of ſome Diſciple, according
to the Cuſtom of the Jews, who frequently
had their Oratories, or fix'd Places of Prayer, on the Tops of their Hou-
ſes. Here were aſſembled about an hundred and twenty in Number, who
in all Probability were the ſame who ſaw our Lord's Afcenfion; namely,
the eleven Apoſtles, the ſeventy Diſciples, and about thirty nine more,
all of his own Kindred, Country or Acquaintance. Beſides the Names of
the Apoſtles, St. Luke mentions among the Women Mary the Virgin Mo-
ther of our Lord, which is the laſt Time that ſhe is nam'd in the Holy
Scriptures.
In this Aſſembly, Peter, remembring that Jeſus had appointed Twelve, Attss.
who in a ſpecial Manner were to be Witnefles of his Miracles, and Foun-
ders of his Church, ſtood up in the midſt, and as Preſident declar'd to
the reſt, How according to the Pſalmiſt's Propheſie, one of the Apoſtles ſhou’d
certainly betray his Maſter, which was accordingly accompliſh'd in the Perſon
of Judas; who being of the ſacred College, had out of Avarice caus’d the Pur-
chaſe of a Field with the Reward of his Villany ; and was so purſu'd by the
Divine Vengeance, that he became an Example to the whole City Jeruſalem,
who calld the Field by the Name of the Field of Blood, to his perpetual Infa-
my. And that ſince the Pfalmilt had alſo foretold, "That his Habitation
Thou'd be deſolate, and that another ſhou'd take his Office, it was therefore
neceſſary, that one of thoſe who had been a conſtant Auditor and Attendant
upon Jeſus, even from the Baptiſm of John to the Day of Aſcenſion, floud
be ſolemnly ordain'd into their Number, to be together with the Eleven, a
Special Witneſs of Chriſt's Reſurrection. The Affembly readily aſſented to
his Propoſal, and appointed two Candidates, one call’d Joſeph ſirnan'd
Barſabas and Juſtus, luppos’d to be Brother to James the Leſs, and the
And chuſe a new other callid Matthias, one of the ſeventy Diſciples. The Way of Election
Apoſtle, viz. was by Lots, a Way frequently us'd both among Jews and Gentiles, for
the Choice of Officers and Magiſtrates; and the rather us’d by the Apo-
ſtles at preſent, becauſe the Holy Ghoſt was not yet given, by whoſe im-
mediate Directions they were chiefly guided afterwards. And that they
might proceed with the greater Regularity and Succeſs, they firſt ſolemnly
made their Addreſſes to Heaven, That the omniſcient Being that governd
the World, and perfectly knew the Hearts and Qualifications of all Men,
wou'd be pleas'd to Shem which of thoſe two he would appoint to take part
of the Apoſtolick Charge, in the Room of Judas lately fallen. The Lots
being put into the Urn, the Name of Matthias was firſt drawn,
and thereby the Apoſtolate devolvid upon him, and the Vacancy in the
College was fill’d up.
II. For ten Days after our Lord's Aſcenſion, the Apoſtles and the
other Diſciples continu'd in the moſt ſolemn Devotion, but without any
extraordinary Illumination, till the great Feaſt of Pentecoſt, which this
The great effu. Year began on Sunday the 24th of our Month May. Being all aflembled
fim of the Holy on this Day, and employ'd in their holy Duties, there came a ſudden
Ghoſt at l'enter
Sound from Heaven into their Room, vaſt and impetuous, like the Ruſh-
ings of a mighty Wind, repreſenting the powerful Efficacy of the Spirit
of God now deſcending. This was accompany'd with a fiery Vapour or
Exhalation,
Macchias,
AEFS 20
I
4.
coſt,
Cap. 1.
149
TIBERIUS tbe 34 Rom. Emp.
17s 2•
Exhalation, which being form d by the divine Power into the Figure of
a Man's Tongue divided at the Tip, fat upon the Head of each of them,
to ſignifie the miraculous Gifts attending this extraordinary Effuſion. For
they were immediately inſpired after a wonderful Manner, and began to
ſpeak in ſuch Tongues as they had never learnt, and to preach the Reo
demption of Mankind in thoſe Languages which their Auditors in all
Parts of the World might underſtand. As the Confuſion of Languages
became a Curfe to the World, ſo the Gift of Tongues became a Bleſſing,
and the firſt Means of its Reſtoration. And now the Diſciples Minds were
enlightned, thcir Thoughts elevated and enlarg’d, and their Underſtand-
ings clear'd from all their groſs Notions of a temporal Kingdom; ſo that
now. they underſtood all thoſe divine Truths which their Maſter had be-
fore taught them, but which they cou'd not then bcar, being too great
and fubline for their natural Capacities.
At this Time there were extraordinary Multitudes of devout Jews re-
5-21. Giding at Jeriøſalem, not only from Judaa but from all parts of the World,
beſides Proſelytes, who repair’d to that City, partly upon the account of
the Feaſt, and partly becauſe of the univerſal Expectation of the Meſſiah
at this Tiine. St. Luke namncs fifteen of the Nations from whence they
came, viz. Parthia, Media, Perſia, Meſopotamia, Cappadocia, Pontus, Aſia-
Minor, Phrygia, Panphilia, Ægypt, Libya, Cyrene, Rome, Crete, and Arabia ; all
Part of the old Diſperſion of the Jews. Theſe and many others liearing
an account of the miraculous Accident, immediately repaired in great The Multi-
Throngs to tlie Place where the Diſciples were aſſembled; and they were tudes surpriz d. .
extremely aſtoniſhed to find Men ignorant and illiterate, and educated in
Galilee, to ſpeak the Languages of all their ſeveral Countries in the ut-
moſt Perfection, and cou'd not but reflect upon the Meaning of it, as por-
tending ſomething extraordinary. But others deſirous to elude the Miracle,
in a deriding and malicious Way, declar'd, That the Diſciples had drunk
too plentifully of new IVine, which caus’d them to talk wildly and con-
fus’dly. Whereupon Peter with the Eleven aroſe up, and ſolemnly re-
quiring their Attention, confuted their Calumny, by ſhewing it to be very
groundleſs and unreaſonable, ſince it was ſo early in the Morning, not
above nine a Clock, and according to the Cuſtom of that Feſtival Solem-
nity, they were not to eat nor drink ſo ſoon. Declaring alſo, That all Peter's frijf
proceeded from the Effuſion of the Holy Ghoſt, and was a Completion of the Sermon to the
Jews.
famiguts Prophecy of Joel, where God had promis’d, “That in the latter Days,
in the Days of ihe Mefliah, He wou'd pour out his Spirit upon all Mankind,
that their sons and Dinghters, their Men Servants and Maid Servants
Soiud be endued with Prophetick Gifts; the Young by Way of Viſion, and
'the Old by IVay of Dreams. That he wou'd produce Wonders in the Hea-
Dins above, and Signs in the Earth below; Blood and Fire, and Vapors of
Smoak : The Sun ſhou'd be turn'd into Dirkneſs and the Moon into Blood,
before the coming of the great and memorable Day of the Lord. But who-
Soever ſhould call upon the Name of the Lord ſhou'd be ſaved.
Having wip'd off the Aſperſion, and ſhewn theſe to be the Days of
22- ;6. the Meſſiah, froin the Accompliſhment of the Prophecy, he proceeded to
prave Jeſus of Nazareth the very Perſon, namely, That he was a Man ap-
prov’d of God, as appeard from the various Miracles and Wonders he had
wrought in the midſt of them; of which they themſelves were Witneſſes : Whom
being given them by the determinate Counſel and Fore-knowledge of God
they had taken, and by impious Hands crucified and ſain. But that God had
raís'd him up, and broken the Powers of Death, it being impoſſible for him
to be detain'd by it. For that David, Speaking concerning him, declar’d,
· That he had always the Lord in his Preſence, and on his right Hand, that
he
C
C
C
C.
Alsa.
150
Book II.
Cent. I.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
6
C
Ats 21
converted.
he fou'd not be moved : Therefore his Heart and Tongue rejoycd,
' and his Body Shou'd reſt in Hope ; becauſe he wou'd not leave his Soul
' in Hell, nor ſuffer his holy One to ſee Corruption : But had mani-
feſted to him the Ways of Life, and filed him with the Joy of his Coun-
tenance. Now that theſe Words were not spoken of himſelf, was appa-
rent from the Death and Burial of that Patriarch, and the Continuance of
his Monument to that Day. But being a Prophet, and knowing that God
had promis’d him by an Oath, That out of the Fruit of his Loins accor-
ding to the Fleſh, he wou'd raiſe up the Meſſiah, to fit on his Throne, he
foretold the Reſurrection of Chriſt in thoſe IVords, “That his Soul was not
left in Hell, nor did his Body ſee Corruption. This was the ſame Jeſus
whom God had rais'd up, of whoſe Reſurrection all the Diſciples were Witneſ-
ſes: Wherefore being exalted by the right Hand of God, and having received
the Promiſe of the Holy Ghost from his Father, he caus’d this extraordinary
Effufion, which the Company now Saw and beard. But as for David, he was
not yet aſcended into Heaven, but had declar'd, ' That the Lord had ap-
pointed his Lord to fit at his right Hand, till be made his Foes his Foot-
ſtool. That therefore all the Houſe of Iſrael ought to look on this as an un-
doubted Verity, That God had made that very Jeſus, whom they had crucified
both Lord and Chriſt
.
This Diſcourſe in every Part of it, like ſo many Daggers, pierc'd them
Three thouſand
to the Heart; ſo that thereupon they cry'd out to Peter, and the reſt of 37-45.
the Apoſtles, to know how they ſhou'd eſcape the divine Vengeance. Pe-
ter exhorted them immediately, to repent, and for the Remiſſion of their
Sins to be all baptiz'd in the Name of Jeſus Chriſt, whom they had not before
acknowledg’d; and that then they alſo ſhou'd be Partakers of the Gifts and
Benefits of the Holy Ghoſt. For that the Promiſes of the Gospel did belong
to them, their Children, and their remoteſt Succeſſors, even to as many as
obey'd the Call of Heaven. And with many other Teſtimonies and Mo-
tives, he preſs'd them to withdraw and ſeparate themſelves from that per-
verſe Generation. It is probable, that while Peter preach'd thus to the
Jews of Judæa in the Syriack Tongue, the other Apoſtles ſpakc at the
tame Time, and to the ſame Purpoſe, to the Foreigners in their Lan-
guages. The Succeſs of the Preaching was extraordinary, for three thou-
land Souls were that Day converted to the Faith, and were immediately
baptis'd by the Hands of the Apoſtles. A quick and plentiful Harveſt!
the late Sufferings of our Lord, the proſent Miracle of the Languages, the
Authority of the Speakers, and above all, the Efficacy of the Holy Spirit,
contributing to this numerous Converſion.
The first Ella This was the firſt Eſtabliſhment of the Chriſtian Church, in which Peter
blin:ment of the was a prime Agent and Miniſter, according to our Lord's Promiſe and 42-47.
Church, and the Prediction. The Form of it appears from St. Luke, in four Particulars;
firſt, in Admiſſion by Baptiſın alone; fecondly, in a ſtedfaſt Continuance
in the Communion of the Apoſtles, and the Doctrine they taught; third-
ly, in frequent Celebration of the Euchariſt, which is here call'd Breaking
of Bread; and fourthly, in publick and united Prayers: affording an
Example to the Church in all ſucceeding Ages. The Apoſtles wrought
many Miracles in feruſalem; and the Believers were fill'd with a reveren-
tial Fear, having their Minds ſo fix'd on Heaven, that they had all Things
in common amongſt them, ſold their Poſſeſſions and Goods, and parted
them according to every Man's Neceflities. And their Practice was daily
to frequent the Temple at the uſual Hours of Prayer, which was ſtill law-
ful, while it hindred not their Faith in Chriſt; and breaking Bread from
Houſe to Houſe, they did eat together with the utmoſt Chcarfulneſs and
Sincerity, prayſing God, and by their Innocence and Simplicity obtaining
the
Alts a.
Form.
Chap. I
TIBERIUS the 34 Rom. Emp.
151
the Favour of all people. Thus we find the Church of Jeruſalem to be Jeruſalem the
tle moſt ancient and firſt eſtabliſh'd of all others, and to be the Mother fürjt Church.
of the reſt; to which Church, as St. Luke tells us, the Lord added daily
ſuch as ſhou'd be ſaved.
Afts 3.
22.
1
III. The Church of Chriſt being thus founded in its Purity and Sim-
Chap. 4. plicity, the next Occurrence we find is of Peter and John, who on ſome
lolemn publick Day went up together into the Temple to pray, about Peter and Johin
three a Clock in the Afternoon, one of the uſual Hours of Prayer, and gº up to the
Time of the Evening Sacrifice. At their Entrance into that Gate calld
Temple :
the Beautiful Gate, which probably led into the Court of the Gentiles, they
ſaw a poor impotent Cripple, who had been diſabled for forty Years,
even from his Birth, and had been daily brought thither to beg Relief
of ſuch as enter'd the Temple, hoping to find the moſt Charity, where
there appear'd the greateſt Devotion. Peter and John ſeeing him beg
ſomething of them, pitied not ſo much his Poverty as the miſerable Con-
dition that made him ſubject to it; and therefore having rais'd liis Ex-
pectation of an Alms, by bidding him look intently on them; Peter told
him, That he had neither Silver nor Gold to give him, but ſuch as he had
he wou'd freely be tow upon him; and immediately commanded him in the
Name of Jeſus Chriſt of Nazareth to riſe up and walk. The Words were no
ſooner ſpoken than the Cure was effected; his diſtorted Joints became Where they heal
ſtreight, and his looſned Nerves were made ſtrong; and he being lifted a Cripple.
up by Peter, enter'd with them into the Temple, walking and leaping for
Joy, and praiſing the Almighty. And thoſe who ſaw it were fiì'd with
great Wonder and Amazement, all knowing it was the ſame Cripple that
had been ſo conſtant a Begger at the Temple Gate. The recover'd Man in
a ſort of a Tranſport laid hold on the two Apoſtles, and all the Peo-
ple ran together, and in a tumultuous Manner gather'd about them in
thoſe magnificent Cloyſters about the Court of the Gentiles, call’d Solomon's
Porch.
Peter now ſeeing ſuch Multitudes about him, firſt ask'd them, Why they Perer's ſecond
were ſo amaz’d; and why they look'd ſo earneſtly upon them, as thoʻthey had Şermon to the
reſtor'd the Man by their own Power and Holiness? Then he declar'd, That
the God of Abraham, Iſaac and Jacob, and their Fathers, had glorify'd his
Son Jeſus Chriſt, that holy and juſt Perſon, whom they had deny'd and deli-
ver'd up to Pilate, preferring a Rebel and Murtherer before him, when the
Judge was reſolv’d to acquit him: That tho they had put him to Death, get
God had rais'd him from the Grave, of which they the Apoſtles were Witneſſes;
and had made his Name ſo great, that by Faith in that alone, they had reſtord
that impotent Man to perfect Health and Soundneſs, in the Preſence of them
all. That all Things that God had foretold by the Mouth of his Prophets, con-
cerning the Sufferings of the Meſſiah, were now accompliſh'd; which indeed
were ſo accompliſh'd through the Ignorance of them and their Rulers, who
knevo not the Dignity of his Perſon. But that now it was high Time for them
to repent and be converted, that their Sins might be expiated, in theſe Times
of Refreſhment, and the Preſence of the Lord, and the Preaching of his Son
Jeſus Chriſt, whom the Heavens were to receive till the Time of the Reſtitus
tion of all Things, which God had foretold by all his holy Prophets ſince the
World began. For that Moſes in particular had declar'd to their Father.
· That the Lord. Shou'd raiſe up a Prophet among their Brethren, like unto Him,
to whom they ſhou'd hearken in all Things he Mou'd teach them; and that
whoſoever ſhou'd refuſe to hearken to him, ſhou'd be deſtroy'd from among
the People. And moreover, that all the Prophets from Samuel, downwards,
and all who follow'd after him, had foretold the preſent Times. That therea
fore
AHS 3.
12- 26.
Chap 4:
4.
Jews.
7
5,
*
......
:-
152
Cent. I.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY
Book II.
converted,
I-12.
drim.
fore ſince they were the Children of the Prophets, and of the Covenant which
God had made to Abraham, when he told him, ' That in his Seed all the
Nations of the Earth Shou'd be bleſſed; God had rais'd up his Son Jeſus
firſt to them, and in a Special Manner ſent him to bleſs them, in turning
away all from their Iniquities. While Peter thus diſcours'd the People in
one Place, it is probable that John preach'd to them in another; and
the Succeſs was anſwerable. The Apoſtles ſow'd the Seed, and God im-
Five thouſand mediately gave the Encreaſe; there being by this Means no fewer than
five thouſand brought over to the Faith; tho' it is poſſible the whole
Body of Believers might be comprehended in that Number.
While they were preaching to the Multitude, the Prieſts and Sadducees, Acts t;
whoſe Malice and Envy againſt the Growth of the Chriſtian Doctrine was
greater than their Power, having inſinuated to the Roman Captain, who
commanded the Gariſon in the Caſtle Antonia, on the North Side of the
Temple, That the Apoſtles Preaching tended to Sedition, came ſuddenly
Peter and John upon them with Soldiers, and ſeizing them, caſt them into Priſon till the
impriſon'd; next Day, it being too late to examine them that Night. The next Mor-
ning the Grand Sanhedrim met, and ſummond the two Apoſtles and the
And brought be- recover'd Man before them; and the Scripture names Annas, Caiaphas, John
fore the Sanhe- and Alexander as ſome of the moſt zealous in this Matter. The Pretence
of Sedition was waved, becauſe Groundleſs, and the whole Examination
was reſolv'd into one ſingle Queſtion, viz. By what Power, and by whoſe
Name they had reſtor’d the lame Man? Not that they were ignorant of it,
but they hop'd to make them diſown it through Fear, and by that Means
weaken the Faith of the new Converts. But Peter being now repleniſh'd
with the Holy Ghoſt, according to our Lord's Promiſe to his Diſciples
Their Defence. in ſuch Caſes, with great Courage made this Defence, Ye Rulers of the
People, and Senators of Iſrael, If our Examination this Day be concerning
the happy Cure of the impotent Man, and by what Means it was effected; we
do ſolemnly declare to you all, and to all the Progeny of Iſrael, That it is
by the Name of Jeſus Chriſt of Nazareth, whom ye have crucify'd, and whom
God has rais'd from the Grave, that this Man now ſtands before you found
and recover'd. This ſame Jeſus is the Stone that
you
Architects have utterly
rejected, which is become the Head of the Corner ; nor is there Salvation in any
other; for there is no other Name under Heaven given to Men, whereby we
muſt be ſaved.
The whole Sanhedrim hearing this bold and ready Anſwer, from Perſons Acts 4.
whom they knew to be without any Learning or liberal Education, were
extremely ſurpriz'd and amaz’d; but cou'd not contradict the Truth of
their Affertion, becauſe they knew them to be Diſciples of Jeſus, and be-
cauſe the reſtor'd Cripple was preſent, and ready to atteſt the Truth of the
Miracle. Wherefore being in a great Diſpute and Doubt how to deal with
ſuch powerful Evidence, they commanded them to withdraw and after
a ſolemn Debate, to prevent the ſpreading of the Doctrine of Chriſt, it
was reſolv'd to awe them into Silence, by ſtrictly charging them, Not to
preach nor teach in the Name of Jeſus for the future. But the two Apoſtles,
not at all diſcourag'd at their Threats, declar'd to them all, That they had
receiv'd a Command from God to preach to 'all Nations what they had beard
and ſeen, and that this being the caſe, they won'd appeal to themſelves, whe-
ther they ought not to obey God rather than them. The Magiſtrates not re-
They are
garding this Anſwer, back'd their Decree with more ſevere Threatnings,
threatned and and ſo diſmiſs'd them without any Puniſhment; not that they wou'd have
diſmiſs d.
dealt with them ſo mildly, but only becauſe the Peoples Veneration reſtrain d
their Malice, and kept them from doing Injury to thoſe who really deſerv’d
a Reward.
The
13 - 22,
j
*)
Chap. I.
153
TIBERIUS tbe 34 Rom. Emp.
Ats 4.
meet and milk:
Afts 4.
The two Apoſtles being thus diſmiſs’d, return'd to their Brethren, and
23 - 31. gave them a particular Account of all that paſs’d, and what Treatment
they had met with from the Sanhedrim: Which when they had heard,
they all with unanimous Hearts addreſs’d themſelves to God, and pray'd The Disciples
after this Manner, O Lord, thou omnipotent God, who hajt created Heaven and
Earth, and the Sea, with all that are contain'd in them, who by the Mouth
of thy Servant David haft ſaid, “Why do the Heathen rage, and the People
form vain Deſigns? The Kings of the Earth ſtood up, and the Governors
combin’d againſt the Lord, and againſt his Chriſt
. Thus it is accompliſh'd;
for both Herod and Pilate, with the Gentiles and the People of Iſrael, have
conſpired together againſt thy Holy Son Jeſus, whom thou haſt confecrated, to
bring about all that thy Hand and Counſel has appointed. And now, O Lord,
behold their Rage ind Threats, and enable thy Servants and Miniſters to preach
thy Word with all Courage and Boldneſs; and alſo give them Power to shew
Signs, and work miraculous Cures in the Name of thy Son Jeſus, for the Pro-
pagation of the Gospel. Theſe Words were no ſooner utter'd, but God
gave
them a Sign that their Prayer was hear'd; for the Houſe wherein they A ſecond Effu-
were met, was ſhaken with a Wind from Heaven, as formerly, and they fam of the Holy
Ghöjt
found themſelves repleniſh'd with the Holy Ghoſt, and a new Spirit of
Courage, inciting them not only to ſtrengthen the Believers, but to inſtruct
others in the Doctrine of Chriſt's Reſurrection, notwithſtanding all the
Menaces of the Jewiſh Governors.
Among the many good Effects that the Evangelical Preaching lad
32-37
. upon the Hearts of ſuch as were converted, this was none of the leaſt,
9-19;that they were fill'd with a fervent Love and exuberant Charity one to-
wards another. Many of the Believers were poor, but ſucli was the ex-
ceeding Liberality of the Rich, that they freely communicated their E- The Believers
ſtates to them, ſelling them, and laying down the Price of them at the ſell their
Apoſtles Feet, that they might diſtribute the Money in the Service of God, Common Good.
and according to the Neceflities of the Brethren. Among many that did
thus, the Scripture mentions Joſes a Levite of the Iſland Cyprus, one of the
Seventy Diſciples, wlio after this Manner dedicated all his Eſtate to God,
and laid the Price of it at the Feet of the Apoſtles, who upon this ſir-
named him Barnabas, ſignifying the Son of Conſolation. In Imitation of
him Ananias and his Wife Sapphira, two new Converts, fold their Eſtate,
and turn'd it into Mony. But tho' they were deſirous of having the Re-
putation of pious and charitable Perſons, yet they were unwilling to cart
themſelves wholly upon Providence, and therefore privately detain’d Part
of what they had devoted to God, and bringing the reſt; laid it at the
Apoſtles Feet ; hoping to deceive them, tho' immediately guided by the
Spirit of God. But Peter at his firſt coming in, folemnly ask'd Ananias,
Why he ſuffer'd Satan to fill his Heart with ſo great a Wickedneſs, as to pira
loin Part of the Eſtate, and think to impoſe upon the Holy Ghoſt? Urging,
That before the Ejšate was ſold, it was wholly at his own Diſpoſal; and that
after, it was wholly in his own Power to have perform'd the Vow: So that
what he had done was capable of no other Interpretation, than that he had not
only abus’d and injur’d Men, but defrauded God alſo. Upon pronouncing
theſe Words, Ananias, to the great Terror and Amazement of all preſent, The Punijlment
was immediately arreſted with a Stroke from Heaven, and fell down dead of Apmas
to the Ground, and was taken up, carried out and bury'd. Sapphire was
and Sappiira.
not preſent at this fad Accident; but coming in about three Hours after,
Peter ask'd her firſt, Whether the Land was ſold for the ſame Sun that was
brought in; and when ſhe perſiſted in it, he ſeverely reprov'd her for com-
bining to tempt the Spirit of God, declaring, That ſhe ſhou'd meet with the
ſame ſad Fate with her Husband. And immediately ſhe fell down dead at
U
lis
154 Cent).
Book II.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
,
12-16
racles,
-
he Feet, was carry'd out by the fame Bearers, and buried by her Hus-
band; becoming Sharer with him in the Puniſhment, as ſhe had been Co-
partner with him in the Sin. A dreadful Example of defrauding the
Almighty, filling all that heard it with Fear and Terror, ſo that none
durſt equal or join themſelves with the Apoſtles; and became a ſeaſonable
Prevention of that Hypocriſie and Diſſimulation, with which many might
poſſibly think to have impos'd upon the Church.
The Apoſtles The Apoſtles having thus manifected the Power and Juſtice of Chriſt, Altss.
work many Mi- proceeded daily to ſhew his Graciouſneſs and Mercy in working many
miraculous Cures in his Name, in healing the Diſeaſed, and freeing the
Poſſeſſed; inſomuch, that the People brought forth their Sick into the Streets,
and laid them on Beds and Couches, that at leaſt Peter's Shadow, as he paſ-
ſed by, might come upon them; which it ſeems had miraculons Effects,
accompliſhing what our Lord had promis'd John 14. 12. That they ſhou'd
do greater Works than his. Theſe miraculous Cures contributed extreme-
ly to the Propagation of the Goſpel, and to the great Reputation of
the Apoſtles, ſo that Multitudes of Men and Women were daily added
to the Church. And great Numbers of People from many other neigh-
bouring Cities and Towns, brought their Sick, Lame and Poffeffed to fe-
ruſalem, and the Apoſtles reſtor'd them all, to the Aſtoniſhment both of
City and Country. The uſual Place that the Apoſtles and Believers had to
meet and aſſemble in, was that Part of the Temple callid Solomon's Porch, in
part of which the Grand Sanhedrim at this Time fat ; and yet being ſup-
ported by an extraordinary Spirit, they were not afraid of being ſo near
their Enemies.
The High-Prieſt, and ſome of the Sanhedrim, who were of the Sect of diss:
of the Sadducees, ſeeing to their great Grief, not only that their Prohi- 17-32.
bition was diſregarded by the Apoſtles, but alſo that Chriſtianity daily en-
creas'd by the Miracles and Preaching of the Apoſtles, were highly incens'd
And are impri. at them, and having apprehended them, threw them into the common
Fon'd by the Priſon, which they had never done before. But God, whoſe Work they
were about, to give a Demonſtration that no human Power or Policy can
But are freed put a ſtop to his purpoſes, ſent his Angel the Night following; who open-
by an Angel. ing the Priſon Doors, ſet them at Liberty, and order'd them to proceed in
their Miniſtry, and the next Day to preach in the Temple the Words of eter-
nal Life. The Apoſtles readily perform'd this Command, and entering the
Temple early in the Morning, taught the People as formerly. The High-
Prieſt and his Affociates were ignorant of their Deliverance, therefore
calling a full Council in the Morning of all the Senators of Iſrael, they
ſent their Officers to the Priſon, to bring the Priſoners before them:
But upon entering the Priſon, tho' there appear'd no Signs of an
Eſcape, the Doors being ſhut, and the Keepers on their Guard, yet
they found none of the Perſons they fought for ; which Miracle not
only aſtoniſh'd the Officers, but alſo thoſe of the Sanhedrim when they
heard it, who became extremely Apprehenſive of the Conſequence of
this ſtrange Matter. They began to imagine that it wou'd be in vain
to oppoſe that Doctrine, for which God had ſo eminently appear'd; yet
hearing that the Apoſtles were Preaching in the Temple, they ſent the
Captain and their Officers to bring them before them, but without Vio-
They were
brought before lence or Noiſe, left they ſhou'd exaſperate the People, and draw a Shower
#WeSanhedrim. of Stones upon themſelves. The Apoſtles being brought before the San-
hedrin, Caiaphas demanded of them, How they durſt preſume to preach
that Doctrine which they had lately been so ſtrictly forbidden to preach ?
And ſeverely chid them, for that inſtead of Silence and Obedience, they
had fill'd the whole City with the Name of Jefus, intending to cauſe the
People
Sanhedrim.
*
Chap. I.
155
TIBERIUS the 34 Rom. Emp.
Als 5.
Death:
People to revenge his Blood upon them. Upon which Peter and the reſt of
the Apoſtles reſolutely made Anſwer, That tho Obedience was dne to thein
as Magiſtrates, yet God was to be obey'd in the firſt Place; the God of their
Fathers who had rais’d up Jeſus, whom they had pain and crucify'd, and
had exalted him by his powerful Arm to be a King and a Saviour, to give
both Repentance and Remillion of Sins. And that not only They were TVit-
neſſes of thoſe Truths, but alſo the Holy Ghoſt himſelf, whom God wou'd
communicate to all ſuch as obey'd him.
Theſe Words, tho' pious and prudent, ſo enrag'd the High-Prieſt and
33–42. the reſt of the Rulers, that they at firſt took a Reſolution to put them Threatted with
to Death; and poſlibly had gone about it, had they not been preven-
ted by one of the Council nam'd Gamaliel, Son of that Simeon who took
Jeſus in his Arms, a Phariſee, famous for his Skill in the Law, and of
great
Reputation in the City, who having order'd the Apoſtles to withdraw
for a ſhort Space, advis'd the Council to be exceedingly cautious how they
proceeded againſt thoſe Men; giving it as a Reaſon that they had had ſeve-
ral late Inſtances of the like Pretenders: Particularly one Theudas or Judas,
who aſpiring to Sovereignty, and boaſting himſelf an extraordinary Perſon,
drew four hundred Men to his Obedience; but that he was ſoon Nair, and
all his Aſociates broken, and reduc'd to nothing. That after hin there aroſe
Judas of Galilee, in the Time of the laſt Taxation, and dreir great Numbers
after him; but that he alſo periſhd, and had all his Folloirers diſpers'd.
That therefore they ought not rafhly to cruſh this new Do&frine, but to wait
and expect the Event ; for that if it were only an human Invention it wou'd
fall of it ſelf in Time, and be blaſted by the Hand of Heaven ; but that if
it were from God, all their Attempts woii'd be vain and impious, and thenia
ſelves wou'd be lookd upon as Contenders with Omnipotence: The Force of But by Gamali.
theſe Reaſons, and the Mildneſs of the Speech ſo far prevaild with the el's Advice only
Scourg'di
Judges of the Apoſtles, that they chang’d their raſh Sentence into a cora
poral Puniſhment; and having ſcourg'd them, diſmiſs’d them with a
Repetition of the former Injunction, That they ſhould not teach airy more
in the Name of Jeſus. The Apoſtles departed rejoicing, not that they had
eſcap'd Death, but that they were accounted worthy to ſuffer Shame
and Torment for the Name of their dear Lord and Maſter. Nor did
this Uſage diſcourage them in their Miniſtry ; but daily in the Temple,
and in private Houſes alſo they taught and preach'd the Goſpel. And
thus concluded the 33d Year of the vulgar Æra of Chriſt, a Year the
greateſt and moſt memorable that ever did or can happen within the
Compaſs of Time.
IV. The wonderful Reſurrection and Aſcenſion of our Bleſſed Sa- A.D.34.
Orofius. viour being divulg'd in all Parts, becauſe it was always Cuſtomary for
Tiber...
the Governors of Provinces to communicate to the Roman Emperors eve-
ry ſtrange and uncommon Accident liapning within their Charge, that
nothing material might eſcape their knowledge; Pontius Pilate acquainted Pilate gives Ti-
his Maſter Tiberius with the Reſurrection of Jeſus Chriſt, which was now berius an Ai-
the common Diſcourſe of all Paleſtine ; giving him an Account alſo, That count of owSa-
he had heard of many other Miracles of his, and how that riſing again after
he had been dead, he was now by many believ'd to be a God. Tiberius having
receiv'd ſo authentick an Account, tho' plung'd in all Lewdneſs and Wicked-
neſs, referr'd this Matter to the Senate, with his favourable Suffrage,
That Chriſt might be enrolld among the Gods; but this Propoſal was re- Tiberius propei
jected by the Senate, upon Pretence that they had not firſt approv'd of ſes to deifie
the Matter; there being an old and inviolable Law among the Romans,
that no one ſhou'd be deify'd but by the expreſs Suffrage and Decree
of
Eufebius
20
viour's Astienis
bim.
U 2
156 Cent. I. ... ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. .
Book II.
trarch.
about 37
of the Senate. However the Emperor was ſo far from attempting any
Thing prejudicial to the Doctrine of Chriſt, that he perſiſted in his Judg-
ment, and threatued all the Accuſers of the Chriſtians with Death ; by
which Means this Religion, now in its Infancy, had the greater Oppor-
tunity of ſpreading its ſelf in the Roman Empire. This Relation, thoº
doubted by ſome, is confirm'd not only by Euſebius and Orofius, but alſo
by Tertullian and Juſtin Martyr in their Apologies; the latter of whom,
for the Proof of our Lord's Miracles, appeals to the A&ts or the Journal
Books of Pilate then extant. But as for that Letter of Pilate's to Tibe-
rius which we have at preſent, it is acknowledg’d by all learned Men to
be a mere Forgery:
The Death of About the ſame Time, in the 20th Year of the Reign of Tiberius, Phi- Joyeria.
Philip the Te- lip the Tetrarch and : Brother to Herod died, after he had reign’d himſelf
37 Years, from the Death of his Father Herod the Great. Joſephus
obſerves, that during all the Time of his Government, contrary to the
Temper of his Father and Brothers, he behav'd himſelf peaceably, and
kept within his Dominions: That whenever he walked, he had a few ſe-
lečt Servants with him, and his uſual Seat of Juſtice carried after him;
that if any Perſon preſented himſelf, and requir'd his Aſſiſtance, he might
without Delay examin his Cauſe, puniſh the Guilty and free the Innocent.
He dy'd in the City Julias, and was buried in his own Sepulcher, with
great Pomp and Solemnity; and becauſe he left no Heirs of his Body, the
His Dominions Emperor Tiberius ſeiz'd on his Eſtate, and united his Dominions to the
united to Syria. Governrnent of Syria, then under Flaccus Pomaponius; ordaining that all
the Tributes collected in his Tetrarchy, ſhou'd ſtill be kept within the Li-
mits of that Country. So that now we are to conſider the Country of
Paleſtine as under three diſtinct Kinds of Government; 1. The Provinces
of Judæa and Samaria, together with Idumea, under the Roman Gover-
nour callid Procurator, namely Pontius Pilate : 2. The Provinces of Ga-
lilee and Peræa, under the Tetrarch Herod : and 3. The Province of Tra-
chonitis, including Batanæa and Iturea, united to the Government of Sy-
ria, on which the other two were in ſome meaſure dependent.
About the Time of the Death of Philip the Tetrarch, the Num-
bers of Believers now daily encreaſing at Jeruſalem; as it frequently hap-1-6.
A Defference pens arnong a Multitude, there aroſe a Complaint of thoſe Jews that
were .call’d Helleniſts againſt the Hebrew Jews, becauſe their Widows were
Jenificand Hele neglected, and received leſs than others in the daily Diſtribution of the
Churches Mony. The Apoſtles were deſirous to have the Poor well
relieved ; but being ſo much employ'd as they were in diſpenſing the
Word, the Food of the Soul, they declar'd before the whole Multitude,
That they were not at Leiſure to attend that other Service : But by their Ad-
Seren Deacons vice, and the Suffrages of the Church, there were ſeven Men of eminent
choen. Report for Wiſdom and the Endowments of the Holy Spirit, choſen to
be Stewards of the Church's Stock, into which Office they were ordain'd
by the ſolemn Prayers of the Apoſtles and the Impoſition of Hands, an
ancient Symbolick Rite of Inveſtiture and Conſecration to any extraordinary
Office. This was the firſt Inſtitution of Deacons in the Chriſtian Church,
who were to ſerve Tables, that is, to wait upon the Neceſſities of the
Poor, and to make daily Proviſion for their publick Agapa or Love-Feaſts,
in which the Holy Euchariſt was adminiſter'd ; ſo that their Office was
not only Civil but alſo Eccleſiaſtical. The Names of the Seven were
Stephen, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, all
elected out of the Seventy whom our Lord had choſen : Of theſe the
two firſt were moſt eminent; the laſt was a Proſelyte of Antioch, and the
fame
:
V
Alro,
between the
1
Chap. I.
157
TIBERIUS the 34 Rom. Emp.
1
Aits 6.
l
ſame, as many believe, who afterwards gave Birth to the Hereſie of the
Nicolaitans. About the ſame Time, as Bilhop Pearſon and ſome others
believe, James the Leſs, who for his eminent Virtues was ſirnam’d the James the T.er
Juft, was choſen Biſhop of Jeruſalem, being preferr'd before all the reſt, maile Bijlep of
Jeruſalem
for his near Relation to our Lord; a Conlideration that made Peter and
the two Sons of Zebedee, tho' peculiarly honour'd by Chriſt, not to con-
tend for this high and honourable Place; and it may be alſo that they
had ſome particular Intimation concerning it from their Maſter. Some
others think he was choſen immediately after the great Effuſion of the
Holy Spirit at Pentecoſt
, which is ſtill uncertain ; however it is generally
agreed, that Jeruſalene was the firſt Church and Dioceſe, and St. James
the firſt Biſhop in the Chriſtian State ; as may be learn'd both from Ei-
ſebius and Clemens Alexandrinus. And Jeruſalem being the Mother of all
other Churches, it render'd James ſo honourable in the Opinion of ma-
ny of the Ancients, that they gave him the Name of the Head and Biſhop
of the Apoſtles themſelves; and St. Paul himſelf names him firſt of thoſe
three Apoſtles which he accounted Pillars of the Church, James, Cephas,
and John, Gal. 2.,9. as being at leaſt, by his Place, their Superior, and
chief in Order in the Church of Jeruſalem.
Upon the Election of the ſeven Deacons, the Chriſtian Religion gain'd
7-14. Ground more abundantly than ever, Converts multiply'd exceedingly, and
great Numbers of the Prieſts themſelves, the moſt pertinacious Allerters
of the Mofaick Conſtitutions, and the bittereſt Enemies of the Chri-
ſtian Doctrine laid aſide their Prejudices, and embrac'd the Goſpel.
Stephen very much contributed to this happy Progreſs, being repleniſh'd
with the moſt divine Gifts and Graces of the Holy Spirit, Preaching the
Goſpel with a noble Courage and Reſolution, and confirming it with
many publick and unqueſtionable Miracles among the People. His Zeal
and Diligence, together with his extraordinary Succeſs, in ſhort Time
awakened the Malice of the unbelieving Jews; who ſelected the moſt
learned Men out of five of their chief Synagogues or Colleges to dif-
pute with him; namely, the Libertines, the Cyrenians, the Alexandrians, Stephen coin-
the Cilicians, and Aſians, all namn'd from the Perſons who founded them, futes the moji
learned Jews
of whom the firſt were manumitted Servants, and the reſt of foreign
Countries. Theſe diſputing with him concerning the perpetual Nature of
the Moſaick Inſtitutions, and the Deſtruction of the Temple, ſoon found
tliemſelves baffled, and were not able to ſtand againſt that divine Wiſdom
and Spirit by which he deliver'd himſelf. Therefore in the Height of
their Malice they ſubborn d Men to teſtifie, That they had heard hini
ſpeak Blaſphemy againſt Mofes, and againſt God. And with their lit-
moſt Fury ſtirring up the People, the Senators and the Scribes, they
ſeiz'd him, and brought him before the Grand Sanhedrim; where falſe
Witneſſes were ſet up, who ſwore, That Stephen had spoken Blasphemy Wha accuſe hiir:
againſt the Holy Temple and the Law; particularly that he ſaid, That Jeſus of Bl.alphemes:
of Nazareth ſhou'd deſtroy that Building, and change the Laws which their
great Mafter Moſes had deliver'd to them.
This holy Man being brought before the Sanhedrim, his Face appear’d
full of Majeſty and Splendor, like that of an Angel ; an Argument of a
1-53. clear Conſcience, and of the divine Aſſiſtance and Preſence. Being per-
mitted to ſpeak for himſelf, he in a grave and ſevere Oration apply'd him-
ſelf to anſwer the Charge brought againſt him. And becauſe the un-
converted Jews fondly imagin’d that God was ſo delighted with the Temple
Service and the Mofaick Rites, that he wou'd always continue them, and
allow of no other Way of Worſhip, he ſhew'd them by an Hiſtorical De- 11us Defence bei
duction, That God was rightly worſhip'd before either the Tabernacle føre the Sanhe-
Alts 6.
15.
Chilf: 7
drim.
os
158 Cent. I.
Book II.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
C
C
Aisa
or the Temple was erected: Particularly by their great Father and Founder
Abraham, whom God calld from his own native Country, and confirmºd his
Covenant with him by Circumciſion; and that without any other fixed Rite but
this ; the ſucceeding Patriarchs worſhip’d God for ſeveral Ages, till the Times
of Moſes. And that when God had commanded Moſes to ered a Tabernacle,
as a Place of publick Worſkip, where he wou'd manifejt himſelf
, and receive
the Adorations of his People ; yet that was but tranſient and temporary, and in
Some Years was to give place to a ſtanding Temple deſign’d by David, and built
by Solomon. And that this Temple, tho' of God's own Appointment, was
not to be of a perpetual Duration, appear'd, he ſaid, from his declaring
· Heaven to be his Throne, and Earth his Footſtool, and that therefore he
was not to be confin’d within any material Temple, nor tied to any particular
Way of Worſhip. Beſides theſe Hiſtorical Deductions, he gave them to un-
derſtand, That their Lawgiver Moſes had foretold a Change, “That the Lord
Shou'd raiſe up a Prophet among them, who like him flou'd introduce a nem
Way of Worſhip, to whom they were to yield Obedience. Yet in the midſt
of thoſe miraculous Times, their Anceſtors were ſtubborn and rebellious againſt
their Deliverer, and continu'd for many Ages provoking and idolatrous. Then
he concluded his Speech by declaring, That they were like their Anceſtors,
a ſtiff-neck'd and wilful Generation, circumcis'd in Body, but not in Heart,
always reſiſting the Methods of the Holy Ghoſt. That their Fore-fathers had
perſecuted and pain the Prophets who foretold the Coming of the Meſſiali
, and
that they their unhappy Poſterity had actually betray'd and murther’d the Per-
Son; without Regard to that Lar, which had ſolemnly been deliver'd to them
by the Miniſtry of Angels, and which he came to fulfil.
He was proceeding in the Application, when the Patience of his Au-
ditors began to fail, and their Conſciences being ſtung by the ſevere Truths 54-609
he deliver'd, they fell into a moſt violent Heat, and expreſs'd the utmoſt
And happy
Signs of Rage and Fury. But he regardleſs of what was done below,
Prospect if
had his Eyes and Thoughts fix'd upon a higher and nobler Object, and
Hsaven.
was bleſs’d with a Proſpect of the Glories of Heaven, and a ſenſible
Appearance of the Divine Majeſty, and the Holy Jefus çloath'd in the
Robes of our glorify'd Nature, ſtanding at the right Hand of his Fa-
ther. The good Man was infinitely raviſh'd with the Viſion, and inſpired
with new Zeal and Courage ; declaring before all, That he ſaw the Hea-
vens open'd, and the Son of Man ſtanding at the right Hand of God; as
it were to protect and crown his ſuffering Servant. This farther enrag'd
the Jews, who look'd upon him as a Blaſphemer, and reſolv'd upon his
Death without any farther Proceſs; and acting the Part of the Zealots,
they rais'd a great Noiſe and Clamour, ſtopp'd their Ears that they might
hear no Crys for Mercy, and unaniinouſly ruſh'd upon him. Then in a
popular Rage, and a tumultuous Manner, without Leave from the Ro-
#ë is hurry'd man Governor, they hurry'd him out of the City, in order to ſtone
out of the city him, according to the ancient Law againſt Blaſphemers. The Wit-
and Sloned.' neſſes, according to Cuſtom, ſtrip'd themſelves, and laid their Cloaths
at the Feet of a zealous Youth calld Saul, who in a particular Manner
was conſenting to his Death; and tlien began the Tragedy, which was
ſoon ſeconded by the Multitude. All which Time the pious Martyr was
upon his Knees, ſending up his Prayers to Heaven, devoutly recommending
his Soul to God, and loudly interceding for his Murtherers, That God wou'd
not charge this Guilt upon them; and then gave up the Ghoſt, or as the
ſacred Hiſtorian elegantly expreſſes it, fell aſleep: So ſoft a Pillow is Death
to a good Man, ſo willingly, fo quietly does he leave the World, as a wea-
ry Labourer goes to his Reſt at Night,
This
Chap. II.
159
TIBERIUS the 3d Rom. Emp.
This was the glorious Death of the pious St. Stephen, who had the
Honour to be the firſt Martyr in the Chriſtian Church, tho' he was not
Ats 8. the firſt who dy'd upon the Account of the Goſpel. His Body was His Burial,
bury'd by devout Men, probably Proſelytes, who made great Lamen-
tations over it; and, as ſome Report, it was not only by the Allowance,
but alfo with the Afliſtance of Gamaliel, the Preſident of the Sanhedrim.
Chronologers are not agreed in what Year he ſuffer'd; but Biſhop Pear-
fon, upon the moſt probable Grounds, places it in the Year 34. And, if
I may be allow'd to add my own Conjecture, it was in the Time of the
Paffover ; which if ſo, he dy'd near eleven Months after our Bleſſed Sa-
viour's Aſcenſion.
CHAP. II.
From the Death of the firſt Martyr Stephen, to the firſt Call, and
Preaching of the Goſpel to the Gentiles.
Containing the Term of about fix Years.
1. T but
Tiber.
20
AEHS 8.
3
Chap 22
3, 4, 19.
Chap .
Chap.1 8.
23
3:
13, 14
Agent
HE Church of God had been hitherto toſsd with gentle Storms, A.D.34.
but now a more violent Tempeſt overtook it : For the unbe-
lieving Jews were ſo galld at Stephen's Conqueſt over their chief Scholars,
9-491. his ſevere Reflexions, and his denouncing Ruin to the Moſaick Rites and
their Temple, that they rais'd a terrible Perſecution againſt the Church, a ſevere Perfe
Philip.3
. hoping to extirpate that Religion which had threatned Deſtruction to cution of the
Galat. 1. theirs. The great Engineer in this perſecution was Saul, a young Perſon Church.
Saul a principal
ſuppos'd to be about 30 Years of Age, born in a Roman City callid Tar-
ſus in Cilicia, above 300 Miles from Jeruſalem; by which he obtain’d the
Privileges of a free Citizen of Rome, and probably alſo the Roman Name
of Paul given him at his Circumciſion. His Parents were both Jews and
of the Tribe of Benjamin, ſo that he was an Hebrew of the Hebrews; firſt
enter'd in the Occupation of Tent-making, then educated in the Learning
of his City, and afterwards remov’d to Jerufalem, where he became a Scho-
lar to the great Gamaliel, and one of the moſt zealous of the Sect of the
Phariſees. His active and fiery Genius, together with his paſſionate Con-
cern for the Traditions of the Fathers, made him purſue his Deſigns with
the Spirit of a Zealot, and the Rage of a Mad-Man. Having furniſh'd
himſelf with a Commiſlion from the Sanhedrim, he immediately put it
in Execution, broke open Houſes, ſeiz'd upon any who look'd like a Dif-
ciple of the crucify'd Jeſus; and without any Regard to Sex or Age,
fcourg'd and hald them to Priſon; plucking the Husband from the Bo-
ſom of the Wife, and the Mother from the Embraces of her Children;
compelling Men to blaſpheme God, and breathing out nothing but Threat-
nings and Slaughter where ever he came. Wlience Euſebius calls it the
firſt,
and moſt grievous Perſecution of the Church; tho' this was none
of thoſe which are callid General Perfecutions.
This Perſecution was fo ſevere, that it diſpers'd in a great Meaſure the The firſt Dif.
whole Body of the Church, and drove both the Members and Teachers perfion of the
of it into ſeveral Countries, and many Natives of Jeruſalem from their
own Houſes into foreign Parts. Only the Apoſtles remain'd ſtill in the
City; for their Functions and Courages being both extraordinary,
they
1
Ats 3.
1-4
Beliezers:
160
Book II.
Cent. I.
.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY,
5-13
they continu'd firm to their Miniſtry there, under the ſpecial Protection
of their Maſter, and wou'd not depart till they ſhou'd be call’d thence by
God. The reſt of the Diſciples, of whom there were ſeveral thouſands,
were diſpers’d abroad, ſome into the Regions of Judæa and Samaria, pub-
liſhing the glad Tidings of the Goſpel where ever they came: Some went
into Calo-Syria to Damaſcus, among whom was Ananias, a devout and
religious Perſon, AF. 9. 10. Others travelld into Phænicia, and Cyprus, and
Antioch, preaching the Goſpel to the Jews in thoſe Parts, At. 11. 19. And
others, it is probable, went as far as Rome, among whom were Androni-
cus and Funia, who were of Note among the Apoſtles, and Relations of
the Perfecutor Saul; and had embrac'd the Faith before him, as lie him-
ſelf teſtifies, Rom. 16. 7. Hitherto the Church was ſhut up and confin'd
within the City Walls, but this Perſecution enlarg'd the Bounds of Chri-
ſtianity; ſo that the Ways that the Jews intended for its Ruin, and the
Diffolution of its Members, prov'd the moſt effectual Means for its Spread-
ing and Propagation.
Philip the Dea Among thoſe who were diſperſed, Philip the Deacon, the ſecond in Ads &
con preaches at Order after Stephen, was driven to the City of Samaria, a noted Place
about 30 Miles North-Eaſt of Jeruſalem, and call’d Sebaſte by Herod the
Great ; and tho' the Apoſtles Example ſeen’d to confine the Goſpel to
the Jews only, yet ſince our Saviour had nam'd Samaria, A&. 1. 8. and
they were in ſome Senſe Jews, as obſerving the Law, and expecting the
Meſſiah, he thought it lawful to preach Chriſt to them. The Divine Wif-
dom gave Approbation to the Undertaking, and ſeconded his Preaching
with many eminent Miracles, which drew the univerſal Attention of the
Inhabitants, and filled the City with Joy and Wonder: For he cur'd ma-
ny who were ſeiz'd with Pallies and other Lameneffes ; and out of others
he caſt impure Spirits, who at their coming out made loud Acknowledg-
ments of that irreſiſtible Power by which he acted. In this City was
one Simon, born at Giton, not far diſtant, who by Sorcery and Magick
Arts had ſtrangely gain’d the Veneration of the People; a Man crafty and
ambitious, daring and inſolent, whoſe diabolical Illuſions had for a long
Time ſo amaz'd the Eyes of the Vulgar, that they all believ'd him the
great Power of God; and ſo he ſtild himſelf, as Irenæus aſſures us. Buc
this Man ſeeing his Admirers in great Numbers baptiz’d, and brought off
And bisptizes by the Preaching and Miracles of Philip, which ſo manifeſtly exceeded
Simon Magus. his infernal Arts, became himſelf a Convert, and was baptized by him;
tho' probably his main Deſign was to inſinuate himſelf with Philip, and
to find out the Art by which he wrought his Miracles.
The News of ſo large a City's Converſion was in a ſhort Time brought sise
to the Apoſtles at Jeruſalem, who being unwilling to neglect any Thing 14-34
conducing to the Church's Good, tho' under great Perſecution , fent
P'eter and John St. Peter and St. John to confer the Gifts of the Holy Ghoſt
upon
E9 to Samaria. Converts, which it was not in the Power of Philip to do, who was only
a Deacon; this Office being reſerv'd to the Apoſtles only. At their Ar-
rival they pray'd for them, and laid their hands upon them, probably
ordaining ſome to be Governors of the Church, and Miniſters of the
Goſpel; and immediately they receiv'd the miraculous Effects of the Holy
Ghoſt. Simon the Magician obſerving that a Power of Miracles and Speak-
ing with Tongues was convey'd by the Impoſition of the Apoſtles Hands,
out of a ſtrange Avarice and Ambition, offer'd them Mony to empower
him to do as they did. Peter perceiving his rotten and inſincere Inten-
Perer ſeverely tions, rejected his impious Propoſal with Scorn and Deteſtation, and de-
reproves Simon nounc'd an Execration againſt him and his Mony, for imagining that to
Magus.
be a Means of purchaſing the Gifts of Heaven : Declaring, That his Heart
and
the new
Chap. II.
161
TIBERIUS tbe 3" Rom. Emp.
Ads 8.
falem.
and Intentions were corrupt : That he cou'd have no Share nor Portion in ſo
great a Privilege : That it more concern'd him to repent of fo hainous an
Impiety, and to beg of God to forgive his wicked Imagination ; ſince at
preſent he was infected with the moſt venomous Contagion, and was a Slave to
Iniquity. Simon a little terrify'd at theſe Words, and poſſibly fearing to
be made an Example of Diſſimulation, as Ananias was, beg'd the Apoſtles
Prayers, for the more effectual averting thoſe Jugdments denounc'd againſt
him. But how ſlight his Repentance was will appear afterwards; for he
more and more proceeded in his magical Arts, and his execrable Blaſphe- The firſt begir-
mies, and became the Author of the firſt and grofleſt Hereſies in the ning of Heredie.
Church. Notwithſtanding the Purity of the Coriſtian Religion, and
tho' the Church was yet in its Infancy, God was pleas’d to per-
mit Herelie to ariſe in it, within leſs than two Years after the Death
of his Son.
The two Apoſtles having thus confirm'd the Church of Samaria, preach'd Peter and Joha
25040. the Goſpel in many of the neighbouring Villages, and then return'd return to Jeru-
back to Jeruſalem, to join their Counſel and Aſſiſtance to the reſt of
the Apoſtles. But Philip was employ'd in a more peculiar Affair, be-
ing appointed by an Angel from Heaven, immediately to repair towards
the South into a deſert Country, and the Way between Jeruſalem and
Gaza. He obey'd the Call with as much Readineſs as Abraham, when
he was commanded out of his own Country; and arriving at the Place, Philip goes
he diſcover'd a Chariot, with a foreign Nobleman in it, an Eunuch of towards Gaza z
great Authority, and chief Treaſurer to Candace Queen of Æthiopia in
Africa, who being a Jewiſh Profelyte, had been to pay his Adorations
at Jeruſalem, probably at the Feaſt of Tabernacles. Philip by the Im-
pulſe of the Spirit join'd himſelf to the Chariot, and found the Per-
ſon devoutly employ’d, namely, reading a Portion out of the 53d Chap-
ter of Iſaiah, in Words to this Effeet; He was led as a Sheep to the
Slaughter, and was ſilent as a Lamb before the Shearer: In his Humilia-
' tion his Right was taken from him; and who ſhall deſcribe the Wicked
neſs of that Generation, which took away his Life from the Earth? Philip
asking him whether he underſtood the Paſſage ? He anſwer’d, That he
wanted an Interpreter, and courteouſly invited him into his Chariot to
explain it to him; particularly deſiring to know of him, Whether the Pro-
phet Spoke this of himſelf, or of ſome other Perſon? Whereupon Philip be-
gan at that Paſſage of Scripture, and preach'd to him the Goſpel of Jeſus
Chriſt
, ſo fully and effectually, that coming near a Place of Water, the
Eunuch deſired to be baptiz’d into the Chriſtian Religion. Philip inform’d
him, That if his Faith was ſincere he might be baptiz'd; and the other de-
claring, That he believ'd Jeſus Chriſt to be-the Son of God, the Chariot
was order'd to ſtand ſtill, and both went down to the Water, where Where he bapti-
the Eunuch was baptiz'd, according to his Requeſt. This Act was accom- persona me fichio
pany'd with an extraordinary and miraculous Accident, ſufficiently eviden-
cing Philip to have been ſent by Heaven, for immediately he was tranſpor-
ted by the Spirit of the Lord, and ſnatch'd quite away from the Pre- From whom he
ſence of the Eunuch; who proceeded in his Journy with great Joy and
is miraculously
Satisfaction, and preach'd the Chriſtian Faith in his own Country: In which
reſpect St. Jerom ſtiles him the Apoſtle of the Æthiopians; and the Ancients
generally make that Prediction of David fulfilled in him, “ Æthiopia ſhall
ſtretch out her Hands unto God. Philip was found about 30 Miles diſtant
at Azotus; and paſſing through, he preach'd the Goſpel in all the Citics,
till he came to his own City Cæfarea.
ز
1
remov't.
II. Sance
1
162
Book II.
Cent. I.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
ted.
A.D.35. II. Saul ſtill continu'd to perſecute the Church with a moſt ungover- dits, .
Tiber. u nable Zeal and Fury; and becauſe the Believers were diſpers’d, and the city
Goſpel greatly propagated in other Provinces and Countries, he made its
-11.
his Employment to perſecute them in foreign Cities. And ſince the Power 11-19
of the Grand Sanhedrim, as to religious and eccleſiaſtical Affairs, ex-
tended to all the Jewiſh Synagogues, even in the remoteſt Parts from
Saul prepares Judæa; Saul procured Letters of Commiſſion from that Body to go into
for Damaſcus; Cælo-Syria, to Damaſcus, a noble City, the Metropolis of that Province,
about 160 Miles North-Eaſt of Jeruſalem ; that if he found any in the
Synagogues, wliether Man or Woman, who profeſs’d Chriſt, he might bring
them bound, to be puniſh'd at Jeruſalem. But God, who had ſeparated
him from his Mother's Womb for the Preaching of his Goſpel, now put
a Stop to his violent Deſigns: For as he was travelling with his cruel
Aſſociates
upon
the Road near to Damaſcus, at Mid-day, a moſt amazing
Gleam of Light, far exceeding the Splendor and Glory of the Meridian
Sun, was ſuddenly darted from Heaven upon them, which with the Fear
threw them all proſtrate upon the Ground. This was accompany'd with
a remarkable Voice, crying in the Hebrew, or rather Syriack Tongue, SAVL,
SAUL! WHY DOST THOU PERSECUTE ME? Whereupon
Saul in a terrible Amazement cry'd, Lord! Who art thou? The Voice re-
ply'd, I am Jeſus of Nazareth whom thou perſecuteſt; 'Tis hard for thee to
kick againſt the Pricks: That is, all thy Attempts will prove ſucceſsleſs,
and like kicking againſt Spikes, will prove thy own Wounding and Tor-
And is miracu- ment. Saul convinc'd of his great Error, immediately ſubmitted to the
louſly conver divine Viſion, and in the moſt trembling and yielding Manner ſaid, Lord,
What wilt thou have me to do? Our Lord mercifully bad him, Ariſe from
the Ground, and go to Damaſcus, where he shou'd be inform’d of all the
Parts of his Duty: For that he had appear’d to him purpoſely to conſtitute
him a Miniſter and a Witneſs, both of what he had ſeen, and of what he
had deſign d to reveal to him: Delivering him from the People, and from
the Gentiles, to which latter he was ſending him, to open their Eyes, and
to turn them from Darkneſs to Light, and from the Power of Satan to
God, that they might obtain Remiſſion of Sins, and an Inheritance among
ſuch as were ſanctify'd by Faith in him. The Men who accompany'd him
riſing from the Earth, were extremely aſtoniſh'd, and ſtood ſpeechleſs,
having ſeen an extraordinary Light, and heard a Sound of Words, but
neither ſaw Chriſt, as Saul did, nor underſtood diſtinctly any Thing he ſaid.
But Saul was ſo dazled and overpower'd by the Light, that he became in-
tirely blind, and was led by his Companions into Damaſcus, where he re-
main'd not only without Sight, but alſo without Meat or Drink, for three
Days together; humbling his Soul before God for his former Miſcarriages,
and his violent Perſecution of the Church.
There was at this Time at Damaſcus one Ananias, a very devout and Afts g.
religious Man, and tho' a Chriſtian, yet of great Reputation among the chap.23,
Jews. To this Man our Lord appear'd in a Viſion, commanding him, 27. 16.
TO
go into a Street call'd Straight, and enquire at the Houſe of Judas, for
fent to comfort one Saul of Tarſus, who was now at Prayer, and had ſeen him in a Viſion
coming to him, to lay his Hands upon him, that he might receive his Sight.
Ananias was ſtartſd at the Name of the Man, and humbly alledgºd his
bloody Practices at Jeruſalem, and the Authority given him by the Sanhedrim
to execute his cruel Deſigns. But our Lord to remove his Fears affur'd him,
That he was a choſen Veſſel, a ſelect Inſtrument to preach the Gospel both to
Jews and Gentiles, and before the greateſt Potentates upon Earth ; acquain-
ting him with what great Things he ſhou'd both do and ſuffer for his
Sake
Ananias is
Galat. I.
II, 12,
16, 17
him.
*
Chap. II.
163
TIBERIUS the 34 Rom. Emp.
Joſephs
.
Sake, what Chains and Impriſonments, what Racks and Scourges, what
Hunger and Thirſt, what Shipwrecks and Death he ſhou'd undergo. Ana-
nias ſatisfy'd with this Account from the Mouth of Truth, immediately
repaired to the Houſe, and laying his Hands upon Saul, he calld him
Brother, and declar'd to him, That the Lord Jeſus, the ſame who appear’d
to him in his Journy, had ſent him to him, that he might recover his Sight,
and be filld with the Gifts of the Holy Ghoſt: That therefore he muſt be
baptiz'd for a Sign and Seal that his Sins were waſk'd away by the Blood of
Chriſt. And immediately certain thick Films like Scales fell from his
Eyes, and his Sight was reſtor’d; and being baptiz’d, his Mind was en-
lightned by the Holy Ghoſt, and his Body was ſtrengthned by Suſtenance.
He continu'd not long at Damaſcus after his Converſion, but having
received immediate Revelations from Heaven, he conferr'd not with
Fleſh and Blood, neither with Ananias, nor with the Apoſtles at Jeruſalem,
but retired himſelf to Arabia Petræa, in the Country near Damaſcus, as He retires to
appears from Galat. I. where he remain’d about two Years, both preach-Arabia:
ing the Goſpel, and receiving the full Knowledge of it himſelf; and
afterwards teſtify'd that he did not derive his Million and Authority from
Men.
In the ſame Year that Saul was converted, Vitellius, Father to him of
that Name that was afterwards Emperor, was by Tiberius made Gover-
nor of Syria and the Eaſt, in the Room of Pomponius Flaccus, which
was the principal Preferment in the Roman Empire. At the Paſſover he
went up to Jeruſalem, where he had a Power ſuperior to Pilate, probably vitellius gues
induc'd by Curioſity to ſee that ſolemn Feſtival
, or at leaſt to diſpatch pto Jerufa-
Buſineſs with the more Eaſe and Expedition among ſuch a Concourſe jiores the High-
of People. Being magnificently entertain'd in this City, in Requital, he Prieſt's Vesta
remitted all the Impoſts upon the Fruits bought and ſold in the City ; ments.
and likewiſe deliver'd all the Ornaments of the High-Prieſt, with the
reſt of the Sacerdotal Furniture and Veſtments, to the Charge of the Prieſts
themſelves; all which were formerly kept in the Caſtle of Antonia, ad-
joining to the Temple, under the Power of the Roman Governors. Ha-
ving thus gratify'd the Nation, before his Departure to Antioch, he made
He depoſes
Jonathan the Son of Annas High-Prieſt, and depos'd Caiaphas, after he had Caiaphas, ard
makes Jona-
continu'd in that Office about ten Years. And thus one of the unjuſt
thian High-
Judges of our Bleffed Saviour was judg’d himſelf; and 'tis believ'd he Prieſt
.
Thortly after diſpatch'd himſelf with his own Hands.
III. The violent Storms that threatned the Church of God were A.D.36.
very much allay'd by the happy Converſion of Saul, and the Believers Tiber.
all ,
lee : But this Year in Samaria there hapned a Diſturbance upon another A Diſturbance
Occaſion, which prov'd the firſt step to the Ruin of Pilate. It was caus'd in Samaria.
by a great Impoſtor among the Samaritans, poſſibly Simon Magus, who
perſuaded the People that on their famous Mount Gerizim, he cou'd
Ihew them the Sacred Veſſels which Moſes had bury'd with his own
Hands. Upon which account the credulous Vulgar, all in Arms, met in
Multitudes at a certain Village callid Tirathaba, deſigning when their Num-
bers were compleated, to go in a ſolemn Manner and take Poffeffion of
theſe holy Reliques. But Pilate having learnt their Deſigns, with a con-
ſiderable Body of Horſe and Foot, quickly poſſeſs’d himſelf of all the
Paſſes, and ſetting furiouſly upon theſe deluded People, made a cruel
Slaughter of ſome, took others Priſoners, and diſpers'd all the reſt; and
after that order'd the principal of the Priſoners to be put to Death
without Mercy. Upon this Fact, the Senate and Nobility of Samaria
X 2
addreſs'd
22
23
10.
164 Cent. I
Book II.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
vernment.
addreſs’d themſelves to Vitellius at Antioch, accuſing Pilaite of this Maſſa-
cre; remonſtrating, That their Affembly was not to rebel againſt the Romans,
but to ſecure themſelves from the inſupportable Tyrannies of Pilate. Vitellius
being ſenſible of his cruel Government, his Avarice and Extortions, by
his own Authority commanded Pilate to repair to Rome, and anſwer be-
Pilate dépos’d fore the Emperor what ſhou'd be objected againſt him; ſending his
from his GO Friend Marcellus to ſupply his Office in Judæa; ſo that he may in ſome
Senſe be calld the ſixth Governor of the Jews. Thus Pontius Pilate
loſt his Government, after he had continu'd in it about ten Years ;
this being but the Beginning of his Miſeries. But whether he was de-
tain’d by contrary Winds or ſome other Accident, he arriv'd not at Rome
till tlie following Year, when Tiberius was dead.
During theſe Tranſactions, the long Heat between Aretas King of Ara- Joſeph
.
bia Petræa, and Herod the Tetrarch, broke out into a Flame ; being firſt
occaſion'd by Herod's divorcing the other's Daughter, and taking Hero-
diis, from whom Nature and Juſtice had excluded him. Aretas having
gather'd together a ſufficient Force, began a War againſt him; and coming
Aretas of Ara- to a ſet Battel, Herod's Army was intirely overthrown, and that by Means of
bía overthrows the Treachery of ſome baniſh'd Perſons of his Brother Philip's, who took up
trarch's Army.
Arms under his Colours. And here Jofephus informs us, That it was common-
ly believ'd, that the Loſs of Herod's Army proceeded from the imme-
diate Vengeance of Heaven, for his murthering the honeſt and pious
John Baptiſt. Herod upon this Defeat, doubtful of better Succeſs after-
wards, or conſcious of his own Guilt, betook himſelf to his Maſter Ti-
berius, certifying him by Letters of his Misfortunes, and probably not
without ſeveral Aggravations againſt his Enemy. The Emperor was ſo
Tiberius is dif- diſpleas'd at the Succeſs of Aretas, or his Audaciouſneſs in making War
pleas'd.
within his Empire, that he immediately wrote angry Letters to Vitellius in
Syria, charging him to undertake the War, and to bring the rebellious
King Priſoner, or to ſend his Head to Rome. But Aretas was no ways
diſcourag'd at theſe Preparations, for conſulting with his Augurs, accor-
ding to Report, he declar'd, That the Armies shou'd never enter his Domi-
nions, fince one of the Parties shou'd die before the Time, either the Or-
derer, the Undertaker, or the Cauſer of the War :--Meaning Tiberius, Vitellius,
or Herod.
In the Beginning of the next Year, Saul return'd from the inland Parts
from Arabia to of Arabia Petræa to Damaſcus, which City tho' ſituated in Cælo-Syria, was 20 - 22;
now in Subjection to Aretas. Here he enter'd the Jewiſh Synagogues, and
with great Freedom and Courage preach'd the Goſpel, proving that "fe-
Sus Chriſt was the Meſſiah, and the Son of God; ſo that all the Jews in
that City were greatly amaz’d and confounded, both at the ſtrange
Change in his Proceedings and Opinions, and the powerful Efficacy of
his Arguings and Diſcourſes. At the ſame Time Aretas was preparing fofephe
Vitellius pre-. againſt the coming down of Vitellius againſt him, who according to the
pares againſt Commands of his Maſter Tiberius had rais'd a conſiderable Army, deſigning
Arecas;
to march with it through the Province of Judæa. But he was diverted
from this Intention by the humble Supplications of the Jewiſh Nobility,
who alledg’d, That it was contrary to their ancient Laws and Cuſtoms to have
any
Images or Pictures brought into their Country, ſuch as were frequent in
the Romans Arms and Banners. The Mildneſs of this General was eaſily
prevaild upon, who ordering his Army anotlier Way, at the Paſſover, went
up to Jeruſalem with Herod and his Friends, where he offer'd Sacrifice,
And makes
and reinov'd Jonathan from the High-Prieſthood, after he had been a Year
Theophilus in that Office, and plac'd his Brother Theophilus in his Room.
High-Friest,
Vitellius
S.jul returns
Acts
Chap. II.
165
CALIGULA the 4th Rom. Emp.
Dion,
Suet.
Vitellius was ſoon ſtop'd in his Expedition, for not long before Tiberius
Tacit
. in the 23d Year of his Reign, and the 37th of Chriſt, began to loſe his Tiberius de
former Strength and Vigour; which occaſion'd himn to remove to ſeveral clincs.
Places, ſetling at laſt in a Promontory of Milenum. Here, after many
nice Conſiderations and Conſultations with his principal Favourite Me-
cro,
he nominated Caius Caligula, the only ſurviving Son of his Nephew
Germanicus, for his Succeflor, together with a young Grandſon of his
calld Tiberius. His Tyrannies were ſo unbounded, that it was probably
conjectur’d, That he nam’d the former, hoping that his Vices wou'd efface
the Memory of his own Wickedneſs, and with a Belief that he wou'd
extinguiſh the Roman Nobility: For he had frequently ſaid, That in Ca-
ligula he had brought up a Serpent for the People of Rome, and a Phaeton
for the reſt of the World. Tho' his Spirits ſenſibly declin’d, his Diſlimulation
was as ſtrong as ever; and he carry'd on the Humor of his former Luxury
and Debaucheries, deſpiſing all the Arts of Phyſick. But his Weakneſs was
ſoon diſcover'd by Charicles, an eminent Phyſician, who under Pretence
of kiſſing his Hand, felt the Defect in his Pulſe; which was as ſoon per-
ceiv'd by this ſubtle and wary Prince, who ſhortly after diſſembled ſuch
Faintings as that all judg’d him dead, and began to make their Court to
the new Emperor. But recovering again to the great Surprize and al-
moſt Confuſion of Macro and Caligula, they ſoon found Means to diſpatch His Deathe
liim, which was by fmothering him with the Bed-Cloaths, or elle by
Poiſon, as others are of Opinion. This hapned on the 16th Day of
March, under the Conſulſhips of Proculus and Nigrinus, he being 78 Years
of Age, having reign’d from the Death of Auguſtus 22 Years, 6 Months,
and 26 Days.
IV. The Romans found a ſhort Breathing after the Death of Tibe- A.D.37.
riús, and were ſo fond of his Succeſſor Caligula, that they declar'd him ſole
CALI
Emperor, contrary to the expreſs Will of the other, who made him Co-
GULA,
Heir with his Grandſon. The Joy of which Preferment was not confin’d the fourth Ro-
to Rome and Italy, but dilated it ſelf through all the Roman Empire, even man Emperora
to the City of Jeruſalem. Every where Sacrifices were offer'd upon that
Occaſion; ſo that at ſeveral Places above 16000o Cattel were facrific d in
tlıree Months Time. And ſo great was the Superſtition of the Citizens
of Rome, that when the Emperor was ſick, ſome offer'd themſelves to
combat wild Beaſts for his Safety, and others devoted themſelves to Death
at his Recovery, and ſet up Bills of their Reſolution in the Streets. He
was then ſomewhat above 25 Years of Age, and began his Reign with
all Clemency and Regularity, cauſing the famous Models and Inſtitutions
of Auguſtus to be reviv’d, which had been neglected and diſus’d by Ti-
berius, 'He likewiſe began to regulate and reform many Abuſes in the
State, and ſeverely puniſh'd corrupt Governors; among whom he baniſh'd
Pontius Pilate to Vienna in Gaul, as the Reward of all his former Wicked- Pilate baniſhid,
neſs. He took a ſtrict View of the Equites, and put all ſuch to publick
Shame as were Guilty of any infamous Crime; and puniſh'd the Spintriæ
with Deatlı, thoſe abominable Inventors of unnatural Pollutions, whom
his Predeceſſor ſo much incourag'd. But in a ſhort Time all his promi-
ſing Qualities vaniſh'd, and he acquired ſuch a prodigious Complication
of Enormities, that he became one of the greateſt Monſters that ever trod
upon the Earth, exceeding Tiberius in the blackeſt of his Vices. He was
ſo Proud, that he impiouſly aſſum'd divine Honours, and had a Temple
dedicated to his own Divinity; ſo Prodigal, that he conſum'd above fifty
Millions of our Mony in a few Months Time ; ſo Brutiſh, that he commit-
ted Inceſt with all his Siſters ; and ſo Tyrannical, that he wiſhed, That
the
166
Book II.
Cent. I. ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
He is made
nions.
the Roman People had but one Neck, that he might diſpatch them all at a
Blow. In ſhort, he was ſo ſuperlatively wicked, that Seneca truly ſaid of
him, That Nature ſeem'd to have brought him forth, to ſhew what was poſſi-
ble to be produc'd from the greateſt Viciouſness, Supported by the grisiteſt Au-
thority. So that for a few Years he prov'd a terrible Scourge to the Ro-
mans, and inſulted over that proud City, which had ſo often inſulted over
the reſt of the World.
The Riſe of He-
This Perſon's Promotion to the Empire, prov'd alſo the Riſe and Ad Joſeph.
rod Agrippa. vancement of Agrippa, Grandſon to Herod the Great, and therefore by
St. Luke in the Acts call’d by the Name of Herod. He was Son to Ariſto-
bulus, whom his Father had caus'd to be ſlain, and Brother to the infa-
mous Herodias; a Perſon of a generous and aſpiring Temper, politick
and inſinuating, and highly zealous for Judaiſm and the Moſaick Rites.
He was now about 47 Year of Age, and had run through all the various
Changes of Fortune; having been ſeveral Times reduc'd to the extremeſt
Want and Poverty, ranging from City to City, and from Nation to Na-
tion, till he gaind the ſpecial Favour of Tiberius the Emperor, who in
a ſhort Time upon Suſpicion threw him into Priſon, where he con-
tinu'd as much in Danger of Execution, as formerly he had been of
Starving. But ſhortly after Tiberius's Death, Caligula, with whom he had
contracted a particular Friendſhip, ſent for him from Priſon to his Palace,
array'd him in Robes, chang’d his Chain of Iron for one of Gold of
the ſame Weight, put a Diadem upon his Head, and made him King
of all his Uncle Philip's Dominions, with the Addition of the Tetrarchy
King of Phi- of Abilene in Syria, which formerly belong'd to Lifanias. So that in three
lip's Domi-
Years Time, from the Death of Philip, there was another Change in the
Marullus the Government of Paleſtine. At the ſame Time Caligula ſent Marullus to be
fixth Governor Governor of Judæa and Samaria, in the Room of Pontius Pilate, he being
the ſixth Procurator ſince the Baniſhment of Archelaus; but Agrippa conti-
nu'd about a Year with the Emperor, before he went to his own Domi-
nions.
A.D.38. In the Beginning of the following. Year, Saul having preach'd many tisg .
Calig. = City, that they refolv'd upon his Death; and becauſe their Power was
cuis in Dinger.
leſs than their Malice, they apply'd themſelves to the Governor of the 18, 19.
Place under Aretas, and by their Inſinuations and Suggeſtions obtain'd a
ſpecial Guard to keep the Gates, and prevent his Eſcape. But the Diſ-
ciples, having Notice of their Deſigns, were as careful to preſerve him,
as his Enemies were to deſtroy him; and finding no other Remedy, they
let him down in a Basket from one of their Houſes over the City Walls.
And having thus eſcap'd, about three Years after his Converſion, he re-
Hegses to Je. pair’d to Jeruſalem, to viſit Peter, and the Church there ; but the Diſciples
knowing his former Temper and Principles, were afraid, and univerſally
ſhun'd his Company ; till Barnabas, an eminent Diſciple, who knew all
his Circumſtances brought him to the Apoſtles, Peter, and James the Bi-
ſhop of the Place, acquainting them with his miraculous Converſion, and
his zealous Preaching at Damaſcus; which clear'd all their Doubts, and
caus'd them to admit him to an intimate Communion with them. Here
he continu'd with all Boldneſs, and his Sermons were ſo powerful, and
his Diſputations with the Helleniſts ſo unanſwerable, that like the Jews
in Damaſcus they eagerly ſought his Life. But being in the Temple at
his Devotions, he fell into a Trance and ſaw Jeſus in a Viſion, who or-
der'd him to haſten out of Jeruſalem ; for that the Jews were not dispos’d to
receive his Teſtimony. Whereupon he humbly alledg’d, That his former Zeal
in impriſoning and ſcourging the Believers, and his joining in the Blood of
the
23- 31.
17 - 21.
Sanlitt Damar-
Galur.is
rufalem,
Chap. II.
167
CALIGULA the 4th Rom. Emp.
Pbilo.
Fofeph.
Alexandria :
ted.
the Martyr Stephen, had now made him a more unqueſtionable Evidence of
the Truth and Power of the Goſpel. But Jefus exprelly commanded him to
depart ; for that he deſign’d to ſend him into the Country of the Gentiles.
Upon which, having ſtay'd in Jeruſalem only fiftcen Days, he left the City;
and being conducted by the Brethren as far as Caſarea, he ſet ſail for his And from
own City Tarſus in Cilicia, and ſaw not Jeruſalem till ſeveral Years after. thence to his
And now all the Churches in Judæa, Samaria and Galilee had Peace, daily lus
.
own City Tar-
encreaſing and flouriſhing, to the Honour of Jeſus Chriſt and his Goſpel,
and the great Comfort of all the Diſciples.
In the ſame Year that Saul repair'd to Jeruſalem, King Herod Agrippá
at Rome obtain'd Leave of Caligula to go into Paleſtine for the Settlement
of his Kingdom, promiſing after that to return again. According to the
Emperor's Advice, he took his Voyage firſt to Ægypt, and arriv'd at the King Agrippa
Port of Alexandria, a celebrated City, the Metropolis of the whole Coun-goes through
try, and the ſecond of the Roman Empire for Extent, Trade or Inhabitants ;
being about 300 Miles almoſt Weſt of Jeruſalem. The Alexandrians having
an inveterate Hatred againſt the Jews, thought themſelves highly affron-
ted at the Arrival of a King of that Nation; and by the Connivance,
or rather Inſtigation of Flaccus the Governor, they expos'd and ridiculd
him in their Stages, in their Songs, in their Speeches, and in all publick
Places. And that nothing might be wanting to compleat their Scurrillity, where he is
they took a poor Mad-Man, who always walk'd naked in the Streets, and highly affron:
ſetting him aloft in the moſt publick Manner, put a Paper Crown upon
his Head, a Mat about his Body for a Robe, and a Reed in his Hand for
a Sceptre; then being ſurrounded by young Men, with Poles on their Shoul-
ders, inſtead of Guards, fome came to him for Juſtice, others for Counſel,
and all Haild him with the Title of Marim; which in the uſual Language
of the Jews fignify'd Lord. And thus the King of the Jews was derided
after the ſame Manner by others, as the Jews themſelves five Years before
had derided the true Majeſty of their own King Jeſus Chriſt.
Shortly after, theſe Scoffs and Jeſts encreas'd to greater Violences; and the
Vengeance of Heaven began to purſue the Jews in a Country where a Million
of that Nation reſided, as Philo teſtifies. For the Alexandrians, by the Encou-
ragement of Flaccus, unanimouſly ſet up the Images of Caligula, who had
lately proclaim'd himſelf a God, in their Synagogues and Oratories, and
upon their Refuſal, burnt and demoliſh'd them without Diſtinction. After
which, the Governor by Edict declar'd the Jews Foreigners and Strangers, The Jews it
not giving them Liberty of pleading their Cauſe, but condemning them un-
barbarouſli
judg’d. And proceeding in theſe Violences, the common People were al-
low'd to rifle and plunder their Houſes as they pleas'd, which not only oc-
caſion'd great Damages to all who were concern'd with them in Trade,
but alſo caus'd infinite Murthers, and intolerable Cruelties. For ſome
were burnt alive with flow Fires, many were crucify'd, and others hang’d:
Old Men were drag'd along the Streets, and cruelly ſcourg'd; and young
Women were ſhamefully expos'd : Many Men were ty'd to Wheels, and
others dragʻd with Cords by the Legs through the Market Place,
the common People inſulting over them, and not ſparing their dead Bo-
dies. In ſhort, the fews continu'd under the moſt barbarous Treatments
for about two months, till the Emperor was ſo far perſuaded by Agrippa, But are relievd
who had been partly Spectator of theſe Violences, that he ſent Baſſus a by the Removal
Centurion, who arreſted Flaccus, and brought him to Italy; and notwith-of Flaccus:
ſtanding all his Flatteries and pretended Zeal for the Emperor's Honour,
he was firſt baniſh'd, and afterwards put to Death.
Jofeph.
Agrippa having eas'd the Jews in Alexandria, and ſettled himſelf in his
Dominions, in the Beginning of the following Year, and ſecond of Caligula,
his
Philo.
Alexandria
treated
168
Book II
Cent. I
.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY,
Husband He-
pa.
The Ambition his impious Siſter Herodias grew impatient at his Advancement, and was en-
of Herodias. rag'd to ſee him ſtart from a Dungeon to a Throne, and now to have the
Power as well as the Title and Ornaments of a King. Her reſtleſs Ambi-
tion, and her inceffant Intreaties at length prevaild upon her Husband He-
rod, to go to Rome with magnificent Preſents, and beg the ſame Dignity
of Cæfar. Agrippa underſtanding both their Intentions and Preparations,
as ſoon as lie heard of his putting to Sea, immediately ſent his Freed-Man
Fortunatus to the Emperor with Preſents, and Letters written againſt his
Uncle Herod. Caligula was then at Baia, a pleaſant Town in Campania,
and upon Herod's Arrival, prevented him, by ſhewing the Letters he re-
ceiv’d from Agrippa, which accus’d Herod of formerly conſpiring with Se-
janus againſt Tiberius, and of his preſent favouring Artabanus King of
Parthia againſt Caligula; for which Purpoſe he had prepard Arms fuffi-
cient for ſeventy thouſand Men. The Emperor mov'd at this Account,
demanded of Herod, Whether he had made thoſe warlike Preparations or not?
which the other granting, concerning the Number of the Arms, he ac-
Which cauſes cording to his raſh way, without any farther Enquiry, depriv’d him of
the final Ba- his Dominions, both of Galilee and Peral, and of all his Riches, and
niſhment of her
moreover perpetually baniſh'd him to Lyons in Gaul; and this after a
rod and her wicked Reign of about 43 Years. But underſtanding Herodias was Siſter
ſelf.
to Agrippa, he allow'd her her own proper Treaſure, and ſuppoſing ſhe
wou'd not willingly accompany her Husband in his Calamity, he told her,
That he pardon'd her for her Brother's Sake. But ſhe teſtifying her Readineſs
to be partaker with her Husband's Miſeries, Caligula took it as an Affront,
His Dominions and baniſh'd her likewiſe; giving all her Treaſure as well as her Husband's
given to Agrip- Dominions to Agrippa. And thus was this Couple puniſh'd for their in-
ceſtuous Marriage and their other Crimes ; about eight years after John
Baptiſt had been beheaded by this Herod, and ſix Years after our bleſſed
Saviour had been derided by the ſame Perſon, in the Year 39. In the
ſame Year Pontius Pilate at Vienna, not far from Lyons, being in extreme
Pilate kills Miſery, and daily afflicted by Caligula, kill'd himſelf with his own Hands,
himſelf.
and ſo became the Revenger of his Wickedneſs upon himſelf, as the Be-
trayer of our Lord had been before, as Euſebius, Orofius, and ſeveral others
teſtifie.
V. During theſe Tranſactions, the Church had Peace and flouriſh'd
-39. exceedingly, the Goſpel daily ſpreading among the Jews
in all Parts
. Saul
Calig. diligently preach'd the Word in his own Country Cilicia, and alſo in Syria.
of the Founding Peter made a general Viſitation of all the Saints in Judæa, Galilee, and Sa-
rick of An- maria; and this Year, he is ſaid by Baronius and ſome others to have foun-
ded a Biſhoprick in Antioch, a great and noble City, the Metropolis of all
Syria, and about 260 Miles almoſt North of Jeruſalem. Euſebius tells us
he founded a Church in this City; and St. Chryfoftom ſays that he had
the Care and Preſidency of it ſeven Years, for which Reaſon he is often
call’d the firſt Biſhop of the See, and the following Biſhops his Succeſſors.
Yet it is much doubted by many whether he was the firſt Founder of this
Biſhoprick or not; and much more, whether it was in'this Year that we
are now upon. But to proceed to greater Certainties, about this Time,
Peter goes to Peter in his Progreſs arriv’d at a little Town call'd Lydda, about 24 Miles
Lydda, and North-Weſt of Jeruſalem, to viſit the new Converts there. Here he found 32-35;
a certain Man nam'd Æneas, who being incurably ſeiz'd with the Palfie,
had lạin Bed-rid in that Condition for eight years together. Peter being
ſenſible what an Influence ſo great a Miracle wou'd have, ſtaid not to en-
quire after his Faith, but as if he had brought the Meſſage from Heaven
to him, ſaid immediately, Æneas, Jeſus Chriſt maketh thee whole, ariſe,
and
A.D.39
2
3
tioch.
Alts g.
Cures Æneis.
*
Chap. II.
169
CALIGULA the 4th Rom. Emp:
.
Acts 9.
and make thy Bed, as a Teſtimony of thy perfe& Recovery; and he accordingly
did ſo. The Knowledge of this Miracle, which foon ſpread it ſelf by the un-
uſual Appearance and Converſe of Æneas, gain'd all the Inhabitants of Lydda,
and of Saron a neighbouring Town, to the true Faith of the Goſpel.
Peter continu'd not long at Lydda, before he was earneſtly entreated by He is ſent for
to Joppa
36-43
. two Meſſengers to go over to foppa, a noted Port about fix Miles diſtant,
upon the account of one Tabitha, whoſe Greek Name was Dorcas, figni-
fying a Roe, a Chriſtian Woman venerable for her Piety and diffuſive Cha-
rity, who lately dy'd, to the great Lamentation of all good Men, and
much more to the Loſs of the Poor that had been ſo often reliev'd by her:
Peter ready to gratifie their Deſires, and to aſſiſt in a common Cauſe, im-
mediately accompany'd the Meſſengers; and arriving at the Houſe, they
carry'd him into an upper Chamber, where the Body of Tabitha was laid,
ready walh’d, and dreſs'd up for its funeral Solemnities, according to the
Cuſtom of the Jews, and attended with many ſorrowful Widows. They
durſt not preſent an open Petition to him to raiſe her from the Dead, but
by their Tears and Lamentations, by their Commendations of hier Charity,
and their ſhewing the Coats and Garments wherewith ſhe cloath'd them,
they ſufficiently teſtify'd their Deſires. Wliereupon this Apoſtle, knowing
how beneficial ſuch a Woman was to the Church, caus'd all the Company
to retire, and praying with his Face towards the Body, he commanded hier Where he raiſes
To ariſe, and immediately ſhe open'd her Eyes, and ſeeing Peter, ſat up. The dead.
Then taking her by the Hand, and lifting her up, he preſented her alive
to the holy Brethren and Widows, to their ſurprizing Joy and Comfort:
This great Miracle being wrought in the Preſence of ſo many, was ſoon
known throughout the whole Town; and many being convinc'd by it, bea
liev'd in Jeſus Chriſt. After this, Peter continu'd a conſiderable Time in
Foppa, probably near a Year, lodging in the Houſe of one Simon a Tanner.
In the Beginning of the following Year, King Herod Agrippa took Poſlef-
, the
two Provinces of Galilee and Perea, which Caligula had given
him; 16 Calig. :
that his Power and Grandeur daily encreas’d. About the fane Time his
Country Men the Jews were reduc'd to extreme Difficulties and vaſt Dangers The Jews all
by the exorbitant Pride and Madneſs of the Emperor, who having erected realised to greate
Temples and Altars to his own Divinity, expected that all Nationis ſhou'd the Pride of
adore him as a God. And becauſe the Jews were the chief Oppoſers of this Caligula.
monſtrous Humour, and particularly had deſtroy'd an Altar of his in Jam-
nia
a City of Judæa, he ſent expreſs Orders to Petronins, whom he had
lately made Governor of Syria in the Room of Vitellius, to dedicate a large
and coſtly Image to him, and ſet it up in the very Temple of Jeruſalem.
And that the Deſign might meet with no Obſtacles, lie conimanded him to
ſend for half of the Army from Euphrates, that lay there for the Defence
of all the Eaſt, to accompany the Statue to Jeruſalem, not only to make
the Dedication more pompous, but alſo to cut in pieces any that durft make
Reſiſtance. Ordering farther, that the Image ſhou'd be plac'd in the San-
&tuary of the Temple, which after that ſhou'd be call’d, THE TEMPLE
OF ILLUSTRIOUS CAIDS, AND PROPITIOUS JUPITER.
Petronius having appointed the beſt Artificers in Sidon for this Work, con-
vocated the chief of the Jews both Prieſts and Magiſtrates to declare the
Emperor's Commands to them, perſuading them to reſt ſatisfy'd with the
Decrees of his Lord and Maſter, and cautioning them of the imminent Dan-
ger of their Diſobedience, which wou'd draw upon them the whole Power
of the Syrian Forces. At the firſt naming of theſe Things, they were con-
founded and ſpeechleſs, pouring out Floods of Tears, and tearing their
Hair and Beards after a deplorable Manner. And thoſe in Jeruſalem and the
Y
adjacepi
Foreph.
Philo.
A.D.40
170 Cent. I.
Book II.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
upon
Jofepho
adjacent Country, leaving their Houſes, Towns and Caſtles deſolate, with
all the Marks of the moſt publick Mourning, repair'd to Petronius then in
Phænicia ; in ſuch Multitudes, that ſome apprehended the Governor in no
little Danger. They were diſtributed into fix Clafles, three on the one side,
old Men, young Men, and Boys; three on the other, old Women, Wives, and
Virgins; who when they ſaw Petronius upon his Seat, all, as if by a general
Word, fell proſtrate upon the Ground, filling the Air with their Sighs and
Lamentations: Then with much Perſuaſion ariſing, they caſt Duſt
their Heads, and with Hands behind them like condemn’d Perſons, ap-
proach'd the Governor, uſing ſuch moving Complaints, and ſhewing ſo
little Value for their Lives, that Petronius and thoſe who ſat by him, were
extremely affected, and wou'd have gladly declin'd the Matter upon ſeveral
Accounts, but were deterr'd by the inſupportable Huncur of the Emperor.
After much Conſultation Petronius wrote to Caligula, not directly in Favour
of the Jews, but to acquaint him that the Dedication of the Image was de-
ferr'd, partly for the Time it requir’d to bring it to the utmoſt Perfection,
and partly for the gathering the Corn neceflary in the Expedition.
About the ſame Time ſeveral Ambaſſadors from the Jews waited upon the Philo.
Emperor upon the Account of new Diſturbances in Alexandria, among
whom was the famous Philo, the moſt celebrated Scholar and Philoſopher
of that Nation. But neither their Preſence, nor the Letters of Petronius
cou'd prevail any thing upon the Temper of this Tyrant, but he pertina-
ciouſly inſiſted upon his Deityſhip, and gave the ſtricteſt Charge for the
erecting his Image immediately after Harveſt, to the exceeding Terror of
the whole Race of the Jews. At length his great Favourite Agrippa, coming
to Rome, reſolv'd to undertake his Country's Cauſe, and became a zealous
Interceſſor in its Behalf, tho' it was not without the Hazard of his Domi-
nions and Life alſo. He well knew the Emperor's extravagant Humour and
Vanity, and therefore made his Approaches with all poſſible Artifice, of
which he was a great Maſter; and partly by his profound Marks of Sorrow,
They are eas'd partly by an ingenious and flattering Letter, and partly by a ſurprizing En-
by Agrippa's tertainment made for him, he obtain'd as an extraordinary Favour from
the Emperor, That the Statue ſhou'd not be dedicated, and accordingly
wrote to Petronius, Not to make any Innovation in the Temple of the Jews. But
left the Favour ſhou'd be too entire, he mixt new Threatnings with it, wri-
ting That if any one ſhou'd dedicate any Temple or Altar to him in any
Part
of Judæa, except in Jeruſalem, it ſhou'd not be oppos’d, but the Oppoſer Shou'd
be immediately puniſh'd with Death. A politick and deadly Contrivance to
involve a Nation in a Rebellion, and in a deſtructive War; ſince the Jews
Enemies were ſo ready to perform that which wou'd inevitably prove their
Ruin. But the Time of their final Deſolation was not yet come, and God
thought fit to keep their Enemies from being active at this Time, and like-
wiſe to deſtroy another Deſign of this Tyrant, which was to have an Image
made at Rome, and to be convey'd fecretly into the Temple at Jeruſalem.
But theſe were fair Warnings from Heaven, ſufficient to awaken any but
this perverſe and obſtinate Nation; which Threatnings were ſeconded by
another Accident that hapned this Year to the Jews about Babylon; namely,
About 50000 a terrible Maſſacre of 50000 of them at one Time. Theſe Things hapned
Jews ſlain near in the fourth Year of the Reign of Caligula, and about ſix Years after the
Babylon.
Martyrdom of St. Stephen, according to the moſt approved Chronologers.
Mediation.
СНАР.
Chap. III.
171
CALIGULA the 3d Roin. Emp.
A
CHAP. III.
From the firſt Call
, and Preaching of the Goſpel to the Gentiles,
to the Martyrdom of the firſt of the Apoſtles, viz. James the Son
of Zebedee.
Containing the Term of about four Tears.
I.T
1-8
HE Goſpel had now been preach'd with great Succeſs, not only in A.D.40.
Judea and the neighbouring Provinces, but in many remote Coun- Calig. 4.
tries, where ever the Jews reſided ; and for about ſeven Years after the Af-
cenſion, They only had the mercifal Offers of Salvation by Jeſus Chriſt. The
Apoſtles had receiv'd Commiſſion to baptize all Nations, but notwithſtan- The firſt Call
ding the ſeveral Illuminations of the Holy Ghoſt, which never come all of the Gentiles,
at once, they hitherto underſtood it of the Jews of all Nations: But now
God thought fit to open a Door to the Gentiles, and to make the Jews
ſenſible that the Partition Wall was laid level, and They no longer a pe-
ALS 10.culiar People. This was begun at Cæſarea, the moſt frequent Reſidence of
the Roman Governors of Judæa, a City inhabited both by Jems and Gen-
tiles, where at this Time one Cornelius was quarter'd, a Roman Centurion Beginning with
or Captain of a Company call'd the Italian Band, which with others kept Cornelius z
Gariſon in this City. This Perſon, tho' uncircumcis'd, and only a Pro-
ſelyte of the Gate, yet arriv'd to the Knowledge of the true God, and
ſerv'd him with ſingular Devotion and Reverence, both himſelf and his
Family; being eminent for his bountiful Alms, and his conftant Prayers.
To one who had made ſuch good Emprovement of his ſmall Portion of
Grace, God was pleas'd to communicate the higheſt Acts of his Favour,
and to make him the firft Fruits of the Gentile Converſion: For being at
his Devotions at the ninth Hour, the Time of the Evening Sacrifice, an
Angel was diſpatch'd from Heaven to acquaint him, That his Prayers and
Alms were highly acceptable in the Sight of God; and as a Token of his Favour,
he order'd him to ſend to Joppa for Simon Peter, who lodg’d at the Houſe
of one Simon a Tanner near the Sea Side, who shou'd diſcover God's Will to
him, and by his Doctrine cauſe him and all his Houſe to be ſaved. Cornelius
with a mixture of Fear and Joy, immediately diſpatch'd two of his Do-Who ſends for
meſtick Servants, and a devout Soldier who conſtantly attended him, to Peter.
Foppa, a Place about 30 Miles almoſt South of Cæfarea, where Peter had
continu'd near a Year.
On the ſame Day that the Meſſengers arriv’d, Peter had retir'd himſelf
eli min. about Noon-Time to the Houſe Top to pray, as the Jews frequently did;
and being very hungry, he call’d for Meat: But while it was preparing,
he fell into a Trance; and in a Viſion law Heaven opend, and a large Peter's Viſion:
Thing like a Sheet knit at the four Corners was let down before him, con-
taining all Sorts of Beaſts, Birds and Reptiles, both Clean and Unclean;
Leing accompany'd with a Voice, crying, Riſe, Peter, kill and eat.
Peter, tenacious as yet of the Rites and Inſtitutions of the Mofaick
Law, rejoind, That he cou'd not do it, having never eaten any thing
common or unclean. To which the Voice reply'd, That what God had
cleans’d, he shou'd not account or call common; intimating, That thoſe Pro-
hibitions concerning Meats, and the Differences between Jew and Gentile
were remov'd, and that he ought not to make a Diſtinction where God
had
Als 10.
Coup. II
I 2.
Y 2
172 Cent. I.
Book 11.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY,
any
2+-+.
had made none. This was done three Times, and the Veſſel was again
taken up into Heaven. Peter, tho' again come to himſelf, was in grcat
Doubt what this extraordinary Vifon thou'd mean, till the thiree Meflengers
from Cornelius arriv'd at the Gate and knocked, enquiring, whether Si-
mon, firnamed Peter, was lodged there? Before they had receiv'd their
Anſwer, the Spirit inwardly ſuggeſted to Peter, That three Men at the
Door enquir'd for him, ordering him to go along with them without
Doubt or Scruple. Peter going down, and receiving their Niefage, cour-
He goes with teouſly invited them in, and lodg’d them all Night in the Houſe; and the
the Meſſengers. next Day travell’d with them from foppa, being
accompany'd with fix Bre-
thren, as Witneſſes of what happen'd' in this Turprizing Affair.
Cornelius , full of Expectation of Peter's Inſtructions from God, with Als 1».
great Impatience waited for his Coming; and becauſe he wou'd have his
Friends and Relations Partakers of ſuch happy News, had invited them
to meet him at his Houſe. Peter on the third Day arriv'd at Cæfarea, and
as he enter'd the Houſe, Cornelius was ſo affected with the Preſence of
ſuch a Meſſenger of God, that exceeding the Bounds of meer civil Re-
fpect, he fell down at his Feet and ador'd him. Tho' ſuch Forms were
uſual in thoſe Eaſtern Countries, yet Peter knowing that the Romans paid
ſuch Veneration only to their Gods, and conſequently that the deſign'd
Honour was more than human, refus'd to accept it, and bad him ſtand up,
and
pay
bim no other Respect than as a Man. Then entering in, Peter firſt
made his Apology to the Company, That tho' they cou'd not but know, that
it was unlawful for a Jew to converſe in the Duties of Religion with thoſe of
another Nation; yet ſince God had now taught him to make no Diſtinctions,
be very readily attended their Pleaſure, defiring to know the Occaſion of their
fending for him. Cornelius made Anſwer, That he did it by the expreſs
Command of God, who wbile he was exercis’d in the Duties of Faſting and
Prayer, ſent an Angel in bright Apparel, ordering him to ſerd to bim at Jop-
pa, from whom he fou'd receive ſome ſpecial Inſtructions, for wbich Reafor
they were all aſſembled to attend bis Words. Peter was now ſenſible that
the Partition was broken down, and that he was call'd in a ſpecial Man-
He preaches to ner to preach to the Gentiles; therefore he declar'd, That now be per-
Cornelius; ceiv'd that God no longer made any Diſtinction of Perfons and People, but
that the Pious and Godly of all Nations shou'd meet with Acceptance. That
the Meſage he had to deliver to them from God was this, even the fame Re-
conciliation by Jeſus Chriſt, the Lord of all, which was formerly taught to
the Children of Iſrael; and in a more conspicuous Manner publiſh'd through-
out all Judæa, beginning at Galilee, immediately after the Preaching of John
Baptiſt : Namely, That God had anointed. Jeſus of Nazareth with the Holy
Ghoſt, and endued him with miraculous Gifts, which he conſtantly exercis’d in
doing Good, and healing ſuch as were under the Power of the Devil; an Ar-
gument that God was with him : That they had ſeen all that he had done
among the Jews, whom tho they had impiously. crucified and Nain, yet Goch
had rais'd him again the third Day, and had openly ſhewn him to his Apoſtles
and Followers, whom he had choſen to be his peculiar Witneſſes, and for that
Purpoſe had admitted them to eat and drink with him after his Reſurrection,
commanding them to preach the Goſpel to all Mankind, and to teſtifie, Thas
he was the perſon whom God had ordain'd to be the great. Judge of all the
World: That all the Prophets with one Conſent bore Witneſs of him; That
this Jeſus is He in whoſe Name mhoſoever believ'd, Mou'd certainly receive
Remiſion of Sins.
While Peter was thus preaching to them, the Holy Ghoſt, who had 1:7510,
purified their Hearts by Faith, fell upon all that heard him, cauſing them
immediately to ſpeak with Tongues, and to glorifie the Almighty, with-
44-48.
out
Chap. III.
173
CALIGULA the 4th Rom. Emp.
rul .
Aits II.
- 18.
out any Impoſition of the Apoſtle's Hands, to the great Aſtoniſhment of
the Believing Jews then preſent with Peter, who thought the Promiſe of
the Holy Ghoſt belong'd only to the Houſe of Iſrael. When Peter ſaw
the Gentiles thus baptiz'd with the Holy Ghoſt, of which the Baptiſm of
Water was but a Type and an inſtrumental Conveyance, he thought it
unreaſonable to deny them this latter; and therefore immediately order'd And baptizes
them to be baptiz'd with water in the Name of the Lord, and ſo united bim, and feve-
them to Chriſt's Body the Church, as true Members of it. Cornelius and
his Friends being thus Partakers of their Deſires, were very unwilling to
part with Peter, who had been the Means of their Converſion; therefore
for their better Inſtruction and Confirmation they prevaild with him to tarry
witla tļiem certain Days, where probably he made more Gentile Converts.
And thus Peter began to enlarge the Foundation, becoming a Head Builder
of God's Church, and by means of his Keys to open a Door to tlie Gentiles,
which was never to be ſhut again.
This remarkable Ad of Peter's was ſoon nois d among the Apoſtles and
other Brethren in Judæa, who were highly offended at his Preaching to
the Gentiles, as being without either Warrant or Reaſon; and coming to
Jeruſalem ſhortly after, with his ſix Companions, the Jewiſh Converts, who
ſtill retain'd their inveterate Prejudice againſt the t'entiles, accounting
them Reprobates and unworthy of all ſpiritual Mercies, utterly condemn'd
hin for converſing ſo freely with the Gentiles, and eating with them.
But Peter ſufficiently defended himſelf, by relating how God had now re- He vindicates
mov'd his Hatred againſt the Gentiles, by a particular Viſion and the Action
Revelation froin Heaven ; by which he was convinc'd that all Crea-the Apo/lles at
Jeruſalem.
tures were lawful to be eaten by God's Permiſſion, and all Men to be af-
ſociated with, whom He had thought fit to cleanſe by his Grace: How Cor-
nelius had ſent for him by God's immediate Order, and that the Spirit com-
manded him to go along with the Meſſengers: How God upon his Preach-
ing pour'd out the Holy Ghoſt upon them, as he had done upon the Apo-
ſtles on the Day of Pentecoſt, as the fix Brethren who accompany'd him
to Cæfarea were at preſent ready to teſtifie. Upon which he told them,
That be then remember'd the Promiſe of Jeſus, That their Baptiſm from John
was with Water, but theirs shou'd be with the Holy Ghoſt; and that ſince God
was pleas’d to beftow on the Gentiles the ſame Marks of Converſion, as he did
on his ſelect Diſciples, he juſtly thought it to be a withſtanding God's Will to
deny them Admiſion into his Church, and therefore baptiz d them. This
Apology gave them full Satisfaction, ſo that with a ſilent Admiration they wb are highly
glorify'd the All-merciful God, for admitting the Gentiles to be Sharers in pleas'l with it.
the Goſpel Privileges, and granting themn alſo a Poſlibility of being ſaved
by Faith and Repentance.
About the fame Time, the Emperor Caligula, having committed a thou- Caligula grow's
fand Extravagancies, and monſtrous Cruelties, began to grow inſuppor- inſupportable.
table to the Empire, proving a real Phaeton to the World, according to the
unlucky Predictions of his Predeceſſor Tiberius ; but as he began to ſet all
Things on fire, ſo he was ſoon ſcorch'd and conſum'd in thoſe Flames he
laad lo furiouſly blown up. When neither his own Reaſon, his Subjects
Humility, nor bis Country's Laws cou'd move him to Moderation, or di-
vert him from his Tyrannies, many began to conſpire againſt him, but
ineffectually; till at lengtlı Caſſius Chereas, an Officer of his Guards reſolvid
upon it, being prompted to it upon many Accounts. He undertook it in
tlie Beginning of the following Year, and ſecretly imparted his Deſigns to
ſeveral Senators, Equites, and others, who readily joining with him pri-
vately kept themſelves in Arms, every Perſon promoting the Deſign with
all poſſible Vigour and Reſolution. Chereas having fix'd on a convenient
Hour
Dior.
Suet.
fofeph.
174 Cent. I.
Book II.
ECCLESIASTICAL History.
i
Hour for his fatal Attempt, order'd his Companions to attend him in a
Vault, or private Gallery, where the Emperor uſually paſs'd unſeen from
his Palace to ſome Baths not far diſtant. To that Place he repair'd
with his Affociates; and ſhortly after meeting with Caligula, and firſt
paying ſome Reſpect to him, he gave him a mortal Wound, crying out,
Tyrant, think upon this! and immediately the reſt of the Conſpirators
He is slain. ruſh'd in, and diſpatch'd him with thirty Wounds, he for ſome Time
crying out, That he was ſtill alive. His Death was accompany'd with
that of his Wife Cafonia, who was ſtab'd by a Centurion, and of his
only Daughter, an Infant in the Cradle, who had her Brains dalh'd
out againſt a Wall, that the Tyrant's whole Race might be extirpated;
and the Senate order'd his Mony to be melted down, that, if it were poffi-
ble, his Name and Feature might be forgotten in future Ages. His Death
hapned in the Year 41, and the 24th Day of January, under the Conſul-
Mips of Himſelf and Saturninus, he being in the 29th Year of his Age,
having reign'd three Years, ten Months, and eight Days.
A.D.41. II. The Marther of Caligula being publiſh'd in the City, it caus'd a
CLAU- great Alteration and Confuſion in all Parts; and ſince the Act was com-
DIUS, mitted in ſuch a ſecret Place many imagining it ſome Artifice to diſcover
the fifth Ro- the Peoples Affections, ſuſpended their Belief of it, till the German
man Emperor. Guards fufficiently ſhew'd it by the Diſturbances they rais'd, and the Mur-
thers they committed in the Palace. The Senate was reſolv'd to reſtore
the Roman Liberty, and deſtroy the Monarchy, and accordingly ſeiz'd on
the Capitol; but the City was much divided, the Commons urging hotly
the Election of a new Emperor, and the Nobility as violently promoting
the Reſtauration of their ancient Privileges. The Soldiers join'd with
the Commons, but while Affairs continu'd in this Confuſion, neither knew
whom to nominate for Emperor, till ſome of the Soldiers running about
for Plunder in the Palace, diſcover'd Caligula's Uncle Claudius, hid in a
ſecret Hole for fear of his Life, and brought him into the Camp, where
they proclaim'u him Emperor, when he expected nothing but Death at
their Hands. The Senate immediately ſent to him to adviſe him, To
reſign his Pretenſions, and not diſturb the publick Peace : But He equally
confounded with Fear and Ignorance knew not what to ſtand by, till
King Agrippa, with great Difficulty making way through the Multitudes,
came to him and encourag’d him to retain the Sovereignty; upon which,
what with the Peoples Cries, and the Soldiers Threats, the Senate were
at laſt brought to a Compliance, and alſo acknowledgʻd him Emperor.
This was a Perſon the moſt unlikely of all others to arrive at this
Dignity, for tho' he had taken ſome Pains in Learning, he was re-
ſerv'd by Caligula only for a laughing Stock ; and either upon the Ac-
count of his bodily Diſtempers, or the Groſs Stupidity of his Nature, or
thie unactive Cowardice of his Temper, was till this Time, altho' now
in the goth Year of his Age, judg'd incapable of any publick Office in
the State. And his Government prov'd accordingly; for tho he did
ſome Things in the Beginning like a good and wife Prince, as diſannul-
ling all Caligula's cruel Edicts, and forbidding all to ſacrifice to him; yet
he ſo much gave himſelf up to a gluttonous, inſenſible, paſſive Life,
tliat his Favourites impos'd upon him as they thought fit, and became
intolerable Oppreſſors and Tyrants, inflicting innumerable Deaths and
other Cruelties, ſelling Governments and Dignities, iſſuing out Pardons
and Penalties without his Knowledge. He was ſo cowardly fearful, that
when a Rebel, call’d Camillus, commanded hiin by Letter to reſign his
Empire, he was ready to have done it ; fo ſhort ſighted, that his Empreſs
Meffaling
€
Chap. III.
175
CLAUDIUS the 5th Rom. Emp.
Foſeph.
Paleſtine,
dius.
Meſſalina marry'd her ſelf to another Man almoſt in his Preſence ; ſo
ſtupid, that when News was brought him of her Execution, he ſhew'd
not the leaſt Token of Joy, Sorrow, or human Affection; and ſo for-
getful, that he frequently ask'd and ſent for ſuch as he had executed the
Day before. In Niort, as Tacitus ſays of him, he had neither Thought;
Judgment, Will, nor Paſſion, but what was put into him by other
Men.
As the laſt Emperor caus'd the Riſe and Advancement of Herod Agrippa,
Dien. ſo this compleated his Honour and Sovereignty; and not only confirm'd
to him his former Dominions of Trachonitis, Galilee, and Perea with Agrippa made
Abilene, but alſo added Samaria, Judæa with Idumea, all that had been King of all
ſubject to his Grand-Father Herod the Great; ſo that the whole Coun-
try of Paleſtine again came into the Hands of one Prince. Claudius ad-
ded to his Bounty many Commendations of Agrippa, and caus'd the Al-
liance that was paſs'd between them to be engraven in Braſs : He more-
over beſtow'd Conſular Honours upon hiin, and gave Pretorian Dignity to
a Brother of his nam'd Herod, to whom he alſo beſtow'd the Kingdom
of Chalcis at the Foot of Mount Libanus. Beſides thefe Acts of Grace he
publiſh'd two Edi&ts, one in favour of the Jews of Alexandria, wherein he The Jews far
.
commanded they ſhou'd be no longer moleſted, but enjoy all the Privileges of vour'd try Clau-
the City; and the other in Favour of the Jews throughout the whole
Empire, wherein they were allow'd to live according to their own Laws,
and the Rites of their Anceſtors, provided they did not abuſe their Liberty in
diſturbing the Religions of other Nations. But in this ſame Year, Dion
aſſures us, that when they grew ſo numerous in Rome, that the City
became uneaſie, he forbad all their publick Aſſemblies, and put down their
Colleges, and alſo their Taverns where they uſually met.
Claudius ſhortly after his Edicts ſent Agrippa to his Kingdom, comman-
ding all his Preſidents and Lieutenants in the Provinces through which
he was to paſs, to give him a friendly and honourable Attendance. But
he having happily diſpatch'd his Affairs, return'd with all Expedition
to Jeruſalem, where he immediately offer'd his Sacrifice of Thankſgiving, Agrippa comes
omitting nothing preſcrib'd by the Law. He cauſed divers Nazarites to to Jeruſalem;
be ſhaved, and hung up in the Temple that ponderous Chain of Gold
which Caligula had given him, as an illuſtrious Monument of the In-
ſtability of human Affairs, and of the Power of God, who can raiſe
Men in a Moment from the meaneſt Obſcurity to the moſt exalted Gran-
deur. He was a zealous Obſerver of the Jewiſh Law, carefully avoided
all legal Impurities, and ſeldom paſs’d a Day without ſacrificing; for
which Reaſon he had his principal Reſidence at Jeruſalem, engaging the
Good Will of the Inhabitants by remitting a Tribute, which they con-
ſtantly paid out of every Houſe. He much affected the Splendor and
Magnificence of his Grand-Father, but not his extreme Severity and
Cruelty : Tho' Dion attributes many of Caligula's bloody Edicts to his
Councils
, and Joſephus cannot wholly excuſe lais Vanity and Prodigalitý.
In the firſt Year of his Reign, he made two Changes in the High-Prieſt-
hood: He firſt remov'd Theophilus the Son of Annas, who had held that And firſt makes
Dignity four Years, and beſtow'd it on Simon Cantharus, the Son of Si Simon High-
Prieſt,
mon or Boethus, Father-in-Law to Herod the Great. And not long after,
he depos'd Simon, and offer'd the Prieſthood to Jonathan Brother to
Theophilus, who had once before held it in the Year 35, ſucceeding Caia-
phas; but he modeſtly declind the Honour, begging it might be beſtowd
upon his Brother Matthias, which was granted. About the ſame Time And then Mas-
certain raſh young Men, the Inhabitants of Dor, a City on the Borders thias,
of Phænicia, rais'd a Diſturbance by placing the Emperor's Image in the
Jewiſh
Fofoph.
*
176 Cent. I.
Book II.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY:
at Dor.
to them.
St. Matthews
A Diſturbance Jewiſh Synagogue ; which highly offended Agrippa, who judg’d it as an
Act tending to the Ruin of the Jewiſh Religion. For which Cauſe, with
all Expedition he repair'd to Petronius Governor of Syria, con plaining
of their infolent Behaviour to him, who was their Governor. Petronius
was no leſs diſpleas'd tlian he, and therefore wrote ſharp Letters to the Ma-
giſtrates of Dor, commanding them to bind and puniſh the guilty Perſons;
which ended the Diſturbance.
III. A Door being happily open'd for the Promulgation of the Gof- das ur.
pel to the Gentiles, ſome Diſciples born in Cyprus and Cyrene, who ſince the "9-24.
Death of Stephen had travelld in many countries, preaching the Goſpel
to the Jews only, now arriv'd at the great City of Antioch ; and hearing
of the Converſion of Cornelius and others, they alſo preach'd Jeſus to the
Many Gentiles Greeks and Gentiles of that City : And God exceedingly proſper'd their
comverted at Endeavours, and brought in numerous Converts daily. The Apoſtles who
Barnabas ſent remain'd at Jeruſalem, hearing of this happy. Progreſs, fent Barnabas to
Antioch, to aſſiſt and confirm the Diſciples in that City ; who coming and
ſeeing with what good Succeſs the Goſpel had been preach'd among them,
rejoycd extremely, exhorting them firmly to hold faſt to the Faith in
Chrift: And being a pious Perſon, and of inany excellent Gifts and
Graces, by his Means, great Numbers of others were alſo won over to
the Goſpel.
In the ſame Year, according to the moſt receiv’d Opinion, St. Mat-
Goſpel written. thew at Jeruſalem, firſt of all others undertook to commit the chief Actions
of our bleſſed Saviour to Writing, calling his Book by the Name of
Evdy sencov, or Goſpel, becauſe it brought joyful and happy Tydings to
Mankind, namely, Pardon and Redemption by the Blood of Jeſus. It
was written at the Requeſt of the Jewiſh Converts; and as Epiphanius adds,
at the Command of the Apoſtles, about eight Years after the Death of
Chriſt, according to Euſebius ; tho Nicephorus ſuppoſes it fifteen, and
Irenæus ſeems to imply that it was written while Peter and Paul preach'd
at Rome. Being primarily deſign'd for thoſe of the Circumciſion, he be-
gins with the temporal and human Generation of Jeſus Chriſt, in which
the Promiſes made in a ſpecial Manner to Abraham and David, concern-
ing the Meſſiah, were apparently fulfill’d, which were particular Induce-
ments to the Jews to believe. In the reſt of his Goſpel he takes more than
ordinary Notice of thoſe Paſſages of our Saviour's Life which reſpected
Mens Manners and the Corruptions of the Jews ; therefore he relates the
Sermon upon the Mount, Chriſt's Invectives againſt the Scribes and Pha-
riſees, and the Deſtruction of feruſalem, more largely than the other Evan-
geliſts: But the whole is not ſo regular and methodical as the reſt of the
Goſpels
. That his own Country Men might receive the greater Benefit
from it, he wrote it in the Hebrew Tongue, or rather Syriack, the uſual
Language of Paleſtine, as all the Ancients do aſſert; whoſe poſitive De-
terminations we cannot reject, without ſtronger Reaſons than we find
brought by the modern Denyers
. The Original has been long loſt,
but the Greek Verſion remains, being made in the Time of the Apo-
ſtles, but it is uncertain by whom it was done. Some believe it done by
St. John, but Athanafius exprefly attributes it to fames Biſhop of Jeruſalem.
However it imports not much, whether it was tranſlated by an Apoſtle or
ſome Diſciple, ſince the Apoſtles approv'd of the Verſion, and the Church
has ever receiv'd the Greek Copy for Authentick, and repos’d it in the fa-
cred Canon.
About
Chap. III.
177
CLAUDIUS the 5th Rom. Emp:
25, 26.
Alsira : About the Beginning of tlie following Year, Saul after three Years hard A.D.42.
Labour, and many Difficulties encounter'd both in Syria and Cilicia, re-Claud. 2:
turn'd to his own City Tarſus. Here he was met by Barnabas, who pro-
bably knowing he was deſign’d for Miniſter to the Uncircumciſion,
gave him an Account of his Succeſs in Antioch among the Gentiles, and
delir'd his Aſliſtance in that Place. Which being a large and populous Saul goes with
Fcfopis. City, and the Reſidence of the Roman Governor of the Eaſt, Saul rea- Antioch.
dily attended him thither, and continu'd with him preaching the Goſpel
for a whole Year with extraordinary Succeſs. About the Time of Saul's
Arrival, the Governor was chang’d; Petronius was recall'd from his Go-
vernment, and Ubius Marſus ſert in his Room; a Perſon not ſo great a
Friend to the Jews, at lealt not to their King Agrippa, as the other. For
in the ſame Year Agrippa having turn'd his Care chiefly upon the City
Jeruſalem, to ſhew fome Marks of his Magnificence, began to fortifie and
enlarge the Walls of the New City, in ſuch manner, that if finiſh'd it Agrippa
wou'd have been an impregnable Fortreſs. But Marſus, jealous of the check'd by Mas-
Greatneſs of this Prince, ſo repreſented the Danger of this Attempt to
Claudius his Maſter, that he thought fit to lay his Cominands
upon
him
to deſiſt from the Undertaking.
This ſame Year is remarkable for a great Famine that hapned in Rome,
which is not the ſame with that mention'd in Act 11. this being particu-
lar, and that general. And this is the Year, viz. the ſecond of Claudius, in
which Baronius, and moſt of the Roman Writers, will have St. Peter to have of St. Peter's
going to Rome.
gone to Rome, and founded the Biſhoprick there, he himſelf continuing
Biſhop of the Place twenty five Years, till his Martyrdom. This is an
Opinion in which they are very poſitive; but after the moſt diligent
Search, we can find no real Foundation for it; but on the contrary, to us
it appears repugnant to the Acts of the Apoſtles, to tlie Epiſtles of St. Paul,
to the moſt evident Circumſtances in Chronology, and likewiſe to the
Teſtimony of the Ancients, particularly Origen and Lactantius, who mená
tion St. Peter's coming to Rome in the latter part of his Days, under the
Reign of Nero. So that we muſt defer this Subject to ſome more pro-
bable Year of his Arrival at Rome.
IV. Tho’ Agrippa was diſappointed of his Deſigns in Jeruſalem, yet A.D.43.
Joſeph.
he omitted no Opportunity of diſplaying his Grandeur, but in Imitation Claud. z:
of the Romans, at immenſe Charges built a magnificent Theatre and Am-
phitheatre, together with large Baths and Porticos at Berytus in Phænicia;
all which he dedicated in the third Year of Claudius, with all imaginable
Pomp and Splendor, as all kinds of Muſick and Feaſtings, Plays and Spe-
&acles, with a formal Battel of 1400 Malefactors, like the Roman Gladia-
tors. After which he repaired to Tiberias, his Uncle Herod's Seat by the
Sea of Galilee, where he entertain'd no leſs than five Kings at one Time,
namely, Antiochus King of Comagena, Sampſigeran King of the Emeſens;
Cotys King of the leſſer Armenia, Polemon King of Pontus, and his Brother
Herod King of Chalcis. To theſe alſo came the Roman Governor Marſus,
whom he met out of the City to ſhew his Reſpect to the Empire; but
ſuch an Interview of Kings, riding all in the ſame Chariot with Agrippä;
caus’d Marſus to ſuſpect a dangerous Alliance; therefore without conſider- Marſus affront's
ing the Rules of Hoſpitality, he immediately gave a particular Order Agrippa.
for each of them to depart into their own Country. Which Action
caus'd Agrippa to hate him, and afterwards to uſe all his Endeavours,
by Writings and other Means to procure the Emperor to remove
Marſus from his Government of Syria. At his Return to Jeruſa-
lem, he made a third Change of the Prieſthood, taking it from Mata
Z
thias,
178 Cent. I.
Book II.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
Elionæus made thias, who had lield it about two years, and giving it to Elionaus the
High-Prieſt.
Son of Cithaus.
The Believers About the ſame Time, Saril and Barnabas having preach'd a Year at Afts 11a
firf obtaind Antioch, where were above 200000 Souls, gain'd Ground daily; and the 26-29.
the Name of
Chriſtians. Believers became ſo numerous and conſiderable, that in this City they firſt
obtain'd the honourable Name of CHRISTIANS, about ten Years
after our Saviour's Aſcenſion; which Name in a ſhort Time prevail'd
all over the World. They were formerly callid Nazarenes and Galileans
by the Jews, but among themſelves,
themſelves, Diſciples, Believers, Saints, Brethren,
and thoſe of the Church; but from hence forward the Name of Naza-
renes or Nazarites was fix'd upon thoſe Jewiſh Converts; who mix'd the
Law and the Goſpel, and compounded a Religion out of Judaiſm and
Chriſtianity. Some ſay the Name of Chriſtians was given to the Believers
by Evodins, newly made Biſhop of Antioch in St. Peter's Room; and
others obſerve that the Word xsmpctioue us’d by St. Luke implys the thing
to have been done by ſome publick Act and Declaration of the whole
Church, ſuch being the uſe of the Word in the Imperial Edicts and Pro-
A Fimine fore-
clamations of thoſe Tinies. In the ſame Year, certain Perſons who at that
told by Agabus. Time liad the Gift of Propheſie came from Jeruſalem to this City; one
of whom nain'd Agabus, by the Spirit of God foretold that there ſhou'd
be a great Famine through many Parts of the World, which occa-
fion'd the Chriſtians carefully to provide againſt it, it hapning in the
following Year, and fourth of Claudius, when Contributions were made
in many Provinces.
St. Mark's Gof In the ſame Year that the Believers were call'd Chriſtians, and third
pel written
of Claudius, it is generally ſuppos’d that a ſecond Goſpel was publiſh'd,
namely, that of St. Mark, about two Years after St. Matthew's tho
as to the Time of Writing, both are uncertain, eſpecially this lat-
St. Mark was of the Tribe of Levi, and one of the Seven-
ty; and moſt probably was 'not the ſame Mark, who is ſo often
nam'd in the Acts of the Apoſtles and St. Paul's Epiſtles. He is ſup-
pos'd to be a Kinſman of St. Peter's ; however he was his conſtant
Attendant and Companion in his Travels, ſupplying the Place of an
Amanuenſis and Interpreter. Having wrote his Goſpel
, which we are
aſſur'd was done at the Intreaty of the Converts at Rome, St. Peter
perus’d it, ratify'd it with his Authority, and commanded it to be
publickly read in the religious Aſſemblies. It was frequently ſtil'd St. Pe-
ter's Goſpel, not ſo much upon the Account of its being dictated by
him, as becauſe he principally compos'd it out of thoſe Diſcourſes
which St. Peter uſually deliver'd to the People. Whereas St. Mat-
thew begins his Goſpel at, and ſomewhat before, the Birth of our blef-
ſed Saviour; St. Mark begins his at the firſt Preaching of John Bap-
tiſt; ſo that the whole conſiſts of leſs than four Years Tranſactions,
all deliver'd in a ſuccinct and regular Method. And tho’ in ſeveral
Places he ſeems to epitomiſe St. Matthew , yet in ſome Paſſages he is
more large and particular ; and that he might not ſhew the leaſt
Partiality, he wou'd not ſpare his dear Tutor and Maſter Peter, in
his Account of his Lapſe and Denial, which lie repreſents with
greater Aggravations than the other Evangeliſts. As to the laſt Chap-
ter of his Goſpel, or part of it, ſaid to be wanting in moſt Gresk
Copies, and by ſome reje&ted, as partly diſagreeing with the other
Goſpels, St. Jerom has ſo well reconcild'them, that he makes them
fairly conſiſtent with each other. It is generally ſaid that this Gof-
pel was written at Rome, when St. Peter was there ; which if true,
it was written much later than the Time we have aſſign'd; for which
Reaſon,
ter.
*
Chap. IV.
176
CLAUDIUS the 5th Rom. Emp.
Alts ni.
j
Reaſon, many believe it was written in Latin ; but this is contrary
to St. Auſtin's and St. Ferom's Opinion, and has no Pretence to ſupa
port it, beſides a ſingle Note at the End of the Syriack Verſion of
this Gofpel, which Note is of very uncertain Antiquity and Autho-
rity.
In the fourth Year of Claudius, the Famine foretold by Ayabus grow- A.D.44.
Sep 12. ing fevere, the Chriftians of Antioch, making a Collection for the Claud. 4.
Friends in Judæa, ſent it by the Hands of Barnabas and Saul, wlio
were made Stewards of the Church's Mony. Before their Arrival, in
the Beginning of the Year, the Church at Jeruſalem began to ſuf- Agrippa perje.
fer extremely from the Acts of King Herod Agrippa, who being zea-cater the
lous of the Moſaick Rites, and deſirous to ingratiate himſelf with
the Jews, rais'd a ſharp Perſecution againſt the Chriſtians, who for
near ten Years liad met with no great Diſturbance in Jeruſalem. And
that he might not fail in his popular Deſigns, he ſtruck at the
Apoſtles themſelves, and began with one of the Sons of Thunder,
James the son of Zebedee, whoſe brave and active contending for
the Truth had render'd him a fit Object for his Turn: Therefore
without Delay he condemnd James to Death. As he was led our
to the Place of Martyrdom, Clemens Alexandrinus tells us, that the
Officer that guarded him, or rather his Accuſer, liaving been con-
vinc'd by the extraordinary Courage and Conſtancy he ſhow'd at his
Trial, repented of his Fact, fell down at this Apoſtle's Feet, and
heartily deſir’d Pardon for what he had done. The holy Martyr,
after a little Surprize, and a Pauſe, rais'd him up, embrac'd and
kiſs'd him, crying, Peace be to thee, my Son : Upon which the other And puts James
publickly profets'd himſelf a Chriſtian, and ſo both were beheaded the Son of Ze
at the ſame Time. And thus fell St. James, firnam'd the Great,
,
the Apoſtolick Protomartyr, the firſt of that Number that gain'd the
Crown, chearfully taking that Cup, which he had long ſince told
his Lord he was ready to drink; having fitted himſelf for it by
his great Temperance and Auſterities. This hapned juſt before the
Paſſover, eleven Years after our Saviour's Crucifixion, ten after St. Stem
phen's Martyrdom, and about four after the firſt Call of the Gen-
tiles.
.
1
CHAP. IV.
From the Martyrdom of James, the firſt of the Apoſtles, to the
End of the firſt Council in the Chriſtian Church, namely; at
Jerufalem.
Containing the Term of about five Years.
AHS 12.
3-17
Claud.4.
Agrippa impri.
I.TH
He Death of the Apoſtle James, who was a Leader and Gover- A.D.44.
nor of the Church, was more pleaſing to the Jews, than of a
Multitude of private Chriſtians; therefore Agrippa that he might farther
ingratiate himſelf with the Rulers, proceeded to apprehend Peter alſo, fons Peters
well knowing how acceptable ſuch a Sacrifice wou'd be. And having
impriſon'd him, he appointed four Quaternions or ſixteen Soldiers to
guard
Z 2
180
Book II.
Cent. I.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
pre-
upon as
guard him, four at a Time, according to the Watches of the Night,
deſigning immediately after the Feaſt of the Paſſover to bring hinn forth
to the Jews, and have him executed. Theſe Proceedings caus'd great
Sorrow and Affliction to the Chriſtians in Jeruſalem, who inceſſantly ſent
up their fervent Prayers to Heaven for his Deliverance; which ſo
vaild, that the Night before his intended Execution, God purpoſely ſent
an Angel from Heaven, who coming to the Priſon, found him faſt alleep
between two of his Keepers, free from Fcars, tho' in the utmoſt Danger
and in the Confines of Death. The Angel, all ſurrounded with Bright-
neſs and Light, gently ſtruck him on the Side, rais'd him up, knock'd off
his Chains, and bad him gird on his Garments, and follow him. Peter
obey'd him, and having paſs’d the firſt and ſecond Guards, they came to
a great Iron Gate leading into the City, which open'd to them of its
own accord; and having gone through one Street, the Angel departed
Who is miracu- from him. Peter tho obſervant of the Angel's Call, yet being ſcarcely
Lously deliver'd awak’d, thought himſelf in ſome Trance, and his Deliverance only ima-
by an
ginary; but being left alone, and plac'd beyond Danger, he perceiv'd it
was real, and cou'd not but thankfully acknowledge God's Goodneſs in
his miraculous Eſcape from Agrippa and the Jews. And that he might
comfort the Chriſtians, whom he knew to be under great Afflictions for
his Sufferings, he firſt went to the Houſe of Mary the Mother of John-
Mark, where many of them were at that Time met to pray for him.
Knocking at the Door, the Maid callid Rboda, who came to let him
in, perceiving it was his Voice, being overjoy'd, ran back to tell them,
that Peter himſelf was at the Door. Which they at firſt look'd
the meer Effect of Fright ann Fancy, but ſhe ſtill affirining it, they con-
cluded it was his Angel, or fome particular Meſſenger from him, or per-
haps ſome Angel in his Shape. The Door being open, they were ex-
tremely ſurpriz'd with Joy and Wonder; but he briety inform'd them of
the Manner of his great Deliverance, charging them to acquaint James
and the Brethren, and then withdrew himſelf to a Place of greater Se-
crecy and Security
In the Morning there was no little Confuſion among the Soldiers, by Aits tai
Reaſon of Peter's Eſcape; and Agrippa finding himſelf diſappointed in 18:33
his chiefeſt Deſigns, in a great Rage commanded the Keepers to be put
Agrippa goes
to Death, and departed from Jeruſalem to Cæfarea. While he was here,
to Cafarea; he proclaim'd ſolemn Games and feſtival Entertainments in Honour of
the Emperor, which causd a great Confluence of the Nobility and Ma-
giſtrates from all Parts of the Country s among theſe the Ambaſſadors
from Tyre and Sidon, by the Mediation of Blaſtus the King's Chamber-
lain, beg'd Peace and Friendſhip, ſince their Country was ſupported by
lis, eſpecially in this Time of Scarcity. Agrippa, tho' highly diſpleas'd
at them, appointed them a Day of Audience, which was the ſecond of
the Solemnity; and early entering the publick Theatre, he fat
And after a Throne, gloriouſly array'd with magnificent Robes of Silver Tiflue, which
plendid Ap- encountring with the Beams of the riſing Sun, reflected ſuch Luſtre upon
the Eyes of the People, as begat an equal Wonder and Veneration in
them. Upon his making an Oration to the Ambaſſadors, the People,
prompted by ſome Flatterers gave a Shout, and with loud Acclamations
cry'd out, It is the Voice of God and not of a Man! adding alſo ſome
Tokens of Adoration. This impious Applauſe was receiv’d by Agrippa,
without any kind of Diſlike, or Senſe of the Injury done to the ſu-
preme Being of the World; but a ſudden Accident chang’d the Scene,
for looking up, he eſpy'd an Owl ſitting upon a Rope over his Head,
which he immediately beheld as the fatal Meſſenger of his Death, as it
had
upon his
pearance,
!
Chap. IV.
181
CLAUDIUS the 5th Rom. Emp.
Jofeph.
had formerly been of his Proſperity. At the ſame Inſtant, an Angel
from Heaven, probably the ſame that deliver'd Peter, ſtruck him, becauſe
he gave not God the Glory; and he was ſuddenly ſeiz'd with an incura-
ble Melancholy, and exquiſite Torments in his Bowels. Then turning
to thoſe about him, he ſaid, Behold the Deity you admir'd, and
your ſelves
convinc'd of Flattery and Falſhood ; ſee me here by the Laws of Fate con-
demn’d to die, whom juſt now you ſtild Immortal. Being remov'd into the
Palace, his Pains ſtill encreas'd; and tho' the People mourn'd and wept,
faſted and pray'd for his Life and Health, yet the divine Vengeance never
left him, but his acute Torments diſpatch'd him in five Days, being de- Diés miſerably.
vour'd with Worms after a miſerable Manner.
Thus dy'd Herod-Agrippa, the firſt Prince that dipp'd liis Hands in the
Blood of the Apoſtles, having reign'd, tho' not in full Power, between
ſeven and eight Ỹears. He left behind him one Son nam’d Agrippa, about
ſeventeen Years of Age, and three Daughters, Berenice “married to her
Uncle Herod, Mariamne betroth’d to Julias Archelaus, and Drufilla be-
troth'd to Epiphanes, Son to the King of Comagena. Upon the News of
Agrippa's Deathi, the Inhabitants of Cæfarea and Sebaſte or Samaria, Cities His Memory
built by Herod the Great, threw out great Reproaches againſt the dead injulted,
Prince, and the common Soldiers unanimoully dragging his and his
Daughters Statues out of the Palace, brought them into the Brothel Hou-
ſes, and abus'd them after a ſhameful Manner; and making Feaſts and
Banquets, they adorn'd tliemſelves with Garlands, and made Offerings to
Charon for Joy of the King's Death. At the ſame Tiine young Agrippa
was with the Emperor at Rome, and wou'd' undoubtedly have obtain'd all his
Father's Kingdom, but Claudius was eaſily overaw'd by his Freedmen and
Favourites, who repreſented to him how dangerous it was to commit
ſuch a Kingdom to a Perſon leſs than eighteen Years of Age. Upon which
he appointed a particular Friend call’d Cufpius Fadus to be Preſident not Fadus the ſes
only of fudæa but alſo of all Agrippa's Dominions; ſo that all Paleſtine Penth Governor
in Judæa:
now became ſubject to Roman Governors, and in a manner diſtinct from
Syria z for Clairdius in Memory of his deceas’d Friend, wou'd not permit
his Enemy Marcus to act any thing in his Dominions. And farther he
commanded Fad us to cliaſtize the Cafareans and Sebaſtians for their Injury
to their dead King, and the Affront to his Daughters; and he deſign'd to
have remov'd the Roman Soldiers into worſe Quarters, but he was pre-
vail'd upon to continue them there, who afterwards prov'd the Beginning
of the moſt grievous Calamities to the Jews.
II.
About the Time of Agrippa's Death, which ended the ſhort Perfe-
cution of the Church, Saul and Barnabas having diſpos'd of their Con-
tributions to the Chriſtians in Jeruſalem and Judæa, return'd back to the
City of Antioch. In which City, as the Scripture obſerves, there were
then certain Teachers endued with prophetick Gifts beſides themſelves;
namely, Sineon who was call’d Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, whom ſome ſup-
poſe to have been St. Luke'the Evangeliſt, and Manden, a Perſon of that
Rank and Quality, that he had been educated with Herod the Tetrarch.
While theſe five were engag?d in the Duties of Prayer and Faſting, and
other publick Exerciſes of their Religion, the Spirit of God, by ſome ſen-
ſible Affiatus or Revelation to the Perſons preſent, commanded that Bar- Saul and Bar-
nabas and Saul ſhou'd be ſet apart for that peculiar Miniſtry to which God nabas ſeparaci!
had deſign’d them. This Call was accordingly obey'd, and having faſted Service of the one
and pray'd, the reſt folemnly laid their Hands upon theſe two, to denote Gentiles.
their particular and" fpecial Deſignation to that Service; which was to
be Miniſters of the Uncircumciſion, it being now a ſecond Time confirm'd
by
Hits 120
25•
Chap 13
I-3:
1
182
Book II.
Cent. I.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
2 Cor.1:
Fadus ends
by the Mouth of Heaven. From this joint Commiſion Barnabas alſo ob-
tain'd the Name of an Apoſtle, not only among the later Wrters, but
with St. Paul himſelf, 1 Cor. 9. 5, 6. and St. Luke, A&t. 14. 4. upon which
Account St. Ferom calls him the fourteenth Apoſtle, and the Greek and
Latin Church ever honour'd him as ſuch. But before their Departure,
Saul's Roxpture. Sul was taken up into the third Heaven or Paradiſe; and that lie might
be
every way fitted for his Apoſtolate, was admitted to the Knowledge 2-9.
and Sight of the ineffable Miſteries of Heaven, and the Glories of God,
which Men can neither expreſs nor comprehend. This was done, as we
may reaſonably imagine, to equalize him with the very chiefeſt Apoſtles in
Knowledge and Revelation, that he might be encourag'd boldly to preach
the Goſpel to a Pagan and Idolatrous World, in hopes of the Enjoyment
of that Glory of which he had ſo noble a Proſpect. But leſt he ſhou'd
be exalted above Meaſure with the great Abundance of his Revelations,
and ſo be unfit to compaſſionate the Feeble and the Tempted, God permit-
ted him to be tempted by ſome turbulent and unruly Luſts, through the
Miniſtry of Satan's Agents, which he calls a Thorn in the Fleſh, by which
he was ſo humbled and afflicted, that he befought God thrice to remove
it from him; but the divine Wiſdom thought fit to continue it in ſuch
a Strength all his Life, that had not he given him a Sufficiency of Grace,
and excited him to conſtant Mortification, he had become a Caſt-away,
as he inſinuates himſelf in i Cor. 9. 27.
Not long before Saul and Barnabas were thus ſeparated for the Mini- Fejepis
,
ſtry, Fadus arriv'd in his Government of Paleſtine, being the ſeventh
Roman Governor after the Baniſhment of Archelaus. Ar his firſt Entrance
he found the Jews beyond Jordan up in Arms againſt the Philadelphians,
Diſturbances. about the Limits of a certain Towii calld Mia, well ſtored with valiant
Men. Fadus was highly diſpleas'd becauſe the Matter was not referr'd
to him, as it onglit to have been; therefore apprehending three of the
principal Ringleaders, he executed one call’d Annibas, and baniſh'd the
other two. Shortly after he undertook to clear Judæa of Thieves and
Robbers, and made an Example of the chief of them call’d Tholomæus,
wlio had committed great Ravages in Idumea and Arabia. In the ſame
Queen Helena Year, while the Famine rag'd in Paleſtine, Helena Queen of Adiebena on
relieves Jerufa- the Confines of Aſyria and Meſopotamia, having been converted to the
Jewiſh Religion by ſome Merchants, canic to viſit the Temple of Jeruſa-
lem, to worſhip the true God, and pay her Vows. Here ſhe brought
great Riches and large Preſents, and finding many Jews in a ſtarving Con-
dition, ſhe immediately ſent Mony out of her own Purſe to Alex.indria
in Ægypt to buy a large Quantity of Wheat, and likewiſe to the Iſland
Cyprus for Figs for the Relief of the Poor; all which was effected in a ſhort
Time, and lier Bounty highly applauded. Alſo her Son Izates, who had
likewiſe been converted to the ſame Religion, hearing of the Diſtreſſes
of the Jews by Famine, generouſly ſent Mony to the chief Magiſtrates at
Jeruſalem to diſtribute to the Neceſſitous.
A.D.45.
At the beginning of the following Year, Caſſius Longinus was ſent Go- Fefeph.
vernor of Syria in the Room of Marcus; and both he and Fadus, ta-
Claud. 5. king a conſiderable Force, enter'd the City Jeruſalem, declaring to the
Longinus di. Prieſts and Governors, That it was the Emperor's Commands, That all the
ſturb the Jews. High-Prieſt's Robes and Ornaments ſhou'd be again lodg’d in the Caſtle Anto-
nia, that they might be at the Romans Diſpoſal, as before Vitellius's Time.
The Rulers durſt not contradict this Command, but after many Entreaties,
and upon depoſing their Children for Hoſtages, they obtain'd Leave of
Fadus and Longinus to ſend Ambaſſadors to the Emperor, to petition him
to continue their Privileges, and to wait his Anſwer. Young Agrippa was
then
lem in á Fisa
mine.
Chap. IV.
183
CLAUDIUS the 5th Rom. Emp.
1
Fower over the
then at Rome, and attending upon Claudius, which caus’d the Ambaſſa-
dors to apply themſelves firſt to him, who earneſtly interceding with the
Eniperor for his Country Men, gain'd the Cauſe, and a Decree in their
Favour. About the ſame Tinie, Herod King of Chalcis, by a Petition to Herod of Chal-
Claudius, obtain'd full Power over the Temple at Jeruſalem, and the fa- cis obtains
cred Treaſury, and Authority of chuſing the High-Prieſts; by which Au- Temple;
thority he made Joſephus Canens High-Prieſt
, and depos'd Simon Cantharus,
who had formerly been depriv'd by King Agrippå in the Year 41, and pro- fephus Highe
And makes Jo-
bably had uſurp'd that Dignity ſince his Death. In the ſame Year a Ma- Pricst.
gician or Falſe-Meſſiah call’d Theudas (not the Perſon mention'd Act. 5:36.)
perſuaded great Multitudes of the Jews to take all their Riches witli 'them,
and follow him to the River Jordan, promiſing them, that the River
fhou'd divide it ſelf as in the Days of Joſhua and Elias, and afford them
a free Paſſage. But Fadus ſuſpecting a Rebellion, ſent a ſtrong Body of
Horſe, who ſuddenly charging theſe deluded People, kill'd great Numbers, Theudas the
and took many Priſoners ; among whom was Theudas himſelf, whoſe Impoſtor defea-
Head was ſtricken off, and afterwards ſent to Jeruſalem.
III. For twelve years after our bleſſed Saviour's Afcenfion, all the The general
Apoſtles beſides St. Paul, had in a manner confin't themſelves to Jeruſalem Diſperſion of the
Apoſtles:
and Paleſtine ; but now the Time was come, that they were to diſperſe
themſelves, and preach the Goſpel in all Parts of the World, according
to their Lord's Command, as appears from Clemens Alexandrinus, and
Apollonius, a Writer of the ſecond Century. Many believe that before
their Departure they compos'd that Creed, call'd the Apoſtles Creed, and Their Creed
thoſe Canons call'd the Apoſtles Canons; but moſt learned Men are ſatisfy'd and Canons.
that they are both the Compoſures of later Times, tho' the former is
acknowledg’d to be the Summary of the Apoſtles Doctrine. It is gene-
rally affirm'd by the Ancients, that the Apoſtles agreed among themſelves, They divide the
whát Parts of the World they ſhou'd take; and
this according to ſome World by Lot.
was done by way of Lot, tho' probably not without the Guidance and
Direction of the Holy Ghoſt
. According to this Diviſion St. Peter went Pecer's Share,
into Pontus, Galatia, and thoſe other Provinces of the leſſer Aſia, at firſt
confining his Labours to the Jews in thoſe Parts; but whether he went
to Rome before the Council of Jeruſalem, and met the famous Philo there,
as ſome are of Opinion, we cannot determine; only if he did ſo, it is
almoſt unqueſtionable that he made two Journies to that City. St. Andrew Andrew's
;
had thoſe vaſt Northern Countries of Scythia and Sogdiana allotted to his
Portion; tho afterwards he is ſupposºd to return towards Greece, and to
have founded the Biſhoprick of Bizantium. St. John's Portion was partly John's,
the ſame with Peter's, namely, the lefſer Aſia 3 tho' it is believ'd he did
not immediately
enter upon his Charge, but ſtay'd ſome Years in Jeruſalem,
till after the bleſſed Virgin's Death. St. Philip had the Upper Aſia appoin- Philip's,
ted him with ſome Parts of Scythia and Colchis. The Hither India, com- Bartholo-
monly call'd Arabia Felix, was allotted to St. Bartholomew; into which mew'ss
Parts he carry'd the Goſpel of St. Matthew. St. Matthew himſelf preach'd the
Matthew's;
Goſpel in the Aſiatick Æthiopia by Chaldæa, Perſia, and Parthia: But Parthia
was more particularly allotted for St. Thomas, who alſo preach'd to the Hyr-
canians, Bactrians, and Indians. St. James the Leſs being Biſhop of feruſa- James's,
lem, continu'd principally in that City, with ſo much Goodneſs and Diſcre-
tion, that his greateſt Enemies had a Veneration for him. St. Simon had
for his Portion, Ægypt, Cyrene, Lybia
, and Mauritania. St. Jude had Syria Judc's
,
and Meſopotamia; and St. Matthias, Cappadocia and Colchis. Of all their Tra-
vels and Actions, we have but a very ſhort and uncertain Account ; tho'
afterwards we ſhall ſay ſomething more of each.
Iri
Thomas's,
Simon's
And Maca
tho' thias'sa
184 Cent. I.
Book II.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
Saul and Bar-
nabas begin
Where they
blind;
In the mean Time the thirteenth Apoſtle Saul, having been ſeparated Acts 13.
with Barnabas by the immediate Command of Heaven, departed with him 4-11.
their Circuit. from Antioch to Seleucia, a City of Syria, adjoining to the Sea, from
whence they took Shipping for Cyprus, a famous Iſland not far diſtant in
the Mediterranean Sea. In Salamis, one of the chief Cities of the Iſle,
they firſt began the Miniſterial Office; and tho' they were ſent principal
ly to the Gentiles, yet uſually they firſt preach'd the Goſpel in the Syna-
gogues of the Jews ; John Mark, who accompany'd them thither, atten-
tending their Motions, and doing many Offices in the Church, eſpecially
They come to about the Poor. And paſſing through the Iſle, they arrived at Paphos, a
Paphos ;
large City on the Weſtern Parts, and the Seat of the Roman Proconſul
or Governor of the Iſle, which was then Sergius Paulus, a Man of great
Wiſdom and Prudence, but unhappily ſeduc'd by the magical Illuſions of
a Jewiſh Sorcerer, nam'd Barjeſus or Elymas. Upon their Preaching there,
the Governor, having been inform’d of ſomething extraordinary, Tent to
the Apoſtles to hear their Doctrine himſelf : But Elymas fearing to loſe ſo
great an Admirer, induſtriouſly oppos'd his good Intentions, and us'd all
Methods to divert him from the Belief of Chriſt
. Saul being in the Pre-
ſence of the Governor, and inſpired with a noble Zeal, fix'd his Eyes upon
Elymas, and ſolemnly declar'd him a Child of the Devil
, a Wretch full of
Subtilty and Malice, and an Enemy to all Goodneſs, in perverting the right
Ways of the Lord : For which Reaſon the Hand of Heaven was upon him,
which ſhou'd ſtrike him blind, and deprive him of the Sight of the Sun for a Sea-
ftrike Elymas fon. Upon denouncing theſe Words, the Magician was immediately ſtruck
the Sorcerer blind, and cou'd not go without leading; the Vengeance of God juſtly
puniſhing that Man with the Loſs of his bodily Eyes, who had ſo wilfully
ſhut the Eyes of his Mind againſt the Light of the Goſpel, and had
endeavour'd to keep others in ſo much Blindneſs and Darkneſs.
This was the firſt Miracle we find wrought among the Gentiles, which is 13.
And convert the was ſo aſtoniſhing to the Governor, that he himſelf immediately became 12, 13.
Governor Ser- a Convert to the Chriſtian Faith. Nor had it a leſs, Effect upon the Ma-
gius Paulus.
gician, according to Origen and St. Chryſoſtom, who aſſure us, That his
Puniſhment wrought ſuch a Remorſe in his Heart, that he repented and
believ'd, and together with his Sight recover'd the Knowledge of Chriſt,
and the Viſion of the Sun of Righteouſneſs. And from this Time, forwards,
Saul was always calld Paul, a Name poſſibly given him by the Houſhold
of Sergius Paulus, or perhaps at his Circumciſion; ſo that tho' he was
call’d Saul as long as he convers’d with the Jews, Syrians, and Arabians;
yet afterwards, when he was in a ſpecial manner ſent to the Gentiles, the
Greeks, and the Romans, he then had the Name of Paul given him, as
being more agreeable to them. After this ſucceſsful Victory over the
Power of Satan, Paul continu'd a while at Paphos, and probably made ſe-
veral Converts in that City, which had been remarkable for the Worſhip
of Venus, the tutelar Goddeſs of the Iſland, who had a famous Temple
dedicated to her here, wherein ſhe was ſerv'd with the moſt wanton and
immodeſt Rites. From this City Paul remov'd with all his Company,
They remove to
and leaving Cyprus, faild to Perga in Pamphilia, a Country in the lefler
Perga : Aſia, North-Weſt from Cyprus; in which City was a remarkable Temple
dedicated to Diana. Here John Mark being weary of his itinerant Courſe
of Life, and the Hazards and Dangers attending it, took his Leave of
the Apoſtles, and return'd to Jeruſalem; which laid the Foundation of an
unhappy Difference that broke out between Paul and Barnabas afterwards.
Here it is moſt probable Paul firſt took Titus to be his Aſſiſtant inſtead of
Mark, a young Grecian Convert of the Iſle of Crete.
The
Chap. IV.
188
CLAUDIUS the 5 th Rom. Emp .
Alls 13.
The two Apoſtles ſtay'd not long at Perga, nor in the adjoining Towns, A.D.46.
14-42. but travelld 70 or 80 Miles Northwards to a City callid Antioch, the Mea Claud.6:
tropolis of Piſidia, another Province of the leſſer Afia; from whence they from thence to
knew it wou'd be moſt proper to diſperſe the Knowledge of the Goſpel Antioch_in Pi-
into the neighbouring Regions. In this City, on the firſt Sabbath Day, lidia;
they enter'd the Synagogue among the other Jews, where they were cour-
teoully invited by the Rulers of the Synagogue to make a Deſcant upon
the Leffons out of the Law and the Prophets, juſt before read to the Affem-
bly, according to the Cuſtom. Whereupon Paul took that Opportunity
to preach Jeſus Chriſt, and ſolemnly requiring the Jews Attention, he firſt
declar'd the many ſignal Mercies and Favours that God in former Ages
had ſhewn to thoſe of their Nation, particularly, by a miraculous Deli-Where Paul
verance of them from the Ægyptian Slavery; by patiently bearing with their preaches first to
forty Years Murmurings in the Wilderneſs; by expelling ſeven Nations out
of the Land of Canaan, that They might enjoy ſo rich and pleaſant a Coun-
try; by giving them a Succeſſion of Judges and Deliverers, for four hundred
and fifty Years; and by giving them Kings, eſpecially David, a Perſon accor-
ding to his own Heart and Mind, to whom he gave the Promiſe that the
Melliah ſhou'd be of his Poſterity, which Promiſe he had lately fulfilld in
the Perſon of Jeſus. For tho that great Perſon, who was indeed the Saviour
of the World, had met with cruel and barbarous Uſage from their Brethren
the Jews at Jeruſalem, being crucify'd and ſain by them; yet this was no
more than what the former Prophets bad foretold ſhou'd happen to the Meſſiah.
And moreover, there were so many convincing Evidences to prove that Truth,
that it cou'd not reaſonably be queſtion'd; for not only John Baptiſt, who was
fent before to make Way for his Coming, and to qualifie Men for the Reception
of him by the Baptiſm of Repentance, did openly and plainly declare Jeſus
to be the Meſſiah, which he had learnt by immediate Revelation ; but alſo God
himſelf gave a Demonſtration of it, in raiſing him from the Dead, according
to the Propheſies deliver'd concerning him, and in ſhewing him after his Re-
furrection to Multitudes of Witneſſes then alive. All which was exactly agree-
able to the Pſalmiſt's Words, where God had declar'd him' his Son, and that
' be fou'd not fee Corruption; which was never accompliſh'd in the Perſon of
David. Wherefore ſince the Forgiveneſs of Sins, and Juſtification, which was
not attainable by the Law of Moſes, was now tender'd to them by believing in
Jeſus, they ought to beware how they contemn’d ſuch free Mercy and Grace,
left they brought upon themſelves that prophetical Curſe, which God had threat-
ned to the Jews of old for their great Neglect and Contumacy.
This Diſcourſe met with a double Effect; the Gentiles who were un-
42-52. acquainted with ſuch kinds of Doctrine, deſir'd better Information in the
Truth of it the following Sabbath ; and the Jews, who waited for Re-
demption in Iſrael, with the Proſelytes of the Gate, believ'd and attended
on Paul and Barnabas for farther Inſtruction; who earneſtly exhorted them
to perſevere in the Faith notwithſtanding the greateſt Diſcouragements
.
The next Sabbath almoſt the whole City Hock'd to the Synagogue to be
their Auditors, which when the Jews faw, acted by'a Spirit of Envy and
Contempt, they proceeded to blaſpheme, and to contradict the Apoſtles.
Whereupon they, with no little Courage and Boldneſs, declar'd, That tho’And then to the
they were commiſſion'd to preach to the Jews firſt, yet ſince they had ſhewn Gentiles.
themſelves ſuch obſtinate Infidels, and render d' themſelves unworthy of eter-
nal Life, they were order'd to preach to the Gentiles, which they now reſolu'd
to do; that ſo Chriſt might prove a Light to the Gentiles, and his Salvation
extend to the utmoſt Limits of the World. This extenſive Promiſe was
highly pleaſing to the Gentiles, who magnify'd the Word of God, and
as many of them as were prepar'd and diſpos'd for eternal Life, heartily
Аа
closd
A7s 13:
186
Book II.
Cent. I
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
I- 20.
Iconium.
clos'd with it and embrac'd it. The Apoſtles not only preach'd in the
City but alſo in the neighbouring Country with great Succeſs, which ſtill
farther exaſperated the Jews, who to carry on their Revenge, engag'd ſome
of the devout and honourable Women, with ſome of the principal Men of
the City, who being led by a blind Zeal, perſecuted them, and forc'd
them from the Place. Whereat Paul and Barnabas, ſhaking off the Duſt
of their Feet, as a Teſtimony againſt their Ingratitude and Infidelity,
departed from thence ; leaving many converts behind them, who
were filld with a ſpiritual Joy and the Gifts of the Holy Ghoſt.
Being diſturbid,
The two Apoſtles took their Journy Eaſtward, above a hundred Miles, Bits 14.
they remove to to Iconium, the Metropolis of Lycaonia, another Province of the lefſer
Aſia, where they again enter'd the Jewiſh Synagogues, notwithſtanding the
ill Treatment they had receiv'd from the Jews in all Places. According to
their uſual Courſe they began their Preaching there, which was attended
with ſuch Succeſs, that great Numbers both of Jews and of Gentiles were
converted to the Faith; and this encourag'd them to continue a long Time
in that City, inſtructing and teaching the Believers more fully, and con-
firming their Doctrine by Signs and Miracles. But tho' they had gain'd
a conſiderable Part of the City, yet there remain'd many unbelieving
Jews, who according to their uſual Malice, excited the Gentiles againſt
them, and by Calumnies render'd them ill affected to the Chriſtians; and
being arm'd by the City Magiſtrate's Authority, they reſolv'd to have the
Apoſtles apprehended and ſtoned. But they two having warning of their
Deſigns, timely withdrew themſelves, and fled to the next Cities of the
From thence to fame Province, Lyſtra and Derbe; and there continuing, preach'd the Gof-
Lyſtra ;
pel to the Inhabitants of thoſe Cities, and to the People of the adjoin-
ing Parts. At Lyſtra they ſaw an impotent Cripple, lame from his Birth,
who had never walk'd; and Paul, perceiving by his attentive Behaviour
at his Preaching that he had Faith to be ſav'd, thought fit to add the
Cure of his Body to that of his Soul ; and that the Miracle might be more
conſpicuous, he ſpake out aloud in the midſt of the Aſſembly, Stand up-
right on thy Feet! and immediately the Cure was effected, and he both
Where, upon cu- walk'd and leap'd. This Miracle amaz'd all the Lyſtrians, who being ſen-
ring a Cripple fible of a divine Power in the Work, cry'd out in the Lycaonian Tongue,
they are ac-
That the Gods were come down to them in human Shape ! taking Barnabas
for Jupiter, and Paul for Mercury; the firſt for his venerable Gravity, and
the other for his powerful Elocution. And according to the idolatrous
Worſhip in thoſe Times, they proceeded to offer Sacrifice to them;
and the Prieſt of Jupiter brouglit Oxen and Garlands for that purpoſe.
But as ſoon as the Apoſtles perceiv'd it, in Abhorrence of this ſuperſtitious
Attempt, they rent their Clothes, and running in among the People,
declar'd, That they were miſtaken in the Object of their Worſhip; for that not-
withſtanding their Miracles, they were no more than Men, and of like Paſſions
with themſelves; and that the chief End of their Preaching was to turn them from
the idolatrous Worſhip of Creatures to that of the living God, who had created
Heaven and Earth, and the Sea, and all Things contain'd in them; whom
they had long defrauded of his due Honour, tho he gave them convincing
Arguments of his Being and Providence, doing them good, giving them Rain
and fruitful Seaſons, and ſo filling them with Food vnd Gladneſs. The
Apoſtles having with much Difficulty reſtrain’d their Superſtition and Sa-
crifices, the Peoples Minds in a ſhort Time turn’d to the other Extreme;
and by the Inſtigations of ſome fews who had ſeen the Apoſtles at An-
Paul is Stoned, tioch and Iconium, they took Paul and ſton'd him, and then drew him
but eſcapes.
out of the City, ſuppoſing him dead. Thus Paul met with the ſame
Puniſhment he had brought upon St. Stephen, tho' not ſo fatally; for as
the
.
counted Gods.
Chap. IV.
187
CLAUDIUS the 5th Rom. Emp.
Aits 14.
the Diſciples were attending upon his Corps, he ſuddenly reviv'd, and re-
turning firſt into the City, departed the next Day with Barnabas to Der-
Joſeph. be. This hapned in the ſixth Year of Claudius, in which Year Fadus after
two Years was remov'd from his Government of Paleſtine, and Tiberius Alexander the
Alexander ſent in his Room, being the eighth Roman Governor after the file cancernor in
Baniſhment of Archelaus.
The two Apoſtles having preach'd and converted many at Derbe, pro- A.D.47:
25-27 ceeded no farther in their Progreſs, but return’d back again to Liftra; Claud.;
Iconium, and Antioch in Piſidia, confirming the new Converts in thoſe
Places in the Belief and Profeſſion of Chriſtianity, earneſtly perſuading
them to perſevere, and to remember, That they were to meet with many Diffi-
culties and Aflictions in the Way to the Kingdom of Heaven. And that all
Things might ſucceed, and the Goſpel flouriſh, with Faſting and Prayer,
they ordain'd Presbyters and Paſtors in every Church, and having re-
commended them to the ſpecial Protection of God, took their Leaves of
them. From hence they paſs'd through Piſidia, and thence came to Pam-
philia; and having preach'd to the People at Perga, they went down to
Attalia, a Port and the Metropolis of the Province. And thus having
at this Time finiſh'd the whole Circuit of their Miniſtry, they return d Paúl and Bar-
by Shipping to Antioch in Syria, from whence they had ſet out about nabas return to
Anciochi
three Years before, when they were by the divine Command ſeparated for
this particular Service of converting the Gentiles. And being return'd. thi-
ther, and having aſſembled the Church in that City together, they de-
clar'd what God had wrought by their Hands, how he had co-operated
in their Miniſtry, and how he had open'd a large Door of Faith to the
Gentiles, ſo that great Multitudes of them were come in, and believ'd
in Jeſus Chriſt
.
IV. In the ſame Year that Paul and Barnabas finiſh'd their Circuit,
and return’d to Antioch, which was the 7th of Claudius, and juſt 800
Years after the Building of the City of Rome, the Emperor order'd the The grand fecua
Celebration of the famous ſecular Games, as it were folemnizing the Birth-Fur Games cele:
Day of the City: Which Games were the moſt folemn and magnificent of all Rome.
others among the
Romans,and were not regularly exhibited but once in a liun-
dred Years, tho'there were but ſixty four Years after the laſt under Augriftus.
To theſe, as at former times, all Perſons were ſolemnly invited by an Herauld,
to be Spectators of ſuch Shews as they never ſaw before, nor ever ſhou'd again,
being attended with all imaginable Pomp and Splendor, with all kinds
of martial and cruel Exerciſes, and no leſs Variety of religious Rites
and Pagan Superſtitions; a ſufficient Inſtance of the Prevalency of Ido-
latry in theſe Times. About the fame Time, the Empreſs Meſſalind, who
before by her impious Practices had caus'd infinite Miſchiefs in the State,
now began to appear more publick in her Lewdneſs, and triumphant
in her adulterous Deſigns. After ſhe had ſacrific'd many of her Gallants,
who were too deficiently ferviceable to her unbounded Deſires, ſhe fell
paſſionately in Love with C. Cilius, the moſt beautiful Youth in Rome,
whom ſhe oblig'd, tho' unwillingly, to divorce his Lady, that ſhe might
be free from all Rivals. And in the following Year they proceeded to A.D.48.
a notorious Expedient, impudent beyond all Example, and almoſt all Claud.8.
Belief; which was openly and publickly to marry each other almoſt in the
Emperor's Preſence, relying upon his ſtupid Blindneſs, and the tranfcen-
dent Power ſhe had over him. But Claudius ſhortly after being informid,
or rather rous’d by his Favourites Narciſſus and Pallas, affum'd ſo much
Reſolution, as to cauſe the Deaths of all hier Confederates, and alſo The Death of
of her ſelf : But after ſuch a careleſs and inſenſible Manner, that he Meffalinä.
A a 2
rather
Tacit.
Dion.
188 Cent. I.
Book II.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
A Sedition in
rather ſeem'd to be a Stock than a Man, much leſs a Prince and an Emperor.
In the ſame Year Claudius, or his Friends, made a Removal in the
Government of Paleſtine, recalling Tiberius Alexander, after two Years Con-Joseph
Cumanus the tinuance, and ſending Ventidius Cumanus in his Room, who was the ninth
gth Governor in Roman Governor after the Baniſhment of Archelaus. Herod King of Chal-
Judæa...
cis, according to the Power given him, alſo made a Change in the
Ananias made High-Prieſthood, removing Joſephus Caneus, and conſtituting Ananias the
High:Prieſt. Son of Nebedæus, who was the 12th High-Prieſt after the Birth of our
Saviour. Shortly after Herod dy'd; and tho? he left three Sons behind
Young Agrippa him, the Emperor out of his great Love to young Agrippa, gave his
Succeeds Herod Dominions to him. About the ſame Time, the Feaſt of the Paſſover
drawing near, Cumanus, according to the Example of former Governors,
appointed Soldiers to guard the Porticos of the Temple, to prevent Tumults
and Diſorders, at the Time of ſuch a Conflux of People. On the fourth
Day of the Feaſt, one of the Roman Soldiers by his horrid obſcene Be-
haviour and Diſcourſe, highly provok'd all the Spectators, many of whom
being raſh young Men, and prone to Sedition, began with reviling Terms,
and then proceeded to Stones; while others tumultuouſly repaired to Cho
Jeruſalem.
manus, requiring Juſtice againſt the Soldier. The Governor ſuſpecting
the Numbers and Fury of the Jews, immediately ſent a conſiderable Force
to ſeize all the Gates of the Temple; which caus'd all the People to fly,
which they did with ſuch Precipitation and Confuſion, that great Num-
bers were trodden to Death, and above twenty thouſand ſlain in the Se-
dition : So that the Feſtival was in all Places turn'd into Lamentations
and Mournings. This Calamity was ſhortly after ſucceeded by another;
for near Bethoron, about twelve Miles from Jeruſalem, one. Stephanus, Ser-
vant to the Emperor, being rob’d of ſeveral rich Goods, Cumanus ſent For-
ces to pillage the neighbouring Villages, and bring the Inhabitants bound,
for not purſuing and apprehending the Robbers. In one of the Villages,
a certain Soldier finding a Book of the Holy Scriptures, cut it in pieces,
and burnt it; which ſo enragd the whole Body of the Jews, that in
vaſt Throngs and Multitudes they repair'd to Cumanus then at Cæſarea,
requiring that the Soldier who had ſo highly affronted God and their
Law, might not eſcape Puniſhment. Cumanus, perceiving that the Jews
wou'd not be appeas’d without ſome Satisfaction, by the Advice of his
Friends, commanded the Soldier to be beheaded in their Preſence; which
ended the Diſturbance.
In this Year, it is moſt generally ſuppos’d that the Mother of our Lord,
The Death of the ever bleſſed Virgin, dy'd; tho' ſome think it was three Years before.
the Virgin Ma- But in this there is very little Certainty, no more than there is about
the Place, or the Manner of her Death. As to the Place, ſome believe
it Jeruſalem, as it ſeems moſt probable, and others Aſia Minor with St. John;
as to the Manner, ſome think ſhe dy'd a natural Death, and others that
ſhe ſuffer'd Martyrdom, grounding it upon Luke 2. 35. where it is ſaid,
A Sword Mou'd pierce' through her Soul. But thoſe of the Romiſh Church
have a particular and formal Account, That the Apoſtles were miraculouſly
tranſported from divers Parts of the World to Jeruſalem to be preſent at her
Death, which was altogether without Pain; and that on the third Day after
her Burial, ſhe aroſe from the Dead; and aſcended into Heaven in the Pre-
ſence of the Apoſtles, Dionyſius the Areopagite, Timotheus, and Hierotheus :
In Memory of which they keep the 15th Day of Auguſt with great Pomp
and Solemnity ; but we cannot find any kind of Foundation in Antiquity
for this ot any Ctory like it. There are ſome Letters that are attributed
to the bleſſed Virgin, as there is one to our Lord himſelf; but they are
generally look'd upon as ſpurious, eſpecially thoſe of the Virgin’s.
ry.
V. The
Chap. IV.
189
CLAUDIUS the 5th Rom. Emp.
Atsi 40
1- 3:
A.D.49.
Claud.9
Galat. 2. .
Afts 15.
rufalem.
V. The two Apoſtles Panļ and Barnabas, after their three Years Cir-
Cup. 15. cuit, continu'd at Antioch and the neighbouring Places about a Year lon-
ger; during which Space Chriſtianity daily encreas'd, and the Church of
God flouriſh'd exceedingly. But at length it began to be greatly diſturb’d, The Church di-
by means of certain Jewiſh Converts from Judæa, who being unfound in sturb’d by Judai-
the Faith, and led by their former Zeal and Prejudices, taught the Gen-
zing Chriſtians.
tile Converts, That unleſs they obſervd Circumciſion and the Moſaick Inſti-
tutions, they cou'd never be ſav'd. The Broaching of this Doctrine caus’d
great Uneaſineſs and Diſputes among the Brethren ; and Epiphanius tells
us, that the noted Heretick Cerinthus was the Ringleader of the Faction.
Paul and Barnabas us'd all Methods to put a Stop to this growing Evil,
which they found ſo prevailing by Reaſon of the ſtrong Impreſſions the
Jews had receiv'd in their Education, and their profound Veneration for
tlieir Law-giver Moſes; arıd after many Conferences and Diſputations, it
was judg’d moſt requiſite for them two, with ſome others, to go up to
Jeruſalem, there to conſult the Apoſtles and Presbyters concerning this im-
portant Affair; which was not done without ſome Revelation from Hea-
ven, as appears from Gal. 2. 2. And taking Titus, and ſome ſelect Perſons
with them, in the Beginning of the following Year, being conducted part
of their way by the chief of the Church, they paſs'd through Phænicia
and Samaria : In both which Provinces they were careful to relate what
great Things the Lord had wrought by their Hands, in the Con-
verſion of the Gentiles, to the great Joy and Comfort of all the Brethren
in thoſe Parts.
Paul arriving at Jeruſalem, among the Apoſtles of the Circumciſion, Paul and Bar-
1-10. refus'di to circumciſe Titus, becauſe of ſeveral falſe Brethren, who watch'd nabas go to js:
all Opportunities to ſcandalize the Liberty of the Goſpel; and he was
unwilling to give Way to ſuch by any Condeſcenſion, leſt he ſhou'd liave
injur'd the Faith. For tho' he afterwards allow'd of the Circumciſion of
Timothy, and us’d ſome of the Moſaick Ceremonies himſelf, for avoiding
any Offence to the weak, and to win others, yet he wou'd not comply
in the leaſt Degree with thoſe treacherous Deſigners, who endeavour'd to
find Matter to diſgrace the Goſpel. Paul and Barnabas firſt addreſs’d them-
ſelves to the Apoſtles James, Peter and John, the Pillars and principal Perſons
in that Place; by whom they were kindly entertain'd, and admitted to the
Right Hand of Fellowſhip, as St. Paul himſelf expreſſes it. And perceiving
by the Account that Paul gave them, that the Goſpel of the Uncircumciſion
was committed to him, as that of the Circumciſion was to Peter, they
ratify'd it by Compact and Agreement, that Peter ſhou'd preach to the Jews,
and Paul to the Gentiles, not forgetting the Poor of either. And whereas
the Neceſſity of Circumciſion and the Mofajck Law was alſo zealouſly affer-
ted in Jeruſalem as well as Antioch by many of the believing Phariſees, the
Apoſtles thought fit to appoint a particular and folemn Affembly of them-
ſelves and Presbyters to determine this Matter. And this is the firſt, and
alſo the pureſt Council in the Chriſtian Church.
When the Council was aſſembled, after many Debates and various Ar- The Council as
guments, Peter at length ſtood up, and acquainted all the reſt, That God Jeruſalem.
having made Choice of him among all the Apoſtles, to be the firſt that shou'd
preach the Goſpel to the Gentiles, the ſame God, who was beſt able to judge
of the Hearts of Men, had born Witneſs to them of his merciful Acceptance, by
beſtowing his Holy Spirit upon them as well as the Jews; having put no Diffe-
rence between the one and the other, but equally purifying their Hearts by Faith.
That therefore it was a tempting and a provoking of God, to lay a Yoke upon
the Necks of the Diſciples, which neither they themſelves, nor their Fathers
()
4, 5.
1
Afts 15.
6 - 21.
рече.
190
.
Cent. I.
Book II:
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
were able to bear : There being Sufficient Ground to believe, that the Jews
were to expect Salvation by the Grace of Jeſus Chriſt, as well as the Gentiles.
Peter having ended his Speech, after ſome Silence Paul and Barnabas
gave
an Account to the Aſſembly what Wonders and Miracles God had enabled
theni to work, in the converting of the Gentiles ; a plain Evidence, that
tho' uncircumcis’d, they were now accepted by God as well as the Jews
with all their legal Rites and Privileges. After they had finiſh'd their Nar-
ration, James the Biſhop of the Place ſtood up, and deſiring the Attention
of the reſt, declar'd, That Peter had demonſtrated, That it was God's Plea-
ſure to viſit the Gentiles, and out of them to take a People to bear his Name :
All which was agreeable to what the Prophet Amos had foretold; namely, “That
· God wou'd return and rebuild the Houſe of David, which was fallen down,
' and repair all the Ruins and Breaches thereof; that the reſt of Mankind, and
all the Gentiles that were calld in his Name, might ſeek after the Lord. And
this had been declar'd by God, who knew all Things from the Beginning of the
World. After this he proceeded to determine the whole Matter, and to give
Sentence, That the Jewiſh Rites ought not to be impos'd upon the believing Gen-
tiles. But that the zealous Jews might have no Offence, and the Gentiles
no Burthen neither, he propounded that the latter ſhou'd be requir'd the
Obſervance of theſe four Things: Firſt, to abſtain from Meats offer'd to
Idols, becauſe it might ſeem a Participation in the Idolatry: Secondly, from
Fornication, which the Gentiles accounted little or no Crime: Thirdly,
from Things ſtrangled, which were exceeding odious to the Jews : And
fourthly, from Blood, which was ſuppos’d to have been forbidden to affright
Men from Cruelty and Bloodſhed. That theſe Things ought to be forborn,
becauſe of the Jews, who cou'd not but have an Abhorrence for them,
fince they heard the Writings of Moſes, that prohibited them, read in their
Synagogues every Sabbath Day
.
The Determination of James, which was deliver'd with ſome Authority, Ads is.
was readily allow'd by the Council; and by the Conſent of the whole 22 - 29.
Church, it was reſolv'd, That Judas, and Silas or Silvanus, two eminent
Men of their own Number, ſhou'd go over with Paul and Barnabas to An-
tioch, that by the Teſtimony of their own Commiſſioners, -and the Letters
and Decrees of the Council, the falſe Teachers might be ſilenc'd, and the
believing Gentiles confirm'd in the Truth. By theſe
four they wrote Letters
The Decree of to the believing Gentiles in many Parts, after this Manner. “The Apoſtles,
' and Presbyters, and Brethren of Jeruſalem, wijk Happineſs to the Brethren
" that are of the Gentiles in Antioch, in Syria, and Cilicia. Foraſmuch as
we are inform’d, that certain Perſons who went from this Place, have diſturbºd
you with their Diſcourſes, enſnaring your Souls, by declaring, That
oblig'd to be circumcis'd, and to keep the Law; to whom we gave no ſuch In-
ſtructions: It ſeem'd good therefore to us to ſend ſome ſelect Perſons to you,
' with our dear Brothers Barnabas and Paul, Men who have hazarded their
· Lives for the Name of our Lord Jeſus Chriſt. Upon which Account we
' have ſent Judas and Silas, who will tell you our Minds by Word of Mouth.
. For it ſeem'd good to the Holy Ghoſt, as well as to us, to lay upon you no greater
Burthen than theſe at preſent neceſſary Things. THAT YE ABSTAIN
` FROM MEATS OFFER'D TO IDOLS, AND FROM BLOOD, AND
· FROM THINGS STRANGLED, AND FROM FORNICATION:
Which you will do well, if you obſerve. Farewel. And thus concluded the
Council of Jeruſalem in the Year 49, and 9th of Claudius, about five Years
after the Death of James the Son of Zebedee, and 14 after the Converſion
of Paul, as appears from Gal. 2. 1. tho' ſome Chronologers by Miſtake add
the three Years mention'd, Chap. I. 18. which wou'd make it 17 Years.
the Council.
C
you are
C
*
CH A P.
Chap. V.
191
CLAUDIUS the 5th Rom. Emp.
1
CHAP: V.
From the End of the Council of Jeruſalem, to St. Paul's laſt
Journy to that City, when he firſt became a Priſoner.
Containing the Term of about nine Years.
its 15.
I.T.
30-35.
Galat. 2.
to
HE Apoſtles Paul and Barnabas being diſmiſs’d by the Council A.D. 19.
17-19. decretal Epiſtle to Antioch, and preſented it to the whole Body of the Claud.9:
Church, which was receiv'd by all with great Joy and Satisfaction. Here Paul, and Bar-
Judas and Silas, being Men of eminent Gifts in teaching and interpreting Antioch.
the Scriptures, alſo employ'd themſelves in confirming and eſtabliſhing the
Believers in the Truth of the Goſpel. After a ſhort Continuance in the
City, theſe two were with all Kindneſs and Civility diſmiſs’d by the Church,
in order to return to Jeruſalem ; but Silas, for ſome Reaſons, was not
willing to depart ſo ſoon, but choſe to tarry with Paul and Barnabas, whờ
continu'd in this great City, teaching and propagating the Chriſtian Faith,
with many others. Not long after Peter alſo came to Antioch, who ha-
ving been a principal Perſon in deciding the Controverſies in the late
Council, conſonant to the Goſpel Liberty there confirm’d, convers’d freely
for a Time with the Gentile Converts, eating with them, and living like
them, and not as did the Jews, who obferv’d the Diſtinction of Meats
preſcrib’d by the Law. But in the Beginning
of the following Year, when A.D.50.
certain Jewiſh Chriſtians came to this city from James at Jeruſalem, who
Claud.io
were tenacious of the Ceremonial Law, Peter out of Fear of Offence, be-
gan to ſeparate himſelf from the Gentile Converts, refuſing to eat with
them, as if God had never taught him to call no Man common or un-
clean; which Practice of his confirm’d the Jews in their darling Opinions,
and fill'd the Gentiles with new Doubts and Scruples : So that what was
lately eſtabliſh'd was in danger of being deſtroy'd ; for many of the Jews,
and even Barnabas, was carry'd away with the Stream of his Diſſimula-
tion, and follow'd his Example. But Paul perceiving this, and knowing
that Peter did not walk uprightly, according to the Truth of the Goſpel, Paul rebukes
bravely withſtood him to the Face, and reprov'd him before the whole Peter.
Church ; declaring, That his Hypocriſie did great Injury to the Gentilés, by
inducing them to live in Jewiſh Obſervations, when he himſelf, tho' a Jew,
thought himſelf at Liberty to live as the Gentiles did : That he deſir’d to be
juſtify'd by Faith, and not by the Works of the Law, and yet impos'd that
Yoke upon others; which was an Offence againſt Chriſt, and a rebuilding of
that which had been once deſtroy'd. Peter bore this ſharp and impartial
Reproof with Patience and Humility, and no doubt amended his Car-
riage upon it. Porphyry, one of the great Enemies of the Chriſtians,
took an Occaſion from this Management to accuſe St. Peter of Fallhood,
and St. Paul of Infolence : But St. Auſtin anſwers, That the Liberty of
the latter, and the Humility of the former were both highly commenda-
ble; and that as one teaches us not to fear the reproving boldly any that
hinder the Goſpel, ſo the other teaches them to accept ſuch Advice withi
Humility. This is the laſt Time that we read of St. Peter in the Holy
Scriptures.
1
About
192
Book II.
Cent. I.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY,
nabas part
About the ſame Time Paul, who deſir'd not only to plant Churches Alls 15.
but alſo to water them, propounded to Barnabas to go and viſit the Ci-36-39.
ties they had converted, and confirm and eſtabliſh them in the Truth
they had receiv'd. Barnabas freely conſented to ſuch a pious Propoſal,
but was very earneſt to take along with them his Kinſman John Mark. But
Paul oppos'd his Deſire, becauſe he had formerly found him defective in
the Miniſtry, having either through Fear or an unfound Faith, deſerted
them at Perga in Pamphilia. Barnabas, whoſe natural Love to his Siſter's
Son, caus'd him to overſee former Faults, and to hope for a better Ma-
nagement, was angry at this Refuſal; and being both reſolute in their
Paul and Bar- Opinions, it not only occaſion'd a ſharp Contention between them,
afunder,
but alſo an intire Separation from each other. Thus were theſe two
excellent Nien by a ſmall Punctilio parted, after a joint Labour of ſeveral
Years Miniſtry: Tlie Holy Spirit intending by this Account to ſhew us
that the beſt Chriſtians are ſtill ſubject to the ſame Paſſions and Infirmities
with other Men; and that therefore none ought to be too much elevated
with an Opinion of their own Piety, or to deſpiſe others whom they
imagine to be their Inferiors. God however turn'd all to the beſt; for
tho they differ'd about John Mark, yet neither forſook his Office or Mi-
niſtry, and tho' they were ſeparated as to their perſons, yet not as to
their Faith and Doctrine ; and being thus parted, the Goſpel was preach'd
by them in more Places. Barnabas with his Kinſman, faild to his native
Country Cyprus, where he preach'd to the Jews, who were very numerous
in that Illand: From whence he is ſaid to have gone and preach'd at Rome,
and after that in Liguria, where he founded the Biſhoprick of Milan. Ba-
ronius is unwilling to acknowledge the former, but ſeems very poſitive
in the latter ; yet we have but very little Certainty of either.
In the mean Time, Paul chofe Šilas for his Companion, and enter'd sets isi
upon his Journy, being recommended by the Prayers of the Faithful to 1,3:41
the Protection and Favour of God. He firſt viſired the neighbouring
Churches of Syria, then thoſe of his own Country Cilicia, confirming 14, 15.
them in the Faith with his Inſtructions and Exhortations. From hence
he departed to Derbe and Lyſtra in Lycaonia, Cities he had converted three
Years before, wherс he met with a young Man call’d Timothy, whoſe Fa-
ther was a Grecian, but his Mother Eunice a Jewiſh Convert, by whom he
had been brought up under all the Advantages of a pious and religious
Education, and particularly in an extraordinary Skill in the Holy Scrip-
tures: Which Accompliſhments drew Paul's Affection to him ; and know-
ing that ſo promiſing a Perſon wou'd be highly ſerviceable to him, he
determin'd to take him for his Companion, and a ſpecial Inſtrument in
Paul circumci- the Miniſtry of the Goſpel. Timothy was a Gentile born, and tho' Paul
Ses Timothy. wou'd not permit Titus to be circumcis'd when perverſe Men declar’d it
neceſſary, yet here he thought it convenient for the Jews Sake to circum-
ciſe Timothy; being willing in lawful and indifferent Matters, ſuch as Cir-
cumciſion was at preſent, to accommodate himſelf to Mens Humours and
Apprehenſions for the ſaving of their Souls. In all the Places he paſs’d
through, he left the Chriſtians a Copy of the Decrees made by the Apo-
ſtles and Presbyters of Jeruſalem, to confirm them in the right Uſe of their
Chriſtian Liberty; by which means the Churches were eſtabliſh'd in the
Faith, and daily encreas'd in Number.
From hence with his Companions Paul paſs'd through Phrygia and Ga- Afts 16.
A.D.51. Latia, both Provinces of the leſſer Aſia; in which latter Country he was a litt
Claud. 11 entertain’d with as great Kindneſs and Veneration, as if he had been an 14, 15.
Angel immediately ſent from Heaven. And paſſing from thence into
Myſia, they were forbidden by the Impulſe of the Holy Spirit to go either
Chatp. 16.
I 5.
2 Tim.3.
into
Chap. V.
193
CLAUDIUS the 5th Rom. Emp.
Aits 16.
into Bithynia, or Aſia Propria, the Country about Epheſus ; therefore they
went down to Trous, a Port upon the Ægean Sea. Here Paul had a Viſion
by Night from God, and ſaw a Man in a Macedonian Habit ſtanding by
him, and beſeeching him to come over into their Country and alliſt them;
a Viſion and a Call different from all others he had found before. Here-
upon he immediately reſolv'd to paſs from Aſia into Europe, where he
had never been before, concluding that God had call’d him to preach the
Goſpel in Macedonia, and the famous Country of Greece. And here it
ſeenis Paul was join'd by Luke, a Chriſtian Convert of Antioch, adinirably
accompliſh'd in all Parts of Learning and human Sciences, particularly Phy-
ſick, if not Painting, who from this Time became Paul's inſeparable Com-
panion and Attendant, and afterwards one of the four Evangeliſts. Paul
being thus accompany'd with Silas, Luke, and Timothy, faild North-Weſt-
ward from Troas, and touching upon Samothrace, an Ille not far from
Thrace; the next Day they landed at Neapolis, a Port in Macedonia; from Paul goes into
whence they travell’d a few Miles to Philippi, á City famous for the Defeat Europe.
of Brutus and Callius, the Metropolis of that Part of Macedonia, and a
Roman Colony. In this city they tarry'd a conſiderable Space, and Paul,
according to his Cuſtom, preach'd in a Profeucha, or Oratory of the Jews,
which ſtood by a River Side at ſome Diſtance from the City, and was
much frequented by the devouter Women of their Religion, who met
there to pray, and to hear the Law. To theſe Paul deliver'd the Word
of God, and by the Influence of God's Spirit converted, among others,
a certain Woman nam'd Lydia, a Purple Seller, born at Thyatira; who
being baptiz'd with all her Family, was ſo importunate with Panl and his
Companions to lodge at hier Houſe, if they judg’d her ſincere in her Con-
verſion, that they cou'd not deny her Civility.
So long as they remain'd in the City they continu'd their daily Courſe
16-40. of worſhiping God in the ſame Oratory, whither thcy were often follow d
by a Pythoneſs, à Maid Servant, actuated by a Spirit of Divination, who
openly cry'd out, That theſe Men were the Servants of the moſt High God,
who came to shew the Way of Salvation to the World; ſo eaſily can Heaven
extort a Confeſſion from the Mouth of Hell. But Pinl, deteſting the Te-
ſtimony of Satan, commanded the Demon in the Name of Jeſus Chriſt
to come out of her. The evil Spirit obey'd, but imniediately rais'd a
Storm againſt the Apoſtles ; for the Maſters of this Maid, who formerly
receiv'd great Advantages from her infernal Arts, finding the Loſs of
their Gain, in a great Rage drag'd Paul and Silas into the Forum: before
the Magiſtrates and Governor of the Colony, declaring, That theſe Men,
who were Jews, had introduc'd many Innovations prejudicial to the State, and
a Religion unlawful for the Romans to obſerve. The Magiſtrates being At Philippi
jealous of all Diſturbances, were very ready to puniſh ſuch as were accus'd is ſcourg'il and
by a Multitude, and therefore coinmanded their Clothes to be torn off
, Silas,
impriſon'd with
and them to be ſeverely ſcourg'd as feditious Perſons ; after that they
committed them to cloſe Priſon, giving a ſtrict Charge to the Jaylor to
keep them ſafely; who thereupon unmercifully thruſt them into the Inner
Dungeon, and made their Feet faſt in the Stocks. Theſe Sufferings were
ſo far from abating their ſpiritual Joy, that at Midnight, they both pray'd
and ſung Pſalms to the Almighty, ſo that all the Priſoners heard them
and God foon manifeſted the Effect and Power of their zealous Devotion,
by cauſing a great Earthquake, which ſhook the Foundations of the Pri-
ſon, open'd all the Doors, and miraculoully loos'd every Man's Chains.
The Jaylor awaking with this amazing Accident, concluded that the Pri-
ſoners were all fled; and to prevent the Sentence of publick Juſtice, was
ready to execute himſelf by his own Sword; which Paul perceiving, cry'd
Bb
g
out
194 Cent. I.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
Book II.
0
He gnes to
Phil. 4-
out to him to hold his Hand, For that they were all there. The Jaylor
being touch'd with the divine Power, came trembling in with a Light,
and with no leſs Commotion in his Conſcience demanded, What he muſt
do to be ſaved? They without reſenting the Severity he had us'd towards
them, readily reply'd, That if he believ'd in Jeſus Chriſt, he might be ſav’d,
and all his Family. The Jaylor, after a competent Inſtruction, receiv'd
the Faith, and was baptiz’d with all his Houſe; and as a Teſtimony of
his Sorrow for his former Uſage, he waſh'd their Wounds, and joyfully
entertain'd them in his Houſe with the utmoſt Kindneſs and Civility.
Early in the Morning the Magiſtrates ſent Officers privately to releaſe
them, and the Jaylor deliver'd the Meſſage, bidding them Depart in
Peace; but the Apoſtles refus'd, declaring, That they were not only innocent
Perſons, but alſo Romans; that ſince they had been illegally ſcourg’d, they
expected a Delivery as publick as the Injury, and an open Vindication of their
Innocency, and that they themſelves who had ſent them thither, ſhou'd fetch
them thence. The Magiſtrates were extremely affrighted at this, and being
ſenſible of their Error, and the Striểneſs of the Roman Laws, repair’d to
the Priſon, and with all Submillion deſir'd them to leave the City. Theſe
holy Men, ſatisfy'd with this ſmall Recompence, went to the Houſe of
Lydia; and having comforted the Brethren with the Proof of their De-
liverance, they left the City, having there laid the Foundation of a very
eminent Church, as appears from Paul's Epiſtle to the Chriſtians of this
City Philippi.
Paul and his Companions having left Philippi, they travell’d Weſtward Acts 17-
Theftilonica; through Amphipolis and Apollonia, and went to Theſſalonica, the Metro- mblr.2
,
polis of all Macedonia, about 120 Miles from Philippi. Here being azi:
Synagogue of the Jews, Paul, according to his Cuſtom, went in, and firſt 16.
preach'd the Goſpel to them, and for three Sabbath Days ſucceſſively
plainly ſhew'd them, That according to the Scriptures the Meſſiah promis'd
to the Jews ought to ſuffer and riſe again, and that Jeſus was the very
Per-
son. Some of the Jews were perſuaded to believe and embrace the Faith,
and aſſociated themſelves with Paul and Silas, as likewiſe did
great Num-
bers of Grecians who were Proſelytes of the Gate, and many Women of
the better Rank and Quality. Here Paul inſtructed them, not only con-
cerning Faith in Chriſt, but alſo concerning the future Apoſtacy of Anti-
Chriſt and his Revelation; and here alſo he receiv'd Relief from the be-
lieving Philippians, being as little Burthenſom as poſſible to thoſe of this
City. But after ſome Time, ſeveral of the unbelieving Jews in this Place,
according to their uſual Perverſeneſs, join'd with certain mean and lewd
Perſons, and aſſaulted the Houſe of Jaſon, a conſiderable Man, where they
lodg’d, intending to drag them out to the People, and poſſibly to ſtone
them. But miſſing of them, they hald Jaſon and other Believers, after
a tumultuous Manner to the Magiſtrates, crying out, That Jaſon had har-
bour'd thoſe that wou'd overturn the World, and had ſet up one Jéſus for
King, in Oppoſition to Cæſar the Emperor. Theſe Suggeſtions were ſufficient
to oblige the Magiſtrates to take Security from Jaſon ; but the Brethren
And to Berra, privately ſent away the Apoſtles by Night to Berda, a City about 50 Miles
South of Theſſalonica. Here going into the Synagogue, they found the
A.D.52. Fews of a more noble and unbyaſs'd Temper, ready to entertain the Chri-
Claud.12
ſtian Doctrine, but yet not willing to take it meerly upon the Apoſtle's
Word, till they had firſt compar’d his Preaching with what the Scriptures
ſaid of the Meſſiah and his Doctrine. The Succeſs was anſwerable, and
great Numbers both of Men and of Women of the ſuperior Rank were
converted. But in a ſhort Time they were purſu'd by the Malice of the
Fours of Theſalonica, who coming to Beråa rais'd great Diſturbances ;
which
Chap. V.
195
CLAUDIUS the 5th Rom. Emp.
1
Athens ;
Hits 17.
which occaſion'd the Believers to ſend Panl towards the Sea Side, as if
they deſign’d to put him on Shipboard, and then to conduct him ano-
ther Way, near 240 Miles Southwards, as far as the great City Athens.
But Silas and Timothy, not being ſo much known or hated as Paul, con-
tinu'd fome Time longer, to confirm the Believers.
Athens was once the Metropolis of all Greece, and one of the moſt from thence to
renowned Cities in the World for Arts and Arms; and tho' now much
declining, yet was ſtill the principal Academy in the Roman Empire for all
kinds of polite Learning. The Inhabitants of it were very religious and
ſuperſtitious, and ſo careful, that no Deity ſhou'd want due Honour from
them, that they had an Altar inſcrib'd TO THE UNKNOWN GOD;
which many believe was the Name which the Pagans generally gave to
the God of the Jews. While Paul remain'd at Athens, expecting Silas
16-34. and Timothy, by taking a particular View of the Place, he cou'd not
but take 'Notice of the exceeding Progreſs of Idolatry, for Petronius ſays,
• It was eaſier to find Gods than Men at Athens ; and he was deeply
concern'd to ſee ſo much Zeal and Devotion mitplac'd, and earneſtly
deſir'd it might be fix'd upon a proper Object. Wherefore he us’d his
utmoſt Endeavours for the Athenians Converſion, and not only on the
Sabbath Days diſputed with the Jews and Proſelytes in the Synagogues,
but took all Opportunities, where ever he met with a convenient Audi-
tory, to inſtruct them in the Coming of the Meffiah, and the Reſurrection;
which he often found in the main Forum, whither the Athenians and
Foreigners daily repair'd to hear and tell News, which was the great Bu-
fineſs of their Lives. His Doctrine was new and ſtrange to the Athenians;
and tho' they did not perſecute him as the fems did, yet he was enter-
tain'd with Scoffs and Contempt by the Philoſophers of the Stoick and
Epicurean Sects, and by others of a more ſerious Temper, as a Diſcoverer
of new Gods hitherto unknown; which tho they were not unwilling
to receive, yet becauſe the Areopagus, the ſupreme Court of the City, was
to canonize all Gods that were to be allow'd publick Worſhip, they brought
him before thoſe Judges to give an Account of his Doctrine. Being
brought before this grave Aſſembly, Paul with an Air of Majeſty and
Courteſie, declar'd to the whole Audience, That he cou'd not but obſerve Where he pleads
how unhappily they were over-run with Superſtition, finding, an Altar among the foreign
them inſcrib'd to the unknown God; therefore in Compalſion to their miſ-Areopagus:
guided Zeal, he wou'd declare to them the Deity which they ignorantly wor-
ſhip’d; which was no other than the great God, the Creator of all Things,
the Supream Governor of the World, who was incapable of being confin'd
within any Temple or human Fabrick. That no Image cou'd be made to re-
preſent him, who neither needed Gifts nor Sacrifices, being himſelf the Foun-
tain from whence Life, Breath, and all other Bleſſings Spring : That from
one common Original he produc'd the whole Race of Mankind, wiſely fixing
and determining the Times and Bounds of their Habitation ; and all this,
that Men might be more ſtrongly oblig'd to ſeek after him, and ſincerely ſerve
him ; a Thing the more eaſily attainable, becauſe he was ſo very near every
That it was entirely from him that they had either Life, Motion, or
Exiſtence ; which was acknowledgʻd by one of their own Poets Aratus by
Name, in that Sentence of his, WE ALSO ARE HIS OFFSPRING.
That therefore if they were the Offspring of God, it was highly irrational to
Suppoſe that their Creator cou'd be the Work of their Hands, as an Image of
Gold, Silver, or Stone was. That the divine Patience had long born with
Mens blind Idolatries, but that now God expected a general Repentance and
Reformation from the World; eſpecially having by the Publication of the Gospel
evidenc'd a future Judgment, and particularly appointed the Holy Jeſus to be
B b 2
the
..
onc.
196 Cent. I.
Book II.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
Corinth.
I
the Judge of the World, and having given fufficient Aſſurance of the Truth
of it by his Reſurrection from the dead. Theſe laſt Words concerning the
Řeſurrection were derided by ſome of the Philoſophers; but others more
gravely anſwer’d, That they wou'd hear him again upon the Same Subject.
His folemn Diſcourſe, however contemn'd by ſome, had a happy Effect
upon ſeveral, and thoſe of the higheſt Rank amongſt them; particu-
larly Dionyſius, one of the Senators and Judges of this Court, and Da-
maris, whom ſome think to be his Wife. It is generally believ'd that
Dionyſius was afterwards by St. Paul conſtituted the firſt Biſhop of
Athenis.
The Jews ba-
About the Time of Paul's Arrival at Athens, the Emperor Claudius by
nib by Clau- his own Edict baniſh'd all the Jews from Rome, by Reaſon of their being
.
continually in an Uproar and Tumult upon the Account of Jeſus Chriſt,
whom Suetonius calls Chreſtus: And many are of Opinion, that under the
Name of the Jews the Chriſtians were alſo expell’d, among whom St. Peter
has been improbably ſuppos'd to be one. Before Pauls Departure from Thef. 3.
this City, Timothy according to Order came to him from Macedonia, and Chat, a
brought him an Account, That the new Chriſtians at Theſſalonica were 14. 17;
under Perſecution from their Fellow-Citizens ever ſince he left them.
Which was ſo great a Concern to Paul, that he deſign’d to return to them
again, and by his own Preſence to confirm them in the Faith, that none
of them might be deterr'd or diſcourag'd by Perſecutions, which he had
formerly told them fhou'd be the conſtant Attendants of their Profeflion.
But being hinder'd by the Malice of the Enemies of the Goſpel, he fent
Timothy to them to ſupply his Office, and to eſtabliſh them and comfort
Paul goes to them in their Afflictions; and departed himſelf 50 or 60 Miles South-Atts 18.
Weſtward to Corinth, a City ſituated upon the narrow Iſthmus of Pelo-
ponneſus, then the Metropolis of all Greece, and the Reſidence of the Pro-
conſúl of Achaia. Being arriv'd at this rich and populous City, he met
with Aquila and his Wife Priſcilla, lately banilh'd from Rome by the De-
cree againſt the Fews; and they being of the ſame Trade of Tent-making
with himſelf
, he join'd and wrought together with them, that he might
not be burthenſom to that place where no Church was yet eſtabliſhi’d.
On the Sabbath Days he taught in the Jewiſh Synagogue, and by his con-
vincing Arguments brought many Jews and Grecians to the Faith : Ste-1001, 3-
phanus and his family were the Firſt-Fruits of his Converſion, and baptiz'd“.
by him with Criſpus and Gaius, to be Miniſters in that Office to the reſt
that ſhou'd believe; for he himſelf was not ſent to baptize, but to preach.
While he was thus buſy'd in this city in Preaching the Goſpel, in which
he ſuſtain'd many Labours and Troubles, Timothy arriv'd from Theſſalonica, 1 Thef.3-
bringing Silas along with him, and gave him an Account of the ſtedfaſts. 7.
Firmneſs and Perſeverance of that Church ; which extremely pleas’d the
Apoſtle, and was as a comforting Cordial to him in his Afflictions. This
caus'd him to take ſome freſh Reſolutions of going to viſit them in Per-
Hiw first Epifle ſon; but in the mean Time he thought it convenient to write to theni,
to the Theffa- which he did ſhortly after ; and this was the firſt of all his Epiſtles,
and the third, if not the ſecond, or firſt of the Books of the New Teſta-
ment. Tho'our vulgar Poſtſcripts aſſert, it was written from Athens, yet
the manifeſt Circumſtances of the Hiſtory prove it to be from Corinth.
. It was written in the Name of Paul, and Silas or Silvanus, and Timo-
thy, and manifeſts an extraordinary Tenderneſs and Affection for the
Chriſtians of Theſſalonica, highly applauding their Courage and Zeal
for their Faith in Chriſt, and exhorting them to a noble Conſtancy and
Perſeverance amidſt their Afflictions. After which he commended their
• Charity to the Believers of Macedonia, adding many Inſtructions con-
• cerning
lonians.
C
C
c
Chap. V.
197
.
CLAUDIUS the 5'li Rom. Emp.
C
Is 13.
5-11.
cerning a good Life and Converſation, urging them to the ſtrict Practice
of Holineſs ; particularly to uſe Marriage chaſtly and piouſly, to avoid
? Lazineſs, and be diligent in their Callings; not to be immoderate in
! their Grief for the Dead, as tho' there was no Reſurrection or
Hope of another Life; with many other pious Inſtructions and Ex-
- hortations. In this Epiſtle he alſo caution d them about the Coming
· of Anti-Chrift:
Paul, who by the Obſtinacy of the Jews, was almoſt diſcouragʻd from
preaching to them, yet finding himſelf repleniſh'd with a freſh Zeal for
them at the coming of Silas and Timothy, thereupon boldly teſtified again
to them, That Jeſus was the Meſſiah: But they oppoſing his moſt ſerious
Aſſertions, and blafpheming both Chriſt and him, he took his. Leave of
them, as incorrigible Infidels; and ſhaking his Garment to denote their
utter Rejection from Grace and Mercy, he ſolemnly declar'd, That their
Blood Mou'd fall upon their own Heads, fór he was clear and innocent; and
that from thence forward he wou'd preach to the Gentiles. And accordingly
he left his Lodgings with Aquila the Jew, and made his abode with one
Juſtus, a Proſelyte of the Gate, whoſe Houſe join'd to the Synagogue,
being deſirous that the Jews might ſee his Succeſs among the Gentiles, and
through Emulation be provok'd to believe. Nor did his pious Deſign
want ſome Effect; for Criſpus himſelf, the chief Ruler of the Synagogue,
believ'd in Jeſus, as did likewiſe all his Houſe, and were baptiz'd into the
Chriſtian Faith. But his Preaching had far greater Succeſs among the
Gentiles than among the Jews; for by the Aſſiſtance of Silas and Timothy,
great Numbers of the Corinthians were converted to the Faith and bap-
tis'd; ſo that in no long time a very conſiderable Church was founded in
this City, tho' extremely over-run with Impiety and Idolatry, having a
Temple of Venus ſo large, that above a thouſand young Women were its
2. Cor.11. conſtant Attendants. The more the Goſpel proſper'd in Macedonia by
Cor. 2. by Paul's Labours, the more lis Enemies encreas'd, who conſulting and
practiſing all Methods to deſtroy him, he was often reduc'd to very great
Straits and Wants of bodily Neceſſaries, as he himſelf aflures us, and liv'd
in continual Fears and Terrours of Mind. But leſt theſe afflicting Circum-
ſtances ſhou'd deter him from the Work he had undertaken, Jeſus Chriſt He is encou-
was pleas'd to appear to him in a Viſion by Night to comfort him, bid-rag'd by a Vi-
fion.
ding him Fear nothing, but speak with all Freedom, for he was with him to
protect and defend him, ſo that no Man ſhou'd
ſet on him to hurt him; for
that be had a numerous People in that City. This Aſſurance caus'd him to
tarry in the Place a full Year and ſix months, preaching the Word of God
among
them and in the neighbouring Parts; in which Space, beſides the
Doctrine he taught, he eſtabliſh'd ſeveral Ordinances among them con-
cerning Church Order and Matters of Decency; as that Women in their
publick Prayers ſhou'd have their Heads cover'd with a Veil; that Men
fhou'd wear ſhort Hair and Women long; with ſeveral others of the like
Nature.
II. During the Travels and Labours of St. Paul, the reſt of the Apo-
ſtles were buſily employ'd in preaching and propagating the Goſpel in ma-
ny other Parts of the World; but we have but a very ſhort and uncertain
Account of their Actions. In this Year, the twelfth of Clandins, Baronius
and ſome others place the Death of one of them, namely St. Philip, who
after a happy Progreſs and making numerous Converts in the Upper Aſia, The Death of
part of Scythia and Cholchis, ſuffer'd Martyrdom in Hierápolis, a noted City the Apoſtle
Philip.
of Phrygia in the Leſſer Aſia. The Occaſion and Particulars of his Death
we have from no better Authorities than Metaphraftes and Nicephorus ,
who
9.
I Cor. 2.
3
.
198 Cent. I.
Book II.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
pro-
who tell us that the Inhabitants of Hierapolis, among their many trifling
Deities, at this Time paid their Adorations to a Serpent or Dragon of
digious Bulk; which highly mov’d the Pity and Indignation of this Apo-
ſtle, who by his Prayers to Heaven procur’d the Death or Diſappearance
of the Serpent, and by his Preaching the Converſion of many of the City.
This ſo exaſperated the Magiſtrates, that throwing him into Priſon, they
caus'd him firſt to be ſeverely ſcourg'd, and then to be hang'd by the Neck
againſt a Pillar, tho' others ſay he was crucify'd; his Body being taken
down and bury'd by the Apoſtle Bartholomew, who coming that Way
eſcap'd with great Difficulty. If he dy'd this Year, it is moſt probable he
dy'd the ſecond of the Apoſtles, it being eight Years after the Death of
St. James the Son of Zebedee : The Greeks and Eaſtern Churches keep his
Feaſt on November the 14th, but Bede's and the other Martyrologies order
its Celebration on May 1. with St. James the leſs. He was one of the Apo-
ſtles who left no Writings behind him, the greater Part of them, as Enſe-
bius obferves, being ſo buſily employ'd in their Functions, wanted Leaſure
to write: Tho' Epiphanius tells us, that the Gnoſticks us’d to produce a
Goſpel forg'd under St. Philip's Name, which they abus'd to the Patro-
nage of their horrible Principles and Practices.
About this Time, the Jews, who were continually purſued by the Ven- Jofepb.
Diſturbances in
geance of Heaven, met with new Troubles and Diſturbances, occaſion'd
Judza.
by Diffentions between the Galilæans and Samaritans, of wliom the latter
murther'd great Numbers of the former as they travelld through their
Country to the Paſſover. Whereupon the Magiſtrates of Galilee appeald
to Cumanus the Governour, requiring Juſtice at his Hands; but he being
brib'd by the Samaritans took little Notice of their Complaint
. Which ſo
exaſperated the Galileans, that joining with the ordinary ſort of the
Jews, and being headed by a noted Robber callid Eleazar, they made
great Devaſtations in Samaria; but Cumanus with his ſtanding Troops af-
lifted the Samaritans, and made a dreadful Slaughter, killing and taking
great Numbers of Priſoners. Quadratus Governour of Syria was likewiſe
calld in to their Aſſiſtance; who coming to Cæfarea, crucified all thoſe
whom Cumanns had made Priſoners; but coming to Lydda, and under-
ſtanding that the Samaritans were the Aggreſſors, and that Cumanus was
corrupted, he firſt commanded eighteen of the chief of the Samaritans to be
beheaded and then order'd Ananias the High-Prieſt, Cumanus the Governor,
and Celer a Tribune to go immediately to Pome, and anſwer before the Em-
perour to all Accuſations that ſhou'd be brought againſt them. Here they
had a Day appointed them; and Cumanus and the Samaritans had unque-
ſtionably prevail'd upon the Weakneſs of Claudius, had not young Agrippa
by the Afliſtance of the Empreſs Agrippina, oblig'd him to do Juſtice: which
Cumanus ba. lie did by the Execution of Celer and ſeveral of the Samaritans, and by the
niſhid. final Baniſhment of Cumanus. After which Claudius made fome Alterations in
A.D.53. the Government of Paleſtine, and prefer'd Agrippa from Chalcis to a larger
Claud.13 Kingdom, making him King of all thoſe Dominions formerly belonging
Agrippa pre- to Philip the Tetrarch, adding alſo Abilene which belong’d to Lyfunias.
Exlix the tenth But in the Room of Cumanus he ſent Felix, Brother to his
Favourite Pal-
Governor of Ju-las, to be Governour of Judæa, Samaria and Galilee; a Perſon ſufficiently
noted for all Sorts of Vices and Corruptions. This was the tenth Roman
Governour of the Jews after the Baniſhment of Archelaus.
Paul brought About the Time of theſe Changes, Gallio elder Brother to the famous ses 18.
before Gallio.
Seneca, was ſent to Corinth to be Proconſul of Achaia; a Perſon of cele-12-17
brated Virtues and Probity. The Jews, who implacably hated Paul,
thought this Governour a fit Judge of their Quarrel againſt him, and
therefore having ſeiz'd upon him, in a tumultuous Manner they carry'd
dæa.
$
him
Chap. V.
199
CLAUDIUS the 5th Rom. Emp.
Thellonians.
C
him before Gallio's Tribunal, accuſing him of introducing a new Way of
Worſhip contrary to the Jewiſh Law and the Roman Government. The
Apoſtle was ready to have pleaded his own Cauſe, but the Proconful told
them, That had it been a Matter of Right or Wrong, that had fallen under
the Cognizance of the Civil Judicature, it wou'd have been proper and reaſo-
nable for him to have heard and determind the Cafe ; but ſince the Controverſie
was only concerning the Punctilio's and Niceties of their Religion, he wou'd
be no Judge in ſuch Matters. But the Jews being ſtill clamorous, he com-
manded his Officers to drive them out of the Court; and ſome of the
Towns-Men ſeiz'd upon Softhenes, the chief Ruler of the Synagogue, and
the Head of Paul's Accuſers, and publickly beat him before the Tribunal,
the Proconſul not at all concerning himſelf with it. Thus did the Apo-
ſtles Enemies in vain attempt to injure him, God having warranted his
Security, and promis'd, That no Man ſhou'd be able to hurt him. Paul
ſtaid in Corinth a conſiderable Time after this Tumult was over, and be-
fore his Departure thence, he wrote his ſecond Epiſtle to the Chriſtians of His ſecund Epi
Theſſalonica, to ſupply the Want of his coming to them, which in his file to the
former he had reſolv'd on, and for which, he had in a manner engag'd
his Promiſe. This was alſo written in the Name of Panl and Silas, or
Silvanus, and Timothy; and becauſe ſome took Occaſion from what he
". had ſaid of the Day of Judgment in his firſt Letter, or rather from an Epi-
'ſtle forg’d in his Name, to cauſe Men to believe that the Day of the
Lord was at Hand, he warnd them not to be ſeduc'd by thoſe falſe
· Teachers, afſuring them, That tho' the Miſtery of Iniquity was then
working, the Day of Judgment ſhou'd not happen, till the Man of Sin
was come and deſtroy'd. He alſo endeavour'd to confirm their Minds
' in the Faith, and to animate them couragiouſly to endure Perſecution
' from the unbelieving Jews, a loſt and undone Race of Men, whom the
• divine Vengeance was ready to overtake, giving them Aflurance that he
continually pray'd for them; ordering farther, that all idle, diſorderly
' and buſie Bodies ſhou'd be reprov'd, and avoided as Drones and In-
'cumbrances. In concluſion, upon Suſpicion that a Letter was coun-
terfeited in his Name, that they might not be deceiv’d, he inform’d
' them, that he had ſign d this with his own Hand; which was the Token
' in cvery Epiſtle.
Paul having continued about two Years in Europe, of which a Year and A.D.54.
an half was in Corinth, where he planted a conſiderable Churchi
, scroivo Claud. 14
to return into Aſia, particularly Syria. And taking along with him
Aquila and Priſcilla, at Cenchrea, the Port and Harbour of Corint), He
or Aquila ( for Criticks are not agreed upon the Perſon) Mav'd his Head,
in Performance of a Nazarite Vow he had formerly made, the Time
whereof was now expired. Having faild above 100 Leagues Eaſtward, Paul gees to
he landed at the famous City Epheſus in Aſia Propria, the Metropolis of Epheſus ;
thoſe Parts, where he preach'd for a ſhort Time in a Synagogue of the
Jens, arguing with them about the Meſſiah. He was much deſir’d to ſtay
in this City, but being fully determind to be at Jeruſalem at the Paſſover,
cither to conſult with Friends, or to make more Converts, lie left Aquila
and Priſcilla at Epheſus, promiſing to return again to them if God per-
mittedł.And failing thence above 200 Leagues South-Eaſtward, he landed
at Cafarca, and from thence went up to Jeruſalem, which was his fourth And to Jeruſa-
Journy to that City after his Converſion. Having viſited the Church, lem.
and kept the Feaſt, he went down to Antioch in Syria ; and after ſome
1Cor. 16. littlc Stay, he travers’d the Provinces of Galatia and Phrygia, confirming
the Diſciples, and enjoining them to make Contributions to the Poor
every Lord's Day. While Paul was taking this large Circuit, Providence
took
C
C
Acts 18.
- 20.
?, 21
7
200
Book II.
Cent. I.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY,
6.
I-S.
took Care of the Churches of Epheſus and Corinth by the Means of one
Apollos's Suc- Apollos a few of Alexandria, eminent for his flowing Eloquence and his
reis, admirable Knowledge of the Old Teſtament, who coming to Epheſus, tho
he was only inſtructed in the Rudiments of the Chriſtian Religion, and
the Baptiſm of John, taught the Word of God with great Boldneſs, and
a moſt powerful Zeal
. And having been fully inſtructed in the Faith by
Aquila and Priſcilla, le reſolv’d to paſs over into Achaia, being particu-
larly recommended by Letters from the Believers of Epheſus to thoſe of
Corinth. In this City he prov'd highly ſerviceable to the Church, and
water'd what Paul had before planted, confirming the Diſciples, and power- 1Cor. 3.
fully convincing the Jews, That Jeſus was the true and only Melfiah pro-
miſs'd in the Holy Scriptures.
While Apollos was thus happily employ'd in Corinth, Paul having viſited Mils 19.
Paul returns to the Churches in Galatia and Phrygia, return’d to Epheſus, according to
Ephefus.
his Promiſe, bringing ſeveral Companions along with him. Here meeting
with twelve Chriſtian Diſciples, he enquir'd of them, Whether ſince their
Converſion they had receiv'd the miraculous Gifts of the Holy Ghoſt? They
intimated, That the Doctrine which they had receiv'd had nothing in it of
that Nature ; nor had they ever heard that any ſuch extraordinary Spirit had
of late been beſtow'd upon the Church. Whereupon he farther enquir’d,
In what Name they had been baptiz'd; ſince the Chriſtian Baptiſm had ever
been adminiſter'd in the Name of the Holy Ghoſt. They anſwer'd, That
they had receiv'd no more than John's Baptiſm; which tho' it oblig'd Men
to Repentance, yet it did not ſpeak explicitly of the Holy Ghoſt, or its
Gifts and Powers. Upon this the Apoſtle let them know, That thoº John's
Baptiſm did openly oblige to nothing but Repentance, yet it did implicitly
acknowledge the whole Doctrine concerning Chriſt and the Holy Ghoſt. Tinis
Anſwer gave them ſuch Satisfaction, that they receiv'd from him tlie com-
pleat Chriſtian Baptiſm, which was in the Name of the Father, and the
Son, and the Holy Ghoſt. To which the Apoſtle added Confirmation,
and laying his Hands upon them, they immediately receiv'd the Holy
Ghoſt, in the Gift of Tongues, Propheſie, and other miraculous Powers
conferr'd upon them. After this Paul enter'd into the Jewiſh Synagogue
of this City, where for three Months he earneſtly contended and diſpu-
ted with the Jews; endeavouring to convince them of the Truth of thoſe
Things that concern’d the Chriſtian Religion.
While this great Apoſtle of the Uncircumciſion was thus diligently pur-
ſuing his Miniſtry, the other of the Circumciſion, St. Peter, after his De-
parture from Antioch, preach'd the Goſpel to the Jews in ſeveral Provin-
ces of the lefſer Aſia; and travelling Ealtward, arriv'd at the ancient City
Peter goes to Babylon in Chaldea, above 700 Miles Eaſt of Jeruſalem, where great
Num-
Babylon :
bers of the fews reſided, having a famous Academy, and ſeveral Schools.
In this City it is probable that Silas or Silvanus came to him, leaving Paul
at Epheſus; and having the Evangeliſt Mark with him, from this Place,
From whence he and in this Year 54, as Mr. Dodwell fairly conjectures, he wrote his firſt
writes his fift Epiſtle, which is call’d a Catholick or general Epiſtle. It is eſpecially
· directed to the elect Strangers, diſpers'd through Pontus, Galatia, Cappa-
docia, Aſia, and Bithynia ; that is to ſay, to all the converted Jews dif-
pers’d in thoſe ſeveral Provinces; and was ſent to them by Silvanus. In
' this Epiſtle, after a ſolemn Thankſgiving to God for their Call to Chri-
ſtianity, whereby they had a lively Hope of an eternal Inheritance in
' Heaven, he advis'd them to the Practice of ſeveral Virtues, as a Means
to make their Calling and Election ſure; namely, That they ſhou'd live
' in a conſtant Worſhip and Fear of God, and imitate their Maſter Jeſus
Chriſt in Holineſs and Purity : That they ſhou'd love cach other fer-
C
C
C
vently
Chap. V.
201
CLAUDIUS the 5 th Rom. Emp.
C
6
6
6
7
C
Swer. }
vently and unfeignedly, as Bretlıren not only by Nature but Grace :
" That they ſhou'd be diligent Hearers of the Goſpel, and grow up to
· Perfection by it. That they ſhou'd lead exemplary Lives among the
Gentiles, abſtaining from the carnal Luſts ſo commonly practis'd ainong
them, and carrying themſelves modeſtly and innocently, that they might
convince their Enemies that their Calumnies were unreaſonable. That
they ſhou'd behave themſelves well under their reſpective Relations,
ſubmitting themſelves to their Governors, whether ſupreme or ſubordi-
nate ; that Servants Mou'd obey their Maſters, Wives be ſubject to their
Husbands, and Husbands honour their Wives. That they ſhou'd live in
Unity, ſympathize with each other in their Afflictions, be compaſſionate
and courteous. That they ſhou'd endure Perſecution patiently, bleſſing
' God for making them like their Maſter in his Sufferings. Laſtly, he ex-
' horted the Paſtors and Miniſters of thoſe Churches to take a ſpecial Care
! of their Flocks, to teach them diligently, and to govern them gently,
not ſeeking for Gain, but to ſave their Souls. The whole is written
with a Fervor and Zeal becoming ſo great an Apoſtle; and ſome liave
thought it was written in the Hebrew Tongue, but without Ground. As
for Babylon, from whence it is dated, ſome believe it to be Buby-
lon in Ægypt, others that it means Rome, and others Jeruſalem; but
the Opinion we have follow'd ſeenis to us to have far greater Pro-
bability.
In this Year, the Emperor Claudius began to feel the fatal Effects of his
Tacife Folly and Miſgovernment. After he had been freed from a dangerous
and infamous Wife, he became Captive to his own Niece Agrippina, a Agrippina's
Woman of a vaſt Spirit and unbounded Ambition, who being marry'd to Deſigns.
him, ſoon procur'd her own Son Nero to be preferr'd before the Empe-
ror's Son Britannicus; and ſhe was ſo zealous for his ſucceeding in the
Empire, that when it was told her from ſome Oracle or Augur, That her
Son shou'd be Emperor, but wou'd be the Cauſe of her Death, ſhe anſwer'd,
Let him, ſo he but reigns. She procur'd the Deaths of ſeveral Ladies of
the higheſt Quality, who had been her Rivals for her Marriage with
the Emperor, and made many Changes in the greateſt Offices; but in a
few Years the exorbitant Power ſhe afſuin'd became not only diſtaſtful
to the Nobility, but alſo very troubleſome to Claudius himſelf; who,
notwithſtanding his ſtrange Inſenſibility, began heartily to repent of his
Marriage with her, and the Adoption of her Son Nero. Which Agrip-
pina ſoon diſcover'd by his unuſual Favours to his Son Britannicus, and
by what he accidentally declar'd when he was heated with Wine, That he
had ever been unfortunate in his Wives, but that none of them had eſcap'd
unpuniſh'd. Whereupon Agrippina ſoon took a Reſolution to procure lner
Husband's Death by Poyſon, but was very doubtful what Kind to uſe; for
ſhe thought a ſtrong Poyſon might make her Villany too apparent, and
a flow one wou'd give the Emperor Opportunity of diſcovering ſo much
of her Practices, as to prevent her Son's Succeſſion; at length ſhe fix'd
upon ſome ſingular Portion, tliat wou'd diſtract his Senſes, and not too
ſuddenly end his Life. For this ſhe wanted not her Aſſiſtants, who in-
fus'd tlie Poyſon into ſome Muſhrooms, a Diſh that Claudins lov'd be-
yond Meaſure; but that only indiſpoſing him, Agrippina ſuddenly ſent
for Xenophon her Phyſician, who upon Pretence of making him vomit, ac-
cording to his uſual Cuſtom after his gluttonous Debauches, thruſt a poi-Claudius poi-
ſon’d Feather down his Throat, which ſhortly after ended his Life. fon’d.
Whereupon Agrippina, as one overwhelm'd by the Extremity of Grief,
embrac'd Britannicus in hier Arms, calling him, the dear Image of his Fa-
ther's Face; and by many Artifices detain'd him and his Siſters Autonia
and
сс.
202
Book II:
Cent. I.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY,
and OFaria in the Chamber, placing a ſtrong Guard at every Door and
Paſſage, and often publiſhing, That the Emperor was ſtill in an hopeful
Condirion, till ſhe found a proper Minute for her Son's Advancement.
Claudius dy'd in the Year 54, on the 13th Day of Otober, under the Con-
ſulſhips of Marcellus and Ariola, being in the 64th Year of his Age, and
having reign d 13 Years, 8 Months, and 19 Days.
A.D.54.
III.
On the ſame Day that the Emperor Claudius dy'd, the Palace
NERO,
Gates were ſuddenly ſer open, and young Nero accompany'd with Bur-
the fixth Ro- 'rhus, Prefect of the Prætorian Guards, went out to the Cohort then at-
man Emperor. tending, who at the Command of Burrhus, receiv'd him with loud Accla-
mations, tho' not without ſome Enquiries after Britannicus, and carry'd
him in a Chariot to the reſt of the Troops; where, after a Promiſe of
a Donative, he was ſaluted Emperor, and ſhortly after confirm'd by the
Senate, and acknowledg'd by the Provinces. Nero, tho’ but 17 Years of
Age, began his Reign with the general Joy and Satisfaction of the City,
which conceiv'd great Hopes from his outward Endeavours to ſerve the
Publick. For firſt he promiſs'd to govern according to the wiſe Rules and
Inſtitutions of the great Auguſtus, and began both in Words and Actions
to ſhew himſelf juſt, liberal and merciful; conferring Favours, and divi-
ding Mony to the Citizens, moderating Impoſitions and Tributes, aſſign-
ing Penſions to decay'd Senators, and uſing all Men with ſuch Courteſie
and Humanity, as that there ſeem'd no Reaſon to fear the ſucceeding
Miſeries. He ſhew'd ſuch Clemency and Pity in the Execution of Juſtice
and Puniſhments, that when he was to ſign a Warrant for a condemn'd
Perſon, he with a Sigh ſaid, Wou'd to Heaven that I knew not how to
write ! And likewiſe ſuch Modeſty to the Senate, that when they applau-
ded him for the Juſtneſs and Regularity of his Adminiſtration, he made
Anſwer, Pray defer your Thanks till I deſerve them. So that it ſeem'd as
if Heaven had ſent the Romans ſuch a Prince as they deſir'd; and his
firſt five Years Government was ſo excellent in general, that the famous
Emperor Trajan afterwards ſaid, That for that Space all Government came
Sort of his. But a great part of this is to be attributed to the wiſe Con-
duct of Burrhus and Seneca, who were the young Emperor's Guides and
Governors, in equal Authority, and equal Sharers in divers Faculties
3
Burrhus in military Diſcipline, and Gravity of Manners ; Seneca in Pre-
cepts of Eloquence, and courteous Demeanors. Yet in this Space Nero
fell into divers Kinds of Extravagancies and Impieties; and how abo-
minably lewd and ſcandalous, how unnaturally cruel and barbarous, and
how prodigious a Monſter he prov'd in a few Years, we ſhall have a
proper Occaſion to ſay hereafter.
A.D.55.
In the firſt Year of his Reign, he made Ariſtobulus the Son of Herod of poeplan
.
Chalcis, King of the lefſer Armenia ; and added to Agrippa's Kingdom four
Cities with their Territories, Abila and Julius beyond Jordan, and Tibe-
rias and Tarichæa in Galilee : So that the Dominions of Felix, were
ſomewhat abridg’d. At this Time Judæa began to be over-run with
Robbers, Enchanters and Deceivers of the Vulgar, who daily became Sa-
crifices to this Governor; particularly Eleazar, who had commanded a
conſiderable Troop for many Years, who was ſent bound to Rome-him-
ſelf, and had all his Aſſociates crucify’d. Tho' Felix ſeem'd thus care-
rj Fälix.
ful of the Publick, yet he was a wicked Governor, and was Guilty of
many Impieties and corrupt Practices. In the beginning of his Government
he was captivated with the Beauty of Agrippa's Siſter Druſilla; and tho'
ſhe was marry'd to Azizus, King of the Emeſſenians, by the Alliſtance of
a Magician callid Simon, he perſuaded her to quit her Husband and marry
- ง
2
The Governinent
him,
Chap. V.
203
NERO the 6th Rom. Emp.
2
alm
..
him, and likewiſe to renounce her Religion, which was that of the
Jews. Not long after Felix turn’d his Hatred againſt Jonathan, one of
the Chief Prieſts, who having by his Intereſt procur'd him this Go-
vernment of the Emperor, took the Freedom to reprove him for his
frequent Miſmanagements ; which prov'd ſo uneaſie to him, that he
reſolv'd upon his Death, and to effect his Deſign, by a great Sum of
Mony, he corrupted one of this Prieſt's Confidents call'd Dora, engaging
him to bring in a convenient Number of Aflaſlinates to murther Jona-
than. Several of theſe reſorted to Jeruſalem, under the Colour of Devo-
tion, with ſhort Swords hid under their Garments, who mixing with this
Prieſt's Family, firſt accoſted him civilly, and then flew him: And be-
cauſe this Murther was impunilh’d, many invited by this Licentiouſneſs,
repaired to the City at publick Times, hiding their Swords after the
ſame Manner, and being in Throngs, freely kill'd ſuch as were Enemies
to them, or to their friends that hired them; and this not only in the
Streets and publick Places, but alſo in the Temple it ſelf, where Men
expected the greateſt Security.
Thus was feruſalem infeſted with Robbers and Murtherers: And as touch- A.D.56.
ing Magicians and Deceivers, they, according to our Saviour's Predictions, Ner.
entic'd and drew great Multitudes into the Deſerts, promiſing to ſhew
them Signs and Miracles wrought by the Power of the Almighty; but
ſuch as were perſuaded after them ſufficiently ſuffer'd for their Folly, being
purſu'd by ſome Troops from Felix, and cut in pieces. But a cer-
tain Ægyptian Jew, a falſe Prophet, occaſion'd far greater Miſchiefs to the
Jews : For being a Magician, he came into Judæa, and calling himſelf
a Prophet, gather'd together almoſt 30000 Jews, of whom St. Luke names
4000 as Murtherers, A&t. 21.38. Theſe Men following him as the expected
Meſiah, came from the Deſerts to Mount Olivet, where he promiſs'd them,
That they ſhou'd ſhortly ſee the Walls of Jeruſalem fall to the Ground, from
whence they ſhou'd drive the Roman Forces, and fix the Seat of his Em-
pire there. But Felix being inform’d of his Progreſs and Deſigns, met
him at the Foot of the Mountain with his Legions, and a great Num-
ber of other Jews; and engaging with him, many were killd, others taken An Ægyptiart
Priſoners, and the reſt diſpers’d into the Country; but the Ægyptian Magician rots
eſcap'd in the Battel, with ſome Followers, who were never heard of
after. Theſe being thus ſuppreſs’d, another Part, as it often happens
in fick Bodies, began to ariſe : For ſome Magicians and Robbers being
gather'd together, exhorted the People to ſhake off the Roman Yoke,
and threatned preſent Death to ſuch as ſuffer'd ſo ſhameful a Servitude;
ſo that they conſtrain'd many to Diſobedience, who were willing to ſub-
mit. Theſe Men being dispers'd all over the Country, robb’d and pillag'd
the Houſes of the Rich, killing many, and firing Villages ; ſo that all
Judæa was in extreme Fear of them. After which there hapned a great
Sedition and Diſturbance in Cæfarea between the Jews and Syrians in that
Place, which ended to the great Damage of the former, and to the en-
riching of Felix, who never fail'd to make ſufficient Advantages of
all ſuch Tumults: So that every Day the Jews felt the Beginnings of God's
Vengeance, and the Fore-runners of their final Ruin.
IV. During theſe 'Troubles in Judæa, Paul diligently purſu'd his Mi-Paul continues
at Epheſus:
Chabozo
. niſtry in the great City Epheſus; and after he had preach'd three Months
18-21. in the Synagogue of the fers, and found moſt of them obſtinate in their
Infidelity, he withdrew himſelf from their Aſſemblies, and met in a pub-
lick School of one Tyrannus, a Chriſtian Convert, with the reſt of the Dif-
ciples. In this place he continud two whole Years, and converted fo
Cc 2
many
►
Aits 19.
204 Cent. I.
Book II.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
j
many from all Parts of the World, who coming to this City upon the
Account of Commerce and its renowned Temple, had Opportunity of
hearing the Goſpel, that partly by Perſons ſent on Purpoſe, and partly by
accidental Converſation, all that dwelt in the Proconſular Aſia, heard the
Word of God, both Jews and Greeks. Paul tarry'd longer in this City
than in any other Place, meeting here with uncommon Difficulties in the
Conqueſt of Philoſophers, Magicians and other Superſtitions; which caus'd
him to uſe more than ordinary Labour as well as Time. Upon which ac "
count he preach'd not only in Publick but in private Houſes, concealing
nothing that cou'd be uſeful to his Auditors, warning all Men, and in-
ſtructing every one Night and Day with Tears, continually affording
them an Example of Humility and Patience. God was pleas'd to join
his power to theſe Endeavours of the Apoſtle, working extraordi
nary Miracles by his Hands, and putting ſuch a wonderful Virtue into his
Body, that if Napkins or Handkerchiefs were but touch'd by him, and
ap-
ply'd to the Sick and Poffefled, they immediately cur'd them. Yet all
theſe Miracles hàd but ſmall Effect upon the obſtinate Jews, till a new Ac-
cident awaken'd their Thoughts; which was occaſion'd by ſeven Brothers,
the Sons of one Sceva a Jewiſh Prieſt, who traveld from Town to Town,
as ſeveral other Jews did, to caſt out Devils and cure Diſeaſes by their
Exorciſms for Mony. Before our Saviour's Coming, the Jews us'd the
Name of the God of Abraham, Iſaac and Jacob to work theſe Effects
while our Saviour liv'd, they did it in his Name, and after his Death
it ſtill continu'd to be effected by ſome that were not Believers, as ſeveral
of the Fathers teſtifie. But Chriſt wou'd not always ſuffer his Name to be
abus'd through Vanity and Intereſt, and therefore made the Devil an In-
ſtrument to puniſh the Profanation of it: For when theſe Brothers exor-
cis'd a certain Demoniack, commanding him to come out in the Name of
The Sons of Feſus, whom Paul preached; the Devil reply'd, Jeſus I know, and Paul I
Sceva defeated. know ; but who are ye? and ſetting upon them, tore off their Cloaths,
wounded their Bodies, and ſcarce ſuffer d them to depart with Life. This
Accident being divulg'd in Epheſus, among both Jews and Gentiles, fillid
them with ſuch a reverential Fear, that none dared to ſpeak of the Name of
Feſus but with profound Reſpect. This alſo brought many over to the
Faith, cauſing them to confeſs their Sins, and forſake their wicked Arts,
and burning ſo many Magical Books as amounted to 1500 Pounds of our
Mony, they became ſincere Chriſtians. Thus did the Goſpel ſpread and 1Cor. 16.
prevail, and this was that great Door which St. Paul ſays was opend to Chap. 15.
him at Epheſus; yet it was not without much Oppoſition and great Perſe- 31, 32.
cution from the Jews and ſome others, who daily laid wait for him, and
ſought to caſt him to the wild Beaſts. He hazarded his Life to ſave others,
and dy'd daily that they might live for ever.
Puul having continu'd above two Years in Epheſus, took up ſome Reſo-
lutions to return into Macedonia and Achaia, and winter at Corinth, and ſo 21, 22.
Ner. 3.
paſs to Jeruſalem, where he deſign’d to celebrate the Feaſt of Pentecoſt: 5, 6.
After which Circuit he intended for Rome, to viſit the Church there,
which he had deſired to do many Years, and beg’d of God to direct
his Way to them. But this Journy being deferr'd for fome Time, he
ſent Timothy and Eraſtus into Macedonia, appointing the former to viſit
the Church of Corinth before his Return, and prepare their Alms for
Jeruſalem. Not long after Timothy's Departure, Apollos, Stephanus, For-
tunatus, and Achaicus came from Corinth to Paul, bringing him an Account
of the State of that Church from ſome Perſons of the Family of Chloe,
and alſo a Letter from the Church it ſelf, defiring a Reſolution of ſeve-
ral Points concerning Marriage and Chaſtity; and ſome other Subjects.
Ву
A.D.57.
Afts 19.
4
Chap. V.
205
NERO the 6th Rom. Emp.
C
By the Account from theſe Perſons, he underſtood the diſtracted and bad
Condition of that Church; That the Corinthians were unhappily broken
into many Parties and Factions upon the Account of their Teachers, ſome
adhering to Paul, others to Cephas or Peter, (who, as Clemens in his Epi-
ſtle ſays, was at Corinth when Apollos was there ) and others to Apollos,
and others to Chriſt, feparating from, and contemning each other, as not
ſo well or edifyingly inſtructed : That many Diſorders were committed at
their Love-Feaſts, and the Holy Sacrament corruptly and irreverently ce-
lebrated: That the Chriſtians injur'd and defrauded each other, and went
to Law at the Heathen Tribunals; and, that a Chriſtian of their City had
amarry'd his Mother-in-Law, and that ſome deny'd the Reſurrection. In
Anſwer therefore to this Account and their Letter, Paul compos'd his
firſt Epiſtle to the Corinthians, wherein he ſharply reprov'd them for their Paul's firſt Epi .
Affectation, teaching them that they ought not to ſay, They were of file to the co-
rinthians.
this or that perſon, but of Jeſus Chriſt : That Miniſters ought not to
boaſt, or aſcribe the Converſion of the People to their own Eloquence
. and Abilities; for that God did not convert the World by this human
• Wiſdom, but by the Preaching of the Fooliſhneſs of the Croſs. He
inform’d them that they ought to excommunicate the inceſtuous Per-
ſon, left his Example ſhou'd infect others: He blam'd their contentious
Law-Suits, adviſing them to refer their Differences to ſome prudent Per-
' fons of the Church: To bring them to the right Uſe of the Sacra-
ment, he propounded the Inſtitution, exhorting them to fit themſelves
for it by examining their Lives. He anſwer'd their Queſtions concern-
ing Marriage, Celebracy, and Meats offer'd to Idols ; adding ſeveral
Things concerning the Veils that women were to wear, of the different
· Gifts of the Holy Ghoſt, of the Excellency of Charity, of the Gift of
Tongues, of Prayer in a known Tongue, of the Truth of the Goſpel, and the
Certainty of the Reſurrection. This Epiſtle was written in the Name of
himſelf, and of Soſthenes; and was ſent to Corinth by Stephanus, Fortunatus,
and Achaicus ; Apollos, tho deſir’d, being not willing to go along with
them. Some are of Opinion that St. Paul wrote a former Epiſtle to the
Corinthians, which they ground upon the Words of Chap. 5. 9. I wrote
unto you in an Epiſtle, &c. but theſe Words may very well be referr'd to
to the foregoing Part of this Epiſtle. What Effect this Epiſtle had, the
next informs us; it brought them to a ſerious Remorſe for their Faults,
and a careful Vigilance of doing their Duty for the Future; and none
more than the inceſtuous Perſon, who fell into ſuch Sorrow, that Paul
fear'd he ſhou'd be ſwallow'd
up
with it
Not long after Paul writ an Épiſtle to the Galatians, upon this follow- His Epiſtle to
ing Occaſion: He had preach'd twice in the Province of Galatia, firſt in the Galatians:
the Year 51, and next in the Year 54, finding the Inhabitants very ready
and compliant Auditors. And as they embrac'd the Faith readily, ſo God
approv'd their Sincerity by beſtowing on them the Holy Spirit; and run-
ning well, they made á conſiderable Progreſs in the Ways of Truth, and
gave good Proofs of their Conſtancy, by ſuffering many Things for the
Goſpel. But after Pauls Departure, they deviated from the Truth, and
began to entertain another Goſpel : For certain Jews who had embrac’d
the Faith, coming to Galatiá, taught them, That Faith in Chriſt was not
ſufficient to ſave them, but tliat they muſt alſo be circumciſed ; preten-
ding the Commands and Practices of the three great Apoſtles, Peter, James
and John : And whereas the Galatians alledg'd, that they had receiv'd no
ſuch Doctrine from Paul; they told them, That he was not to be com-
par' d with thoſe Lights of the Church, who had receiv'd their Doctrine
from the Mouth of Chriſt himſelf, and were inſpired with extraordinary
Knowledge
C
206
Book II.
Cent. I.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
C.
C
Knowledge ; whereas Paul was no Apoſtle, but taught by them, or ſome
others. Theſe falſe Teachers pretended a great Zeal for the Salvation
of the Galatians, tho' indeed they chiefly aim'd at their own Intereſt,
and to bring them under the Moſaick Inſtitutions ; and the Galatians
being a dull and ignorant People, cou'd not ſee through their fair Pre-
tences, but ſuffer'd themſelves to be carry'd away with their Doctrine.
Paul having heard of this their Apoſtacy from the Truth and purity of the
Goſpel, thought it neceſſary to write this Epiſtle to them. In which he
manifeſted a Zeal proportionable to the Cauſe he undertook, charging
' them with Madneſs and Folly, to be led away with ſuch extravagant Er-
rors, that overturn’d the Foundation of the Goſpel; and proving that he
' had his Doctrine and Apoſtleſhip from Jeſus Chriſt himſelf, and that he
' found it neceſſary to reprove Peter at Antioch for his Diſſimulation and
too great Condeſcenſion to ſuch Judaizers. After which he produc'd ſe-
veral Arguments from Scripture to convince them of their Error; demon-
ſtrating, that the Slavery of the Law brought a Curſe with it, deſtroy'd
' their Chriſtian Liberty, and that no Man cou'd be juſtify'd by it in the
Sight of God: That the Law was not given for Juſtification, but to be
' ſubſervient to it; not to leave Men under a Curſe, but to ſhew them the
Curſe, and drive them from it; the Way in which Men were to ſeek for
Juſtification, but not the Means to obtain it. Among his Reproofs and
Arguments he mingled ſeveral Exliortations to that Church, full of Pater-
'nal and Apoſtolick Charity; and becauſe he always took as much Care
' of their Manners as their Faith, towards the latter end he gave them
many excellent Directions and Rules to moderate and govern their Con-
' verſation. He wrote this Epiſtle all with his own Hand, contrary to
' his ordinary Cuſtom of dictating.
A little before Paul's Departure from this City, an Accident hapned that Als 19.
involv'd him in great Trouble and Danger. Epheſus above all the Cities in 23 - 41.
the Eaſt was celebrated for the famous Temple of Diana, a moſt magnificent
Structure, for Beauty, Riches and Capaciouſneſs, reckond one of the ſeven
Wonders of the World ; in which was a fam'd Image of this Goddeſs, ſo
admirably wrought, that it was generally believ'd to have been form’d by
Jupiter, and drop'd down from Heaven; for which Reaſon not only Ephe-
fus, but the whole world had a miglity Veneration for it. Of this Temple
and Image, either through Superſtition or Curioſity, it was very uſual both
for the Citizens and Travellers to have Silver Shrines and Models: For the
making of which great Numbers of Silver-Smiths were employ'd and main-
tained, among whom Demetrius was a leading Man, who foreſeeing that if
the Chriſtian Religion encreas'd, their gainful Employment wou'd be ruin'd,
immediately calld together the Men of his Profeſſion, and repreſented to
them, That this Paul had not only perverted the City but the whole Province,
and perſuaded the People that the Images they made and worſhip’d were no real
Gods; by which Means their Trade and Livelihood was in danger of being
loſt; and what was worſe, the Honour and Reputation of the great Goddeſs
A Tumult in Diana, whom all Aſia and the World ador’d. Being fired with this Diſcourſe,
Epheſus hy they all cry'd out, Great is Diana of the Epheſians! and the whole City was
immediately in a Tumult and Uproar, who ſeizing upon Gaius and Ariſtar-
chus two of Pauls Companions, hurry'd them into the publick Theatre,
probably to caſt them to the wild Beaſts. Paul hearing of their Danger,
not regarding his own Life, wou'd have ventur'd himſelf among them, had
not the Chriſtians, and even ſome of the Aſiarcha, Managers of the Thea-
trical Games, diſſuaded him froin it. Great was the Noiſe and Confuſion
of the Multitude, the major Part not ſo much as knowing the Reaſon of
the Concourſe. In which Diſtraction Alexander a few, being thruſt forward
by
Demetrius.
*
Chap. V.
207
NERO the 6th Rom. Emp.
.
<
vindicator
by his Countrymen, endeavour'd to make an Apology to the People, in-
tending, no doubt, to clear himſelf by caſting the whole Blame upon Pani
and the Chriſtians. But the Multitude perceiving him to be a Jew, and
thereupon ſuſpecting he was one of Paul's Aſſociates, began to raiſe a loud
Out-cry for near two Hours together, wherein nothing cou'd be heard but
Great is Diana of the Eplieſians! The Noiſe being a little abated, the Town-
Clerk or Recorder, a diſcreet and prudent Man, came forth, and calmly
told them. That it was ſufficiently known to all the World what a mighty Vene-
ration the City of Epheſus had for the great Goddeſs Diana, and the fan
Guilty of Sacrilege nor blasphemy againſt their Goddeſs; that if Demetrius
and his Company had any juſt Charge againſt them, the Courts were fitting, and
they might prefer their Indiit ment; or if their Controverſy were about any other
Matter, it might be determin’d by ſuch a proper Judicature as the Law appointed:
that therefore they ought to be pacify'd, having done more already than they cou'd
anſwer, and being in great Danger of being puniſh'd for that Day's riotous Aſem-
bly. With which prudent Diſcourſe he appeas'd and ſent home the Mul-
titudes; but Paul, tho' he fell not into their Hands, yet was in fo great Paul in Daviger.
Danger, that he ſpeaks of it as of a miraculous Deliverance. We had
• the Sentence of Death in our ſelves, that we ſhou'd not truſt to our ſelves,
but in God who rais'd the Dead, who deliver'd us from ſo great a Death,
2 Cor. I, 9, 10.
AFS 20. Shortly after the Diſturbance was over, Paul having continu'd near three
ico. 2. Years at Epheſus, and founded a very great and conſiderable Church, call'd He leaves
Chap3: the chriſtians together, and with all the Marks of mutual Love, took his Epheſus.
Leave of them, having firſt coriſtituted Timothy Biſhop and Governor of Timothy made
the Church, as ſeveral of the Ancients teſtifie. He travell'd about 200 Bishop of Ephes
Miles Northwards to Troas before he took Shipping expecting and deſiring
to meet Titus there; bat milling him, he purſu'd his Voyage into Macedo
nia. In this Country he gave many Exhortations to a ſound Faith and
holy Life; and as he tells us himſelf, preach'd the Goſpel round about un-
to Illyricum, ſome parts of Macedonia bordering on that Province. He met
with many Troubles and Dangers in this Journy, without were Fightings
and Contentions, within were Fears and Suſpicions; but God who com-
forts thoſe who are caſt down, comforted him by the Arrival of Titus, who
gave him an Account of che good Effects his Epiſtle had at Corinth, how
great a Reformation it had wrought, and how all the Chriſtians ſeparated
themſelves from the Company of the inceſtuous Perſon, and liad deliverd
him to Satan; at which he was ſo much humbled, that he earneſtly deſir'd
the Apoſtle's Abſolution. Titus alſo affur'd him, that the Alms of the Co-
rinthians for the Jews were ready; which he ſignify'd to the Macedonians
to provoke them to a liberal Contribution, as he did theirs to the Corin-
thians. But notwithſtanding the good Effects of his firſt Epiſtle, yet ſtill
ſeveral vain-glorious Teachers perſiſted in their contumacy, vilifying the
Apoſtle's Authority, and miſinterpreting his Words and Actions; particu-
larly they charg’d him with Levity in deferring his intended coming to
them, with Severity and Uſurpation in his Dealings with the inceſtuous
Perſon, and with Contempt and Carnality in overthrowing the Moſaick
Law; and that tho he was imperious in Writing, his Perſon was abject and
contemptible. Having receiv'd a full Account from Titus, he thought it
neceſſary to write a ſecond Epiſtle to the Corinthians, which he ſent by Paul's.second
Titus and two other Brethren, this being the fifth Epiſtle that he writ. It Epiſilé to the
was written from Philippi in Macedonia, in the Name of Paul and Timothy,
and directed to the Church of God in Corinth, and to all the Saints in
• Achaia
S, 6.
fusi
Corinthians:
208. Cent. I
Book II.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
c
C
6
C
C
3.
the Romans.
Achaia; in it he excus'd his not coming directly to Corinth, for fear of
occaſioning their Sorrow, commended their Zeal againſt the inceſtuous Per-
ſon, and allow'd them to be reconcild to him. After which he juſtify'd
". his Conduct, vindicated the Dignity and Miniſtry of the Goſpel, and
" proved the Excellency of it above that of the Law; farther exhorting
them to a liberal Contribution by the Example of the Macedonians
finding their Alms to come ſhort of what he expected. He diſclaim'd
the falſe Teachers, who feduc'd them, and endeavour'd to eſtrange them
' from him, threatning them with his Apoſtolick Authority; and that he
might ſecure them againſt their wicked Inſinuations, he was oblig'd againſt
' his Inclination to glory in his Revelations, his extraordinary Labours and
Sufferings for the Goſpel; in Delivery of which he us'd much Eloquence,
which was natural to his Pen. In a Word, he ſpoke to them with Au-
thority, and teſtify'd that he was as firm and bold as ever.
Paul having paſs'd over Macedonia came into Greece, that is, into Achaia, Ats 20:
and continu'd there for the Space of three months, reſiding principally at
the Metropolis of it Corinth. Here having gotten together a Contribution
for the poor Saints at Jeruſalem, juſt before his Departure lie wrote his fa-
Hi Epiſtle to mous Epiſtle to the Romans, the largeſt and the ſixth Epiſtle he wrote, tho
either for the Dignity of the City of Rome, or the Profoundneſs of its
Subject and Matter, firſt plac'd in the ſacred Canon. The Apoſtle had heard
of ſome Diſagreements both of Judgment and Affection among the Chri-
ſtians at Rome, who were partly believing Jews, and partly believing Gen-
tiles. The former claim'd the Preference upon the Account of their
great
Privileges and Revelations, and the Meſſiah's coming from their Nation, and
mingled the Law and Goſpel together in point of Juſtification, zealoufly
contending for the Neceſſity of Circuncifion: The latter maintain'd, that
the Jews for the moſt part had rejected their Meſſiah, and continu'd Unbe-
lievers, boaſting of their own Philoſophy and the Light of Nature, and
becauſe they were exempted from the Obſervation of the Moſaick Rites,
they us'd their Chriſtian Liberty not without Offence. “Whereupon the
Apoſtle deliver'd his Judgment with that Wiſdom, as to beat down all
Opinion of Merit in both parties, uniting them both in Jeſus Chriſt as
the chief Corner Stone, and ſhewing that God's calling either Jew or
Gentile was an Act of pure Mercy. He firſt humbled the Gentiles, by ſhew-
ing them the Blindneſs and Impiety of their Philoſophers; and then the
Jews, by declaring that they themſelves did what they condemn'd in the
Pagans; proving alſo by the Example of Abraham, That a Man was
juſtify'd by Faith only, but ſuch a Faith as was actuated by Love; and
' that no Man was juſtify'd by Works, as the Jews affirm'd. Then he ma-
' nifeſted the Effects of original Sin, and the Power it liad even in the
Regenerate; and explaind the profound Queſtion concerning Election
and Reprobation, in his Diſcourſe of the Calling of the Gentiles, and
' the Rejection of the Jews. To theſe Doctrines of Faith he added ſeve-
ral Chapters concerning Moral and Chriſtian Duties, chiefly the 5th, 6th,
' 12th, and 13th Chapters; in which lie produc'd many admirable Inſtru-
ctions, and Inſtances of evangelical Obedience. He had not been at Rome
when he wrote this Epiſtle, but being an Apoſtle of the Gentiles he look'd
upon them as part of his Charge, tho' that Church was planted by ſome
other Perſon. " It was written by Tertius his Amanuenſis, and carry'd to
Rome by Phåbe, a Diaconeſs of the Church of Cenchraa.
A.D.58.
Paul having continu'd three Months in Greece, at laſt reſolv'd to
go
in-
to Syria, to carry the Alms which he had gather'd in Macedonia and Greece, 3-12
Ner, 4
.
to the poor Chriſtians in Judæa. His firſt Deſign was to take the ſhorteſt
cut by Sca, but having Information that the Jews deſign d to intercept him
by
G
C
Ads 20,
S
Chap. V.
209
NERO the 6th Rom. Emp.
Ads 20.
by the Way, he determin’d to go about through Macedonia. He was
accompany'd by Sopater of Berea, Ariſtarchus and Secundus of Theſſalonică,
Tychicus and Trophimus of Aſia, Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy, as far as Phi-
lippi; from whence he ſent them to Troas, ordering them to ſtay there till
he came to them. At Philippi he continu'd with the Evangeliſt Luke and
ſome others, till after the Paſſover, and celebrated the Feaſt with the Phi-
lippians, a very pious and charitable People; this being the third Time of
his viſiting that Church, Looſing from thence, in five Days he landed at
Troas, and there tarry'd ſeven Days. While he remain’d in this Town, At Troas he
the Chriſtians met, according to their Cuſtom, on the firſt Day of the Week, cailes Eury,
the
to celebrate the Lord's Supper and the other Parts of divine Worſhip. Here Dead.
Paul preach'd to them; and becauſe he was to leave them the next Day, he
lengthned out his Sermon till Midnight, neither Preacher nor Hearers being
tired; only a young Man nam'd Eutychus diſturb'd their Devotion, who
ſitting in a Window, and falling into a deep Sleep, fell down from the
third
Loft, and was taken up dead. But God made uſe of this Accident to
magnifie his Power and his Apoſtle's Miniſtry; for Paul going down, and
falling upon
him in Imitation of the Prophets Elijah and Eliſha, imme-
diately brought him to Life, bidding the Company not be concern'd ſince
he was alive. Tho' Paul manifeſtly rais’d him from the Dead, yet through
Humility, he ſeem'd to conceal the Miracle ; and after that proceeded in
the divine Offices, and the Celebration of the Sacrament, adding farther
Exhortations till break of Day, when all departed to their Houſes, greatly
rejoycing for the young Man's Reſtauration.
The next Day Paul departed from Troas, and went on Foot to Aſos, a
13-38. few Miles South of it, probably that he might give ſome Inſtructions to the
Chriſtians dwelling in the Way. At Aſſos he met with Luke and his other
Company, whom he had ſent before to meet him there by Sea, and taking
Ship they all faild to Mitylene, a City in the Ille of Lesbos. The next Day
they ſaild thence, and ſtood over againſt the Ille Chios, and the Day
following arriv'd at Samos, another Iſle in the Ægean Sea, and landed at
Trogyllium, a Promontory of Ionia, near Samos; and the next Day he went
to Miletus, a City and Port of Caria, above 30 Miles South of Epheſus.
Paul being deſirous to be at Jeruſalem
before Pentecoſt, that he might cele-
brate the Feaſt, wou'd not go up to Epheſus, leſt that Journy ſhou'd detain
him too long, but ſent for the Presbyters and Governors of the Church,
thinking it neceſſary to give them a particular Charge of the Flock upon
which he had ſpent ſo much Time, and which he knew not whether he
cou'd ſee again. At their Arrival he put them in mind, With what Integrity His farewel
and Affection, with what Humility and Fidelity, and with how great Danger
Preshyters of
and Trouble he had been converſant amongſt them, and had preach'd the Goſpel Epheſus.
to them, ever ſince his coming into thoſe Parts: That he had not faild to ac-
quaint them both publickly and privately with whatſoever might be profitable to
their Souls, urging both Jews and Gentiles to Repentance and Reformation, and
an hearty Entertainment of the Faith of Chriſt: That now he was determin’d
to go up to Jeruſalem, where he knew not what particular Sufferings wou'd befal
him, only he had been inform’d by the Holy Spirit, in every Place, that great
Afflictions and Impriſonment attended him : But that all this did not move
him, who valu'd not his own Life, ſo he might but ſucceſsfully propagate the holy
Gospel, and triumphantly finiſh his Courſe: That he knew that henceforth they
Shou'd ſee his Face no more, but he had this particular Comfort, that they thema
ſelves cou'd teſtifie that he was clear from the Blood of all Men, and that no
Soul had periſh through his Negligence
. He told them, that now he was to bid
them finally adien, the whole Care of that Flock of God was devolu'd upon
them; wherefore he adjur’d them to be infinitely tender and careful of them-
Dd
ſelves
Sermon to the
2IO
Book II.
Cent. I.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
ſelves and of that Flock, over which the Holy Ghoſt himſelf had made them
Overſeers, and for which Chriſt had paid no leſs a Purchaſe than his own
Blood. For that after his Departure, there fori d ariſe Seducers, who like
devouring Wolves, ſhor'd enter upon their Flock, and make a Prey both of
their Eſtates and Souls; of whom many ſhou'd Spring from themſelves, whom
they had leaſt Reaſon to ſuſpect : That therefore they shou'd be vigilant, remem-
bring with what Tears and Sorrow, he had for three Years ſucceſſively warn’d
them of theſe Things. He concluded his Diſcourſe with a ſolemn Recom-
mendation of them to God's Special Grace and Protection, wiſhing them all
the Benefits of the Goſpel, Perfection of Knowledge here, and an heavenly In-
heritance hereafter, and cautioning them againſt Avarice and making a Prey
their Flocks, which he himſelf had avoided, who had choſen rather to work with
his own Hands than be too Burt henſom to them; that ſo ought they alſo to act
so as they might ſupport themſelves and others, being mindful of that excellent
Saying of the bleſſed Jeſus, . It is more bleſſed to give than to receive. After
this farewel Sermon, the Apoſtle kneeld down, and concluded all with a
Prayer: Which done they all melted into Tears, and with the livelieſt Ex-
preſſions of Sorrow attended him to the Ship; tho' that which made the
deepeſt Impreſſion upon their Minds was, that lie had told them, That they
shou'd ſee his Face no more.
Being gotten from Miletus, Paul and his Companions came with a ſtrait Alts 22.
His laſt Journy Courſe to Coos, and the next Day to Rhodes, two Illes in the Ægean Sea, and "-17.
to Jeruſalem. from thence to Patara, a Port and Metropolis
of Lycia, where they chang’d
their Ship, and fail'd in a Veſſel bound for Tyre in Phænicia; and leaving
Cyprus on the left Hand, they landed åt Tyre after five Days fail. Here meet-
ing with ſome Chriſtians, Paul was advis’d by thoſe among them who had
the Gift of Propheſie, that he ſhou'd not go up to Jeruſalem : But he cou'd
not yield to their Propoſals, and having ſtaid with them a Week, he pro-
ceeded in his Journy, the Chriſtians with their Wives and Children accom-
panying him to the Ship, where before his Entrance, he embrac'd them and
pray'd with them on the Shore, as he had done at Miletus. From Tyre they
ſaild a few Leagues to Ptolemais, a City of Phænicia near Galilee, where on-
ly faluting the Brethren, they came the next Day to Cæſarea. Here they lodg’d
in the Houſe of Philip the Evangeliſt
, one of the ſeven Deacons that were
firſt fet apart by the Apoſtles, who had four Virgin Daughters, all endu'd
with the Gift of Propheſie. During their ſhort Stay here, Agabus a Chriſtian
Prophet came down thither from Judæa, who taking Paul's Girdle bound
his own Hands and Feet with it, folemnly ſhewing them, That by that ex-
ternal Symbol the Holy Ghoſt did ſignifie and declare, That Paul Mou'd be thus
treated by the Jews at Jeruſalem, and be by them deliver'd over to the Hands
of the Gentiles. Whereupon they all earneſtly befought him, That he wou'd
divert his Courſe to ſome other Place; but the Apoſtle having an invincible
Courage ask'd them, What they meant by thoſe compajſionate Difuafives to add
more Affliction to his Sorrow? That he was now ready not only to ſuffer Impri-
Sonment at Jeruſalem, but alſo Death it ſelf for the sake of Chriſt and his
Religion. Finding his Reſolution fix'd and immovable, they importun'd
him no farther, but left the Event to the divine Will and Pleaſure. And
all Things being in Readineſs, Paul and his Company ſet forwards for
Jeruſalem, and arriving at the City, they were kindly and joyfully enter-
tain'd by the Chriſtians there, lodging at the Houſe of one Mnaſon of Cy-
prus, an old Diſciple. This was St. Paul's laſt Journy to Jeruſalem that we
are certain of, and the fifth from his Converſion: His firſt was in the Year
38, his ſecond in 44, his third in 49, his fourth in 54, and this his låſt in
the Year 58, about 23 Years after his Converſion, and nine from the Coun-
cil of Jeruſalem.
CHAP
Chap. VỊ.
2 II
NERO the 6thi Rom. Emp.
:
C H A P. VI.
From St. Paul's laſt fourny to Jeruſalem, to the Beginning of
the firſt General Perſecution of the Church under the Emperor
Nero.
Containing the Term of about fix Years.
28 - 26.
5
MHS 21. I
I.P4
UL and his Company being arrivd at Jeruſalem, with the Col- A.D.58.
lection for the indigent Chriſtians, the ſecond Day repair'd with
Ner. 4
them to the Houſe of the Apoſtle Jimes the Biſhop, where the reſt of the
Paul adviſes
Presbyters and Governors of the Church were met together. After mutual with James a
Salutations, Paul gave them a particular Account with what Succeſs God
had bleſs'd him in propagating Chriſtianity among the Gentiles, for which
they all glorify'd the Almighty; but witlial inform’d him, That he was
now come to a Place, where there were many thouſands of Jewiſh Converts,
who ſtill retain’d a mighty Zeal and Veneration for the Law of Mofes, and
who had been aſſur’d, "That he taught the Jews, whom he had converted in
every Place, to renounce Circumciſion and the Ceremonies of the Law: That as
ſoon as the Multitude heard of his Arrival, they wou'd certainly gather toge-
ther to watch his Behaviour in that Matter ; and therefore to prevent future
Diſturbances, they thought it adviſable, that ſince there was at that Time four
Men, who were to accompliſh i particular Vow, he ſhou'd join himſelf to them,
perform the uſual Rites and Ceremonies with them, and provide fach Sacrifices
as the Law requir'd in that Cafe, and that in Diſcharge of their Vow they
might Mave their Heads: By which it might appear, That the Reports Spread
concerning him were wholly Groundleſs, and that he himſelf did ſtill obs
ſerve the Rites and Orders of the Mofaical Inſtitution. But as for the Gen-
tile Converts, they requir'd no ſuch Obſervances at their Hands, nor expected
any Thing more from them in theſe indifferent Matters, than what had been
before determin' d by the Apoſtolical Synod in that Place, namely, an abſtaining
from Meats offer'd to Idols, from Things ſtrangled, from Blood, and from
Fornication. “Paul, who in ſuch caſes was willing to become all Things And complies
to all Men, conſented to their Counſel, and taking thoſe Perſons along with ſome
with him to the Temple, let the Prieſts know, That the Time of a Vow
they had made being now expired, and having purify'd themſelves as that
Caſe required, they were come to make their Offerings according to the
Law.
It was now the Feaſt of Pentecoſt, and the ſeven Days for theſe Sacri-
20740; fices being to be accompliſh'd, fonie fews from Aſia, who had been Op: He is in grent
1-21. poſers of Paul, now finding him in the Temple, and the Court of the
Danger.
Women, began to raiſe a Tumult and an Uproar, and laying hold of
him, calld out to the reſt of the Jews for their Aſſiſtance, crying out,
That this was the Man that in all Places had vented pernicious Doctrines
againſt the Prerogative of the Jewiſh Nation, deſtructive to the Inſtitutions
of the Lam, and to the Purity of that Place, which he had prophan'd by
bringing uncircumcis'd Grecians into it: Poſitively concluding, That be-
cauſe they had ſeen Trophimus a Gentile Convert of Epheſus with him in
the City, therefore he had brought him alſo into the Temple. Here-
upon the whole City was immediately in an Uproar, and ſeizing upon
him, they barbaroully treated him, and drag‘d him out of the Temple,
the Gates being immediately ſhut againſt him. Nor had they faild
D d
there
Rites.
Aits 21.
Cent. I.
Book II.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
we
the Romans.
there to have put a Period to all his Troubles, had not Claudius Lyſias,
Commander of the Roman Gariſon in the Caſtle Antonia, fearing a Sedi-
Reſcu'd by Ly- tion, come in with a conſiderable Force to his Reſcue and Deliverance;
fias,but becomes and concluding him to be more than an ordinary Malefactor, comman-
a Priſoner to
ded a double Chain to be put upon him, tho' as yet he was altogether
ignorant either of his Perſon, or of his Crime; wherein he cou'd receive
no Satisfaction from the clamorous Multitude, who callid for nothing but
his Death, following the Cry with ſuch Crouds and Numbers, that the
Soldiers were oblig'd to take him into their Arms to ſecure him from the
preſent Rage and Violence of the People. As they were going up into
the Caſtle, Paul ask'd the Governor, whether he miglit have the Liberty
to ſpeak to him? Who, finding him to ſpeak Greek, enquir'd of him,
Whether he was not that Ægyptian Rebel, whom fælix had not long fince
defeated, who headed a great Party, of whom fonr thouſand were Afaſſinates?
The Apoſtle reply'd, That he was a Jew of Tarſus, a Freeman of a rich
and honourable City; and therefore begʻd of him, That he might have
Hè apologizes leave to speak to the People. Which being granted bim, Paul ſtanding
before the Peo-
upon the Stairs near the Door of the Caſtle, and making Signs for Si-
ple;
lence, began to addreſs himſelf to the People in the Hebrew or rather
Syriack Tongue; which when they heard, they became more calm and
quiet, while in a formal Oration he gave them an Account of his Birth,
of his Education in his Youth, of his extraordinary Zeal for the Rites
and Cuſtoms of their Religion, and with what a paſſionate Earneſtneſs
he had perſecuted all the Chriſtians he cou'd find, of which the High-
Prieſt and the Sanhedrim were ſufficient Witneſſes. Next he gave them
an entire and punctual Relation of the miraculous Manner of his Can-
verſion; and how afterwards, tho he extremely deſir’d to have coniirid
at Jeruſalem, yet he receiv'd a Viſion and an immediate Command from
God himſelf to depart that City, and to go and preach Sulvation to the
Gentiles.
The People patiently gave him Audience in the former Part of his Alts 22.
Who will not be Diſcourſe; but when he proceeded to defend his Practice in preaching to 22-29.
ſatisfyd.
the Gentiles, they could contain themſelves no longer, but uncouroully
cry'd out to have him put to Death, it not being fit that ſuch a Villain
Mou'd live upon the Earth.
the Earth. And the more to expreſs their Fury, they
threw off their Cloaths, and caſt Duſt into the Air, as if they imme-
diately deſign'd to have ſton'd him. To avoid which Violence and
Tumult, Lyſias the Captain, greatly at a Lofs, commanded him to be
brought within the Caſtle, and that he fhou'd be examin'd by Scour-
ging, till he confeſs'd what he had done, that had ſo much enrag'd the
Jews againſt him. While the Lictors were binding him with Thongs
in order to the Puniſhment, Paul, who ever took the Benefit of Laws,
demanded of the Centurion that ſtood to ſee it executed, Whether they
cou'd juſtifie the Scourging a free Citizen of Rome, and that before any Sin-
tence legally paſs d upon him? The Centurion immediately intimated tisis
to the Governor of the Caſtle, adviſing him to be very cautious in his Pro-
ceedings againſt the Priſoner, for that he was a Roman. Whereupon
Lyſias himſelf came, and ask'd him, Whether he was really a free Denizon of
Rome? And being anſwer'd in the affirmative, he reply'd, That it was
a great Privilege, a Privilege which he himſelf had purchas'd with a very
large Sum of Mony. To whom Paul anſwer'd, That it was his Birtha
right, and the Privilege of the City where he was born and educated.
Hereupon they gave over the Deſign of Scourgiog him, the Com-
mander himſelf not being a little ſtartled, that he had bound and
chain'd, a Citizen of Rome. But however from this Time Panl be-
came
Chap. VI.
213
NERO the 6th Rom. Emp.
Aits 22.
I - IO.
C
came a Priſoner to the Roman Power, for above four Year ſuccef-
fively.
Lyſias being ſtill deſirous to know the Certainty and Nature of the By the Order of
Ebap
. 23. Apoſtle's Crime, took another Method, namely, to have him examio
d Lyfias, he is
examin'd by the
by the Jewiſh Sanhedrim, which he order'd the next Day to meet for Sanhedrim:
that purpoſe, and preſented Paul before them, Ananias being High-
Prieſt and Preſident of that Aſſembly. Paul being plac'd in the midſt
of the Council, began to apologize for himſelf; declaring, That to that
very Day, he had ever livd in all good Conſcience before God and Man.
Theſe Words being offenſive to the High-Prieſt, as it he had reproach'd
the Juſtice of the Court, he conimanded the Officers that ſtood by, to
ſtrike him in the face. Paul, tho' ready to turn the other Check and
to ſuffer all Things for the Goſpel, yet conſidering the illegal Practice
of this Magiſtrate, ſeverely reply'd by a Prophetick Spirit, That God ſhou'd
ſtrike him, Hypocrite as he was, who under a Pretence of judging according to
Law, had commanded him to be puniſh'd contrary to Liin. Whereupon
fome Perſons preſent reprov'd him, for reviling God's High-Prieſt ; to
which he calmly return'd, That he did not know, or own Ananias to be an
High-Prieſt of God's Appointment : However being a Perſon in Authority,
be confeſs'd it unlawful to revile him, God having commanded, “ Not to
Speak evil of the Ruler of the People. The Rulers proceeding in his Exa-
mination, were acted by ſo much Prejudice, that the Apoſtle, who always
retain'd the Innocency of the Dove, was conſtrain’d to make uſe of the
Wiſdom of the Serpent for his own Preſervation ; for perceiving the
Council to be divided ainong themſelves, and to conſiſt partly of Phari-
ſees, and partly of Sadducees, he cry'd out, That he was a Phariſee, and
the Son of a Phariſee, and that the main Reaſon of his Trial was his Belie-
ving and Aſſerting a future Reſurretion. This prov'd a Ball of Conten- Who cannot
tion, and immediately divided the Council, the Phariſees being zealous agree.
Patrons of the Reſurrection, and the Sadducees violent Oppoters of it.
The Doctors of the Law, who were Phariſees, thereupon itood up to
acquit him, affirming, That he had done nothing amiſs, that poſibly he
might have receiv'd ſome Revelation by the Holy Spirit, or an Angel; and if ſo,
their oppoſing his Do&rine wou'd be a Fighting againſt God. At length the
Contention grew ſo violent, that Lyſias was conſtrain’d to take the Apo-
1tle from among them by Force, and bring him into the Caſtle, leſt he
fhou'd have been torn in pieces in the Tumult ; for this Commander
thought himſelf oblig'd to ſecure a Roman Citizen from Danger, tho
he was willing to gratifie the Jews in puniſhing him, if he was juſtly
condemn'd.
At Night, to comfort him after all his Fears and Troubles, God was
pleas'd to appear to him in a Viſion, encouraging him to Conſtancy and
Reſolution ; affuring him, That as he had born Witneſs to his Cauſe at Jeruſa-
len, ſo he shou'd certainly live to do the ſame at Rome it ſelf. The next Mor- The Jews cona
ning the Jews, who were reſtleſs and implacable in their Malice finding ſpire againſt
theſe dilatory Proceedings did only croſs their Deſigns, reſolvid upon a
quicker Diſpatch. To which End above forty of them enter'd into a
wicked Conſpiracy, which they ratify'd by Oath and Execration, never
to eat or drink till they had taken away his Life; and having acquainted
the Sanhedrim with their Deſign, they beg'd of them to importune the Go-
vernor of the Caſtle, that the next Day he might be brought down again before
them, upon a Pretence of a more ſtrict Examination ; and that they them-
ſelves wou'd lie in Ambuſh by the Way, and not fail to diſpatch him. But
the divine Providence brought this Deſign to the Knowledge of Paul's
Nephew, who deſirous of his Uncle's Security, immediately went into
the
Ats2;
11-3)
Paul.
214
Book II.
Cent. I.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
the Caſtle and diſcover'd it to Him: Paul wou'd not make the Infor-
mation himſelf, leſt Lyſias ſhou'd ſuſpect ſome ſecret Delign, but fent
his Nephew to the Captain, to give him a full Relation of it; who
gave ſuch credible Proofs and Circumſtances of it, that Lyſias be-
liev'd him, and diſinils'd him with a Charge of Secreſie. Thus Paul,
tho' he had infallible Security of his Protection from heaven, yet thought
it neceffary to uſe all proper Means for his own Preſervation. Lyfias to
prevent all future Miſchiets, immediately commanded two Parties of Foot,
200 in each, and 70 Horſemen, to be ready by nine a Clock that Night,
Who for Securi- who carefully conducted Paul firſt to Antipatris, and then to Cafarea, where
ty is ſent to Felix the Governor had his Reſidence; writing a Letter to his Excellency,
to ſignifie, That Paul was a Freeman of Rome whom the Jews had violently
perſecuted, and conſpired againjt his Life; tho' he cou'd find nothing in him
that deſervd Death or Impriſonment: Therefore to prevent Violence, he had
ſent him to his Excellency, ordering his Accuſers to appear againſt him at
Cæſarea. Felix receiv'd the Lettter with much Civility, and finding
that Paul belong'd to the Province of Cilicia, he promiſs'd him to
allow him a fair Hearing as ſoon as his Accuſers ſhou'd come down,
commanding him in the mean Time to be ſecur'd in the Place call'd Herod's
Hall.
About five Days after, Ananias the High-Prieſt, with ſome others of sits 24.
the Sanhedrim being diſappointed of their Deſigns at Jeruſalem, came down 9-22.
Where he is ac- to Cæfarea, accompany'd with an Orator or Advocate nam'd Tertullws, ho-
cus'd before ping to engage Felix in this Marter. Paul being brought forth to his
Trial
, Tertullus ſtood up for his Accuſer; and in a Hattering Speech firſt ce-
lebrated the worthy Actions of Felix, under whom, ſince they had enjoy'd
ſuch a happy. Tranquillity, and ſuch noble Benefits, which they accepted with
the profoundeji Gratitude, they cori'd not now doubt of his Clemency, and
Readineſs to hear them a fer Words. Then he accus'd Paul of being a peſti-
lent. Mover of Sedition, an Heretical Ringleader of the Nazarenes, and an
impious Profaner of their holy Temple : That they wou'd have ſav'd him the
Trouble of his Hearing, by judging him according to their own Law, had not
Lyſias the Commander violently taken him from them, and ſent both him and
them down thither. To all which the Jews preſent readily gave their Vote
and Teſtimony. Paul having leave from Felix to make his Defence, and
having declar'd how much he was ſatisfied that he was to plead before one,
who for ſeveral Years had been Governor of that Nation, calmly and diſtinct-
ly anſwer'd to the ſeveral Parts of the Charge. And firſt for Sedition,
His full Anſwer, he lew'd, That it was now but twelve Days ſince he enter'd Jeruſalem, where
he was neither found diſputing in the Temple, nor exciting the People either
in the Synagogues, or in any other Place of the City. Secondly for Hereſie,
he ingenuouſly confeſi’d, That he worſhip’d God after the way that they ac-
counted Hereſie, but very unjuſtly, ſince he acknowledg’d the ſame Scriptures
for the Rule of Faith and Manners, and believ'd the general Reſurrection of
the Dead as they did : In Expectation of which, he was careful to live with
an unblamable Conſcience towards God and Man. Thirdly for prophaning
the Temple, he ihew'd, That his Coming to Jeruſalem was to bring chari-
table Contributions to his diſtreſſed Brethren; that he was indeed in the Tem-
ple, but not as ſome Aſiatick Jews ſuggeſted, either with Multitude or Tumult,
but only purifying himſelf according to the Mofaick Law: And that if they
or any other coiid affirm the contrary, they ought now to do it in open Court.
And farther, he appeaľd to thoſe of the Sanhedrim then preſent, whether he
had not been acquitted by their own Court in Jeruſalem, where nothing had
been laid to his Charge but by the Sadducean Party, who condemn d him for
afferting the Doctrine of the Reſurrection.
Felix
Chap. VI.
215
NERO the 6th Rom. Emp.
AEts 24.
in the fifth Year of his Reign he refolid
Felix gave them the Hearing on both sides, and was better inform’d
22-26. of the Nature of the Chriſtian Religion by Paul's Diſcourſe; but refus’d a
final Determination, till "Lyfias himſelf came down, of whom he wou'd
be more fully inform'd of the Controverſie; conimanding in the mean
time that Paul thou'd be under the Guard of a Centurion or Captain, but Fælix detains
yet in fo free a Cuſtody, that none of his Friends ſhou'd be hinder'd from him.
viſiting him. Not long after Felix being with his infamous Wife Druſilla,
Siſter to Agrippa, and once a feweſs, ſummon’d Paul again to appear
before
him; and as if he had deſir'd a farther Knowledge of the Chriſtian Do-
Etrine, deſir’d him to ſpeak more largely concerning the Faith in Chriſt.
Paul not ſeeking the Favour of any Potentate, freely diſcours’d and inſiſt-
ed on thoſe Virtues in which this Governor was extremely defective, par-
ticularly Juſtice and Temperance, adding withall ſome Diſcourſe concern-
ing the Judgment to come, wherein Men ſhou'd be eternally rewarded or
puniſh'd. Felix was ſo rouz'd by the Force of the Apoſtle's Reaſonings,
that he fell a trembling, and caus’d him to break off abruptly, promiſing
to hear more of thoſe Points at a convenient Seaſon. Upon which Pretence
he often fent for him, not that he deſir’d to profit by his Diſcourſe, but
in hopes that Paul wou'd have given him Mony for his Deliverance. But
becauſe neither the Apoſtle out of the Alms, nor any of the Chriſtians
ſought to redeem him, he was kept two Years in Priſon to gratifie the
Jews, whom Felix had before incens'd by his frequent Oppreſſions and
Joſeph. Tyrannies
. Ananias the High-Prieſt not long after his Accuſations, was
depos’d by Agrippa, and Iſhmael the Son of Phabens put in his Roomſ and Iſhmael made
afterwards Ananias came to a miſerable End, St. Paul having ſolemnly de- High-Prieſt.
nounc'd the Vengeance of Heaven againſt him.
II. Rome and the Empire had for a few Years been well and happily A.D.59.
govern'd, principally
by the Means and Directions of Seneca and Burrhus; Ner.
but now Nero encreaſing in Years and Extravagancies, the City began to
feel the ill Effects of wicked Princes. In the ſecond Year of his Reign Nero degene-
this Emperour had baſely poiſon'd his Predeceſſor's and Father-in-law's Pates.
Son Britannicus ; which he perform’d with the Dexterity and ſeeming
Careleſneſs of an abler Politician. After which, contemning his Mother
Agrippina's Authority, he diveſted himſelf of his Majeſty and Quality, and
in the Habit of a Slave, with many lewd Companions, nightly commit-
ted all kinds of impious and ſcandalous Actions: So that the City became
infeſted with infinite Violences and Tumults, occaſion'd not only from
him and his Aſſociates, but from his Example and the Encouragement he
gave to Others. Then taking Popp&a Sabina from the Bed of her Huf-
band Otho, becauſe his Mother was ſtill ſome Reſtraint to his Enormities,
with Poiſons, which three Times prov'd ineffectual, by Reaſon of her
Antidotes and Preſervatives. Whereupon he invented a Ship fo artfully
contrived that it ſhou'd ſuddenly ſplit in two, and let her periſh in the
Water; then diſſembling a Reconciliation, lie caus'd her to ſail to the Coaſts
of Calabria, under Colour of ſome publick Solemnities in which he himſelf
was Affiſtant. Finding this Plot alſo ineffectual, ſhe her ſelf eſcaping,
when many of her Company periſh’d, le now reſolv'd to put her to
Death openly; and for that Reaſon causºd a Report to be ſpread, That
ſhe had conſpired againſt his Life, and a Dagger was dropt at his Feet by
one who pretended a Command from Agrippina to diſpatch him. Under
which falſe Pretext he commanded certain Tribunes to murther her; upon He orders his
whoſe unſheathing their Swords, Agrippina pointing to her Belly, cry'd, Afather to be
Strike me here; for this part has deſervd'it, ſince it has conceiv'd and brought Main.
forth
Tacit.
Suet.
s
6
216
Book IT
Cent. I.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
Josephie
Chap 25
I-I 2.
forth ſuch a Monſter as Nero, and immediately expir'd with the Wounds
ſhe receiv'd: And we are told that Nero came immediately after to view
his dead Mother, and ſtood gazing upon her naked Body, praiſing and
diſpraiſing her ſeveral Parts and Members, adding withal, That he did not
think ſhe had been ſo beautiful. Thus impiouſly did Nero treat his own
Mother, tho' ſhe had given him not only Birth but Dominion alſo, and
for his Advancement had ſacrific'd both her Conſcience and Honour; the
Horrour of which Fact became afterwards a Scourge to his Mind, he of-
ten confeſſing, That he was frequently diſturb'd by the Apprehenſions of his
Mother's Ghoſt, and tormented by the infernal Furies.
As Rome was a Sufferer from its Prince, fo Judæa was much more from
its Governor Felix, whoſe Management together with the Degeneracy
and Corruptions of the Inhabitants, caus’d frequent Ravages, Seditions
A.D.60. and Bloodſheds. But in the following Year Felix was remov'd, after he sets 24
. had been Governor above ſeven Years; and tho he endeavour'd to ob-27
lige the Jews by leaving Paul in Priſon, yet they accus'd him of
many
Crimes before the Emperour, and he eſcap'd Puniſhment only by the In-
terceſſion of his Brother Pallas, who at this Time was again in Favour
Feſtus the 11th with Nero. Portius Feftus fucceeded in his Place, who was the eleventh
Governor of Ju- Procurator of Judea after the Baniſhment of Archelaus, and the fifth after
the Death of King Herod Agrippa, a Perſon of a much better Character
than his Predeceffor. Three Days after his Arrival at Cæfarea, Feſtus went
Paul is accusid up to Jeruſalem; where the High-Prieſt and Sanhedrim hoping to find
new Favours from their new Governor, brought freſh Accuſations againſt
the Apoſtle Paul, petitioning him to permit him to be brought and try'd
at Jeruſalem, deſigning to aſfáſſinate him by the Way. Feſtus told them,
That he himſelf was returning ſhortly to Cæſarea, and that if they had any
Thing againſt the Priſoner, he wou'd then give a fair Hearing to
any
Accue
ſation they shou'd bring. And accordingly after ten Days Stay, Feſtus be-
ing return'd to Cæfarea, and fitting in open Judicature, the Jews gather-
ing round about Paul, renew'd their Charge with the utmoſt Violence,
and laid many heavy Accuſations againſt him, to the ſame Effect as they
had done before Felix. But Paul defended himſelf ſo well, by manife-
ſting, That he had neither offended againſt the Jewiſh Laws, nor againſt the
Temple, nor againſt the Emperor ; that their Charge foon fell for want of
fufficient Proof. However Feſtus being willing to gratifie the Jews in
the Entrance upon his Government, ask'd him, Whether he wou'd
go up
and be try'd before him at Jeruſalem? But the Apoſtle well underſtanding the
Conſequences of that Propoſal, couragiouſly declar'd, That he now ſtood at
the Emperor's Judgment Seat, where he ought to have had a final Trial : That
he did not at all decline Death, if he deſerv'd it; but that ſince he had injur'd
none of the Jews, and they had prov'd nothing againſt him, he ought not to
The Apoſtle ap-be deliver'd over to their Malice : That therefore, as he was a Roman, he ap-
peals to the peaľd to the Emperor himſelf. Feſtus being a little ſurpriz'd at this, con-
Emperor.
ferr'd firſt with the Jewiſh Rulers concerning the Matter, and after
that told Paul, That ſince he had appeal'd to the Emperor, he ſhou'd go
to him.
Agrippa and
Not many Days after King Agrippa with his Siſter Bernice, and a nume- Ats 25.
others come to rous Train, came to Cæfarea, to make a Viſit and Compliment to the new
viſit Feſtus.
Governor, and to continue with him ſome Tinie. After a conſiderable
Stay, Feftus entertain d him with a Diſcourſe concerning Paul's Cafe,
acquainting him with his being left a Priſoner by Fælix, and that the chief
of the Jews had vehemently accus'd him, and earneſtly petition'd for Juſtice
againſt him : But that he had told them, That be cou'd not do it by the Ro-
man Laws, without firſt hearing the Cauſe, and bringing the Accuſers and
Accuſed
8
13-27,
Chap. VI.
217
NERO the 6th Rom. Emp.
Alts 26.
Accuſed Face to Face. That this therefore he had done, and that upon hearing
of both Parties, contrary to Expectation, he had found that their Accufa-
tion related only to Matters of their own Superſtition, and to one Jeſus, who
being dead, Paul affirm'd to be alive : And that being himſelf unacquainted
with ſuch Controverſies, he had referr’d the Priſoner to the Jewiſh Sanhedrim;
but that he declining their Judgment had appeald to Cæfar: Whereupon be
had kept him, till he cou'd conveniently ſend him to the Emperor at Rome.
This Account excited the Curioſity of Agrippa, who was very deſirous to
fee and hear this Perſon; and accordingly the next Day, the King and
his Siſter, accompany'd with Feſtus, and other Perſons of Quality, came
into the Court with a pompous and magnificent Retinue, where Paul was
brought forth before thein. Feftus acquainted the King and the illuſtrious Paul brought
Afſembly, How much he had been ſolicited by the Jews both at Cæſarea and before them.
Jeruſalem, concerning the Priſoner at the Bar, that as à notorious Malefactor
he might be put to Death; but that having found him guilty of no capital
Crime, and the Priſoner having appeald to the Emperor, he was reſolv’d
to ſend him to Rome ; but yet was willing to have his Cafe again
diſcuſs'd before ſo Skilful a Perſon as Agrippa, that he might be fur-
nild with ſome material Inſtructions to ſend along with him;
ſince it was
very abſurd to ſend a Priſoner to the Emperor, without ſignifying his
Crimes.
Hereupon Agrippa told the Apoſtle, That now he had Liberty to make
1-32. his own Defence. To whom, after Silence made, he particularly addreſs’d
his Speech; firſt proteſting, without Compliment, That he thought him- He makes :
ſelf happy, that he was to plead before a Prince ſo exactly vers'd in all the Speech to
Agrippa;
Rites and Cuſtoms, the Queſtions and Controverſies of the Jewiſh Law. That
as to his own Cafe, all the Jews his Accuſers well knew the Courſe and Man-
ner of his Life, and how he had been educated under the Inſtitutions of the
Phariſees, the ſtricteſt Sect of their Religion : That he had been particu-
larly arraign’d for aſſerting that which had been the conſtant Belief of all
their Fathers, and in Hopes of which their twelve Tribes had been Day and
Night inſtant in their Devotions; and which was alſo a Thing not incre-
dible in it ſelf, and ſufficiently reveaľd in the Scriptures, viz. the Refur-
rection of the Dead. Next he gave him an Account of the Effects of
his Education, and with what an implacable Zeal he had formerly per-
ſecuted Chriſtianity; and how by an amazing Light, and a wonderful
Voice from Heaven, he was ſtop'd in his Proceedings, and comınanded
to diffuſe the Rays of God's Bounty to the Illumination of the Pagan
World. That therefore fince he cou'd not diſobey that heavenly Viſion, he
had preach'd Repentance and Reformation firſt to the Jews of Damaſcus
and Jeruſalem, and after that to the Gentiles. That it was for this Cauſe
alone, that the Jews apprehended him in the Temple, and deſign’d to have
murther'd him; but that being upheld by a divine Power, he ſtill contimid
in that Teſtimony, aſſerting nothing but what was agreeable to Moſes and the
Prophets, who had plainly foretold, That the Meſſiah ſhou'd be put to Death,
and riſe again, and by his Doctrine enlighten both the Jewilh and the Gen-
tile World. While Paul thus confidently and warmly apply'd his Diſcourſe
to Agrippa, Feftus, unskilful in theſe Matters, cry'd out to the Apoſtle, That
he was tranſported beſides himſelf; that too much Learning haci turn'd his
Brain. But the other calmly reply'd, That his Words were not the Effect
of Madneſs, but of Truth and Soberneſs; for which he appeald to the King,
who cou'd not be unacquainted with the Life of Jeſus, all Things being
tranſacted in ſuch an open and publick Manner, that he was confident that
the King believ'd the Prophets, and therefore cou'd not be ignorant that thoſe
Propheſies were accompliſh'd in Chriſt. His Diſcourſe had ſo great an
Еe
Influence
218
Book II.
Cent. I.
.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY
Paul and others
I - 26.
Rome.
Which almost
Influence upon Agrippa, That he openly declar'd, That he had almoſt per-
converts him. ſuaded him to embrace the Chriſtian Faith. To which Paul return'd, That
he heartily pray'd, that he and the whole Auditory were not only in ſome
Meaſure, but altogether, thonot Priſoners, yet as much Chriſtians as
himſelf. This done, the King and the Governor, and the reſt of
the Council withdrew a while, to confer privately about this Matter.
And finding by the Accuſations againſt him, that by the Roman Laws
he was not Guilty of any capital Crime, nor of any that deſerv'd
Impriſonment ; Agrippa told Feſtus, That he might have been releas'd,
if he had not prolong’d his Trial by appealing to the Emperor at
Rome.
It being now finally reſolv'd that Paul ſhou'd be ſent to Rome, in Acts 27
fent towards order thereto, He and ſome other Priſoners of Note were committed to
the Charge of Julius, a Centurion or Captain of a Company belonging
to the Legion of Auguſtus; being accompany'd in his Voyage by the Evan-
geliſt Luke, Ariſtarchus a Macedonian, Trophimus, and ſome others. In
the Month September, they went on board a Ship of Adramyttium, a Port
of Mycia, which probably being a trading Ship, was to fail along by the
Coaſts of the leſſer Aſia. Having fail'd about 25 Leagues Northward, they
caſt Anchor at Sidon, where Julius civilly gave the Apoſtle leave to go on
Shore to viſit his Friends, and refreſh himſelf. Putting out from thence,
they were oblig'd to fail under the Iſland Cyprus, becauſe the Winds were
contrary ; and when they coaſted by the Provinces Cilicia and Pamphi-
lia, after 180 Leagues fail from Sidon, they landed at Myra, a Port in
Lycia, where this Ship finiſh'd its Voyage. Here having left their Vefſel,
they went a board a Ship of Alexandria, bound for Italy, to the Num-
ber of 276 Perſons. The Winds were ſtill contrary, and ſailing Weſt-
ward, it was ſeveral Days before they got 70 Leagues over againſt Cnidus,
a City and Promontory of Caria; from whence they turn'd Southward,
and after 30 Leagues ſail
, ſtood over againſt Salmone, a Promontory of
and at laſt coaſting the Iſle, came to a Place calld The Fair Ha-
vens, near the City Laſia or Thalaſſa. This Port was inconvenient to
Winter in; but Sailing grew now very dangerous in thoſe Seas, the Faſt
of the Jews Expiation being over, at which Time this Sea was generally
very tempeſtuous; Paul therefore urg'd them to ſtay there that Win-
ter, and told them by the Spirit, That if they proceeded in the Voyage,
the Ship and Goods wou'd not only be in Danger, but their Lives alſo. Ne-
vertheleſs the Captain gave leſs Credit to Paul than to the Maſter and
Owner of the Ship, wlio encourag’d them to go on to Phenice, another Ha-
ven of Crete more convenient, about 50 Leagues Weſtward; eſpecially ſince
the Company of the Ship in general deſir'd it, and a gentle Gale then blowing
favour'd their Deſign. And thereupon looſing from thence, they ſtill
coaſted along the le; but ſhortly after there aroſe a violent North-Eaſt
Wind, which ſo furiouſly bore upon them, that the Seamen cou'd not
govern the Ship, but were compelld to leave it to the Mercy of the Winds
and Waves, which carry'd it to a certain Iſlet calld Clauda, on the South-
Weſt of Crete; where with much Difficulty they fav’d the Boat, and with
no leſs Labour undergirt the Ship to ſecure it from ſplitting. And being
ſtill more violently toſs’d by the Storm, the next Day they lightned the
Ship by parting with the Merchants Goods, and two Days after threw
alſo the Tackle and Furniture of the Veſſel overboard: And being depriv'd
He and his Comn- of the Sight of the Sun Moon and Stars for many Days together, and
pany are in being entertain'd with a continu'd Scene of Horror and Amazement, they
great Danger by
utterly deſpair'd of eſcaping. After a long Abſtinence, the Apoſtle put
them in mind how ill advis'd they had been in not taking his Counſel ; yet
be
Crete;
R2 Storin.
*
Chap. VÌ.
219
NERO the 6th Rom. Emp.
AEts 27.
he deſir’d them to be of good Courage, for that God whom he had ſerv'd and
worſhip’d, had the laſt Night purpoſely ſent an Angel from Heuven, to let him
know, that notwithſtanding the preſent Danger, he shou'd be brought Safe be-
fore the Emperor; that they shou'd be ſhipwreckd indeed, and caſt upon an
INand, but that for his Sake God had promis’d to spare all in the Ship, so
that not one ſhou'd be loſt, and that he doubted not but that what had been
foretold him wou'd infallibly come to paſs.
In the fourteenth Niglit, having been driven along the Adriatick, or
27-44. rather Mediterranean Sea, above 230 Leagues Weſt from Crete, the Scamen
ſounded, and finding but twenty Fathom of Water, they concluded they
were near ſome Land: And ſounding a ſecond Time, and finding but
fifteen Fathom, they durft not venture any farther, but let down fcur Ana
chors at the Stern, and earneſtly wiſh'd for Day. In the mean Time the
Seamen, who beſt underſtood the Danger, under Colour of caſting An-
chor, were letting down the Skiff, deſigning to truſt themſelves to that
and eſcape to Land: Which Paul perceiving, told the Captain and the
Soldiers, That unleſs they ſtaid to aſſiſt in the Ship, the reſt cou'd not be
fafe ; for tho' God had promis'd certainly to ſave their Lives, yet it was
to be with their concurrent Diligence in managing the Ship. Whereupon
the Soldiers, for their own Safety, ran and cut the Ropes of the Skiff,
and let it fall off into the Sea. And while the Day was approaching,
Paul, with the utmoſt Care and Tenderneſs, befought the Company to
eat and refreſh themſelves, that they might the better grapple with the
Difficulties they were to encounter, having in all the Time of Danger
kept no ordinary and regular Meals ; afſuring them, That not a Hair of
their Head ſhou'd be loft. Then taking Bread himſelf, he bleſs’d God for
it, and began to eat, the reſt following his Example with great Chear-
fulneſs ; ſo great a Comfort and Bleſſing was this poor deſpis’d Priſoner
to the whole Company. Having well refreſh'd themſelves, to lighten the
Ship, they threw all the Proviſion that was left into the Sea. In the
Morning they diſcover'd Land, not knowing what Country it was ; büt
diſcerning a Creek with a kind of a Haven, they reſolvid, if it were poffi-
ble, to thruſt the Ship in there, or at leaſt to bring it as near Land as
the Shore wou'd permit. Whereupon the Mariners weigh'd Anchor, loos’d
the Rudder Bands, hoiſted up the main Sail to the Wind, and made di-
rectly for Shore. In their Paſſage they unfortunately fell into a Place
where two Seas met, where the Veſſel ran a Ground, ſo that the Head
of the Ship being fix'd and immovable, the Stern was foon broken in
pieces with the Torrent and Violence of the Waves. Awakned with
the Danger they were in, the Soldiers cry'd out to kill the Priſoners, to
prevent their Eſcape; but their Captain having ſome Senſe of Paul's
Worth, prevented their Deſign, and commanded that ſuch as cou'd
ſwim ſhou'd throw themſelves firſt into the Sea, that they might
be more helpful to others. And the iſſue was, that part by Swim- They die caſt
- ming, part on Planks, and part on broken Pieces of the Ship, they upon Melica:
got all ſafe to Shore.
The Country upon which they were caſt was an Iſland, as Paul had
foretold, callid Melita, now Malta, between Sicily and Africk; the Inha-
bitants of which were Carthaginians, but fubječt to the Romans, who
receiv'd them with great Civility and Kindneſs, making them Fires to dry They are civilly
their wet Clothes, and cheriſh their Bodies benumm'd with Cold. While treated by the
Paul was buſied in throwing a Bundle of Sticks upon the Fire, a Viper
diſlodg'd by the Heat, came out of the Wood, and faſtned on his Hand.
Which being eſpy'd by the Barbarians, they by the Light of Nature con-
cluded, That lie was ſome notorious Malefactor or Murtherer, whom the
Ee 2
divine
Als 23.
1.1.
Inhabitants.
220
Cent. I.
Book II.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
1
or any
ther.
divine Vengeance, tho' it had fav’d him from the Sea, yet liad reſerv'd
for a more publick and ſolemn Execution. But when they ſaw him ſhake
that venomous Creature into the Fire, without any ſucceeding Swelling,
other Hurt, they chang'd their Sentiments to the other Extreme,
and cry'd out, That he was a God. And thus was God pleas’d by a new
Miracle to confirm the Apoſtle’s Authority, and to make way for the Pro-
pagation of the Goſpel in this Ille. The Shipwreck of Paul and his
Companions being made known to Publius the Roman Governor, he out
of Compaſſion to their Misfortunes, entertain’d them three Days, and
Paul cures the lodg’d them with all Civility. Paul gratefully acknowledgʻd the Hoſpi-
Governor's Fu- tality of this great Man, and requited his Kindneſs with the miraculous
Cure of his father, who lay ſick of a Fever and a bloody Flux
at that Time, which he did by Prayers and laying on his Hands.
This he did alſo to many other of the Inlıabitants, who by this Mi-
racle were encourag'd to bring their Diſeaſed to him: Whereby great
Honours were heap'd upon him, and for which afterwards both he
and his Company were furniſh'd with Proviſions and Conveniencies for
the reſt of their Voyage. Nay Publius himſelf is ſaid by ſome to have
been hereby converted to the Faith, and by St. Paul to have been conſti-
tuted Biſhop of the Iſland; and that it was this Publius that ſucceeded
Dionyſius the Arcopagite in the See of Athens, and was afterwards crown'd
with Martyrdom.
The Death of In this Year 60, it is believ'd by ſeveral that the Apoſtle and Evangeliſt
St. Matthew. St. Matthew, after an abſtemious Life, and innumerable Labours in the
Countrys of Æthiopia, Perſia and Parthia, ſuffer'd Martyrdom in the City
of Naddaber in the Aſiatick Æthiopia, being ſlain with an Halbert. But
the Time of his Death is very uncertain, and ſo likewiſe is the Place and
Manner of it; ſome reporting that he was martyr'd in Parthia, and others
tliat he died a natural Death. His Feaſt in the Greek Church is kept on the
16th of November, but the Latin Church celebrates it on the 21ſt of Sep-
tember. Several Books beſides his Goſpel, are attributed to him, as the
Hiſtory of the Infancy of Chriſt
, much us’d by the Valentinians, his Æthio-
pick Liturgy, with ſoine others cited by Metaphraſtes; but they are rejected
as falſe and ſpurious. We have ſomewhat more Certainty of the Death
A.D.6 1. of the ſecond Evangeliſt St. Mark, in the following Year, and 8. of Nero,
being atteſted by Euſebius and St. Jerom. This Evangeliſt having parted
from Peter, probably about the Year 54, went to Alexandria in Ægypt,
in which City and the Neighbouring Places he converted Multitudes of
both Sexes to Chriſtianity. From whence he traveld Weſtward to the
Countrys of Marmarica, Libia, and other barbarous Parts of Africa; where
by his Preaching and Miracles he not only made Way for the Goſpel, but
rooted it in the Minds of thoſe People, and confirm’d them in the Profef-
ſion of it. After this, returning to Alexandria, to eſtabliſh that Church
by providing Paſtors and Governors; in the Time of Eaſter, while he was
employ'd in the Divine Worſhip, the great Enemy of God and Man rais'd
the Promoters of Idolatry into a Tumult againſt him. It being the Time
that their great Solemnities of Serapis were to be celebrated, the prophane
Ægyptians, to vindicate their Grand Idol, violently broke in upon Merk,
and drag'd him on the Ground through the Streets into Priſon; where in
The Death of the Night he had the Comfort of a Divine Viſion. The Rage of the
People being yet unſatisfied, they came again the next Morning, and
dragging him again after the ſame Manner, his Fleſh was miſerably torn,
and he expir'd in their Hands. Nor did their Fury end here, for accor-
ding to Metaphraftes, they alſo burnt his dead Body, whoſe Soul had burnt
with a fervent Zeal for the Glory of God, and the Salvation of Mankind.
As
Ner.
}
St. Mark.
Chap. VI.
22 1
NERO the 6th Rom. Emp.
Alts 28.
II - 16.
As for the segalai of Ægypt of whom Philo writes, that they were Chri-
ſtians of St. Mark's Converſion, as Eufebius and Baronius imagine, we can
ſee no Reaſon to believe. After his Death the Presbyters of the Church
made Choice of Anianus to be Biſhop in his Room, a Man moſt eminent Anianus fuc:
for his Piety, and all other Qualifications, who held this Biſhoprick 22 Alexandria
Years, from the 8th of Nero to the 4th of Domitian.
III. The Apoſtle Paul having made many Converts, and planted a
Church in the Ilie Melita; at the end of three Month's Stay, being gene-
roully furniſh'd by the Inhabitants, he and his Company left the Place, Paul leaves
and ſet ſail for Rome in a Ship of Alexandria, nam'd the Caſtor and Pol-Melita.
lux, which had winter'd in the Ille. In their Paſſage Northwards, after
40 Leagues ſail, they put in at Syracuſe, a famous City of Sicily, and tar-
ry'd there three Days; after which they ſaild 54 Leagues farther to Rhe-
ginm, a Port and City of Calabria in Italy, from whence by the South
Wind they ſaild 80 Leagues farther, and in two Days arriv'd at Puteoli
,
a Port of Campania, in Italy near Naples, where the Ships of Alexandria
uſually landed. Here Paul meeting with ſome Chriſtians, at their Requeſt,
tarry'd with them a Week, and then proceeded on his Journey to Rome
by Land, which was near 100 Miles. The Chriſtians at Rome hearing
that the Apoſtle was coming to that City, went out to meet him, thoa
Priſoner, ſome as far as Appii-forum, 51 Miles from Rome, and others as
far as the Place calld The three Taverns, 33 Miles; who when Paul ſaw,
he bleſs'd God, and took Courage, believing that. Chriſtianity was not ſo
much hated at Rome as he fear'd; ſince they had ſo much Liberty, as that
they durſt come thus publickly to own him. Arriving at Rome, Julius the He arrives as
Captain deliver'd his Priſoners to the Pretorian Præfect, the Head Com-Rome.
mander of the Emperor's Guards, who was then Burrhus, a Man of a good
Diſpoſition and Reputation. It is uncertain how he treated the other Pri-
ſoners, but he was very obliging to the Apoſtle, permitting him to dwell
in his own hired Houſe or Lodgings, with a Chain and a ſingle Soldier
to ſecure him, more from the Jews, as it's believ'd, than from an Eſcape.
Iu theſe Lodgings all were freely admitted to him; and he continu'd in
this manner for two Years, teaching and Preaching without any Ob-
ſtruction.
Rome was now the Metropolis not only of the Roman Empire, but of the
whole World, for People and Extent, and for Riches and Magnificence; but
the Inhabitants were extremely corrupted in their Morals, by a long Security
and bad Princes, and eſpecially by the Impieties and Enormities of the
preſent Emperor Nero. This caus'd Paul to be more diligent in his Mi-
niſtry, but according to his Cuſtom he firſt offer'd Salvation to the Jews ;
A84s 28. and three Days after his Arrival he ſent for the Heads of their Conſiſto-
ry there, whom he acquainted with the Cauſe and Manner of his coming,
That thở he had been "Guilty of no Violation of the Law of their Religion,
he had been deliver'd by the Jews into the Hands of the Roman Gover-
nors, who wor'd more than once have acquitted him as innocent of any capi-
tal Offence, but that by the Perverſeneſs of the other, he was conſtrain’d, in
his own Vindication, without deſigning to charge his own Nation, to make his
Appeal to the Emperor : That now being come, he deſir'd ſome Conference
with them, to let them underſtand, That it was for his conſtant aſſerting the
Reſurrection, the Hope of all true Ifraelites, that he was bound with that
Chain which they Sam. The Jews reply'd, That they had receiv'd no Advice
concerning bin, nor had any of the Nation that came from Judæa, brought
any Charge againſt him : Only for the Religion which he had eſpous’d, they
defir’d to be a little better inform'd concerning that, it being in all Places
decry'd
7-29.
yet
222
Book II.
Cent. I.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
pro-
C
C
Gentiles.
A
decry'd both by Jew and Gentile. Accordingly the Apoſtle appointed a
ſet Day, upon which great Numbers of the Jews came to his Lodgings,
He diſcourſes where he open'd to them at large theſe two Points; Firſt, That the
with the Jews misd Kingdom of the Meſſiah was a Spiritual, and not an earthly Kingdom;
of this city.
Secondly, That Jeſus of Nazareth was the true Meíliah : Both which he
prov'd by Teſtimonies out of the Law of Moſes, and out of the Pro-
phets ; continuing his Diſcourſe from Morning till Night. The Effect
of it was, that ſome were convinc'd by the Force of his Arguings, but
others perſiſted in their Infidelity; ſo that they parted in ſome Difference
and Diſagreement among themſelves. At their Departure the Apoſtle to
rouſe the Unbelievers, told them, That God had accompliſh'd'in them that
prophetical Curſe in Iſaiah, namely, “That they shou'd hear with their Ears
and not underſtand, and ſee with their Eyes and not perceive : For that
'their Hearts were grown ſtupid, their Ears deafned, and their Eyes clos'd;
left their Eyes ſhou'd direct them, their Ears inform them, their Hearts in-
ſtruct them, and convert them, and God ſhou'd heal them. Concluding
Turns to the all with this folemn Declaration, Be it known unto you all, That the Sala
vation of God is ſent unto the Gentiles, and they will undoubtedly hearken
to it. Upon their Departure, the Jews had great Diſputing among them-
ſelves about the Apoſtle's Diſcourſe, ſome oppoſing, others as zealoully
defending the Truth of it.
During the two Years that the Apoſtle was a Priſoner at Rome, he re- Phil. I,
ceiv'd all that came to him, either out of Curioſity or Kindneſs, and 12 - 17..
preach'd the Goſpel of Jeſus Chriſt with all Confidence, without any
His Succeſs. Oppoſition or Diſcouragement; inſomuch, that his Impriſonment very
much promoted the Propagation of the Goſpel, and made him famous
even in the Emperor's Court, where he converted ſeveral to Chriſtianity.
Many alſo of the Brethren taking Courage from his Succeſs, grew bolder
to preach the Word without Fear; tho' fome did it with a pernicious
Deſign of making hirn more ſeverely perſecuted, exciting Nero's Fury at
the Progreſs and Fame of Chriſtianity. Some report, That while Paul
continu'd at Rome, he had a Correſpondence with the famous Seneca by
Letters; but thoſe Letters which now bear their Names, are rejected
as ſpurious by all the learned World. And now the Apoſtle's Compa-
St. Luke's Go- nion Luke being at Leiſure, fet about the third Goſpel, which he com-
ſpel written. pos'd by the particular Aſſiſtance of St. Paul ; and it is generally believ'd
that this is what the Apoſtle primarily intends when he ſo cften ſpeaks
of his Goſpel. The Evangeliſt dedicated it to one Theophilus, with the
Title of Moft Excellent, who probably was ſome Magiſtrate of Antioch,
converted and baptiz’d by him. The Occaſion of it was partly to pre-
vent thoſe falſe and fabulous Relations which even then began to be
obtruded upon the World, and partly to ſupply what ſeeni'd wanting in
the two former Evangeliſts ; tho it is not certain whether he had ſeen
St. Matthew's Goſpel when he wrote this. It begins at the Angel Gabriel's
foretelling John Baptiſt's Birth, and ends with the Aſcenſion of our bleſſed
Saviour ; ſo that it is an Hiſtory including, according to a preciſe
Reckoning, 38 Years wanting one Month; four years more than the vul-
gar Account: All containing much more Variety, and written in purer,
Greek than the former Goſpels; tho' not wholly free from Hebraiſms or
Syriaciſms. He mainly inſiſts upon what relates to Chriſt's ſacerdotal Office,
and tho' recording other Parts of the Evangelical Story, yet it is ever
with a peculiar Reſpect to his Prieſthood ; a Thing properly aim'd at
by him who was a Gentile, and aſſiſted by an Apoſtle of the Uncircum-
ciſion, becauſe it ſhew'd the Chriſtian Prieſthood to be more excellent than
the Jewiſh. Therefore in our Saviour's Genealogy, he deſign'd not ſo
much
Chap, VỊ.
223
NERO the 6th Rom. Emp.
tion;
Foroph.
vernment
much to ſhew him to be the Seed of Abraham, in whom the Jews truſted,
as the Sced of the Woman, in whom Gentiles were alſo to expect Salva-
and in other parts of his Goſpel, he is very particular in thoſe
Diſcourſes or Parables of our Saviour which relate to the Rejection of the
Jenes and the Call of the Gentiles. As to thoſe Paſſages concerning our
Saviour's weeping over Jeruſalem, and concerning his ſweating Drops of
Blood, which were wanting in ſome Copies, they are abundantly fup-
ply'd in others more ancient; and 'tis believ'd that they were ſcrupuloully
omitted by ſome who were afraid of aſcribing to Jeſus Chriſt Marks of
human Weakneſs. Some are of Opinion that this Goſpel was written
eight Years before, at Corinth wlien St. Paul was there; but the Time that
we have fix'd ſeems niuch more probable, viz. in the Year 61, 28 after
our Lord's Aſcenſion.
In this Year, Judæa being grievouſly infeſted with Robbers and Mur-Feftus's Go-
therers, the Governor Feſtus prov'd very ſerviceable to the Nation in
quelling and ſuppreſſing them; eſpecially thoſe, who with their ſhort
Swords hid under their Garments, committed intolerable Outrages even
in Jeruſalem it ſelf. And as the People were ready to follow after all falſe
Meffiahs and Impoſtors, ſo great Numbers were led into the Deſert after
a Magician, who promis’d them a Deliverance from all their Troubles ;
but Feftus by a ſtrong Party of Horſe and Foot, at once deſtroy'd both the
Deceiver and the Deceived. About the ſame Time, Agrippa now reſiding
at Jeruſalem, erected a ſtately Building within the Palace, which former-
ly belong'd to the Aſmoneans, being ſituated on a high Place with a plea-
fant Proſpect, from whence the King with Delight cou'd behold not only
the City, but alſo what was done within the Courts of the Temple. The
chief Men of the City were highly diſguſted at this Building, ſince the
Law had forbidden any Man to behold the Sacrifices and Oblations; there-
fore to prevent ſuch Prophanation, they erected an high Wall upon the
Top of the Weſtern Cloyſters, which not only hinder'd the Proſpect of
the King's Houſe, but of that Building alſo where the Roman Soldiers on
publick Days kept Guard. Agrippa was highly offended at this, and
Feſtus ſtill more, who commanded the Wall to be pulld down; but they
beg'd Leave of him firſt to ſend their Ambaſſadors to the Emperor, al-
ledging, It was Death to them to pull down any Part of the Temple. And
ſending ten of their Nobility with Iſmael the High-Prieſt, and Chelcias the
Treaſurer, Nero by the Interceſſion of Poppea, not only pardon'd what A.D.62.
they had done, but alſo order'd that their Building, ſhou'd continue, Ner.
But Iſmael and Chelcias were detain'd as Hoſtages; and Agrippa, who had
the Power of diſpoſing of the Prieſthood, remov'd Iſmael, after he had
continu'd iu that Office near four Years, and plac'd Joſeph, ſirnam'd Cabis, Joſeph made
High-Prieſt;
the Son of Simon a former High-Prieſt, in his Room, who was the 14th
High-Prieſt after the Birth of our Saviour. But in a very ſhort Time
Agrippa commanded him to lead a private Life, and advancd in his ſtead
Ananus the Son of Annas, who was one of the five Brothers who all en- And Ananus
joy'd this Dignity.
ſoon after,
About the ſame Time the Apoſtle James, tho' particularly Biſhop of
Jeruſalem, yet having by his apoſtolical Function an unlimited Commiflion,
thought it ſuitable to his Office to take Care of all the Converted among
the twelve Tribes of Iſrael diſpers’d in all Countries; and accordingly he
wrote an Epiſtle to thein, which in the ſacred Canon is plac'd firſt of thoſe St. James's
Epijlle written,
calld Catholick Epiſtles. We are affur'd, That not only in the moſt an-
cient Latin Copies, but alſo in ſome of the Greek Copies, he has the
Title of an Apoſtle given him in the Inſcription, tho' in ours it is other-
wiſe. The Occaſion of his Writing it, as St. Auſtin ſays, ' was to ſuppreſs
cand
cola
---
224 Cent. I.
Book II.
ECCLESIASTICAL History.
i
Albinus the
Eufeb.
• and confute a dangerous Error then growing up in the Church, That a
· bare naked Faith was ſufficient to ſecure Men's Salvation, thoʻgood Works
were neglected; as alſo another Doctrine of as bad a Source, That
• God was the Author of Sin ; and likewiſe to comfort the Chriſtians
againſt the frequent Troubles and Perſecutions rais'd againſt them by
' the worldly Powers, and to awaken them out of their ſtupid Security.
' when Judgments were at the Door: To compaſs which Ends he filled
' his Epiſtle with many excellent Exhortations, to bear Afflictions, to hear
" the Word of God, to mortifie their Luſts, to bridle their Tongue and
' avoid Swearing; to get right Apprehenſions of the Nature of God, and
' to adorn their Chriſtian Profeſſion with a good Converſation, with
Meekneſs, Peace and Charity ; laſtly, teaching them how to behave
' themſelves in Times of approaching Miſeries. He likewiſe intimated
ſomething concerning the Jewiſh Cuſtom of Anointing the Sick, and of
' the Confeſſion of Faults which Chriſtians ought to make to each other.
The whole is wrote with abundance of Simplicity and Subſtance, full
of engaging, ſolid and natural Thoughts, worthy of an apoſtolical Pen.
This is one of the Epiſtles that have been a little doubted; but tho
Euſebius and St. Jerom have obſerv’d, that ſome Perſons queſtion'd the
Authority of it, yet ’tis certain that in their Time it was in the Canon of
the new Teſtament, as they themſelves own; and it is alſo found in all the
ancient Canons of the Greek and Latin Churches, and quoted by the Fa-
thers of the ſecond and third Century.
Not long after, the Governor Feſtus dying in his Province, Nero ſent Feepb.
12th Governor Albinus in his Room; who was the twelfth Governor of Judæa after the
of Judæa.
Baniſhment of Archelaus, and the ſixth after the Death of King Herod
Agrippa. Before his Arrival, in this Interval, the unbelieving Jews, who
having been diſappointed in their Deſigns againſt Paul, had turn d
their Fury againſt James, now found an opportunity to effect their Pur-
poſes; which they did by means of the High-Prieſt Ananus, a bold and
daring Sadducee, who calld a Council of the chief Men of the Jews, who
were Enemies to Chriſtianity. James and ſeveral others were brought be-
fore this Council ; but the People had ſo great a Veneration for the
Juſtice and Sanctity of James, that they durſt not attempt him by a for-
mal Accuſation, and therefore the Phariſees aſſaulted him another Way,
and by ſubtle Inſinuations thought to inſnare him. Wherefore com-
plaining to him, That the People were miſerably deceiv’d, and led
away
with ſome Errors concerning Jeſus being the Meſſiah; they earneſtly defird
him that he wou'd recover them from their Errors by his Word; which they
were all ready to believe, becauſe they had ſuch an Opinion of his Virtue and
Sincerity, that they wou'd immediately yield to his Judgment. It was now
the Time of the Paſſover, and the Multitude was come together to
the Feaſt; wherefore ſetting him upon ſome of the Battlements of tlie
Temple where all might hear him, they ſaid, Tell us, 0 juſt Man, in
whom we all put our Confidence, what we are to believe concerning Jeſus,
who was crucify'd ? To whom the Apoſtle made Anſwer with an audi-
ble Voice, Jeſus the Son of Man, after whom you enquire, now fits at the
right Hand of the divine Majeſty, as the Son of God, and ſhall come again
in the Clouds of Heaven. The People below hearing it, glorify'd the
bleſſed Jeſus, and openly proclaim'd Hoſanna to the Son of David! The
Scribes and Phariſees now perceiving their Miſtake, and that inſtead of
weakning they had confirm'd the People in their Opinion, in a great
Rage reſolv'd to diſpatch him immediately, that his ſad Fate might
terrifie others from believing him. Whereupon ſuddenly crying out, That
Juſtus himſelf was ſeduc'd and become an Impoſtor, they threw him down
from
*
Chap. VI.
225
NERO the 6th Rom. Emp.
Eufeb.
from the place where he ſtood. Tho' much bruiſed, he was not kill'd
by the Fall, but recover'd ſo much Strength, as to get upon his Knees,
and pray to Heaven for their Pardon, for they knew not what they did.
This did not ſatisfie their Malice, but inrag’d at their Diſappointment,
they fell afreſh upon the poor Remainders of his Life ; and while he
was yet at Prayer, and a Rechabite ſtood by entreating them to Spare a
juft and righteous Man who was praying for them, they began to load him St. James's
with a Shower of Stones, till one more mercifully cruel than the reſt, Martyrdom.
with a Fuller's Club beat out his Brains. His Death prov'd to the infi-
nite Regret of all good Men, and of all ſober and juſt Perſons among
the Jews themſelves; he being a Man of that divine Temper, that he was
the Love and Wonder of his Age, and upon the Account of his ſtrict
and pious Life, was univerſally ſtild James the Juft
. His Temperance
was admirable, abſtaining both from Fleſh and Wine; and he was ſo
frequent in his Devotions, that his Knees became hard and brawny as a
Camel's; and Joſephus himſelf confeſſes that his Death haſtned the Ruin
of his Nation. His Feaſt by the Latin Church is celebrated on May
the iſt with St. Philip's, but by the Greek Church on the 23d of
October.
The Biſhoprick of Jeruſalem being void, according to Enſebius, the pro-
viding for that place was ſo far thought the Concernment of the Chriſtian
Church, that the Apoſtles and Diſciples of our Lord are ſaid to have
come from all Parts to adviſe and conſult about a fit Succeſſor in his Room.
None was thought a fit Candidate for the Place but one of our Saviour's
own Relations; and accordingly with one Conſent they devolv'd the Ho-Simeon fuca
nour upon Simeon or Simon, St. James's own Brother, about 75 Years of ceeds him in
Jerufalem,
Age, and one of the Seventy Diſciples, whom they all judg’d moſt worthy
of the Dignity. At the Time of St. James's Martydom, we are told by
ſome, that Ananus the High-Prieſt apprehended the Apoſtle Matthias in
Galilee, and had him brought before him; and making a long Speech to
him, after he found him contrary to his Exhortations aſſerting Jeſus of
Nazareth to be the Meſſiah, he condemn’d him to be ſtoned, and the Sen-St. Matthias's
tence was immediately
executed. But of this, or of any other Account of Death,
St. Matthias's Death, we have but ſlender Authorities. He was one of
thoſe Apoſtles who left rio Writings behind him; tho'a Goſpel and ſome
few other Things have been aſcrib'd to him. The Greeks celebrate his
Feaſt on the oth of Auguſt, and the Latins on the 24th of February. As
for Ananus, his Actions and Proceedings againſt St. James were ſo very
diſpleaſing to all good Men in the City, that they not only complain'd
of him to King Agrippa, but alſo ſeveral of them went to meet with
their new Governor Albinus in his Way to Alexandria, remonſtrating that
he had not only acted unjuſtly, but alſo exceeded his Authority. Upon
which Albinus wrote an angry Letter to Ananus, threatning him with
Puniſhment ; and for the ſame Cauſe Agrippa diſpoflefs’d him of his
High-Prieſthood, after he had held it three Months, and eſtabliſh'd fe- Jeſús Dámn.
ſus the Son of Damnaus in his Room, who was the 16th High-Prieſt næus made
High-Priest,
after our Saviour's Nativity.
Not long after the Settlement of Albinus in his Government, being
at Jeruſalem at the Feaſt of Tabernacles, when that City for a while en-
joy'd both Peace and Plenty, four years before the Jewiſh Wars, and
ſeven Years and fix Months before the Siege of the City, there hapned
the firſt great Preſage of its Ruin. And this was from an ordinary A Strange Pres
Countryman, one Jeſus the Son of Ananus, who coming to the Feaſt, be- Sage.
gan ſuddenly to cry out, A Voice from the Eaſt, a Voice from the Weſt, a
Voice from the four Winds ; a Voice againſt Jeruſalem and the Temple, a
Voice
Joſeph .
1 X
226
Book II
Cent. I.
EOCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
Voice againſt nem marry'd Perſons, a Voice againſt all this People! And
thus crying Night and Day about the Streets, ſome of the Nobility
growing uneaſie, caus’d him to be very ſeverely ſcourg'd; which he en-
dur'd without any Intreaties or Complaints, but continu'd repeating the
fame Words. The Magiſtrates then fearing it ſome divine Impulſe, led
hiin to Albinus, where being beaten till bis Bones appear'd, he never
fhed one Tear, but framing a weeping Voice, at every Stroak he cry'd,
Woe, woe, to Jeruſalem! Albinus then ask'dihin, Who, and what he was, and
why he made that Outcry? but he made no Anſwer, but ſtill continu'd to
bewail Jeruſalem; till the Governor thinking him mad, ſuffer'd him to de-
part. He cry'd thus moſt on the Feaſt Days, for above ſeven Years to-
gether, without being hoarſe or weary, till the Siege began. And leaving
for ſome Days, he once more cry'd, Woe to the City, Temple and People, ad-
ding alſo a Moe to himſelf; and immediately after was kill'd with a Stone
fhot out of an Engine. Shortly after the Feaſt of Tabernacles, Agrippa
Jeſus Gamaliei:gave the Hiph-Prieſthood to Jeſus the Son of Gamaliel, and the other
made High- Jefus parting with it unwillingly, it caus'd great Miſchiefs and Diſturban-
.
ces in the City. And great Numbers of Robbers and Aſſaſſinates taking
the Advantage of troubleſom Times, from that Time the Jewiſh State
grew
worſe and worſe, and the Seeds of their future Deſtruction were
now ſown. Albinus alſo prov'd an intolerable Governor, not only ta-
king away private Mens Goods under Pretence of Juſtice, but alſo bur-
thening the Nation with extraordinary Tributes; and then being brib'd
by all Kinds of Villains, he became the Enoqurager of infinite Ravages
and Diſorders.
1
IV.
Suet.
Nero's ill Go.
vernment.
During theſe Troubles in Judæa, the Emperor Nero more and Tacit.
more proceeded in lis Enormities and Cruelties, the Cares of Burrhus and
Seneca now nothing availing. In this year, and the ninth of his Reign,
Burrbus dy'd, not witliout Suſpicion of Poiſon from Nero's Agents,
which ſo weakned the Intereſt and Authority of Seneca, that ſeeing him-
ſelf deſpis’d, he prudently deſir'd Permiſſion to withdraw himſelf
, offering
alſo to deliver up his large Eſtate, which had created him ſo much Envy;
but Nero having learn'd and practis'd the Art of Diſfimulation, under
Colour of Reſpect, deny'd his Petition; but Seneca from that Time, alter'd
his Courſe of Life, admitted of few Viſits, and always appear'd with a
very
ſmall Retinue. For Nero now began to diſplay his ſanguinary Tem-
per without Mercy or Diſcretion, and unjuſtly put many eminent Perſons
to Death, among the reſt Rubellius Plantwas and Pallas, the former for being
of the Julian Family, and the latter for being rich, a Crime for which
many ſuffer'd; then proceeding in his Cruelties, he divorc'd and baniſh'd
his Wife and Predeceffor’s Daughter O&avia, upon the Account of his Con-
cubine Popp&a, whom he now marry’d; and when the People murmur'd at
Kills his Wife this Injury, he afterwards caus'd her to be put to Death. In the midſt of Philip-a.
theſe uncomfortable Times in Rome, the Apoſtle Paul, ſtill under Confine-
ment, proceeded in his Miniſtry with indefatigable Diligence, and no leſs chupi
Succeſs, tho'not without many Croſſes and Afflictions from obſtinate and
deſigning Brethren. The Chriſtians of Philippi in Macedonia, where he had
been three Times, who before had been very bountiful to him, gave him
ſpecial Signs of their Care of him during his Impriſonment at Rome; for
they ſent to him Epaphroditus their Biſhop, with a large Supply of Mony,
and to aſſiſt his Perſon in their ſtead, in effecting of which he was expos’d
to ſo many Dangers, that he fell
into a Diſeaſe that endanger'd his Life,
and detain’d him a long Time at Rome. The Philippians heard of his Sick-
neſs, and were much troubled; for which Reaſon, the Apoſtle ſent him to
Philippi,
15, 16,
Octavia.
18.
25-28.
*
Chap. VI.
227
NERO the 6th Rom. Emp.
C
C
C
Philippi, as ſoon as he was recover'd, and with him an Epiſtle to the Phi-
lippians, which is that which now bears that Name. It is written in the St. Paul's Epi
.
Name of Paul and Timothy, and particularly directed to the Biſhops, or ra-
Vile to the Phis
lippians
ther Presbyters, and Deacons of the Church; “manifeſting a ſpecial Love
" and Tenderneſs for them, and Joy for their Bounty to him, not ſo much
· for his own Sake, who had learnt to endure the extremeſt Want, as for
theirs, who ſou'd receive ſo great a Reward from God. He writ to them
as a Father, exhorting them to walk as Children of the Light, and
" to ſhine as Stars among the Gentiles with whom they were mix'd; warn-
ing them of Judaizing Teachers, who were Enemies to the Croſs of Chriſt :
' and adviſing them to live in continual Obedience to Chriſt; to avoid Diſpu-
• tations, to delight in Prayer, to be conſtant in Affiliations, to be full of
Joy and Peace. He befought them alſo to live in perfect Union; and
• ſince Union cou'd not be preſerv'd without Humility, which caus'd Men
to prefer others before themſelves, he propounded the Example of the
· bleſſed Jeſus, who ſo far humbled himſelf as to become obedient to Death,
even the Death of the Croſs: Particularly recommending this Union to
· Evodias and Syntiche, two pious Women of that Church, and his Fellow
' Labourers in the Goſpel, who notwithſtanding had ſome Difference with
' tlie Brethren; deſiring one of the chief Paſtors, whom he calld his Yoke-
· Fellow to compoſe the Diffentions. He likewiſe told them, That he de-
ſign’d to ſend Timothy to them, and afterwards hop'd to ſee them him-
ſelf; for tho' he long'd to die and to be with Chriſt, yet he knew that God
wou'd continue him in Life, for their Comfort, and the Encreaſe of their
Faith. This was the ſeventh Epiſtle that the Apoſtle wrote; having
writ nothing for about five Years before.
Shortly after the Apoſtle turn'd his Thoughts towards the Chriſtians at
Epheſus, among whom he had labour'd more, and continu'd longer than in
any other City, namely, three Years, from 54 to 57. He had been inform’d
that the Believers of that Church continu'd in the Faith, and in Charity;
but fearing that they might ſuffer themſelves to be ſurpriz'd at length, ei-
ther with the Fables of heretical Teachers, or by the Diſcourſes of thoſe
converted Jews, who wou'd oblige the Chriſtians to obſerve their Law, he
wrote an Epiſtle to them to encourage them to continue firm in the Doctrine His Epiftle to
which he had taught them. It is written only in his own Nanie, and di- the Epheſians.
rected not only to thoſe of Epheſus, but alſo to other Believers; ſo that it
is generally believ'd, that it was a circular Letter directed to the Church of
Epheſus, for all the Churches of the Proconſular Aſia : And probably for
this Reaſon the Heretick Marcion afterwards intituled it, The Epiſtle to the
Laodiceans. In this Epiſtle ine firſt commends the Faith and Charity of
' the Epheſians; but his main Deſign was to inſtruct them fully in the great
Myſteries of the Goſpel, their Redemption and Juſtification by the Death
' of Jeſus Chriſt, their gratuitous Election, the Calling of the Geniiles, the
· Union of the Jews and Gentiles in one Body, of which Jeſus Chriſt was the
Head, and the glorious Exaltation of that Head above all Creatures both
Spiritual and Temporal. This is the Subject of the three firſt Chapters,
where the Stile is ſomewhat hard and obſcure, by Reaſon of the Subli-
mity of the Matter there handled, his Tongue being not able to expreſs
fully the Depth and Greatneſs of his Thoughts. It is believ'd that here
'he oppos'd not only the Judaizing Chriſtians of that Church, but alſo the
· Scholars of Simon Magus, and other Hereticks, who now began to aſſume
' to themſelves the Name of Gnoſticks, who held that Angels were Media-
tors between God and Man inſtead of Jeſus Chriſt, and that Perſons ought
( to have Recourſe to them for Reconciliation. And ſince theſe Hereticks
' did no leſs oppoſe an holy Life, than they did the Truth, therefore the
Apoſtle
C.
C
228 Cent. I.
Book II.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
Onefimus con-
verted,
10, 12.
!
17.
Colos. Fue
9.
mons
C
quo
Cha...
Chap.
*
Apoſtle fill'd the four laſt Chapters of this Epiſtle with moſt excellent mo-
ral Precepts for the ordering of a Chriſtian Life in all Conditions. This
Epiſtle was ſent by Tychicus, to whoin the Apoſtle gave the Character of
Dear Brother, a faithful Miniſter of Jeſus Chriſt, and his Companion in the
Service of the Gospel, that he might take Care of the Epheſian Church in
the Abſence of Timothy their Biſhop.
Amongſt other of the Apoſtle's Converts at Rome was Onefimus, who Philem.
of a Slave Renegado and Thief, became a faithful Servant of Chriſt; and
was thought worthy to be call’d by Paul, His dear and faithful Brother, his
Son, his Bowels, Himſelf
. He was a Native of Coloſſe, a City of Phrygia, near
the Metropolis Laodicea, and a Servant of Philemon, an eminent Chriſtian
there, and an intimate Friend of the Apoſtle's. Onefimus, always a bad Ser-
vant, at length rob’d his Maſter, and fled to Rome, where by Paul's Endea-
vours he was converted, inſtructed and baptiz'd ; after which he became
remarkably pious, and extreniely ſerviceable to the Apoſtle in his Impriſon-
ment, ſo that he was very deſirous to have kept him with him, but becauſe
he had not his Maſter Philemon's Conſent, he ſent him to Coloſſe, writing
St. Paul's Epi- a ſhort Epiſtle to him at the ſame Time, 'deſiring him to pardon him, and
Stle to Phile-
' notwithſtanding his former Faults, to uſe him as a Brother; promiſing
alſo, that if he had wrong’d him or ow'd him any thing, he wou'd repay
' it. And that this Epiſtle might the more eaſily obtain what he deſir'd of
· Philemon, in the Title he faluted his Wife Apphia, and his Partner Archip-
pus the Paſtor of the Church; letting him know that he hop'd to be
freed, and be with him in a ſhort Time. This Epiſtle was ſent by One- Colof. i.
fimus and Tychicus; and at the ſame Time he ſent another Epiſtle to all the Chap
. An
His Epifle to Chriſtians in the ſame City Coloſe; a City where this Apoſtle had never 7 8.
the Coloſſians. preach'd, but the Goſpel which liad ſpread it ſelf in all the World, had
taken Root amongſt them, and brought forth much Fruit. Epaphras had 12.
been their chief Inſtructor, who alſo had given Paul an Account of their
Converſion, and mutual Love in the Spirit, being then a Priſoner with
him at Rome; and Paul being ſatisfy'd of this, always remember'd them in
his Prayers, deſiring of God that they might be fill'd with all ſpiritual Wif-
dom, and walk worthy of their Vocation. But the Enemy had ſow'd among
the good Corn the Tares of Philoſophy, and a falſe Humility ; for the
Seducers of thoſe Times endeavour'd to perſuade the Colojians, that tliey
ought not to go to God by Jeſus Chriſt, being ſo far exalted above them,
but by Angels, whom they afferted to be their Mediators in ſuch a Senſe as
only agreed to the Son of God: Which Error ſeems to have been deriv'd
from the Platoniſts; but becauſe they who then held it added ſome Jewiſh
Obſervations, they are rather to be reckon'd among the Scholars of Simon
Magus, or of ſome Jews who fought to mix the Law and the Goſpel toge-
ther. Paul perhaps had heard this partly from Epaphras, and partly by a
Letter he receiv'd from the Church of Laodicea; and therefore having a
common Concern for all the Churches of Chriſt, both as a Miniſter and an
Apoſtle of the Gentiles. he had a great Deſire to comfort their Minds, and
unite them in perfect Charity, by an Epiſtle, the Deſign of which was in
ſome Meaſure the ſame with that to the Epheſians. In it he moſt magni-
ficently ſets forth the Meſſiah and all the Benefits flowing from him, as
being the Image of his Father, the Redeemer of all Mankind, and Re-
' conciler of all Things to God, the Head of the Church, which gave Life
' and Vigor to all its Members. He commended the Doctrine preach'd to
them by Epaphras, exhorting them not to ſuffer themſelves to be beguild
' of their Reward in Obeying, by being led away with the Reaſonings of
human Philoſophy, by ſuperſtitious Practices of making Differences of
* Meats and Drinks, and by worſhiping of Angels. In the three laſt
Chapters,
Pbilemi
23.
C
C
Chap. VI.
229
NERO the 6th Rom. Emp.
· Chapters, he gave them an Abſtract of many chief and principal Duties
of the Chriſtian Life, eſpecially ſuch as reſpected the Relations of Pa-
rents, Wives, Maſters and Servants.
After the Apoſtle Paul had been above four Years a Priſoner to the Ro-A.D.63:
man Power, of which two were ſpent at Rome, he was then freed from Ner..
all Confinement, being found not guilty of the Breach of any Roman Law.
About which Time the Evangeliſt Luke wrote his ſecond Hiſtory call’d The St. Like irrite:
A&ts of the Apoſtles, which he dedicated to the ſame Theophilus to whom he Acts of the
he had dedicated his Goſpel; the one containing the Miracles of Jeſus
Chriſt, and the other thoſe of the Holy Ghoſt. In the firſt he wrote ſuch
Things as he had from the Relation of others; in the ſecond, thoſe of
which he had been in part an Eye-Witneſs. It is entitled Afts, Il psižeis, of
the Apoſtles, becauſe it contains the Hiſtory of what the Apoſtles did at Je-
ruſalem and Judæa, for about a dozen Years after the Aſcenſion of our Ša-
viour. He continues his Hiſtory with the Travels, Actions and Sermons of
St. Paul, till the End of his two Years Confinement at Rome. So that it is
an Hiſtory of thirty Years Tranſactions; the former Part principally con-
taining the Acts of the two Apoſtles of the Circumciſion Peter and John,
with the Preaching of the Goſpel to the Jews, and the latter thoſe of the
two Apoſtles of the Uncircumciſion Paul and Barnabas, with the Planting
and Progreſs of the Goſpel among the Gentiles. He ſays nothing of the
Travels and Progreſs of the other Apoſtles, becauſe he had not been å
Witneſs of them, and cou'd not learn them from his Maſter St. Paul. It
is writ both with Elequence and Art; and the Narrative has no leſs Sub-
limity than Simplicity. And St. Jerom ſays, That all the Words of that
Work, compos'd by one who was a Phyſician by Profeſſion, were as ma-
ny Cures for a languiſhing Soul.
The Apoſtle Paul being now releas'd from his Bonds, remembring that
he was an Apoſtle of the Gentiles, and had a larger Dioceſs than Rome;
left the City to travel into other Parts of the World, having made à plen-
tiful Harveſt in that vaſt Place. About the Time of his Departure, or
immediately after, being in Italy, upon the Return of Timothy, he wrote
his famous and moſt elaborate Epiſtle to the Hebrews, that is, to the con- St. Paul's Epi
verted Jews dwelling in Jeruſalem and Judæa, the Jews of other Countrysitle to the He:
being call’d Helleniſts; and many think that he deſign’d it for a Treatiſe
and not an Epiſtle'; for tho it be one of the longeſt of his Pieces, he yet
excus'd its Brevity, Chap. 13. 22.
Theſe Hebrew Converts now dwelt in
an accurs'd Land, ſurrounded with many Troubles and Calamities, heavy
Perſecutions both from Jews and Gentiles preſſing in upon them on every
Side, beſides a ſpecious Train of plauſible Inſinuations to reduce them to
their ancient Moſaick Inſtitutions, to which many had turn’d of late, apo-
ſtatizing from the Purity of the Chriſtian Faith. Wherefore partly to
warn and inſtruct them, and partly to encourage and ſupport them, he
wrote this celebrated Epiſtle, but he neither prefix'd his Name nor Title
to it, as well becauſe theſe Believers themſelves had entertain'd a Prejudice
againſt him, as becauſe he was not properly their Apoſtle; Clemens Alex.
adds, becauſe of the Reverence he bore to Chriſt himſelf, who was the
Apoſtle of the Hebrews. His Deſign in this Epiſtle, as in thoſe to the
• Romans and Galatians was principally to prove, That Juſtification was
not by the Law, but by Faith in Jeſus Chriſt, who liad communicated
' his Spirit to them; and this he does by ſhewing the Infufficiency of the
'Legal Sacrifices for that End, as lie had done in the Epiſtle to the Ro-
mans of the Moral Law and Works perform'd without the Grace of
Chriſt, and in that to the Galatians of the Ceremonies and Circumciſion.
To make this Truthi plain, he repreſented to them the Dignity of the
Sort
brews.
C
230 Cent. I.
Book II.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
C
C
5
C
I
6
C
"Son of God, as far above all Angels and created Beings , and as to his
• Office of Meſſiah, le prov'd him to be a greater Lawgiver than Moſes,
a greater Prieſt than Aaron, and a greater King and Prieſt than Melchi-
fedeck. He demonſtrated, That the Ceremonies, the Sacrifices and the
Obſervations of the Law, cou'd have no Virtue in themſelves, but only
as they were Types and Figures of a better Sacrifice Jeſus Chriſt ; and
' that they were accompliſh'd in his Perſon and by bis Miniſtry, and con-
ſequently were finally and totally aboliſh’d. He ſhew'd by the Examples
of the Patriarchs and Prophets, That Juſtification was by Faith alone;
and in the whole Epiſtle he mingled many excellent Precepts for the Re-
gulation of their Lives ; exhorting them in the midſt of their Sufferings
to repoſe an immovable Truſt in Jeſus Chriſt, and arming them againſt
Apoitacy from that excellent Religion wherein they had to happily en-
gag‘d themſelves. This Epiſtle is full of excellent Allegories, and of
noble Thoughts expreſs’d in a ſublime Manner; and in a Word, it is
the moſt accurate and methodical of all his Epiſtles, the moſt equal in all
its Parts, and where he treats of the ſame Matter in the profoundeſt Way,
and with the largeſt Extent. This is the 11th Epiſtle that St. Paul wrote,
which many think was originally in the Hebrew or Syriack, and ſhortly af-
ter tranſlated into Greek by ſome other Hand ; and others think that
St. Paul dictated the Matter to St. Luke, by whom it was form'd into an ele-
gant Style. Indeed the Want of the Inſcription has given Occaſion to
ſome particular Men to diſpute the Author of it, and alſo its being Cano-
nical, ſome attributing it to St. Luke or Clemens, others to Barnabas : But
St. Jerom afſures us that all the Eaſtern Churches and Greek Fathers re-
ceiv'd it as St. Paul's, and the Latins have follow'd them; and Theodoret
reproves the Arians for rejecting this Epiſtle contrary to the Authority of
the Church. In ſhort, the Epiſtle it ſelf, as well as the Churches Autho-
rity, ſhews it to be St. Paul's; and all the Diſputes about it began in the
third Century, and vaniſh'd in the fifth.
The Apoſtle having left Rome and Italy, according to his Promiſe in Rom. 15.
Pau! goes into his Epiſtle to the Romans, faild Weſtward and preach'd the Goſpel in
Spain.
Spain, as we learn from St. Clemens, Theodoret and others; and many are
of Opinion that he went as far as Britain, which indeed is very un-
certain. After lie had preach'd about eight or nine Months in theſe We-
ſtern Parts, he return'd again Eaſtward, and leaving both Sicily and Greece,
arriv'd at Crete, probably about the latter End of the Year 63. After he
had preach'd a while, and eſtabliſh'd ſome Churches, in the Beginning of
A.D.64. the following Year, he conſtituted Titus Biſhop of the Illand, to
nage
the Government and Adminiſtration of it, as all the Ancients aſſure us.
Makes Titus
St. Paul alſo tells Titus in his Epiſtle, Chap. 1. 5. That for that Cauſe he
Biſhop of Crete. had left him in Crete, namely to ſet in order the Things that were wanting,
and to ordain Presbyters in every City, as he had appointed him. By Presby-
ters or Elders, St. Chryſoſtom and Theodoret ſay he means Biſhops; the for-
mer adding, That the Apoſtle was not willing that the Adminiſtration of ſo
large an Ille ſhou'd be left to one Perſon, but that every City might have its
proper Governor to inſpect and take Care of it, that the Burthen might be
lighter, and the People attended with greater Diligence. After this Settle-
Cres into Ju- ment Paul leaving the Ille, is ſuppos’d to go with Timothy into Judæa, to
viſit the Chriſtians in thoſe Parts, according as he deſign d Heb. 13. 23. but
of this we have no great Certainty.
V. In the Beginning of this Year, and the 10th of Nero, or in the latter
St. Peter fet- End of the laſt the Apoſtle Peter in all Probability came and ſettled at Rome
thes at Rome. and that he did ſettle there, we have the Authority of moſt of the Ancients:
That
242 28.
Returns to
Crete.
Ner.
10
II
daa.
j
Chap.VI.
231
NERO the 6th Rom. Emp.
That it was in the latter Part of his Life, and in Nero's Rcign, we are af-
fur'd from Origen and Laçiantius : That it was not before the Year 63, is
highly probable from St. Paul's Silence in his Epiſtles from Rome; and that
it was not after the Year 64, is apparent from Lactantins, wlao ſays he came
before Nero's Perſecution in that year, and was one main Occaſion of it.
This Apoſtle beſides the Eaſtern Parts formerly mention'd, is ſaid to have
preach'd in Africk, Sicily, Italy, and alſo in Britain, making great Numbers of
Converts in all Places. Arriving at Rome, he found the Peoples Minds itrange-
ly bewitch'd and hardned againſt Chriſtianity by the infernal Arts of Simon
Magus, whom he had formerly defeated-at Samaria; who after infinite Mil-
chiefs in other Places, at Rome had ſo inſinuated himſelf into the Peoples
Favour, that according to Juſtin Martyr, they erected him a Statue with this
Inſcription, Simoni Deo Sanăto, To Simon the Holy God. But the Credit of
this Inſcription ſeems much weakned, tho' we cannot ſay overthrown, Ly
another found in the laſt Age in the ſame Place, very like this, viz. Semoni
Sango Deo fidio; &c. However it is certain, that this Simon by Means of his
Sorceries obtain'd a great Veneration from the Romans, and no ſmall Favour
from the Emperor Nero, who was a profeſs'd Patron of Magicians, and all
ſuch as maintain'd ſecret Ways of Commerce with the infernal Powers. His
great Progreſs provok'd the Indignation of Peter, who finding him ſtill pre-
tending himſelf ſome great Perſon, yea and the Meſſiah, cou'd not but zea-
loully oppoſe his preſumptuous Arrogancy. But Simon, more incens'd by
the Oppoſition, made ſome bold Challenges to the Apoſtle; in which being
continually worſted, he at length offer'd to give the People ſuch an evident
Demonſtration of his Power, as was beyond Contradictions for he wou'd,
he ſaid, immediately aſcend up into Heaven as the Son of God: Where-
upon he rais'd himſelf up into the Air by the Help of two inviſible Devils,
as in a Chariot of Fire like Elijah, and by his Magical Power ſeem'd to be
poſting to Heaven. The Apoſtle ſeeing this Deluſion, betook himſelf to His ſecond De-
Prayers, and obtain'd of God that for the Honour of his Son, the Impoſtor feat of Simon
Thou'd be diſcover'd. Whereupon his two Spirits were taken from him,
and being deſerted, he fell Headlong to the Ground, and was ſo bruis’d
and wounded, that he dy'd ſhortly after. This Story, related at large by
Hegefippus the younger, is by moſt thought fabulous ; but it is generally
acknowledg’d by good Writers, that Simon Magus did really receive an in-
tire defeat from this Apoſtle at Rome.
And here it may not be improper to take ſome Notice of the Dogmata Tlie Opinions of
and Hereſies firſt broach'd by Simon, and then vented and propagated by Simon's Tol-
his Diſciples and Followers; who tho' paſſing under different Titles, yet
all center'd afterwards in the Name of Gnoſticks. One of their Opinions The Gnoſticks
was, That God did not create the World, but that it was made by Angels,
and that therefore divine Honours were due to them, and they were to be
ador'd as ſubordinate Mediators between God and Man: An Opinion from
which the Church was not freed for ſeveral Ages. Another Principle was,
That Men might freely and indifferently eat what had been offer'd to Idols,
yea and ſacrifice to the Idol it ſelf, it being lawful confidently to abjure the
Faith in Time of Perſecution. Beſides theſe, Simon and his Followers made
the Gate yet wider, maintaining an univerſal Licence to ſin, That Men
might act as they were inclin’d, That Women might be common, That
there wou'd be no Reſurrection of the Body, tho' the Soul was Immortal,
That to preſs the Obſervance of good Works was inconſiſtent with the Go-
ſpel Liberty; That if Men believ'd Simon and his Concubine Hellen, they
had no Reaſon to regard Law or Prophets, but ſhou'd be fav’d by Grace
without any Works. As the Conſequence of their Principles, Irenæus tells
us, they liv'd in all Luſt and Impurity, and wallow'd in the moſt horrible
and
Magus,
lowers
232
Cent. I.
Book II.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
Nera's Enor:
mities;
Suet.
and unheard of Beſtialities. By theſe and ſuch like Principles and Practi-
ces, of which many more might be enumerated, they corrupted the Faith
of Chriſtians, diſtracted the Peace of Chriſt's Church, and ſtain’d and defild
the Honour and Purity of the beſt Religion in the World.
The Defeat of Simon, and the Succeſs of Peter was highly diſpleaſing to Tacit.
Nero, who now more and more abounded in his Enormities and Vices. Af- Dion
ter he had imbru'd his Hands in the Blood of his Brother, his Mother, and
his Wife, and many of the Nobility, he ſo wretchedly debas'd himſelf as
to become a common Player, a Charioteer, and a publick Singer; and this
Year fell into prodigious Inpieties, and unheard of Pollutions: And as no-
thing is ſo monſtrous as Luſt when it is unconfind, ſo it brought him into
the moſt extravagant Follies, and unnatural Inconſiſtencies, that cou'd en-
ter into human Minds. After he had exhauſted his Invention in his lewd
Feaſts and Banquets, having attir'd himſelf in the Habit of a Woman and
a Bride, he was wedded to one of his abominable Companions calld Py-
thagoras, and again to his Freed Man Doriphorus; after which he became
an Husband to a Boy callid Sporus, who being emaſculated, was cloath'd
with all the Ornaments of an Empreſs, and accompany'd by the Emperor
in the moſt publick Places: Which occaſion'd ſeveral to ſay, That the World
had been happy, had Nero's Father been marry'd only to ſuch a Spouſe
. His
unbounded Luſt and exorbitant Luxury daily
encreas'd the Rage of his fierce
and bloody Mind, and he became cruel even to a Proverb, deſtroying ſuch
Numbers, that he rather appear'd a Devil Incarnate, than a Man; likewiſe
boaſting of his Actions, and ſaying, That none of his Predeceſſors knew their
own Power. He often ſaid, That he had rather be hated than lov’d, becauſe
Men lov’d bim acording to their own Humors, but hated him according to His
and when a Perſon in his Preſence ſaid as a Proverb, When I am dead let
the World be burnt; Nay, reply'd he, let it be while I am alive. And not
long after this, being offended at the Narrowneſs of the Streets and Irre-
He fets Rome gularity of the Buildings, or ambitious of founding a new City, he caus'd
Rome to be ſet on Fire in ſeveral Places; getting himſelf upon Mecænas's
Tower, beholding the miſerable Deſolation with infinite Pleaſure and De-
light, and in a Player's Habit ſung, The Deſtruction of Troy. The Fire con-
tinu'd above ſix Days, conſuming innumerable Rows of ſtately and glo-
rious Buildings and Temples, with Richies, Goods and Merchandiſe of
ineſtimable Value; deſtroying great Numbers of People, and laying near
three Quarters of this vaſt City in Aſhes. This Fire began on the 19th of
July, and the Year 64, and almoſt immediately preceded, and was one
Occaſion of the firſt General Perſecution of the Church, which hapned
31 Years after our bleſſed Saviour's Aſcenſion.
.
on Fire.
C H A P.
Chap. VII.
233
NERO the 6th Rom. Emp.
1
CHAP. VII.
From the Beginning of the firſt General Perſecution of the Church, to
the Deſtruction of Jeruſalem, and the Diſſolution of the Jewiſh
Oeconomy.
Containing the Term of about fix Years.
The firſt General Perſecution.
Tacit.
IO
II
I.
MMEDIATELY after the Emperor Nero liad committed the exe- A.D.64.
feem'd to have ſome Remorſe, and began to fear the Rage and Refent-Ner.
ments of an injur'd People. Therefore lie not only us'd the utmoſt Ex-
pedition in re-edifying the City, but likewiſe all other Methods that hu-
man Policy cou'd ſuggeſt: Large Gifts were beſtow'd on the meaner Sort;
the Books of the Sybils were conſulted to appeaſe the incenſed Gods; Pro-
ceſſions and publick Prayers were made to Vulcan, Ceres and Proſérpine ;
the young Ladies, to propitiate Juno, made Sacrifices at the Capitol ; and
the marry'd Women celebrated ſolemn Vigils to the Honour of other Dei-
ties. Yet all theſe Gifts, Largefſes, Ceremonies and Sacrifices, were not
ſufficient to ſave the Emperor's Reputation, or remove the Suſpicion of
his being the Author of this Tragedy. Wherefore to divert the Suſpicion
from himſelf, being excited by an infernal Malice, lie turn'd all the Odium
upon the innocent Chriſtians, who he knew were hated in the utmoſt De-
gree by the looſer Sort, and proceeded againſt them as the Incendiaries and
the Actors in this Calamity. Lactantius adds, That St. Peter being now
at Rome, by his many Miracles and his numerous Converts excited Nero's
Fury againſt the Chriſtians; who finding that great Multitudes, not only
in Rome, but in all other Places, were daily falling from Idolatry, and were
turning to this new Religion, and being tranſported by his brutal Tyran-
ny to all Sorts of Cruelty, he ſet himſelf firſt of all to deſtroy this Religion,
and to perſecute the Servants of God. So that this is properly callid, The
firſt general Perſecution of the Church; not but that the Church had
often met with Perſecution from particular Nations and People ; but, as
Tertullian expreſſes it, Nero was the firſt who drew the Imperial Sword
againſt the Chriſtians, then greatly flouriſhing in Rome. Tiberius ſeem'd a
Favourer of the Sect, Caligula did not diſturb them, and Claudius, tho’ he
baniſh'd ſeveral from Rome, yet it was under the particular Denomination
of Jews.
As for the Particulars of this perſecution, Tacitus tells us, That at firſt Nero's Cruel-
ſeveral were ſeiz'd who made Profeſſion of this new Religion; and by ties againſt the
their Confeſſion infinite Numbers of others were detected and executed,
whom the common Hatred and not the Burning of the City, had made
criminal. He adds, That they were treated with all the Inſtances of Scorn
and Cruelty ; ſome of them were wrapt up in the Skins of wild Beaſts,
and worry'd and devour'd by Dogs; others were crucify’d; others burnt
alive, being clad in Paper Coats, dipt in Pitch, Wax and ſuch combuſtible
Matter ; that when Day-Light faild they might ſerve for Torches and Il-
luminations in the Night. Nero exhibited theſe Spectacles in his own
Gardens, impiouſly joyning to them the Diverſions of the Cirque, and
appearing
Chriſtians.
GS
19
234 Cent. I.
Book II
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
i
Rome and Ita-
appearing himſelf publickly in the Habit of a Charioteer, ſitting in his
Chariot which yet the People entertain’d with more Pity than Plea-
ſure, knowing that they were not done for the publick Benefit, but meerly
to gratifie his own private Rage and Malice. Thus barbarouſly were thie
Chriſtians treated at Rome; among whom in the ancient Martyrologies we
find the Names of Tecla, Torques, Torquatus, Marcellus, and ſeveral others.
We are inform’d by Sul. Severus and Orofius, that not long after the Per-
fecution began in Rome, the Emperor iflu'd out Edicts againſt the Chriſtians
through moſt if not all the Provinces of the Empire; but in this Mr. Dod-
wel is ſingular, believing that the Perſecution was confin’d to Rome. How-
ever we find the Names of ſome Martyrs in Milan and other places; and an
Inſcription was found at Clunia in Spain, dedicated to Nero in Memory of
his having cleard the Province of ſuch as had introduc'd a new Super-
ſtition among Mankind. How long this Perſecution laſted it is hard to
determine; but in all Probability it was abated at Rome in a very
ſhort
Time, tho' in ſome of the Provinces it might continue longer; and the
Chriſtians were in leſs Safety than formerly throughout the reſt of Nero's
Reign. And here we may not improperly take Notice out of Tacitus of
fomne Calamities that befel Rome and Italy ſhortly after. Campania was de-
ly aftlikted. (troy'd by Whirlwinds, which beat down Villages, tore up Woods and
Corn, and ſpread its Fury almoſt to the Gates of Rome; whilſt the City
was expos’d to a moſt dreadful Peſtilence, which ragʻd without any Sign
of a corrupted Air: Houſes were fill'd with dead Bodies, and the Streets
with Funerals; neither Age nor Sex eſcap'd, both Slaves and Freemen
proiniſcuouſly periſhd: Parents and Children while they lamented each
others Lofs, often themſelves made up the Funeral Pile: Knights and Se-
nators, tho' they indifferently periſh’d, were leſs lamented, having as it
were by a common Fate eſcap'd the Cruelties of their Emperor.
The Preaching and Succeſs of the Apoſtle Peter was one great Occaſion
of this perſecution, therefore his Life was eſpecially aim'd at; but by what
Means he eſcap'd in the Heat of it, we have no Account. It is probably
conje&tur’d by ſome, that part of that Storm which he avoided, in this
Year, fell upon his Brother Andrew in the Province of Achaia ; tho' the
Year muſt be acknowledg’d to be much more uncertain than the Place.
This Apoſtle having preach'd the Goſpel, and wrought many Miracles in
the wild Northern Countries of Scythia and Sogdiana, and afterwards in
ſome of the Provinces of the lefſer Aſia, at length came into Greece, Epi-
The Death of rus and Achaia, where he ſtill added more Converts to the Chriſtian Faith.
St. Andrew. In the City of Patre in Achaia, he confirm'd all thoſe Truths he had
preach'd by the Effuſion of his Blood, being condemn’d to be crucify'd by
Ægeas, the Proconſul of that Province; which Sentence was ſhortly af-
ter executed on November the zoth. All the particular Circumſtances of his
Death are very largely deſcrib'd in a Letter, attributed to the Prieſts and
Deacons of Achaia, his Diſciples, of which Dr. Cave has given us an Extract
but the Authority of that Piece is not to be rely'd on, having been condemn'd
by the Ancients, as being compos’d by Hereticks. The Year of his Martyr-
dom is very uncertain, ſome placing it in the Perſecution under Domitian,
about
30 Years after this Perſecution, and others in this; which to us ſeems
the moſt probable. The modern Greeks attribute to him the Founding of
the Church of Bizantium, ſince calld Conſtantinople, and the Ordaining of
Stachys, whom St. Paul calls his beloved Stachys, firſt Biſhop of the Place;
which is exprelly aſſerted by Nicephorus Calliſtus and Nicephorus Patriarch
of Conſtantinople : But this not being mention d by the Ancients, many doubt
of the Truth of it. The Church has always rejected the Acts ſaid to be writ-
ten by this Apoſtle, as fpurious, and alſo a Goſpel attributed to him.
*
Chap. VII.
235
NERO the 6th Rom. Emp
:
22,
3.
Fofeph.
In the midſt of theſe Times of Perſecution, the Apoſtle Paul continu'd Paul's Fournies:
the Courſe of his Miniſtry with indefatigable Toil, wading through all
Difficulties without Fear of the greateſt Dangers. Having been ſome
ſhort Time in Judæa, according to Biſhop Pearſon, he paſs'd from thence
into the Proconſular Aſia, where Timothy met him at Epheſus; a City
which he formerly thought he ſhou'd never have ſeen again. Then jour-
Tokilem. nying about 80 Miles Eaſtward, he made a Viſit to the Coloſſians, whom
he had never ſeen before; taking Lodgings with Philemon and his Wifc
Apphia, with his Fellow-Soldier Archippus. After a conſiderable Stay, he
return'd back to Epheſus, and ſhortly after took a Voyage over into Ma-
2 Tim.i. cedonia. Before which Voyage, he undertook to ſettle the Churchi of
2. Tim. 2. Epheſus, and firſt excommunicated Hymenæus and Philetus for denying the
17, 18. Reſurrection of the Dead, and other Articles of Faith. After that he or-
I Tim. 1. der'd Timothy to have his Reſidence at this great City, and to take the
Charge of all the Proconſular Aſia. But whether this was the preciſe Time
of Timothy's being conſtituted Biſhop of this place, or whether it was when
the Apoſtle took his Leave of the Epheſians, as we hinted in the Year 57,
we leave to the Determination of the Learned:
II. Towards the latter Ënd of the ſame Year that Rome was burnt, Flórus the igth
Gelſius Florus was ſent into Paleſtine in the Room of Albinus, being pre-Governor of
ferd by the Empreſs Poppes's Intereſt. He was the thirteenth Governor Judæa.
or Procurator of Judea after the Baniſhment of Archelaus, and the ſeventli
after the Death of King Herod Agrippa. About the Time of his Arri-
val, the Levites, who ſung Hymns in the Temple, petition'd King Agrippå,
to allow them them the Uſe of the Linnen Robe, which ſolely pertain'd
to the Prieſts; alledging, That ſuch a Favour wou'd perpetuate the Me
mory of his Reign. Whereupon the King by the Advice of his Couri-
cil, permitted them to lay aſide their former Habit, and aſſume that of
the Prieſts, appointing other Singers in their Room. Which Innovation,
being fo contrary to the Jewiſh Laws and Ordinances, it was not to be ex-
pected, as Joſephus intimates, but Vengeance wou'd ſhortly follow. Aboué
the ſame Time the Buildings of the Temple were all finiſh’d, 80 Years The Temple
after their being begun by Herod the Great; and the People perceiving finiſhd.
that by this above 18000 Workmen wou'd want both Employment and
Bread, and fearing the Holy Treaſury ſhou'd become a Prey to the Row
mans, apply'd themſelves to Agrippa to repair the Eaſtern Porticos, a
ſtupendious Pile, and the Work of King Solomon, hanging over a deep
and narrow Valley, and ſupported by a Wall of four hundred Cubits
high, conſiſting all of vaſt white Marble Stones of twenty Cubits in
Length, and fix in Thickneſs. But the King finding it an Undertaking
of extraordinary Difficulty and Expence, deny'd their Requeſt, but per-
mitted them to employ themſelves in paving the City with broad white
Stone. After this he took away the Higl.-Prieſthood from Jeſus the Son
of Gamaliel, and gave it to Matthias the Son of Theophilus; who was the Matthias the
18th High-Prieſt after our Saviour's Nativity, and the laſt of the Sacerdo-haft High-
tal Order.
Florus being eſtabliſh'd in his Government, in a ſhort Time (hew'd him A.D.65.
ſelf ſo rapacious and tyrannical, that in Compariſon with him, his wicked
Predeceffor
Albinus might have been thought a Benefactor. For the other Ner.
acted all Things ſecretly, and with Signs of Shame, but Florus openly, ed Government's
Florus's wick.
and publickly glorying in his greateſt Violences ; in which he behav'd
himſelf more like a common Executioner than a Governor, omitting no
Rapines nor Oppreſſions that might afflict the People. He was iniflexible
to all Entreaties, and inſatiable in his Profits, equally graſping at ſma!!
II
I 2
Gg 2
and
236 Cent. I.
Book II.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
and great, and waſting and pillaging whole Cities as well as Provinces;
and at length he proceeded ſo far as to proclaim through the whole
Country by the Voice of a Cryer, That it ſhou'd be lawful for any Man to
rob and plunder, provided they brought him a Share of the Booty: In-
ſomuch, that great Numbers were conſtrain’d to abandon their Habita-
tions, and fie to foreign countries, judging they might live better among
the greateſt Barbarians. Theſe Afflictions and Calamities were remarka-
ble Fore-runners of the Deſtruction of a moſt impious and obſtinate
Wonderful Pre-Generation ; but in this Year there hapned ſtill more aſtoniſhing Preſa-
Sarges of the
ges;
and ſuch as ſhew'd the more immediate Hand of Heaven. In the
Jews Ruin.
Paflover, which fell this Year on the eighth of April, about three Hours
after Midnight, in tlie Prieſt's Court between the Temple and the Altar,
there ſhin'd ſuch an extraordinary Light as equald the brighteſt Day; and
ſo continu'd for the Space of half an Hour. At the ſame Feſtival, a
Cow led to be ſacrificd at the Altar, brought forth a Lamb in the middle
of the Temple; and the great Eaſtern Gate of the Temple, of maffy
Braſs, which every Night took at leaſt twenty Men to ſhut it, being alſo
ſecur'd with Iron Locks and Bars let into the folid Stone, about ſix a Clock
at Night was ſeen to open of its own accord; which being related to the
Governors, they cou'd ſcarcely ſhut it again. In the 21ſt of May follow-
ing, before Sun ſet, there appear'd an amazing Sight of warlike Chariots
in the Air all over the Country, and Battalions of armed Soldiers paſſing
through the Clouds, and inveſting the City. At the Feaſt of Pentecoſt,
and 28th of the ſame Month, the Prieſts going into the Inner Temple
call’d the Holy Place, according to Cuſtom, at firſt felt the Place to move
and tremble, and afterwards heard a Voice more than Human, crying,
LET US DEPART HENCE ! St. Chryfoftom ſays, that it was the
Voice of Angels, wlio now left the Place, having ſtay'd till then, in
Hopes of the Jews Repentance. Beſides theſe, a wonderful Comet, in
Form of a flaming Sword, for a Year together was ſeen to hang over
Jeruſalem ; threatning Vengeance to that miſerable City. All theſe and
the like Prodigies were foretold by our bleſſed Saviour, but cou'd not
open the Eyes of theſe deluded obſtinate People, who generally interpre-
ted all to their own Advantage, and ſupported themſelves with the
Expectation of their Meſſiah; whom Joſephus, Tacitus and Suetonius men-
tion under the Name of a Perſon coming from the Eaſt, who ſhou'd
command the Univerſe, which they all ignorantly apply'd to the Emperor
Vespaſian.
As the Miſeries and Calamities of Judæa encreas'd, ſo did thoſe of the Tacis.
A Conſpiracy in
Rome, for "City of Rome, eſpecially by the Diſcovery of a great Conſpiracy form'd
which many againſt the Emperor, which open'd a Paflage to new Miſchiefs and Cruel-
ties: For upon this Occaſion Nero put great Numbers to Death of all Ranks,
Noble and Ignoble, Guilty and Innocent. Among whom, beſides Piſo the
Head of the Conſpiracy, dy'd Lucan the famous Poet, wlio hated Nero
for his forbidding him to publiſh his Verſes, vainly comparing his own
to them. The great Seneca follow'd, who tho' he was no ways Guilty,
yet was commanded to dye, which Command he cheerfully obey'd, defi-
ring only to diſpoſe of ſome Legacies; which being refus’d, he told his
weeping Friends, That ſince he had been kinder'd from giving them what
they had merited, he left them the Example of his Life, the Memory and
Imitation of which wou'd gain them immortal Honour among all good Men.
He was oblig'd to ſeek for Death ſeveral Ways, for he had ſo macerated
himſelf with Abſtinence, that he cou'd not bleed, and Poyſon wou'd
have no Effect upon him ; but at length entering a Bath, he was ſtified
by the Fumes, having according to his uſual Elegancy, diſcours'd even to
the
--
Chap. VII.
237
NERO the 6th Rom. Emp.
the laſt, of many excellent Precepts of Morality. After him follow'd the
polite and impure Petronius, one who had been a great Alliſtant to Nero
in his extravagant Pleaſures, and noted for his exquiſite Art of heightning
and refining a voluptuous Life. His Death ſeem'd as luxurious as his Life,
in which he proceeded with the leaſt imaginable Trouble and Concern,
opening his Veins, and cloſing them as ive thought fit; diſcourſing with
his Friends, not of ſerious Matters, or of a future State, but of light
and pleaſant Subjects, all the Time attending to ſoft and tender Verſes,
and delicate amorous Songs. Beſides theſe and innumerable others, dy'd
the Empreſs Poppaa her ſcit, wlio being with Child and indiſpos’d, Nero Nero kills his
Wife Poppka
kill'd her with a Kick with his Foot, for upbraiding him as he return'd
late from driving his Chariot in publick. So that Nero daily became
more and more inſupportable to the City and Government.
In the mean Time, the Apoſtle Paul proceeded daily in his Miniſtry;
and having paſs’d over from Aſia into Macedonia, viſited Philippi a fourth
Time, according to his Promiſe in his Epiſtle to that Church. Here he
ſtay'd a conſiderable Space; and from lience, in all Probability, he wrote
his firſt Epiſtle to Timothy, having promis’d to ſee him in a ſhort Time; but Paul's firſt Epi.
leſt he ſhou'd be prevented, he gave him Inſtructions how to behave him-file to Timo-
thy.
ſelf in his Office at Epheſus by Letter. “In which he laid down the Du-
' ties and Qualifications of a Biſhop, as well in Reſpect of his Miniſtry,
as of his private Converſation, inſtructing him in the Office of a true
· Chriſtian Paſtor. Upon which Account St. Auſtin ſays, That all Perſons
ſeparated for the Service of the Church, ought to have the two Epi-
'ſtles to Timothy, and that to Titus, always before their Eyes, as con-
taining the Virtues of the miniſterial Life and Office. One of the Apo-
'ſtles Exhortations was to Reading, by which, as he intimated what he
· himſelf did in the firſt Place, ſo he ſhew'd, that the greateſt ſupernatu-
' ral Gifts did not excuſe a Paſtor from ſpending ſome Time in reading
'the Holy Scriptures. He recommended it alſo to him to drink a little
· Wine for the Weakneſs of his Stomach, and frequent Indiſpoſitions ;
uſing human Means to preſerve the Health of ſo neceſſary a Perſon, and
not that Power which God had given him to heal Diſeaſes without Medi-
cines, which was intended principally for the Converſion of Infidels. The
Apoſtle having a Deſign to remove out of Macedonia, and winter in Ni-
copolis in Epirus, wrote a Letter to Titus then in Crete to meet him there, His Epiftle to
ſending Artimas and Tychicus to ſupply his place in governing that Church Titus.
in his Abſence ; for Paul had ſome ſpecial Service for him to do in Ma-
2 Tim.4. cedonia, and the next Year ſent hini into Dalmatia. “In this Epiſtle to
Titus, as he had done in that to Timothy, he ſet down the Qualifica-
tions that a Biſhop ought to have, admoniſhing him to rebuke thoſe
ſharply, who were naturally hard and obſtinate, as the Cretians were ;
' and not to ſuffer them to be led away with the Deluſions of Judaizing
· Teachers. He alſo laid down Precepts for all Conditions of Men, not
neglecting Servants, becauſe Jeſus Chriſt had poured out his Grace upon
"all Men. He order'd him to take Care of Zenas and Apollos, to con-
• duct them ſafe in their Journy, and let theni want nothing. Apollos has
been ſpoken of formerly; Zenas was a few well skill'd in their Law, and
a Chriſtian Teacher: He is ſaid to have written an Hiſtory of Titus, but
'tis a forg’d Piece.
The Apoſtle having winter'd at Nicopolis in Epirus, continu'd his Jour- A.D.66.
e Tim.4. 11y South-Eaſtward, and went a third Time to Corinth, where he appoin-Ner.
ted Eraſtus to continue ; and croſs’d the Sea to Aſia and Epheſus, as he
His fournies;
promis’d Timothy in his Epiſtle. He left Timothy at Epheſus, who ſhed ma-
ny Tears at his Parting; and from thence he went to Miletun, not far
diftant
C
C
I
20.
13
Chip. I.
ز
Chapt,
13:
238 Cent. I.
Book II.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
diſtant, where he left Trophimus fick. After that he travelld Northwards
to Troas, and lodg’d with Carpus one of his Scholars, where he left his
Cloak, fome Books and Parchment Rolls, perhaps the Holy Scriptures.
About this Time, in all Probability, he ſuffer'd at Antioch in Piſidia ,
Iconium and Lyſtra, thoſe Perſecutions which he mentions in general in
the ſecond Epiſtle to Timothy, Chap. 3. I I. and thanks God for his Delive-
rance from them. The Fathers relate, That about this Time God reveald
to him that his Death was approaching; and Athanaſius ſays, That it was
particularly made known to him by God that he ſhould ſuffer Martyrdom
at Rome, and that thereupon inſtead of avoiding it, he laſtned with Joy
towards the Place: But he arriv'd not at Rome till the Beginning of the
following Year. A conſiderable Time before that Journy, about April 66,
Vologeſus King of Parthia being vanquiſh'd, and his Brother Tiridates King
The Temple of of Armenia being brought to Rome, Nero ſhut up the Temple of Janus in
Janus fhut up. Token of an univerſal Peace, which had ſtood open from the ſecond Year
after our Saviour's Nativity. And having with great Pomp reſtored Ti-
ridates, Nero left Rome with a vaſt Retinue, and paſs’d into Greece and
Achaia, where he continu'd above a Year in the Exerciſe of all kinds
of Games and Extravagancies. He left Helius Governor of the City,
a Freed Man, and one of his wicked Inſtruments and bloody Executioners,
to whom he gave full Power and Authority, to the great Affliction of the
Inhabitants.
g.
Foreph
The Beginning III. The univerſal Peace continu'd but a very ſhort Time, before a Tacir
.
of the Jewiſ moſt deſperate War broke out in Paleſtine, which prov'd the Ruin and De-
ſtruction of the Jews: For now being ripened for Vengeance, and having
filld up the Meaſure of their Iniquity, the fatal Time approach’d, when
they were to pay for the Blood of all the Prophets and holy Men, eſpe-
cially for that of the bleſſed Jeſus, which they had ſolemnly imprecated
upon themſelves and their whole Race. Beſides their own perverſe and
ſeditious Tempers, the Tyranny and Oppreſſion of Florus was the main
Occaſion of their Rebellion, and their taking up Arms againſt the Romans.
For he having moſt unjuſtly and inhumanly treated the Jews, and com-
mitted ſeveral Outrages and Slaughters both in Cæfarea and Jeruſalem
they at length, without conſidering the Conſequences, notwithſtanding all
the powerful Diffuaſions of Agrippa, broke out into an open War. And
this began in the Month of May, in the 12th Year of Nero's Empire, the
17th of Agrippa's Reign, and the ad of Florus's Government.
The War began by ſome of the inferior Sort, who ſurpriz'd a ſtrong
Caſtle callid Maſada, near the Dead Sea, and put all the Roman Gariſon
to the Sword. At Jeruſalem alſo Eleazar the Son of the former High-
Prieſt Ananias, Commander of the Guards of the Temple, a bold and in-
trepid Youth, diſſuaded the Prieſts from offering any Sacrifices but thoſe of
the Jews, eſpecially excluding ſuch as were offer'd for the Emperor or the
Romans. Which raſh and unprecedented Act caus'd great Afiliction to the
Governors of the City, who being more peaceable and prudent, us'd all
Methods to prevent ſuch Practices, well knowing it was an Indication of
an open
Rebellion; but perceiving the Numbers of the Seditious to en-
creaſe, they diſpatch'd Meſſengers both to Florus and Agrippa, deſiring that
they wou'd ſend Forces to ſuppreſs the Tumult in the Beginning. The for-
mer deſiring nothing ſo much as a Revolt to cover his numerous Corruptions,
neglected the Meſſage; but the latter immediately ſent 3000 Horſe, who
together with the Rulers and Prieſts, and the reſt of thoſe who defir’dl
Peace, poffeſs’d themſelves of the Upper City againſt the Seditious, who
were intirc Maſters of the Temple and the Lower City. Continual Skir-
miſhes
Cliap. VII.
239
NERO the 6th Rom. Emp.
Ananias.
$ 23.3. The
milhes paſs’d between both Parties for ſeven Days together; but upon
the Feaſt of their Carrying Wood into the Temple, many Robbers and
Aſſaſſinates out of the Country were receiv'd into the Temple, who with
the reſt boldly encounter'd Agrippa's Forces, and forcing them from the upper
Part of the City, drove them into Herod's Palace, and burnt down thoſe
Buildings where the publick Papers and Records were kept, together with
the Palace of the Aſmon&ans, which was tlien Agrippa's Court, and the
Palace of Ananias. This caus'd the Nobility and Prieſts to fly into Vaults
and ſecret Places, from whence Ananias was taken and flain miſerably, Tlie Death of
according to St. Paul's Predictions eight Years before, Acts 23. 3.
next Day being the 15th of Auguſt, they took the Caſtle of Antonia, after
two Days Siege, kill'd all the Roman Soldiers, and ſet the Caſtle on Fire.
And then being join'd by Manahem Son to the famous Judas of Galilee,
who brought a ſtrong Party of Rebels into the City, they ſet upon the
King's Palace, where Agrippa's Soldiers were retir’d, took it and burnt it;
the Soldiers with the Romans flying to the Towers calld Hippico, Phaſælus
and Mariamne. Manahem for his Tyrannical Practices was ſoon after ſlain
in the Temple by Eleazar, and many of his Party expell’d the City. Short-
ly after, Agrippa's Soldiers and the Romans in the three Towers yielded
upon Compoſition, delivering up all their Arms; but the Seditious, con-
trary to Oaths and Treaties, put all the Romans to the Sword, except
Metellus.
At the ſame Day at Cæfarea, by the Inſtigation of Florus, all the Jews The Jews maſ
that inhabited that City were cruelly maſſacred by the Gentiles, to the facred at Café-
Number of 20000; which ſo enrag'd the Jews throughout the whole Places.
Country, that they began to waſt and deſtroy all the Villages of the Sy-
rians and the neighbouring Cities, as Philadelphia, Geraſa, Ptolemais,
Pella, Scythopolis, Gadara, Hippo, Gaulanitis, Sebaſte, Aſcalon, Anthedon,
and Gaza. Upon theſe Outrages, the Syrians made terrible Maſſacres of the
Jews among them, which they deſtroy'd partly out of old Reſentments,
and partly for Security ; by which Means all Syria was in a deplorable
Condition, and every City expos’d to the Miſeries of two Armies which
plac'd their Safety in the greateſt Effuſion of Blood; the Days being ſpent
in Slaughters, and the Nights in Tears worſe than Death it ſelf. Only
the Inhabitants of Antioch, Apamea and Sidon, out of Policy or Mercy
fpared the Jews dwelling among them; but in Alexandria in Ægypt, upon
à Sedition rais’d there, 50000 fews were ſlain in one Day, by two Ro-
man Legions let in upon them. About the fame Time, the Jews in fu-
dæa inveſted the ſtrong Caſtle of Macherus in Perea; and the Roman
Gariſon finding themſelves weak and ill provided, in a ſhort Time yielded
it up, upon Condition of departing without Moleſtation.
The general Revolt of the Jews caus’d Ceſtius Gallus Governor of Sy-
ria, to uſe all poſſible Diligence and Expedition, and coming down with
a powerful Army from Antioch and Ptolemais, lie invaded Judæa and Ga-
lilee, burning both Zabulon and Joppa, in the latter of which he kill'd
8400 Jews. About the Feaſt of Tabernacles, having burnt Lydda, he
march'd directly to Jeruſalem it ſelf; and near Bethoron, about fix Miles
from the City, he was met by great Numbers of Jews who came to the
Feaſt, who ſet upon the Romans with that impetuous Fury, that the
whole Army was in Danger ; but freſh Troops coming in to Ceſtius, he
not only repelld the Jews, and forc'd them into Jeruſalem, but on the
fourth of O&tober alſo broke into the City with his Forces. In a ſhort Ceſtius Gallus
Time he became Maſter of the lower part of the City, as alſo Bezet ha attacks Jeru-
and Cænopolis; and proceeded againſt the ſtronger Parts, the Temple and
the Upper City, which he might eaſily have taken, had he vigorouſly
continu'd
Halein.
240
Cent. I.
Book II.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
Celtius retires
continu'd his Attacks, the better Sort favouring the Romans, and the Se-
ditious only withſtanding them. And now the Chriſtians and Believers Eufeb.
began to be ſenſible of that Caution which our Lord liad given them,
That when they ſhou'd ſee Jeruſalem compaſs’d with Armies, and the Abomi-
The Chriſtians nation of Deſolation (the Roman Army) ſtanding in the Holy Place, they
Hlie te Pella. hori'd then flee into the Mountains, betake themſelves to ſome obſcure
Place of Refuge: And having been lately commanded by a particular
Revelation communicated to fome pious and good Men among them to
leave Jeruſalem and flie to Pella, which Epiphanius ſays was done by the
Miniſtry of an Angel, they univerſally withdrew themſelves with their
Eiſhop Simeon, and ſeaſonably retreated thither, as to a little Zoar from
the Flames of Sodom, and ſo none of them periſh'd in the common Ruin.
This Pella was a little City beyond Jordan in Decapolis and Trachonitis,
about 100 Miles North-Eaſt of Jeruſalem, belonging to Agrippa's Domi-
nions, inhabited by Gentiles ; and probably God was pleas d to direct the
Chriſtians hither, that they might be out of the Reach of the Beſom of
Deſtruction, that was to ſweep away the Jews where ever it came.
Nor
was it a leſs remarkable Inſtance of the Care and Tenderneſs of the di-
vine Providence over them, that when Ceſtins had beſieg’d Jeruſalem and
the Temple, on a ſudden he ſhou'd unexpectedly break up the Siege,
when he had ſo great a Proſpect of fucceeding; at once giving the Chri-
ſtians warning of their Danger, and an Opportunity of eſcaping, and
alſo reſerving the Jews to a more terrible Chaſtiſement.
Ceſtins having retreated from Jeruſalem without any apparent Reaſon,
mit: great Lofsthe Jews took freſh Courage and purſu'd him in the Way towards Cæfarea,
with ſo much Succeſs that the Romans not only loſt above 6000 Men, but
the greateſt Part of their Baggage and Ammunition, their Engines and
Slings, and other Arms which the Jews us'd in their own Defence in the
laſt Siege. At length the Romans with great Difficulty eſcap'd to Anti-
patris, and ſo to Cæfarea, making a very diſhonourable and diſadvanta-
gious Retreat, upon the eighth of November. The Jews, elevated with
The Jews make their Victory, upon their Return to Jeruſalem, created Joſeph Gorion and
Preparat. Ananus, once High-Prieſt
, Governors of the City, and fent many Com-
manders into every Province and Government; and among the reſt they
ſent Joſephus a Prieſt, and the famous Writer of the Jewiſh Wars and
Antiquities, into Galilee; where after he had wallid and fortify'd many
Towns, and gather'd together above 60000 Men, he waited for the
coming down of the Romans. Yet notwithſtanding all his Care and
Diligence, there were many Commotions and frequent Seditions rais'd
againſt him, by the ſubtle Deſigns of John the Son of a certain Levite,
and by the Malice of ſome of the Rulers in Jeruſalem who envy'd him
the Government of Galilee. But Jofephus fruſtrated all their Endeavours,
Arts and Councils, and avoided them by his extraordinary Policy and
Management, compelling John to flie with his Forces to Jeruſalem, out of
Giſcala a Town of Galilee which he had fortify'd. At Jeruſalem, Ana-
nus the chief Governor of the City diligently prepar'd all Things ne-
ceſſary for a War, repair'd the Walls, and order'd the making of all kinds
of Arms and warlike Inſtruments. He in vain endeavour'd to reconcile
the Faction of the Zealots, and alſo to apprehend Simon Giora, who was
botlı a Tyrant and a Robber, by ſending ſome Troops againſt him ;
but he and his Party Hled to others of the ſame Employ that kept Maf-
Sada, froni whence they with their Robberies and Murthers miſerably
infeſted all the Country of Judæa and Idumaa. In the mean Time, Ceſtius
ſent Meſſengers to Nero in Achaia, giving him an Account of the ill Po-
Iture of Affairs in Juilæa, much blaming the Conduct of Florus. The
Emperor
tions.
Chap. VII.
241
NERO the 6th Rom. Emp.
Ner.
14
He manages
Emperor now wanted his General Corbulo, whom he had lately put to
Deáih, and deliberating whom to ſend thither, he at length deſign'd
eſpaſian, as the only Perſon capable of ſuch a Charge ; and not fearing Vefpafian tin
him by Reaſon of the Meannels of his Birth and Name, tho’ he had 14th Governor
much diſoblig'd him, he made him Governor of Jidea in the Room of
Florus, and at the ſame Time ſent Mutianus into Syria in the Room of
Ceſtius Gallus. Vefpafian was the fourteenth Governor of Judæa after the
Båniſhment of Archelaus, and the eighth after the Death of Herod Agrippa,
entering upon that Office in the latter End of the Year 66, and the Be-
ginning of the 13th of the Emperor Nero.
Vespaſian with all Expedition paſsid over into Aſia, and ſo to Syria and A.D.69
Antioch; where he gather'd together all the Roman Forces and Auxilia-
ries in thoſe Parts; and coming down to Ptolemais in Phænicia, he im-
mediately recover'd Sephoris that favour'd the Romans. Here he was join'd the Jewiſh
by his Son Titus from Alexandria, who brought from thence the fifth and War.
tenth Legion, with other Auxiliaries, which together with his own
Troops compos’d an Army of 60000 Men, beſides their Baggage and At-
tendants. With this powerful Force Vespaſian march'd to the Borders of
the Province of Galilee, and there encamp'd, deſigning by the Sight of
his Army to terrifie the Enemy, and give thern Time to repent and yield;
but finding all poſible Reſiſtance, he ſer down before Gadura, in a ſhort
Time ſtorm'd the Fortifications, bufnt down the Town, and put all the
Jews to the Sword. Then advancing to Jotopata, a Place of great Strengthi,
he inveſted it on the 2 iſt of May, where he was valiantly oppos’d by the
renowned Joſephus, who with his Skill and Courage, defended it beyond
all Expectation: But after forty Days cloſe Siege, Vefpafian took the Place
by Storm, to the Deſtruction of 40000 Jews. Joſephus himſelf flying in-
to a Cave or Vault, was at length taken Priſoner, and order'd to be ſenć Joſephus tus
to the Emperor; but defiring to ſpeak a Word with Veſpaſian, by a Proplie-Ken Priſoner,
tick Spirit he foretold, That he shou'd free him from his Captivity, but
ſhou'd firſt be Emperor himſelf. After ſome Refreſhment of the Legions,
and Agrippa's Entertainments of this great Commander at Cæfarea Phi-
lippi, Veſpaſian proceeded to the Sieges of Tiberias and Tariched on the
Sea of Galilee, of which the former yielded, and was ſpared at the Re-
queſt of Agrippa; but the latter was taken by Force and deſtroy’d, where
great Numbers were cut in Pieces, beſides 30000 which were ſold for
Slaves. Theſe Cities being recover'd or deſtroy'd, almoſt all Galilee be-
came ſubject to the Romans, except Gamala, Giſcala, and the Mountain
Ituburium or Tabor. But Veſpaſian proceeding with extraordinary Valour
and Conduct, took and deſtroy'd Gamala afrer a Month's Siege, on the
23d of October; and ſhortly after the Mountain Ituburium was alſo ta-
ken by the Romans; both with terrible Slaughters of the Jews. Giſcala
was left to the Management of Titus, who offer'd fair Terms to the
Governor John, who ſeem'd ready to embrace tliem, till he found an Op-
portunity to flie with his ſeditious Party to Jeruſalem. Titus ſpard the
City, when he took it, put a Gariſon into it, and repair’d to Cæfarea
where he was met by his Father Veſpaſian, who having won Jamnia and
Azotus, ended the Campaign in December, with the total Reduction of Galilee resca
all that ſtrong and populous Province Galilee.
IV. During theſe buſie Tranſactions, the Apoſtle Paul being affurd of
his approaching Martyrdom, return'da ſecond Time to Rome, where meet- Paul's fécorice
?
ing and joining with Peter, they both us’d their utmoſt Endeavours to in- Arrival at
ſtruct the Jews in their Synagogues, and to convert the Gentiles in all publick
Places and Aſſemblies. They continually labour'd to inſtill into the Minds
H1
of
ver'd.
Rome,
242
Book II.
Cent. I.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
of all Men the true and pure Knowledge of God, the Rules of Virtue
and Chriſtian Morality, and to win Perſons from their exceſſive Dancings,
Drunkenneſs, and other fenfual Pleaſures that were the Companions of
Incontinence, to which all the Romans, both Prince and People, were
extremely addicted. Beſides theſe Reformations, Lactantius aſſures us, that
His and Peter's both theſe Apoſtles at Rome foretold, That in a ſhort Time God wou'd ſend
Predictions.
a Prince who ſhou'd entirely conquer the Jews, and level their great City
with the Ground : That the beſieged thou'd ſuffer the extremeſt Miſe-
ries that attend Famines and want, and at length fall into their Enemies
Hands, when they ſhou'd ſee their Wives inhumanly treated, their Daugh-
ters violated and proſtituted, their Sons torn aſunder, and their Infants
daſh'd in Pieces; and in ſhort, all Things waſted with Fire and Sword,
and themſelves for ever baniſh'd from their beloved Land ; and all this
becauſe of their contempt and Abuſe of the Son of God.
Tho' Nero was ſtill in Greece, and abſent from Rome, yet the Actions
of the two Apoſtles in a ſhort Time began to be cenſur'd by the Magi-
ſtrates, eſpecially by the wicked Governor Helins, who like a ſecond Nero
rag'd againſt them and their Doctrine. It is reported, that their greateſt
Prejudice againſt Peter was his defeating Simon Magus, and that againſt
Paul, his converting one of the Emperor's Concubines. Theſe two being
ſought for, and in apparent Danger, St. Ambroſe tells us, That the Chri-
ſtians in Rome by daily Prayers and Importunities folicited Peter to make
an Eſcape, and to reſerve himſelf for the farther Benefit of the Church.
This he at firſt rejected, as too much reflecting upon his Courage and
Conſtancy, till their Tears and Entreaties prevailing, he made his Eſcape
by Night; but as he paſs'd the City Gate, he was met by one in the
Shape of his dear Maſter Jeſus: Who being ask'd by Peter whither he was
going, made Anſwer, To Rome to be crucify'd a ſecond Time; which he
taking for a Reproof of his Cowardice in flying from his Perſecutors,
return'd again into the City with great Courage, and was immediately put
They are both into the Mamertine Priſon with the other Apoſtle Paul. Here they were
impriſon'd. kept eight or nine Months in cloſe Impriſonment, where they ſpent their
Time in the moſt folemn Acts of Devotion ; and as Occaſion offer'd,
preach'd the Goſpel to their Guards and Fellow-Priſoners, among whom,
it is reported, they converted Proceſſus and Martinian, the Captains of
their Guards, and forty ſeven others. In a ſhort Time Paul was callid
to anſwer before Helius; and tho' all Men out of Fear abandon’d him, , time
yet the Lord ſtood by him and ſtrengthned him, to make his Preaching 16-18
more conſpicuous and effectual to the Gentiles, and deliver'd him out of chaps:
the Mouth of that Lion; not from his Bonds, but “from every evil "5-18.
* Work, to preſerve him to his heavenly Kingdom. Alexander the Copper-
Smith, who not long before had been excommunicated by the Apoſtle,
now turn'd all his Malice againſt him, and did him much Injury, for
which he pray'd that the Lord wou'd reward him. Alſo the Diſciples
of Aſia, of whom were Phygellus and Hermogenes, who attended him to
Rome, forſook him there, fearing to run any Hazard with him: Only
Oneſephorus, his foriner Convert, who had been very ſerviceable to him
at Epheſus, coming to Rome, fought him out, and adminiſtred to him in
Priſon, not being aſham'd of his Chains; for which he zealouſly pray'd
for the Proſperity of him and his Family.
Peter's ſecond During the Time of the Apoſtles Confinement, St. Peter wrote his fe-
Epiſtle.
cond general Epiſtle, not directed to any particular Church, but to all
that obtained pretious Faith through the Righteouſneſs of God and our
Saviour Jeſus Chriſt. Yet ſince he told them, Chap. 3. 1. ' That this was
' tlie ſecond Epiſtic he wrote to them; it follows, that that, as well as the
firſt,
Chap. VII.
243
NERO the 6th Rom. Emp.
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6
firſt, was directed to the converted Jews, diſperſed through the Provinces
of Aſia; and alſo that it was writ not long before his Death, as is inti-
mated Chap. 1. 14. ' In this Epiſtle lie labour'd by earneſt Exhortations
to engage the Chriſtians to perſevere in the Apoſtles Doctrine, and to te-
• ſtifie the Soundneſs and Sincerity of their Faith by their Works, fore-
warning them of the falſe Teachers already riſen, foretelling their fad
" and terrible Deſtruction, and deſcribing them by their odious Marks,
that they might avoid them. After which he vindicated the Doctrine
. of Chriſt's Coming, which the Hereticks then deny’d, to encourage Men
' the more ſecurely to entertain their lewd Courſes ; declaring, that tho
Chriſt delay'd his Coming, that he might not ſurprize Men in their Sins,
yet he wou'd certainly come to exccute Judgment upon thoſe Scoffers
· and Seducers. He ſet forth the Deſtruction of ferufalem in ſuch a man-
ner as our Saviour had done before, namncly as the Deſtruction of the
' whole World, ſpeaking of the Heavens paſſing away, the Elements
melting, and the Earth being burnt up; and after that of a new Hea-
ven and a new Earth, a new State of the Church under the Goſpel
among the Gentiles, after the old World of the Jewiſh State ſhou'd be dif-
ſolv’d. He alſo recommended St. Paul's Epiſtles; adding withall, That
' there were ſome Places in them hard to be underſtood, which the Un-
" learned and Unſtable wreſted to their own Damnation. This Epiſtle,
tho' now generally receiv'd for Canonical, was by many in the firſt Ages
doubted of, and accounted Superſtitious, as differing in Stile from the for-
mer: But this is no ſufficient Reaſon againſt ſo many others as have been
produc'd for its being genuine, as the Inſcription bearing his Name, its
Conſent with the former, the Deſcription in Chap. 1. 16, 17, 18. with ſe-
veral other Marks, which do equally overthrow Grotius's Opinion, that
Simon or Simeon Biſhop of Jeruſalem was the Author of it.
About the fame Time Paul wrote his fourteenth and laſt Epiſtle, which Paul's fecone!
was his ſecond to Timothy, who was at that Time in ſome Part of Afia , mothy.
Epiſtle to Ti
but not at Epheſus. It is evident from his own Words, that it was writ-
ton near his Death, whiclı he intimates to be an involuntary Death, or
Martyrdom; for which Reaſon St. Chryfoftom fays, That this Epiſtle was,
as it were, his laſt Will and Teſtament. ' In it he not only deſir'd Timo:
thy to come to him before Winter, but he again exhorted him to dif-
charge all the Duties of a Biſhop and Paſtor ſuitable to thoſe excellent
• Graces he had receivid, and with a generous Contempt of the World,
' ſince the Spirit of Chriſtianity was not a Spirit of Fear, but of Love and
Courage, and of a found Mind: Adding, that whoſoever wou'd live
godly Lives in Chriſt Jefus, muſt ſuffer Perſecution, according to his
Example. He advis'd him not to forget the Doctrines he had taught
him, nor to be diſturb’d or ſurpriz’d at the Apoſtacy of ſome from the
Faith and the Truth, but to preach the more zealouſly againſt ſuch Op-
poſers as cou'd not bear ſound Doctrine, but heap'd to themſelves Tea-
chers agreable to their own unſtable itching Humour. The Reaſon why
' he deſir'd Timothy's Coming was becauſe he had none of his old
Companions and Diſciples with him, but Luke ; Demas had forſaken
' him, and was gone to Theſſalonica for his ſecular Intereſt; Creſcens was
gone to Galatia, Titus to Dilmatia, and Tychicas he had ſent to Epheſusa
'There were doubtleſs many Chiſtians at Rome of eminent Piety and Cou-
rage, among whom he nam'd Eubulus, Pudens and Linus, who mini-
' ſter'd to him in his Bonds; but he particularly deſir'd to have ſome of his
· Scholars about him to aſſiſt him in his Miniſtry, and to comfort the faith-
· ful under Perſecution. Wlat is ſpoken of Jannes and fambres, the Ægyp-
tian Magicians who withſtood Mofes, is not taken from a Book which
H h 2
fonie
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244
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
Cent. I.
Book II.
St. Paul.
ſome pretend to have been written by theſe two Perſons, but from ſome
ancient Tradition or Writings among the Jews.
A.D.68., In the Beginning of the ſucceeding Year, Nero by Reaſon of Diſtur-
bances at Home, at the Requeſt of Helins, left Greece, tho’in the Midſt of
Ner. 14. Winter, but before his Arrival at Rome, the Time was accompliſh’d that
the two great Apoſtles Peter and Paul ſhou'd glorifie God by their Martyr-
doms; and the former as a Jew and a Foreigner was condemn'd to be cru-
The Martyr. cify'd, and the latter as a Roman to be beheaded. Peter being ſcourg'd
doms of St. Pe- according to the Roman Cuſtom, was led to the Top of the Vatican Mount
near Tyber; where he entreated the Favour of the Officers, that he might
not be crucify'd in the ordinary Way, but might ſuffer with his Head
downwards, declaring, That he was far unworthy to ſuffer in the ſame Po-
ſture wherein his Lord and Maſter had ſuffer'd before him : Happy Man! as
St. Chryſoſtom gloſſes, to be ſet in the readieſt Poſture of travelling from
Earth to Heaven. The other Apoſtle was beheaded three Miles out of the City
in a Place call’d Aqua Salvie, on the ſame Day, and 22d of February, accor-
ding to Biſhop Pearſon's Calculation; in the Abſence of Nero, as appears from
Clemens's his Epiſtle, which ſays that he ſuffer'd' by the Command of the
Governors, who durſt not in his Preſence have executed ſuch Authority.
Thus dy'd the two moſt eminent Apoſtles of Jeſus Chriſt, after they had
reap'd a moſt glorious Harveſt of infinite Numbers of Souls, and trium-
phantly propagated Salvation to the moſt conſiderable Parts of the World.
A Biſhoprick was founded in Rome by St. Peter, who was now ſucceeded
Linus ſucceeds by Linus, the ſame mention'd 2 Tim. 4. 21. But many of the Ancients
them in Rome. mention both theſe Apoſtles as equally concern'd in the Founding the
Biſhoprick, and do exprefly affert Linus to have been the firſt Biſhop of
Rome. We are told, that St. Peter's Wife ſufferd Martyrdom before his
Death by his Encouragement, and that he left behind him a Daughter
nam'd Petronilla; but we have no Certainty of it. Several Writings have
been fallly attributed to him, as his Acts, Goſpel, Revelation, Preaching,
and of the Judgment, as alſo of the Doctrine of St. Peter, and a Licurgy.
As the like has been done to St. Paul, namely, an Epiſtle to the Laodiceans,
a third Epiſtle to the Theſſalonians and to the Corinthians, a ſecond to the
Epheſians, his Letters to Seneca, his Ads, his Revelation, his Voyage with
Theil, and his Sermon.
Shortly after the Death of theſe two Apoſtles, Nero having return'd Dior.
to Rome in a kind of a Triumph, ſurrounded with Muſicians and Players,
The first Revo- the inbred Diſtempers of the Roman Empire, contracted by the Miſgovern-
ment of four ſucceeding Princes, began to break out and diſcover them-
pire.
ſelves in their furious Effects. The Romans liad with Decency born with
the Diſſimulation of Tiberius, the Brutality of Caligula, and the Stupidity
of Claudius, but the Fury of Nero having exhauſted all human Patience,
all Men preſs’d to a Revolution ; and Vindex Commander of the Legions
in Gaul, began the Revolt, publickly proteſting againſt the Government of
Nero, and proclaiming Sergius Galba Emperor, then Governor of Part of
Spain. Galba joining in the Enterprize, and taking the Empire upon
him, it ſhortly after caus’d the Revolt not only of the Armies in Spain,
but alſo of the Legions in Germany, and cther Places, all unanimouſly
declaring againſt the preſent Emperor. Theſe Proceedings drove Nero
to the utmoſt Rage and Deſpair, and caus’d him to enter upon the moſt
black and barbarous Deſigns imaginable, reſolving to maſſacre all the
Governors of Provinces, and Commanders of Armies, to deſtroy all exild
Perſons, to murther all the Gauls in Rome, and give up their Nation to
the Plunder of his Army, to poiſon the whole Senate at an Entertainment,
to burn the City, and to turn out Wild-Beaſts among the People to
prevent
Suet.
lution in the
Roman Em-
Chap. VII.
245
GALBA the 7th Rom. Emp.
prevent their extinguiſhing the Flames. But he ſoon found himſelf un-
able to effect any ſuch Attempts; for all Mankind fell from him and for
ſook him, which made him become as ſervile as before he had been
tyrannical; and he who a few Days before had been the great Monarch
of the World, was now reduc'd to a State more abandon'd and deplo-
rable than the vileſt Slave. And what was ſtill more terrible, the Senate
being aſſembled, pronounc'd him a mortal Enemy to the State, and ſo-
lemnly condemn d him to die More Majorum, which was to have his
Head made faſt in a Pillory, and to be ſcourg’d to Death. Nero having
with the utmoſt Confuſion and Diſtraction retir’d in Diſguiſe to a Coun-
try Houſe belonging to his Freed Man Phaon, there heard of his Doom
and the dreadful Puniſhment deſign'd him; which caus'd liim to ſnatch
up a couple of Daggers, and after a thouſand inglorious Sighs and Tears,
and often complaining, IVhat an Artiſt the World wou'd loſe, by the Aſſi-
ſtance of others he diſpatch'd himſelf, his Eyes ſtaring in his Head after Nero kills him.
an unheard of Manner. Thus dy'd Nero the ſixth Emperor of Rome, and ſelf
.
the firſt that embru'd his Hands in the Blood of the Chriſtians, who by
his execrable Actions brought upon himſelf the ſevereſt Misfortunes that
cou'd befal a Prince, and upon the State the greateſt Calamities that
cou'd ariſe from unjuſt Tyranny in his Life, and from inteſtine Convulſions
after his Death. He was the laſt of the Family of the Cæfars, who
reign’d in Rome, tho' the following Emperors had the Titles of Cæfar.
He dy'd in the Year 68, on the 9th Day of June, under the Conſulſhips
of S. Italicus and G. Trachalus, being in the 32d Year of his Age, and ha-
ving reign'd 13 Years, ſeven Months, and 27 Days.
V. Nero was ſucceeded by Galba, who had affum'd the Imperial A.D.68:
Power in Spain two Months and feven Days before, a noted and expe-
rienc'd Perſon now 72 Years of Age ; being the firſt who receiv'd the Em-
GALBA,
the ſeventh Ro-
pire from the Hands of the Soldiers, the Senate conſenting, liaving him-
ſelf no Affinity or Alliance with the Family of the Cæfars, either by Blood
or Adoption. Upon hearing of Nero's Death, after he had conquer'd
and fuppreſs’d many Difficulties and Diſturbances, he repair'd to Rome,
where he ſoon became diſtaſtful to the People by his many Inſtances of
Severity and Avarice. However he at firſt gave no little Satisfaction
by reſcinding the odious Acts of Nero, and by executing many of the
wicked Inſtruments of his Cruelty, and Helius in particular ; tho' he
ſpar'd ſome of the moſt notorious Offenders for the Sake of Mony. He
was ſo remarkably covetouis, as ſometimes to ſigh and weep wlien his
Table was better furniſh'd than ordinary; a Vice incident to his Age, but
more dangerous to his Circumſtances, eſpecially in Reſpect to the Looſe-
neſs of the Prætorian Soldiers. For when a large Donative had been
promisºd them in his Abfence, as it was uſual when they ſwore to a
new Emperor, he utterly refus'd to allow it, declaring, That he choſe, but
never wou'd purchaſe his Soldiers; a Saying highly offenſive to the Soldiers
of theſe corrupt Times, who cou'd bear no rigorous Diſcipline like the
ancient Romans, eſpecially from a Prince who ſuffer'd himſelf to be
bought and fold every Hour. But what made this Prince moſt generally
hated and abhor'd, was his giving up himſelf to the Management of three
Favourites, Vinius, Laco, and Icelus; who having their Lodgings with
him in his Palace, and being always in his Preſence, were commonly
ſtild his Pædagogues. Theſe three, whoſe Vices and Humors were as
different as poſſible, abus'd his Authority with ſo much Inſolence, that
they made him appear by the Inequality of his Conduct, both odious and
deſpicable, ſo that fonietimes lie Thew'd himſelf rigorous, at other Times
remiſs,
man Emperor.
246 Cent. I.
Book II.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
C.
remiſs, condemning illuſtrious Perſons unhear'd, and pardoning others
without Reaſon, as hc was guided by theſe Men. In ſhort, there was no-
thing but, by their Mediation, he permitted either to be purchas'd for
Mony, or granted for Favour ; as Taxes, Exemptions, Puniſhments for
Innocents
, Impunity for Criminals, and other Pieces of the higheſt In-
juſtice. So that conſidering the Hatred of the Soldiers, and the great
Inſtability of the Times, it was not to be expected that this Emperor
fhou'd continue long upon the Throne.
In the latter End of this Year, or the Beginning of the following,
St. Clement, an eminent Diſciple of St. Peter's, and afterwards Biſhop of
Clement's Epi- Rome, wrote his celebrated Epiſtle to the Corinthians. This Perſon, by
file to the
ſome calld an Apoſtle and others an Apoſtolical Man, is mention'd by
Corinthians
St. Paul Phil. 4. 3. who mentions hiin not only as his Fellow Labourer in
the Work of the Goſpel, but as one whoſe Name was written in the Book
of Life ; and his Epiſtle, next to the Holy Scriptures, is accounted one
of the moſt eminent Records of Antiquity, and accordingly was for ſome
Ages read in the Chriſtian Congregations. It was written in the Name
of the whole Church of Rome to that of Corinth, upon Occaſion of
ſome Diviſions concerning their Teachers, their vain Conceit of their
ſpiritual Gifts, and their Miſtakes about the Reſurrection, all which began
to break out again, tho St. Paul by his Epiſtles and Sermons had in a
great Meaſure ſuppreſs'd them. In this, he firſt put them in Mind of
• the Happineſs of that Peace they had formerly enjoy’d, repreſenting to
them the Danger of their preſent Diviſions, ſhewing the deplorable
Conſequences by many Examples, and how highly diſpleaſing they were
to God; moreover adviſing them to a Re-union and a Repentance,
' in practiſing Obedience to their lawful Paſtors, Humility, and Charity,
' in imitation of the Humility of Jeſus Chriſt, and the Mercy of God,
through the Hope of a Reſurrection, which he much inſiſted upon.
From thence he took an Occaſion to recommend to the Faithful the
· Practice of many Chriſtian Virtues, and the Obſervation of a regular
· Diſcipline ; declaring That it was very ill done to riſe up againſt the
· Poitors and Biſhops, who were conſtituted by the Apoſtles, or clected
by the Faithful afier their Death. He diſplay'd the Hainouſneſs of
' their Crime who were the firſt Promoters of this Diviſion, earneſtly
' ſoliciting them to return to their Duty and Obedience towards their Mi-
niſters, and to 're-unite themſelves to the reſt of the Believers. The
whole is written with great Simplicity and Energy, with ſoft Words and
hard Argumentis, with the tendereſt Concern for the Church of Chriſt, and
with a happy Mixture of Zeal and Charity. As to the Time of its
being written, there have been ſeveral Opinions ; but we have plac'd
it here, becauſe, as it is evident, it was written after the Deaths of
St. Peter and St. Paul, ſo it is very probable it was before the De-
ſtruction of Jerzfalem, ſince it ſpeaks of the Temple Service as then in
Being.
In the Beginning of the Year 69, the Emperor Galba, finding the Ro- Tacir.
man Provinces in Diſorder, and his own Affairs in a dangerous Poſture,
reſolv'd to adopt ſome Perſon, who in his Life time might protect and
ſupport him, and after his Deceaſe ſucceed him in the Empire. Upon
declaring his Determination, his three Favourites were very buſie in re-
commending Perſons to him; and Otho, having gain'd the chief Favou-
rite Vinius, together with the Urban and Prætorian Cohorts, aſſur'd him-
ſelf of Succeſs. But Galba, reſolving to conſider the publick Good, and
diliking Otho's looſe Life, as too much reſembling that of his Maſter
Gallia adopts Nero, he rejected him, and made Choice of a young Man callid Piſo,
one
C
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&c.
Pili.
Chap. VII.
247
OTHO the 8th Rom. Emp.
one of promiſing Abilities, who on the roth of January was coldly acknow-
ledg’d both by the Army and Senate. But that which was juſtly thought
the beſt Means to ſecure Galba’s Life and Empire, immediately after provºd
thie Occaſion of his Confuſion and utter Ruin. For Otho finding all his
Hopes blaſted, immediately apply'd himſelf to the Soldiers wlio were all
in his Intereſt; and by his plauſible Speeches, and great Promiſes, pro-
cur'd them to proclaim him Emperor in Oppoſition to Galba; to which
they unanimoully agreed, and with their drawn Swords, carry'd him to
their Camp out of the City Gates. This News being brought to Galba,
he was both diſheartned and confounded; for ſome were of Opinion
that he ought to put himſelf in Arms and appear in publick, and others
that he ſhou'd ſecure himſelf in the Capitol, and attend the Reſult of
the Diſorder. He ſtill continu'd wavering and doubtful ; till at length
being deluded by a falſe Report of Otho's being Nain, he rode arm’d out
of his Palace with his Guard and many Followers into the grand Forum.
And at the ſamie Inſtant, on the other Side, there enter'd a ſtrong Body
of Horſe from the Camp; who tho' they came with a full Reſolution
of diſpatching the Emperor, yet upon their near Approach, for a while
ſtood amaz’d, and in a dubious Poſture, apprehending the Conſequence
of their fatal Commiſſion. This brought Galba to the greateſt Confu-
ſion, not knowing whether to return to the Palace or to retire to the
Capitol ; and being ſo irreſolute, he was ſuddenly abandon'd by the
chief of his Followers, which occaſion d the Soldiers ſent by Otho to
ruſh in amongſt the People, diſperſing and trampling them under foot; and
approaching Galba, he ſtretch'd out his Neck, according to Plutarch,
bidding them, Strike it off, if it were for the Good of the Commonwealth
and the Roman People. This was accordingly done, upon the i5th Day He is flisin
of January 69, in the 73d Year of his Age, after a ſhort Reign of ſeven
Months and ſeven Days; his Death being ſucceeded by thoſe of his three
Favourites, and his adopted Son Piſo.
On the fame Day that Galba was thus murther'd in the Forum, the A.D.69.
Senate and People of Rome all acknowledg’d Otho for his Succeffor, a
Perſon of an ancient Family, now thirty eight Years of Age; the firſt the eighth Ro?
Emperor who was advanc'd to this Honour by means of the Prætorian man Emperor.
Soldiers, which gave them Occaſion frequently to aſſume the Authority
of creating Emperors afterwards ; a pernicious Precedent for the Roman
Empire, and for the Emperors themſelves, as Time and Experience mani-
feſted. Otho, contrary to the Expectation of many, defer'd bis Pleaſures,
diſſembled his riotous and luxurious Life, and order'd all Things agree-
able to the Honour of the Empire ; which together with the juſt Puniſh-
ment of Tigellinus, Nero's chief Inſtrument of Impurity, and his gene-
rous Reſtauration of many Exiles, gain’d him the higheſt Love and Affe-
ction of the People of Rome. During theſe Affairs in the City, the
Legions in the Lower Germany, having been purchaſed by the large Gifts
and ſpecious Promiſes of their Commander Vitellius, proceeded to create Vitellius fets
him Emperor, without attending the Will and Pleaſure of the Senate, up for Emperor,
about thirteen Days before Galba's Death. The ſudden News of which
threw both Otho and the City into a great conſternation, all knowing
that the Conteſt cou'd no ways be decided but by the Sword, and by the
Blood of many thouſands of Romans, their Pretenſions being plauſible
on both sides. The Cares and Fears of the City were mucli augmen-
ted by the great Preparations of Otho, and the Diſabilities of the Nobi-
lity and Gentry in martial Affairs : The chief of the Senate were grown
old and impotent, wanting both the Power and Vigour of Soldiers ; the
Nobility
ОТНО, ,
!
248 Cent. I.
Book II.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
i
Nobility
, Ilothful, cover'd with the Ruſt of a long Peace, and forgetting
the Fatigues of a Camp; and the Equites diffolv'd in Eaſe and Luxury,
and ignorant in military Service, which the more they endeavour'd to con-
ceal, the more they betray'd their Fears. And indeed all the World
now began to be in a Commotion and Perturbation, as well as Judæa;
agreeably to our Saviour's Predictions, that there ſhou'd be Wars and
Rumors of Wars in all Nations, before the terrible Deſtruction of Jerk-
Salem.
In a ſhort Time, Otho receiv'd Advice that Vitellius's Forces were upori
their March towards Italy, under the Conduct of two Commanders nam'd
Valens and Cæcinna ; whereupon he departed from Rome with a fair Army,
leaving the Government of the City to Flavius Sabinus, Brother to Veſpa-
fian, who was ſtill in Judæa with his Army, which he had ſworn both
to Galba and Otho. Upon the nigh Approach of theſe numerous Ar-
mies a fatal Civil War began, from which the Roman State had been
free for near an hundred Years; and both Parties proceeded with ſuch
Haſt and Precipitation, that beſides Skirmiſhes and other Encounters, in
a very few Days, three conſiderable Battels were fought, one at Placentia,
another at Cremona, and a third at a Place call’d Caſtor ; in all which
Otho and the Senate had the Advantage. But the Vitellianiſts joining all
their Forces, came to a general Battel near Bedriacum, and after a moſt
Otho's Defeat; ſharp Diſpute, entirely defeated the Othonians, which at once decided the
Conteſt. For Otho, tho' he had ſufficient Encouragement to continue
the War, yet being reduc'd to a ſort of Deſperation, reſolv'd upon an
Attempt, contrary to his ſoft and effeminate Temper ; which was to die
himſelf to ſpare the Blood of his Countrymen. No Arguments or En-
treaties cou'd move or divert him from this Reſolution, which he car-
ry'd on and effected with the moſt imaginable Calmneſs and Eaſineſs,
and with ſuch tender Regard to his Soldiers ; that many of them,
according to their Pagan Superſtition, kill'd themſelves about his Fu-
neral Pile. This Emperor's Death hapned on the 15th Day of April
69, after a very ſhort and troubleſome Reign of only 12 Weeks and
6 Days.
VITEL- Shortly after the Death of Otho, Vitellius ſtill in Gaul, was both by Tacir.
LIUS, the Army and Senate acknowledgʻd Emperor, being now 56 Years of Age, Suet.
the ninth Ro- and the Son of Vitellius Governor of Syria, mention'd in the Years
man Emperor. 36. In his Journy towards Rome, arriving at Bedriacum where the laſt
Battel was fought, he was extremely delighted at the sight of the putri-
fy'd Bodies and Limbs of Men and Horſes there ſcatter'd and when
ſeveral of his Train complain’d of the noiſom Smells, he impiouſly re-
ply'd, A dead Enemy ſmells well, but a dead Citizen better. Nor did he
give greater Satisfaction at his Arrival at Rome, entering there like a
Conqueror, encouraging his Soldiers in all kinds of Inſolencies and Out-
rages, and abandoning himſelf to the moſt extravagant Degrees of Luxu-
ry, Gluttony and Cruelty : So that no Perſon in this Emperor's Court
fought to raiſe themſelves by Virtue and Abilities, but by profuſe Ban-
quets and magnificent Entertainments made to him; who conſidering no-
thing but the preſent Enjoyment of his Pleaſures, in four Months waſted
above ſeven Millions of our Mony, and ruin'd many Cities and Families
beſides. He gave himſelf up to ſuch a ſtrange Careleſſneſs and Stupidity,
that nothing but his horrid Cruelties cou'd put him in Mind of his exalted
State ; and fortifying himſelf with confus'd Mirth and Sottiſhneſs, againſt
all Dangers and Exigencies, he almoſt loſt the Remembrance of Things
paſt, and the Thoughts of Things to come; not the leaſt mention of War
And Death.
35 and
*
was
Chap. VII. VITELLIUS the 9h Rom. Emp.
249
)
was made before him, and the very Diſcourſe of it was ſtrictly forbidden
the City. And thinking by his Induſtry to have prolong'd his Life, he
banith'd from Rome and Italy all the judicial Aſtrologers call’d Mathema-
ticians, becauſe they had dcclar'd, That his Reign Mou'd not continue à
Year. But ſhortly after the publiſhing of his Edict for their Baniſhment
and Departure before the firſt Day of January, a Writing was ſet up in
the Forum to this Effect, We, in the Name of the ancient Chaldæans
give warning to Vitellius the Emperor to depart the World before the ſaid
Day.
Vitellius having made himſelf odious both to the City and Country,
the Legions in the Eaſt began to revolt, and ſhortly after unanimoully
reſolv'd to make Vespafian their Emperor. Now Vefpafian had proceeded with
great Bravery and Renown againſt the perfidious Jews, and had reduc'd the
moſt conſiderable Part of their Country except Jeruſalem when he heard
of the Death of Nero and the Succeſſion of Galba; which caus'd him to
defer his deſign'd Enterprize againſt Jerufaloni, fending his Son Titus to
know Galba's Pleaſure." Titus was ſo long retarded by contrary Winds,
that upon his Arrival in Greece, he heard of Galba's Death and Otho's
Advancement; which News caus'd him to return to his father in Judæa.
And during the civil Conteſts between Otho and Vitellius, Vespaſian con-
tinu'd Neuter, tho' he acknowledg’d Otho for Emperor, till Vitellius ob-
tain’d the Victory and Empire ; a Matter no ways pleaſing to him, nor
to the Commanders in the Eaſt: So that on the appointed Day to ſwear
Allegiance to the new Emperor, in the Preſence of Vefpafian, they per-
form'd the Solemnity with great Silence and Heavineſs. And now Vespas
fian renewing the War in Judaa with extraordinary Fame and Honour, and
having refolv'd upon the Siege of Jeruſalem; the Murmurings and Diſcon-
tents increas'd againſt the new Emperor, not only in Veſpaſian's Army, but
likewiſe in thoſe of Syria and Ægypt, as alſo in the other Legions of the
Eaſt; inſomuch that they all fix'd their Eyes upon Vefpafian, a Perſon of
58 Years of age, and accounted moſt worthy of the higheſt Authority,
and moſt able to put an End to the Miſeries of his Country. This Deo
fign was promoted by the News they receiv'd, that the Legions of Me:
fa and Pannonia had the ſame Refolution; whereupon ſeveral Meffa-
ges and Letters paſs’d between Alexander Governor of Ægypt, and Mil-
tianus Governor of Syria, both determining Veſpaſian to be Emperor, tho
he thou'd utterly refuſe it. The Matter being brought to this liſue, Alex-
ander made the firſt Overture, and on the firſt of July proclaim'd Vefpafian Veſpatian porn,
Emperor; and on the third Day, his own Army in Judaa did the fame; claimd Empe
:
Por by the
and becauſe he abfolutely refus'd that Honour, his Soldiers compelld him Eaſtern Aimi?..
with their drawn Swords, threatning him with iinmediate Death if he
did not take the Empire upon lfim. Whereupon Vefpafian yielded, and
not long after callid a Council of War, with Mutianus, Alexander, and
his Son Titus; where it was determin'd, That Titus ſhou'd continue the
Wars againſt the Jews; That Mutianus fhou'd enter Italy with the greateſt
Part of the Legions; and that Veſpaſian ſhou'd go to Alexandria, to
make Proviſion for all Parts, from thence to join Mutianus if Occaſion
requir’d it. In the midſt of theſe Conſultations, Veſpaſian forgot not his Joſephus fet
famous Priſoner Jefephus, but publickly applauded his Valour, and grate-free:
fully acknowledg'd his Predictions concerning his own Advancement; and
accordingly order'd his Chains not to be unloos’d, but to be broken in fun-
der, by way of Amnends for his former Treatment.
In the mean time Antonius Primus, Commander of the Mæfian Legions
being a Friend to Veſpaſian, and knowing his Deſigns, immediately march'd
with all his Forces into Italy, before Mutianus cou'd arrive; and being op-
pos'd
250
Book II.
Cent. I.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY,
burnt.
pos’d by the Vitellianiſts under Cæcinna, in one Battel he entirely defea-
ted them, and march'd directly towards Rome. At which Vitellius was
ſo extremely ſtartled and irreſolute, that he became ridiculous and de-
ſpicable; ſometimes propoſing Terms of Accommodation, and offering to
lay down his Authority, then reaffuming of it again, till it causd a
The Capitol Faction and a Civil War even in the City; in which the Capitol was be-
ſieg’d, taken and laid in Alhes, and Sabinus the Governor Ilain. After which
Antony wou'd hearken to no Treaty nor Compoſition, but continu'd his
March even to the Walls of Rome, and in December vigorouſly attack'd the
City on three Sides: The Vitellianiſts ſally'd out in as many; but after a fu-
rious Battel of almoſt a Day's Continuance, they were driven into the Ci-
ty, and purſu'd through the Campus Martins and all the Streets with a moſt
terrible Slaughter, which was continu'd with the moſt inhuman Barbarities
imaginable. Yet in the midſt of theſe Divaſtations, the People being ce-
lebrating their Saturnalia, rather than not enjoy the Pleaſures of the Feſti-
val, they converted the common Calamity into Mirth and Jollity, not
wanting a Reliſh in their extremeſt Miſeries. So that throughout the
whole City there was both a barbarous and ſhameful Spectacle, and a ſcan-
dalous Mixture of Cruelty and Lewdneſs; in one place wounding and
ſlaying, in another tipling and bathing; here Streams of Bloud and Heaps
of mangled Bodies, and hard by, lewd Debauches and ſhameleſs Proſti-
tutes; in ſumm, all the abominable Licentiouſneſs of a moſt diffolute and
riotous Peace, and all the deplorable Miſeries of a moſt dreadful and cruel
Rome taken Captivity. And thus was this mighty City, the Head and Empreſs of the
and plunderd. World, taken and ravag’d by her own natural Subjects, and as it was fa-
tal to many thouſands, ſo it was no leſs to Vitellius himſelf, whom tlie
Soldiers dragg’d out of his Palace, and without hearkning to any Entrea-
ties, bound his Hands behind him, and threw an Halter about his Neck.
Then tearing his Cloaths, they drew him half naked into the publick Fo-
rum, through the main Street call’d Via Sacra, upbraiding him with a thou-
ſand opprobrious Words, and treating him with all imaginable Indigni-
ties, tying his Hair backwards, as was uſual to the moſt execrable Male-
factors, and holding the Point of a Sword under his Chin to prevent his
concealing his Face. At length they brought him to the Gemonia, the
Vitellius fluin. Place for notorious Criminals, and with many Wounds diſpatch'd him;
from whence they draggʻd him with a Hook, and with all poſſible Igno-
miny threw him into the Tiber. This was done upon the 20th Day of
December 69, after a ſhort Reign of eight Months and five Days; a Reign
which together with that of Galba and Otho, make but a little above 18
Months; which occaſion’d ſome Writers not to put them into the Cata-
logue of Emperors, and Plutarch to compare them to Kings in Tragedies,
who continue ſo ſhort a Time upon the Stage.
VI. After the deplorable Ravages were abated, and ſome Order be- Tacit
.
VESPA-
gan to appear in the State, the Roman Senate aſſembled, where Vespaſian
SIAN,
was declar'd Emperor by the unanimous Conſent of all; and they gave
his two Sons Titus and Domitian the Titles of Cæſar, nominating the for-
man Emperor. mer to be Conſul with his Father for this Year now beginning, and the
latter for Prætor with Conſular Power. Mutianus, Antony, and ſeveral
others were rewarded with great Revenues and Dignities, for contributing
towards this happy Eſtabliſhment; and Courriers were inmediately dif-
patch'd to Veſpaſian at Alexandria, to yield obedience to him, and to deſire
his Return to Rome; but the Winter being dangerous for ſailing, he de-
fer'd his Voyage to a more convenient Seaſon. During his Stay in that
City, this remarkable Accident is related of him by the moſt authentick
Writers :
A.D.70.
Suct.
the tenth Ro-
-
Chap. VII. VESPASIAN the 10th Rom. Emp. .
251
lame Man,
Writers: A blind and a lame Man, of mean Condition, preſenting them-
felves to him as he ſat upon his Tribunal, moſt humbly beſeech'd him, That
he wou'd vonchfafeto cure them, for they had been informd by their God Serapis
in a Dream, that if he pleas'd but to Spit upon the Eyes of one, and to tread
mpor the other's Foot, both of them ſhou'd be cur’d. Veſpaſian doubting much
of the Succeſs, durſt not put it in Practice; till being over-ruld by the
Importunity of his Friends, he try'd both Means before the whole Aſſem- Veſpaſian cures
bly, and found the Perſons effectually cur’d. This, no doubt, may be a blind and I
reckon'd anong thoſe Miracles that our Saviour foretold ſhou'd happen
about this Time from falſe Meſſiahs, and falſe Prophets, who shou'd liew
great Signs and Wonders, inſomuch, that if it were polſible, they shori'd deceive
the very Elect, Matth. 24. 24. Veſpaſian before his Departure from this
City, left his Son Titus to continue the Wars againſt the Jews, well know-
ing his extraordinary Valour and Skill for ſuch an Undertaking.
And now we are arriv'd at the great and terrible Year, for the Diflo-
lution of the Jewiſh Oeconomy, which St. Peter calls the End of all Things,
and St. James the Coming of the Lord, 1 Pet. 4. 7. James 5. 8. And the Sound
of the Goſpel having gone through all Nations to the utmoſt Parts of
the Earth, by Means of the Apoſtles and others, in leſs than forty Years
Time, now God thought fit to make a dreadful Example of its molt per-
verſe Oppoſers the Jews. Theſe miſerable People, ſtill thinking them-
ſelves the Favourites of Heaven, now languiſh'd in a deplorable Manner The Jews .Mi.
under all the Miſeries and Calamities which cou'd poſſibly befal Mankind ; feries.
and as our bleſſed Saviour predicted, Such Tribulation as never was fincé
the Beginning of the World to that Time, nor ever ſhould be again, Matth.
24. 21. Famines, Plagues, Earthquakes, Prodigies in Heaven and Earth,
Voices, Armies, and Haming Swords in the Air, as we have formerly men.
tion'd, were ſo many fatal Preſages of the Deſtruction of that glorious
City and Temple of Jeruſalem now threatned by the Roman Eagles :
And there never was the like ſignal Inſtance of Heaven's Viſita
tion of a People, who by their obſtinate Blindneſs and Impieties
were become miſerable Objects of divine Wrath, and fully ripen'd for
Vengeance.
The Revolutions in the Roman Empire gave ſome Diverſion to Veſpa-
lian's Arms, ſo that after his firſt Campaign he cou'd not purſue the
War vigorouſly; but this gave but ſmall Eaſe to the Jews, for before
Titus's Expedition againſt Jeruſalem this Year, they were moſt grievouſly
embroild in Factions and Diſſentions, pillaging, robbing and murthering Their horie
each other in all Parts; at length great Numbers gathering together in Failius, Roble-
whole Troops, committed ſuch Ravages and Cruelties, as equald all the ther.is
Miſeries and Calamities they receiv'd from the Roman Armies. After-
wards the Robbers being loaden with Pillage and Plunder, violently broke
into Jeruſalem it ſelf, where they not only conſum'd the Proviſions of the
People, but fill'd the City with miſerable Slaughters, Rapines and Diſſen-
tions. They caſt Antipas and many of the principal Citizens and Nobi-
lity into Priſon, and then put them to Death unlieard ; pretending that
they deſign’d to have betray'd the City to the Romans : Yet after all theſe
horrid Outrages and Impieties, they boaſted of Zeal for the Law of God,
and the religious Cuſtoms of their Country, and thereupon were term'd
Zealots. Finding the People were ready to oppoſe them with Arms,
they retir'd to the Temple it felf, which they usºd for a Fortreſs, where
they made an ignorant mean Perſon callid Phanias High-Prieſt, tho he
was not of the Sacerdotal Order: But they were ſharply reſiſted by Ana-
nus, once High-Prieſt, who procur’d the People to riſe againſt them, and
after a ſevere Conteſt, forc'd them into the inward Part of the Temple.
Upon
Joſep?.
252
Book II.
Cent. I.
ECCLESIASTICAL History.
Upon which Exigency they privately ſent to the Idum&ans, accuſing Ananus
of wickedly deſigning to betray bis Country, and imploring their Alliſtance,
ſince they themſelves, who fought for the Liberty of it, were now cloſely be-
ſieg'd. The Idumeans immediately repair'd thither to the Number of
twenty thouſand Men, who being in the Night let into the City by Means
of the Zealots, together with them committed moſt inſupportable Outra-
ges and Divaſtations againſt the miſerable Inhabitants. Beſides an infi-
nite Number of the meaner Sort, they mafſacred eight thouſand Citizens
the firſt Night, and afterwards twelve thouſand of the higher Rank,
Ananus ſlain; among whom was Ananus, who was now puniſh'd for his unjuſt Condem-
nation of St. James the Biſhop of the City. The Zealots alſo finding
Zacharias the Son of Barachias, a Perſon of eminent Piety, declaring
againſt their Wickedneſs, formally judg’d him, and after he was cleard
And Zacharias, flew him in the midſt of the Temple by the Altar; which
; which many
believe to
be the ſame Perſon mention d Matth. 23. 35. and that our Saviour nam'd
him by Way of Prolepſis or Prophelie, when the Nation ſhou'd have
fill'd
ир the Meaſure of the Wickedneſs, and anſwer for all the Blood of
the Saints from Abel to that Time.
In a ſhort Time after the Idumeans began to relent, and perceiving the
unreaſonable Practices of the Zealots, and that they had fallly accus'd the
Nobility, they ſet at Liberty two thouſand, whom they had impriſon'd,
and then return'd to their own Country. After whoſe Departure the Zea-
lots renew'd their Rapines and Slaughters, and rag'd more barbaroully
than ever, eſpecially againſt ſuch as endeavour'd to flie to the Romans,
whom they ſlew, without permitting any to bury them. But ſhortly after,
the Zealots were divided among themſelves, by Reaſon of one John, who
with a ſeditious Party holding Giſcala, pretended to accept of the Arti-
cles offer'd by Titus, and privately fled to Jeruſalem, as was formerly men-
tion'd. His Party joining with the Zealots, he himſelf became the prin-
cipal Incendiary, and now affected Sovereign Power over the reſt ;
but he was vigoroully oppos’d by ſuch as before had been his Equals.
Yet tho' they diſagreed in this Matter, they all were unanimous in plun-
dering the People, and Jeruſalem being thus filld with Tumults and Di-
ſturbances, thoſe who were without the City lad Liberty to rob and
Al Judæa fuf- pillage, and thoſe whoſe Towns were deſtroy'd by theſe Means, aſſembled
fer.
together in the Deſerts, and in great Bodies broke into other Temples
and Towns; ſo that there was no Place in Judæa which did not ſuffer
after a moſt ſtrange and unheard of Manner. Not long after, a new
Faction was rais'd againſt the Zealots by one Simon the Son of Giora, a
bold and valiant Man, who gathering together great Multitudes of Rob-
bers and Murtherers, who were got into the mountainous Parts, and en-
creaſing in Strength, attack'd many Cities and Towns, conquer'd all Idu-
mea, waſted Judæa, encamp'd with all his Forces before Jeruſalem it ſelf,
and became a mighty Terror to the Inhabitants, who were already moſt
miſerably oppreſs'd by the Zealots within. In the mean Time, ſuch Idu-
mæans as had lately fled into the City, and join'd themſelves with the
Zealots, deteſting the Cruelties of John, wliom the Zealots had choſen
for their Commander, oppos’d his Proceedings, kill'd many of his Men,
burn'd down his Palace, and forc'd the Tyrant into the Temple;
but the
Citizens greatly dreading his Temper, and that he ſhou'd deſtroy the
City in the Night, agreed to let in Simon with his Army; who entering
the City, immediately attack'd the Temple, but in vain. About the ſame
Time Éleazer, who formerly was chief Commander of the Zealots, envy-
ing the new Authority of John, found Means to draw over inany of his
Soldiers to him, and ſeiz'd on the inward Part of the Temple; fo that
now
Chap. VII.
253
VESPASIAN the 10th Rom. Emp. .
three Fuctions,
ofeph.
lem.
now a third Faction was rais'd, and John was oblig'd daily to fight both The Seditious
againſt Eleazır within and Simon without. By which means the Tem-divided into
ple and Altar were abominably prophand and polluted with Blood, all
Things about it were burnt up, and ſuch Quantities of Proviſions de-
ſtroy'd, as might have ſerv'd the City for many Years, and for want of
which it ſuffer'd fo extremely in a ſhort Time. So that that renowned
City which was formerly celebrated for Peace and Unity within it ſelf, now
became tlie Place of all imaginable Diviſions, Diſtractions and Confuſion;
and perhaps had a nearer Reſemblance of Hell and the State of the Damn'd,
than any Thing before in this world.
VII. Jeruſalem was involv'd in all theſe miſerable Calamities, when
Titus with a powerful Army approach'd the Place to inveſt it, being at-
tended by Alexander Governor of Ægypt, Agrippa, Sohemus and Joſephus
now at Liberty. Titus ſate down within ſix or ſeven Furlongs of the Titus ſets domini
City, in the Beginning of April 70, and immediately before the Feaſt of before Jerufa-
the Paſſover, and ſhut up an infinite Multitude of People in the Place,
who according to Cuſtom came from all Parts to that great Solennity;
by which Means all Subſiſtence and Proviſions were conſum'd in a ſhort
Space. The City was advantagiouſly ſituated for Defence, and ſtrongly
fortify'd with tlirce Walls; beſides which, the Caſtle of Antonia, the Pa-
lace, and above all the Temple, were as ſo many diſtinct Citadels. The
three furious Factions, upon the Sight of the Roman Army, unanimouſly
agreed to join and oppoſe it, and accordingly fally'd out with great Fu-
ry and Reſolution, put the Romans to Diſorder, and oblig'd them to aban-
don their Camp and flie to the Mountains ; but the Jews were at laſt
repelld, and driven into the City by the extraordinary Skill and Valour
of Titus, who highly ſignaliz'd himſelf in this and all other Actions in
the Siege. During all Intermiſſions of the Beſiegers Attacks, the civil
Conteſts were reviv'd within the City with great Slaughters and Confu-
fions; and upon the firſt Day of the Paſſover, now the 14th Day of
April, Eleazar and his Aſſociates open'd the Gates, that all Perſons might
have Liberty to perform their uſual Ceremonies and Devotions in the
Temple. But John, who held the other part of the Temple, us'd this
Feſtival as a Means to effect his treacherous Deſigns, cauſing great Num-
bers of his Party to enter among the People with Weapons under their
Garments, to get Poſſeſſion of the Inner Temple; who being admitted
with the reſt of the Multitude, in a ſhort Time ſhew'd themſelves in Ar-
mour. Immediately a dreadful Tumult aroſe in the Temple; for all the
Multitude who were not of the Sedition, thought themſelves betray'd,
and the Zealots imagining this Treaſon only to prejudice them, abandon'd
their Poſt, leap'd from the Towers, and fled into the Vaults about the
Temple; ſo that the poor People flocking about the Altar, not knowing
how to ſecure themſelves, and others who were driven into the Temple,
were kill'd with Clubs and Swords, and trodden under Foot after a bar-
barous Manner. Great Numbers were ſlain upon private Refentments,
and all ſuch as had formerly offended theſe Traitors were deſtroy'd withi-
out Mercy : But they who ſo cruelly rag'd againſt the Innocent, gave the
Offenders Time and Leiſure to eſcape out of their Vaults, by which Means
they regain'd the inward Part of the Temple, and with great Slaughter
affaulted the other Parties; the iſſue of which was that Elcazır being
killd, the three Factions were at length reduc'd to two, that under John, The three
conſiſting of 8400 Men, and the other under Simon of 10000, beſides Fullions ve-
5000 Idumeans. Notwithſtanding the Enemy was at the Walls, and to
oppoſe them they uſually join'd their Forces, yet upon all Intermiſſions
they
duc'd to two
*
254 Cent. I.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
Book II.
they violently rag'd againſt each other, and both againſt the unfortunate
Citizens; ſo that never any City in the Word was more ſeverely liarraís'd
without, and more miſerably torn within.
The City being ſtrongly fortify'd with three Walls, as before mention'd,
Titus found great Difficulties in the Siege ; but having with much Oppo-
lition placd his Engines, he batter'd the outward Wall, and the Jews re-
Ticus gains the tiring, on the third Day of May, he broke in and pofleſs'd himſelf of
firſt Wall; the North Quarter of the City, as far as the Caſtle of Antonia, and the
Valley of Cedron. In all which Time he ſhew'd great Clemency and
Commiſeration to the Beſieged, giving them all pollible Aflurances of
Pardon and civil Treatment if they wou'd ſubmit"; but the Jews were
ſo obſtinate, that they refus'd all Terms and Conditions, and judg’d his
generous Humanity to be nothing but Cowardice. This more exaſpera-
ted the Romans, and caus'd them to proceed with the greater Fierceneſs
and Severity; ſo that God and Man, Heaven and Earth ſeem'd to fight
againſt this wretched Nation. Five Days after, Titus, having beaten
down a certain Tower with the Ram from the North Quarter, broke
through the ſecond Wall, and poſſeſs’d himſelf of the new Lower City ;
from whence he was repuls'd by the Beſiegers vigorous Sallies : But on
And the ſecond, the fourth Day he regain'd the Place intirely, and prepar'd for the Bat-
tery of the third Wall. After which, being ſtill deſirous to ſave the
City, and eſpecially the Temple, he ſent Joſephus to his Countrymen to
exhort them from the Walls to yield, who, tho' he us'd all the power-
ful and pathetical Perſuaſions imaginable, and offer'd to ſacrifice the Life
of himſelf and Family for his country's Preſervation, yet he was enter-
tain'd only with a Shower of Darts, Scoffs, and Reproaches : So that
Titus was now no ways inclin'd to fhew Mercy to a People that had been
perfidious and rebellious to the higheſt Degree, and was now ſtubborn
and remorſeleſs beyond all Example and Belief. The Citizens deſigning
to eſcape out of the City, John and Simon ſtop'd up all Paſſages; but
He crucifies the Famine encreaſing, notwithſtanding great Numbers ſtole out, who
great Numbers being taken Priſoners by Titus, he caus'd them to be ſcourg'd and cru-
of Jews.
cify'd, as they had formerly treated our Saviour ; and in ſuch Numbers
that Room was wanting for Croſſes, and Croſſes for Perſons : Still de-
ſigning by the Cruelty of the Spectacle to terrifie the City, and halten
its Surrender. The Seditious made a contrary Uſe of this Management,
ſhewing the Citizens this diſmal Sight from the Walls, to terrifie them
from flying to the Enemy; whereupon Titus cut off many of the Pri-
ſoners Hands, and ſent them to Simon and John in the City, that their
Calamity might teſtifie them to be Captives, and not ſuch as fled volun-
tarily to the Romans.
On the 12th Day of May, Titus began four Mounts for his Battering-
Rams, which were all finiſh'd on the 29th, two nigh the Caſtle of An-
tonia, where he was in Hopes of taking the Temple, and two nigh the
Monunient of John the High-Prieſt, where he ſuppos'd he might break
into the Upper City with greateſt Facility. But John, whoſe Office was
to oppoſe the Romans about the Caſtle Antonia, with great Bravery ſal-
ly'd out, undermin’d the Ramparts, and deſtroy'd them; and two Days
after Simon with as much Courage ruin'd the other Mounts by Fire, tho
ſeventeen Days had been ſpent in compleating them all. He likewiſe
burnt the Enemies Rams and Engines, and couragiouſly preſſing forwards,
broke into the very Camp of the Romans ; but at length was valiantly
repuls'd by Titus from Antonia. The Mounts being thus burnt and de-
moliſh'd, Titus deſign'd to erect new ones, but calling a Council of War,
it was determin'd that the whole City ſhou'd be ſurrounded by a Wall or
Intrenchment,
Chap. VII. VESPASIAN the 10th Rom. Emp.
255
1
Intrenchment, both to hinder the Flight of the Beſieged, and to prevent
all Relief from coming into the City; all which with incredible Dili-
gence and Celerity was finiſh'd in three Days, the whole being 39 He ſurrounds
Furlongs, or near five Miles in Compaſs, having thirteen Forts or Caſtles the city with
without, each conſiſting of ten Furlongs Compals
. This exactly verify'd
our bleſſed Saviour's Predictions; Luke 19. 43. viz. “The Days Mall come upon
' thee that thine Enemies ſhall caſt a Trench about thee, and compaſs thee round,
' and keep thee in on every Side. The Seditious ſeem'd nothing mov'd
at this, tho' the Famine not only rag'd among the common Sort,
but likewiſe began to afflict the Soldiers; and ſuch a Mortality en-
ſu’d, that from the 14th Day of April, to the firſt of July 115080 Car- A dreadful Fa-
caffes of the poorer fort, were carry'd out to be bury'd at the pub- mine enjues.
lick Charge, as Titus was inform’d by one Mannæus, who was appoin-
ted to pay the Mony. Divers Noblemen that fled to him, aſſur'd lim
that 600000 of the ordinary Rank were caſt dead out of the Gates,
and others who dy'd beſides were innumerable; and that when ſo ma-
ny dy'd, as they were not able to bury them, they gather'd their Bo.
dies together into the largeſt Houſes adjoining, and there ſhut them
up. A Buſhel of Corn was ſold for 600 Crowns; Sinks and Holes
were continually rak'd to find the old Dung of Oxen, to ſatisfie
their Hunger; Wives took the Meat out of their Husbands Mouths,
Children from their Parents, and Mothers from their Infants : Old
Men were driven from their Meat as Perſons of no Uſe, young Men
were tortur’d to confeſs where their Proviſions lay, and all ſuffer'd
after an unhear'd of Manner.
Theſe deplorable Calamities extremely mov'd the Compaſſion of
the Romans themſelves and Titus going about the Walls, and be-
holding the Ditch fillid with dead Bodies, wept, and with Hands
lifted up to Heaven, call'd God to witneſs, That it was not his doing.
But the Minds of the Seditious were not at all chang’d, who continual-
ly proceeded in their Rapines and Murthers; thoſe that Simon rob’d
were ſent to John, and thoſe that John pillag'd were ſent to Simon;
drinking as it were to one another in the Blood of the People, and di-
viding their dead Carcaſſes between them. The Nobility daily ſuffer’d;
and Simon proceeded to murther Matthias the preſent High-Prieſt, by
whom he had Entrance into the City, with his three Sons, and ſix-
teen others of the higheſt Rank, pretending that they deſign'd to flie
to the Enemy. Upon which Judas, one of his Officers, beind tired
out with his inſupportable Cruelties, attempted to betray a certain
Tower to the Romans where he conimanded; but being diſcover'd by
an Accident, he was put to Death with ten other of his Accompli-
ces, in the Sight of the Roman Soldiers, and their Bodies thrown down
to them. John alſo being driven by extreme Neceſſity, converted the
golden Veffels of the Temple with the Sacred Mony to prophane Uſes,
and was conſtrain’d to divide the Wine and Oil, ordain'd for Sacri-
fices, among his Soldiers. And now the Famine rag'd ſo extremely, that
the Soldiers began to eat Girdles, Shoes Skins and Hay; and a noble
Woman boyld her own Child to eat it, which was look'd upon as ſo A noble Womar
:
deteſtable an Ad among the Romans as well as the Jews, that Titus , boşls her child
after he had inſiſted upon his frequent Offers of Peace and Pardon
to the Jews, declar'd, That he wou'd bury that abominable Crime in the
Ruins of their Country; and wou'd not ſuffer the Sun to ſhine upon that
City, where Mothers eat their own Children, and where Fathers no leſs
culpable reduc’d them to that Extremity by their Obſtinacy. So plainly
had our Lord foretold the Daughters of Jeruſalem, “That the Days
>
s and cilts it,
acid
256 Cent. I
Book II.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
were coming, in the which they ſhou'd say, Bleſſed are the Barren, and
"the Wombs that never bare, and the Paps which never gave fuck,
Luke 23. 29.
Titus having fetch'd Materials from all Parts, and cutting down
Woods and all Trees, even to go Furlongs Diſtance, with great La-
bour erected new Mounts in 21 Days, one on every Side of the
Caſtle Antonia. Which when John and his Party had weakly and vain-
ly attempted, they were repuls'd by the Romans; and Titus, on the Be-
ginning of July order'd the Ram to be brought to the Wall of An-
tonia, by which a Breach being made on the fifth of that Month,
Titus gains the the Romans broke into the Caſtle, and purſu'd the flying Jews even
CaſtleAntonia
to the Temple. At which Time many falſe Prophets deluded the Mul-
titude, by telling them, That they ſhou'd have Alſiſtance from God; and
therefore tho Titus and Joſephus ſtill exhorted them to yield, they ob-
ſtinately refus'd all Accommodation, boaſting, That they had rather en-
dure alt Kinds of Miſeries. On the 17th Day of July, the perpetual
The perpetual Sacrifice in the Temple, which was offer'd Morning and Evening, ceas'd,
Sacrifice ceaſes. for Want of Perſons to officiate ; which was a new Affliction to the
People. A few Days after, Titus erected Mounts nearer, the Materials
of which had been brought 100 Furlongs diſtant, and overturning
therewith the Foundations of Antonia, made an eaſie Aflent to the
Temple; then breaking in by Antonia, lie ſeiz'd upon the North and
Weſt Porticos or Cloyſters of the outward Range of the Temple ;
part of which joining to Antonia, were burn'd and ruin'd by the
Jews, and two Days after the other Part was burn'd by the Romans
on the 24th of July, the Jews not quenching the Fire, that the Porch
might be clearly ſeparated from Antonia. On the 27th the Jews be-
gan to burn the Weſtern Porticos as far as the Bridge that led to
the Gallery, whither many of the Romans getting up, were burn'd
alive ; but on the following Day the Romans burn'd all the North
Porticos, as far as to thoſe in the Eaſt. On the eighth Day of Au-
guft, when Titus cou'd not prevail againſt the ſtrong Walls of the
Inner Temple, either by Batterings, Underminings, or Ladders, he re-
folv'd upon that from which Reverence had long reſtrain'd him, which
was to fet Fire to the Gates, which foon caus'd the Porches to be
all in a Flame; which amazing Sight ſo ſtupify'd the infatuated Jews,
that they hinder'd not the Fire, ſo that the Porches burn'd all that
Day and the following Night. Still Titus and his Commanders re-
folv'd to fave the Temple, if poſſible ; but on the tenth of Auguſt,
when as the Romans which guarded the outward Range of the Tem-
ple, being provok'd by the Jews, had driven them into the Temple,
à certain Roman Soldier, contrary to the Comínand of his General,
getting upon his Fellow's Shoulders, and being excited by ſome di-
vine Fury, caſt a flaming Firebrand through the golden Window in-
to the Chambers and Buildings on the North Side, which immediately
took Fire and ſpread throughout the whole Fabrick, conſuming the moſt
The Temple glorious and beautiful Structure that the World ever ſaw : And in ſpiglit
of all Oppoſition the triumphant Flames prevail’d, and made their Way
with ſo fierce a Rage, as if they threatned to burn up all Mount Sion to
the Roots.
The Sight of this extreme Misfortune, put a killing Damp to all
the Courage and Fury of the Jews, now neither eſteeming their Lives
nor Forces, having loſt that for which they fought: The loud Outcries,
and miſerable Lamentations of the People eccho'd from all the adja-
cent Mountains, and many famiſh'd and expiring Perſons, whoſe Eyes
burnt.
Deatli
Chap. VII. VESPASIAN the 10th Rom. Emp.
257
Death had already clos’d, reaffum'd new Strength, and open'd their Eyes
to bewail the glorious Temple, which they now beheld all in Flames.
Titus in vain uſing all Methods to ſave the Temple, found ſo much
Time as to enter the Sanctuary with his chief Officers, where they
beheld all the holy Things, and found its Riches and Magnificence
far ſurpaſſing all Strangers Reports : They alſo were entertain'd' with
a diſmal Spectacle of Blood, Smoak and Flames, and the great Al-
tar cover'd with an infinite Number of dead Bodies, which had ſuſtain'd
all the Miſeries of Fire, Sword and Famine. The Roman Soldiers
purſu'd their Vi&ory with all imaginable Fury and Revenge, cut-
ting in Pieces all that they found about the Temple, and ſetting
Fire to the reſt of the Buildings ; in one of wbich 6000 Men, Wo-
men and Children, being deluded and brought thither by a falſe Pro-
phet, periſh'd miſerably in the Flames. Titus was ſhortly after ſalu-
ted Imperator by his Soldiers, who at the Eaſt Gate of the Ten-
ple offer'd Sacrifices to their own Pagan Deities. In all theſe Con-
fuſions the Seditious found Means to flie into the City; where ſeem-
ing to relent, they deſir'd a Parly with the General himſelf, who
highly condemn'd them for their Obſtinacy, but notwithſtanding pro-
mis’d them their Lives upon immediate Submiſſion. But they refuſing
to rely upon his Promiſes, demanded Liberty to depart the City with
their Wives and Children, which ſo extremely exaſperated Titus, that
he commanded it to be proclaim'd by a publick Cryer, That they were
not any longer to expect any Mercy. Whereupon he permitted his Sol-
diers to plunder and burn all the Lower City, with the Palace Acra ;
but the Seditious Tyrants retired to the King's Palace, where great The Seditioris
Numbers had depoſited their Wealth, and from thence repelld the flie to the Op-
Romans. They likewiſe barbarouſly flew 8400 of their own Countrymen,
and rifling all the Mony and Treaſure, betook themſelves to the
upper and ſtrongeſt Part of the City, ſituated. upon á ſteep Rock,
and callid Sion, where notwithſtanding theſe deplorable Calamities,
they ſtill more cruelly tyranniz'd. Titus having conſider'd the Strength
of the Place, began his Mounts on the 20th of Auguſt, and finiſhing
them the ſeventh of September, he very foon made a Breach in the
Walls. Whereupon the Tyrants were ſeiz'd with no little Fear and
Conſternation, not knowing how to proceed; ſo that Titus became
Maſter of all the City on Saturday the 8th of September. The Power Ticus is Muller
of Heaven appear'd in the Overthrow of theſe Wretches; for they of all the Citys
abandon'd their Towers, which were their only Strength, and in vain
fought to eſcape, by hiding themſelves in Vaults and Privies; from
whence both John and Simon were drag'd, the former being condemn'd
to perpetual Impriſonment, and the latter reſerv'd for a Triumph.
The reſt were all put to the Sword, and Titus commanded both
the Temple and the City to be entirely raz’d, by a Plow being which he en-
brought over it by Turnus Rufus, according to the ancient Cuſtom, tirely demos
which remarkably accompliſh'd our Saviour's Propheſies, That not one
Stone ſhou'd remain upon another; only he preſerv'd the Weſt Part of
the Wall with three Towers, which for their Strength and Beau-
ty might bear Teſtimony of the Statelineſs of the City to Porte-
rity.
The Soldiers offer'd to have crown'd Titus as a Conqueror for this
A&t, and upon the Account of his extraordinary Valour in the Siege,
in which he had in one Encounter ſlain twelve Men with his own
Hands. But Titus modeſtly refus'd the Honour, denying himſelf to
have been the Conqueror, and declaring, That he only executed the
K k
Deſigns
.
258
Book II.
Cent. I
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
1
Deſigns of Heaven, which had apparently manifeſted its Wrath againſt
the Jews. To this fatal End came the famous City of Jeruſalem,
after a Siege of about five Months, having from King David's Reign
flouriſh'd under God's own Hand and Protection for above 1100 Years;
and it is remarkable, that this fatal Siege began a little before the
Paſſover, at the ſame Time that they had moſt barbaroully treated
and put to Death the Son of God. Never was any Siege in the
World more memorable, the Captives amounting to 97000, and thoſe
The Number of who periſh'd in the Siege to 1100000, which laſt Number being added
the Jews flain. to the 237490 which Joſephus particularly enumerates in the Jewiſh
Wars, it makes 1337490. So heavy was the Guilt of our Saviour's
and his Saints Blood upon this wretched Nation, and ſo abominable
were their Vices, that we have Reaſon to agree with the laſt nam'd
Author, who believ'd, That if the Romans had not come againſt
them, the City wou'd have been ſwallow'd up by the Earth, or elſe
by Thunder-bolts and Lightnings, have born tlie Puniſhment of So-
don, whoſe inhabitants they exceeded in Wickedneſs. Here ended
The End of the the Temporal State and Oeconomy of the Jews ; and that Province
Jewiſh Oecono- which had been govern'd by the Romans in a great Meaſure as
their Friends and Protectors, was now made Captive; and the Jews ,
once the freeſt People in the World, were made Slaves, baniſh'd, fold
and diſpers’d throughout all Parts of the World. This did alſo moſt
compleatly fulfil the ancient Propheſie of the Scepter's departing from
Judah; tho' it was in ſome Meaſure accompliſh'd under the Reign of
Herod the Great. That this diſmal Deſtruction of Jeruſalem is ſet
out in Matth. 24. as the Deſtruction of the whole World, or at
leaſt as a Type of it, need not ſeem ſtrange, if it be conſider'd, that
it was the Deſtruction of the Lord's own Habitation, and the Place
choſen before all other Places, to put his Name there, and the De-
ſtruction of the State and Policy of his old peculiar People ; a Peo
ple once higheſt in his Favour, now deepeſt in his Diſpleaſure, whoſe
Rejection was now ſeald by the Ruin of their City and Temple.
So that the Evangelical State ſucceeding the Jewiſh, may be call’d a
new World, a new Church and Oeconomy, according to the Apoſtle,
Old Things are paft away, behold all Things are become new 2 Cor: 5. 17.
This was compleated 37 Years after our Saviour's Crucifixion, in the
2d Year of Vefpafian's Reign, under the Conſulſhips of Vefpafian and
Nerva.
my.
СНАР.
Chap. VIII.
259
VESPASIAN the 10th Rom. Emp.
CHAP. VII.
From the total Deſtruction of Jeruſalem, to the Beginning of the
ſecond General Perſecution of the Church, under the Emperor
Domitian.
Containing the Space of near 25 Years.
2
Matt.24
I.T
HE Jews were now an accurſed abandon's People, without A.D.70.
Scepter, without Sacrifice; without Altar, without Ephod; yet Vefp.:
ſtill they retain'd their Circumciſion, their Sabbath, their Paſchal Lamb,
and ſome other Ceremonies, as a Mark that God had put upon them, as
he once did upon Cain, that they might not be wholly exterminated.
And thus they were diſtinguiſh'd, and likewiſe diſpers’d through all Na-
tions, that the whole World might be Witneffes of their Puniſhment and
Obſtinacy; and that they might be as Esau, Servants to the true Ifrael
.
the Chriſtians, in bearing and tranſmitting the Holy Scriptures ; not for
their own Advantage, but for a Teſtimony of the Truth, againſt the
Pagans and themſelves. And now the Chriſtians began to lift up their
31-34. Heads with Confidence, after their ſevere Perſecutions, being aſſurd of
2730. an approaching Summer, and a certain Redemption; and knowing that
28-32. the Kingdom of God was even at their Doors. For God liad now fent
his Miniſters with the Trumpet of his Goſpel, to gather together his
Choſen People in the utmoſt Parts of the World, all which, as our Sa-
viour told his Diſciples, ſhou'd be accompliſh'd before one Generation
paſs'd away. So that Chriſtianity now flouriſh'd and increas'd more than
ever; and Churches were eſtabliſh’d, and Biſhops were plac'd in all great
Cities in the Roman Empire. In Antioch, Evodius the Biſhop of that Ignatius, the
City dying, he was this Year ſucceeded by the famous Ignatius callid feconid Biſhop of
Antioch,
Theophorus, a Diſciple of St. John's; yet firſt ordain’d into this Church
by St. Paul, as Evodius was by St. Peter, according to the Author of the
Apoftolick Conſtitutions : Which is no ways contrary to Probability,
ſince many have obſerv'd, that where St. Peter and St. Paul preachd,
and founded a Church in the ſame City; one being an Apoſtle of the
Circumciſion, and the other of the Uncircumciſion, the Church was
divided into two Cætus, or Aſſemblies, under their reſpective Biſhops. In
this City both the Apoſtles laying the Foundation, each committed the
Superſtructure to a diſtinct Succeſſor, Evodius ſucceeding St. Peter, and
Ignatius St. Paul ; till Evodius dying, about the time of the Deſtruction of
Jerufalem, when the Diſtinction between the Jewiſh and Gentile Converts
began to fail, there was a Coalition of both the Cætus under the ſur-
viving Biſhop Ignatius. So Dionyſius of Corinth ſeems to imply, was his
Church founded; and ſo without doubt was the Church of Rome, where
Linns, and after him Cletus or Anacletus ſucceeded St. Paul, and Clement
St. Peter, till at length both the Cetus had their Union under Clement;
which folves all the Difficulties of the firſt Succeſſion in many Churches.
Titus having finiſh'd his great Work, and winter'd at Cafarea, went to A.D.71.
Berytus and Antioch, and from thence turn d back to Alexandria, in order Veſp:-
to go for Rome. In this Journey, he paſs’d by the Ruins of Jeruſalem, Ticus meer
upon
the Sight of which, he cou'd not but deplore the Loſs of that noble over Jerufa-
City, curſing the Seditious, and lamenting thất his Virtue ſhou'd be made falemi's Ruins
known by the Calamity of that miſerable People. At Rome all Mens
Kk 2
Mouths
Jofeph. .
260
Book II.
Cent. I.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
Is honour'd
Mouths were fill'd with the Praiſes of Titus, who had ſhewn himſelf
ſo expert a Soldier and Commander; and a Triumph was decreed
by the Senate, both for him and his father, who had ſo bravely
manag'd the Beginning of the Jewiſh War. Titus being return'd to
He and his fa- Rome, was receiv'd with the univerſal Applauſes of the whole City,
ther triumph.
and about the end of the Month April both the Father and the Son
enter'd upon their Triumphs, which was as ſolemn and magnificent as
Rome ever ſaw. For the Spectacles there exhibited both for Number,
Variety and Charge, were admirable in all things which Human Invention
cou'd poſſibly ſupply; and all Things that ever were eſteem'd valuable
or beautiful among Perſons abounding in Wealth and Proſperity, were
that Day expos'd in the Triumph; largely diſplaying the wonderful Power
and Magnificence of the Romans. Among the rich and glorious Spoils,
were expos'd incredible Quantities of Gold taken out of the Temple;
after which was carry'd the Body of the Jewiſh Law, the laſt, and not the
leaſt remarkable of all the Spoils. In this Triumph Simon was ignomi-
niouſly dragg'd along with a Rope about his Neck, and afterwards ſlain.
Titus had a Triumphal-Arch erected to his Honour, of extraordinary
with a Trium- Beauty and Workmanſhip, deſcribing all his noble Exploits againſt the
phal Arch.
Jews, which to this Day continues almoſt intire,as a laſting Monument againſt
that impious and perverſe Nation. Vespaſian likewiſe began a new
Temple to Peace, to contain the Jewiſh Spoils; and now having quieted
all Nations, as well as the Jews, he ſhut up the Temple of Janus, in
The Temple of token of an univerſal Peace, it having ſtood open about five Years. And
.
thus after the moſt dreadful Storm that ever hapned, and the moſt ſignal
Vengeance, which was attended with Wars in every Nation, and an
univerſal Concuſſion of Nature, there ſucceeded a great Calm through-
out all the parts of the World.
Veſpaſian's After this happy Peace, Veſpaſian proceeded to the Regulation of the Suer,
Regulations.
numerous Abuſes and Corruptions in the State, begun in the late Reigns
and the Civil Confuſions; and what he undertook, he perform'd with
great Wiſdom and Reſolution. He firſt reſtrain d the Luxury and Li-
centiouſneſs of his Officers and Soldiers, not ſparing thoſe who had been
Helpers to him and Partners with him in his Victories, not omitting any
Thing that might reſtore the ancient Diſcipline. He took no leſs care
in purging and reforming the two principal Orders among the Romans,
the Senators and Equites, of both which he took a ſtrict and particular
View; and fearleſly turn'd out all ſuch as he found unworthy of their
Places and Dignities, ſupplying their Places with the moſt deſerving Per-
ſons he cou'd procure either in Italy or the diſtant Provinces. He likewiſe
ſtrictly examin'd into all the Courts of Judicature, where he found the
Number of Proceſſes and Law-Suits ſwelld to ſuch an unreaſonable Bulk,
that innumerable Actions were left undetermined; for the finiſhing of
which, he qualify'd many knowing Perſons, and made many excellent
Laws to reduce and digeſt ſuch Matters into a far leſs Compaſs. To
reform the Corruptions of Uſurers, and the Looſneſs of Youth, he
ordain'd, That no Uſurer ſhould recover any Money of young Heirs, if
it was lent to be repaid with Advantage upon the Deceaſe of thóir Fathers.
And as he was ſevere in puniſhing Vice and Lewdneſs, ſo he was no leſs
remarkable for rewarding all Kinds of Merits; in which he extended his
Liberality to Men of all Ranks, compleating the Eſtates, and ſetling
Penſions upon many decay'd Perſons, when their Wants proceeded from
no manifeli Crime of theirs. His Courteſy and Clemency appear'd con-
ſtantly both in publick and private, ſo that ſcarce one innocent Perſon was
punith'd throughout his Reign; and ſo contrary was his Temper to that
of
Chap. VIII. VESPASIAN the 10th Rom. Emp. .
261
Jofeph.
dæa.
Eufeb.
Ferom.
of moſt of his Predeceſſors, that he cou'd not ſo much as look
upon
the
Sufferings of a Criminal, without ſignifying his Compaſſion by his Sighs
and Tears. But tho' he was thus mild and humble, brave and generous, yet
he did not preſerve himſelf from the Scandal of Avarice and Rapaciouſ- His Avarice.
neſs, which was grounded upon his numerous and peculiar Impoſitions,
particularly his Exciſe upon Urin; at which when his Son Titus was
offended , he took ſome of the firſt Money that came from thence, and
demanded if the Smell offended him. And yet, proceeded he, this comes
all out of the Urin. In this Year he order'd Liberius Maximus and Baſſus He fells the
to ſell all the Lands in Judæa, and appropriated all to himſelf, leaving Lands of Ju-
there only 800 Soldiers, and giving them a Place to inhabit call d Emmaus,
five or fix Miles from Jeruſalem. He alſo impos'd a Tribute upon all the
Jews in the Roman Empire, commanding every Perſon yearly to pay two
Drachma's to the Capitol, as they had formerly done to the Temple at
Jeruſalem. And thus the miſerable Jews, who rejected the Meſſiah, and
wou'd own no King but Cæfar, now were conſtrain’d to acknowledge the
Idol of Jupiter for their God.
At this time, the Church of God, tho’ flouriſhing and free from Per- Hereſies.
Epile ſecution, was much diſturb’d and infeſted with ſeveral Herefies, proceeding
in a great meaſure from a Mixture of Samaritaniſm, Judaiſm and Chriſtia-
nity. For beſides the immediate Followers of Simon Magus and the Gno-
Sticks, thoſe of Menander, Ebion and Cerinthus, began to Thew themſelves,
to the great Danger of the Chriſtian Faith. To give ſome Account of
each, 1. Menander was a Samaritan, and like Simon a notorious Impoſtor Menandrians.
and Magician, abounding with more monſtrous Illuſions than hê; de-
claring himſelf a Saviour, ſent from above for the Reſtauration of Man-
kind, and teaching, that no Man cou'd otherwiſe overcome the Angels,
the Makers of the World, unleſs he was firſt inſtituted in the Magical
Knowledge deliver'd by him, and initiated in his Baptiſm : Of which
Baptiſm, thoſe who were accounted worthy, he affirm'd ſhou'd be Par-
takers of a perpetual Immortality in this very Life, and continue always
young and vigorous in this world. With theſe and other of his Maſter
Simon's Opinions he ſeduc'd many in Antioch; and thoʻthe Extravagancy
of his Notions made them leſs infectious, yet they were continu'd in
the ſecond Century, particularly by Bafilides and Saturninus. 2. Ebion, Ebionices:
ſo calld from his affected Poverty, and born in Cocaba a Village in Pale-
Stine, ſpread his Hereſy in Trachonitis, and among the Chriſtians who had
retired to Pella , where he gain'd many Followers. Theſe deny'd the
Divinity of our Saviour, acknowledg’d him an excellent Perſon, but
believ'd that he was born of Joſeph and Mary. They enjoyn'd the Ob-
ſervation of the Law of Moſes, as neceſſary to Salvation, retain’d Circum-
ciſion, the Sabbath, and other Ceremonies; but to ſhew themſelves Chriſti-
ans, they kept the firſt Day of the Week, in Commemoration of the
Reſurrečtion of Jeſus. They receiv'd all the Writings of the Old Teſta-
ment; but for the New Teſtament, they rejected all but St. Matthew's
Goſpel, or rather the Goſpel according to the Hebrews or Nazarens; and
particularly condemn’d St. Paul as an Apoſtate, for proving the Diffolu-
tion of the Mofaick Law. 3. Cerinthus ſpread his Hereſie principally in Cerinthians ,
Epheſus and Aſia Minor, which in ſome Things was the ſame with that
of Èbion; particularly in the Denial of the Divinity of our Saviour, in
the acknowledgment only of St. Matthew's Goſpel, and in affirming the
Obligation of the Mofaick Rites. He aſſerted the Creation of the World
by Angels, as did the Gnoſticks; and to inſinuate himſelf among the
Vulgar, he boaſted of ſtrange Revelations and Illuminations. He alſo
taught that as Jeſus was but a meer Man, Christ deſcended upon him in the
Likea
262
Book II.
Cent. I
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY,
C
ter.
C
Likeneſs of a Dove, and that then Jeſus Chriſt revealed the Father, who
before was unknown; and that at laſt Chrift, who was incapable of Suffer-
ing, forſook Fejus, and left him to ſuffer Death. And laſtly, that his
Kingdom afterwards ſhou'd be Terreſtrial, in the City of Jeruſalem, where
Men ſhou'd be bleſs'd with all kinds of carnal Pleaſures for a thouſand
Years.
St. Jude writes About the latter End of this Year 71, or the Beginning of the next,
his Epiſtle. according to Mr. Dodwell, the Apoſtle Jude wrote his ſhort Epiſtle, which
is plac'd the laſt of thoſe ſeven in the ſacred Canon, which are callid
Catholick. It has no particular Inſcription as the other ſix have, but it
was probably intended for the Jewiſh Converts in their ſeveral Diſperſions,
as St. Peter's Epiſtles were. ' In it he firſt ſhew'd his Defign to write to
them in general of the common Salvation, and to confirm them in it;
.but ſeeing the Doctrine of Chriſt attack'd on every Side by Hereticks,
· he thought it more neceſſary to exhort them to ſtand manfully upon
the Defence of the Faith once deliver'd to the Saints, and to oppoſe
· thoſe falſe Teachers who ſo much labour'd to corrupt it. The Here-
• ticks meant in this Epiſtle were ſome of the Gnofticks, but eſpecially
the Ebionites, whoſe Manners were as corrupt as their Doctrine, allo
imagining Faith without Works ſufficient for Salvation. So that his
Subject is much the ſame with St. Peter's ſecond Epiſtle, whoſe Senſe
· he moſtly follows, and often uſes the very ſame Expreſſion; but be-
cauſe the Infection had ſpread it ſelf farther, and gotten more Ground,
· he oppos'd theſe Hereticks with more Zeal and Sharpneſs than St. Pe-
Yet with a Spirit of Charity he exhorted the Chriſtians to labour
by all gentle Methods to ſave them, and to take them out of the Fire,
into which their own Folly had caſt them. Several Perſons have an-
ciently doubted of the Authority of this Epiſtle, becauſe it quotes the
Apocryphal Book of Enoch, and alſo brings the Hiſtory of the Arch-
angel St. Michael diſputing with the Devil concerning the Body of Mo-
ſes, taken out of another Apocryphal Book, intituled, The Aſcenſion of
Mofes. But this does not diminiſh the Reputation of this Epiſtle, nor
add much to the Credit of thoſe Apocryphal Books ; ſince they might
contain ſome Truths as well as many Errors, which St. Jude, inſpired by
God, knew well how to diſtinguiſh. Euſebius tells us, that in his Time
moſt Churches made Uſe of this Epiſtle; and it is evident that before
the End of the 4th Century, it was univerſally acknowledgʻd for Cano-
nical Scripture, in the Council of Laodicea and Carthage, and by the moſt
eminent Fathers. And Origen ſays of it, That in a few Lines it contains
many Words full of divine Power and Grace.
II. Tho' Titus had conquer'd Paleſtine and the Jews by the taking Flephs
A.D.72. of Jeruſalem, yet for a long Time after, two or three (trong Caſtles
Veſp. held out; the laſt of which was the impregnable Fortreſs Maſſada, which
was kept by Eleazar, Grandſon of Judas Galilæus; who finding that he
cou'd ſubſiſt no longer, perſuaded the Beſieged, to the Number of 960,
to kill themſelves with their Wives and Children, having firſt burnt the
Caſtle and all that was valuable in it. This was done upon the 15th
The End of the Day of April, and compleatly finiſh'd all Wars and Rebellions in Judæa,
Jewiſh War. which began about ſix Years before. But many of the Robbers and
Aſſaſſinates that eſcap'd from this Country, fled into Ægypt, where per-
ſuading the Jews in thoſe Parts to revolt, great Diſturbances were rais'd,
which ended with the Death and Ruin of theſe incendiaries. And this
Their Temple in ſo far provok'd the Emperor, that he order'd Lupus the Governor to
Ægypt demo- demoliſh the Jews Temple near Memphis, which Onias had built above
*
300
Chap. VIII. VESPASIAN the 10th Rom. Emp.
263
300 Years before. Which Order was not executed in the Rigour; but
the Temple was rifled of all its Gifts and Riches, ſhut up, and all Pera
ſons forbidden to come at it, fo that there was not the leaſt Footſtep
of Religion left there. About the ſame Time a certain Jew nam'd fo-
nathan, a Weaver, eſcaping to Cyrene, rais'd a Tumult there ; and per-
ſuading the Vulgar that he wou'd ſhew them Signs and Wonders, he
ſoon led 2000 into the Deſerts. But Catullus the Governor of Libia,
by a Party of Horſe and Foot, in a ſhort Time defeated them, and took
Jonathan Priſoner ; who fallly accuſing the moſt wealthy of his Coun-
trymen, as Authors of this Rebellion, Catullus without any farther En- They meet with
quiry, put 3000 Jews to Death at once. Beſides theſe Miferies and new Miſeries:
Calamities, with which Joſephus concludes his Hiſtory, Eufebius tells us,
that Vefpafian commanded all thoſe that were of the Family of Da-
vid to be diligently ſought out, leſt any one of the Royal Race Thou'd be
left remaining among the Jews; and that upon this, a moſt ſevere Perſecu-
tion was again brought upon the Jews.
All Things being quieted and ſetled in Judæa, it is believed that the The Chriſtians
Chriſtians at Pella at this Time return’d to Jeruſalem, and the neighbouring Feturn to Jeru-
Parts, with their Biſhop Simeon; where they built ſome few Houſes, and
a little Oratory upon Mount Sion, in the Place of that Upper Room where
the Apoſtles aſſembled after our Lord's Aſcenſion. About the ſame Time
it is moſt probable that the Apoſtle Barnabas wrote his Epiſtle to the The Epiſtle of
Jewiſh Converts; an Epiſtle of great Repute among the Ancients, and Barnabas writ;
ſometimes read in the Chriſtian Churches, but never admitted into the
Canon of the holy Scripture. According to the Jewiſh Way of Writing,
the Frame and Contexture of it is intricate and obſcure to us, made up
of uncooth Allegories, with ſome forcd and improbable Interpretations
of Scripture.' Its main Deſign is to prove, That the Law was aboliſh'd
by the Goſpel, that the legal Ceremonies were then uſeleſs and unpro-
' fitable, and that it was neceſſary that Jeſus Chriſt ſhou'd be incarnate
' and ſuffer Death. It has indeed no Inſcription, but the Matter of it
evidently ſhews, That it was written to the Jews, many of whom
' after they were become Chriſtians were ſtill fond of the Law, and ob-
ſerv'd its Ceremonies as neceſſary to Salvation. Origen, for this Rea-
ſon, calls it a Catholick Epiſtle, becauſe it was not intended for a ſin-
gle Church or People, but an whole Nation. In the laſt Part of it,
' he gave excellent Rules for Manners, deſiring the Prayers of them to
whom he writ, calling them the Children of Love and Peace. The
Agreement in the Subject between this Epiſtle and St. Paul's to the He-
brews, has made Tertullian and ſome others, to attribute this laſt to Bara
nabas, not having ſeen perhaps the Epiſtle it ſelf that bears his Name.
How long Barnabas liv'd after this, we have no Certainty ;, it is gene-
rally ſaid that he dy'd a Martyr in his own Country Cyprus, being ſton'd
by the Jews at Salamis, and bury'd within a Quarter of a Mile of the
City. Both the Greek and Latin Church keep his Feaſt on June 11.
Some have attributed to him a Goſpel full of Fables, which is condemn'd
by Pope Gelafius.
In this Year 72, ſeveral Writers place the Death of the Apoſtle Jude, The Death of
who having propagated the Goſpel in Syria and Meſopotamia, generally
working as an Husbandman, at length travell’d into Perſia; where after
great Succeſs in his Apoſtolical Miniſtry, he was at laſt for his free and
open reproving the ſuperſtitious Rites and Uſages of the Magi cruelly
put to Death. Some ſay he was ſhot to Death with Arrows, and others
that he dy'd in Peace at Berytus in Phænicia. The ancient Martyrologies
place his Feaſt with St. Simon's, on the 29th Day of June, and the 28th
of
C
G
C
C
St. Jude:
264 Cent. I
Book II.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
mely.
A.D.73.
of O&tober, and ſome have attributed to him a falſe Goſpel condemn'd
by Pope Gelafius. After all, the Time and Manner of St. Jude's Death
The Death of is very uncertain. Nor have we greater Certainty of the Death of the
St. Bartholo- Apoſtle Bartholomew, which is by ſome plac'd in the ſame Year. This
Apoſtle after he had preach'd with great Succeſs in the hither India or
Arabia Felix, into which he carry'd St. Matthew's Goſpel, is ſaid to have
remov'd into Lycaonia, and laſt of all to Albanople in the greater Arme-
nia or rather Albania, a City upon the Caſpian Sea, and miſerably over-
grown with Idolatry: From which, while he fought to reclaim the Peo-
ple, he was by the Governor of the Place commanded to be crucify'd,
which Puniſhment he chearfully underwent, comforting and confirming
the Gentile Converts to the laſt Minute of his Life. Some add, that
he was crucify'd with his Head downwards, others that he was flead,
and his Skin firſt taken off, a barbarous Puniſhment much in Uſe in
theſe Eaſtern Countries. His Feaſt, according to the ancient Martyrolo-
gies, is to be kept on the 24th Day of Auguſt, but the Greeks obſerve
it on the 11th of June. The Hereticks afterwards forg'd a fabulous
Goſpel under his Name as well as St. Jude's, which has been ſufficiently
exploded.
The following Year is ſaid to be ſignaliz'd with the Death of the
Vefp. Apoſtle Thomas ; but with as much Uncertainty as any of the former.
5 To this Apoſtle, according to the Tradition of the Church in Origen's
Days, was allotted Parthia, which then contain'd all Perſia; and ſome
have given us a Catalogue of the ſeveral People in that Kingdom, to
whom Thomas preach'd, namely the Medes, Perſians, Carmanians, Hyrca-
nians, and Bačtrians, beſides the Magi, to whom Pliny allots a diſtinct
Region of Perſia, and who liv'd in ſeveral other Places of the Eaſt.
St. Chryſoſtom ſays, That St. Thomas, who at firſt was the moſt weak and
moſt incredulous of all the Apoſtles, became, through the Condeſcenſion
of Jeſus Chriſt to ſatisfie his Scruples, the moſt fervent, powerful and
invincible of them all, and went through almoſt all Parts of the World,
and liv'd without Fear in the midſt of the moſt barbarous Nations, per-
forming his Duty without any Regard to his own Security or Life.
And being encourag'd by a divine Viſion, le travelld forwards into the
Indies, to Maliapur and the Country of the Brachmans; where after many
Travels and Labours, hie by his Miracles converted Sagamo the Prince of
the Country, with many others. This much exaſperated the Brachmans,
who fearing the Downfal of their Rites and Religion, reſolv'd upon
his Death; and accordingly at a Tomb not far from the City, where
the Apoſtle often retired for his Devotions, while he was intent at Prayer,
they firſt loaded him with Stones and Darts, till one of them coming
The Death of nearer, ran him through with a Lance. His Feaſt, according to the
St. Thomas. Martyrologies, is to be obſerv'd on the 21ſt Day of December. Several
Books have been attributed to him, namely, his A&ts compos’d by Lucius
Carinus, his Voyages, his Goſpel compos’d by the Manichees, and Reve-
lation, all condemnd by Gelaſius. From theſe firſt Plantations of Chri-
ſtianity in the Eaſtern Indias by this Apoſtle, there is ſaid to have been
a continu'd Series and Succeſſion of Chriſtians in thoſe Parts to this Day,
and ſtill calld by the Name of St. Thomas-Chriſtians.
But to return from thence to Rome, in the ſame Year 73, a Noble-
man and Philoſopher call’d Helvidius Priſcus, ſuffer'd Death upon the
Account of his inſolent and ſeditious Practices ; and the reſt of his Sect
Veſpafian ba- following his Steps, Veſpaſian thought fit to baniſh all the Philoſophers
nishes the Phi-out of the City, beſides Muſonius Rufus. Not long after, Demetrius the
Cynick meeting the Emperor upon the Road, wou'd Thew him no Reſpect,
but
*
Chap. VIII.
265
VESPASIAN the 10th Rom. Emp.
6
St. Luke
but proceeded ſo far as to revile him openly; but he generouſly paſs’d it
by, inflicting no other Puniſhment upon him, than the bare ſtiling him
by the Title of Dog, as alluding to the Name of his Sect. In thic fol-
lowing Year, Veſpaſian join'd his Son Titus with himn in the Quality of À.D.74.
Cenfor, and they two made the laſt publick Cenſus or Numbering of the Veſp.
Roman Citizens that was ever known; in which Pliny obſerves that ſe-
He makes the
veral Perſons were found of an extraordinary Age, particularly of 110, Last Cenfus in
of 120, of 130, of 140, and two of 150 Years. Which may make us Roine.
leſs wonder at the Age of many of the Eccleſiaſticks and Saints of this
Time ; particularly of St. John, St. Ignatius, Simeon, Quadratus, and others,
who ſaw Jeſus Chriſt in the Fleſh, yet liv'd till the Reigns of Trajan and
Adrian.
In this Year it is ſuppos'd that the Evangeliſt Luke dy'd, having after The Death of
St. Paul's Death preach'd the Goſpel with great Succeſs in Ægypt and
Lybia, according to ſome, and alſo in Dalmatia, Galatia, Italy, and Ma-
cédonia, according to others. As to his Death, ſome fix it in one Place,
and ſome in another; and whether he dy'd a natural or violent Death,
we have no certain Account : Yet moſt do affert his Martyrdom, and Ni-
cephorses affures us, That being in Greece, a Party of Infidels made Head
againſt him, drew him to Execution, and for want of a Croſs, hang'd
him upon an Olive-Tree, in the 84th Year of his Age, according to
St. Jerom. And thus we have given as true an Account as we can find,
of the Actions and Deaths of all the Apoſtles and Evangeliſts, beſides
John and Simon. And as for the former, we ſhall ſpeak of him after-
wards; but for the latter, we are told by fome, that he went into Ægypt,
Cyrene and Africa, and that after many Converts made there, he travell’d
into Lybia and Mauritania, where he not only diſplay'd the Glory of Je-
fus Chriſt by his Preaching, but by a great Number of Miracles. From
theſe Countries he is ſaid to have gone into Britain, where having con-
verted and baptized great Multitudes to the Faith, he was after
was after many
other Perſecutions, crucify'd by the Infidels, and bury'd there. Others The Death of
give a different Account of his Deatlı, ſo that we can have no Certainty St. Simon,
either of the Time or the Manner of it. God has thought fit to con-
ceal from us, tļie holy Actions and Lives of many of his choiceſt Ser-
vants, that we may be ſatisfy'd in having our religious Deeds knowi
to him alorie, and not like the Scribes and Phariſees affect the Praiſe of
Men. His Feaſt is kept with St. Jude's on O&obar 28th, but the Greeks
celebrate it 011 June joth.
All Things now being in a quiet and peaceable Condition in the Roman A.D.75
Temple of Peace, which he began immediately after the Deſtruction of Veſp.
Jeruſalem. Having beſtow'd great Charges upon it, he alſo beautify'd er mes become
it with divers Pictures and carved Works, placing all the Rarities in it Temple of
that in former Ages had been gather'd together from the utmoſt Parts
of the Earth. And among theſe he plac'd all the golden Vefſels, and
other rich Utenſils which the Jews had in their Temple, expreſſing a
great Veneration for them; but the Jewiſh Law, and the Tapeſtry or
purple Veils of the Sanctuary he commanded to be kept in the Palace. At
this Time the Jews began in ſome Meaſure to recover their Misfortunes,
tho' they loſt all the Benefit of Jeruſalem, erecting a famous School at
Jabneh near Joppa, where they ſtill retain d their great Sanhedrim, which, The Jewiſhi
as Lightfoot ſays, they kept up in the ſame Luſtre and State, as it had Sanhedrim fill
at Jabneh
been for many Years before the City's Ruin. It ſeems, Jochanan Vice-
Preſident of the Sanhedrim, cſcaping by a Stratagem from Jeruſalem in tlie
Siege, afterwards obtain d ſo much Favour from the Emperor, that this
LI
Aſſembly
7ofepb.
7
Pause.
266
Book II.
Cent. I
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
A.D.76. Purpoſe
A.D.77
Aſſembly might be fix'd at Jabneh, where it had been for ſome few
Years before the Jewiſh Wars. This being allow'd, he was made Preſident
of the Sanhedrin, and in this Year was ſucceeded by Gamaliel II.
the Aſſembly being continu'd at this place till the Reign of the Emperor
Adrian.
The three following Years afford us very few Materials proper for our
Purpoſe. In the firſt, Eufebius in his Chronicon mentions the Deſtru-
Veſp. ž ation of three Cities in the Iſle of Cyprus by a great Earthquake ; of
which Salamis and Paphos were two Cities fufficiently enlightned by
the Apoſtles Paul and Barnabas, if they had made the beſt Uſe of their
Doctrine. In the ſecond, Pliny the Elder dedicated his great Work the
Hiſtory of Nature to the Emperor's Son Titus, now the ſixth Time
Veſp., Conlu, near four
. Years after he had celebrated the laſt Luftrum or
Cenſus in Rome. About the ſame Time Euſebius tells us that. To.
great
a Peſtilence rag'd in Rome, tliat for many Days together, there dy'd
10000 in a Day; during which Plague, a Woman namd Alcipa was de-
A.D.78. liver'd of an Elephant. The third we find moſt remarkable for the Im-
Veſp. 2 poſtor Peregrinus, a Cynick Philoſopher, who pretended a great Venera-
like tion for the Chriſtian Religion, into which he was baptiz'd; and he made
Peregrinus the
Impoſtor. Profeſſion of it with ſuch a ſeeming Zeal, that he procur'd himſelf to
be impriſon'd by the Pagan Power, in which he made a great Shew of
Patience and Reſignation. And being once a Perſon of conſiderable Note,
he by his Agents procur'd large Contributions from the Chriſtians in ma-
ny Places; after which he return'd again to his Paganiſm, got free from
his Impriſonment, and derided the Chriſtians for having greatly enrich'd
him at their Expences. But long afterwards, being univerſally hated
and rejected, he fell into great Poverty ; and at the Olympick Games,
excited by a diabolical Vanity, he is ſaid to have leap'd alive into the Fire,
like the Indian Brachmans. In all Probability this is the ſame Perſon
againſt whom the Scoffer Lucian wrote.
In the next Year 79, Vefpafian being now in his ninth Conſulſhip, and Suer.
his Son Titus in his ſeventh, and having perform'd many great and no-
ble Acts to the happy Eſtabliſhment of the Empire, was ſurpriz’d at Cam-
pania with ſome light Motions of a Diſtemper, when immediately he
cry'd out, according to the Dictates of his Pagan Principles, Methinks I
am going to be a God. His Indiſpoſition caus'd him to remove to the
City, from whence he retir'd to the Cutilie, and an Eſtate he had about
Reate, which he uſually viſited every Summer. In which Place, not-
withſtanding the Encreaſe of his Diſtemper, he ſtill manag’d the Affairs
of the Empire as formerly: But having corrupted his Entrails by the Uſe
of cold Water, he was after a ſhort Time ſuddenly taken with a Flux,
which foon brought him to ſuch Weakneſs, that he was ready to
faint when of a ſudden he cry'd out with his former Courage and
The Death of Bravery, An Emperor ought to die ſtanding on his Feet ; and to rai-
Vefpafian. ſing himſelf up, he expir'd in the Hands of thoſe who ſupported
him. His Death was highly lamented, and his Memory gratefully
preſerv'd by all the great and wife Men of the Empire, being a
Prince of extraordinary Management and Moderation, next to Ju-
lius Cæſar in War, and to Auguſtus in Peace ; one whom Provi-
dence ſeem'd to have rais’d on purpoſe for the Recovery and Re-
ſtauration of the Romans, and the Ruin and Deſolation of the Jews;
and one who acted nothing againſt the Chriſtians, but as they were ac-
cidentally involv'd in the Jews. He was the ſecond Roman Emperor that
dy'd a natural Death, it being in the 69th Year of his Age, and on the
24th Day of June; having reign’d ten Years wanting fix Days reckoning
from
3
1
Chap. VIII.
267
TITUS the irth Rom. Emp.
the
Suet.
from the firſt of July 69, when he was firſt proclaim'd Emperor at Alex
andria.
III. Upon the Deceaſe of Veſpaſian, his eldeſt Son Titus, now near A.D.79.
39 Years of Age, ſucceeded by general Conſent, as well as by his Father's
TITUS,
Will, tho' not without ſome Obſtructions from his ambitious Brother the eleventhRo.
Domitian. Tho' Titus had ſerv'd in many Wars with great Honour, and man Emperor,
diſcharg'd many civil Offices with no leſs Wiſdom, yet during his Fa-
ther's Reign he had given too many Occaſions of Prejudice and Aſper-
fion, upon the Account of his Severity and voluptuous Life, his extra-
vagant Paſſion for Agrippa's Siſter Bernice, and his promoting his Father's
Impoſitions and Extortions; inſomuch that he was generally look'd upon as
a ſecond Nero; and ſcarce any Man arriv'd at the Empire with a more
fully'd Reputation, or a greater Repugnancy of the People. But in a
ſhort Time theſe Accuſations turn'd all to his Advantage, and his Vir-
tues gain'd him a Reputation under the Burthen of an Empire, which
he cou'd not obtain under the Freedom of a private Perſon, in which
he proceeded with ſo much Prevalence upon the Hearts and Affections
of all People, that he came to be generally ſtild, The Love and Delight
of Mankind. He began firſt with the moderating his Paſſions, and bridling
his ſtrong Inclinations; particularly withdrawing himſelf from the Com-
pany of his beloved Queen Bernice, and diſcharging ſeveral Perſons who
were formerly the chief Inſtruments of his Pleaſures, rightly judging them
unbecoming the Dignity of his Office. In all which Matters; he Thew'd
ſuch a happy Mixture of firm Reſolution and eaſie Modeſty, that of him
it was ſaid, That if ever any Man truly abſtaind from what was his orrn, He
was the Perſon. The Excellency of his Temper has been applauded by
Writers of all Ages, and St. Auguſtine ſtild liim by the Title of a moſt
Sweet Prince and when he enter'd upon the Office of Pontifex Maxi-
mis, lie ſolemnly proteſted, That he did it to keep his Hands
undefild from Blood. One of his principal Methods was never to ſend
away any Petitioner with an unpleaſing Anſwer, declaring, That no Man
ought to depart ſorrowful from the Preſence of a Prince ; and he was natu-
rally ſo deſirous of doing Good, that one Night being told he had done
nothing for any Perſon that Day, he thus readily expreſs’d his Concern,
My Friends, I have loſt a Day! A Sentence worthy of an Emperor,
and even of a Chriſtian.
Titus in the Beginning proceeded with all Wiſdom and Diligence in His Regula
the great Affairs of the Publick, particularly in the regulating and re- tions.
forming of ſeveral Miſchiefs which had not been perfectly remov'd in
his Father's Reign; amongſt which that of Informers, Promoters, and
Pettifoggers was very notorious, who had their Riſe from the Licen-
tiouſneſs and Impunity of former Reigns, and daily encreaſing in Cor-
ruptions, became the Authors and Fomenters of all kinds of Heats and
Diffentions. Of theſe this Emperor daily made publick Examples, con-
demning them to be ſcourg'd and beaten with Clubs in the publick Forum,
then to be drag'd through the Theatre, and at laſt, part to be fold as
Slaves, and part to be tranſported to uninhabited Iſlands, till he had utter-
ly exterminated thoſe Peſts of the City. And to put a farther Stop than
his Father had to the Corruptions and Tediouſneſs of Law-Suits, he prohi-
among other Things, that the fame Cauſe ſhou'd be try'd by feveral
Laws; or that any one ſhou'd enquire into the Eſtate of any dead Perſon,
after a ſet and preciſe Number of Years. Notwithſtanding the Excellency
and Mildneſs of the preſent Government, we are told that Linus, St. Peter's;
or perhaps St. Paul's Succeffor, fuffer’d Martyrdom this Year in Rome ; Liatis fufers.
[12
tho
j
pure and
bited,
1
268 Cent. I. ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. Book II.
many diſtant Nations, particularly Africk, Ægypt and Syria, being ſo very
tho' moſt probably without the Emperor's Knowledge. The Year of his
Death is uncertain ; yet Euſebius poſitively fixes it in the ſecond of Ti-
tus, or, as Mr. Dodwell regulates it, the firſt; after he had been Biſhop
of Rome, or perhaps only of the Gentile Converts in Rome, twelve
Years; to which others add 4 Months and 12 Days. He was ſucceeded
Cletus the se- by Anacletus or Cletus, who held the Biſhoprick about twelve Years
In the ſhort Reign of this Emperor, there hapned ſome Misfortunes Dicari
and Calamities no leſs aſtoniſhing than deplorable. The firſt was a dread-
ful and almoſt incredible Irruption of Mount Veſuvius in Campania, in the
Beginning of November, which was accompany'd with violent Earthquakes,
and wonderful Prodigies ; and after it had ruin'd many Cities and People
with a vaſt Tract of Land, the Aſhes were carry'd through the Air jūto
cond Biſhop of longer.
Rome.
Suss.
great at Rome, that the Sun was darkned for many Days together. At
The Death of this Mount, Pliny the Elder, and famous natural Hiſtorian, then Admiral
the Elder Pliny. of the Roman Navy at Miſena, being deſirous to diſcover the Reaſon of
this wonderful Accident, by his too near approaching it, and his too
great Curioſity, was ſuffocated in the Smoak. Beſides this terrible Cala-
A.D.80. mity, in the following Year, there hapned a great Fire in Rome, which
laſted three Days, and as many Nights inceſſantly, conſuming the Capitol,
Titi
the Temples of Serapis, Iſis, and Neptune, the Pantheon, and the Library
Calamities in of Auguſtus, with many other noble Buildings ; God hereby evidently
ſhewing his Diſpleaſure againſt the Romans for their falſe Deities, the
Cauſe both of their Vices and their voluntary Blindneſs againſt the Light
of the Goſpel. This was alſo ſucceeded by a dangerous Peſtilence, in
which there commonly dy'd ten thouſand every Day; which Plague was
ſuppos’d to have been occaſion'd by the Aſhes of Mount Veſuvius. In
all theſe Miſeries Titus behav'd himſelf not only with the Care and Regard
of a Prince, but alſo with the Tenderneſs and Compaſſion of a Father,
comforting the Diſtreſſed with his reviving Edicts, and aſſiſting them as
his own Revenues wou'd permit. Then to abate the Peſtilence, and the
Malignity of that Diſtemper, there were no Methods either human or di-
vine that he neglected, ſeeking all sorts of ſuperſtitious Rites, and all
Kinds of Sacrifices, which he thought might be of any imaginable Uſe;
in which he ſhew'd the Height of Paganiſm.
In this Year Titus conferr'd particular Honours upon the celebrated Jo-Jofepty
Sephus , tho' his Countrymen were in very low Reputation with the Řo-
His Father Vefpafian had ſhewn great Reſpect to him, after tlie
Jewiſh Wars, lodg’d him in his own Houſe, made him a free Citizen of
Rome, aſſign'd him a Penſion, gave him Lands in Judæa, and above all
order'd him a publick Statue. Titus increas'd theſe Favours, and in Ho-
Joſephus's
nour to him, order'd his Hiſtory of the Wars of the Jews now finiſh’d, to
Wars of the be depoſited in the publick Library, and to be view'd by all Men; after
the publick Li. it had been carefully examin'd by himſelf, King Agrippa, and many others.
The Writings of this Author have been highly valu’d by Jews, Gentiles
and Chriſtians, ſhewing a very polite Pen; and the Turn he gave to
Things was extremely agreeable. His Hiſtory is enrich'd with admirable
Deſcriptions, moſt eloquent Speeches, and moſt ſublime Thoughts ; his
Narration is clear and juſt; and, as one obſerves, he not only diverts
his Readers, but alſo inclines, them on which Side he pleaſes, raiſing
and laying ſuch Motions in them as he thinks fit. In ſhort, his Genius
and Accompliſhments render'd him the moſt illuſtrious of his Country-
men; ſo that he may be ſaid to have been a finiſh'd and compleat
Historian, and might well be ſtild, as lie is by many, The Livy of the
Greeks.
mans.
brary.
1
Chap. VIII. DOMITIAN the 12th Rom. Emp. .
269
1
Suet.
Greeks. As for his Hiſtory of the Wars of the Jews, which we are now
ſpeaking of, it is a continu'd Story from the Taking of Jeruſalem by An-
trochas Epiphanes, down to the utter Ruin of it by Titus, beginning about
170 Years before our Saviour's Nativity, and reaching to the Year 72,
conſiſting in all of 242 Years
. But the moſt conſiderable and valuable
Part of it is that of the ſix laſt Years, where he deſcribes the laſt
Jewil War, the Deſtruction of Jeruſalem, and the Miſeries of his
Countrymen in the moſt lively and affecting Manner imaginable, in
which alſo is fully ſhewn the Completion of our bleſſed Saviour's Pro-
pheſies. And whoever wou'd carefully compare what our Lord has ſaid
concerning this War and Sackage of Jeruſalem, with the Accounts there
of given by Joſephus, might find ſo juſt a Correſpondency between the
Prophecy and the Succeſs, as wou'd make him imagine that the Hiſtou
rian had taken his Meaſures as much from our Lord's Predictions, as
from the Event of Things : So that the Hiſtory is highly uſeful for the
Conviction either of Jews or Pagans.
In the following Year 81, the Emperor Titus, having been faluted
Imperator the fifteenth Time, liv'd not long to enjoy that Honour, being
ſuddenly ſnatch'd away, to the exceeding Detriment of the Empire, and
to the unexpreſſible Grief of his Subjects. Not long before, at the fi-
niſhing of certain publick Solemnities, in which he wept plentifully be
fore the People, he retir’d into the Territories of the Sabines, ſomewhat
more melancholy, than formerly, being diſcourag’d by ſome unfortunate
Omens. In his firſt Stage he was ſurpriz'd with a violent Feaver, and
being carry'd afterwards in his Litter, and finding that he inuſt ſubmit
to Death, he cou'd not refrain ſhewing his great Unwillingneſs to de-
part ; and looking up to Heaven, with an uncommon Tenderneſs com-
plain’d, That he ſhou'd be taken away ſo undeſervedly; proteſting, That in
the whole Courſe of his Life, he did not know of any Action but One that
he ought to repent of, which he did not mention. Shortly after he dy'd, The Death of
in the ſame Town where his Father dy'd, not without Suſpicion of Poi- the Emperos
ſon from his Brother Domitian. This was accompany'd with an univer-
fal Grief and Sadneſs throughout the City and Empire; and all the Se-
nators without any legal or regular Convocation, haſted to the Senate
Houſe, and ſhutting the Doors for a Time, opend them again, ren-
der'd more Thanks and Acknowledgments, heap'd upon his Memory
more Praiſes and Encomiums, than ever any Emperor obtain'd, either
before or after his Death. He dy'd in the Year 81, in the 13th Day
of September, under the Conſulſhips of Silvanus and Verus, being in the
41ſt Year of his Age, and having reign'd only two Years, two Months, and
twenty Days.
IV. The venerable Reſpect all had for Titus and his father, caus’d A.D.Št.
his Brother Domitian to ſucceed him without Oppoſition, being now about DOMI:
thirty Years of Age.. The Pride and Ambition of this, Prince ſhortly TIAN, ,
appear'd in his declaring in open Senate, That it was he who had given the the twelfth Ro-
Empire both to his Father and Brother, and that they had but reſtor’d it to man Einperor.
him again. Yet the Beginning of his Reign was generally acceptable to
the People, he ſhewing ſo little Signs of Cruelty and Bloodſhed, that he
once reſolv'd by Edict to forbid the ſacrificing of Oxen, and alſo ſo lit-
tle of Avarice, that his chiefeſt Advice to them about him was to abhor
all Rapine and Sordidneſs. At firſt indeed, his Vices and Enormities were
happily temper'd by many wife and good Actions; in which Time ho
ſpent and employ'd many of his Hours in divers Kinds of Exerciſes and
Diverſions, particularly Archery and the like Games, in whiclı he excelld
Titus.
Suet.
270
Book II.
Cent. I.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
I
2
to Admiration. But we muſt not omit one deſpicable Recreation of
his, of which all Authors take Notice; and that was his uſual Cuſtom
of retiring an Hour in a Day into his Chamber, in the Beginning of
his Reign, where his ſole Employment was catching of Flies, and pricking
them through with a ſharp Bodkin : A great Argument of a cruel and me-
lancholy Memper. And afterwards this Temper was more ſhewn to Men
than to Flies, and even to thoſe of the higheſt Rank and Quality; and
when the Vizor was taken off, he appear'd in his proper Colours, lazy
and unactive, ill-natur'd and ſuſpicious, griping and voracious, and bar-
barous and inſolent to the utmoſt Degree. In his Fierceneſs and Bru.
tality he equalld Nero, and in this particular exceeded him ; that
Nero was ſatisfy'd with commanding Execution to be done at a Di-
ſtance, whereas this Tyrant took Pleaſure in beholding his Cruelties
exercis'd before his Eyes; which at length prov'd his only Diverſion;
for he did not, like Nero, delight in the Charms of Muſick and ſuch
kind of Pleaſures as wou'd ſweeten his moroſe Humour. In his Cunning
and Diſſimulation he reſembled Tiberius ; for he was not only fierce and
implacable, but alſo exceeding ſubtle and artificial in ſurprizing, never
pronouncing any diſmal Sentence, but with an inſinuating Preamble full
of great Clemency and Mercy ; ſo that whenfoever he appear'd kind
and gentle in the Prologue, he certainly prov'd cruel and bloody in the
Epilogue.
A.D.82. About the latter End of the firſt Year of this Emperor's Reign
Dom.
the Apoſtle John, being principally at Epheſus, and having eſta-
bliſh'd
many Churches in Aſia, is ſaid to have conſtituted his emi-
Polycarp made nent Diſciple Polycarp Biſhop of Smyrna, at this Time. But the Time
Biſhop of
of this Apoſtle's coming into Aſia is very uncertain, tho moſt pro-
Smyrija.
bably it was about the Year 70 ; and his uſual Reſidence at Ephe-
ſus caus'd him to be call'd ſometimes the Biſhop of the City. But
The A&ts of ſince the Apoſtolick Authority was ſuperior to that of Biſhops, he
St. John at did not confine himſelf to the Church of Epheſus in particular, but
Epheſus.
took care of all the Aſian Churches ; nor did his Abode at Ephe-
ſus deprive Timothy of his Epiſcopal Authority, which St. Paul had
formerly conferr'd upon him. Many Churches of Note and Emi-
nency were of his Foundation and Erection, beſides Smyrna, parti-
cularly Pergamus, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea, which
together with Epheſus, make up the ſeven Churches which he men-
tions in his Revelations. Apollonius, who defended the Church in
the Beginning of the third Age, aſſures us that this Apoſtle rais’d a
Man from the Dead at Epheſus, and depos'd a Prieſt of Aſia for wri-
ting the fabulous Voyages of St. Paul and Thecla, although he com-
pos'd that Work in Honour of St. Paul, to whom he attributes
them. St. Epiphanius affirms, That he was carry'd into Aſia by the
ſpecial Conduct of the Holy Spirit, to oppoſe the Hereſies of the
Ébionites and Cerinthians; and Irenæus relates a Story, which he had
from his Diſciple Polycarp, That going with ſome Friends at Ephe-
fits to a Bath, and finding Cerinthus the Arch-Heretick there before him,
lie with great Abhorrency turn’d back, crying out, Let us eſcape imme-
cliately, left the Building fall upon our Heads, fince Cerinthus the Ene-
my of God and his Truth is in it : By this Example teaching us to avoid
the Society of ſuch as abuſe and corrupt the Truth. This is all that
we find of this Apoſtle, from his coming into Aſia, to the ſecond general
Perſecution.
In this Year 82, the Emperor Domitian taking upon him the Office of Dien.
Rcaulations. Cenfor, and the Reformation of Manners, perform'd many Things
worthy
Domitian's
Svast
*
Chap. VIII. DOMITIAN the 12th Rom. Emp.
271
2
worthy of a better Man; particularly, he ſuppreſs’d ſuch Libels and de-
famatory Writings as any ways reflected upon Perſons of Quality of either
Sex. : He turn'd a Senator out of the Houſe, purely for his immoderate
Delight in Buffoonry and Dancing; judging thoſe Qualities below the
Dignity of that venerable Order. From ſuch Women as were light and
ſcandalous in their Lives he took away the Priviledge of Litters, and
their Capacities of Legacies and Inheritance; and ſtruck a Roman Knight
out of the Liſt of the Judges, for receiving his Wife after ſhe had been
divorc'd for ſuch a Crime as Adultery. He was very diligent for a while
in the Adminiſtration of Juſtice, and many Times fat hiinſelf in an
extraordinary Manner in the Courts of Judicature, ſuperſeding the Partial
Sentences of the Centumviri. He ſeverely puniſhi'd ſuchi Judges and Coun-
ſellors as were corrupt, and acted by Bribes; and in theſe Matters he was
{o careful, as to encourage the Tribunes in Perſon to accuſe à particular
Ædile of Extortion, and to demnand Juſtice againſt him in the Senate.
He purſued his father's and Brother's Deligiis as to the reforming of
tedious Law-Suits, and in 'bạniſhing Delators and Promoters; and dif-
charg'd ſuch as liad been ſuéđ in the Exchequer five years before, and had
their Suits ſtill depending, not allowing any new Proceſs but within a
Years Space; and with this particular Caution, that if the Informer made
not his Charge:good, he ſhou'd ſuffer Baniſhment. He likewiſe prohibited
the Caſtration of Children; and of ſuch as were already Eunuchis, and
in the Poffefſion of the Merchants, he moderated the Prices, and reduc'd
them to a more reaſonable Räte. In all which Regulations he ſhew'd great
Pride and Contempt of his Fatlier's and Brother's Management. There-
fore in the next Year, becauſe the Whoredoms of the Veſtal Virgins had A.D.83.
been accidentally neglected by his Father and Brother, he made a ſtrick Dom.
Enquiry after thoſe Corruptions, and puniſh'd them without Mercy. Such He puniſhes the
as were convicted but once, ſuffer'd Death as other ordinary Malefactors ; Veſtal Virgins.
but others were bury'd alive, according to the ancient Cuſtom, and tlieir
affociate Male-Criminals ſcourg'd to Death. This Year a great Earthquake
near the Hellefpont gave an opportunity to the Magicians, Chaldeans and
Ægyptians, to inrich themſelves from the People's Bounty, under Pretence
of offering Sacrifices to appeaſe the Gods. And in the ſame Year Domi-
And baniſhes
tian ſhew'd ſo great a Hatred to Philoſophers, Mathematicians and
Aſtrologers, that he not only baniſh'd them out of Rome, but likewiſe out phers
.
of all Italy, perſecuting them with ſuch Fury, that they were conſtrain'd
to fly to many Nations.
By Reaſon of the Loſs of ſo many Eccleſiaſtical Records, the follow- A.D.84.
ing Year affords us nothing but the bare Mention of the Death of Anianus, Dom.
the firſt Biſhop of Alexandria next to St. Mark; who after 22 Yeats
excellent Government of that Church, was ſucceeded by Avilius, the Avilius, the
third Biſhop of this vaſt City, who held the Dignity about 13 Years.
third Biſhop of
The next Year after that, is remarkable for nothing ſo much as the pro-A.D.85.
ceeded almoſt all Example. For he not only caus'd his Statues in the Dom. 4
Capitol to be made of pure Gold and Silver, but his Ambition carry'd him
ſo far, as to aſſume Divine Honours; and He whoſe Crimes had render'd
him unworthy of the Quality of Man, by his Pride equalld himſelf with Domician af
God. He ſtild himſelf the Son of Pallas or Minerva, and particularly 'Honours.
afſumed the Titles of Our Lord and Our God; decreeing likewiſe, that
no Man ſhou'd preſume to call him otherwiſe, either in Writing or Dif-
courſe. Pliny complains that tlie Way to the Capitol was crowded and
incumber'd by the numerous Throngs that went to offer to the Statue of
this Emperor; facrificing Beaſts to Him, who continually facrific'd Men
the Philosos
4
Alexandria.
5
to
272 Cent. I.
Book II:
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
6
the Capitoline-
Games,
A.D.86. to himſelf. The next Year, having finiſh'd the Capitol with great Magni-
Dom.
ficence, he engroſs'd all the Honour of the Foundation to himſelf, not
permitting any Name to be put in the Inſcription but his own. After
He inſitutes which he inſtituted certain Religious Solemnities, callid Capitoline-Games,
to be for ever celebrated every fifth Year, after four Year's Completion,
according to the Manner of Olympiads. Theſe Games were attended with
all kinds of Combats, Races, Exerciſes, Muſick, and Dancings, with the
Conteſts of both Sexes. Being inſtituted in Honour of Jupiter, the great
Numbers of Pagan-Prieſts Attendance, ſufficiently ſhew'd it was in Oppo-
ſition to the true Religion; and ſhortly after, they proved ſo contrary to
the Purity of good Manners, that inany of the wiſer ſort of the uncon-
verted Romans willi'd to ſee theſe Games aboliſn'd.
V.
6
In the mean Time the Church of God flourilli'd and increas'd in
A.D.87.
all Parrs, tho' it was much infected with Hereſies, of which St. Paul.
Dom.
ỳ 1 Cor. II. 19. ſpeaks as tho' there was a kind of a Neceſſity to have them
in the Churchi, to ſet off and diſtinguiſh the Orthodox and Faithful.
Beſides the Ebionites and Cerinthians, and others formerly mention'd, about
this Time there appeard another ſort of Hereticks call’d the Nicolait ans,
TbNicolaitan
Herefie.
particularly mention'd Rev. 2. 15. and whoſe Doctrine our Lord is with an
Emphaſis there faid to hate; a horrid brutiſh Sect, generally ſuppos’d to
derive their Original from Nicolas, one of the ſeven Deacons mention'd
in the 6th of the Acts, whereof Clemens Alexandrinus gives this probable
Account. This Nicolas having a beautiful Wife, and being reprov'd by
the Apoſtles for being jealous of her, he to ſhow how far he was from
that , brought her forth, and gave any Perſon leave to marry her,
affirming it was ſuitable to that Saying, We ought to abuſe the Fleſh; which
Sentence was by ſome aſcrib'd to our Saviour, and alſo to the Apoſtle
Matthias, who taught Men to fight with the Fleſh and abuſe it. Theſe
Words and Actions of his being miſunderſtood by his Diſciples and Fol-
lowers, and perverted to the worſt Senſe imaginable, they began to let
looſe the Reins, and hence-forward to give themſelves over to the greateſt
Impurities, and the moſt ſcandalous Liberties, throwing down all Inclo-
ſures, allowing of the moſt pernicious Mixtures, and making Corporal
Pleaſure the ultimate End and Happineſs of Man. Yet Clemens ſays that
Nicolas , their pretended Patron and Founder, was a ſober and temperate
Man, never making uſe of any but his own Wife, by whom he had one
Son, and ſeveral Daughters, who all liv'd in perpetual Virginty. But
theſe Hereticks, with many others, together with Diotrephes, who af- 3 Jehona
fected a Supremacy in the Church, and reſiſted St. John's Preaching, were in
no long Time ſuppreſs'd by the great Care and Vigilance of that holy
Apoſtle.
A.D.88.
In the Year 88, upon occaſion of the Crucities of the Emperor, and Dion.
fome Affrouts receiv’d, Lucius Antonius, Governor of the Upper Germany,
Dom..
ś rais'd a dangerous Rebellion in thoſe Parts; and being Commander of
a numerous Army, uſurp'd the Title of Emperor. The Succeſs of this
Inſurrection remain'd long doubtful, and became daily more formidable to
Domitian, who had ſo much loſt the Love of his People; till at length
lis General Normandus dextroully ſurpriz'd Antonius, juſt when a ſudden
overflowing of the Rhine had ſtopp'd the Arrival of his German Auxi-
liaries, and deſtroy'd both him and his Army. The News of which
Victory, as Plutarch and others aſſure uis, was brought to Rome by ſuper-
natural Means on the fame Day that the Battel was fouglıt, to the great
The grand Se-Surprize of the Emperor and City. In the ſame Ycar Domitii culebrated
the grand Secular Games, which of all others in Rome were the moſt
folemn
So 10.
cular Ganies
relebrated,
Chap. VIII. DOMITIAN the 12th Rom. Emp. 273
8
9
for any
12
ſolemn and magnificent, and in a regular Courſe cou'd not be repreſented
but once in a hundred Years. Theſe began in the 13th Day of September,
and 8th of Domitian, 41 Years after the laſt under Claudius, and 105 after A.D.895
thoſe under Anguftus. And now this Emperor rag'd more fiercely againſt Dom.
his Subjects than ever, eſpecially ſuch as he ſuppos’d of Antonius's Party,
inventing new Kinds of Cruelties and Tortures, ſuch as were never pra-
&tis'd before. In this Year Euſebius ſpeaks of his Anger againſt the The Philafax
Philoſphers and Aſtrologers, whom he a ſecond Time baniſhed out of
fphers agein
baniſk d.
Rome and Italy; which he did as much out of Hatred to Literature, as
other Deſign. For his Jealouſies extended to all Writers and
Learned Men, eſpecially Hiſtorians, whom he puniſh'd for their due
Praiſes of Illuſtrious Perſons; and dreaded them, leſt they ſhou'd record
his vicious Actions: Only the great Jofephus, by a happy Fortune and
Addreſs, retain'd his Favour and Encouragement as long as he liv'd.
In the following Year, it is believ'd by ſome, that Domitian began to A.D.90.
vent his Rage againſt the Chriſtians, and to raiſe the ſecond general Dom. 2
Perſecution againſt the Church. But tho' it is probable he might now
begin to expreſs his Hatred to that Sect, yet the beſt Chronologers
are agreed, that the Perſecution began not till five Years after, in 95.
In the Year 91, the Roman Forces having after many great Loffes, finiſh'd
the Wars againſt the Dacians, and alſo the Catti a People of Germany,
A.D.91.
Domitian obtain'd a Triumph, which was attended with many ſuperſti- Dom. 1:
tious Rites, as well as glorious Spectacles, Naval Conteſts, and Combats
of Women as well as Men. He likewiſe vaînly aſſum'd the Name of
Germanicus, and caus'd the two Months September and O&tober to be calld
Germanicus and Domitianus, becauſe in one of them he was made Empe-
peror, and in the other he was born. At the ſame Time he ſhut
up
the
Temple of Janus in Token of an univerſal Peace, this being the third
Time that it was ſhut ſince our Saviour's Nativity. In the ſame Year he The Temple of
executed Cornelia the Head of the Veſtal Virgins for Incontinency; the Janus Jhut up.
being condemn'd to be bury'd alive, according to the ancient Cuſtom, and
her Aſſociat-Male-Criminals to be ſcourg'd to Death.
The Chriſtians were flouriſhing and increaſing in Rome , Cletus of A.D.92.
Anacletus in the Beginning of 92, or the latter End of 91, ſuffer'd
Martyrdom, after he had been Biſhop of Rome above 12 Years. He
was ſucceeded by the famous Clement or Clemens, of whom we have
formerly taken notice, who is frequently callid the third Biſhop of third Biſhop of
Rone after St. Peter, yet with no little Uncertainty. For many are Rome.
of opinion, as we formerly hinted, that before the Deaths of the Apo-
ſtles Peter and Paul, the Church at Rome was divided into two Cætus; one
conſiſting of Jewiſh Converts under St. Peter, and the other of Gen-
tile Converts under St. Paul; and that upon their Deaths , Linus ſuc-
ceeded St. Peter, and Clement S. Paul : But that afterwards, when the
Diſtinction of Jew and Gentile faild, upon the Death of Cletus, there was
a Coalition of both the Cætus under the ſurviving Biſhop Clement; ſo
that in that ſenſe he may be call’d the third Biſhop of Rome, after the
Apoſtles. And tho' this Opinion is doubted and deny'd by ſome, eſpe-
cially the Romaniſts, yet it is plain that nothing will ſo well ſolve the difs
ferent Accounts of the Succeſſion of the firſt Biſhops of Rome. While
Clement was fole Biſhop of Rome, it is believ'd that that celebrated Book
call d Paftor was written by Hermas a Roman Convert, and
moſt probably A.D.93.
the ſame mention'd by St. Paul , Rom. 16. 14. Tho' the Time of its Dom. i
writing is very uncertain , yet all agree that it was written before the Hermas writes
Perſecution under this Emperor , and ſome think that the fourth Viſion
is a Prophecy of it; and others, that it foretold the Deſtruction of
Mm
Jerus
Dom. 11
Clement the
274
Cent. I. ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. Book II.
A.D.94.
the fews.
Jeruſalem; which if true, it muſt have been written above twenty Years
before this Time : But of that we ſhall not diſpute. This book was in
great Eſteem among the Ancients, many of the Fathers have accounted it
as part of the Holy Scriptures, and ſeveral Churches receiv'd it as Cano-
nical. But many others have rejected it for ſuch; and the Moderns have
had far leſs Opinion of its worth, it being ſo diſagreeable to the Reliſh and
Palates of the latter Ages. It conſiſts of three Parts; the firſt of which,
entituled the Viſions, is full of many Revelations explain’d to Hermas by
a Woman repreſenting the Church; all relating to the State of the
Church, and the Manners of the Chriſtians. The ſecond Part, which is
moſc uſeful, is calld the Ordinances; wherein are compriz'd divers Pre-
cepts of Morality and Pious Inſtructions, which the Paſtor or Angel of
Herm as preſcribes to him. The third Part is calld the Similitudes; be-
cauſe it begins with ſeveral Similes or Compariſons, and concludes with
Viſions. Theſe three Books comprehend many Moral Inſtructions con-
cerning the Practice of Chriſtian Virtues; but the great Number of Vi-
ſions, Allegories and Similitudes, make them tedious and uncouth; and
far leſs agreeable to our Taſts, than if they had been ſimply pro-
pounded.
About the Beginning of the Year 94, or the latter End of 93, and 13th Joſeph.
Dom. 13
of Domitian, Joſephus finiſh'd his great Work call’d, The Antiquities of the
14 Jews, in twenty Books; being a continu'd Hiſtory from the Creation of
Joſephus for the World to the Beginning of the laſt Jewiſh War in the Year 66; con-
tiquities of taining, according to A.B. Uſher's Chronology, 4069 Years. It is writ-
ten with wonderful Art and Eloquence, admirably adapted to the Genius
and Tempers of the Romans and Grecians; and particularly his Account
of the Miſeries of Herod in the Diffentions of his Family, and of the
Death of the Emperor Caligula, have been admired by many Criticks.
Above one half of it is taken from the Books of the Old Teſtament, but
he has ventur'd to add ſeveral Facts not in thoſe Writings, about which
the Learned are not agreed: And as to thoſe that he has wholly taken
from them, he oftentimes gives them ſuch an artificial Turn, and us'd ſuch
diſguiſing and mollifying Stroaks, as ſhew'd that he durſt not always fol-
low Truth rigidly; but that he deſign'd to accommodate the moſt ſur-
prizing Paſſages in the Holy Scriptures to the Humour and Opinions of
the Perſons to whom he wrote. Yet after all theſe Imperfections, it muſt
be acknowledg’d to be a noble Work, and undoubtedly was highly advan-
tageous to the better fort of the Gentiles, who might be induc'd to read
this, when they deſpis’d the Scriptures; and this being an excellent Pre-
parative and Incitement to the other, it cou'd not fail of making thoſe
Sacred Writings and the Works of Providence more known, and con-
ſequently Chriſtianity more acceptable. As to that Paſſage, wherein our
Saviour is honourably mention'd, we ſhall not enter into the Diſpute of
its Genuineſs.; but only obſerve, that it is certainly very ancient ; and tho’
foine modern Criticks have doubted of it, and argued againſt it, yet we
do not find that any of the Ancients ever did. Joſephus wrote, beſides
his own Life and the Wars of the Jews, two excellent Treatiſes againſt
Appion, as a Reply to the Heathen againſt the Antiquity of the Jews, the
Purity of their Law, and the Conduct of Moſes, and a Treatiſe con-
cerning the Martyrdom of the Maccabees, which Eraſmus juſtly ſtiles a
Maſter-piece of Eloquence. Being in the 56 Year of his Age, ſhortly.
He dyes. after
, his writing the Antiquities of the Jews, this great Man dy'd.
About the ſame time, Domitian again baniſh'd all the Philoſophers and
Aſtrologers out of Rome and Italy, among whom was that celebrated
Stoick. Epicetus. Shortly after this Decree, we are told, that the famous
Philo.
Chap. IX. DOMITIAN the 12th Rom. I mp.
275
Philoſopher and Magician Apollonius Tyanæus, was ſent for to Rome
Apollonius
by the Emperor, upon pretence of his Sacrificing a Child, and his 1 ung us
foretelling Nerva to be Emperor ; and that being brought before livo:ight before
Domitian.
Domitian, after ſome little Diſcourſe, he vaniſh'd out of his light, and
was found at Puteoli, three Days Journey from Rome. Philoſtratus has
given us an Account of this at large, and alſo of the Life of Apollonius;
in which he relates many ſtrange Stories, both as to the Innocence of his
Life, and as to the Miracles he wrought. Inſomuch that Hierocles, and ſome
other Enemies to Chriſtianity proceeded ſo far as to compare this Magician
to our Saviour himſelf, and endeavour'd to ſet him up as a Rival to hin
in his Actions: Tho'we have ſcarce any other Account of his Actions
but from one Perſon, upon whoſe Authority we cannot much rely. This
is ſuppos’d to have been done in the 14th of Domitian, under the Con-
ſulſhip of Afprenas and Lateranus , a little before the ſecond General
Perſecution of the Church, near 25 Years after the Deſtruction of
Jeruſalem.
CHAP. IX.
From the Beginning of the ſecond General Perſecution of the
Courch, to the third, and to the Death of St. John the last
ſurviving Apoſtle; which concluded the firſt Century.
Containing the Term of about Five Years.
The ſecond General Perſecution,
Eufeb.
Dion.
I.
15
Omitian, who imitated the Vices and Cruelties of Nero, did alſo A.D.95.
imitate him in his Hatred to the Church of God; and to com-Dom.
pleat all his former Wickedneſs, in the Beginning of this Year , rais'd
the ſecond General Perſecution of the Chriſtians. His Letters and bloody
Edicts were publiſh'd through all Parts of the Empire, which caus’t the
Baniſhment and Death of great Numbers both in Rome and other places :
But Mr. Dodwell believes that this perſecution went no farther than Ba-
niſhment; to which Monf. Tillemont and others have given an Anſwer.
Several are of opinion, that by Hermas's Book callid Paſtor, God thought
fit to forewarn the Church of this great Tribulation, that the Chrijtians
might prepare themſelves for the Conflict, and at length be purg'd from
the Corruprions that too many of them had contracted. This Perſecu-
tion began in the fourteenth Year of this Emperor's Reign, thirty one
Years after the firſt under Nero ; in which many eminent Chriſtians
ſuffer'd: Particularly Antipas, in Pergamus, one of the ſeven Churches Several Mars
of St. John's Erection; a Perſon to włom Jeſus Chriſt was pleas'd to give tis.
the Title of a Faithful Martyr, Rev. 2. 13. and Dionyſius the rireopagite,
St. Paul's Convert, and first Biſhop of Athens; who ſuffer'd many Tor-
ments, as well as Death it ſelf. This laſt was ſucceeded by Publius, whom
ſome ſuppoſe to have been the Governor of Melitus, formerly converted
by St. Paul. Domitian was not ſatisfy'd with deſtroying the Heads of the
Church, but proceeded to the Execution of his own Relations; particularly,
Min 2
bis
276 Cent. I.
Book II.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
1
boiling Oil;
his Couſin-germán Flavius Clemens, in the very Year of his Conſulſhip,
whom he put to Death for embracing Chriſtianity, and baniſh'd this Con-
ſul's Wife Domitilla to the Iſland Pandataria, and his Niece of the ſame
Name to Pontia. Which was ſucceeded by the Deaths and Baniſhments of
great Numbers of others in Rome.
Nothing render'd this Perſecution ſo memorable as the famous Sufferings
of the Apoſtle John, the Courage by which he conquer'd all the Power
of his Perſecutors, ſhew'd that the eternal Word, which he ſo frequently
preach'd to others, did really abide in him. It is ſaid, that the Calumnies
whiclı were brought to Domitian againſt him, as a Diſturber of the Peace
of the Empire, caus'd him to order the Proconſul of Aſia to ſend him
bound to Rome, where he treated him with all the Cruelty that Rage
57. John cou'd ſuggeſt ; for, according to Tertullian, he commanded him to be
deriam inte a caſt into a Cauldron of boiling Oil, or rather Oil ſet on Fire, and this
,
as others aſſure us, in the Preſence of all the Roman Senate. But Jeſus
Chriſt, who favour'd him above all the Apoſtles, ſo preſerv'd him in this
great Danger that he felt no Harm from it, but as if he had only been
anointed, as the Athleta were, according to St. Jerom, he came out more
active and vigorous than before, thus giving him the Honour of Martyr-
dom without ſuffering the Torments of it, or leaving it in the Power of
Man to take his Life. In this manner was accompliſh'd what our Lord
had foretold, That he shou'd drink of the Cup of his Paſſion. And from
hence the Ancients give him the Title of a Martyr ; for tho' Martyrdom
had no Power over him, yet he yielded his Body to all its Torments,
and was willing to die for Chriſt; and as the three Children caſt into
the fiery Furnace were Martyrs in their Intentions, tho'the Fire conſum'd
not their Bodies; fo was John in his Will, tho' not in his Sufferings,
God miraculouſly preſerving him beyond his Hopes or Deſires. The
cruel Emperor being diſappointed in his Intentions, hardned himſelf
againſt the Evidence of the Miracle, and without any farther Conſide-
And baniſid to ration baniſh'd him into the deſolate Ille of Patmos, one of the Spo-
the Iſle of rades in the Ægean Sea, there to be employd in digging in the Mines,
according to Victorinus, the uſual Labour of Perſons baniſh'd thither for
Patmos.
any Crime.
He writes his
Rerelictions.
In this diſconfolate Place God fill'd his Mind with ſpiritual Comforts,
and as if he had been tranſlated from Earth to Heaven, open'd the Ca-
binet of Glory to him, giving him a clear Proſpect of the future State
of Chriſtianity in thoſe excellent Revelations by ſeveral Viſions, which
are tranſmitted to us in the Book of that Name: Which was not the
A.D.96. leaſt Inſtance of our Lord's Favour to this Apoſtle. This book was written,
as it is moſt generally believ'd, about the Beginning of the Year 96; and
Dom. 15 in a Prophetical Stile, with peculiar and uncommon Expreſſions. The
firſt Part conſiſts of Admonition and Inſtruction, as well as Propheſie,
being directed to the ſeven Churches in Aſia, which this Apoſtle had prin-
cipally founded, namely, Epheſus, Smyrna, Pergamus, Thyatira, Sardis ,
Philadelphia, and Laodicea : And the three firſt Chapters conſiſt, not only
of an Epiſtle from St. John, but alſo of ſeven other Epiſtles, one to each
Church, dictated immediately, and ſent by Chriſt himſelf
, wherein Advice
is given to the Billiops of theſe Places, who are there call’d Angels, con-
cerning the State of their Flocks. There are many clear Truths in this
Book by which humble and plain Chriſtians may profit, without concerning
thiemſelves with the Explanation of the Propheſies above their Capacities.
As for thoſe, we ſhall not preſume to unfold them, but only obſerve in
general, That the Romaniſts look upon all the Propheſies as already ful-
fill'd under the Pagan Emperors, inferring it from the firſt Verſe of the
Book,
Chap. IX. DOMITIAN the 12" Rom. Emp.
277
.'
Suet.
Fears.
Book, which ſpeaks of Things which muſt ſhortly come to paſs : But otliers
interpret it, Things which muſt ſhortly begin to be fulfilld. Some of the
Ancients obſerving the Myſteriouſneſs and Obſcurity of tliis Book, have
doubted whether it ought to be admitted into tlie Sacred Cànon, be
cauſe they were uncertain whether it was really the Apoſtle John's Wri-
ting or not; but this being made plainly to appear by a Multitude of
Witneſſes, ſcarce any one ſince the fourth Century has ſcrupled to receive
it as Scripture. This Apoſtle in his Baniſhment, as Vitorimus obſerves, He is much
ſeeing himſelf condemn'd to great Pains and Labour in an Age not able affli&ted.
to undergo any Hardſhips, deſpair’d of Life, and hop'd to finiſh all withi
Reu.ro. Death, but God was pleas'd to undeceive him by revealing to him, That
he muſt prophefte before many people, and Nations, and Tongues, and Kings
by which his Enlargement was foreſhewn, which hapned ſhortly after in
the ſucceeding Reign.
Still Domitian continu'd the Perſecution, and among the Martyřs we
find Mark, the firſt Biſhop of Atina in Latinm, who was ſtruck into the
Head with Tenter-hooks; Felicula, an illuſtrious Woman in Rome, whoſe
Body was thrown into a common Sewer ; and Nicodemus a Presbyter of
the ſame City, who was beaten to Death. And now the Errors and Enor- Domitian"
mities of the Emperor became more conſpicuous tlian ever, for he
grew
every Day more lazy and unactive, more inſolent and revengeful, and
like a thorouglı-pac'd Tyrant, inſupportably jealous and ſuſpicious of all
Perſons. The Predictions of the Chaldean's and other Aſtrologers, con-
cerning his Death, gave him violent Apprehenfions; which, together
with his numerous Crimes
, kept him in perpetual Diſquiet and Anxiety
ſo that at length he wou'd adnit of no Priſoner to be brought before
him but with the moſt imaginable Care and Caution: And that his
Domeſticks might perceive how unſafe it was for a Man to attempt the
Life of his Patron, upon any Pretence, he commanded Epaphroditus to
be executed, for being ſuppos’d to aſſiſt Nero in his Death, thoʻ withi
his own Conſent and Defire. Finally, his Jealouſies increas'd to that De-
gree, that he caus’d his Gallery, in which he uſually walk'd, to be ſet
about with a certain Stone call'd Phengites, by the Brightneſs of whichi
lie cou'd diſcern what was done behind him by Reflexion, as in a Glaſs.
His Severity extended to the Jews as well as Chriſtians, who were alſo pro-
ſecuted as Atheiſts and Diſowners of the Gods; and he particularly com-
Eufeb. manded that the Poſterity of David ſhou'd be ſought out and put to
Death, like Herod exceedingly fearing the Coming of Chriſt. Upon
this Account two Grand-Children of the Apoſtle St. Jude, and Kinſman St. Jude's
of our Lord, were brought before him. Having conféſs’d themiſelves of Grand-Children
brought before
the Line of David, he demanded what Poffeſſions they had ; and was him.
anſwer'd, That they had but 39 Acres of Land, out of the Improvement of
which they both paid him Tribute, and maintaind themſelves with their own
hard Labour, as appear'd from the Roughneſs and Callouſneſs of their Hands,
which they then ſhew’d. He then enquir’d of them concerning the
Meſſiah, and the State and Nature of his Kingdom, and when and
where it wou'd commence. To which they reply'd, That his Kingdom
was not of this World, nor of the Dominions of it, but Heavenly and An-
gelical, which wou'd finally take place in the End of the World, when coming
with great Glory, he wou'd judge the Quick and the Dead, and reward all
Men according to their Works. The Iffúe was, that looking upon the
Meanneſs and Simplicity of the Men, as below his Jealouſies and Fears,
he diſmiſs'd them without any Severity againſt them; and Tertullian adds .
that he immediately ceas'd the Perſecution againſt the Church by his te relaxes the
Edict, whicli hapned juſt before his Death Theſe two were now beheldPerfecution:
riot
278 Cent. I.
.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
Book i
Dion.
1
not only as Kinſmen, but as Martyrs of our Lord, and were honour'd
of all, being preferr’d to Places of Authority and Government in the
Church ; and Julius Africanus, a famous Author of the third Century,
ſays that he learn'd ſeveral Things of Chriſt's Genealogy, of thoſe who
were then his Kindred, according to the Fleſh, and who from Ni-
zareth and Cocub in Judæa, were diſpers’d in divers Parts of the
World.
He grows more Domitian now became daily tormented with terrible Omens and Por-
uneafie.
tents, which ſometimes drove him to Deſpair ; but nothing more affected Suet.
him than the Anſwer of Aſcleterion, the Aſtrologer, and the ſtrange Accident
that enſu’d. For being accus'd to the Emperor of publiſhing Predictions
of his Death, and not denying the Charge, Domitian ask'd him if he
knew his own Fortune, and what Death he himſelf ſhou'd die; the
Aſtrologer reply'd, That he ſhou'd be devour'd by Dogs. To convince the
World therefore, as he thought, of his Error, the Emperor caus'd him
immediately to be llain, and commanded that he ſhou'd be burnt with
all poſſible Care; but while this was effecting, a furious Tempeſt ſud-
denly aroſe, blew down the funeral Pile, and threw off the Body; upon
which the Dogs caught it up, and devour'd it before it was half con-
ſum'd by the Fire. This Tyrant's Ruin was much promoted by Means
of the unjuſt Death of his Couſin Clemens before mention'd, and haſtned
by Reaſon of an accidental Diſcovery of his own Wife Domitia, who
ſearching into his black Table Book, found her own Name there, with
many of his principal Friends, particularly Stephanus his Steward, Nor-
banus and Petronius, to whom ſhe ſhew'd the Book, in order to oblige
them to diſpatch Domitian. Theſe and ſeveral others were ſoon perſua-
ded into a deep Conſpiracy, which they form’d and carry'd on with the
greateſt Diligence and Secrecy; among whom Stephanus and Parthenius
were Principals, the latter being Domitian's chief Chamberlain, and the
former for ſeveral Days wearing a ſhort Dagger in his left Arm wrapt
in Wool, pretending an accidental Hurt in that Place. Domitian had
particular Notice long before of the very Night and the Hour of his
Death, according to ſome; which as the Time approached, gave him
the moſt imaginable Uneaſineſs. At that Night when his Fears were
greateſt, he enquiring of his Attendants what Hour it was, they fallly
told him Midnight, which was an Hour later than that which he ap-
prehended. At which, being tranſported, as if all Danger was paſt, he
haſtned to his Bath for the Refreſhment of his Body; but Parthenius with
great Earneſtneſs led him another Way, pretending he had a Perſon in
his Chamber, who had a Matter of the higheſt Importance to diſcover
to him, and which cou'd not ſafely be deferr'd. In which Chamber he
was met by Stephanus, who under Pretence of diſcovering a Conſpiracy,
preſented Domitian with a Liſt of ſeveral Names, aſſuring him that Cle-
mens was ſtill alive ; and while he was reading it, he ſuddenly ſtruck his
Dagger in his Groin. Whereupon the Emperor crying out, clos'd with
him, and with great Violence threw him to the Ground before he cou'd
give him another Wound; but in theſe Struglings Parthenius, Clodianus,
Maximus, and Saturius, with other Conſpirators, ran all furiouſly upon
And is ſain. him, and with many Wounds diſpatch'd this impious Tyrant in ſpite of
all his Aſſurance and pretended Divinity. Thus did God's Vengeance
meet with the ſecond great Perſecutor of his Church, who after his
Death was farther puniſh'd by the Senate, who made a Decree, That no more
Honour ſhou'd be shewn at his Funeral, than was allow'd to a common Ruffi.in ;
Sthat all his Inſcriptions ſhou'd be totally raz’d; that his Name ſhou'd be ſtruck
put of the Regiſters of Fame, and his Memory aboliſh'd for ever. He dy'd
*
1
in
Chap. IX.
279
N ER V A the 13." Rom. Emp.
Dion.
c.
peror,
in the Year 96, on the 18th Day of September, under the Conſulſhips
of Valens and Vetus, being in the 45th Year of his Age, and having
reign'd 15 Years and five Days. It is almoſt incredible what ſome Wri-
ters ſay concerning Apollonius Tyanæus, formerly mention'd ; viz. that he
being at Ephefits, at the ſame Minute that Domitian was llain, ſuddenly
cry'd out before great Numbers, Courage, brave Stephanus! Strike the Tyrant
home; and that immediately after he faid, All is well, the Tyrant is dead,
he is juſt now ſain.
II. The Roman Senate, after ſome Moderation of their Joy for Domi- A.D.96.
tian's Death, by the Aſliſtance of Petronius Captain of the Prætorian Guards, NERVA,
created Cocceius Nerva Emperor, a Perſon of about 64 Years of Age, born the thirteenth
in the Iſle of Crete, and the firſt Emperor who was neither of a Ro-Roman Em-
man or Italian Family. He was a Man of ſingular Honeſty and Genero-
lity, and of no leſs Moderation and Clemency; and one of his firſt Acts
was the reſcinding the odious Decrees of his Predeceſſor, particularly
recalling the diſperſed Jews and Chriſtians, who from Rome and other
Cities were baniſh'd in the late Reign, not diſturbiug them in the Uſe
of their Religion. He ſhew'd the like Kindneſs and Humanity to all others
unjuſtly baniſh'd by Domitian, likewiſe reſtoring all their Goods found
about the Imperial Palace; and he not only ſhew'd himſelf liberal to the
Oppreſſed, but he alſo caus'd great Numbers of poor Mens Sons to be
bred
up at his own Charges, and gave certain Lands for the Recovery
of decayed Gentlemen. As an Inſtance of his Clemency, he ſolemnly
ſwore, That no Senator of Rome ſhou'd be put to Death by his Command
ment; which he ſo religiouſly obſerv'd, that when two of that Rank had
conſpired againſt his Life, he us'd no Severity againſt them; but to let
them ſee he was not ignorant of their Deſigns, he carry'd them with
him to the publick Theatre, plac'd them on each side of him, and pre-
ſenting them with two Swords, he told them before all the People, That
they might experience the Goodneſs of the Weapons upon his Body. Which,
with other uncommon Acts of Clemency, gave Occaſion to ſome to mur-
mur at the Lenity of his Government, openly declaring, That it was a
great Misfortune to live under that Reign where all Things were forbidden,
but a worſe under that phere all Things were allow'd. This was particu-
larly made known to the Emperor, who took Care accordingly; and
during his ſhort Reign, made ſeveral good Laws and Ordinances; among His Ordinances,
which one was, that he ſtrictly prohibited a common Abuſe of that Age,
the Caſtration of Male Children; a Cuſtom which Domitian had like-
wiſc condemnd, but not wholly remov’d. He alſo forbad that any
Man
ſhou'd inarry his Niece, which had been firſt allow'd in the Reign of
Claudius ;
and ſetled ſeveral other Matters that wanted Reformation. He
wou'd not permit any Statues to be erected in his Honour, and took
down all thoſe Gold and Silver Statues of Domitian's, which the Senate
had ſpared, and converted them to better Uſes. His Symbol was, A
good Mind posſeſſes a Kingdom; and he had ſo great a Confidence in his
own Innocency, that he often declar'd, That tho he shou'd quit the Em-
pire, and return to a private Life, he had acted nothing that cou'd cauſe him
Man.
We are told by Philoſtratus that this Emperor, in the Beginning of his
Reign, ſent to the famous Apollonius Tyanæus, to deſire him to come and
affiſt in his Council ; but was anſwer’d, That they two cou'd not meet
before Death. However Apollonius wrote a Letter to him, full of wiſe
Inſtructions and the Arts of Government, which he ſent by his Friend
The Death of
Damis, with other verbal Directions; and ſhortly after dy'd, in the lat- A pullonius
Tyanxus,
to fear any
ter
280 Cent. I.
Book II.
ECCLESIASTICAL History.
2
2
ſus.
ter End of this Year 96, or the Beginning of the next, being about
an hundred Years of Age. As to the ſeveral Miracles ſaid to have been
wrought by this Philoſopher and Magician, his familiar Converſe with
Kings and Emperors, and the mighty Eſtimation, even to Adoration,
which he is ſuppos’d to have obtain'd, as we hinted before, there is the
greateſt Uncertainty, and alſo Improbability: Therefore we have ſaid the
leſs concerning them.
A.D.97. In theſe Times of Indulgence and Toleration, the Church of God
Nervæ : encreas'd exceedingly, and the Chriſtians multiplying, became very nume-
rous in moſt Parts of the Roman Empire. But notwithſtanding the
great
Mildneſs of this Reign, it was not wholly without Martyrs, particularly
the great Timothy Biſhop of Epheſus, who after many Years Government
of this Church, ſufferd on the 22d or 24th of January. This we are
affur’d by the Roman Martyrology, and his Acts attributed to Polycrates in
the ſecond Century, (tho' written in the fifth or ſixth) which inform us,
That Diana's Votaries celebrating a Feſtival callid Catagogion, in which
they carry'd about the Images of their Gods, and by Means of their Masks
and Clubs committed a thouſand Inſolencies and Outrages; Timothy ſtood
in the Streets to oppoſe and reprove this exécrable Cuſtom, which ſo
The Martyrdom inrag'd the People, that falling upon him with Stones and Clubs, they
of Timothy. left him for dead : But ſome of the Chriſtians finding him to breath,
took him up, and lodg’d him without the Gate of the City, where in
two Days he expired. Thus after infinite Labours and Difficulties, he
dy'd in God's Cauſe, being the ſame Perſon whom St. John ſtiles, The
Angel of the Church of Epheſus, and one of that Note and Eminency,
that many have given him the Title of an Apoſtle. Shortly after his
St. John re. Death, the Apoſtle John, taking the Opportunity of thoſe eaſie Times,
turns to Ephe-being brought back from Patmos, return'd to his moſt intimate Friends
at Epheſus. Finding Timothy dead, the Biſhops of his Province deſir'd
him to take the care of the Church upon him, which he accepted, and
govern'd it till the Reign of Trajan. He was 90 Years of age, according
to Epiphanius, when he took this Care upon him; and notwithſtanding
his great Age, he went many Journies into the neighbouring Provinces
to ordain Biſhops, and ſettle and confirm Churches, as Occaſion requir'd,
in this Manner governing all the Churches of the Leffer Afia.
This Apoſtle having again undertaken the Government of the Church,
wrote three ſeveral Epiſtles, and as it is generally believ’d, near the ſame
He writes his Time ; tho' as to that we cannot be very poſitive. The firſt of them
first Epiſtle; is callid Catholick, calculated as it were for all Times and Places, 'cón-
taining moſt excellent Rules for the Conduct of the Chriſtian Life, pref-
ſing to Love and Charity, to Holineſs and Purity of Manners, and not
' to reſt in a naked and empty Profeſſion of Religion, particularly not
to be led away with the crafty Inſinuations of Seducers and falſe Tea-
chers, antidoting Men againſt the Gnoſtick and other heretical Principles
' and Practices, to whom it is not to be doubted, but that the Apoſtle
' had a more particular Reſpect in this Epiſtle. According to his uſual
Modeſty, he conceald his Name; yet this Epiſtle, as Euſebius tells us,
was univerſally receiv'd and never queſtion d by any; and was anciently,
as appears from St. Auſtin, inſcrib’d to the Parthians, tho' for what Rea-
ſon we are to learn, unleſs becauſe he himſelf had formerly preach'd in
thoſe Parts of the World. It is look'd upon to be very like his Goſpel,
both as to the Matter and the Stile. His other two Epiſtles are very
and ſome have doubted whether they are canonical, attributing
them to another John; and this Diſpute continu'd till the End of the
fourth Century. But ſince then, both Fathers and Councils have unani-
mouſly
ſhort;
Chap. IX.
281
NERVA the 13th Rom. Emp. :
C
C
C
mouſly agreed to receive them as the Writings of this Apoſtle, becauſe they
breath out the ſame Spirit of Charity, and Zcal againſt Sin, as St. John's
other Writings do. The firſt of the two is directed to a Chriſtian Lady, His ſecond ;
which ſome think is nam'd Electa ; wherein le comunended her and
her Children's Pieties,' cncouraging them to Charity, exhorting them
to Perſeverance in good Works, and perſuading them to Thew a great
· Abhorrence of falſe Teachers and Deccivers, without ſo much as being
lioſpitable to them or ſaluting them. Adding, that he was ſo brief
' in his Inſtructions, becauſe he deſign'd to ſee her shortly.
. His laſt Epi-
ſtle is directed to Gains or Caius, wliich ſome think was one of St. Paul's And his thirds
Diſciples; which, if true, it is more likely to be Gains of Derbe than of
Corinth. 'In it he commended his Hoſpitality to the Faithful, cxhor-
ting him to exerciſe it chearfully to thoſe who are employ'd in the
• Church's Service. He condemn’d the Ambition of Diotrephes, threat-
ning, when he came, to puniſh his abuſive Tongue feverely; and highly
approv'd of the Virtue of Demetrius, for which lie was honourd of
' all Men. John took not upon him the Title of Apoſtle in theſe two
laſt Epiſtles, becauſe they were written to private Friends, but call’d him-
ſelf an Elder, probably from his great Age, which perhaps was not the
Title he gave himſelf. St. Jerom ſpeaking of St. John's and the other
neral Epiſtles, ſays, That they are long and ſhort, ſhort in Words, long
in Senfe and Myſteries, which are ſo many and great, that few Perſons
but are dazled by the View and Contemplation of them.
Beſides theſe Epiſtles, the Apoſtle undertook a greater Work, in the
ſame Year 97, according to the beſt Chronologers; and this was his Go- He writes his
ſpel, which many believe was the laſt of his Writings and of the Holy fel at the
Scriptures
. It was compos'd at the Requeſt of ſeveral of his Diſciples, Request for the
almoſt all the Biſhops of Aſia, and all the Faithful of the neighbouring
Provinces, who unanimoully join'd in a Petition to him, to give an au-
thentick Teſtimony to the Truth. His Modeſty and a venerable Reſpect
to thoſe profound Truths he was urg'd to treat of, made him backward
in undertaking the Task; but the Importunity of the Aſian Churches,
who had ſeverally ſent their Deputies, and the ſecret Influence of the
Holy Ghoſt oblig'd him to venture upon the Work. He wou'd not be
gin it till they had appointed a publick Faſt and Prayers, to implore
the Aſſiſtance of God; and at the End of a profound Viſion and Re-
velation, being fillid with the Spirit, he broke out into thoſe Words,
In the Beginning was the l'ord, and the Word was with God, and the
Iord was God. As the other three Evangeliſts had ſhewn the Huma-
nity of Jeſus Chriſt, as he was King, Prophet, and Prieſt, ſo this
foar'd above them, and manifeſted his Divinity. The Ancients allign
two Reaſons eſpecially for the writing of this Goſpel: The firſt,
that he might confound the early Herelies of thoſe Times, eſpecially cf
the Ebionites and Cerinthians, and the reſt of that Crew, who began open-
ly to deny Chriſt's Divinity, and his Exiſtence before his Incarnation ;
which Reaſon is affirm'd by Irenæus, Clemens Alexandrinus, Victorinus ,
St. Jerom, Epiphanius, and many others. The other Reaſon was, that he
might ſupply thoſe Paſſages of the Evangelical Hiſtory, which the reſt
of the ſacred Writers had omitted ; which is afferted by Euſebius and
St. Jerom. Collecting therefore the other Evangeliſts, and viewing them
carefully, he firſt ſet his Seal and ratify'd the Truth of them, and then
added his own Goſpel to the reſt, eſpecially inſiſting upon the Actions of
our Saviour from his Temptation in the Wilderneſs, to the Impriſonment
of John Baptiſt, wherein the others were moſt defective, ſcarce giving any
Account of his firſt Year's Miniſtry. And as the Hiſtorical Part begins
Nn
after
282
Book II.
Cent. I.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
after our Saviour's Temptation ; ſo the whole takes in a leſs Compaſs
of Time than the leaſt of the otlier, St. Mark; and tho’ it appears to
have been written to ſupply the Defects and Omiſſions of the reſt, re-
cording our Saviour's Diſcourſes more than his Miracles, yet ſtill the Or-
der of Time is more carefully obſerv’d, and the four Paſſovers exactly
diſtinguiſh'd, of which we have Intimation but of one in the other Evan-
geliſts. The Subject of his Writing is very ſublime and myſterious, ma-
nifeſting Chriſt's Eternity, creating of the World, &c. upon which Ac-
count Theodoret ſtiles his Goſpel, a Theology which human Underſtan-
dings can never fully penetrate. Thence by the Ancients lie is compard
to an Eagle, ſoaring aloft within the Clouds, where the weak Eye of Man
cou'd not follow him; hence he is peculiarly honour'd with the Title of
The Divine, as if it were due to none but him, at leaſt were due to him in
a more eminent and extraordinary Manner. Nay the very Gentile Philofo-
phers cou'd not but admire his Writings; and a certain Platoniſt ſaid, That
the firſt Sentence of his Gospel ought to be written in Letters of Gold, and
plac' d' in the Front of all Churches. Another of them, nam'd Amedias,
cites this Paffage as an admirable Piece of Philoſophy, equal to Plato's
moſt divine Notions; and ſeveral of the moſt approv'd Philoſophers have
admir'd it, and inſerted it in their Works. This Goſpel was always received
by the Church as Canonical, and thoſe who rejected it treated as Hereticks,
under the Name of Alogi, or Enemies to the Word. It was written in Greek
by St. John himſelf, and ſome ſay the Original Manuſcript was at Epheſues
in the 7th Century; but in the fourth, it was tranſlated into Hebrew, and
kept by the Jews in their Library at Tiberias. Dionyfius Alexandrinus ſays
concerning the Stile, That it is written according to the ſtricteſt Rules of the
Greek Tongue, with Elegance of Words, Reaſonings and Conſtruction ;
having nothing in it barbarous or improper, flat or vulgar, tho' written
with the greateſt Simplicity ; ſo that God gave him not only Knowledge
of the Myſteries he relates, but Abilities to expreſs them fairly and fully.
About the Time of the writing this Goſpel, dy'd Avilius, the ſecond Eufeb.
Biſhop of Alexandria after St. Mark, having happily govern'd that Church
about thirteen Years. He was ſucceeded by Cerdo, who is ſuppos’d to have
fourth Bifhop of been one of the three firſt Presbyters ordain'd by St. Mark : He held the
Dignity about eleven Years, in whoſe Time the Numbers of the Chriſtians
exceedingly encreas'd in Ægypt, Thebais, and Lybia. In this ſame Year 97,
Mons. Tillemont, contrary to the Opinion of Mr. Dodwell and ſome others,
has plac'd the Writings of St. Clement's Epiſtle to the Corinthians, and not
without good Reaſons and Conjectures; but having already taken Notice
of it in the Year 68, we ſhall not contend about a Thing of ſo little Cer-
tainty, and which is ſo very hard to diſcover.
Towards the latter End of this Year, the Emperor Nerva, finding his Dion,
Soldiers mutinous upon the Account of Domitian's Murther, and himſelf
declining in Years and Infirmities, reſolv'd to adopt ſome worthy Perfon,
who ſhou'd be able both to ſupport him, and govern after his Deceaſe.
Tho' lie had many conſiderable Friends and Relations, who hop'd for this
high Dignity, yet like a juſt and generous Prince, he fought only the pub-
Nerva adopts lick Good, and wiſely made Choice of Ulpius Trajanus, an utter Stranger
Trajan.
to his Family, then Governor of the Lower Germany, and the greateſt and
moſt deſerving Peſon of that Age. Having folemnly perform'd this about
the 28th of October, he ſent Ambaſſadors to him at Cologn with the Enſigns
and Arms of the Empire; from which Time the Soldiers remain'd in a per-
fect Quietneſs and Obedience. But he liv'd not long to enjoy the Benefit
of this happy Choice; for in the beginning of the following Year, near
three Months after, he was ſeiz'd with a violent Paſſion againſt a Senator
call'd
Cerdo the
Chap. IX.
283
TRAJAN the 14th Rom. Emp.
Dicn.
&c.
His Excellent
callid Regulus, and by ſtraining his Voice, was put into ſuch Diſorder, that
by Reaſon of the Feebleneſs of his Body, and the Lowiteſs of his Spirits,
he fell into a Fever, and ſhortly after dy'd. This hapned in the Year 98, Hc dies.
on the 21ſt or 27th Day of January, he being near 66 Years of Ages after
a ſhort Reign of one Year, four Months, and about eight or nine Days.
He was deify'd by the Senate, according to the ancient Cuſtom, and his
Body inter'd in the Sepulchre of Auguſtus.
III. Upon the Death of Nerva, Trajan was joyfully receiv'd at Rome A.D.98.
by the Senate and People, and obey'd as Emperor. He was a Spaniard by TRÁ-
Birth, and about 42 Years of Age, of a ſtrong Body and vigorous Mind,
JAN,
happily temper'd with the enlivening Warmth of Youth, and the wary the fourteent i
Experience of old Age ; ſo that he was in all Reſpects prepard for the Roman Em-
greateſt Attempts, and the nobleſt Enterprizes. In the Beginning of his teror.
Reign, he was bleſt with the Happineſs of having the greateſt Maſter of
his Age, that admirable Philoſopher and Biographer Plutarch, by whoſe wiſe
Inſtructions, added to his own Abilities, he purſu'd his Miniſtration of the
Government with that Moderation and Juſtice, and that Wiſdom and cies ;
Greatneſs, as caus’d both the Love and Admiration of all Men. He began
with a Reformation of ſeveral Laws, and took Care to advance the moſt
worthy and virtuous Men to the higheſt Poſts, reclaiming ſuch as were
otherwiſe with Gentleneſs and Clemency. At his firſt Entrafice into the
Senate he ſolemnly ſwore, That no good. Man by his Command shou'd ſuffer
Death or Diſgrace; and ſoon after ſhew'd great Liberality to worthy Men;
eſpecially relieving the Poor and Indigent, in which he botli imitated
and excell'd his Predeceffor Nerva ; which he eminently ſhew'd by his
educating great Numbers of poor Mens Children in Rome and in all Italy.
He acted all Things with a remarkable Mixture of Moderation and Muni-
ficence, treated all Men with Courteſie and Affability, without Diſguiſe
or Envy, and entertain'd Perſons of Merit with a moſt open Familiarity,
tho' of mean Rank, frequently paying Viſits to them, and admitting them
into his private Converſation: For which being blam'd for too great Con-
deſcentian, he reply'd, That he treated his Subjects with the Same Vſage as
he himſelf wou'd deſire of his Prince, were he a private Perſon. Then he had
ſo great an Affurance of his own Innocence and Integrity, that in giving
his Sword to Saburinus, according to Cuſtom, when he made him Comman-
der of his Guards, he pronounc'd theſe Words, Take this Sword, and if
I govern like a juſt Prince, employ it in my Service; but if I abuſe my Autiso-
rity, draw it againſt me. In ſhort, he was endu'd with all tle Excellen-
cies and Qualifications of a mighty Emperor, and with ſo great a Meafure
of the nobleſt Gifts, that Aur.Vi&tor. tells us, he ſeem'd to enjoy a tranſceni-
dent Temperature of all Virtues. His Virtues were all human, and he met
with all human Rewards, both in the Proſperity of his Life, and his
Fame after Death; it being a Cuſtom in ſucceeding Reigns, when the Ro-
mans pour'd out their Bleſſings upon their new chofen Emperors, they
wilh'd them The Fortune of Auguſtus, and the Goodneſs of Trajan. Yet he and Defest :)
muſt be acknowledg’d to have been exorbitant in his Ambition, the pre:
vailing Paſſion of his Religion and that Age; and not free from thoſe two
Vices of Luxury and Women ; tho' in the former le never ſhew'd any
Diſorder or Extravagance, nor in the latter us’d any Violence or Compul-
fion.
But none of the leaſt remarkable Qualities of this Eriperor was his Su-
perſtition and his Zeal for Paganiſm, the eſtabliſh'd Religion of the Empire;
for which he is highly applauded by Pliny, who ſays, That he gloried in
being the moſt religious of all Princes. This falſe Religion he embrac'd,
afterwards
Nn 2
284 Cent. I.
Book II.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
Care.
a clem:
afterwards prov'd very incommodious to the true one; and the famous
St. Clement of Rome found the Effects of it in the firſt Year of his Reign,
according to Metaphraſtes, who aſſures us, That St. Clement having conver-
ted a noble Lady calld Theodora, and many others in Rome, the Emperor
St. Clement baniſh'd him, and condemn'd him to dig in the Mines in the Taurica Cher-
branijl de
Joneſus, where in the midſt of his great Afflictions he made many Converts,
and ſpread Chriſtianity farther than ever. But having no better Authority
than Metaphraſtes, we ſhall neither inſiſt upon the Truth of the Fact, nor
enlarge upon the Story as we might.
A.D.99. highly
agreeable to his Temper, and vigoroully proceeded in a farther Re-
In the following Year the Emperor was made Pontifex Maximus, an Office Dion.
Traj. 2. forniation of the Laws, and all kinds of Inconveniencies: Among the reſt
he utterly exterminated thoſe inſufferable Vermin the Delators, Promoters,
and Pettifoggers, who in former Reigns had made vaſt Advantages by fo-
menting all kinds of private Quarrels and Diffentions, and had been almoſt
deſtroy'd by the Emperor Titus. He alſo put down the ordinary Pantomimi,
Farce-Players and Buffoons, rightly judging thoſe Diverſions effeminate, and
unworthy of the Roman Gravity. He augmented the Number of the poor
Children to be educated at his Charge, to near five thouſand, and perform'd
many other worthy Actions; for which lie not only obtain'd the Title of
Trajan obtains Puter Patriæ, but the Senate gave him the new Title of Optimus, as the
beſt of all Princes, which he eſteem'd more than all the Glories of his Vi.
Oprimus.
etories and Conqueſts, becauſe this related not ſo much to his Courage
and Conduct, as to his Morality.
St. John's In the mean Time, the Apoſtle John proceeded in his Duty with all ima- Euſeb.
ginable Care and Tenderneſs, and with all the Labour and Vigour that his
great Age wou'd permit. Of which we have this remarkable and undoubted
Inſtance : Coming to a City near Epheſus, in the Viſitation of his Churches,
which ſome think to be Smyrna, he eſpied a Youth of excellent Shape and
pregnant Parts, and taking hold of him, deliver'd him to the Biſhop of the
Place with this Charge twice repeated, I commend this Perſon to be look'd to
with the utmoſt Care and Diligence, and that in the Preſence of Chriſt and the
Church. The Biſhop readily undertook the Charge, receiv'd the
into his Houſe, inſtructed him, and at laſt baptiz'd him. After which, as
if this Sacrament wou'd guard him from all Temptations, he thought he
might remit the Strictneſs of his Care; but the young Man, making a wrong
Uſe of his Liberty, fell into dangerous Company, by whoſe Arts and Snares
he was ſeduc'd into all kinds of Riot and Wickedneſs; till deſpairing of
Pardon from God, he let looſe the Reins to the utmoſt Exorbitancy, and
agreeing with his Aſſociates, they combin'd themſelves into a Band of High-
way Men, and made him their Captain, who foon became as far above the
reſt in Fierceneſs and Cruelty, as he was in Power and Authority. St. John
upon Occaſion returning to the ſame Place not long after, after he had dif-
patch'd his other Buſineſs, requir’d from the Biſhop the Treaſure committed
to his Charge; who being ſurpriz’d, and not underſtanding his Meaning,
the
Apoſtle reply'd, He requir’d the young Man his Brother, whoſe Soul he had
truſted to his Care. The old Man with a ſorrowful Countenance, and Tears
in his Eyes, anſwer’d, He is Dead: And being demanded by what kind of
Death reply'd, He's dead to God; for, alas, he is become a Villain, and inſtead
of the Church, is fled with his Companions to the Mountains to be a Thief and a
Robber. The Apoſtle rending his Cloaths, and bewailing that he had en-
truſted his Brother's Soul to ſo careleſs a Guardian, immediately call'd for a
Horſe and a Guide, and haſtned to the Mountains; where being taken by the
Sentinels of the Robbers, he beg’d to be brought before their Captain, who
ſtood ready arın'd ſome Diſtance off; but as ſoon as he perceiv'd it was the
Apoſtle,
young Man
*
Chap. IX.
TRAJAN the 14" Rom. Emp. 285
Apcftle, he became confounded, and fled away. St. John not regarding his
own Age and Weakneſs, follow'd with all poiſible Speed; and when his
Legs cou'd not reach hiin, he ſent theſe pallionate Exclamations after him,
Why, O my Son, doſt thou flie from thy aged and unarm’d Father? Take Pity oíz
me, and fear indt, there is yet Hope of Salvation for thee; I will undertake with
Chrilt for thee; if need require, I will freely dye for thee, as our Lord did for
us all, and lay down my owon Life to ranſom thine; only ſtay and believe me, for
I am ſent by Chriſt.' Upon which he ſtaid, and with a dejected Look throw- He converts i
ing away his Arms, he trembled and melted into Tears; he embrac'd the Robber,
aged Apoſtle with all poſlible Expreſions of Sorrow, being as it were again
baptiz'd with the Flood from his Eyes. St. John affur’d him, That he had ob-
tain'd his Pardon of Chriſt, and having fafted and pray'd with him, and for
him, and with the Arts of Conſolation refreſh'd his ſhatter'd and diſconſolate
Miod, he brouglit him inro, and reſtor'd him to the Church; leaving a noble
Example of true Love and Compaſſion for erring and endanger'd Souls:
Eufeb.
&c.
The third General Perſecution.
IV. The Church of God had enjoy'd Reſt from Perſecution but four Á. D. 100.
Years, before a new Storm broke out, and fell upon the Chriſtians in many Traj. 3.
Parts of the Empire; which is call’d the third General Perfecution of the
Church, beginning in the third Year of Trajan, and about five Years after
the Beginning of the ſecond under Domitian. Many Things contributed to The Caiſes of
this Perſecution, as the ſtanding Laws of the Empire, the Emperor's Zeal the Fcrjécution :
for his Religion and Averſion to Chriſtianity, and the Pagans unreaſonable
Prejudices, which were ſupported with all imaginable Falſities and Calum-
nies againſt the Chriſtians. This Emperor had illu'd out no Edict or Decree
againſt the Chriſtian Religion in particular ; wherefore he is not plac'd in
the Number of the Perfecu:ors by Tertullian, St. Melito or Latłnntins. But
he had always forbidden the Heteria, the Societies or Colleges erected in
many Parts of the Empire, where Men were wont to meet, and liberally
feaſt, under Pretext of Buſineſs, and the Maintenance of mutual Love and
Friendſhip; which yet the Roman Státe beheld with a jealous Eye, as being
often the Nurſeries of Faction and Sedition. In the Number of which Hea
teria all Colleges and Corporations were accounted, that were not fetled by
the Conſtitution of the Emperor, or by Decree of tlie Senate; and the Pero
fons frequenting them adjudg’d guilty of High-Treaſon. Under this plauſible
Preterce, and the Name of illegal Societies, the Chriſtians were ſeverely pro-
fecuted by Governors and other Officers; in which Perſecution great Num-
bers fell by the Rage of popular Tumults, as well as by Laws and Proceſſes.
This Perſécution continu'd ſeveral Years, with different Degrees of Severity,
in many Parts of the Empire; and was ſo much the more afflicting be-
cauſe the Chriſtians generally ſuffer'd under the Notion of Malefactors and
Traytors, and under an Emperor fam'd throughout the World for his fin-
gular Juſtice and Moderation.
Of the Martyrs that ſuffer'd in the Beginning of this Perſecution, we have St; Clement
the Names of Cefairus, a Deacon of Terracina in Italy, and Zofimus of Pifi- murtyr'd.
dia in Aſia; the latter on the igtlı Day of June; and the former on the iſt
of November. But the moſt noted Martyr that ſuffer'd this Year was St. Cleo
ment himſelf, who having in the Time of his Exile made great Numbers of
Converts was ſingled out for a ſpecial Example, and condemind to be
thrown into the Sea with an Anchor about his Neck, according to the moſt
receivid Opinion; tho' for want of more ancient Authority, many doubt
of the Relation. His Martyrdom hapned on the 24th Day of November,
according
i
286
Book II.
Cent. I.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
Love :
according to Baronius, and the ordinary Roman Computation, after he had
been ſole Biſhop of Rome nine Years, ſix Months, and ſo many Days. He
was ſucceeded in that Dignity by Evariſtus a Grecian by Birth, and of Jewilla
Parentage, according to Platina, who held the Place near nine Years. As
His Writings. to the Writings of this Apoſtolical Man St. Clement, beſides the celebrated
Epiſtle, of which we have formerly given ſome Account, there is a Frag-
ment of a ſecond Epiſtle, or rather a Homily, containing a ſerious Exhor-
tation to tlie Practice of Repentance, and of divers Chriſtian Virtues on
the Account of tlie Mercy of God, and Reward promis’d to the Faithful.
Some think this Epiſtle more ancient than the other, as ſhewing no Foot-
ſteps of troubleſome and unquiet Times; yet many have judg'd it a ſpurious
Piece. Nevertheleſs ſeveral of the Fathers have cited both the Epiſtles as
of equal Authority; tho' few or none have thought them of equal Value.
Several other Writings are fallly imputed to St. Clement, as particularly The
Apoſtolical Conſtitutions, an ancient and uſeful Book, but writ long after his
Death; The Recognitions, an ancient Book, abounding with Errors and
Fables ; The Clementine, and the Conferences of St. Peter and Appion,
Works of the fame Nature and Authority with the Recognitions.
During this Perſecution, the holy Apoſtle St. John felt none of the Storm
at Epheſus, but purſu'd his Duty in Peace, tho' extremely weak and decli-
St. John's ning in Body. He continually urg'd his Auditors to the Duties of Love,
Meekneſs and Tenderneſs to each other; and our Lord's great Love to him
ſeems to have inſpired his Soul with a more extenſive and generous Chari-
ty than the reſt of Mankind. St. Jerom tells us, that by Reaſon of his
great
Age, he was reduc'd to that Weakneſs, that he cou'd not go to the Church
or Chriſtian Affemblies, unleſs carry'd by his Diſciples; and that not being
able to make long Diſcourſes, he faid nothing elſe in thoſe Aſſemblies but
this Sentence, My dear Children, love one another. But thoſe who heard him at
length being weary with his conſtant Repetition of the ſame Thing, ſaid to
him, Maſter, Why do you always ſay the ſame Thing? Upon which he
return'd
them this Anſwer, worthy of the beloved Apoſtle, It is what our Lord himſelf has
commanded, and if we can perform this, we need do nothing elſe. In the latter
End
of this Year 100, and about the 27th Day of December, according to the moſt
His Death: receiv'd Opinion, this great Apoſtle dy'd in Peace at Epheſus; being near a
hundred Years of Age, and more according to ſome; having many Years
out liv'd the reſt of the Apoſtles, and done ineſtimable Service to the Church
of God in many Parts of the World, both in the ſpreading of the Goſpel,
and the confounding of Hereſies. He was bury'd at Epheſus in the City,
where ſeveral Fathers obſerve, That his Tomb was then remaining in the
Church, built to his Honour and call’d by his Name; but as for thoſe Sto-
ries concerning his ſleeping in his Tomb, and the like, we think them not
worthy of relating or confuting. Polycrates Biſhop of Epheſus, ſays he
wore a Plate of Gold upon his Forehead, as a Prieſt of Jeſus Chriſt; which
was a Badge of Honour which the firſt Biſhops of the Church wore, in
Imitation of the High-Prieſts among the Jews. Epiphanius afferts
, That
through the whole Courſe of his Life, he obſerv'd a very ſtrict Way of Li-
ving, and worthy of him; that he never cut his Hair, nor bath'd himſelf,
nor eat the Fleſh of any Creature, and wore but onc Coat, and a Linen
His Diſciples; Garment, like his Brother James. He left many eminent Diſciples behind
him, the chief of whom were St. Ignatius, St. Polycarp, and Papias Biſhop
And Writings. of Hierapolis. The Elianites of old attributed ſeveral Writings to this
Apoſtle, which they forgºd, as a Book of his Voyages, afterwards call'd
St. John's Acts; which is thought to have been compos'd by Lucius, the
ordinary Author of thoſe falſe and impious Books.
Ang
Chap. IX.
287
TRAJAN the 14th Rom. Emp.
And thus ended the Apoſtolical Age, and likewiſe the firſt Century z in The Concluſion
which Age the Church of God, which before in a great Meaſure was con-of the first
fin’d to fudæa, and there alſo miſerably debas’d and corrupted, now dila-
ted and diffus'd it ſelf after a moſt ſtupendious Manner; and in a Space
of leſs than 70 Years, got Footing and ground in the greateſt and beſt
Parts of the World : And all this by Methods uncommon and ſurprizing,
contrary to all human Policy and human Imagination. Chriſt purchas'd his
Church and Kingdom with his own Blood, and his Apoſtles and Followers
did propagate and ſeal it with theirs. Chriſtianity by the Aſſiſtance and
Support of twelve poor Fiſhermen of a deſpis'd Nation, without Learning,
without Forces, without Reputation or Authority in the World, in a few
Years out-ſtretch'd the Bounds of the Roman Empire, and flew like Flaſhes
of Lightning to the utmoſt Limits of the Univerſe. Notwithſtanding it
labour'd under the moſt conceivable Difficulties, greater than any Doctrine
before; the Jews bandy'd all their Rage and Fury againſt it, the Philoſo-
phers us’d all their Arguments and Demonſtrations, the Orators diſcharg’d
all their Rhetorick and Eloquence, the World loaded it with all imagina-
ble Lies and Calumnies, and the Roman Empire employ'd its Fire and Sword,
and all that was terrible to deſtroy it ; yet no Arts cou'd diminiſh its
Growth, or ſtop its Progreſs, but it daily encreas'd beyond Imagination, and
overbore all the Powers of Earth and Hell. Such wonderful Increaſe and
Subſiſtence ſhews its Heavenly Nature, and Divine Original; and that no-
thing but the Hand of Omnipotence it ſelf cou'd guide and preſerve it un-
der. Iuch furious Storms. What hapned in this Age were but Part of its
Conflicts; the reſt we ſhall relate in the following Parts of our Work,
ſo far as we can learn them from the moſt ancient Records.
The End of the ſecond Book.
ECCLE-
Chap. I.
289
Ecclefiaftical Hiſtory
BOOK III.
From the Death of the laſt ſurviving Apoſtle St. John,
to the firſt Eſtabliſhment of Chriſtianity by Human
Laws, under the Emperor Conſtantine the Great.
Containing the Space of about 213 Tears.
C H A . .
From the Death of St. John, and the third General Perſecution, to
the last and entire Diſperſion of the Jews, under the Emperor
Adrian.
1
Containing the Space of about 36 Tears
IT
the Church
Piety;
I.
HE Chriſtian Religion was now ſpread through the A.D. 1on:
greateſt Parts of Europe, Aſia and Africa, extending from Traj. 4.
the Britiſh Iſlands to the fartheſt Indies; and fixing The State of
not only in Cities and populous Places, but alſo in
Towns and Country-Villages, as Pliny teſtifies. The
Metroplitan Cities were all under Biſhops of the greateſt Eminency and
and the four great Cities of the Roman Empire, Rome, Alexan-
dria, Antioch and Jeruſalem, uſually ſtild Apoſtolical Churches, were
govern'd by Apoſtolical Men; viz. Evariſtus in Rome , Cerdo in Alexan-
dria, Ignatius in Antioch, and Simeon in Jeruſalem. Beſides theſe, we find
Publius in Athens , Polycarp in Smyrna , Onefimus in Epheſus, Papias in
Hierapolis, with many others. This was the State of the Church in the
Beginning of the ſecond Century, increaſing and flouriſhing after a ſtupen-
dious manner; but grievouſly afflicted on one side by the Malice of the
Jews and Pagans, and the preſent Perſecution under this Emperor, and
no leſs wounded on the other by the Hereticks, the Simonians, the Gno:
Sticks, the Menandrians, the Ebionites, the Cerinthians, and the Nicos
laitans; yet ſtill it ſtood firm as a Rock againſt all the Powers of Hell
ſhining
:
0:6
290
Book II
Cent. II.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
Tere,
ſhining and triumphing in the Glories of the utmoſt Purity and Piety.
Among the Hereticks that infeſted the Church, there aroſe at this Time
The Cainites. a Sect, callid Cainites, a Branch of the Nicolaitans, ſo calld after the Name
of Cain; who they ſaid, was formd by a celeſtial and almighty Power, Zren
and Abel by one weak and inferior. They had abominable Opinions, and
held that the Way to be ſav’d, was to make Trial of all manner of
Things, and ſatisfie their Luſts with all wicked Actions: They feign'd
a great Number of Angels, to whom they gave barbarous Names, attri.
buting to each a particular Sin; and when they were about any wicked
Action, they invok'd the Angel whom they ſuppos'd to preſide over it.
They compos'd a Book called, St. Paul's Aſcenſion to Heaven; and an-
other, intituled, The Gospel according to St. Judas; both containing many
horrid Blaſphemies. They had a particular Veneration for Cain, Eſau,
Core, and the Sodomites-;. but eſpecially for Judas, becauſe his Treacheries
occaſion’d ſo great a Bleſſing as the Death of Jeſus Christ.
In the mean Time, the Emperor Trajan proceeded in the publick Dicono
Adminiſtration with no leſs Wiſdom than Clemency, and in all Things
laudably, except in relation to Chriſtianity. And now being excited with
Trajan's
. Suc- an eager Thirſt after Glory, he reſolv'd to extend the Bounds of the
ceffes in Da- Roman Empire by the Force of his Arms ; beginning his firſt Enterprize
againſt the Dacians, a barbarous People on the North-ſide of the River
Danube, who had frequently moleſted the Romans in the Reign of Domi-
tian. Marching with a powerful Army into thoſe Countries, he was
vigorouſly oppos'd by King Decebal us, which occaſion d a very ſevere and
bloody War; but Decebalus being no longer able to protract the War, was
forc'd to a general Battel, wherein Trajan by. his Skill and Valour over-
threw him, with exceeding Loſs to the Dacians, and no ſmall Slaughter
to the Romans, who wanted even Linnen to bind up their Wounds. This
occafion'd the Emperor out of a generous Pity to tear his own Robes and
Veſtments, towards the ſupplying that Defect; and for thoſe who dy'd
honourably, he order'd Altars to be ere&ted, and Sacrifices to be yearly
offer'd to their Memory. Trajan purſu'd his Victory with ſo much
Diligence, that Decebalus, almoſt reduc'd to Deſpair, humbly implor'd
Peace, and offer'd to accept of any Articles that the Emperor ſhou'd
propoſe; which were in a ſhort Time confirm'd,after Decebalus had folemn-
ly proſtrated himſelf to the Earth, and publickly acknowledg’d himſelf
his Victim and Vaſſal. This ended the firſt Dacian War, in the fourth Year
of his Reign, for which he both obtain'd the Surname of Dacius, and
a ſolemn Triumph, which was attended for many Days after with all
manner of publick Games and Spectacles in the City. But theſe publick
A.D. 102. Rejoycings did not divert the Emperor from doing of Juſtice, nor from
the Care of the Government; for ſhortly after he proceeded to niany
other Regulations in the State : Particularly, he forbad all Advocates
His Regula-
to receive Fees, or any Promiſe before a Cauſe was pleaded; and like-
wiſe reſtraind the exorbitant Expences, Bribes and other Corruptions,
in the Election of Magiſtrates. In all which, and many other Acts of
Reformation, he proceeded with the utmoſt Diſregard to Danger, giving
many ſignal Inſtances of his fearleſs and open Diſpoſition; particularly,
in his great Confidence ſhew'd to his Friend and Favourite Sura. For ſome
Perſons, who envy'd his great ſhare of the Emperor's Friendſhip, us'd all
Methods to blaſt his Reputation, and render him ſuſpected to his Maſter
accuſing him even of forming a Deſign againſt his Life. But Trajan, to
Thew how much he rely'd upon the Fidelity of his Friend, having received
an Invitation to Sup with him, went freely and unconcern’dly; then
purpoſely ſending back all his Guards, he order'd Sura's Phyſician and
Barber
Traj. 5.
cions,
ز
Chap. I.
291
TRAJAN the 14th Rom. Emp.
Life, he
ܪ
Dion:
Afia. .
War in Dacia.
Barber to be brought to him, commanding tlie former to take off his Hair
about his Eye-brows, and the latter to have off his Beard; after which
he bath'd himſelf, and remain'd ſecurely among Sura's Friends and Com-
panions. Upon this Trial he return'd to his Palace, and recounting all
Circumſtances, told the Accùſers, That if Sura had any Deſigns against his
gave him the fairest and Safest Occaſion to execute them; and that
his neglect of it, was a plain Indication that no ſuch Deſign was ever
form’d.
Another Favourite of this Emperor's was the Famous Pliny the A. D. 103.
Younger, who in the ſame Year that the Perſecution began, had pro- Traj. 6.
nounc'd in the Senate-Houſe a moſt celebrated Panegyrick upon all his
Virtues and Excellencies. In Reward of which, he made him Governor Pliny ſent into
of all Pontus and Bythinia in Aſia Minor, together with the City of
Byzantium, not as an ordinary Proconſul, but as his own Lieutenant
with extraordinary Power. He arriv'd at his Government about the
17th Day of September, in the ſixth Year of the Reign of Trajan; being
order'd by him not only to examin into the publick Revenues and
Charges, but alſo to write to him concerning any remarkable Accidents
under his Care, and any Difficulties he ſhou'd find. In the ſame Year the
Famous Juſtin Martyr was born ; and in the following, the golden Palace A. D. 104.
of Nero was burnt down, which Orofius ſays, was a Judgment for the Traj. 7.
Perſecution of the Chriſtians; the Divine Juſtice puniſhing Trajan's Crime
upon the Work of him who gave the firſt Example. In the ſame Year Trajan's ſecond
Trajan was particularly employ'd in the ſecond Dacian War; which was
begun by Decebalus, who being unable to endure Subjection and Servitude,
made all poſſible Preparations againſt the Roman Empire. Trajan was no
leſs vigorous on the other ſide, and to proſecute the War, and to ſhew his
Power and Grandeur, he in a ſhort ſpace built a Bridge over the ſpacious
River Danube, for the Convenience of his Forces, being all of ſquare Stone
of wonderful Beauty, and one of the moſt ſtately and magnificent Works
of that nature in the World. This Bridge conſiſted of twenty Piles, each His wonderful
60 Foot in Thickneſs, and 150 in Height, beſides the Foundation, which
ſupported twenty noble Arches of 170 Foot each; ſo that the whole
length was above 4600 Foot, a ſtupendious Fabrick, conſidering the ſhort
Time of its Building, the almoſt inſuperable Difficulties of laying ſo vaſt
a Foundation in a River extremely deep, with an owzy Bottom, and a
contracted Stream, rapid to a Miracle. This may be one Proof of the
Wealth and Greatneſs of the Roman Empire, and of Trajan in particular ;
Thewing that nothing was too bold and difficult for that Prince to attempt
and effect:
II.
During theſe Preparations, the Perſecution ſtill rag'd in ſeveral The Perfecution
Parts of the Empire, but eſpecially in the Provinces of Pontus and By-
thinia, where Pliny was Governor ; who ſeeing vaft Multitudes of
Chriſtians indicted by others, and preſſing on of themſelves to Execution,
and that to puniſh all that acknowledgʻd tliemſelves Chriſtians, wou'd be
in a manner to lay waſt his Provinces, thought it neceſſary to write to
the Emperor himſelf about this Matter, to know his Pleaſure in the Caſe.
His Letter, after the Preface, runs thus : I have never been formerly Pliny writes in
preſent at the Examination and Trial of Chriſtians, and therefore knowo not favour of the
the Nature of the Crime, how far it is puniſhable, and how to proceed in theſe
Enquiries. Nor was I a little at a loſs, whether regard ought to be had to
Difference of Age ; whether the Weak and Young were to be diſtinguiſh'd from
the more Strong and Aged; whether place were to be allow'd for Repentance,
and whether it might be of any Advantage to him, who once was a Chriſtian,
Oo 2
Bridge.
Still rages.
Chriſtians
tö
292
Book III.
Cent. II.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
But there
to ceaſe to be ſo; whether the Name alone without other Crimes, or the Crimes
that attend the Name, ought to be puniſhd? In the mean time, I have us’d
tbis Method with ſuch as have been brought before me as Chriſtians : I first
demanded of them, whether they were Chriſtians ? Upon Confeſſion, I
repeated the Queſtion, threatning Puniſhment; and if they perfifted, I com-
manded them to be executed. For I did not at all doubt, but that, whatever
their Profeſſion was, their Stubborneſs and inflexible Obſtinacy ought to be
puniſhd. Others who were guilty of the Same Madneſs, becauſe they were
Roman Citizens, I adjudg’d to be tranſmitted to Rome. While Things thus
proceeded, the Error, as is uſual, ſpreading farther, more Cafes did occurr :
A nameleſs Libel was preſented, containing the Names of many.
denying themſelves ever to have been Chriſtians, when after my Example they
had invocated the Gods, and offer'd Wine and Incenſe to your Statue, which for
that Purpoſe I commanded to be brought with he Images of the Gods; and had
likewiſe blafphem'd Chriſt, (which 'tis ſaid, no true Chriſtian can be compellid
to do) I diſmiſs’d them. Others mention'd in the Libel confeſs’d themſelves
Chriſtians, but immediately deny'd it; that they had indeed been ſuch, but
that they had renounc'd it; ſome three years ſince, others many years, and
one twenty five Years : All which paid their Reverence to your Statue and the
Images of the Gods, and blafphem'd Chriſt. They affirm'd, that the whole
Sum of that Sect or Error lay in this, that they were wont upon a ſet ſolemn
Day to meet together before Sun-riſe, and to ſing among themſelves a Hymn
to Chriſt, AŠ A GOD, and oblige themſelves by a Sacrament, not to
commit any Wickedneſs, but to abſtain from. Theft, Robbery, Adultery, to
keep Faith, and to reſtore any Pledge intruſted with them; and that after that
they retired, and met again at a common Medl, in which was nothing extra-
ordinary, nor criminal : Which Meetings they have laid aſide, after I had
publiſh'd an Edict, forbidding , according to your Order, all Heteriæ or un-
lawful Aſſemblies. To fatisfy my ſelf in the Truth' of this, I commanded
two Maidens called Deaconefles, to be examined upon the Rack; but I
perceiv'd nothing but a lewd and immoderate Superſtition, and therefore ſur-
ceafing any farther Proceſs, I have ſent to beg your Advice. For the Cafe
feemid to me worthy of Conſultation, eſpecially conſidering the great Numbers in
danger : For very many of all Ranks, Ages and Sexes are and will be callid in
queſtion ;.the Contagion of this Superſtition having overſpread not only Cities,
but Towns and Country-Villages, which yet seems poffible to be ſtopt and cured.
It is very evident that the Temples, which were almost left defolate, begin
now to be frequented, that the holy Solemnities long' neglected are now revived,
and that Sacrifices are from all Parts brought to be ſold , which hitherto
found but few to purchaſe them. Whence 'tis eaſy to conjecture, what Multi-
tudes of Perſons might be reclaim'd, if place be allow'd for Repentance.
By this Letter we may eaſily diſcover the Malice of the Pagans, as well
as the Innocency of the Chriſtians; and by this Account' we alſo find, that
tho' the Severity of the Perſecution might tempt fome to apoftatize, yet
ſo vaſt was the Number of the Chriftiäns in thoſe Parts, that this Great
Man knew not how to deal with them. To direct him therefore in this
Affair, the Emperor Trajan return'd this following Refcript. As to the
Trajan's Ar. Manner of your Procedure, my Secundus, in examining the Cauſes of thoſe
wer. who have been brought before you for being Cliriitians, you have taken the
Courſe which you ought to take : For no certain and general Law can be fo formºd,
as ſhall provide for all particular Cafesi. Let them not be sought for, but if
they be accus’d and conộicted, let them be punifhid : Yet ſo, that if any
denies himſelf to be a Chriſtian, and gives evidence of it by facrificing to
our Gods, tho heretofore he has been fufpected, let him be pardon d upon his
Repenfance. But as for Libels publiſh'd without the Author's Names, let them
1
)
708
Chap. I.
293
TRAJAN the 14" Rom. Emp.
C
C
bion.
not be valid as to the Crimes they charge; for that were an ill Precedent,
and contrary to the Uſage of our Reign. Tertullian, ſpeaking of this Impe-
rial' Edict, calls it, A Sentence confounded by a Itrange Neceſſity : It
' allows them not to be ſought for, as if they were innocent, and yet
commands them to be puniſh’d, as if they were guilty': It ſpares and
rages, dillembles, and yet puniſhes. Why does he entangle himſelf in
- his own Cenſure? If he condemns them, why does he not hunt them
out? If he thinks they ought not to be ſearch'd out, why does he not
acquit them? Here Tertullian is obſerv'd to argue more like an Orator,
than
a Logician: For Trajan might be unwilling the Chriſtians ſhou'd be
nicely hunted out, and yet not think them innocent : He cou'd not find
them guilty of any enormous Crime, but only of a novel Superſtition ;
and therefore, while they conceald themſelves, did not think it reaſonable
that they ſhou'd be left to the Malice and Rapine of buſy Under-Officers.
But however it was, the Keeneſs of their Enemies Fury by this means was The Perfecutioi
taken off; and tho' the Popular Rage might in ſome particular Places abated.
ſtill continue, yet the general Force and Rigour of the Perſecution did
abate and ceaſe.
In the mean Time Trajan, purſuing new Glories, continu'd his Dacian A. D. 105.
Expedition with great Vigour
, ſhewing himſelf a moſt expert and yaliant Traj. 8.
Commander; and notwithſtanding the Country was large and wild, and
the Inhabitants fierce and hardy, he totally ſubdued the whole , dif- Trajan con-
cover'd much Treaſure, and reduc'd King Decebalus to ſuch Extremities, quers all D:-
that to eſcape falling into the Romans Hands, he ſlew himſelf. His Head cia.
was immediately ſent to Rome, and the whole Country of Dacia was
added to the Roman Empire, and reduc'd into a regular Province';. in
which Country Trajan built many Cities and Towns, and ſent ſeveral
Colonies, being now in the eighth Year of his Reign. After which he
return’d to Rome with great Honour and Renown, and enter'd the City His Honours:
a ſecond Time in folemn Triumph, which was ſucceeded with infinite
Variety of Shews and Games , with many magnificent Feaſts and Enter-
tainments, for Joy of his Return and Victories. Theſe were more pom-
pous than any before this Time, continuing 123 Days ſucceſſively; in
which fometimes ten thouſand Beaſts, both wild and tame, were encaun-
ter'd and flain in a Day, accompany'd with a' valt Number of Gladiators
Prizes, and other Paganiſh and ſuperſtitious Cuſtoms. The Name and Ge-
nerofity of this Emperor became ſo celebrated through the World, thát at
this Time Ambaffadors from the very Indies, and ſeveral diſtant Nations
came to ſue for his Alliance, acknowledging him to be their Lord and Su-
perior. Fired with theſe Honouts, and thirſting after new Conqueſts, he
A.D. 106.
reſolv'd upon an Expedition into the Eaſt, againſt the Armenians and Par-
thians, taking Occaſion from the King of Armenia's receiving his Crown Traj
. 9.
from the Hands of the King of Parthia, and acknowledging him his Su- Eastern Expe-
perior ; whereas that King ought to have receiv'd his Authority from dition.
Rome, according to former Articles. Having made all due Preparations,
he parted from Italy in O&tober, in the 9th Year of his Reign; and paſſing
through Athens, and the Lefſer Aſia, arriv'd at Seleucia, near Antioch in Sy-
ria, towards the End of December.
About this Time flouriſh'd 'Papias
, Biſhop of Hierapolis ini Phrygia, and Papias Biſhop of
one of St. John's Difciples; a Perſon ſufficiently noted for his Writings Hierapolis:
and Opinions. He wrote five Books incituled, The Explications of our
Lord's Diſcourſes; but at preſent we have only ſome few Fragments of
them in the works of other Authors. He was the chief that promoted
the famous Opinion concerning the temporal Reign of Jeſus Chriſt, which
they ſuppos'd fhou'd happen on Earth a thouſand Years before the Day
f
294 Cent. II.
Book III.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
?
nans.
Trajan goes to
Antioch :
cius;
of Judgment, when the Elect ſhou'd be gather'd together, after the Re-
ſurrection, in the City of Jeruſalem, and then during that Space ſhou'd
enjoy all the Delights imaginable. This Opinion was much in Vogue for
The Millena- two or three Centuries, the Followers of it being term'd Millenarians
and Chiliaſtes; and it was not only held by the Hereticks, as the Cerinthians,
the Marcionites, the Montaniſts, the Meletians, and Apollinarians, but alſo
by many of the Catholicks and Martyrs, as Papias, Juſtin Martyr, Irenæus,
Nepos, Viitorinus, Lactantius, and Sulpicius Severus. So that St. Ferom durſt
not abſolutely condemn the Opinion ; but left it to the Determination of
God himſelf. That which gave moſt Credit to it was its being embracd
by Papias, who being a Diſciple of St. John, was ſuppos'd beſt to know his
Mind, as to the thouſand Years he mentions in his Revelation; but Eufe-
bius and fonie others have thought him a credulous Man, and of mean
Judgment in interpreting the Scripture, and therefore not much to be re-
ly'd on.
A.D. 107. Upon Thurſday the 7th Day of January, the Emperor Trajan arriv'd at At.
Traj. 10. Antioch, and enter'd that great City with the Pomps and Solemnities of Isnas
.
a Triumph ; and as his firſt Care was uſually about the Concerns of Re-
ligion, he began immediately to enquire into that Affair. He look'd
upon
it as an Affront to his other Victories to be conquer'd by Chriſtians, and
therefore began to revive his former Inquiſitiors againſt them. Where-
upon the brave Champion Ignatius, being in Fear for the Church of An-
tioch liis Charge, to protect that, fearleily preſented himſelf before the
Emperor, between whom there paſs’d a particular formal Diſcourſe, Tra-
He diputes jan admiring That he dared to tranſgreſs his Laws, while the good Man
with St. Igna-aſſerted his own Innocency, and the Power which God had given them over
evil Spirits, and that the Gods of the Gentiles were no better than Dæmons,
there being but one ſupreme Deity, who made the World, and his only be-
gotten Son Jeſus Chriſt
, who tho crucify'd under Pilate, had yet deſtroy'd him
that had the Power of Sin, that is, the Devil, and wou'd ruin the whole
Power and Empire of the Dæmons, and tread it under the Feet of thoſe who
carry'd God in their Hearts. The Iſſue of the Diſcourſe was, that he
was caſt into Priſon, where, as ſome report, he was ſubjected to the
moſt ſevere and mercileſs Torments, ſcourg'd with Plumbat &, oblig'd to
hold Fire in his Hands, while his Sides were burnt with Papers dip'd in
Oil, his Feet ſtood upon live Coals, and his Fleſh was torn with burning
Pincers. Having conquer'd all Torments, the Emperor pronounc'd the
And condemns final Senterice upon him, That being incurably over-run with Superſtition, he
him to the Sou'd be carry'd bound by Soldiers to Rome, and there thrown as a Prey to
Wild Beaſts at
the Wild-Beaſts. The pious Martyr heartily rejoic'd at the fatal Decree,
I thank thee, O Lord, cry'd he, that thou haſt condeſcended thus perfectly to
honour me with thy Love, and haſt thought me worthy with thy Apoſtle Paul to
be bound with Iron Chains. With that he cheerfully embrac'd his Chains,
and having fervently pray'd for his Church, and with Tears recommen-
ded it to the divine Care and Providence, he deliver'd up himſelf into
the Hands of his Keepers, ten Soldiers who were appointed to tranſport
him to the Place of Execution.
St. Ignatius's
Being accompany'd by two eminent Chriſtians callid Philo and Agathopus,
Fourny towards he was conducted on Foot to Seleucia, the place where St. Paul and Barna-
bas ſet ſail for Cyprus ; where going on board, after a tedious Voyage,
they arriv'd at Smyrna, and there landing, he went to ſalute Polycarp Bi-
ſhop of the Place, his old Fellow-Pupil under the Apoſtle St. John. Joy-
ful was the Meeting of theſe two holy Men, Polycarp being ſo far from
being diſcourag'd, that he rejoic'd in the other's Chains, and earneſtly
preſs'd him to a firm and final Perſeverance. All the Country alſo re-
Rome.
Rome.
pair'd
Chap. I
295
TRAJAN the 14th Rom. Emp.
C
C
liaris ;
pair'd to this City, efpecially the Biſhops, Presbyters and Deacons of the
Aſian Churches, to behold ſo venerable a Sight, to partake of the holy
Martyr's Prayers and Benediction, and to encourage him to hold on to
his Conſummation. To requite whoſe Kindneſs, and for their farther In-
ſtruction and Eſtabliſhment in the Faith, he wrote four Epiſtles from this
City to four ſeveral Churches : The firſt to the Epheſians, wherein he His Epifile to
teſtify'd his Joy in ſeeing Onefimus their Biſhop, exhorting them to live
the Epheſians;
' in perfect Unity, and in Obedience to their Biſhop and Presbyters, and
declaring the Diſobedient to be out of the Church, and depriv'd of the
celeſtial Food. Next he warn'd them of Hereſies, urging their belief
• of the Divinity and Incarnation of Jeſus Chriſt; and after that exhor-
ted them to pray for all Conditions of Men, frequently to aſſemble to
gether, and inviolably to preſerve Faith and Charity; affirming that
• the Devil was ignorant of the Virginity of Mary, of lier Child-birth,
and of the Death of our Lord; and concluding all with begging their
Prayers for him and the Church of Syria. He wrote his ſecond Epiſtle
to the Magneſians, whoſe City ſtood upon the River Meander, exhorting To the Magne-
• them to be obedient to their Biſhop Damas, to do nothing without him, fians ;
and to live in Unity; admoniſhing them to beware of vain Opinions,
not to live like Jews but Chriſtians, to believe in Jeſus Chriſt, the Word
of God not proceeding from Silence, but ſent from God the Father, and
our only Hope. At laſt he deſir'd them to remember him in their
Prayers. He wrote his third Epiſtle to the Trallians by Polybius their Bi-
ſhop, wherein he commended their Union and Submiſſion to their Biſhop, To the Tral-
Presbyters and Deacons, exhorting them to Perſeverance in this Union,
and to avoid Hereticks. Then he expounded tlie Orthodox Principles
• of the Catholick Church, that Jeſus Chriſt was born of the Virgin Mary,
' that he was really Man, that he actually ſuffer'd and dy'd, and not in
• Appearance, as ſome Hereticks affirm’d. The laſt Epiſtle that he wrote
from this City Smyrna was to the Romans, whither he was going, ' in To the Romans,
· which he gave them an Account of his preſent State and Condition, ex-
preſſing a moſt noble Zeal, and fervent Deſire of ſuffering Martyrdom
' for his dear Lord, beſeeching them not to take his glorious Crown from
him, by any Ways preventing his being expos’d to the Wild Beaſts in
· the Roman Ainphitheatre.
His Keepers a little impatient of their Stay at Smyrna, ſet ſail for Troas ;
where at his Arrival in the Month of September, he was not a little re-
freſh'd with the News he receiv'd of the Perſecution ceaſing in the Church
of Antioch, according to his conſtant Prayers to God. Hither ſeveral
Churches fent their Meſſengers to viſit and ſalute him, and hence lie
diſpatch'd three Epiſtles more: The firſt was wrote to the Philadel- To the Phila-
phians, ' congratulating their Union, exhorting them to avoid corrupt delphians ;
Doctrines, and adviſing them not to follow the Abertors of Schiſms
' and Diviſions, and to concur in every Thing with their Biſhop. Laſtly,
- he refuted the Arguments of ſuch as wou'd believe nothing but what
was written in the Old Teſtament, declaring that the Goſpel was the
· Perfection of what was prefigured in the old Law. His ſecond Epi-
ſtle was wrote to the Smyrnæans, from whom he had lately departed , To the Smys-
which he ſent with the former by Burrhus the Deacon, whom they and næans ;
the Epheſians had ſent to wait upon him. In this,' he confuted the
· Error of thoſe who deny'd the Humanity of Jeſus, and that he aſſum'd
a real Body; admoniſhing the Smyrnæans to avoid Diviſions, as the
Original of all Evil, to obey their Biſhop, to honour the Presbyters
' and Deacons, and to do nothing contrary to the Precepts of their
Biſhop, without whoſe Allowance, it was not lawful even to baptize,
C
C
C
• OP
1
296 Cent. II.
Book III.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
C
carp.
C
Rome.
Igna.
or to celebrate their Agape or Love-Feaſts. His laſt Epiſtle was as a pri-
And to Poly- vate Letter only to Polycarp, in which he gave him many excellent Rules
" and Inſtructions to behave himſelf as a Biſhop and Head of the Church,
to be continually vigilant and charitable, tender and affable, not deſpi-
ſing the meaneſt Perſons alive. Laſtly, he advis'd him to call a Synod,
' and to ordain a Biſhop to be ſent into Syria, where God had given
· Peace to the Church. Shortly after, from Troas they ſaild to Neapolis
in Macedonia, thence to Philippi, where they were entertain'd by the Chri-
ſtians of that Church with all imaginable Courteſie, and conducted for-
wards in their Journy. Hence they paſs'd on Foot through Macedonia
and Epirus, till they came to Epidamnum, a City of Dalmatia; where
again taking Ship, they fail'd through the Adriatick Sea, and arriv'd at
Rhegium in Italy, whence they directed their Courſe to Puteoli, Ignatius
deſiring, if it nright have been granted, thence to have gone by Land,
that he might have trac'd the ſame way, by which St. Paul went to Rome.
After a ſhort Stay at Puteoli, a proſperous Wind ſoon carry'd them to the
His Airival at Roman Port at the Mouth of the Tiber, a few Miles from Rome, whi-
ther the holy Martyr long'd to arrive, as much deſiring to be at
the End of his Race, as his wearied Keepers were to be at the End of their
Journy.
The Chriſtians at Rome daily expecting his Arrival, were come out to At.
meet him, and accordingly receiv'd him with equal Sentiments of Joy
and Sorrow; glad at the Approach of ſo great and good a Man, but
ſorry at his deſign'd Execution. But when ſome of them did but inti-
mate, That poſſibly the People might be taken off from defiring his Death,
he expreſs’d a pious Indignation, entreating them, To caſt no Rubs in
his Way, nor give the leaſt Hindrance to him, now he was haſtning to his
Crown. Being conducted to Rome, he was preſented to the Prefect of the
City; and while Preparations were making for his Martyrdom, he and
the other Chriſtians improv'd their Time to the moſt pious Purpoſes: He
pray'd with them and for them, heartily recommended the State of the
Church to the Protection of our bleſſed Saviour, and earneſtly ſolicited
Heaven, To ſtop the Perſecution that was begun, and bleſs the Chri-
ſtians with a true Love and Charity towards one another. That the
Puniſhment might be more pompous and publick, one of their ſolemn
Feſtivals, the Time of their Saturnalia, was pitch'd upon for his Execu-
tion; at which Times they uſually entertain'd the People with the bloody
Conflicts of the Gladiators, and the encountring of Wild Beaſts. Ac-
cordingly on the 20th Day of December, he was brought out into the
Amphitheatre, and agreably to his own Deſire, that he might have no
Grave but the Bellies of Wild Beaſts, the Lions were let looſe upon
His Martyrdom. him, whoſe roaring Allarm he entertain'd with no other Concern, than
with ſaying, That now as God's own Corn he ſhou'd be ground between
the Teeth of theſe Beaſts, and become pure Bread for his heavenly Ma-
ſter. Thus dy'd the great Ignatius, at a great Age, after he had been
Heron ſucceeds fole Biſhop of Antioch about 37 Years; being ſucceeded by Heron, an
kim in Antioch. eminent Perſon, who afterwards imitated him in laying down his Life
for his Flock. The remaining Bones of St. Ignatius were taken up by
thoſe who were Companions in his Journy, who tranſported them to
Antioch, where they were joyfully receiv'd and honourably entomb'd in
the Cæmetery without the Gate that leads to Daphne. Theſe have left
us a particular Account of this holy Man's Martyrdom, and farther aſſure
us, that the following Night, after they had pray'd to Heaven for Com-
{gnatius ap- fort and Aſſurance, falling into a Slumber, ſome of them ſaw this Mar-
tyr ſtanding by them and embracing them; others beheld him, as it were
ſweating,
12:19's to loss
fiicriits.
Chap. I.
297
TRAJAN the 14th Rom. Emp
1
Eufeb.
Sweating, and juſt coming from his great Labour, and ſtanding by God
with much Aſſurance and unſpeakable Glory. At to St. Ignatius's Epiſtles,
beſides the ſeven we have mention d, eight others have been attributed to
him, which all learned Men look upon as ſpurious; but for the Ge-
nuinets of the former, we muſt refer all doubtful Perſons to Bi-
ſhop Pearſon, Cotelerius, Du Pin, Ruinart, and Dr. Wake, who
have folidly anſwer'd all the Objections of Salmafius, Blondel, and
Daille.
This Year was not only memorable for the Martyrdom of St. Ignatius,
but alſo for that of another great Man, Simeon Biſhop of Jeruſalem, com-
monly callid The Brother of our Lord; occaſion'd principally by the Jea-
louſies of the Roman Emperors againſt the Line of David, and the Blood
Royal of the Houſe of Iſrael, which both Veſpaſian and Domitian had
endeavour'd to extirpate. This was a ſufficient Pretence to take off this
aged Biſhop; for ſome of the Sects of the Jews, not able to bear his
powerful Zeal in the Cauſe of his Religion, and finding no other Crime,
accus'd him to Atticus, at that Time Conſular Legat of Syria, for being
of the Poſterity of the Kings of Judah, and withal a Chriſtian. Where-
upon he was apprehended and brought before the Proconſul, who com-Simeon Biſhop
manded him for ſeveral Days together to be rack'd with the moſt ex-of Jeruſalem
tormented, and
quiſite Torments; all which he ſuſtain'd with ſuch a compos’d Mind and
martyrd.
invincible Patience, that the Proconſul and all preſent were amaz'd to
· ſee a Perſon, ſo extremely aged endure ſuch Tortures.
was commanded to ſuffer the fame Puniſhment with his Couſin German
according to the Fleſh, our bleſſed Lord; being crucify'd in the 120th
Year of his Age, having been Biſhop of Jerufalem about 45 Years, from
the Death of his Brother St. James : A longer Proportion of Time than
twelve of his immediate Succeflors cou'd make up; God probably length-
ning the Life of this Apoſtolical Man, that as a skilful Pilot he might
ſteer the Affairs of the Church in thoſe diſmal ſtormy Days. The La-
tines keep his Feaſt on the 18th Day of February, and the Greeks on
the 27th of April: And Euſebius intimates not only that he kept the Church
of Jeruſalem from Hereſies, but alſoʻthat his Death concluded the Apo-
ſtolical Age; or at leaſt of ſuch as were ſo happy as to be taught by the
immediate Mouth of Jeſus Chriſt.
III. About the Time of the Death of St. Ignatius, the holy Poly- A. D. 108.
carp made a Collection of his ſeven Epiſtles, and before he had heard
Traj. I 1.
the Manner and Particulars of his Martyrdom, at the Requeſt of the Phi-
lippians, he ſent them to that Church, prefixing an excellent Epiſtle of
his own, and highly valu'd by all the Ancients. In this Epiſtle he “ firſt st. Polycarp's
congratulated the Philippians for receiving the impriſon d Saints as they Epifile to the
Philippians.
ought, as Ignatius, Zoſimus and Rufus, whoſe Chains were the Crowns
of God's Elect. Then he extolld their Piety, exhorting them to pre-
• ſerve and encreaſe it more and more, about which he gave many ex-
' cellent Inſtructions; and farther taught them the Reality of our Sa-
' viour's Incarnation and Death, condemning thoſe who disbeliev'd the
• Reſurrection and future Judgment as the Firſt-born of Satan. But to
• Thew his Modeſty and Humility, he told them, That he took not the
* Liberty to write to them concerning Righteouſneſs, but by their own
'Incitement ; for he cou'd not pretend to come up to the Wiſdom of
· the bleſſed St. Paul, who had already been with them, and taught
them; confeſſing that he wanted a perfect Knowledge of ſeveral Things
' in the Holy Scriptures. He ſhew'd much Concern for the Fall of Va-
lens, one of their Presbyters, and alſo his Wife, being occafion'd by
Avarice;
C
C
Рp
298
Cent. II.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
Book III.
Primus the
Alexandria.
Trajan con-
Avarice; exhorting them nevertheleſs to pardon them, and to endeavour
to re-unite thoſe ſtray'd Members to the Body of the Church. At the
End of the Epiſtle he deſir’d to know a certain Account of Ignatius
' and his Companions; which ſhews the exact Time of writing this Epi-
ſtle, which he ſent by a Chriſtian callid Creſcens. This Epiſtle ſeems to
have a great Reſemblance both in Stile and Subſtance with St. Clement's
Epiſtle to the Corinthians, often ſuggeſting the ſame Rules, and uſing the
ſame Words and Phraſes ; ſo that it is not to be doubted but at the
writing of it he had that excellent Epiſtle in his Eye. In ſum, it is a
pious and truly Chriſtian Epiſtle, furniſh'd with ſhort and admirable Pre-
cepts and Rules of Life, and penn'd with the Modeſty and Simplicity of
the Apoſtolick Times, and was eſteem'd by the Ancients next to the
Writings of the holy Canon ; and St. Jerom tells us, that even in his
Time, this Epiſtle, as well as St. Clement's, was read in the publick Affem-
blies of the Aſian Church. It was written in the Beginning of the Year
108, in which Year St. Clement's Succeſſor Evariſtus, Biſhop of Rome, dy'd,
and as ſome ſay, was martyr'd, after he had held this Dignity about eight
Alexander I. Years; being ſucceeded by Alexander I. a Roman by Birth, and the fifth
the fifth Biſhop Biſhop of Rome after St. Peter and St. Paul, who continu'd in the Chair
of Rome.
about ten Years. In the ſame Year dy'd Cerdo Biſhop of Alexandria, after
eleven Years Continuance in that Office, and was ſucceeded by Primus,
fifth Bihop of or Aprimus, the fourth Biſhop of this City after St. Mark, who continu'd
about ten Years.
In the mean Time, the Emperor Trajan with wonderful Honour and Dion,
Succeſs purſu'd the Courſe of his Victories and Conqueſts in the Eaſt.
Having the laſt Year ſubdu'd all the Kingdom of Armenia, and reduc'd
quersArmenia
, the whole Country into a Province of the Empire ; he this Year march'd
Meſopotamia
. forwards with his powerful Troops, and firſt conquering the Dominions
of the King of Parthia, he then enter'd that opulent Country of Meſo-
potamia, where he took the City of Niſibis, and other places, and reduc'd
that Kingdom as he had Armenia and Parthia, to be a Province of the
Empire. In all which the King of Parthia was conſtrain'd to ſubmit,
after many Skirmiſhes, Encounters, Attacks, Sieges, and a thouſand no-
ble Acts perform’d by this Emperor; wherein le not only ſhew'd himſelf
a Perſon of amazing Courage and Induſtry, but likewiſe of no leſs
Conduct and Diſcipline. The Fame of his mighty Victories daily fillid
the Ears of the World, as well as of the Senate and People of Rome,
who order'd great Sacrifices and Thankſgivings to their Gods,
and conferr'd new Honours and Titles upon their Emperor, par-
ticularly the Surnames of Armenicus and Parthicus, before he re-
turn'd to the City. But the Time of his Return is not very cer-
tain.
For four ſucceeding Years we find nothing concerning the Actions of
Traj. 1 2. Trajan, and not much relating to the Affairs of the Church. But in
Barſımæus and the firſt of theſe we are told of the Martyrdom of Barſimaus Biſhop of
Edeſa in Meſopotamia ; and of that of Onefimus Biſhop of Epheſus, who
tyrid.
was ſton'd to Death at Rome; as alſo of the Deſtruction of three Cities
A.D. 110.
in Galatia, which were ſwallow'd up by an Earthquake. This laſt Ca-
lamity was not long after ſucceeded by another in Rome, the burning
Traj. 13. of the Pantheon by Lightning ; accounted a great Misfortune by the Ci-
Saturninus.
tizens. About which Time Saturninus or Saturnillus of Antioch began Epipá
to broach his Hereſies in ſeveral Parts of Syria, and to propagate the
Errors and Impieties of Simon Magus and his Maſter Menander, adding
ſome others of his own.
He affirm'd that the World and Men were made
by Angels, ſome of whom were naturally good, and others naturally evil
Thar
A.D. 109.
Onefimus inar-
Terin!
3
*
!
Chap. I.
299
TRAJAN the 14th Rom. Emp.
I
That the God of the Jews was one of the bad Angels, to deſtroy whom
Chriſt aflum'd a fantaſtical or fallacious Body. He deny'd the Reſurre-
etion of the Body, and ſaid that Marriage was inſtituted by ill Angels;
and by his Auſterity of Life, and Abſtinence from eating of Animals, he
impos'd upon great Numbers. About a Year or two after him, another A. D. III.
Diſciple of Menander's, calld Baſilides, broach'd his Hereſies in Alexan-A.D. 112.
dria, and in a ſhort Time infected the greateſt Part of Ægypt, becoming Traj. 15.
himſelf one of the Heads of the Gnoſtick Crew, which fo far prevaild, And Bafilides
that this Century is by many call’d Seculum Gnoſticum. This Perſon en-broach their
Here
fies.
larg‘d upon the Inventions of former Hereticks, and vented the moſt mon-
ſtrous and fabulous Fictions: He imagined a ridiculous Series of Gods
proceeding from one another, and from them Angels, who created each
a Heaven; making the Number of thoſe Heavens to amount to 365, to
anſwer the Number of the Days of the Year; adding, that the Angels
of the laſt Heaven created the Earth and the Men that inhabit it, and
that their Prince was the God of the Jews, who deſign'd to make all the
other People ſubject to him. But the Father, who he ſaid was never
born, and had no Name, ſent his Son to hinder this Injuſtice; which
Son appeard in the Shape of a Man, but was none, and the Jews put
Simon the Cyrenian to Death inſtead of him. For this Reaſon he held
that Men ought not to believe in Jeſus Chriſt crucify’d, but in him that
appear’d to be naild to the Croſs, tho' he was not ſo in Reality. He
deny'd the Reſurrection of the Body, permitted all carnal Luſts, and made
uſe of Images of Wax, and of all the Impieties of Magick; yet ſeem'd
ſo ſevere as to Morals, that he maintain’d that God wou'd pardon no Sins
but thoſe of Ignorance; but at the ſame Time he allow'd of no Puniſhment
but a Tranſmigration of Souls, according to Pythagoras, whom he fol-
low'd in ſeveral Particulars. He wrote 24 Books upon the Goſpel, but
what Goſpel we know not ; and Epiphanius and St. Jerom aſſure us,
that the "Hereſie of the Bafilidians was not extinguiſh'd in their
Times.
In the 16th Year of the Emperor Trajan's Reign, he dedicated a magni- A.D. 113.
ficent Place in Rome for the erecting a ſtately Column in Honour of all
his Acts; and being excited by a new Proſpect of Glories, in the following A.D. 114.
Year he undertook a ſecond Expedition into the Eaſt, againſt the Par- Traj. 17.
thians and other Nations. About the Beginning of which Wars there
befebo aroſe a falſe Propliet and Impoſtor in Paleſtine call'd Elxai or Elxaus, wlio Elxai the Impo-
joining himſelf with the Ebionites and Nazarenes, became the Author of ſtor, and his
a new Sect, holding ſtrange and uncertain Opinions concerning Chriſt.
Theſe were alſo call's Offenians and Sampſaans, and were ſo wild and
unſetled in their Notions, that they cou'd not properly be calld either
Jews or Chriſtians, tho' in ſeveral Particulars they agreed with both. They
follow'd the Jews in their Sabbath, Circumciſion, and the inferior Cere-
monies of the Law, but deteſted their Sacrifices, and their eating the Fleſh
of Animals ; As to Chriſtianity they affirm'd the Holy Ghoſt to be a Wo-
inan, and that Jeſus Chriſt had a human, but inviſible Body 66 Miles in
Height; with other ſuch Follies and Extravagancies. They rejected ſome
Things of every Part of the Scripture, but us’d ſeveral Texts both out
of the Old Teſtament and the New ; but allow'd of none of St. Paul's
Writings. They affirm'd it was an indifferent Thing to deny the Faith,
holding that upon Neceſſity a wiſe Man fhou'd abjure Chriſtianity with
his Mouth, but not with his Heart at the ſame Time. They al-
ſo carry'd about with them a Book, which they ſay fell down
from Heaven ; declaring that every perſon who heard it, and be-
liev'd it, ſhou'd obtain Remiſſion of Sins; a Remiſſion different
P p 2
from
Followers.
i
300
Book III.
Cent. II.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY,
:
A. D. 115.
from that which Jeſus Chriſt beſtow'd. This Sect ſpread it ſelf prin-
cipally in Paleſtine, about Jordan and the Dead Sea, and there
were ſome Remainders of it till the End of the fourth Cen-
tury.
In the mean Time, the Emperor Trajan proceeded in the famous Expe- Dion.
Traj. 18. peditions he had begun in the Eaſt and with great Difficulty and Bra-
very having paſs’d the great River Euphrates, couragiouſly advanc'd for-
wards, fubduing Cities and Caſtles in all Parts, and among the reſt the
great City Arbela in Aſſyria, where Alexander overthrew King Darius. And
continuing his ſucceſsful Progreſs, he conquer'd other Countries where the
Roman Standards had never before been diſplay'd; from whence without
any great Oppoſition, he advanc'd up to the Walls of the renowned City
Babylon ; and taking it by Force, he alſo ſubdu'd all its Territories, by
which Means he became intire Maſter of thoſe rich and noble Countries
Trajan conquers
Chaldæa and Allyria. Here he deſign’d to make a Cut from the River
Chaldæa and Euphrates to the Tigris, for the Conveniency of his Veffels and his Marches;
Aſſyria.
but finding the former River ſo much higher than the other, as to ren-
der one unnavigable, he mounted his Vefſels upon Land-Carriages, and
brought them to the Tigris; from whence he advanc'd to the great City
Ctefiphon, which he took, and open'd himſelf a Paſſage into Perſia, where
he ſtill made new Conqueſts, and gain'd new Dominions, to the Won-
der and Terror of all Nations. After this great Succeſs, he deſir'd to
repoſe himſelf for ſome few Days, and to paſs the Winter in Syria, where
diſpoſing his Army, he lodg’d himſelf in his chief City Antioch; to which
Place repair'd a numerous and ſplendid Concourſe of Kings, Potentates
and Ambaſſadors to attend this mighty Emperor. Continuing there in
all Pleaſures, and ſurrounded by a glorious Train of Monarchs and crown'd
Heads, his Ambition was abated by an Accident aſtoniſhing to the utmoſt
A dreadful Degree; a prodigious Earthquake, and the moſt dreadful that ever hap-
Earthquake. ned in any Age of the World. It was in a manner general;
and Antioch felt the greateſt Share of its Fury, it beginning with an ama-
zing Storm and Whirlwind, which overthrew infinite Numbers of Trees
and Houſes, and brought down the Birds to the Earth, being ſucceeded
by ſuch dreadful Lightnings and Tremblings, that it ſeem'd as tho the
World was all in Flames, and the Earth open’d to devour all human
Kind. Many Cities in the Eaſt were ruin'd, many Hills and Mountains
ſunk and became level, many Rivers were dry'd up, and many Waters
and Fountains ſprung up in new Places. In the City of Antioch almoſt
all the Palaces and Buildings were intirely demoliſh'd, and many thou-
ſands of people ſlain, particularly Pedo the preſent Conſul; and the Em-
peror himſelf was in great Danger of his Life, eſcaping by a ſudden leaping
out of a Window into the Fields, where he was conſtrainºd to remain for
many Days in Tents. Some write that he was held in the Air by an un-
known Hand for ſome Space; and it is believ'd by many, that theſe Cala-
mities were Inſtances of the divine Diſpleaſure for the Severities us'd againſt
the Chriſtians; and that theſe caus'd fome Remorſe in Trajan's Mind, and
diſpos d him to a better Opinion of that Religion in the reſt of his
Reign. Beſides theſe, we are told that Tiberianus, Governor of Paleſtine,
ſent the Emperor an Account, That he was wearied out in executing the Laws
againſt the Galilæans, who crouded to Execution in ſuch Multitudes, that he
was at a Loſs how to proceed: Upon which Trajan gave Command, That no
particular Inquiſition ſhou'd be made after the Chriſtians, tho’ if any offer'd
themſelves they shor'd ſuffer. But this Account, for Want of ſufficient An-
tiquity and Authority is doubted by ſeveral.
but Syria
The
Chap. I. TRAJAN the 14th Rom. Emp. 301
I
Dion.
Enfib.
Barbarities.
Parts, he boaſted of greater Conqueſts than Alexander, and ſent the
The Rosgan Empire did not only ſuffer by the Puniſhments ſent imme-
Orijins. diately from Heaven, but alſo by thoſe from Men about the fame Time :
For the Jeps, who had been diſpers'd into all Parts of the World, fell into
a dreadful Rebellion in ſeveral Provinces of the Empire ; taking occaſion
firſt from Trajan's diſtant Expeditions in the Eaſt, and afterwards from A.D. 116.
the terrible Earthquakes, which, as they believ'd, portended the Ruin and Traj. 19.
Downfal of the Roman Power. Having enter'd into a dark Conſpiracy, tlicy The Jews Re-
exerted their utmoſt Malice, and made incredible Slaughters, and bar- bellion and
barous Maſſacres upon Romans and Greeks of all Ranks and Degrees,
without either Diſtinction or Mercy. This Rebellion began firſt in Cyrene,
a Roman Province in Africa, and ſhortly after in Ægypt, and next in the
Iſland of Cyprus; which Places, eſpecially the firſt and laſt, they in a
inanner diſpeopled, ſo great and boundleſs was their obſtinate Fury. Their
Cruelties and Barbarities were ſo outrageous, that they proceeded to
devour Mens Fleſh, beſmeard themſelves with their Blood, wore their
Skins, ſaw'd them aſunder, caſt them to wild Beaſts, made them kill each
other, and put them to all Kinds of Torments. Beſides the Maſſacres
they made in ſeveral Parts of Ægypt, in the Province of Cyrene they
deſtroy'd to the Number of 220000 Perſons, and no leſs than 240000 in
Cyprus; the former under their Commander Lucuas or Andrew, and the
latter under Artemion. The Emperor Trajan, ſtill in his Eaſtern Expe-
dition , finding the pernicious Effects of theſe Barbạrities, in a great
Rage reſolv’d to purſue thoſe impious Wretches throughout his Domi-
nions, not as Enemies or Rebels, but as Creatures noxious and deſtru-
ctive to Human Society, with a Revenge anſwerable to the Vaſtneſs of
their Crimes; which he ſpeedily effected, under the Conduct of ſeveral
Commanders both by Sea and Land, among whom Marcius Turbo was
chief. Theſe, after many cruel and bloody Hoſtilities, ſeverely chaſtis'd The are de
that Obſtinate and Rebellious Nation, whom God had now forſaken,
feated and
chaſtiſed
leaving them to be treated as the Venom and Peſts of Mankind, and to be
deſtroy'd like Beaſts in infinite Numbers, by all kinds of Deaths ; which
prov'd the moſt terrible Execution and Puniſhment, that ever hapned to
any Nation in the World. The furious Behaviour of the Jews in Cyrene
and Cyprus, caus’d the Emperor to ſuſpect their Brethren in Meſopotamia;
and
upon
that order'd L. Quintius to baniſh all out of that Country; which
was ſoon effected, with the additional Deaths of great Numbers by Acts
of Hoſtility. And becauſe the Cruelties of the Jews were moſt notorious in
Cyprus, partly for the Security of the Cypriots, and partly to brand the
Jews with perpetual Infamy, it was publickly enacted, That no Jew, tho'
driven by Tempeſts, shou'd preſume to ſet foot in Cyprus, upon Pain of
immediate Execution, as already condemnd by his very Appearance on that
Soil, which had been tainted with the deadly Venom of his Country-men,
In the midſt of theſe Calamities, Trajan ſtill purſued his Victories, and
paſſing down the River Tigris into the Perſian Gulf, enter'd the vaſt
Oriental Ocean, emulating the Actions of Alexander, and pretending to
make a Conqueſt of the Indies. And when he was far diſtant from thoſe
Din
Names of ſeveral ſubdued Nations to the Senate, hitherto unknown to
the Romans; for which he obtain'd a Triumphal-Arch, and many new Trajan die
additional Honours. But God thought fit before his Death a little to
eclipfe his Glories, and to mortifie his Ambition; for now many of his
Conqueſts were chang’d and revolted, and the Gariſons he had left be-
hind', either turn'd out, or cut in pieces. However, by his great
Vigour and Induſtry he recover’d moſt of them, and ſet a King over the
Parthians. But in the following Year, and 20th of his Reign, going to
beſiege
302
Book III.
Cent. II.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
ment.
His Death.
A.D. 117.
beſiege a Town call’d Atra, near Arabia, he met with a great Diſappoint-
Here he diſguis'd himſelf, and headed a Body of Horſe up to the
Walls; but was repellid with great Loſs, and Danger of his Perſon: And,
as if God himſelf fought againſt him, it thunder'd and lightned, Rain-
bows appear'd in the Clouds, Storms of Hail and Wind fell
upon
the
Romans when they made their Attacks, and the Flies render'd their Provi-
ſions nauſeous. So that this great Emperor was conſtrain’d to retire
with Diſhonour, and abandon the Siege. Not long after he fell into a
Diſtemper, which he believ'd to be occaſion’d by Poyſon ; and being in-
vited Home by the Senate, who had prepar'd a ſolemn Triumph for him,
he took his Journy towards Italy, leaving his Couſin Adrian Commander
of his Army in Syria. But coming into the Province of Cilicia in the
Leſſer Aſia, he found himſelf weak and declining; and his Diftemper in-
creaſing, he order'd himſelf to be carry'd to the City of Seleucia, where
within a few Days after he dy’d: A Prince of moſt ſhining Virtues,
and had he not been ſtain'd with his Severities againſt the Chriſtians,
might have been eſteem'd the moſt matchleſs Monarch in all the Pagan
World; which afterwards occaſion'd the Fable of his Soul being releas'd
out of Hell by the Prayers of Pope Gregory the Great. He dy'd in the
Year 117, on the 8th day of August, under the Conſulſhips of Niger and
Apronianus, being in the 63d Year of his Age, and having reign'd
19 Years, 6 Months, and 15 Days.
IV. The Emperor Trajan leaving no Iſſue behind him, his Death
ADRIAN was conceal’d for a Time, till Ælius Hadrianus his Nephew had founded
The fifteenth the Inclinations of his Army, and Trajan's Widow Plotina the Nobility
Roman Empe- of Rome ; and upon the Diſcovery ſhe produc'd a forg’d Inſtrument, im-
porting, That Trajan had adopted Adrian for his Son and Succeſſor. This
Artifice ſo well ſucceeded, that the Deſign took effect, and the Army im-
mediately ſwore Obedience to Adrian; and in Conſideration of his Abilities
and Relation to Trajan, he was not long after acknowledg’d by the Senate
and People of Rome. This Emperor, as well as the laſt, was a Spaniard
by Birth, and now about 40 Years of Age; being a Perſon of admirable
Parts and Qualifications, and ſcarce any Prince in the World was ever
His Excellen- more remarkable for the Excellency and Variety of his Endowments. He
was capable of comprehending whatſoever he deſired, and was highly
skilful in all Exerciſes both of Body and Mind; wanting no Strength nor
Abilities either for Arms or Learning, in which he induſtrioully en-
deavour'd to excel all Men. He compos'd excellently in Proſe and
Verſe, pleaded Cauſes, and became perfect in Oratory; was a ſingular
Matheniatician, and no leſs skilful in Phyſick, knowing the Virtues and
Properties of all Plants and Minerals. In Drawings and Paintings he was
equal to the greateſt Maſters, and arriv'd at the utmoſt Perfection in
Muſick; being a munificent Encourager of all ſorts of Learned Men and
Artiſts. Beſides all he had a Memory beyond Belief, and cou'd exactly
retain all Places, Buſineſſes, and Soldiers, calling them all by their Names,
tho' long abſent; and moreover was of ſuch Capacity, that he cou'd
Write, Indite, and Conferr of Buſineſs all at one Inſtant. In fine, le
ſuffer'd nothing to eſcape his Knowledge and Curioſity; and he is ſaid to
have been as much Maſter of all Arts and Sciences, as almoſt any ſingle
Man cou'd be of one. His extream Curioſity alſo led him into all kinds
of Divinations, Magick and Superſtition; and as St. Jerom obſerves. he
was admitted into almoſt all the Religious Myſteries of Greece. His
Behaviour was extraordinary, freely converſing with Men of Reputation,
tho’of mean Rank, viſiting them in their Sickneſs twice or thrice in a
Day,
cies.
Chap. I.
303
ADRIAN the 15th Rom. Emp.
Day, and treating them with all the Kindneſs and Familiarity of Compa-
nions; and he deſpis’d ſuch as wou'd envy him a Pleaſure ſo ſenſible to him,
upon the Pretence of maintaining the Port and Grandeur of an Emperor.
His Clemency appear'd in his ready pardoning all paſt Injuries, ſo that
having once met a Perſon who had offended him, he ſaid, You have
eſcapd, ſince I am made Emperor; and afterwards, when a Servant ran
madly upon him with his Sword, he took no farther Notice of the Action,
than to order him a Phyſician to cure his Phrenſy. Yet notwithſtanding
all his uncommon Virtues and Qualifications, he was not free from great
Vices and Imperfections, and he is obſerv'd to have had a ſtrange and And Failings,
unuſual Mixture of both, ſo as to ſeem to reconcile moſt Vices with
their contrary Virtues. For in the midſt of all his Excellencies, he was
noted to be proud and vain-glorious, envious and detracting, cruel and
revengeful; and notwithſtanding all his Favours, he bore a ſecret Hatred
to Men of more than ordinary Ingenuity and Learning. He was inqui-
ſitive and prying into the Secrets even of the meaneſt Families, and was
ſo ready to hearken to Whiſperers and Sycophants, that the Eſtates and
Lives of his greateſt Friends became often endanger’d. However, he had
a peculiar Faculty of commanding and governing his Affections, and by
a mighty Artifice and Addreſs cover'd over his infolent, envious, fullen
and wanton Diſpoſition.
Not long after the Death of Trajan, when the Roman Empire was in
its utmoſt Extent above 4000 Miles in length, Adrian in a great Meaſure
abandon'd Parthia and the other Eaſtern Provinces which Trajan had con-
quer'd; judging Media, Meſopotamia, Parthia, and the reſt of thoſe diſtant
Countries, to be of greater Inconvenience to the Empire, than Advantage;
and for the better Security of other Places, he made Euphrates the Boundary
and Barrier in thoſe Parts, and plac'd his Legions about the Banks of
that River. Having thus ſetled the Affairs of the Eaſt, and ſuppreſsd ſome
Diſturbances lately rais'd by the Jews, he took his Journy by Land towards
Italy, and ſent the Aſhes of Trajan by Sea. Upon his nigh Approach to A.D. 118.
Rome, he was inform’d, That a Magnificent Triumph was prepared for
Hadri.
him, in the ſame manner as was provided for his Uncle Trajan, as being
Companion in the ſame Wars and Conqueſts. But he wholly refus'd that
Honour, judging himſelf not worthy of it; and order'd that the ſame
Triumph and Entertainment ſhou'd be given to the Image of Trajan; all Trajan's Tri.
which was perform’d with wonderful Pomp and Solemnity: And it is umph, after his
obſerv'd, That he was the only Man that ever triumph'd after he was
dead. His Aſhes were plac'd in a golden Urn, upon the Top of a noble
Pillar 140 Foot high, of curious Workmanſhip, repreſenting the Parti-
culars of all his great Exploits, which remains to this Day; and beſides
their deifying him after the Roman Cuſtom, in Honour of him, they
inſtituted new Games callid Parthica, which continu'd in Rome for many
Ages. Shortly after Adrian's Entrance into Rome, he took an Oath never to Adrian's Gene;
puniſh a Senator, but by the very Sentence of the Senate; and that he roſity,
might omit nothing that was kind and generous, he forgave an infinite
Number of Debts due to the Exchequer from private Perſons in the City
and Country, burning the Bonds and Regiſters of them in the publick
Forum. He much recommended himſelf by ſeveral Acts of Generoſity and
Moderation; particularly, he increas'd the Allowance which by Trajan
had been given to the Maintenance of great Numbers of poor Children,
relieving likewiſe many decay'd Noble-men and Senators, whoſe Misfor-
tunes proceeded from no viſible Fault of theirs.
In the ſame Year, and ſecond of Adrian's Reign, Alexander Biſhop
of Rome, dy'd, and as ſome fay, was Martyr'd, after he had held this
Dignity
1
2
304 Cent. II.
Book III.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
Rome.
andria.
Spart.
Dignity about ten Years; being ſucceeded by Sixtus I, or Xiſtus, a Roman
Sixtus .. the by Birth, and the ſixth Bilhop of Rome after St. Peter and St. Paul. About
fixth Bishop of
the ſame Time dy'd Primus Biſhop of Alexandria, after ten Years con-
Juſtus the ſixth, tinuance in that Office, and was
ſucceeded by Juſtus, a Perſon of celebrated
Biſhop of Alex- Piety, the fifth Biſhop of this City after St. Mark, who continu'd about
11 Years. The two Churches of Rome and Alexandria flouriſh'd in the
midſt of the greateſt Oppoſition ; but that of Athens, having loſt its Biſhop
Publiws under Trajan's Perſecution, fell into a low Condition, and the
People for want of a Head and Governor , grew cold and languid,
wanting but little of a total Apoſtaſie from the Chriſtian Faith. Till about
this Time that excellent Man Quadratus, a learned Auditor and Diſciple
Quadratus
of the Apoſtles, being conſtituted Biſhop of the Place, ſet himſelf with
made Biſhop a mighty Zeal to retrieve the ancient Spirit of Religion, and by a
of Athens.
happy Management re-eſtabliſh'd Order and Diſcipline, and kindled and
blew up their Faith into a lioly Flame. Nor did he content himſelf with
a bare Reformation of what was amiſs, but with infinite Diligence
Preach'd the Faith, and by daily Converts enlarg’d the Bounds of the
Church; ſo that he obtain'd the particular Title of an Evangelist. This
Quadratus was a Man of extraordidary Parts and Abilities, and being
cotemporary with Philip's Virgin-Daughters, was endu'd with the ſame
Prophetick Gifts, as Euſebius teſtifies; who alſo ranks him with the Chief
of the Apoſtles Succeffors, and ſhews him to have been the firſt Apologist
of the Chriſtian Religion. Valerius, and ſome others after him, lave
that thought that Quadratus the Apologiſt and the Biſhop of Athens, were
two diſtinct Perſons, living in different Times; but their Arguments have
been anſwer'd by Dr. Cave, in his Life of this holy Man.
The Emperor Adrian had not been very long in Rome, before ſeveral Dio.
A.D. 119. of the Northern Nations, as the Alanes, Sarmatians and Dacians, began
Hadri. to make Devaſtations in the Roman Empire. Againſt theſe barbarous
People the Emperor himſelf march'd with a very powerful Army; but
cian Expedi- upon his near Approach, the Name of Adrian, the Lieutenant of Trajan,
brought them to a Submiſſion; and the better to prevent their future
Incurſions, he broke down the famous Bridge that Trajan had built over
the Danube. In this Expedition, a Conſpiracy was diſcover'd againſt his
Perſon, which occaſion'd the Execution of four Conſular Men; which
Execution was diſow’nd by the Emperor , as done without his Conſent
and Approbation. Wherefore leaving Turbo Governor of Pannonia and
Dacia, he return'd ſpeedily to Rome, to purge himſelf from the Infamy
and Envy of the Fact, making a large Diſtribution of Money among the
People, conferring great Favours upon many, and exhibiting magnificent
A.D. 120.
Games and Spectacles in the City. Staying at Rome a ſhort Time, he took
a Reſolution to viſit the whole Empire in Perſon, and ſee if all Things
Hadri. 1
were well regulated and eſtabliſh'd; and taking with him a ſplendid Reti-
Empire.
nue and a conſiderable Force, he firſt enter'd Ganl, where he made a
Enters Gaul, Luſtration of the Inhabitants, view'd the Cities and Forts, giving Marks
of his Favour, as in all other Places of the Empire. In his Travels he
uſually ſaid, That an Emperor ought to imitate the Sun, who carry'd his Light
through all the Regions of the Earth; and lie generally traveld on foot,
always with his Head bare, making no Difference between the frozen
Alps, and the ſcorching Sands of Ægypt. From Gaul lie paſs’d into Ger-
Germany,
many, where he ſtrictly kept the Soldiers to Diſcipline and Hardſhips, and
carefully baniſh'd all Luxury and Delicacies from the Camp; particularly,
lie put down the Uſe of Arbors, ſhady Walks and Groves among the Sol-
diers, and cut off many ſuperfluous Expences of his Officers; and to excite
them by his own example, he exercis'd himſelf in all Hardſhips, fed
upon
Adrian's Da-
dition.
He viſits the
Chap. I.
305
ADRIAN the 15th Rom. Emp.
4
5
Rome.
upon their meaneſt and coarſeſt Proviſions, and often walk'd on foot
twenty Miles together. After ſome Stay in Germany he enter'd Belgium, A.D. 1 21.
and from thence paſs’d over into Britain, where he reform'd many Abuſes; Hadri.
and for the better Eſtabliſhment of future Peace and Security, he caus'd a Belgium,
mighty Wall to be made of Wood and Earth, extending from the River Britain,
Eden in Cumberland, to the Tine in Northumberland, 80 Miles in length,
which might prevent the Incurſions of the wilder Britains. This ſtupen-
dious Work was begun in the fourth Year of this Emperor's Reign : And
having taken all neceffary Care in this INand, he return’d into Gaul, where
he erected ſome famous Buildings, and conferr'd many Favours in that
Country. Having thus viſited all Gaul and the Borders, he directed his
Journy for Spain, where being a Native, lie was magnificently receiv'd ; And Spain
and after he had view'd many Places, he took up his Winter-Quarters in
Tarragon, where he callid an Aſſembly of all the Princes in Spain, and
ordain'd many things for the Good and Safety of the Country. In this
Year the Ægyptians, after a long Concealment, finding one of their Sacred
Bulls which they ador'd under the Title of Apis; the fight of him caus'd
the People of Alexandria to fall into a grat Tumult and Sedition.
Adrian having thus travelld over all Spain, and the Eaſtern Parts of A.D. 122.
the Empire, return'd toward Rome, in April
, deſigning after ſome conve- Hadri. Š
nient Stay, to ſurvey the reſt of the Roman Dominions; and at this Time Returns to
he appointed the exact Limits and Bounds of the Empire, from the bar-
barous Nations in the North. Where there wanted Rivers and other
natural Marks and Diviſions, he made uſe of large Stones, Pillars, Trees,
and other Things; and to the High Germans, who at that Time were free,
he appointed a King, which gain'd him much Reſpect from thoſe People
who were ready to revolt. Continuing in Rome for a conſiderable Space,
towards the ſeventh Year of his Reign, he receiv'd Intelligence that the
A.D. 1 23.
Parthians began to make War 'upon the Empire ; which caus’d him to
Hadri.
haſten his Journy into the Eaſt : And making all neceſſary Preparations,
he reſolv'd to profecute the War in Perſon; which ſo alarm’d the Enemy,
that they immediately ſu'd for a Peace, and obtain'd it. This gave
Adrian an Opportunity of purſuing his Travels without Moleſtation, and he uilits the
beginning his Journy, he ſhortly arriv'd in the Leſſer Aſia, ſurvey'd all its
Provinces with Syria, erected many Temples and other publick Buildings,
and then return'd into Greece to the famous City of Athens. In this place
he made a long Stay, follow'd the Studies and Religious Rites of Greece, A. D. 124.
took upon him the Place and Honour of Archon of Athens, celebrated all Hadri.
their ſolemn Sports, and gave many particular Laws and Privileges to the
City ; but eſpecially he was initiated into their Eleuſinian Myſteries, which At Athens be
were accounted the moſt ſacred and venerable of the whole Gentile World, then el culmien
and by way of Eminence, were particularly ſtyld, The Myſteries. Theſe Mysteries.
were folemn and religious Rites performd to Ceres and Proferpine , in
Memory of great Benefits receiv’d, whereof the Candidates were ſtyld
múscu. and to the full Participation of which, many times they were not
admitted till after a five Years preparatory Trial, which had many ſeveral
Steps, and each of them its peculiar Rites; and after all, they were
oblig'd under a ſolemn Oath, never to diſcover theſe myſterious
Rites.
V.
The Chriſtians, tho' they often met with local and occaſional A.D. 125.
Oppreſſions, were much eas'd ſince the Mitigation of the Perſecution Hadri.
under Trajan, but now there aroſe à moſt grievous and heavy Perſecution The Chriſtians
of the Church, as St. Ferom calls it; which was occaſion'd partly by the feverely perfe-
Emperor's buſie and ſuperſtitious Zeal for the Pagan Rites, and partly by
the
6
7
8
Eufeb.
8
2
Q &
306 Cent. II. ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. Book III.
tinu'd alive a long Space after he was gone ; infomuch that fome
the infamous Lives of the Gnoſticks and other Hereticks, who bearing
the Name of Chriſtians, brought a Scandal and an Odium upon their Pro-
feffion. This by Reaſon of its Sharpneſs and Continuance, has been
call'd by ſeveral, The fourth General Perſecution ; but it is not generally ſo
accounted by the Ancients; for Tertullian fays, That Adrian publiſh'ú no
Laws or Edicts againſt the Chriſtians, but the late Laws being unrepeald,
there wanted not ſuch as wou'd put them in Execution. So that it may
not improperly be calld a Revival, or perhaps a Continuance of the Third
General Perfecution, which was not intirely ceas'd in Trajan's Reign. The
Severity of this Perſecution appears from the great Number of Martyrs,
mention'd in the old Martyrologies. We are told that Arrius Antoninus
(whom ſome ſuppoſe the ſame with Adrian's Succeſſor) being then
Proconſul of Aſia, and a ſevere Perſecutor, all the Chriſtians of the City
where he reſided, as one Man beſet his Tribunal, openly confeffing their
Religion. Being amaz'd at the Multitude, he caus'd ſome few of them
to be put to Death, telling the reſt, That if they deſir'd to end their Lives,
they had Precipices and Halters enough, and need not throng thither for Ex-
Miny Martyrs. ecution. As to the Martyrs, we have the Names and Accounts of many
that ſuffer'd in Rome and Italy, tho' not from very ancient Authors; par-
ticularly Euftachius and his Wife Theopiſtes with their two Sons, who
are ſaid by the Emperor's Command to have been thrown to the Lions,
and when the Mercy of the Beaſts had ſpared them, they were burnt to
Death in the Belly of a Brazen Bull. Symphoriſa, the Wife of Getulus
the Martyr, with her ſeven Children is ſaid to have ſuffer'd about the
ſame Time, who firſt was hang’d up by the Hair of the Head and cruelly
ſcourg'd, and then with a ponderous Stone thrown into the Tyber; after
which her ſeven Children were put to as many ſeveral Deaths. We read
alſo of Fuuſtinus and Jobita, Cicizens of Breffia, who ſuffer'd Martyrdom
with cruel Torments; at the Sight of which, one Calocerius, ſeeing their
wonderful Patience, cry'd out; Great is the God of the Chriſtians ? and
thereupon was apprehended, and became Partaker of the fame Honour
with them. Beſides theſe, we have the Names of Antiochus in Sar-
dinia, Sabina in Umbria, and ſeveral others, who obtain'd an immortal
Crown.
A.D. 126.
The Perſecution growing very hot and violent, the Chriſtians found it Eufeb.
Hadri.? neceffary to remonſtrate and declare their Caſe to the Emperor; among
whom Quadratus Biſhop of Athens was principal, who prefented an excel-
The Apologies lent Apology to Adrian in Writing, defending the Chriſtian Religion from
of Quadrarus ; the Exceptions and Calumnies of its Enemies, and vindicating it from
thoſe Pretences upon which evil Men fought its Ruin; particularly ur-
ging our Saviour's Miracles in theſe Words: “The Works of our Saviour
were always conſpicuous; for they were true.
for they were true. Thofe who were cur’d,
' and ſuch as were rais'd from the Dead, did not only appear after they
were cur'd and rais'd, but alſo were afterwards feen of all, and that
not only while our Saviour was converſant upon Earth, but alſo con-
' of thein ſurviv'd even to our Times. Eufebius ſays that in this Apo-
logy, be gave large Evidences: both of his excellent Parts and Apoftolick
Do&rine ; and St. Ferom calls it a Work moſt profitable, repleniſh'd with
ſtrong Reaſonings, great Light, and worthy of a Diſciple of the Apoſtles.
And Ariſtides. About the ſame Time Ariſtides, a Chriſtian Philoſopher of the fame City,
preſented another. Apology to the Emperor, fill'd with Paſſages of Philofo-
phy, Mhewing an illuſtrious Inktance of a fine Spirit, and great Eloquence.
Vfuard and Ado add, that theſe two maintain'd the Divinity of our Saviour
before Adrian, not only in their Writings, but alſo in a Difcourſe in his
Preſence.
:
10
C
C
Chap. I.
307
ADRIAN the 15th Rom. Emp
ſtians,
Preſence. About the ſame Time Serenius Granianus; now Proconſul of Granian writes
Afia, wrote a Letter to the Emperor, repreſenting to him the Injuſtice of for the Chri-
the common Proceedings againſt the Chriſtians ; how unreaſonable it was
that without legal Trial, or Crime prov'd, they ſhou'd be put to Death ,
purely to gratifie the tumultuary Clamours of the People. With this Let-
ter, and the two foremention’d Apologies, the Keeneſs of the Emperor's
Fury was taken off, and Orders were taken that greater Moderation ſhou'd
be us'd towards the Chriſtians. To which purpoſe he diſpatch'd away to
Minucius Fundanus, Granian's Succeſſor in his Proconſulſhip this following
Refcript. I receiv'd a Letter, written to me from that eminent Perſon Sere- Adrian'sDecree
nius Granianus, your Predeceſſor. Nor do I think it a Matter fit to be i their Favout.
pafs'd over without due Enquiry; that the Chriſtians may not be needleſly
diſquieted, nor Informers have Occaſion and Encouragement for fraudulent
Accuſations. Wherefore if the Subjects of our Provinces can openly appear to
their Indictments againſt the Chriſtians, let them take that Courſe, and not
deal by meer Noiſe and Clamour ; it being much properer, if any Accuſation be
brought, that you shou'd have the Cognizance of it. If any Man ſhall prefer
an Indictment, and prove that they have tranſgreſs'd the Laws, do
you give
Sentence according to the quality of the Crime : But if it ſhall appear, that
he brought it only out of Spite and Malice, take care to puniſh that Perſon
according to the Hainouſneſs of so miſchievous a Deſign. The ſame Refcript
was ſent by the Emperor to ſeveral other Governors of Provinces, ſo that
the Perſecution in a great Meaſure ceas'd, after a Year and a half's Con-
tinuance; and Adrian was ſo far wrought into a good Opinion of Chris
ftianity, that Lampridius aſſures us, he deſign’d to have built a Temple
to Chriſt, and to have receiv'd him into the Number of the Gods; and
that he commanded Temples to be built in all Cities without Images,
which were for a long Space call’d Adriani; but was ſtopp'd in his Pro-
ceedings by fome, who conſulting the Oracle had been told, That if this
ſucceeded, the Pagan Temples word be deſerted, and all Men woiid become
Chriſtians.
The Emperor Adrian being return'd a fourth Time to Rome in Peace A.D. 127.
and Proſperity, employ'd himſelf in the Affairs of the City, and the Con- Hadri.
verſation of ingenious and learned Men; being in a manner ſurrounded
with Philoſophers, Aſtronomers, Poets, Orators, Grammarians, Muſicians,
Geometricians, Architects, Painters, and Statuaries; moſt of whom he
ſurpaſs’d in their own Skill; declaring, That he never omitted
any
Knowledge that might be uſeful in Peace or Wår, either for a private Perſon
or an Emperor. About this Time liv'd Agrippa, Girnam'd Caſtor, a learned Agrippa
Chriſtian, who wrote a very convincing Book againſt the Hcreſie of Ba- writes againſt
filides, as Euſebius informs us; in which he confuted the Errors of this
Heretick, after he had diſcover'd them, and detected all his Frauds and
Artifices: But we have nothing remaining of this work. In the eleventh A. D. 128.
Year of Adrian, Heron Biſhop of Antioch, having held that Dignity about Hadri.
20 Years, imitated his Predeceffor St. Ignatius, in laying down his Life
for his Flock; and was ſucceeded by Cornelius, who was the fourth Bi-Cornelius the
ſhop of Antioch after the Apoſtles, and continu'd about 14 Years. In the fourth Billiop of
ſame Year, and twelfth of Adrian, dy'd Sixtus or Xiſtus Biſhop of Rome,
and as ſome believe was martyr'd, after he had held this Dignity about
ten Years; being ſucceeded by Teleſphorus, a Grecian by Birth, who con- Teleſphorus
tinu'd about eleven Years, and was the ſeventh Biſhop of Rome after the Sezentls Bi
St. Peter and St. Paul. In the following Year dy'd the celebrated Juſtus A.D. 1 29,
Biſhop of Alexandria, after about eleven Years continuance in that Office
· Hadri.
and was ſucceeded by Eumenes, the ſixth Biſhop of this City, after the
Evangeliſt St. Mark, who continu'd Biſhop about thirteen Years.
Seventh Biſhop
Q. 92
About of Alexandria
10
IS
ܐ
Kind of
Bafilides.
Eufeb.
II
I 2
Antioch.
I 2
13
Eumenes the
308 Cent. II.
Book III.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
Sparis
14
Greece ;
About this Time the Emperor Adrian aboliſh'd an impious and Pagan
Cuſtom, too often usd in ſome Parts and upon ſome Occaſions; which
was the offering Men in their Sacrifices to the Heathen Deities. And
now having continu'd near three years in Rome, le reſolv'd upon a far- Dion.
Adrian viſits ther ſurvey of the Empire, and croſs’d the Mediterranean Sea into Africk;
Africk;
where he was receiv'd with incredible Satisfaction, not only for the Eſteem
which the Inhabitants had for him, but becauſe his Arrival was attended
with plentiful Showers of Rain, which the Country had wanted for five
A.D. 130. Years together. After many Regulations and Buildings appointed, he
Hadri. 3 return'd to Rome a fifth Time, where he built a new Temple under the
Name of Roma and Venus; and ſuddenly got ready for a new Journy into
the Eaſt. He travelld a ſecond Time into Greece, and viewing all Parts,
he caus'd thoſe Buildings and Temples to be finiſh'd, which he former-
ly order'd to be begun, and enjoin'd others to be built. And thus con-
Afia, and tinuing his Journy, he paſs'd over into the Leffer Aſia, and from thence
Syria. into Syria; where by Letters and Envoys he invited all the Kings, Te-
trarchs and Potentates in thoſe Parts, not only Subjects and Allies, but alſo
Neighbours and Strangers, to conſult and converſe with him in that
Country. Among this numerous and ſplendid Concourſe, the King of
Parthia was one, to whom he freely ſent his Daughter, who had been
taken Priſoner by Trajan in the former Wars; for which generous Act
many came to his Court to viſit, honour, and acknowledge him; all whom
he receiv'd with ſuch uncommon Courteſie and Civility, as rais’d. the
Envy and Concern of all others who had neglected this Opportu-
nity.
The Carpocra-
About the Year 130, there aroſe certain Hereticks call'd Carpocratians, fo from
cians,
nam'd from Carpocrates of Alexandria, a Magician and Platonick Philofo- &c.
pher, whom Enſebius accounts the Father of the Gnoſticks. Theſe how-
ever may be call'd a chief Branch of the Gnoſticks, who held their princi-
pal Errors, and like them allow'd of Community of Women, and the moſt
impudent and ſcandalous Actions imaginable; and by that means brought
an Odium upon the Chriſtians in general, acting all thoſe Impieties with
which the Pagans charg'd Chriſtianity. As for their Theology, they held
among other Things, that Jeſus Chriſt was but pure Man, and the Son of
Joſeph; and that his Soul receiv'd more Energy from God, whilſt it dwelt
with him before its Union with the Body, than other Souls did; and that
God was thus liberal to it, to enable it to overcome the Devils, who bad
created the World. They rejected the Old Teſtament, but in the New
allow'd of St. Matthew's Goſpel, yet deny'd the Reſurrection of the Dead,
and perſuaded themſelves that there was no ſuch Thing as Evil in Nature,
but only in Mens Imaginations. Carpocrates left a Son behind him nam'd
Epiphanius, who tho he dy'd young, by means of the Platonick Philoſo-
phy, extremely ſpread the Fables, and abſurd Sentiments of his Father.
The Libertiniſm and impious Practices of this Sect, afterwards produc'd
The Adamites, another prodigious Hereſie, calld that of the Adamites, of which one
Prodicus was Head. This Sect made it their Buſineſs to imitate Adam's
Nakedneſs before his Fall, imagining themſelves as innocent ſince their
Redemption by the Death of Chriſt ; and therefore met together na-
ked, afferting, that if Adam had not finn'd, there wou'd have been
no Marriages. Theſe appear'd about forty Years after the Carpocra-
tians. But to return to the Year 130, about this Time, a Collection
was made of Greek Verſes, divided into eight Books, call'd by the
The Sibylline Name of the Sibylline Oracles, taken as they ſeem froin Propheſies, Hi-
ſtories, and Dogmas out of both Teſtaments. They are ſuppos'd to have
been collected, if not forg’d, by ſome Platonick Chriſtian of Alexandria,
and
Oracics.
Chap. I
309
ADRIAN the 15th Rom. Emp.
15
15
16
and were often usd in Defence of the Chriſtian Religion againſt the Pa-
gans..
The Emperor Adrian, having finiſh'd his magnificent Entertainments in A. D. 131
the Eaſt, after a Survey of Syria, enter'd Paleſtine and Judæa, viſiting all Hadri. 14
the principal Cities; after which he ſet forwards, and did the like in the
ſubdu'd Parts of Arabia. In the ſame Year, the famous Juriſconſult or Law-
yer, Savius Julianus, by the Emperor's Order compos'd that Law call’d the
Perpetual Edict; being a Collection of Rules to be obſerv'd by all ſucceed- Edictum per:
ing Prætors and Governors of Provinces, that Juſtice might be uniform in petuum.
the Empire ; and callid Edictum Perpetuum, becaufe it was to continue in
Force for ever. From Arabia Adrian paſs’d into Ægypt, where he loſt a A.D. 132.
dear and beautiful Companion callid Antinous; for whom he wept with all Hadri.
the Tenderneſs and Weakneſs of a Woman, and ſhew'd the higheſt Reſpect
for his Memory. Some report that this Youth devoted himſelf a Sacrifice
for the Emperor ; cthers that he was what his Beauty might probably in-
cite him to be, and the too great pleaſure Adrian took in unnatural Love. Adrián deific.
He was ſo ſuperſtitious in this Matter, that the Grecians by his Order made Antinous,
a God of him; whence in an ancient Inſcription at Rome, he is ſtild, The
Afeffor of the Gods in Ægypt. He alfo built a City to him in the Place
where he dy'd, callid Antinoe, erected a Temple, and appointed Prieſts and
Prophets to attend it, inſtituted annual Solemnities, and every five Years
facred Games, held not only in Ægypt, but in other Parts. Many of the
Pagans themſelves derided the Emperor's Folly and Weakneſs, and this
new Augmentation to Idolatry prov'd the ſtrengthning of Chriſtiani-
ty: About the fame Time Adrian commanded the holy City Jeruſalem He rebuilds
to be rebuilt with great Charge ; which was perform'd with admira- Jerufaleiri.
ble Expedition, principally by the Aſſiſtance of the Jews, who began
much to raiſe their ſhort-liv'd Hopes and Expectations. In this the
Emperor put a Roman Colony, and built a Temple to Jupiter Capitolinus,
in the Room of the Temple of God, which extremely offended the
Jews, and afterwards rais'd greater Miſchiefs than ever; and he like
wife chang'd its former Name, and callid it Ælia Capitolina, which was
done in the 16th Year of his Reign, and 62 Years after its Deſtruction
by Titus.
The following Year is remarkable for the Death of the Hereſiarch Baſili- A. D. 133.
des in Alexandria; but much more for the Converſion of the famous Fuſtin, Hadri.
the Philoſopher and Martyr to the Chriſtian Religion, now about 30 Years
of Age. This Juſtin was a Native of the City of Sychem or Neapolis in Pa-
leſtine, near Jacob's Well and Mount Gerizim, the Son of Priſcus; he was
a Grecian by Birth and Religion, but having in vain ſought for the true
God among all the Sects of the Pagan Philoſophers, and chiefly among
the Platonicks, was converted to the Chriſtian Faith in a private Conference
between him and a cerrain ancient Man unknown to him, who advis'd him
to adhere to the Prophets. The Study of theſe, and the other Friends to
Chriſtianity, together with the continual Examples of the Innocency of the Juſtin Martyi
Chriſtians Lives, and the Conſtancy of their Deaths, intirely gain'd his Heart; converted.
but he did not lay aſide his Habit nor Profeſſion, but added to his great
Skill in the Heathen Philoſophy, a profound Knowledge of the Holy Scrip-
tures, becoming the principal Champion of Chriſtianity. In the mean Time A. D. 134.
the Emperor Adrian, having been above a Year and a half in Ægypt and Hadri.
thoſe Parts, quitted that Country, and return'd with a Deſign to winter in
Athens. In this City, being diſpleas'd with the Ægyptians, he wrote a Sa-
tyrical Letter to Servianus the Conſul, giving a very detracting Character
of them, and the Chriſtians amongſt them: And ſo much of it as concerns
the latter, we ſhall tranſcribe from Vopiſcus Saturninus. I have given my ſelf
a perfect
16
17
78
310
Book III.
Cent. II.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
Chriſtians.
logies.
volt.
Adrian's unfair a perfect Underſtanding of Ægypt; which you, my well beloved Servianus, did
Account of the ſometime recommend to me. They are a light inconſtant People, always in Sus
pence, and veering with every Stroke of Fortune. Those who worſhip the God
Serapis, are nevertheleſs Chriſtians; and Men who call themſelves the Biſhops
of Chriſt, are alſo Votaries to Serapis. There is no Ruler of the Synagogues of
the Jews, no Samaritan, no Presbyter of the Chriſtians, no Aſtrologer, no Ma-
gician, no Phyſician, but he worſhips Serapis. The Patriarch himſelf. of Alex-
andria when he comes hither, is by fome oblig'd to adore Serapis, by others to
adore Chriſt. Serapis is a common God to them all
. Him the Chriſtians,
the Jews, and Perſons of all Nations worſhip. From this Epiſtle, it is
believ'd, that Adrian, according to his changeable Humour, had perſecu-
ted the Chriſtians in Alexandria, while he was there, and compeli'd ſome
light or falle Profeſſors to worſhip the Deities of the Country, which
pro-
bably gave ground to his Cenſure, and to his charging the Imputation up-
on all. And about this Time it is ſaid, that two Perſons, nam'd Apelles
Apelles and
Ariſton's Apo- and Ariſton, preſented Apologies to the Emperor; but we have no Account
of the Particulars.
VI. The great Loffes that the Jews ſuſtain’d under the Emperor Dion
Trajan ſo far humbled them as to bring them to a reaſonable Quiet-bic.
The Jews make neſs; but gathering Strength again, they were provok'd to a general
a general Re- Revolt and Rebellion, partly by Adrian's building a Pagan Temple in
Jeruſalem, and partly by his forbidding them the Uſe of Circumciſion,
as Spartian tells us. They began their Rebellion ſhortly after Adrian
left Ægypt and the Eaſt, being headed and confirm'd by an Im-
poſtor, who by the Help of lighted Flax ſeem'd to vomit Flames
of Fire, pretending he came down as a Light from Heaven, to de-
liver them from Tyranny and Bondage ; and declaring, That he was
the very Star foretold by Balaam from whence he was call'd by the
Name of Barcocab, ſignifying the Son of a Star, and accordingly was
worſhip’d and receiv'd as the Meſſiah : Which involv’d the Jews of
all Nations into this Sedition. But this Impoſtor acted more like a
Robber than a King; for gathering vaſt Numbers together, they be-
gan with a barbarous ravaging of all Judæa, Galilee and Syria, and
fell moſt ſeverely upon the innocent Chriſtians, uſing all kinds of
Cruelties to compel them to renounce and blafpheme the true Mes-
fiah, and tormenting them alſo becauſe they refus’d to join in their
Rebellion. In the Beginning Tinius Rufus, Governor of Judæa, ha-
ving ſome Auxiliary Forces ſent him by the Emperor, march'd out
againſt the Multitude; and making Uſe of their Madneſs and Deſpe-
ration as an Occaſion of his ſparing none, he flew infinite Num-
bers of all Ranks, Men, Women and Children. At firſt the Romans
deſpis’d the Power of the Jews ; but in a ſhort Time, their Numbers
did ſo prodigiouſly increaſe from all Parts of the Empire, as expecting
a Deliverance, that Adrian was conſtrain'd to ſend his beſt Forces and
moſt experienc'd Commanders againſt theſe obſtinate and perfidious
People. And Matters were now brought to that Extremity that
Dion tells us, that the whole World was in a manner ſhaken by
this terrible Commotion of the Jews. The chief Roman Commander
was Julius Severus, Governor of Britain, who with great Difficulties di-
vided their united Forces, gaind ſeveral bloody Victories, and in the
Jeruſalem be. firſt Year of the War, beſiegd, demoliſh'd and burnt the new City of Je-
fiegid.
rufalem.
j
>
But
Chap. I.
311
ADRIẢN the 15" Rom. EmP:
19
Eeilier:
But the principal and moſt remarkable Action, hapned in the A.D. 135:
ſecond Year of this War ; which was the Siege of Bether or Bit- Hadri.
. 18
ther by the Romans, a very ſtrong Place, not far from Jeruſalem,
whither vaſt Numbers of the Jews were retired, as to their laſt Re-
fuge. This Siege was long and miſerable to the Jews, who were The Siege of
reduc'd to all the Extremities of Hunger and Thirſt, and at length
ſubdu'd with a moſt terrible Slaughter, in the latter End of the 18th
Year of Adrian, and the Month Auguſt, in which Month, as St. Je-
rom obferves, Jeruſalem was formerly taken by Nebuchadnezzar, and alſo
the Temple deſtroy'd by Titus. The Jewiſh Writers and Rabbins do
repreſent the doleful Slaughter at Bether, as the moſt deplorable
Stroke that ever their Nation receiv'd, beſides the Deſtruction of
Jeruſalem by Titus. Some of their Expreſſions concerning the Slaugh-
ter are to this Purpoſe: The Horſes waded in Blood up to the
Noſtrils; there were ſlain four hundred thouſand; and Adrian walld
a Vineyard of ſixteen Miles about with dead Bodies. There were
found the Brains of three hundred Children upon one Stone ; and
three Cheſts full of tatter'd Philacreries, containing three Buſhels every
Cheſt.
Eufeb. In the mean Time, the Emperor Adrian having winter'd at
press Athens, was again admitted into the Grand Eleuſinian Myſteries ,
which were different from thoſe he had obtain'd nine or ten Years
before, theſe being ſolemniz'd only once in four Years, in the ſe-
cond of every Olympiad. After theſe and many other Pagan Ce-
remonies, the Emperor reſolv'd to conclude his whole Journy, and Adrian con.
return to Rome for the reſt of his Days, having ſpent about thir- cludes this before
teen Years in ſurveying the Empire, beſides the ſeveral Times of Empire:
his Continuance at Rome. This was the fixtli and laſt Time of
his Return to the City, where his Entrance was exceeding grate-
ful to the People ; and tho' he began to be old and unwieldy, he
was no leſs diligent in the públick Adminiftration than former-
ly. He made ſeveral new Laws and Ordinances ; particularly lie New Laws.
forbad Maſters to kill their Sláves, as had been before allow'd,
but order'd them to be try'd by the Laws in all Capital Crimes.
He alſo ordaind that all ſuch Perſons as wilfully conſum'd their
Eſtates, ſhou'd be firft expos'd to publick Shame in the Amphi-
theatre, and then turn'd out of the City. And now finding him-
ſelf indiſpos’d, and without an Heir, he took Care for a Succef-
ſor; and after many Conſultations about ſo weighty a Matter, he
at length made Choice of Lucius Commodus; tho contrary to the He adopts
Advice of his Council, a Thing not uſual till then. He inſiſted L. Commodus,
upon the Virtues and Merits of the Perſon, and having adopted him,
and entituled him Cæfar, he chang'd his Name to Ælius Verus ; or-
dering likewiſe the Celebration of the Circenſian Games, and a Do.
native to the Soldiers and People. Not long after, he commanded A.D. 136.
Severianus, a great and popular Man, to be flain, together with his Hadri. 1:
own Nephew Fufcus, upon Suſpicion of Treaſon and deſign'd Uſur-
pation: He likewiſe commanded ſome others to be put to Death upon
Pretences not wholly juſtifiable, his Infirmities now diſcloſing his innate
Cruelty, which alſo had before this Time ſhewn it ſelf too openly in ſome
Inſtances.
In this Year, after many violent Struggles and Conteſts, Julius Se- The Jews entirs
Defeat.
verus ended the Jewiſh War ; and tho' he came off Conqueror, yet
he wou'd not have choſen many Triumphs at the Price of ſo much
Blood. But the extraordinary Strength that was now in the Jews
wag
312 Cent. II.
Book III
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
ture.
was given them for their Deſtruction ; and the more dangerous this
Rebellion had been, the more fevere was the Emperor's Puniſhment,
and the greater his Care in preventing the like Miſchiefs for the fu-
The War was concluded in near three Years Time, with the
Death of their falſe Meſſiah, the Demoliſhment of fifty of their ſtrongeſt
Ciries, the Deſtruction of 985 of their beſt Towns, and the Death of
580 thouſand Men in ſeveral Battels and Skirmiſhes, beſides infinite
Numbers of others conſum'd by Famines, Fires and Diſeaſes; ſo that
their whole Land was laid waſte and deſolate, and there ſeem'd to be
almoſt an utter Extirpation of the Jewiſh Name and Nation. Their
Their Miſeries ; own Writers tell us, that twice the Number of Jews periſh'd upon this
Occaſion than ever came out of Ægypt ; and that they ſuffer'd more
under Adrian, than under Nebuchadnezzar or under Titus ; ſo heavy
was the Hand of Heaven upon this wretched Generation. Dio tells
us that this Deſolation was foretold by the falling aſunder of Solomon's
Sepulchre, and by Wolves and Hyæna's, who howľd about the Streets,
and devour'd People in the fields. Thoſe fers that ſurviv'd this fe-
cond Ruin of their Nation, were ſold in incredible Numbers, of all
Ages and Sexes, like Dogs and Horſes in publick Markets appointed for
that purpoſe. Others were tranſported into Ægypt and other Coun-
tries, wliere ſome periſh'd by Shipwrecks, ſome by Famine, and others
And laſt Diſper-were ſlain like Beaſts by the Pagans. This was the laſt and moſt dread-
fion.
ful Diſperſion of the Jews, when they were forbidden to ſet foot on, or
come in View of their own Soil and Land, becoming Sourjourners and
Strangers in all Nations, and like Cain, Fugitives and Vagabonds through-
out the whole World; and like him having alſo a Mark upon them,
that they might not be utterly exterminated. And by this Means al-
ſo the Providence of God advanc'd the Chriſtian Religion, and now
entirely freed it from the Servitude of the Law; for till now, not on-
ly the Chriſtians of Judæa, but alſo the Biſhops of Jeruſalem, were of
the Circumciſion; and, as far as was conſiſtent with Chriſtianity, kept to
The Biſhops of the Obſervations of the Law. From the Death of Simeon in 107, to
this Diſperſion, there were 13 Biſhops of Jeruſalem; of whom we have
fion.
only the Names, viz. Juſtus, Zacheus, Tobias, Benjamin, John, Matthias,
Philip, Seneca, Juſtus, Levi, Ephrem, Joſeph, and Judas, who was the laſt
Chriſtian Biſhop of the Circumciſion. This great Diſperſion hapned in
the 20th Year of the Reign of Adrian, under the Conſulſhips of Com-
modus and Pompeianus, 103 Years after our Saviour's Crucifixion, 66 after
the Deſtruction of the Temple by Titus, and 36 after the Death of the
laſt Apoſtle St. John.
the Circumci.
СНАР.
Chap. II.
313
ADRIAN the 15th Rom. Emp.
CHAP: II.
From the last and entire Diſperſion of the Jews, to the Beginning
of the fourth General Perſecution of the Church, under the Em
peror M. Aurelius, or Antoninus Philofophus.
Containing the space of about 25
25 Years.
nign
Bj.
the A.D. 137.
20
21
bidden to ſee
lein.
FTER all theſe deplorable Misfortunes tliąt befel the Jerps
,
Emperor Adrian, conſidering that the Remains of their holy
Hadri.
City and Temple was one great Cauſe of their Rebellion, order'd the
very Marks and Relicts, eſpecially of the Temple, to be entirely raz’d,
and to be plow'd up according to the Roman Cultom; which was the
higheſt Mark of their Ignorniny, and laſt Deſolation, and alſo the full
Accompliſhment of all our Saviour's Predictions. This was completed
in the Month of Auguſt; and at the ſame Time, all the Jews in Paleſtine,
who were yet unfold, were banilh'd for ever out of their own native
Country, and their whole Race forbidden to ſet Foot upon, or ſo much The Jews for-
as to come within View of Jeruſalem, even from the higheſt Hill, upon
pain of immediate Death. Only with great Difficulty they obtain'd the Jeruſalem.
Favour, of going every Year, upon the oth Day of Auguſt, to approach
the Place, and to deplore their unexprefbble Loſs and Miſery; and, as
St. Jerom adds, to admire the Completion of all the ancient Propheſies.
In the ſame Year Adrian, out of the Ales and Ruins of the old City
built a new one ; and tlie better to efface the Name of Jeruſalem, he Adrian re-
call'd it Ælia Capitolina, as he had done before this ļalt Revolt, by builds Jeruſa-
which Name it was callid for ſeveral Ages; cauſing it alſo to be inlia-
bited wholly by Romans and Foreigners. This City much differ'd from
the other in the Situation ; for Mount Calvary, the ordinary Place of
Execution, was now inclos’d within the Walls of it, and Mount Sion,
the Place of the Temple, and all the Southern Parts of the old City,
excluded, left defolate, and afterwards cover'd with Wood, Herbs and
Rubbiſh. Adrian erected allo a Roman Theatre in this new City, ein-
ploying for this Edifice, and his idolatrous Temples here, the ſame
Stones that had ſerv'd for the Temple and Sanctuary of the living God.
And to prophane this City to all Intents and Purpoſes, he caus’d to be and prophanes
engraven, and put upon the Gate leading to Bethlehem the Figure of a it.
Swine; which, of all Beaſts, the Jewiſh Nation moſt abhorr'd. Then,
not contented with that Mark of Slavery, he erected alſo a Statue to
the Honour of Venus, in the place where our Lord was crucify'd ; and
another to Jupiter, where he was bury'd; and a Temple to Adonis, at
Bethlehem, where he was born : All which ſtood till the Time of Con-
ftantine.
The fad Deſolation of the Jews open’d the Eyes of great Numbers ,
who now clearly ſaw the Hand of Heaven, and embrac'd Chriſtianity;
and as this new City became inhabited, ſo in a ſhort Tiine a new Church
of Chriſtians was eſtabliſh'd liere, conſiſting all of Gentile Converts, and
of ſuch as entirely renounc'd Circumciſion, and the Ceremonies of the
Law. Of theſe St. Mark was the firſt Biſhop, a moſt learned and cele Mark Bijl.op of
brated Perſon, who continu'd in the Place about 19 or 20 Years; being crufalem, the
the firſt Biſhop of Jerufaleni of the Uncircumciſion. In' the Beginning of the Un.
:
RI
the
314
Book IIL
Cent. II.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
was
into
Catis
the Chriſtians of this City flouriſh'd beyond all Expectation, and became
ſo renown'd for the Eminency of their Miracles, that Aquila himſelf,
the Emperor's Father-in-law, and whom he had made Governor and
Overſeer of the Buildings of the City, being convinc'd, was baptiz’d,
and embrac'd Chriſtianity. This Aquila was a Native of Sinope in Pon-
tus, but tho he chang’d his Religion, yet he did not forſake all
his Errors ; ſo that ſtill purſuing his old Magick, and his aſtrological
Studies, notwithſtanding the frequent Admonitions that were given him,
he was caſt out of the Church, as an irreclaimable Perſon. Which
he reſented as ſo great an Affront, that he renounc'd the Faith,
circumcis'd, and became a Jewiſh Proſelyte ; after which he made
Aquila tran. himſelf Maſter of the Hebrew Tongue, and tranſlated the Bible into
Mates the Bible Greek; with Deſign both to ruin the Reputation of the Septuagint ,
and to corrupt and darken the Propheſies relating to our Saviour. This
Tranſlation is highly eſteem'd by the Jews, who account it the moſt exact
of all others.
In the Year 138, and 21ſt of Adrian, dy'd L. Commodus, on the firſt
Day of January; upon which, not long after, on the 25th of February,
the Emperor adopted Titus Antoninus, an eminent Man, afterwards lir-
nam'd Pius, at the ſame Time obliging him to adopt two others, namely,
Marcus Aurelius, and Lucius Verus, two promiſing Youths, who afterwards
became Emperors. All which being eſtabliſh'd with the Approbation of
the Senate and chief of Rome, and the Emperor fickning and declining,
he caus’d himſelf to be carry'd to the City of Baiæ ; where his Pains
became very tormenting, and ſometimes threw him into Convulſions; ſo
that he often endeavour'd to deſtroy himſelf, crying out, How miſerable is
it to ſeek Death, and not be able to find him! He had Recourſe to all the
impious Arts of Magick and Sorcery, and then made uſe of Gifts and
Promiſes, and ſometimes Threatnings to oblige his Attendants to kill him.
But ſome alledg'd Pity, fome Piety, and others Fear; till at laſt by the
Advice of his Phyſicians, he abſtain'd from all kind of Suſtenance, which
The Death of brought him to an eaſie Death; he in the mean Time ſporting with ſome
remarkable peculiar Verſes, enquiring of his Soul, Into what gloomy Place
it deſign’d to go. Thus dy'd Adrian, a Prince of extraordinary Virtues
with a great Mixture of Vices, leaving the World on the 10th Day of
July, under the Conſulſhips of Camerinus and Niger, being in the 62d
Year of his Age, and having reign’d 20 Years, and 11 Months, wanting
one Day.
II. As the Wiſdom of Adrian's Government was admir'd by all, ſo
A.D. 138.
ANTO- was his Wiſdom in chuſing Titus Antoninus no leſs applauded, who was &
NINUS immediately, without Contradiction, acknowledg’d his Succeffor, and
PIUS,
obey'd as Emperor. This Antoninus was a Foreigner of Niſmes in Gaul,
the Sixteenth now above so Years of Age ; and in a ſhort Time he ſnew'd himſelf
to be one of the moſt excellent Princes of the World for Virtue and
Munificence; and govern'd the Roman Empire with the greateſt Autho-
rity, Juſtice, Moderation and Clemency. He had all the Qualifications
that might render a Prince aimable, as a moſt graceful Aſpect, and a
His great l'ir- happy Conſtitution, attended with a mild and pacifick Temper, and a
learned and eloquent Tongue; and he was ſo entirely free from all
Kinds of Vices, that in that Particular he much exceeded Trajan and
the beſt of his Predeceſſors, For which Reaſon he was compar'd to Nu-
ma, the ſecond King of Rome and upon ſeveral Accounts he had the
Sirname of Pius given him by the Senate, who at the ſame Time ſtild
him, Father of Virtues. He ſhew'd himſelf exceeding affable, eaſie, and
pleaſant
Adrian.
Capitd.
Roman Emn-
reroi
thies.
3
Chap. II.
315
ANT. PIUS the 16th Rom. Emp.
pleaſant to all Men; and he often wiſh'd, To be ſuch an Emperor to his
People, as He, if he were a depriv'd Perſon, wou'd defire another Prince to
be." But he was very ſtrict as to his Servants Advantages, and took a
particular Care that none of his Courtiers ſhou'd make any Profit of his
Favours to another, nor take Bribes or Gratuities of ſuch as were Sui-
ters to him ; for which Reaſon he generally gave Audience and Anſwer
to all Men himſelf in Perſon; and in theſe Matters he knew the Qua-
lifications and Difference between Men to an extraordinary Perfection
He always puniſh'd Criminals with great Commiſeration, and often par-
don'd them, when ever he ſaw a fair Proſpect of their Amendment:
and to ſuch as often diſcours d with him of the Valour of Julius Cam
ſar, and other Heroes, his common Anſwer was, That he more clefir’d
the Preſervation of one Friend or Subject, than the Death of a thouſand
Enemies. Thoſe few Wars he had in the Beginning of his Reign, gain'd
him ſuch Reputation in all Parts, that for many Years after he ruld
the World by his own Authority, with little or no Bloodſhed 3 ſo that
Aur. Victor aſſures us, That all Kings, Nations and People ſtood in awe
of him, and at the ſame Time ſo lov'd and eſteem'd him, That they
accounted him rather their Father and Patron, than their Lord and Em-
peror; and all unanimouſly choſe him for their Judge and Arbitrator of
Controverſies, looking upon him as tho' he had come down from Heaven
In ſhort, Poſterity had ſo great a Veneration for his Memory, that for
near a hundred Years, the Soldiers and Roman People wou'd not look
upon any Man as their Emperor, till he had taken upon him the Name of
Antoninus.
Antoninus, according to his merciful Temper, made it his firſt Care to His Regula
free thoſe Perſons, whom Adrian in his laſt Sickneſs had mark'd out for tiens,
Death ; declaring, That Adrian, if he had recover’d, wou'd have done the
ſame. Then taking his Remains to Rome, with great Solemnity he bury'd
them there; and, notwithſtanding he was much oppos’d, he deify'd Adrian,
according to the Roman and Pagan Cuſtom. Then he made it his Buſineſs
to ſeek for Men able to govern the Provinces of the Empire ; always
conferring great Honours upon Lovers of Juſtice, and the moſt deſer-
ving Perſons. He exactly inform'd himſelf of the Revenues of the Pub-
but was never ſatisfy'd with the Gain that aroſe from an oppreſs’d
Province; being very ready to hear all Complaints made againſt his
Collectors and other like Officers. And to fhew his great Liberality and
Bounty, he foon gave away moſt of his former Eſtate and Goods in Fa-
vours and Acts of Charity ; ſo that when his Empreſs Fauſtina repin'd
at his Generoſity, he reprehended her as ignorant, and gave her to un-
derſtand, That as ſoon as he was poſſeſsid of the Empire, he quitted all pris
vate Intereſts, and had nothing of his own, but that all belong’d to the
Publick. In Matters of Equity and juſt Government, he was no leſs vi-
gilant than his Predeceffor Adrian; but he went contrary to his Opinion
as to Travels, and reſolv'd never to depart from Rome during his Reign.
only for Hunting and ordinary Recreations. Under this mild and ge-
nerous Government, the Chriſtians enjoy'd a liappy Tranquillity, and
great Proſperity ; tho' the Heathens, who generally aſcribd all publick
Calamities to them, cou'd not want Opportunities and Pretences of afflict-
ing them; ſo that this excellent Reign was not wholly without Martyrs;
particularly Teleſphorus Biſhop of Rome, who ſuffer'd in the firſt Year, after
he had been 11 Years Biſhop. He was ſucceeded by Hyginus, an Athenian Hyginus the
by Birth, Son of a Philoſopher, who continu'd about four Years, and was eighth Billsop of
the eighth Biſhop of Rome after St. Peters and St. Panl.
lick;
Rome:
Rr
in
316 Cent. II.
Book III.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
A.D. 139.
In the following Year, Antoninus the Emperor marry'd his Daughter
An.Pii Fauſtina to Marcus Aurelius , and made him Cæfar; gave a King to the
Juſtin Martyr Quadi , and another to the Armenians. About the ſame Time, Juſtin
comes to Rome. Martyr, after ſeveral Journies and Voyages, fix'd his Habitation principally
at Rome, dwelling, as appears from the Acts of his Martyrdom, about the
Timothine Baths, which were upon the Viminal Mount. Here he made
many Converts, and kept a ſort of a School for the Benefit of the
Goſpel ; and among his Scholars, Tatian was moſt celebrated, who
afterwards became the Head of a Sect calld the Encratites. Juſtin
ſtrenuouſly employ'd himſelf to defend and promote the Cauſe of Chriſti-
anity, and particularly to confute and beat down the Hereſies that then
moſt infected the Church, writing a Book againſt all ſorts of Hereſies.
A.D. 140. And now there was ſufficient Occaſion for his Pen, for about the ſame
An. Pii Time two grand Hereſiarchs came to Rome, Valentinus and Cerdo. The
Valentinus and former was an Ægyptian, learned and eloquent, and made Profeſſion of
Cerdo, Here. Plato's Philoſophy; who being highly diſpleasʼd at another's being pre-
.
ferr'd to a Biſhoprick before him, in a great Meaſure quitted his Faith with
his Country; and coming to Rome, under the notion of an orthodox
Chriſtian, by his Inſinuations created infinite Miſchiefs. Cerdo came out
of Syria, and ſpred his damnable Opinions at Rome; but by his
open
Abjuration of them, he found greater Opportunity of venting them, and
in a ſhort Time produc'd that notorious Sect call'd the Marcionites. In
the Year 140, the great Aſtronomer Phlegon of Trallia, the Emperor
Adrian's Freed-Man, finiſh d his famous Calculation of the Olympiads ;
in which he takes notice of that miraculous Eclipſe of the Sun that hap-
ned at our Saviour's Paſſion.
A. D. 141. Antoninus reigning in all Profperity, in the third Year of his Govern-
An. Pii 2 ment, his Empreſs Fauſtina dyd; and tho'ſhe was a bad Woman , the
Fauſtina dies. Senate out of Love to her Husband appointed her a Temple and Prieſt-
eſſes, publick Games to her Honour, and Statues of Gold and Silver. The
Emperor admitted of all this Paganiſh Superſtition, and made himſelf a
charitable Eſtabliſhment for the Maintenance of certain young children,
whom he calld by the Name of Fauſtina's Children, in Memory of his
A.D. 142. deceaſed Empreſs. In the following Year he inſtituted new Games at
An.Pii 4 Puteoli, in Honour of his Predeceſſor Adrian, to be ſolemniz'd every five
Years under the Title of Pia or Pialia. In which Year, Hyginus, after
he had been four Years Biſhop of Rome, dy'd; and was ſucceeded by
Pius I, an Italian of Aquileia, Son of Ruffinus, who continu'd in the
ninth Biſhop of Chair about 15 Years, and was the ninth Biſhop of Rome after St. Peter
and St. Paul. About the ſame Time dy'd Eumenes Biſhop of Alexandria,
after he had held this Dignity about thirteen Years, and was ſucceeded
Marcus, the by Marcus, a Perſon of noted Piety, the ſeventh Biſhop of this City after
eighth Bishop the Evangeliſt St. Mark, who continu'd in the Place about ten Years.
.
Beſides theſe Changes and Succeſſions, in the ſame Year dy'd Cornelius
Biſhop of the third capital City Antioch, after 14 Years continuance in
Eros, the fifth that See; being ſucceeded by Eros, who was the fifth Biſhop of Antioch,
Bishop of An- after the Apoftles, and continu'd ſuch for about 26 Years.
About the fifth Year of the Emperor's Reign, Valentinus, having per- Erish.
verted many, and diſcover'd his abominable Errors , was cenſur'd by fertur
.
the Church, and entirely excluded the Congregation; which was ſo far
The Herefie of from humbling him, that retiring to Cyprus, he ſpred the Venom of his
Doctrine with greater Boldneſs than ever z and form'd a Sect, which
prov'd as ſtrong and numerous as any before, and continu'd till the fourth
Century. Valentinus form’d his Notions from Pagan Philoſophers and
Poets, and imagin'd certain Gods to the Number of thirty, which he
5
Pius I. the
Rome.
A.D. 143.
An.Pii
nians.
calid
ChapII.
317
ANT. PIUS the 16th Rom. Emp.
G
the Marcio-
nices.
calld Æones; that is Ages., out of the Poet Hefiod's Fables. He wou'd
have fifteen of the thirty to be Male, and the other fifteen Female; and
affirm'd, that our Saviour ſprung , likę another Pandore, out of their
Mixture; adding, that he paſs?d with a Body brought out of Heaven
through the Virgin, as through a Conduit or Pipe. This Sect was a
Branch of the Gnoſticks, and all the Valentinians, glory'd in that Name.
They conſtituted three Orders of Men, the Spiritual, the. Animal ,
and the Carnal ; affirming that the firſt ſhou'd be ſav'd by their know-
ledge, the ſecond by their Works, and the third had no Salvation at
all. They held that Christ had a fantaſtical or imaginary Body upon
Earth, and ridiculd the Orthodox for aſſerting his two Natures.
They deny'd the Reſurrection of the Body, held a Tranſmigration of
Souls, and believ'd with the Anthropomorphites, that God had a Body,
and of Human ſhape, with many other abſurd Opinions. In the next Year,
according to Tertullian, began the famous Hereſe of the Marcionites, A.D. 144. .
which took its Name from Marcion, a Perſon of Sinope in Pontus, An.Pii
who in his younger Years follow'd the Stoick Philoſophy; but being The Hereſie of
convicted of Uncleaneſs with a Virgin, he was excommunicated by his
Father, who was a pious Man and a Biſhop. Upon which, after the
Death of Hyginus Biſhop of Rome, he repaired to that City; where, not
being admitted to the Eccleſiaſtical Communion, becauſe his Father ſtill
oppos’d it, he out of Revenge threatned to form a Schiſm that ſhou'd
laft for ever; and accordingly he joyn’d with Cerd, then in Rome, em-
ibrac'd his Hereſie, and added many other Errors, together with almoſt
all thoſe of the Valentinians and Gnoſticks. He held with Cerdo two
ſeveral Gods, the one Good, and the other Evil; the latter he ſaid was
the Creator of the World, and the Author of the Law; and the former
the Redeemer of the World, and the Author of the Goſpel. Origen
affirms, that he ſuppos’d there was a God of the Jews, a God of the
Chriſtians, and a God of the Gentiles. Tertullian ſpeaks of nine, and
curiouſly obſerves the reſt of his Opinions ; as, tþat he deņy'd the Relur-
rection of the Body, rejected the Incarnation of our Saviour, and all
the Old Teſtament, with moſt of the New; condemn'd Marriage, ex-
cluding Married Perſons from Salvation; allow'd Perſons to be Baptiz'd
three feveral Times, and the Living ſometimes to be Baptized in the Room
the Dead; and alſo Women to adminiſter the Sacraments. The Diſciples
of this Hereſiarch added many other Errors to his Dogma’s; which in
no long Time were ſpread abroad in Ægypt, Syria and Arabia, as far
as Perſia.
As this Age produc'd Abundance of Hereſies that hinder'd the Ad-A.D. 145.
vancement of the Chriſtian Faith, ſo it was no leſs fertil in great Num-A.D. 146.
bers of ſpurious and dangerous Books; promoted, no doubt, by the Spuriors Wri-
Prince of Darkneſs, to obfuſcate the Brightneſs of the Goſpel. Among
theſe, we may name the Hiſtories of Seth, Enoch, Cham, &c. the Prayers
of Joſeph, the Aſſumption of Abraham, the Teſtament of Moſes, the Re-
pentance of Adam, the Hiſtory of Jannes and Jambres, the Teſtament of
Job, the Aſcenſion of Efaias, the Goſpel of Judas according to Baſilides,
the Goſpel of Nicodemus, the Book of Zacharias, the Aſcenſion of St. Paul,
with a Multitude of the like fabulous and pernicious Writings, which
are now happily periſh'd. But to return from ſpurious to genuine
Writings, about the tenth Year of this Emperor, Appion of Alexandria A.D. 147.
finiſh'd his famous Work of the Roman Hiſtory; of which we have a An. Pii 2
conſiderable Part ſtill remaining. In which Year, which was juſt 900
Years after the Building the City of Rome, the Emperor order'd the The grand Se-
Celebration of the grand Secular Games, as it were folemnizing the Birth- cular Games
Day
tings.
IO
celebrated.
318 Cent. II.
Book III.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORÝ.
:-
C
C
c
Day of the City; all which were perform’d with great Pomp and Magni-
ficence, in which were expos'd infinite variety of ſtrange Beaſts and other
Animals. This was the third Time that theſe Games were celebrated ſince
the Birth of our Saviour, which was 59 Years after the laſt under Domi-
tian, and 100 after thoſe under Claudius, whoſe Example and Method
A.D. 148. Antoninus follow'd. The following Year was attended with another
An. Pii , Solemnity, which was the Emperor's Decennalia ; for having finiſh'd
his firſt ten Years Government, he renewed his Time with much Cere-
mony and Splendor, according to the Cuſtom of Auguſtus, and the ſuc-
ceeding Emperors.
A.D. 150. III. About the twelfth Year of this Reign the Chriſtians, who had
An. Pii, ſuffer'd much from Hereticks, began now to be more ſeverely treated by
The Chriſtians Pagans : For tho Antoninus was ſignally mild and generous,
and
ſeverelytreated.
put
out no Edicts againſt them, yet the Chriſtians, being generally traduc'd
and defam'd as a wicked and barbarous Generation, ſcandalous and
abominable in their Nocturnal Affemblies, had hard Meaſure in all
Places, and were frequently perſecuted by virtue of the particular Edicts
of former Emperors, and the general ſtanding Laws of the Roman
Empire. To vindicate them from the foul Aſperſions caſt upon them, and
Juſtin Martyr to mitigate the Severities us’d towards them, the great Juſtin about this
writes his first Time publiſh'd his firſt Apology, which he inſcrib'd to Antoninus Pius the
Apology.
Emproer, and his two adopted Sons M. Aurelius and L. Verus, to the Se-
nate, and by them to the whole People of Rome; 'wherein with great
Strength and Evidence of Reaſon he defended the Chriſtians from the
common Objections and Calumnies of their Enemies, prov'd the Divi-
nity of the Chriſtian Faith, and ſhew'd how unjuſt and unreaſonable it
was to proceed againſt them without due Conviction and Form of
' Law; acquainted them with the innocent Rites and Uſages of the
Chriſtian Aſſemblies, and laſtly put the Emperor in mind of the Practice
of his Predeceffor Adrian in this Matter; who had commanded that the
Chriſtians ſhou'd not be needleſly and unjuſtly vex'd, but that their
· Cauſe ſhou'd be travers'd and determind in open Judicatures; annexing
' to his Apology a Copy of the Reſcript which Adrian had ſent to Minn-
' cius Fundanus , to that purpoſe. This Apology is written with the
Spirit and Freedom of an old Prophet, yet with all the Decency and
Reſpect due to the Character of an Emperor ; and contains ſo much of
the Doctrin, Manners and Cuſtoms of the Primitive Chriſtians, that it is
one of the moſt conſiderable Records of Antiquity. We there find the
Doctrin of the Church concerning the Trinity, the Incarnation of our
Saviour, and Eternal Life; as alſo the Proofs of the Chriſtian Faith, the
Holineſs and Converſation of its Profeſſors, together with a Deſcription
of their Aſſemblies, and their Ceremonies usºd in the Adminiitration of
both the Sacraments.
A.D. 151. Juſtin's happy Addreſs wanted not its deſired Succeſs: For the Empe- Eufeb.
ror in his own Nature of a merciful and generous Diſpoſition, being mov’d
partly by this
Apology,and partly by the Noticehe had receiv'd from other
Parts of the Empire, wrote in favour of the Chriſtians to the Athenians,
A.D. 152. Theſſalonians, and to all Greece; beſides which in the 15th Year of his
An. Pii Reign, he iſſu'd out this publick Edict, directed to the common Aſſembly
of Aſia. I am very well aſſured, that the Gods themſelves will take care,
The Emperor's
Ediet in fa-
that the Chriſtians' shall not paſs undiſcover'd, it being much more their
vour of the Concern, than it can be yours, to puniſh thoſe who refuſe to worſhip them. But
you the more ſtrongly confirm them in their own Opinions, while you vex
and oppreſs them, and accuſe them as Impious and Atheiſtical; nor can a
Chriſtians.
more
Chap. II.
319
ANT. PIUS the 16th Rom. Emp.
more acceptable Kindneſs be done them, than that being accus'd they may ſeem
to chuse Death, for the ſake of that God whom they worſhip. By which means
they became Conquerors, being ready to lay down their Lives , rather than be
perſuaded to comply with your Commands. As for the Earthquakes that
have been, or that do yet happen, it is fit to advertiſe you, whoſe Minds are apt
to deſpond under ſuch Accidents, to compare your own Cafe with theirs. They
at ſuch a Time are much more ſecure and confident in their God; whereas
you
ſeeming ignorant of God all that Time, neglect both the Rites of other Gods,
and the Religion of that immortal Deity, nay baniſh and perſecute to
Death the Chriſtians that worſhip him. Concerning theſe Men, ſeveral Go-
vernors of Provinces have formerly written to my Father of Sacred Memory:
To whom he return'd this Anſwer, That they ſhou'd be no ways moleſted, unleſs
it appear’d that they attempted ſomething against the State of the Roman Empire.
Tea, I my ſelf have received many Intimations of this Nature, to which I an-
Swer'd according to the Tenor of my Father's Conſtitution. After all which, if any
ſkall ſtill proceed to create them Trouble, merely becauſe they are Chriſtians,
let him that is indi&ted be diſcharged, tho' acknowledg’d to be a Chriſtian,
and let the Accuſer himſelf undergo the Puniſhment. We are not ignorant,
that Valerius and ſeveral other learned Men, upon the account of the In-
ſcription, wou'd have this Imperial Edict to be the Decree of the ſucceeding
Emperor Marcus Aurelius; but all their Arguments we think ſufficiently
anſwer'd by Monf. Tillemont, who intimates, that by this Indulgence, the
Chriſtians generally remain'd in great Peace and Security throughout the
reſt of this Reign. In the ſame Year that this Edic was publiſh’d,
Marcus Biſhop of Alexandria dy'd, after he had held this Dignity about
ten Years; and was ſucceeded by Celadion , a Perſon greatly belov'd in Celadion the
that City, who continu'd in the See about 14 Years, being the eighth Alexandria.
Biſhop of Alexandria after the Evangeliſt St. Mark.
The Church of God on one fide enjoy'd great Eaſe and Proſperity, A.D. 153.
but on the other was infected with many and new Hereſies; particularly, An. Piis
with thoſe of the moſt abſurd and ſenſleſs Sects, calld the Ophites and The Hereſie of
the Sethians. The former proceeded from the Nicolait ans and Gnoſticks, and Sethians
,
being call’d Ophites or Serpentines, from the great Veneration they had
for the Serpent, which they ſaid taught Men the Knowledge of Good
and Evil. When their Prieſts celebrated their Myſteries, they made a
Serpent come forth from a Hole, which after it had rolled it ſelf over
the Things deſign’d to be offer'd, they ſaid that Jeſus Christ had ſanctify'd
them, and then deliver'd them to the People who worſhipped them. The
other Sect calld Sethians, who drew their Original from Valentinus, were
no leſs extravagant; they held that Cain and Abel were created by two
Angels; and that the latter being killd, the ſupreme Power inhabited
Seth; and that the Angels by their mutual Impurities drew on the Flood,
which deſtroy'd their wicked Offspring; but that ſome of them having
crept into the Ark, gave a new Original to wicked Men. They wrote
many Books entituled Seth, and ſome bearing the Names of the other
Patriarchs; and gave out, That Jeſus Christ was either Seth, or his Vicar.
Both theſe Sects held many other fabulous and abſurd Notions; which
Thews to what an Abyſs of Folly Men may fall, when they are aban-
don'd by God to their own dark Inventions, and have abandon'd thiem-
ſelves to the falſe Light of their Reaſon.
Beſides theſe ſenſleſs Sects, which were of no very long Continuance, thoſe A.D. 154
of the Valentinians and Marcionites, began now extremely to increaſe in An. Pii 15
many Parts, becoming much more dangerous than the other. Of theſe
the famous Juſtin was a ſtrenuous Oppoſer; and the Brightneſs of the
Catholick and only true Church, being always the ſame, and continuing
ſtedfaſt
bren.
Tertul.
&c.
320 Cent. II.
Book II.
ECCLESIASTICAL History.
the Euši.
C
ſtedfaſt like it felf, was greatly increasʼd and augmented. Juſtin , not
long after the Emperor's Edict, left Rome, and reviſited the Eaſtern Parts
Juſtin viſits
of the Empire; and arriving at Epheſus, fell into the Acquaintance of
Tryphon thic Jew, a Man of great Note and Eminency, who had fled his
Country in the late War and Rebellion againſt the Romans; ſince when he
had livd in Greece, and principally in Corinth, wliere he had much im-
prov'd himſelf by converſing with the Grecian Philoſophers. With this
A.D. 155. Chainpion Juſtin enter'd the Liſts in a two Day's Diſpute, the Account
An. Pii 1- of which he has given us in his Dialogue with that ſubtle Man :
Juſtin nrites
13. Wherein he admirably defended and made good the Truth of the
againsi 'Tru- • Chriſtian Religion; and prov'd from an infinite Number of Paflages
phon.
• of the Old Teſtament, That Jeſus Christ was the Meſſiah , and the
Word, who firſt appear'd to the Patriarchs, and afterwards conde-
“ fcended to be made Man, and to be born of the Virgin Mary for our
· Salvation. He not only diffolv'd all the Jewiſh Pleas and Pretenſions
againſt Chriſtianity, but alſo diſcover'd their implacable Spite and Malice,
who not only barely content to reject that Profeſſion, ſent peculiar
Perſons about the World, to ſpread abroad, That Jeſus the Galilean
was a Deceiver and Seducer, and his whole Religion nothing but a
· Cheat and Impoſture; and that in their publick Synagogues they ſo-
lemnly anathematiz'd all that turn’d Chriſtians, liating and deſtroying
them, whenever they got them in their Power. The Iſſue of the
Conference was, tliat the Jew acknowledg’d himſelf highly pleas’d, pro-
felling he found more than he expected; wiſhing he might enjoy it
oftener, and begging his Friendſhip, in what Part of the World ſoever
he was.
A.D. 156. In the 19th Year of this Emperor's Reign, dy'd Mark, the firſt Biſhop
An. Piss of Jeruſalem after the laſt Diſperſion of the Jews, after he had held the
Caffianus, the Dignity 19 or 20 Years ; he was ſucceeded by Caſſianus, who was the
17th Biſhop of 16th Biſhop of this City, after the Apoſtle St. James, and ſecond of the
Jeruſalem Uncircumciſion; but how long he continu'd in this See is uncertain, tho
ſome ſay it was eight Years. In this ſame Year ſome have fix'd the
Beginning of Montanus's Hereſie; but others, with better Reaſon, have
A.D. 157. placid it 14 of 15 Years after: In the 20th Year of this Emperor, Pius
,
A.D. 157. after he had been 15 Years Biſhop of Rome, dy'd; and was ſucceeded by
An. Pii 2 Anicetus a Syrian, the Son of one John de Vicomurco, who continu'd in
Anicetus, the the See about 11 Years, and was the tenth Biſhop of Rome, after
tenth Biſhop
of Rome. St. Peter and St. Paul. In the Beginning of this Biſhop's Time
Quartodeciman Controverſie began to ariſe between the Eaſtern and
Weſtern Churches, concerning the Time of the Obſervation of Eaſter;
the former, according to the Jewiſh Paflover, keeping to one particular
Full-Moon; and the latter, according to the Reſurrection, keeping to
one particular Sunday; and both juſtifying themſelves by Apoſtolical
Practice and Tradition. That this Fire might not break out into a greater
St. Polycarp Flame, the renowned Polycarp came from Smyrna to Rome, to interpoſe
with Anicctus and the chief of the Weſtern Church. But tho' he cou'd
not end the Controverſie, and they alſo diſagreed about ſome other ſmall
Matters, yet there was no great Contention between them, nor any
Violation of Charity. In Token whereof they communicated together
at the Holy Sacrament; and Anicetus to put the greater Honour upon
Polycarp, gave him leave to confecrate the Eucharift in his own Churchi
or Aſſembly; after which they parted peaceably; each Side tho’retaining
their ancient Rites, yet maintaining the Peace and Communiori of the
Church. During this great Man's Stay at Rome, le principally ſet himſelf
to convince Gainſayers, teſtifying the Truth of thoſe Doctrines he had
receiv'd
E:fcbo
gles to Rome.
Chap. II.
32 1
ANT. PIUS the 16th Rom. Emp.
the Filith;
tan.
232
2
tings.
receiv'd from the Apoſtles, by which he recover'd many to the
Church who had been infected with Errors, eſpecially with the He-
reſies of Marcion and Valentinús. And when Marcion once acciden- His Zeal foi
tally met him in the Street, and reſenting it, that he did not ſa-
lute him, call d out to him, Polycarp, own us ; the good Man re-
ply'd in a juſt Indignation, I own thee to be the First-born of Sa-
So religioully cautious, adds Irenæus, were the Apoſtles and
their Followers, not to hold any Converſation with any that cor-
rupted the Truth ; obſerving St. Paul's Rule, A Man that is an He-
retick, after the firſt and ſecond Admonition, rejeci. Polycarp's pious
Mind was extremely heated with a Zeal and Abhorrency of the poi-
ſonous Principles, which in thoſe Times corrupted the Simplicity of
the Chriſtian Faith, inſomuch, tliat when ever he lieard any Thing
of that Nature, he was wont immediately to ſtop his Ears, and
cry out, Good God! To what Times haſt thou reſervd me, that I
jhou'd hear ſuch Things ? Immediately avoiding the Place where he
heard it.
Not long after Anicetus was made Biſhop, the Emperor Antoninus ha-A.D. 158.
ving compleated the 20th Year of his Reign, ſolemniz'd his ſecond An. Pií
Decennalia. About which Time it is believ'd Hegefippus took his Jour- Hegefippus,
ny to Rome, where he ſtay'd ſeveral Years, till the Time of Biſhop Elen- and his Wri.
therius. He was a few by Birth and Education, but being converted to
Chriſtianity, he became a noted Author, and was the firſt who compos'd
an entire Body of the Eccleſiaſtical Hiſtory, which lie divided into five
Books, wherein he related the principal Occurrences hapning in the
Church from our Saviour's Birth; till the Pontificate of Anicetus. This
Book was written with Simplicity of Ştile, becauſe he reſolv’d, ſays St. Je-
rom, to imitate the Phraſes and Dialect of thoſe whoſe Lives he wrote,
We have only ſome few Fragments of this Work left, which are incer-
ted by Euſebius in his Eccleſiaſtical Hiſtory. In the 22d Year of this A.D. 159,
Reign, the Emperor renew'd ſome Laws againſt Adulterers, extending An. Pii
the ſame Puniſhments to Husbands as to Wives, for which this Prince
is commended by St. Auſtin. About which Time 'tis probable that Me-Melico made
lito the Apologiſt was made Biſhop of Sardis, one of the ſeven Churches Bijloop of Sar:
mention'd in the Revelation; being a Man of rare Parts and Abilities,
whom Polycrates Biſhop of Epheſus places among the great Lights of Aſia,
and ſtiles an Eunuch, upon the Account of his great Chaſtity and So-
briety, and whom the Orthodox accounted as a Prophet. The follow- A.D. 16o.
ing Year we find moſt remarkable for the Death of that Hereſiarch Valen-
An. Pii
tinus, and for the Impudence of Marcellina, a Woman of the Carpocra- Marcelliga a
tian Sect, who coming to Rome about this Time, by her Arts and Curpocratian.
Induſtry much promoted that impious Hereſie. She made uſe of her
Wit and Beauty, to ſeduce the Orthodox by her laſcivious Pleaſures,
which were too conſiſtent with her Principles, and Tenets of her Re-
ligion.
In the Year 161, the Emperor, after a long Train of Proſperity, was
ſeiz'd with a violent Fever at Lorium; where finding himſelf ſenſibiy de-
caying, he order'd his Friends, the Captains of the Guards, and his
principal Officers to repair to him, and before them all confirm'd his
Adoption of Marcus Aurelius, not naming Lucius Verus : And when the
Tribune came for Orders, the Word which he gave him was Equanimi-
ty; intimating, That he had nothing more to deſire, ſince he had left
ſo worthy a Succeffor, and immediately commanded the Golden Image of
Fortune, which the Emperors always had in their Chambers, to be
remov’d from his Apartment to that of Marcus Aurelius. Shortly after
SC
lie
22
dis.
22,
23
Capitol,
322
Cent. II.
Book III.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
The Death of
Antoninus
Pius.
6
he dy'd; a Prince of admirable Virtues, and unſtain'd Reputation, of
whom it is ſaid, " That he never willingly ſhed the Blood of Roman or
Foreigner; and in all his Acts, That he never did any Thing rafhly
' in his Youth, or negligently in his Age. He dy'd on the 7th Day
of March, under the Conſulſhips of Marcus Aurelius and Lúciws Vé-
rus, being 73 Years of Age, and having reign’d 22 Years, 7 Months, and
26 Days.
Dion
peror.
A.D. 161. IV. The Death of Antoninus Pius was highly lamented in the capier.
ANTO-City and Empire, and his Funeral ſolemniz'd with extraordinary Pomp
NINU S and Splendor, being attended and ſucceeded by divine Honours, pub-
PHILO-lick Orations pronounc'd by his adopted Sons Marcus Aurelius and Lu-
SOPHUS, cius Verus, a magnificent Pillar erected to him, and a new College of
Roman Emat" Prieſts inſtituted, callid Aurelians, from the Name of his Family. At
the ſame Time M. Aurelius, the eldeſt and worthieſt of the two, was
without Oppoſition admitted by the Senate as Succeſſor and Emperor,
wlio upon his Beginning to act, took his adopted Brother Verus as his
Affociate and Equal in the Fmpire, and alſo took the Name of An-
toninus. This was the firſt Time that Rome ever ſaw it ſelf govern'd
by two Sovereigns at once; a ſurprizing Sight to a City that formerly
had her beſt Blood ſhed in chuſing a Maſter, and ſo remarkable, that
it occaſion'd a new Æra to commence from that Time. They were
both of ancient and illuſtrious Families, Antoninus of about forty Years
of Age, and Verus about 29; the former a Perſon of admirable Vir-
tues and Accompliſhments, of whom all Writers ſpeak great and nobly,
and the latter looſe and extravagarit, diffolute and debauch'd in his
Life and Morals. Aurelius or Antoninus was a renowned Stoick Philoſo-
pher, for which he is diſtinguith'd 'from his Predeceffor by the Name
of Philoſophus, as being a publick Profeffor of Philoſophy, which he
uſually callid His Mother, oppofing it to the Court, which he calld His
Step-mother ; and for that Reaſon he frequently us’d that Expreſfion
of Plato's, That People was happy whoſe Philoſophers were Kings, or whoſe
Kings were Philoſophers. In the twelfth Year of his Age he had enter'd
himſelf among the Stoicks, wore their Habit, practis'd their Severities,
ſtudy'd as they did, lay upon the Ground, and was with great Diffi-
culty perſuaded by his Mother to make uſe of an ordinary Couch; and
according to their Precepts, lie 'retain'd ſuch Tranquillity of Mind, that
he is obſerv'd never to have chang‘d his Countenance either with Joy
or Sorrow. He was a Prince of eminent Juſtice and Piety, and no leſs
His great Ex. celebrated for his Care and Penetration : His Excellencies were fo ſhining
and tranſcendent, that Eutropius tells us, He was more to be admir'd
than commended ; and it may be faid, That Providence proportion'd
the Wiſdom of this Emperor to the Miſeries and Calamities deſign’d for
his Reign.
This wiſe Prince in a ſhort Time ſet himſelf to the Regulation of
the publick Affairs, and to the correcting ſuch Faults as he found in
the Laws and Government; in all which he ſhew'd ſo great a Reſpect
to the Senate, that he remitted many Cauſes to them to judge ſove-
reignly, and without Appeal; fo that the People livid under his Go-
vernment as in a free City. He was fully ſatisfy'd that the Safety of
a State depended upon a wiſe and honeſt Council ; therefore he never
undertook 'any Matter of Importance, without conſulting the ableſt Per-
ſons he cou'd find; and being free from that falſe Ambition of drawing
others over to his Opinion, he gladly ſubmitted to theirs, and often de-
clar'd, That it was much more reaſonable for him to follow the Advice of so
many
1
cellencies,
Chap. II. ANT. PHILOS. the 17th Rom. Emp.
323
many wiſe Friends, than for them to follow his. And that he might remove
that fatal Prejudice of eſteeming it a mean and ſervile Thing for å
Man to recede from his Opinion, he tauglit this important Maxim,
That Man is no leſs free who ſubmits to the Opinion of others, than he
who continues obſtinate to his own ; ſuch a Change being often the Perfection
of Wiſdom and Judgment. As he was ready to hearken to the Coun-
ſels of others, ſo he was no leſs careful in their Execution, often de-
claring, That an Emperor Shou'd never act careleſly or in Haſte; wherefore
he examin'd the meaneſt Affairs with the utmoſt Exactneſs, being per-
ſuaded of this Truth, That Juſtice being throughout entire, there is no-
thing that concerns it but what is great. Upon which Account alſo he
extended his Care to all Orders of Men, and no Perſon of any Con-
dition whatſoever, appear’d to him unworthy of his Regard ; but the
Poor had never Recourſe to him in vain, and he took ſuch Pleaſure
in relieving them, that he look'd upon it as one of the greateſt Hap-
pineſſes of his Life, that he never wanted Means to perform it. In all
Matters lie was a religious Obſerver of his Word; and that he might
never hearken to the Reaſons of thoſe falſe Politicians wlio maintain,
" That a wiſe and able Prince is not oblig'd to keep his Word, when
• it interferes with his Intereſt, he eſtabliſh'd this memorable Inſtruction 3
Beware left you eſteem that Thing as advantagious, which will one Day con-
ſtrain you to break your Word. So much Wiſdom and Juſtice in a Prince
cou'd not fail of a proportionable Degree of Religion, in which he His Religion ;
follow'd the Dogmata of the Stoicks, which, as St. Jerom obſerves, in
many Things come neareſt the Chriſtian Doctrines. But as there is a
wide. Difference between Chriſtianity and Philoſophy, ſo this Emperor
was zealous of the Pagan Rites to the higheſt Degree of Superſtition;
having been educated from his Youth in the Salian College, and gone
through all the Offices in his own Perſon, imitating alſo Numa Poma
pilius, the chief Inſtitutor of religious Ceremonies among the Romans,
from whom he deriv'd his Original; And he was ſo ſtrict in his Way
of Religion, that upon the Dies Nefaſti
, the inauſpicious Duties, when
all publick Sacrifices were prohibited, he then offer'd Sacrifices privately
at Home; and he was the firſt that built a Temple to the Goddeſs pre-
ſiding over Good-Turns, which perhaps was the only Virtue that the Ro-
mans did not then adore. Nor was this Emperor, in the midſt of all his no-
ble Excellencies, free from ſeveral Failures in Morality; being accus' of too And Failings.
much Affectation and Reſerv’dneſs, as well as Arrogance and Diſſimulation;
and notwitſtanding his Stoick Principles, he is blam'd both for Incona
tinency, and for an unreaſonable Partiality to his own Family and Re-
lations.
The two Emperors Antoninus and Verus began their Reign with great
Happineſs and Proſperity; and the firſt Year was ſignalizd, or rather
ſully'd with the Birth of Commodus, the Impoſture of Alexander, and the
Perſecution of the Chriſtians. Commodus, afterwards Emperor, was the Commodus
Son of Antoninus, and born on the 21ſt Day of Auguſt; but by Rea- horn.
ſon of his monſtrous Life, and his Mother Fauſtina's immodeſt Practi-
ces, ſome Authors believ'd him to have been a fpurious Iſſue, and be-
gotten by a Gladiator. About the ſame Time the Impoſtor Alexan-
der became celebrated in Paphlagonia ; of whom we have a particular
Account from Lucian, that witty Scoffer both of Chriſtianity and Paga-
niſm, who flouriſh'd in this Reign. Alexander was a Perſon of a quick Alexander the
Wit, a fine Preſence, and an extraordinary Talent of Perſuaſion, who Impoſtor.
having learnt from his Maſter a Mountebank a Secret to make Per-
ſons love, hate, &c. aſſociated himſelf with one Cocconas of Byzán-
S [ 2
tium,
324
Book III.
Cent. II.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
tinm, an expert Artiſt in Phyſick. Theſe two, after they had deluded
great Numbers of credulous People, reſolv'd to ſet up an Oracle among
the Paphlagonians, whom they knew to be dull and ſuperſtitious;
for which End they had two Plates of Braſs in a Temple of Apol-
lo, with an Inſcription ſignifying that Eſculapius and his Father wou'd
foon ſettle there. Cocconas dy'd in a ſhort Time, and then Alexander
began to deliver his Oracles; and the better to delude the People,
he bred up two large Serpents, ſo tame, that they wou'd ſuck Wo-
men, and play with Children without hurt ; and having finiſh'd this
Project, he ſecretly convey'd a Gooſe's Egg with an inclosd young Ser-
pent, into the Foundation of the Temple then building, proclaiming
in the Market Place, That the Town was happy in the Birth of a God,
and breaking the myſterious Egg, he declard, That he had found Eſcu-
lapius. Shortly after he ſhew'd one of his great Serpents, holding
its Head under his Arm, to the Aſtoniſhment of the Spectators, who
imagin'd it the ſame they had lately ſeen ſo ſmall; then he de-
clard that this God wou'd return Anſwers at certain Times, and
defir'd that Queſtions miglit be ſent ſeald; which he receiv'd, ſhut
up in his Sanctuary, and deliver'd back again feald as he found
them, after he had cunningly opened them with a hot Needle, with-
out Damage to the Impreſſion. The Anſwers he gave were all dark and
myſtical, except ſuch as related to Phyſick, wherein he was well
skill'd; by which he obtain d vaſt Sums of Mony, and kept ſeve-
ral Officers under him. By his cunning Artifices he deluded the Peo-
ple into a perfect Adoration of him; and his Fame ſpreading in
al Parts, he had afterwards Acceſs to the Emperor Antoninus. As
to the Perſecution of the Chriſtians, which began in the firſt Year
of this Reign, fome have plac'd it in this Year 61; but upon a full
Conſideration, we have plac'd it in the following Year, about 62 Years
after the Beginning of the third General Perſecution under the Emperor
Trajan.
СНА Р.
Chap. III. ANT. PHILOS. the 17th Rom. Emp.
325
t
1
CHAP. III.
From the Beginning of the fourth General Perſecution of the
Church, to the middle of the fifth General Perſecution, un-
der the Emperor Severus, and the Concluſion of the ſecond Cena
tury.
Containing the Space of about 38 Years.
The fourth General Perſecution.
T.
Tutin.
1
Eufeb
. I.
HO'Antoninus always preſerv'd the Reputation of a moſt mild A.D. 162
and equitable Prince, yet under his excellent Government a
An.Ph.
ſevere Perſecution was rais'd againſt the Chriſtians, which at different
Places, with ſeveral Intermiſſions, and different Degrees of Severity, con-
tinu'd the greateſt Part of his Reign ; and this is call’d by moft Writers,
The fourth General Perſecution, only ſome few, who place the fourth Per-
fecution under Adrian, call this the fifth. Antoninins himſelf has been
much excus'd as to this Perſecution; Tertullian aflures us that he made
no Laws againſt the Chriſtians, and Ladantins names him not among the
Perſecutors; and his ſhining Virtues wou'd naturally lead us to believe
him no Ways concern'd in it. Yet if we conſider this Prince's Favours
to the Philoſophers, thoſe profeſs'd Oppoſers of Chriſtianity, his ſuper- The Cauſes of
ftitious Zeal for Paganiſm, and his calling in his Writings the Sufferings the Perfecutioti
.
of the Chriſtians, meer Obftinacy; we need not wonder if he countenancd
their Enemies, took off the Reſtraints laid by his Predeceflor's Decree,
and encourag'd them to put the ancient Laws in Execution; which pro-
hibited all Religions not approv'd of by tlic Senate. The Philoſophers of
Rome, among whom was Crefcens the Cynick, were much corrupted, and
had not livd up to their owri Rtiles and Maxims, but were Guilty of
many notorious Vices: Theſe finding their Lives and Converſations ex-
pos'd, and even their bolt Morals clearly out done by the Chriſtians ,
us'd all Methods of Severity and Revenge, loaded them with all poſſi-
ble Calumrries, and by Infirruations with the Emperors and the People,
rais'd a new Perſecution againft them in the very firſt Year of the Reign.
In this no Endeavours were omitted to cauſe the Chriſtians to loſe their
Reputations, as well as their Lives, they caus'd their Slaves and De-
pendents to be tortur'd, in order to make them accuſe them of ſecret
Crimes and Enormities, and that in their religious Offices ; and the in-
nocent Chriſtians were forbidden to juſtifie themſelves, and the World to
read their Apologies ; ſo that many ſuffer'd by Means of inſuperable Pre-
judices. This Perſecution did not rage ſo much in the Beginning, as
afterwards, which occaſion d fome to place it four or five Years after :
And we find not the particular Names of any Martyrs in the firſt Year,
beſides a Woman callid Glycerie, who is ſaid to have ſuffer'd at He-
raclia in Tbrade, under the Governor Sabinus, on the 13th Day of
May.
God being highly difpleas'd with the Infidelity of the Romans, this Troubles in the
Perſecution was attended with many deplorable Difaſters ; particularly the Empire.
River Tiber, by an Inundation overwhelm'd a confiderable Part of Rome,
bore
i
Capitol.
D),
326
Book III.
Cent. II.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
proper for
3
bore along with it a Multitude of People and Cattel, ruin'd all the Coun-
try, and caus’d an extreme Famine. This was ſeconded by Earthquakes,
burning of Cities, and a general Infection of the Air, which immediately
produc'd an infinite Number of Inſects, which waſted all that the Floods
had ſpared. At the ſame Time the whole World reſounded with the
Noiſe of Wars, which almoſt at once broke out from every Quarter ;
the Parthians, under the Conduct of their King Vologeſus, ſurpriz'd the
Roman Legions in Armenia, and cut them in Pieces; the Catti invaded
Germany and Rhetia, deſtroying all with Fire and Sword; and the Bri-
tains began to make dangerous Revolts. The Parthian War being of
the greateſt Importance, one of the Emperors was judgʻd moſt
the Enterprize, and Verus himſelf undertook the Expedition, being accom-
pany'd part of his Way by Antoninus, who then left many wiſe and great
Men to attend him, with Deſign either of ſecuring himſelf of his Con-
duct, or of laying a Reſtraint upon his Vices, which began too open-
A. D. 163. ly to appear. During his Abſence, Antoninus, having quieted the other
An.Ph. Parts of the Empire, apply'd himſelf to many Regulations, and took
Antoninus's' particular Care in his Choice of wiſe Governors and Magiſtrates, be-
Regulations. ing perſuaded, That one of the greateſt Errors in Government was to
put the Magiſtiſtracy into the Hands of unfit Perſons; and therefore
left he ſhou'd fall into this Misfortune, he with great Eaſineſs and Free-
dom, refus'd whatſoever was unjuſtly requeſted of him. He always gave
Perſons Encouragement anſwerable to their Merits, and plac'd them in
Stations moſt ſuitable to their Capacities; being wont to ſay, That the
it was not in a Prince's Power to make his Subjects as he deſir’d, yet be
might always make uſe of their Service by employing them in ſuch Things
as they underſtood. His excellent Adminiſtration ſo much gaind the
Hearts of the Romans, that they offer'd him many peculiar Honours
but he wou'd not accept of any lofty Titles, nor permit Temples to be
erected to him; being convincd, That Virtue alone made Princes equal
to Gods, not the Applauſes of the People, and that a King who ruld
juſtly, had all the World for his Temple, and all good Men for his
Prieſts and Miniſters. While Antoninus was worthily employ'd at Home,
his Collegue Verus Abroad purſu'd his Pleaſures, much more than the
War he was carrying on; wherefore Antoninus, being made ſenſible of
A.D. 164. his Enormities, judg’d Marriage the moſt probable Means of retrieving
An.Ph. 3 him; and without Delay ſent his own Daughter Lucilla into Syria, and
Verus marry'd bore her Company as far as Brundufium. Verus believing Antoninus was
coming with his Daughter, and fearing his Diſorders ſhou'd be known
to him, went to recieve him at Epheſus, from whence le return'd ſhortly
after his Marriage at Antioch with his new Empreſs, whoſe looſe Life
and Converſation prov'd agreeable to her Husband's, and to the Example
her Mother Fauſtina had given her.
The Martyrdom
The ſame Year was noted for the Martyrdom of a celebrated Chri- Ada M
of Felicitas ftian of Rome call’d Felicitas, with her ſeven Sons, Januarius, Felix,
and her ſeven 'Philip, Silvanus, Alexander, Vitalis, and Martial. The Pagan Prieſts re-
preſented to the Emperor, that it was neceſſary to appeaſe the Gods by
making a Sacrifice of Felicitas, as we are inform’d by the Acts of her
Martyrdom. Antoninus remitted this Affair to Publius, Prefect of the
City, who finding this holy Woman brave and reſolute, began with
her Children : Januarius the eldeſt, after he was ſcourg'd with Rods,
was preſs’d to Death with leaden Weights; Felix and Philip had their
Brains beaten out with Batoons; Silvanus was caſt down headlong, and
had his Neck broken ; Alexander, Vitalis , and Martial were beheaded
and laſtly, the Mother of them ſuffer'd with the ſame Sword. Beſides
theſe,
to Lucilla,
Sons.
3
*
Chap. III. ANT. PHILOS. the 17th Rom. Emp.
327
5
theſe, we have an Account of the Martyrdom of Concordus', about the And of Con-
fame Time, à Presbyter of the City Spoleto, who not only refus'd to fa- ccrdus.
crifice to Jupiter, but alſo ſpit on the Face of the Idol ; for which he
was firſt put to ſeveral Torments, and afterwards beheaded. Theſe vio-
lent and unjuſt Proceedings did not at all diſcourage the great. Juſtin , A.D. 165.
who returning to Rome, ſtood up couragiouſly for the Faith, and among An. Ph.
others had frequent Conteſts with Creſcens the noted Cynick Philoſopher, Juſtin's Diſpute
who was not only proud and ill-natur’d, but a notorious Slave to all with Creſcens,
Vice and Wickedneſs. Tatian, then at Rome, gives him the Character
of a Traducer of all their Gods, the Epitome of Superſtition, the Accu-
ſer of heroick Actions, the Contriver of Murthers, the Prompter of Adul-
tery, a Purſuer of Wealth even to Madneſs, who tho' le pretended to
deſpiſe Death, yet did moſt dread it, and to which, as the greateſt Evil,
he ſought to betray both Juſtin and Tatian, for their freely reproving
the vicious Lives of thoſe philoſophical Impoſtors. This Man, an ex-
ceſſive Lover of popular Applauſe, by all the baſe Arts of Inſinuation
endeavour'd to traduce the Chriſtians, and to repreſent their Religion
under the moſt infamous Character. But in all his Diſputes Juſtin found
him wretchedly ignorant of Chriſtianity, and ſtrongly biaſs'd by Malice,
which he offer'd to make good in a publick Diſputation before the Em-
peror and Senate ; aſſuring them, That either be had never conſider'd the
Chriſtian Doctrines, and then he was worſe than the meaneſt Ideots, who ne-
ver pronounc'd Sentence in Matters unknown to them; or if he had, it was
manifeſt, That either tre had no Knowledge of them, or out of a baſe Com-
pliance with his Auditors, diſſembled it for fear of being accounted a Chri-
ſtian, and incurring the Fate of Socrates, whoſe excellent Principle was, “ No
Man was to be regarded before the Truth. This free and impartial Cen-
ſure did extremely exaſperate Creſcens, who not long after found Means
to bring about his Ruin.
In the mean Time, the Lieutenants of Verus ſucceſsfully carry'd on The Romans
the War againſt the Parthians, put Vologeſus to Flight, took Artaxata Succeſs in the
and Seleucia, burnt and plunder'd the famous Cities Babylon and Cteſi- Eaß.
phon, and demoliſh'd the magnificent Palace of the Parthians. Theſe
Wars continu'd four Years with great Variety, and much Bloodſhed, till
the Valour of the Romans prevail'd, ſo as to become entirely victorious.
But theſe: Troops who had gain'd ſuch noble Victories, and defeated Ar-
mies of 400000 Men, in their Return were oblig'd to encounter Sickneſs
and Famine, which deſtroy'd more than half their Numbers. However
this was no Impediment to the Glory of Verus, who readily aſſum'd the
lofty Titles of Parthicus and Armenicus, as if he had juſtly acquir'd them in
the midſt of his Debaucheries; and upon his Return to Rome, partook A.D. 166.
of the Honour of a ſolemn Triumph with Antoninus. His Return was An. Ph.
thought fatal to the Empire, for he carry'd the Plague into all the Pro- Great Calami-
vinces through which he paſs’d, and caus'd the Infection to ſpread ties in the Em-
throughout all Italy and the Roman Empire, to the Deſtruction of infi-
nite Numbers of all Ranks and Qualities. We are told that this dread-
ful Peſtilence began at the taking of Babylon, or rather Seleucia, where
the Soldiers pillaging the Temple of Apollo, in a Place under Ground
found a little Coffer, which upon their opening of it, caſt forth a hor-
rible infectious Air, which ſpread it ſelf, and carry’d Mortality through
moſt parts of the World ; a Story much afferted by the Zealots for Pa-
ganiſm and the falſe Deities. This Plague was follow'd by many other
Calamities, as Earthquakes, Famines, Inundations, and Caterpillars, in
Italy, and other Provinces; all which had ſuch deplorable Effects, that
it is generally acknowledg'd, that if the extraordinary Vigilance and Wif-
dom
Capi!o!.
Dion.
.
328 Cent. II.
Book III.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
dom of Antoninus had not been a Means for preventing it, the Roman
Empire had been then torn aſunder by the barbarous Nations, who ta-
king Advantage from theſe Miſeries, made Invaſions and Irruptions even
into Italy it ſelf.
The Perfecution II. The Miſeries and Calamities then befalling the Roman Empire,
increaſes.
have by many Writers been look'd upon as ſupernatural Judgments
for the Perſecution of the Chriſtians, which in this Year grew hotter than
ever before in this Reign, which has occaſion'd ſeveral to date its Be-
ginning from this Time. It appear’d moſt violent at Smyrna in Afia , 17. Pol.
from which Church we have an excellent Letter, giving a lively Account
of the Martyrdom of ſeveral, but eſpecially of the renowned Polycarp
Biſhop of the Place. This Epiſtle, which was written ſhortly after, tells
us, That all Men were ſurpriz'd at that Greatneſs of Mind, that admi-
rable Patience, and that Love to Jeſus Chriſt which appear'd in the Mar-
ManyCruelties. tyrs; who when their Bodies were ſo torn with Scourges that their
inmoſt Viens and Arteries were laid open, endur'd all without a Sigh
or a Groan, a plain Evidence that their dear Maſter ſtood by and ſup-
ported them. Thoſe who were condemn'd to the wild Beaſts, being
kept long in Priſon, ſuſtain'd many cruel Torments ; being oblig'd to
lye upon ſharp Spikes plac'd under their bodies, and tormented divers
Ways; that if it were poſſible, the Tyrant by the Length of their Suffer-
ings, might have brought them to deny Chriſt. Theſe perſever'd to
the laſt, and in the Preſence of the wild Beaſts ; for the brave Germani-
cus ſtrengthned thoſe who fear'd, by his Patience, and fought gloriouſly
with the Beaſts. And when the Proconſul wou'd have perſuaded him
to ſpare himſelf, in Conſideration of his Youth, he pulld the wild Beaſt
to him, and provok'd him, longing to be ſoon deliver'd from a wicked
and unjuſt World. Upon which the whole Multitude of Spectators ad-
miring at the invincible Courage of the pious Race of Chriſtians, cry'd
Polycarp outt, Deſtroy the Impious ; Let Polycarp be ſought for! There following
fought for.
a great Tumult upon theſe Clamours, Quintus the Phrygian, ſeeing the
wild Beaſts, and other deſign'd Tortures, became diſpirited, and at length
gave way to a Deſire of ſaving his Life. This Quintus, with ſome others,
as the Epiſtle obſerves, had raſhly of their own accord put themſelves
upon the Trial; but being apprehended, gave all Men a ſignal Exam-
ple, that none ought to precipitate themſelves into ſuch Dangers without
Warrant from the Goſpel.
The great Polycarp hearing he was ſought for, was no ways diſturbid,
but refolv'd to ſtand the Shock; till his Friends knowing his ſingular
Benefit to the Church, prevaild with him to withdraw into a neigli-
bouring Village, where with a few Companions he continu'd Day and
Night in Prayer, interceding with Heaven for the Peace and Tranquil-
lity of all the Churches in tlie World, according to his uſual Cuſtom.
Three Days before his Apprehenſion being at Prayers, he fell into a
Trance, and thought he ſaw his Pillow under his Head all on Fire ;
He foretels which he told his Friends was a prophetick Preſage, That he ſhou'd be
burnt alive for the Cauſe of Chriſt. In the mean Time, being narrowly
fought for, he retir'd to another Village, whither his Énemies follow'd
him, and ſeizing upon two young Men, they forc'd one by Torments to
confeſs the Place of his Retreat. Polycarp was laid upon a Bed in an
upper Room, and thio' upon ſufficient Notice of their coming he cou'd
eaſily have eſcap'd to another Place, yet he refus’d, ſaying, The Will of
the Lord be done. Underſtanding his Perſecutors were there, he came
down and ſaluted them with a very chearful Countenance; inſomuch that
thoſe
He retires.
bis Death.
Chap. III. ANT. PHILOS. the 17" Rom. Emp.
329
thoſe that knew him not before, admir'd to behold a Perſon ſo truly
venerable, of ſo great Age, and ſo compos'd a Preſence, and that there
needed ſuch Diligence to apprehend one old Man. He, nothing concern'd,
order'd a Table to be ſpread, furniſh'd it with Proviſions, and invited
them to eat, and only requeſted for himſelf that he might lave one Hour
for Prayer. Which being granted, he betook himſelf to his Devotions,
and being repleniſh'd with divine Grace, continu'd praying two Hours
together, earneſtly recommending to God the Caſe of all his Friends and
Acquaintance, ſmall and great, noble and ignoble, and the State of the
Catholick Church throughout the whole World, to the Admiration of
all that heard him; ſo that many of the Soldiers began to repent that
they were come out againſt ſo holy and divine an old Man. His Prayer
being ended, they ſat him upon an Aſs, and conducted him towards the He is apprehen-
City; being upon the Road he was met by Herod the Irenarch and his Fa-ded.
ther Niceftes, who took him into their Chariot, and by plauſible Inſinua-
tions ſought to undermine his Conſtancy, asking him, What ill there was
in calling the Emperor DOMINUS, and Sacrificing, by which he might
eſcape Puniſhment? Polycarp at firſt returning no Anſwer, and at laſt re-
fuſing to comply, they turn’d their ſeeming Kindneſs into Scorn and
Reproaches, and thruſt him out of the Chariot with ſo much Vio-
lence, that his Thigh was bruis’d with the Fall. Whereat nothing
daunted, as if he had receiv'd no Hurt, he chearfully haſtned to the
Place of his Execution under the Conduct of his Guard; and being
arriv'd there, after a confus’d Noiſe and Tumult among the Multi-
tude, a Voice from Heaven was heard by many, but none ſeen who
deliver'd theſe Words, Be couragious, Polycarp, and quit thy ſelf like He is encou-
a Man! Which cou'd not but remind him of that glorious Promiſe rag’d by a Voice
made to him by Chriſt about 70 Years before, Rev. 2. 10. Be thou faithful
from Heaven,
unto Death, and I will give thee a Crown of Life.
Polycarp being brought before the publick Tribunal, a great Shout
was made, all rejoycing that he was apprehended. The Proconſul,
whoſe Name was Statius Quadratus, demanded of him, Whether he His Diſcourſe
was Polycarp ? which being confeſs’d, he began to perſuade him to with the Pro-
recant ; Regard, ſaid he, thy great Age, ſwear by the Genius of Cæ -conſul.
ſar, repent, and Say with us, Take away the Impious ; the uſual
Terms and Propoſals made to oblige Chriſtians to deny their Faith.
The holy Man looking about the Stadium, and beholding the Gen-
tile Multitudes, with a ſevere Countenance wav'd his Hand to them,
look'd up to Heaven, and with a Groan cry'd, Take away the Impious.
The Proconſul ſtill perſuaded him to ſwear, and to blaſpheme Chriſt,
promiſing to releaſe him ; which Motion drew from Polycarp this
generous Confeſſion, Fourſcore and fix Years I have ſerv'd him, and
he never did me any Injury; how then shall I now blafpheme my King
and
my
Saviour ? And when the Proconſul ſtill urg'd him to ſwear
by Cæſar's Genius, he_reply'd, Since you are so vainly ambitious that
I ſhou'd Swear by the Emperor's Genius, as you call it, as if you knew
not who I am,
bear
my Confeſſion,
"I am a Chriſtian: If you deſire
a farther Account of that Religion, appoint a Day, and
it. The Proconful adviſing him to perſuade the People, he an-
ſwer'd, To
уои
I chuſe to addreſs my Diſcourſe ; for we are comman-
ded to give to Princes and the Powers ordaind of God all due Ho-
nour, and ſuch as is not prejudicial to our Profeſſion : As for the Peo-
ple, I think them not competent Judges, to whom I ſhou'd give an Ac-
count of my Faith. Upon this Quadratus betook himſelf to ſeverer Ar-
guments, and told him, That he had wild Beaſts ready at hand io
Tt
devour
you mall bear
330
Cent. II.
Book III.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
to pro-
He is order'd to
be burnt.
devour him, unleſs he wou'd turn : The other deſir’d him to call for
them; for he was not at all diſpos'd to turn from Good to Evil; it be-
ing only honourable to turn from Vice to Virtue. The Proconſul added,
That ſince he despis'd the wild Beaſts, unleſs he repented, he wou'd uſe a
more terrible Puniſhment to tame him, which was Fire. To whom Po-
His Conſtancy. lycarp return'd this Anſwer, Thou threatneſt me with a Fire that burns
for an Hour, and then dies ; but art ignorant of the Fire of the future
Judgment, and eternal Damnation, reſerv'd for the Ungodly. But why do
you make Delays?? Order what Puniſhment you think fit. This and much
more he ſpake with Joy and Confidence, and a divine Grace was con-
fpicuous in his very Looks, ſo that the Proconſul himſelf was aſto-
niſh'd, who ſent his Cryer into the middle of the Stadium,
claim three Times, Polycarp had confeſs'd himſelf a Chriſtian! Where-
upon the whole Multitude both of Jews and Gentiles in Smyrna, with
a Shout cry'd out, This is the great Doctor of Aſia, and the Father of the
Chriſtians ! This is the Deſtroyer of our Gods, who teaches Men not to sa-
crifice, or to worſhip the Deities! After this they deſir'd Philip the Aſiarch,
that he wou'd let looſe a Lion againſt him; but Philip excus’d himſelf
becauſe thoſe Kind of Spectacles were already over, and not to be re-
affum'd the fame Day. Upon which, they unanimouſly demanded, That
he might be burnt alive; a Fate which he himſelf had prophetically fore-
told ſhou'd be his Portion.
This Propoſal was no ſooner made than executed, each Man ſtriving
to bear a Part in this Tragedy, with incredible Speed fetching Wood
and Faggots from ſeveral Places, eſpecially the Jews, whoſe Malice to
the Chriſtians was almoſt as natural to them as for the Fire to burn.
The Fewel being prepard, Polycarp unty'd his Girdle, laid aſide his Gar-
ments, and began to put off his Shoes; Offices unuſual to him, the
Chriſtians ambitiouſly ſtriving to be admitted to do them for him, and
happy the Perſon who cou'd firſt touch his Body: So great a Venera-
tion even in his younger Years had he obtain’d by his admirable Life
and Converſation. The Officers having diſpos'd all Things for his Exe-
cution, came according to Cuſtom to nail him to the Stake ; which he
deſir'd them to omit, affuring them, That He who gave him Strength to
endure the Fire, wou'd enable him, without Nailing, to ſtand immoveable
in the hotteſt Flames. Upon which they only ty'd him, after which
ſtanding with his Hands behind him like a Sheep deſign'd for Slaughter,
and a grateful Sacrifice to the Almighty, he pour'd out this following
His Prayer. Prayer, O Lord God Almighty, the
Father of thy well-beloved and ever-
bleſſed Son Jeſus Chriſt, by whom we have receiv'd the Knowledge of Thee;
the God of Angels, Powers, and of every Creature, and especially of the
whole Race of juſt Men who live in thy Preſence! I bleſs thy holy Name
that thou haſt vouchſafºd to bring me to this Day, and to this Hour, that
I
may receive a Portion among thy bleſſed Martyrs, and drink of thy Son's
Cup, for the Reſurrection to eternal Life, both of Soul and Body, 'in the
Incorruption of the Holy Spirit. Into which Number grant I may be receiv'd
this Day, as a fair and acceptable Sacrifice; as thou, the only true and
faithful God, haft prepar'd, foreſhewn, and now accompliſh’d. For this, and
for all other Benefits, I praiſe thee, I bleſs thee, I glorifie thee, through the
eternal High-Prieſt, thy beloved Son Jeſus Chriſt ; with whom to thee and
the Holy Ghoſt, be Glory both now and for ever, Amen.
Amen. Which laſt
Word being pronounc'd with an audible Voice, the Miniſters of Execu-
tion blew up the Fire, which encreaſing to a mighty Flame, behold a
Miracle, ſeen by thoſe who wrote this Account, the Flames diſpoſing
themſelves into the Shape of an Arch, like the Sails of a Ship ſwelld
with
Chap. III. ANT. PHILOS. the 19th Rom. Emp.
331
the Martyrs.
with the Wind, gently encircling the Body of the Martyr, who ſtood
in the midſt, not like ſcorched Fleſh, but like Gold or Silver purify'd in the
Furnace; his Body ſending forth a delightful Fragrancy, like Frank-
incenſe, or ſome other coſtly Spices. At length, when thoſe impious
Wretches ſaw that his Body cou'd not be conſum'd with Fire, they com-
inanded the Executioner to ſtab him with his Sword; which being done, His Execution.
there came forth ſo great a Quantity of Blood, as extinguiſh'd the Fire;
which rais'd an Admiration in all the People, to conſider what a Dif-
ference there was between the Infidels and the Elect. The Chriſtians were
deſirous to have given his Body an honourable Burial, but were pre-
vented by ſonie , eſpecially Jews, who prompted Nicetes to adviſe the
Proconſul not to beſtow his Body upon them, leſt leaving their crucify'd
Mafter, they ſhou'd henceforth worſhip Polycarp. Whereupon his Body
was order'd to be burnt in the Pile; nevertheleſs the Chriſtians gather'd
up
his Bones, as a choice and ineſtimable Treaſure, and decently interr’d
them. In which Place they reſolv’d, if poſſible, to meet annually, and
celebrate the Birth-Day of his Martyrdom; both to honour the Memory
of the Departed, and to encourage others to give the like Teſtimony
to the Faith: Both which Conſiderations gave birth to the ſolemn The first Coma
Anniverſary Commemorations of the Martyrs, generally obſerv'd in the memoration of
Primitive Church. Thus dy'd this Apoſtolical Man, Diſciple of St. John,
in an extreme old Age, after he had been Biſhop of Smyrna above
70 Years, and as ſome think, 86. Biſhop Pearſon has ſeveral remarkable
Arguments, to prove that his Martyrdom hapned under Antoninus Pius,
in the Year 147; but Monſ. Tillemont ſeems to us to have fully anſwer'd
them, and to have prov'd, that it hapned in this Year 166, and on
Saturday the 23d of February:
To return from Smyrna to Rome, at the ſame Time the Perſecution
grew hot in that City; inſomuch that the Champion Juſtin found it Juſtin Mucy!
writes his few.
neceſſary to write a Second Apology for the Chriſtians, it being about
cond Apology.
16 Years after the Writing his Firſt, and directed to the Emperor
Antoninus and the Senate of Rome; tho’ ſome by Miſtake think it written
in the laſt Reign, and directed to Antoninus Pius. The Occaſion of it
Ajol. 3. was this. A Woman at Rome had together with her Husband liv'd
in all manner of Wantoneſs and Debauchery, but being at length con-
verted to Chriſtianity, ſhe fought by all Arguments and Perſuaſions to
reclaim him from this looſe and vicious Courſe. But tho'the Man continu'd
obſtinate and deaf to all Reaſon; yet by the Advice of lier Friends, ſhe
ſtill remain’d with him, hoping that Time might reduce liim; till finding
him grow inſupportable , The procured a Divorcement from him. The
Man was ſo far from being cured, that he was more enrag'd by his
Wife's Departure, and accus'd her to the Emperor for being a Chriſtian;
ſhe alſo put in her Petition, to obtain leave to anſwer for her ſelf
Whereupon he left the Proſecution of his Wife, and turn'd his Anger
againſt one Ptolemeus, by whom ſhe had been converted to Chriſtianity;
whom he procur'd to be caſt into Priſon, and there a long time tortur'd,
merely upon his confefſing himſelf a Chriſtian. At length, being
brought before Vrbicus Prefect of the City, he was condemnd to Death:
Whereat Lucius, a Chriſtian that ſtood by, cou'd not withhold from
repreſenting to the Judge, That it was very unjust, that an innocent and
virtuous Man, charg'd with no Crime, ſhou'd be adjudg’d to dye merely for
bearing the Name of a Chriſtian ; a Proceeding no ways reputable to the
Goverment of ſuch Emperors as they had, and of the august Senate of Rome.
Which he had no ſooner ſaid, but he was together with a third Perſon
ſentenc'd to the ſame Fate; Lucius thanking him, For delivering him frome
Tt 2
wicked
332
Book III.
Cent. IL
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
G
Antoninus's
wicked Govenors on Earth, and ſending him to the Governor of Heaven. The
Severity of theſe Proceedings awaken’d Juſtin's Solicitude and Care for
the reſt of his Brethren, and he immediately drew up an Apology for
them: “Wherein he laid down a true and clear Narration of the Caſe,
complaining of the Injuſtice and Cruelty of ſuch Procedures, to puniſh
· Perſons merely for the Name of Chriſtians, without ever accuſing them
of
any
material Crimes; anſwering the Obje&tions uſually urg'd againſt
them, and deſiring no more Favour, than that what Determination
· feover they ſhou'd make of it, his Apology might be put before it;
' that ſo the whole World might be Judge of them, when they had been
once truly acquainted with their Caſe. This Apology was written in
the Year 166, in which Year, Celadion Biſhop of Alexandria dy'd, after
lie had held this Dignity in great Reputation about 14 Years; and was
Agrippinus, fucceeded by Agrippinus , who continu'd in the See about 12 Years, being
Shop of Alex- the ninth Biſhop of Alexandria, after the Evangeliſt St. Mark.
andria. This Year proving exceeding terrible to the Romans, the Emperor An- Capirol
.
toninus, to put a Stop to all the threatning Miſeries and Calamities, inſtead Dior.
Superſtition.
of regarding Juſtin's Apology, made uſe of all kinds of Paganiſh
Methods, which he purſu'd with infinite Zeal and Superſtition. He fent
for Prieſts from all Parts to diſpatch the innumerable Company of Sacri-
fices, vow'd and offer'd upon this Occaſion; celebrated all the Sacred
Foreign Rites that ever were known in Rome; purg'd the City all manner
of Ways but the right ; and exhibited the solemnities call d Lectis
Terma ſeven Days together. So many Victims were ſlain upon this
account, that ſome Men ſatyrically obſerv'd, That if the Emperor return'd
Victorious, he won'd find no Óxen left in all his Empire. Having perform'd
all Ceremonies, Antoninus march'd againſt the Marcomanni and Quadi,
taking Yerus along with him; who had rather have ftaid at Rome, to
continue his Debaucheries, which Antoninus endeavour'd to prevent. The
A.D. 167. two Emperors took the Way of Aquileia, where they advanc'd towards
An. Ph. the Marcomanni, beat them out of their Trenches, and made a great
Antoninus and Slaughter of them. Vi&orinns, Captain of the Guards, was ſlain in the
Verus’s Expe- Battel
, with a great Number of his beſt Troops; but this did not hinder
the two Emperors from purſuing their Advantage, prefſing ſo forcibly
upon the Enemy, that at laſt they broke through their Army; which
occaſion'd the greateſt Part of their Allies to Ilay the Authors of the
Revolt, draw off their Forces, and deſire a Truce.
and deſire a Truce. After which the
Emperors again purſu'd the Enemy, overcame them in ſeveral Conteſts,
defeated them entirely, and return'd into Italy without any conſiderable
Loſs.
Juſtin Martyr
And now the Time was come, that the great Juſtin, who had ſo At.
with fixe others bravely defended the Chriſtian Religion , fou'd ſeal it with his own
apprehended. Blood; the Account of which we have from the Acts of his Martyrdom;
which are believ'd to be very ancient and authentick, tho'not ſo certain
as thoſe of St. Polycarp. They inform us, That Juſtin and fix of his
Companions having been apprehended, were brought before Ruſtilns,
Prefect of the City, who was a great Philoſopher, and Tutor to the
Juftin's Dis preſent Emperor Antoninus; who ſeeing Juſtin, perſuaded him To obey
course with the the Gods, and comply with the Emperor's Edies. The Martyr told him,
That no Man cou'd be juſtly condemn'd, that obey'd the Commands of Jeſus
Chriſt; and when the Governor ask'd him, In what kind of Learning and
Diſcipline he had been educated; he anſwer'd, That he had endeavour'd to
underſtand all kinds of Diſcipline, and all Methods of Learning, but had
finally acquiefcd in the Chriſtian Difcipline, notwithſtandiug its ſmall eſteem
among prejudic'd Perſons. Wretch that thon art, ſaid the Governor, art
thoz
the
North.
fuftine
Governor.
*
Chap. III. ANT. PHILOS. the 17th Rom. Emp. 333
l; who not
thou then captivated with that Diſcipline? I am, reply'd the Martyr; for
with Sound Do&trin do I follow the Chriſtians. And when ask'd wliat
that Doctrin was; he anſwer'd, The true Doctrin which we Chriſtians
do profeſs, is this, We believe the one only God to be the Creator of all
Things viſible and inviſible, and our Lord Jeſus Chriſt to be the Son of God,
foretold by the ancient Prophets, and who ſhall come to be Judge of all
Mankind; a Saviour, Preacher, and Maſter to all thoſe duly inſtructed by him:
That as for himſelf, he was too mean and unable to ſay any Thing becoming
his infinite Deity; that this was the Buſineſs of the Prophets, who had many
Ages foretold the coming of the Son of God into the World. The Prefect
next enquired, Where the Chriſtians were wont to aſſemble; and being told,
That the God of the Chriſtians was not confin’d to a particular Place, he
ask'd in what Place Juſtin uſually inſtructed his Diſciples, who gave him
an account of the place where he dwelt, acknowledging, That he
Preached the Chriſtian Doctrine to all that reſorted to him. Then having
ſeverally examin'd his Companions, the Prefect thus addreſs’d himſelf
to Juſtin; Hear, thou who art noted for thy Eloquence, and who thinkest
thy ſelf in the right; if I cauſe thee to be ſcourg'd from Head to Foot, dost
thou think to obtain Heaven? He anſwer'd, Tho' he ſhou'd ſuffer what he
had threatned, yet he hop'd to enjoy the Portion of all true Chriſtians; well
knowing, that the Divine Favour was laid up for all ſuch, and ſhou'd be, as
long as the World endur'd. And when again ask'd, Whether he expected
that Reward; he reply'd, That he did nat only expex it, but he ſo certainly
krew it, that there was 10 Room for Doubt. Upon this, the Governor
without farther arguing, commanded them to go all together, and Sacri-
fice to the Gods. The Martyr declar'd, That no Man in his right Mind,
cou'd deſert Truth, to embrace Error and Impiety; and when threatned,
That unleſs they comply'd, they shou'd be tormented without Mercy; Justin
added, They deſir'd nothing more earneſtly, than to endure Tormenis for the
Sake of Jeſus Chriſt, and be ſaved; which mou'd add to their Happineſs, and
procure them Confidence at the dreadful Tribunal of their Lord and Saviour,
before which the whole World must appear. To which the reſt aflented,
crying, Diſpatch us as you pleaſe, for we are Chriſtians, and cannot facrifice
to Idols. Whereupon the Governor pronounc'd this Sentence; They
who refuſe to ſacrifice to the Gods, and to obey the Imperial Edi&, let them
be first ſcourg'd, and then be beheaded according to the Laws. The holy
Martyrs, rejoyc'd and bleſs'd God for this Honour beſtow'd upon them;
and being led back to Priſon, they were accordingly ſcourg'd, and afterwards Juſtin and his
beheaded; their Bodies being taken up, and decently interr’d by the Companions
Chriſtians. And thus dy'd the celebrated Apologiſt and Martyr Juſtin,
whoſe Writings have been juſtly admird in all Ages, tho'not wholly free
from Errors.
Enfcb. Not long after the Death of Juſtin Martyr, in the 7th Year of Anto- A.D. 168.
ninus, Anicetus, after he had been 11 Years Biſhop of Rome, dy'd, by An.Ph.
Martyrdom according to ſome; and was fucceeded by Soter, a Campanion Sater, the ele-
of Fundi
, Son of Concordius, a Perſon eminent for his diffuſive Charity venth Biſhop of
Rome.
to diſtant Churches; who continu'd in the See about eight Years, and
was the eleventh Biſhop of Rome, after St. Peter and St. Paul. In the ſame
Year dy'd Eros Biſhop of Antioch, after he had held this Dignity about
26 Years; and was fücceeded by the famous Theophilus, a Perſon cele- Theophilus,
brated both for his Learning and Piety, who continu'd in this See about the fixth Bi-
N:op of An-
13 Years, and was the ſixth Biſhop of Antioch after the Apoſtles. This tioch.
was a remarkable Seaſon for Learned Chriftian Writers; among whom Dionyfius Bia
only took Care of his own Flock, as Eufebius obferves, but alſo made
the
2
334
Book III.
Cent. II.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
6
Tatian writes
against the
Gentiles.
i
ic
ic
Bible into
Greek.
Dion.
the Chriſtians of other countries Partakers of his divine Labours, cauſing
them to profit every where by his Catholick Epiſtles, which he ſent to
many Churches; of which we have only ſome Fragments remaining
in Euſebius, which ſhew them to be as well Hiſtorical, as Inſtructive.
A. D. 169. Tatian was another eminent Writer, who continuing ſtill Orthodox,
An.Ph. after the Death of Juſtin Martyr, kept up the ſame School for the Benefit
of the Chriſtians in Rome; among whoſe Scholars Rhodon was the moſt
noted. And as Tatian follow'd his Maſter Juſtin's Steps in oppoſing the
Gentiles, he alſo wrote a remarkable Treatiſe againſt them : Proving
! that the Greeks learnt their Sciences from thoſe whom they term’d Barba-
rians, and corrupted them beſides; proceeding to the Explication and
· Defence of the Chriſtian Religion, the Nature of God, of the Word,
' of the Reſurrection of the Body, of the Freedom and Nature of the
Soul, and of Devils, diſcovering the Snares they lay for Men; all the
way mixing Satyrical Reflexions upon the Pagan Theology, and the
corrupt Manners of their Gods and Philoſophers; ſhewing that the
Writings of Moſes were more ancient than all other Hiſtories, and
giving an admirable Deſcription of the holy. Converſation of the
Chriſtians. This Work is very full of profane Learning, written ele-
Symmachus gantly, but not elaborately, and well digeſted. In this Year, Monſ. Tille-
tranſlates the mont places the ſecond Greek Verſion of the Old Teſtament after our
Saviour's Birth, which was made by Symmachus, firſt a Samaritan and
a few, thien an Ebionite; who has taken great Liberty in his Tranſlation,
obſerving the Senſe, and not keeping ſo cloſe to the Words as Aquila did
32 Years before him.
The two Emperors ſtill continu'd the Wars with the Barbarous Nations Capital:
in the North; and Winter being far advanc'd, they deſign’d to tarry at
Aquileia till it was paſt, but the Plague oblig’d them to part from thence
with ſome of their Forces; in which Journy Verus was ſeiz'd with an
Vieru Death of Apoplexy near Altinum, and dy'd ſhortly after, in the 38th Year of his
Age, after he had reign'd almoſt nine Years withi Antoninus. It is moſt
generally thought that Poiſon was the Cauſe of his Death; which fome
attribute to the Empreſs Fauſtina, but moſt to his Wife Lucilla, being
highly jealous of him for the Paſſion he bore to his own Siſter Fabia.
Notwithſtanding his infamous Life, Antoninus , out of a peculiar Kind
of Goodneſs, and Reſpect to his own Family, caus’d him to be dei-
fy'd after his Death ; tho'with no great Satisfaction, either to Senate
or People.
III.
Antoninus, who before govern'd both an Empire and an Empe- Capitol
.
An.Ph. 2ror, had now the former alone left to his Charge; and marrying his
Daughter Lucilla to Pompeianus, he left Rome to finiſh the War with the
purſues the
Marcomanni, who joyning with the Quadi, Sarmatians, Vandals, and
other barbarous Nations, became more formidable than ever ; ſo that
the Wars againit Hannibal and the Cimbri carry'd not more Terror with
them. The Emperor, who ſaw his Army waſted by Peſtilence, and
Loſſes ſuſtain'd in former Encounters, and the Treaſury exhauſted by vaſt
Expences, found himſelf ſurrounded with ſuch Difficulties as he had
never before experienced. He was conſtran'd to remedy the firſt Misfor-
tune, by liſting the Gladiators, the Banditti of Dalmatia and Dardania,
and the Slaves, which had never been practis'd but in the ſecond Punick
War; and the latter, by following the Examples of Nerva and Trajan,
and ſelling the . Moveables belonging to the Empire. Before the firſt
Battel, the Impoſtor Alexander had the Confidence to ſend ſome few
Verſes to the Emperor in the Nature of an Oracle, intimating,
That
1
A.D. 170.
Luciano
10
Antoninus
Wars in the
North.
<
if
Chap. III. ANT. PHILOS. the 17th Rom. Emp.
335
6
C
Cle. A!.
• if He threw two Lions into the River Iſter, with Arabian Sweets for a
Sacrifice, he ſhou'd be victorious and happy: Which Antoninus out of
Superſtition obey'd; but with ſo little Succeſs, that he loft above 20000
Men in Battel, and was purſu'd to the very Walls of Aquileia. But this
Affront fo rowz'd the Fury and Courage of the Romans, that in a ſhort
time they repuls'd theſe formidable People, drove them into Pannonia,
and ſo harrals’d them with repeated Attacks and Skirmiſhes, that they were
conſtrain'd at length to receive ſuch Articles as the Emperor thought fit to
impoſe upon them.
About this Time, Melito that excellent Writer and Biſhop of Sardis, Melito preſents
formerly mention'd, finding the Chriſtians ſeverely and unjuſtly treated, the Chriftians
.
preſented an Apology to the Emperor Antoninus, of which we have a
Fragment in Euſebius : 'Wherein he intreated the Emperor, that he
« wou'd vouchſafe to examin the Accuſations alledg'd againlt the
Chriſtians, and cauſe the Perſecution to ceaſe , by revoking the Edict
publiſh'd againſt them: Repreſenting to him, Tliat the Chriſtian Reli-
gion was ſo far from being deſtructive to the Roman Empire, that it
* was very much enlarg’d ſince the Propagation thereof; that this Reli-
gion was perſecuted only by wicked Emperors, ſuch as Nero and Domi-
tian; that the Emperors Adrian and Antoninus Pius had written ſeveral
· Letters in its Behalf; and therefore he hop'd to obtain of his Clemency and
' Generoſity,the Favour he ſo earneſtly requeſted. This Champion wrote ma-
· ny other remarkable Pieces, of which we have only the Titles remaining;
daily doing Service to the Church of God, which was continually attack'd,
both by Pagans without, and by Hereticks within. For about this Time
aroſe thoſe Hereticks call’d Antitactes, or Oppoſites ; as oppoſing one God The Anticactes.
againſt another; being a Branch of the Valentinians and Marcionites,
who held abominable Principles; and taught, that Sin deſerv'd rather
Reward than Puniſhment, and accordingly wallow'd in all kinds of
Vices and Enormities. Not long after, Juſtin's Scholar Tatian, who had A. D. 171.
been ſo very ſerviceable to the Church, being ſwelld with an extraordi-An.Ph.
nary
Conceit , fell from his Orthodox Principles, and leaving Rome, in
Meſopotamia he joyn'd ſeveral of the Errors of Saturninus, Marcion, and The Encra-
tites, begun by
Valentinus with his own, and form’d a new Sect, calld by the Name of Tatian.
Encratites or Continents; becauſe theſe Hereticks condemn'd the Uſe of
Marriage, as alſo of divers ſorts of Meats and Wine ; pretending to lead
a ſober and auſtere Life. They celebrated the Sacrament only with
Water, inſtead of Wine; for which they were ſometimes calld Hydro-
paraſtates, and Aquarians; and affirm'd that our Forefathers were damn’d.
This Secc ſpread it ſelf through Piſidia, Cilicia, with Aſia Minor and Greece,
and as far as Rome, Gaul and Spain; infomuch that many eminent Men
afterwards thought fit to write againſt it. It had ſeveral Branches, par-
ticularly the Severians, founded by Severus, who rejected the Epiſtles of The Severians.
St. Paul and the Afts of the Apoſtles; and the Apot actites, and Cathares, The Apora-
who renounc'd all the Riches and Conveniencies of this World, call'd ctites.
themſelves Apoſtolicks, and damn'd all others that poffefs’d them. About
the Beginning of theſe Eucratites there aroſe two other Sorts of Here-
ticks; the Adamites, a Branch of the Carpocratians, formerly mention'd
in the Year 130; and the Alogi or Alogians, in Aſia Minor; ſo calld The Alogi.
becauſe they deny'd the Divine Abzo, and the Goſpel and Writings of
St. John, which do inſiſt ſo much upon it, attributing them all to the
Heretick Cerintbus.
Thus was the Church of God afflicted with divers Hereſies, even in the
midſt of Perſecution; and the Devil, who ſeein'd to have us'd all his
Arts in attacking it with Libertiniſm, now thought of ſurprizing it by
Eufeb.
&.
IO
II
Firib,
Ejipha.
iii.
an
336 Cent. II.
Book III.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
and his He-
refie.
an appearing Sanctity, and uncommon Auſterities; which he carry'd on
of Montanus, by means of Montanus, a Perſon born at Ardaba , a little Village in
Myſia in the Confines of Phrygia. Pride, and an immoderate Ambition
firſt betray'd him; at which Breach Satan having enter'd, took poſſeſſion
of the Man, who acted by the Influence of an Evil Spirit, was wont on
a ſudden to fall into Enthuſiaſtick Fits and Ecſtatick Raptures, which
caus’d him in a frantick Manner to pour out wild and unheard-of Things,
and to Propheſie in a Way and Strain hitherto unknown to the Church.
His firſt Profelytes were his Country-men the Phrygians, whence his
Sect deriv'd the Name of Cataphryges; whom he inſtructed in the Arts of
Evil-ſpeaking, teaching them to reproach the whole Chriſtian Church, for
refuſing to acknowledge his Pſeudo-prophetick Spirit; the ſame Spirit
on the contrary pronouncing them Bleſſed, that joyn’d themſelves to this
new Prophet. Among the reſt of his Diſciples, two Women were eſpe-
cially remarkable, Priſca and Maximilla, whom he firſt corrupted, and
then imparted his Demon to them, whereby they were immediately en-
abled to utter the moſt frantick, incoherent and extravagant Diſcourſes.
Montanus laid his Scene with all imaginable Subtilty; for in the Foundation-
Principles of Religion he agreed with the Catholick Church, entirely em-
brac'd the Holy Scriptures, and pretended that he muſt receive the Gifts
of Divine Grace extraordinarily conferr'd upon him; which he gave out,
were more immediately the Holy Ghoſt. Then he made a ſingular Shew
of ſome unuſual Rigours and Severities in Religion, gave Laws for more
ſtrict and frequent Faſts than the Orthodox usd, forbad all ſecond Mar-
riages as Fornication, allow'd of Divorces, prohibited his Followers to
avoid Martyrdom, and Excommunicated them for the leaſt Crime ; callid
Pepuza and Tymium, two little Towns of Phrygia, by the Name of Jeru-
ſalem, that he might the more plauſibly invite unwary Profelytes to flock
thither. And the more to oblige ſuch Perſons as might be ſerviceable
to him by the Propoſals of Profit , he us'd all Methods of extorting
Money from his deluded Followers, eſpecially under the Notion of Gifts
and Offerings; for which purpoſe he appointed Collectors to receive the
Oblations that were brought in; with which he maintain'd Under-
Officers, and paid Salaries to thoſe who propagated his Doctrins about
the World. His Followers proclaim'd him the Comforter promis’d by
our Saviour, added many other Notions and Practices , infected the
Church longer than any other Hereticks before them, and were divided
into many Sects and Branches, as we ſhall have occaſion to take notice
afterwards.
In the mean Time the Emperor Antoninus , having brought the bar-
barous Nations to ſome Ceſſation, return’d to Rome with great Honour,
where he celebrated his Decennalia according to Cuſtom, and made ſuch
A. D. 172.
Vows as were uſual upon ſuch Occaſions. During the Peace, he apply'd
An.Ph. himſelf to a farther Regulation of the Laws and Policy : And fift, he
ordain'd that no Enquiry ſhou'd be made into the State and Condition of
Antoninus his deceas'd Perſons after five Years; and left Crimes ſhou'd go unpuniſh’d,
Regulations and private Perſons ſuffer by Delays in Proceſſes, he increas'd the Number
of Court-Days. That thoſe who were Free-born might eaſily prove it,
he ordain'd, that each Roman Citizen ſhou'd enter what Children they
had born, in the Temple of Saturn, where the publick Records were kept.
He provided for the Security of Minors and Pupils, by conſtituting a
particular Prétor, calld Tutelaris ; and reform’d that Law which orderd
thoſe Curators callid Lætoriæ to be given to Minors, in Caſe of Lunacy
or Extravagancy. He moderated the Publick Expences, lefſen'd
leffen'd the
Number of Shews and Sports, and reform’d all the Abuſes of Sales and
Uſury.
Capitolo
I 2
Chap. III. ANT. PHILOS. the 17th Rom. Emp. .
337
Eufch.
ri.
J 2
13
and his Her
Uſury. He took ſo much care to hinder unlawful Marriages, that he
diſſolv'd that of a Lady of Quality, who had been marry'd to her Uncle
ſeveral years. To put a Reſtraint upon the Luxury of the City, he
prohibited the Uſe of Litters and Chariots to all private Perſons; and
endeavour'd by all Methods to correct the Looſneſs and Diſorders of
Young Perſons of both Sexes, without knowing it was his own private
Intereſt : For he was in a great meaſure ignorant of the Wantoneſs and
Irregularities of his own Empreſs Fauſtina. Theſe and many other excel-
lent Regulations were made by him, ſufficiently denoting both the Great-
neſs of his Capacity, and the Piety of his Intentions.
In the Time of theſe Regulations flouriſh'd ſeveral Chriſtian Writers,
Epipb. as Pinyt us, Philippus, Modeſtus and Bardeſanes; all mention'd by Euſebius.
Pinytus was Biſhop of Gnoffus in the Iſland of Crete , who wrote an Pinytuš.
Epiſtle to Dionyſius of Corinth, very learned and eloquent, ſewing at once
a moſt profound Knowledge in Divinity, and a moſt tender Care over that
Flock with which God had intruſted him. Philippus was Biſhop of Philippus, and
Gortyna in the ſame Illand, who wrote a particular Treatiſe againſt the Modeſtus, flou-
Heretick Marcion, as likewiſe did Modeſtus. But Bardeſanes was ſtill more re-
markable, a Native of Meſopotamia, and an Inhabitant of the City of Edeffe; A. D. 173.
who being of excellent Parts and Abilities, compos'd two Tracts in An.Ph.
Syriack, tranſlated into Greek by his Diſciples; the firſt againſt Marcion, Bardalenes;
and other Hereticks; and the ſecond concerning Fate, which he dedi-
refie.
cated to the Emperor Antoninus. Beſides which he wrote other Treatiſes,
upon the Perſecutions then rais'd againſt the Chriſtians in Syria; and coura-
giouſly withſtood the Emperor's Friend Apollonius , who advis'd him to
deny that he was a Chriſtian, undauntedly replying, That he did not fear
Death, which was ſtill unavoidable, tho'be fhou'd anſwer the Emperor's Ex-
pectations. But about this Time, this Man adorn'd with ſo many Virtues, fell
into Hereſie, fuffering himſelf to be infected with the Errors of the Valentini-
ans ; inventing new Æones, and denying the Reſurrection of the Dead. He
acknowledgʻd indeed the Law and the Prophets, together with all the
New Teſtament; but then he admitted ſeveral Apocryphal Books along
with them, ſo that he became the Author of a new Hereſie, his Followers
being call’d Bardeſaneſtes, who ſtill added other Errors to his. He left
a Son behind him call'd Hermonius, who compos'd ſeveral Books, that
were afterwards refuted by St. Ephrem of Edeſſa.
In the mean Time the Marcomanni, who only deſign’d to lay the Empe- A.D. 174
Eufeb: ror aſleep by their Submiſſion, all took up Arms with greater Fury than An.Ph. 3
Tereulo formerly; being ſo much the more formidable, becauſe they had drawn
over to their Side all the Nations from Illyricum to the fartheſt Parts of
Gaul. Antoninus foon undertook an Expedition againſt them, having again into the
Antoninus goes
firſt begg'd the Gods Aſſiſtance by Prayers and Sacrifice; and arriving at North,
Carnutum, he paſs’d the River Danube by a Bridge of Boats, gain’d Advantages
of the Enemy in ſeveral Encounters, burnt their Barns and Houſes, and
receiv'd ſeveral of the Chief of their Allies; who aſtoniſh'd at the Sud-
deneſs of his Victories, came in to ſubmit themſelves. But the moſt
memorable Engagement was among the Panonian Mountains, on the
North of the Danube ; which might have prov'd fatal to the Roman
Empire, had not ſome miraculous Accident interpos’d, which much
redounded to the Honour of the Chriſtian Religion. It was begun by the
Enemy's Slingers croſs the River Granus, who brought Antoninus himſelf
into ſome Danger; but the Romans being rowz'd by the Affront, furiouſly
paſs’d the River, fell in with the Enemy, and made a great Slaughter.
The Enemy timely retir'd with no little Policy, and riglıtly judging that
they ſhou'd be purſu'd, left ſeveral Companics of Archers, cover'd with
ſome
Dion.
Cioro
14.
U 11
338
Book III.
Cent. II.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
G
Deliverance.
ſome Horſe, to skirmiſh with the Romans, as tho they intended to
ſtop their Progreſs. Whereupon the Romans advanc'd with more Bra-
yery than Conduct, an uſual Thing after Succeſs, and briskly attack'd
theſe Archers; who according to Orders immediately fled, and cun-
ningly drew the whole Roman Army among ſcorched barren Moun-
tạins, where they were ſuddenly block'd up on every Side. But
they not apprehending the Danger, and imagining their Courage in-
vincible, continu'd fighting notwithſtanding the Diſadvantage of the
Place
3
which caus'd more of them to be llain than of the Enemy,
who ſtood upon the defenſive, being not willing to leave that to
Chance which they expected from Delay. The Romans cou'd not
conceive the Reaſon of this conduct, till the exceſſive Heats be-
tween the Mountains, great Wearineſs, Wounds, and a violent Thirſt
had entirely diſheartned and confounded them ; at which Time they
found, that they cou'd neither fight nor retreat, and that they muſt
either ſuffer themſelves to be cut in Pieces, or become a Prey to
their barbarous Enemies. In this deplorable Extremity, where Rage
and Deſpair were principal Attendants, Antoninus more concern'd
at his. Soldiers Miſeries than his own, ran through all their Ranks
and in vain endeavour'd to raiſe their Hopes by performing Sacri-
fices, in which they no longer now confided.
When the Sun
had exhauſted all their Strength, they perceiv'd their Enemies ready
to attack them; and having no Expectation either from their own
Courage, from Fortune, or their Gods, nothing was heard but Groans
and Lamentations, nothing ſeen but the blackeſt Marks of the moſt
horrible Deſolation. But juſt as the Army was ready to be deſtroy'd,
He meets with God was pleas'd to deliver them by means of a ſudden Fall of great
a miraculous Quantities of Rain, with which the languiſhing Soldiers were reliev'd
by holding their Mouths, Helmets and Bucklers up to Heaven. And
while the Barbarians attack'd them in that Poſture, making them
ſwallow their own Blood mingled with the Water; the ſame Clouds
that had ſent ſo kind a Shower upon the Romans, at the ſame Time
diſcharg'd a terrible Storm of Hail, accompany'd with Thunder and
Wild-Fire againſt the Enemy. So that while the former refreſh'd them-
felves, and quench'd their Thirſt, the latter were exceedingly ſcorch'd
and confounded with the amazing Flames from Heaven, which neither
the Water nor their own defign’d Wounds cou'd extinguiſh. This caus'd
many with their Wives and Children to ſurrender themſelves to the
Romans to receive the Benefit of this miraculous Shower. Theſe were
tréated with great Clemency by the Emperor ; but the Soldiers, more
enragéd at the Affront they had receiv'd, than affected with the Dan-
ger they had eſcapd, cut in Pieces all that made Reſiſtance, put the
reſt to flight, and took great Numbers of Priſoners.
The Subſtance of this memorable and miraculous Deliverance is ſuffi-
ciently confirm d both by Chriſtian and Pagan Writers; who unanimouſly
aſcribe it to the Power of God. Some of theſe Writers liv'd almoſt in
the ſame Age, all of them before Learning was ſunk; ſo that we ought
not to diſpute their Authority. Dion Caffius has given us a particular
Account of it, and aſcribes it to ſome divine. Power aſſiſting the Em-
peror;
tho' he confeſſes that ſome had attributed this ſalutary Storm to
the Enchantments of one Arnuphis an Ægyptian Magician; which Opi-
nion is deſervedly expos'd by his Abridger Xiphilin, becauſe the Empe-
ror was never addicted to Magick, and declares in his Meditations, That
he had learn’d of Diognetus, never to give Ear to ſuch ſort of Fooleries.
Other Heathen Writers, as Capitolinus, Themiftius, and Claudian, aſcribe
it
Chap. III. ANT. PHILOS. the 14th Rom. Emp:
339
Chriſtians
it to the Prevalency of the Emperor's own Prayers; of whom The
miſtius puts this Prayer in his Mouth, O Lord, the Giver of Life,
I'implore thy Alſiſtance, and lift up theſe Hands' to thee, which were
never ſtaind with Human Blood. The Care tliat the Pagans took
to carry off the Honour of this miraculous Event, ſerves at leaſt
to confirm the Trutlı of the Fact. And without Fear of being
thought too credulous, or endeavouring to ſupport the Chriſtian Re-
ligion by Fable and Falſhood, Artifices it never needed, we ſhall af-
firm, That there is no Reaſon to reject the Teſtimony of the Wri-
ters of thoſe Times, who poſitively aſſure us, That the Captain of
the Guards having inform’d the Emperor , That God deny'd nothing
to the Chriſtians, of whom many were in the Legion of Melitene, à
City of Cappadocia, and that he ought to try if their Prayers woii'd
procure that Deliverance which he cou'd not otherwiſe expect: The
Emperor order'd they ſhou'd be call’d together; and that they all obtaind by the
at the ſame Time did with Succeſs invoke the only true God, whom Prayers of the
the Winds and Storms obey, and who had often deliver’d his Ser-
vants by ſuch extraordinary Interpoſition. Antoninus being too juſt
to ſtifle the Miracle, immediately wrote to the Senate of Rome in for which Ati-
Favour of the Chriſtians, and order'd their Accuſers to be puniſh’dtoninus writes
with Death ; a convincing Proof that he thought this Alliſtance them.
owing to their Prayers. Tertullian appeals to theſe Letters within
twenty fix Years after, in a ſolemn Apology in behalf of Chriſtia-
nity, which he durſt not have done, had not the Thing been palk
Diſpute. The Miſtake about the Thundering Legion, the ſpurious
Letter now remaining, and the Additions made to this story in
after Ages, can do no real Prejudice to the Hiſtory it ſelf. For
the Reader's farther Satisfaction we refer him to the ingenious Mr. Wot-
ton's Notes at the End of his Life of the Emperor Marcus Aure.
lins.
By a conſtant Series of Victories, Antoninus in no long Space A. D. 1785
brought theſe barbarous People to an entire Submiſſion ; whichi was An.Ph.
ſcarce effected before he was diſturb’d with the News of the Rebel-
lion of Caffius a hardy General, who proclaim'd himſelf Emperor in Caffius's Re-
Syria, and paſſing for a deſcendent of the ancient Caſſius, like him volt ;
pretended, If the Gods wou'd but favour the right Side, to reſtore the
Commonwealth of Rome. He was very ſucceſsful at firſt
ģ
but after-
wards declining, he was brought into Diſcredit with his own Sol-
diers, and at laſt having been Emperor rather in Imagination than
Reality, he was ſlain three Months and fix Days after his Revolt. And Death:
His Head was ſent to the Emperor, who commanded it to be ho-
nourably bury'd, and forrowfully declar'd, That they had depriv'd him
of the great Pleaſure of giving Caſſius bis Life, and of conquering his
Ingratitude by his own Generoſity. This Clemency was admir’d by ſome,
but one took the Liberty to tell him, That Caſſius wou'd not have been
ſo generous, had he been Conqueror ; to whom the Emperor reply'd, We
never ſerv'd the Gods ſo ill, or reign'd ſo irregularly, `as tò fear Caffius
coi'd ever be Conqueror. Having teſtify'd his Grief for his Death, he
continu'd his deſign’d Journy to the Eaſt, to cauſe the People and
Army to return to their Duty. Arriving in Syria lie was met at An- Antoninus's
tioch by many Kings arid Potentates of the Eaſt; and the firſt Thing Tourny into the
he did was the Burning of all Letters found in Caſſius's Cloſet, left
he ſhou'd be conſtrain d againſt his Inclinations to hate any Perſon.
Removing from thence into Ægypt, he pardon'd all the Cities that
had join'd with Calfins, and left one of his Daughters at Alexandria;
II u 2
Capitol.
Vislin.
14
IS
Eaſt.
as
340
Book III.
Cent. II.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY,
A.D. 176.
ز
16
tinted at A-
thens.
as a Pledge of his Friendſhip. Coming to Pelufium , lie there cor-
rected many Exceſſes and Debaucheries at the Feſtivals of Serapis ;
and where ever le paſs’d, he enter'd the Temples, the Schools, and
all publick Places, and inſtructed the People, converſing familiarly with
them, and explaining to them the greateſt Difficulties in Philoſophy,
leaving the Marks of his Wiſdom in all Places. In this great Jour-
Hauſtina dies. ny, the Empreſs Fauſtina was unexpectedly ſeiz'd with a violent Di-
ſtemper, and dy'd at the foot of Mount Taurus, towards Winter. Her
loote and wanton Life had been a great Scandal to her high Place and
Dignity; yet Antoninus either from his Ignorance of her Crimes, or his
Paliion to her Perſon, willingly admitted of thoſe great and unreaſo-
nable Honours which the Senate, out of Complaiſance and Flattery,
decreed to her Memory. And after the Example of his Predeceſſor
Antoninus Pius, he founded a Society of young Virgins, whom he
bred at his own Expence, and call’d them Fauſtinians ; and likewiſe
built a Temple to his Wife in the Town where ſhe dy'd : Which
Temple had afterwards a remarkable Chance becoming the Divinity that
preſided there ; it being conſecrated to Heliogabalus, the true God of Im-
purity.
After a full Re-eſtabliſhment of Peace in the Eaſt, the Emperor
An.Ph. is began his Journy towards Rome and arriving at Smyrna, he there
made ſome conſiderable Stay, and conferr'd many Favours
. From
Antoninus ini- thence he went to Athens, and being a Zealot in his Religion ,
was there initiated in the grand Myſteries of Ceres, call’d the Elen-
finian Myſteries, which was ſolemnly forbidden to all wicked Per-
ſous, and Men of ill Reputation. Here he did many Honours to
the Inhabitants, and eſtabliſh'd in their City Profeſſors of all Scien-
ces, with munificent Penſions ; making them noble Preſents, and grant-
ing them large Privileges and Immunities. From hence he took Ship-
ping and return'd to Rome, where upon December the 23d, he tri-
umph'd for his Victories in Pannonia ; and to grace his Triumph ,
He makes bis he join'd his Son Commodus with him, declar'd him Auguſtus ; there-
Sm Commodus by inveſting him with all the Honours of a compleat Partnerſhip,
which Verus before enjoy’d. In this Year, and 16th of Antoninus ,
dy'd Soter, after he had been eight Years Biſhop of Rome and Eufeb
Eleutherus the was ſucceeded by Eleutherus, a Grecian of Nicopolis, Son of Habun-
twelfth Bijl:op dins, and once Deacon to Anicetus, who continu'd in the See about
fifteen Years, and was the twelfth Biſhop of Rome, after St. Peter and
St. Paul. About the ſame Time that eminent Light of the Church
A pollinatis Apollinaris Biſhop of Hierapolis, deliver'd to the Emperor an excel-
writes an Apo- lent Apology for the Chriſtians ; in which it is believ'd that he inſiſted
upon the Emperor's miraculous Deliverance two Years before. This
Author wrote ſeveral remarkable Pieces againſt the Pagans, Jews, and
Montaniſts; but of them as of his Apology, we have nothing remaining
but their Titles.
A.D. 177. IV. The Chriſtians had met with Eaſe and Reſpite from their Eufcb.
An.Ph. Miſeries for two or three years after the miraculous Deliverance of
Antoninus; but notwithſtanding the Clemency and Commands of that
Tlve fourtis Fer- Emperor, the Governors and Magiſtrates in the Provinces took ſuch
ſecution revi’d. Advantage from his Zeal and Religion, that the Perſecution was re-
viv'd, and rag'd more fiercely than ever. Theſe unhappy Times caus'd
ſeveral Apologies to be preſented to the Emperor, by eminent Chri-
Athenagoras ſtians, particularly Athenagoras and Miltiades. The former was a learned
and Mitjades Philoſopher of Athens, whoſe Works are ſtill remaining; but we know
their
qulogies.
nothing
Partner in the
Einpire.
3
of Rom.
Chriſtians.
Chap. III. ANT. PHILOS. the 17th Rom. Emp.
341
C
C
TOL
nothing of the latter, but that he gave evident Proofs of his Skill and
Abilities, in writing againſt the Gentiles, the Jews, and the Montaniſts;
againſt which latter he maintain’d, "That a Prophet ought not to
ſpeak in an Ecſtacy cr Fury ; and in his Apology for the Chriſtian
Philoſophy, dedicated to the Emperors, by whom are meant Antoni.
nus and Commodus. Athenagoras in his Apology to the two Emperors,
firſt applauded the Excellency of Antoninus's Government, and his
Care and Tenderneſs towards his Subjects ; only complaining of his
Neglect of the Chriſtians, and his abandoning them to the Fury of
. théir Enemies. After which he refuted the three principal Calum-
' nies alledg’d againſt the Chriſtians, as, That they were Atheiſts, That
they eat human Fleſh, and That they committed horrible Crimes
« in their Aſſemblies: Anſwering to the firſt, That the Chriſtians were
not Atheiſts, ſince they acknowledg’d and ador'd one God in three
• Perſons, and liv'd conformably to his Laws and Commandments, be-
lieving that he ſaw and knew all Things; that they refus'd to wor-
• ſhip Idols, and to offer Sacrifice to them, as being perſuaded they
were not Deities. He reply'd to the laſt Objection, by ſhowing
• that the Lives, Laws and Manners of the Chriſtians were far from
allowing Murther, and thoſe infamous Crimes whereof they were
' accus'd. In this Apology he alſo treated of ſeveral of the Do-
&rines of Chriſtianity, in which he is ſuppos'd not to have been
nicely Orthodox in all
. Beſides which he wrote a particular Trea-
tiſe of the Reſurrection of the Dead, ' in which he endeavour'd to
prove, That the Thing was ſo far from being impoſſible, that it was
' extremely credible.
We know not what Effect theſe Apologies had upon the Empe- The Hiſtory of
j we only know that there was great Occaſion for them : For the Martyrs 45
this Year the Perſecution grew hot in many Parts of the Empire,
eſpecially at Lyons in Gaul, at the Time, of ſome publick Feſtivals
j
of which we have a very lively and particular Account in a Letter
from the Churches of Lyons and Vienna to them of Aſia and Phrygia,
written ſhortly after, as it is believ'd, by the Hand of Irenæus. This
Letter tells us, it was impoflible for Men to deſcribe the brutiſh Fierce-
neſs and Cruelty of the Pagans, and the Severity of thoſe Torments
which the Martyrs ſuffer’d, being baniſh'd from their Houſes, forbid-
den to ſhew their Heads, reproach'd, beaten, hurry'd from Place to
Place, plunder'd, ſton'd, impriſon’d, and there treated with all the
Marks of an ungovernable Rage and Fury. Their Heathen Servants
and Slaves were alſo tortur’d to oblige them to charge their Maſters
with Murther, Inceſt, and other abominable Crimes in private. Theſe
unjuſt Proceedings caus’d Epagathus, a young Man of admirable Piety,
to remonſtrate to the Governor of Lyons in Defence of his injur’d Bre-
thren ; upon which being ask'd, Whether he was a Chriſtian? He
confefs'd it publickly, and was receiv'd into the Number of the Mar-
tyrs, being term’d by the Governor the Advocate of the Chriſtians.
Then others were diligently examin'd, who with all imaginable Cheer-
fulneſs accompliſh'd the folemn Confeſſion of Martyrdom ; only fome
few, about ten in Number, being unprepar'd and unexercis'd, through
Fear and Frailty fell away, to the unexprellible Grief of the reſt. From
thence forth the holy Martyrs underwent ſuch Torments as were al-
moſt beyond Belief: But the whole Rage of the Multitude, Governor
and the Soldiers in more violent manner fell upon theſe five, Pothinus
the aged Biſhop of the City, San&tus a Deacon of Vienna, Maturus a
Perſon lately baptiz’d, Attalus of Pergamus, and an admirable Woman
nam'd
Lyons.
1
342
Book III.
Cent. II.
ECCLESIASTICAL History.
ü
nam'd Blandina. All were afraid of this latter, eſpecially her own Mi-
ſtreſs, by Reaſon of the Weakneſs of her Body, but Blandina was ſup-
ply'd with ſo great Strength, that thoſe who by turns tortur'd her
from the Morning till Evening, became feeble, confelling themſelves
conquer'd, admiring that ſuch a torn and mangled Body cou'd live,
when one fort of her Torments were ſufficient to have ended her Life.
But this bleſſed Woman, like a couragious Champion, recover'd freſh
Supplies of Strength during her Confeilion; and it was a Refreſhment,
and an Abatement of her Pains, to pronounce theſe Words, I am a
Chriſtian, and there is nothing of Wickedneſs acted amongſt us. As for
Sanctus the Deacon, having at his Examination, in a more than hu-
man Manner endur'd his exceſſive Torments, he ſuſtain’d them with that
Courage, that he declar'd neither his Name, Condition nor Habitation,
but to all Interrogatories anſwer'd, I am a Chriſtian. Whereupon his
Examiners clapt red hot Plates of Braſs upon the tendereſt Parts of
his Body, which was all over full of Wounds, Stripes, and ſo bowed
and drawn together, that it liad loſt the external Shape of a Man.
And ſome few Days after, when the ſame Torments were reiterated,
with deſign to conquer him, or by his Death to conquer others, his
Body by a particular Favour of God became ſtrait, and he recover'd
both his Shape and his Limbs. Several others were likewiſe torment-
ted; among whom was a Woman nam'd Biblias, one of the Lapſed,
but now recover'd. But when theſe Puniſhments were render'd in-
effectual, they made uſe of Impriſonments in dark and noiſom Pla-
ces, where they were ſtretched in wooden Stocks, and left deſtitute
of human Aſſiſtance; where ſome were ſuffocated, others dy'd of their
Pains, and others triumph'd over all Miſeries and eſcap’d.
But to crown all, Pothinus the Biſhop was mark'd out, a venerable
Perſon of 90 Years of Age, ſuppos'd to have been ſent to Lyons by
St. Polycarp from Rome. Age and Infirmities had render'd him ſo weak,
that he cou'd ſcarce move himſelf; but he had a vigorous Soul in a
decay'd Body, and his earneſt Deſire that Chriſt might triumph in his
Martyrdom, added new Life and Spirit to him. Being apprehended, he
was haled along to the publick Tribunal, the. Magiſtrates, Soldiers and
Multitude following after with ſuch loud Acclamations, as if our Lord
himſelf had been leading to Execution. Being ask'd by the Governor,
Who was the God of the Chriſtians ? knowing it to be a captious Que-
ſtion, he reply'd, If you be worthy, you ſhall know. Hereupon, with-
out any Reverence to his Age, or Reſpect to Humanity, he was dragºd
up and down after a barbarous Manner, and unmercifully beaten, they
that were near, kicking and ſtriking him, and thoſe at a diſtance
throwing whatever they cou'd find as the Inſtruments of their Fury:
by which means they thought to revenge the Quarrel of their Gods.
At length being taken up from the Ground almoſt breathleſs, he was
caſt into the Priſon, where two Days after he reſign’d up his Soul to
God. Not long after the four Champions, Maturus, San&tus, Attalus
and Blandina, were brought forth among the wild Beaſts in the Am-
phitheatre, a Day on purpoſe being granted to the Multitude; where
the two former did again undergo all Sorts of Torments, as if they
had ſuffer'd nothing before; being ſometimes plac'd upon a hot Iron
Chair, other Times drag'd and torn by the wild Beaſts, and whatſo-
ever elſe the enraged People were pleas’d to demand from above. Theſe
two Perſons, after they had continu'd alive a long Time under the
Sufferings of a glorious and mighty Combate, at laſt were Nain; ha-
ving been made a Spectacle to the City inſtead of thc Combats of
tlig
Chap. III. ANT. PHILOS. the 17th Rom. Emp.
343
the Gladiators. Byt Blandina, being hung upon a Piece of Wood fixt
in the Ground, was propos'd as Food for the wild Beaſts; who by
her strong and earneſt Prayers redoubled the Ardour of the Saints, who
in the Perſon of their Sitter; ſeem?d to have a View of their crucify'd
Lord. But when none of the wild. Beaſts wou'd touch her, the was
taken from the Stake, and caſt again into Priſon, being reſerv'd for
another Combate, Attalus being requir'd by the Multitude, was led
round the Amphitheatre, with a Table .carry'd before him, upon which
was written in the Roman Tongue, This is Attalus the Chriſtian: But
when the Governor underſtood that he was a free Citizen of Rome,
be commanded him back to Priſon with the other Chriſtians; and
wrote to the Emperor Antoninus to know his Plcaſure concerning him
and the reſt.
During this Intermiſſion and Ceſſation, the holy Priſoners ſpent their
Times in the higheſt Acts of Devotion and Charity, praying for their
Enemies and Tormenters, and uſing all poſſible Means for the reſto-
ring and comforting ſuch as had ſhrunk from the Severity of the Per-
ſecution. Yet ſtill they were ſo modeſt and humble as not to affume
to themſelves the honourable Title of Martyrs, allowing it only to
Chriſt himſelf, and thoſe who had already ſuffer'd. Here they were
filld with ſpiritual Comforts, and what they wanted on Earth they
receiv'd from Heaven: And whereas Alcibiades, one of the Impriſon'd,
who led an auſtere Life, feeding upon only Bread and Water, de-
ſign’d to continue the ſame Courſe in Priſon, it was reveald to Atta-
Jus in a Viſion, that Alcibiades did not well in declining the Uſe of
God's Creatures, which wou'd leave an Example of Scandal to others;
whereupon Alcibiades ſubmitted, fed indifferently on all Meats as he
found them, and gave God Thanks. Shortly after Antoninus return'd
his Anſwer to the Governor, That thoſe who confeſs'd themſelves Chri-
ſtians fou'd ſuffer, but thoſe who renounc'd the Faith fhou'd be diſmiſs'd j
and the Time of a publick Solemnity being begun, when there was
a numerous Concourſe of all neighbouring Nations, the Governor or-
der'd the Martyrs to be brought before the Tribunal, producing them
as a pompous Shew before the Multitude. Being again examin'd, as
many as were found Citizens of Rome, were beheaded, and the reſt
caſt to the wild Beaſts. And now Chrift's Glory became conſpicuous
in thoſe who formerly had fallen from the Faith, who contrary to
Expectation became Confeſſors ; and being examin'd apart, they were
added to the Number of the Martyrs. In the Time of their Exami-
nation, a couragious Phrygian Phyſitian callid Alexander, gave them
ſuch open Encouragement, that he was apprehended ; and confeſſing
himſelf a Chriſtian, was condemn'd to the wild Beaſts. The next Day
he was brought out into the Amphitheatre, together with Attalus, and
together with him underwent all the Inſtruments of Torture, praiſing
the Almighty, and at laſt reſigning up their Souls into his Hands. At
talus in the midſt of his Torments upon the hot Iron Chair, told the
Multitude, That it was they that now fed upon human Fleſh, and not the
Chriſtians, who did no Evil; and being ask'd what was the Name of
his God, he reply'd, That God had not a Name as Men had. To finiſh
the whole Solemnity on the laſt Day, Blandina was a third Time brought
forth, together with Ponticus, a Youth of 15 Years of Age, who con
tinuing firm to the Faith, the Multitude were ſo enrag'd, that they had
no Reſpect to the Age of the one nor the Sex of the other, but
expos’d them to all manner of Puniſhinents, and made them paſs
through the whole Courſe of Torments. Ponticus, being encourag'd and
ſtrengthiried
344 Cent. II.
Book III.
ECCLESIASTICAL History.
ſtrengthned by his Siſter in Affli&ions, after many exquiſite Tortures, gave
up the Ghoſt. At laſt, the bleſſed Blandina, having like a valiant Mo-
ther ſupported her Children, and ſent them before as Conquerors to the
King, with Joy haftned to her Exit, as to her Nuptial-Feaſt
. And
having been ſcourg'd, tortur'd upon the Iron-Chair, and expos’d to the
wild Beaſts; and being inſenſible of all by reaſon of her familiar Converſe
with her Redeemer, ſhe was at laſt ſlain with a Sword; the Pagans them-
ſelves confeſſing, that never any Woman among them ſuſtain'd ſo many
and great Torments. Nor did the Enemy's Rage ceaſe here, but began
afreſh upon the very Bodies of the Martyrs, of whom many were found
dead in Priſon, which were firſt caſt to Dogs, and having for ſeveral Days
undergone all manner of ignominious Uſage, were at length burnt, and
their Aſhes ſwept into the River Rhoſne; as if they were able to vanquiſh
God, and deprive them of a Reſurrection.
Theſe Martyrs, with many others, of whom later Writers have given
the Names of forty eight, ſuffer'd in the 17th Year of Antoninus, in the
Month of August 177, according to Euſebius and many others; tho’Biſhop
Pearſon ſuppoſes they ſuffer'd in 175, and Mr. Dodwell with ſome
others, in 167 ; but Monſ. Tillemont has given ſuch convincing Argu-
ments to the contrary, that we have follow'd his Account. Shortly after, Eufeb.
The Account of a paricular Account of their Sufferings was ſent from the Churches of
fent to ſeverai Lyons and Vienna, to thoſe of Aſia and Phrygia ; to which were adjoyn'd,
Churches, the Epiſtles which ſeveral of the Martyrs, while in Priſon, had written
to thoſe Churches, containing the chief Opinions of the Hereſie of
Montanus, which was then much promoted in Phrygia, by two Perſons
named Alcibiades and Theodotus. Nor did the Martyrs write only to the
Aſian Churches, but to Eleutherus Biſhop of Rome, whom ſome believe
to have been a little infected with Montaniſm. Theſe Letters were ſent to
Rome by the celebrated Irenæus, whom they perſuaded to undertake
the Journy, and whom they particularly recommended to Eleutherus by
a very honourable Teſtimony ; defiring him to receive him, not only as
' their Brother and Companion, but as a zealous Profeſſor and Champion of
' that Religion which Christ had ratify'd with his Blood. After his Return,
Irenzus made he was made Biſhop of Lyons in the room of the Martyr Pothinus, ſuc-
Biſhop of
ceeding him in a troubleſom and tempeſtuous Time. But he was a wiſe
A. D. 178. and skilful Pilot; and Gregory of Tours tells us, that God
An.Ph. z Efficacy to his Sermons and Diſcourſes, that during his Government, he
made almoſt all the Gity Chriſtians. And others tell us, that he wrought
ſeveral Miracles for the Converſion of Infidels; which is not improba-
ble, ſince Irenæus tells us in his own Writings, that Miracles were frequent
in his Time. Irenæus was a Grecian by Birth, and ſome think, an Inha-
bitant of Smyrna , educated and inſtructed both by St. Polycarp and
Papias, two Diſciples of the Apoſtle St. John, and moſt noted Biſhops of
Aſia; and being made Biſhop of Lyons, he became one of the moſt
illuſtrious Defenders of Chriſtianity, inſomuch that ſeveral have call'd
him an Apoſtolick Man, and the Light and Glory of the Gallick
Church.
About this Time it is believ'd that Lucius, a King in Britain, having Beda.
tain fends too
, an Inclination for Chriſtianity, which had been formerly planted, but not
well water'd in that Nation, ſent to Eleutherus Biſhop of Rome, to ſignifie
his Pious Intentions, and to deſire his Aſſiſtance. Eleutherus ſent Fuga-
tints and Damianus, two eminent Men, to that Illand; at which Time
not only Lucius himſelf receiv'd the Faith, but by the Countenance of his
Example, and the Diligence of the firſt Preachers, it ſpread in a ſhort Time
over all his Dominions. So that Lucius is ſuppos'd to be the firſt Chriſtian
Lyons.
gave ſuch
18
Lucius of Bri-
Gildata
rus,
for
Preachers.
King
Chap. III. ANT. PHILOS. the
ANT. PHILOS. the 17th Rom. Emp.
345
!!
Tertul.
expos'd his Perſon, built many Forts, and perform'd all Things that might
King in the World, and Britain the firſt Province that embrac'd the
Goſpel by Publick Autliority; but Lucius and his. Dominions being
dependerit upon the Romans, and conſequently not fupreme, we mult
not look upon this as the FIRST ESTABLISHMENT OF
CHRISTIANITY BY HUMAN LAW S. About this Time
alſo appear'd the Hereſiarch Hermogenes, a Perſon better skill'd in Painting, Hermogenes
,
than drawing Schemes of new Divinity; who forſaking the Church, rialiſts
.
fied to the Stoicks, and being tinctur'd with their Principles, was the firſt
Chriſtian that maintain’d Matter to be increated and eternal, out of
which God made all Things; and that all Evils proceeded out of Matter ;
from whence he and his Followers were called Materialiſts. They alſo
aſſerted, That our Lord's. Body was lodg’d in the Sun; ridiculoully in-
terpreting that Paſſage, In them hath be set a Tabernacle for the Sun, and
that the Devil and all the Demons fhou'd in time be diffolv'd into the firſt
Matter.
The Emperor Antoninus , after two Years Reſt in that City, was now
diſturbed with the News of the Northern Nations taking up Arins again,
and invading the Empire with great Succeſs. This oblig'd him to make
ſpeedy Preparations to oppoſe them in Perſon, as he always did; and
going to the Senate, this was the firſt Time he deſir'd of them Money
out of the Publick Treaſure ; which tho' in his own Power, he openly
declar'd, That Emperors had no private Property to any Thing, not so
much as to their Palace, in which they dwelt. After this, he marry'd his
Son Commodus to Criſpina the Daughter of Bentius Valens, a Conſular
Perſon; and then went to the Temple of Bellona, and perform'd the
ancient Ceremony of the Javelin. The Romans, whoſe Love to this
Emperor daily increas'd, before his Departure, aſſembled themſelves be-
fore his Palace, beſeeching him, Not to leave them, till he had given them.
Some Precepts for their Conduct; that if the God's jou'd take him to them-
ſelves, they might tread in the ſame Raths of Virtue, wherein he had led themi
by his Example. The Emperor movid to ſee their good Diſpoſition, ſpent
three whole Days in explaining to them the greateſt Difficulties in Mora-
lity, and in giving them ſhort Maxims by which they might regulate
their A&tionis. Shortly after, he march'd his Army towards the Enemy,
with his Son Commodus, and gain'd great Advantages in a War that had A.D. 179.
not fewer Difficulties than the former. He fought ſeveral bloody Battels, Ain.Ph.
where the Victories were always all owing to his Management; he boldly
Capitol.
married,
18
19
keep their Country in awe.
Not long after the Emperor's Departure to the North, Agrippinus Biſhop
of Alexandria, dy'd upon the zoth Day of January, after he had held
this Dignity about 12 Years; and was ſucceeded by Julian, who con- Julian, the
tinu'd in the See near 10 Years, being the tenth Biſhop of Alexandria after of Alexandria
the Evangeliſt St. Mark. In this City was a famous Catechetical School
for training Perſons up in Divine Knowledge, and the firſt Principles
of Chriſtianity, which was founded, as it is believ'd, by St. Mark himſelf;
and ſhortly after Julian became Biſhop, the celebrated Pantænus became
Pantænus, GO-
Governor of this School. This Pantanus was a Sicilian by Birth, and vernor of the
a renowned Stoick Philoſopher, who had receiv'd his Chriſtianity from Catechetick-
the very Diſciples of the Apoſtles; being highly eſteem'd for his Piety, Alexandria
.
Wiſdom and Learning. And whereas others before had diſcharg'd the
Duty of the Place in a morë private Way, he made the School more
open and publick, freely teaching all that addreſs’d themſelves to him;
and that with ſo much Diligence and Dexterity, that both the School
and City became famous in all Parts. His Care and Abilities much con-
X
tributed
346
Book III.
Cent. II.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
last Advices.
tributed towards the Advancement of the Chriſtiax Religion, which ſtill
ſuffer'd great Attictions in many parts of the Empire. For we hear of
Many Martyrs, many Martyrs about this Time, as Epipodns, and Alexander, who ſuffer'd
at Lyons ; Benignus, at Dijon; Spenſeppus, and many others, at Langres;
Andreches, Tkeyrfeus and Felix at Saulien , pcar Autun; Sympovian and
Flarella at Antan; Severinus, Felician, and Exuperus, at Vienna; Mar-
celos, at Chellow; Valerian, at Torness Cecilia, a Virgin, at Sicily; and
Tbrafeus, a Biſhop of Pbrygia , at Snyrna. We have the Aás re-
maining of ſome of theſe; but much corrupted, and ngt ſo authentick
as many others.
Thus was the Church of Christ daily afflicted; but in the Beginning of Capital
the following Year 180, God thought fit to give it eaſe; at which Time Herod.
the Emperor Antonians fell into his laſt Sickneſs at Sirmium ia Pannonie,
being in his third Campaign againſt the Northern Nations. Here lie
found many Things to diſquiet and diſturb his Philoſophical Temper, as
his Conqueſts unfetled, his Enemies with their Swords in their Hands,
and the People inclinable to revolt; but above all, the Youth and Un-
ſteadineſs of his Son and Succeflor Commodes, which causd him to
declare, That be fear’d the Roman Empire wou'd not be large erongh ta
contain his Vices. Strugling with thefe Difficulties, and fluctuating
between Hape and Fear, as his Death approach'd, he with great Tender-
neſs recommended the Care of his Son to his principal Friends and Officers,
and particularly charg’d them to make him ſenſible, That not all the
Antoninus bis Riches and Honours in the Univerſe, were sufficient to ſatisfie the Luxury
and Ambition of Tyrantsi zor their strongest Guards and Armies able to
defend them from the Hatred and Inſults of their Subjects. That no Tyraz.
rical Princes ever enjoy long and peaceable Reigns, but only fuck as by their
Clemency gain the Hearts of their people. That it was not tbey, who feru'd
out of Conftraint, biet fuch as obey'd voluntarily, that wou'd cantinue faithfarsel
is all Trials, and free from eit ber Flattery or Treachery. And laftly, Thet
it was exceeding difficult
, and yet highly neceffary for those Princes to Set
bounds to their Paffions, who had none to their Powers. Immediately after
theſe Inſtructions, he was feiz'd with a Weakneſs, which took away the
uſe of his Voice, and brought him to his End the next Day.' Dion ſays,
that the Phyficians, when he began to be indiſpos'd, poyfon'd him to
ingratiate themſelves with his son, who was very eager to be freed from
all Conſtraint. Thus dy'd Antoninus Philofophus, a Prince of profound
Wiſdom and Underſtanding, and no leſs thining Virtues; but thoſe
allay'd with ſuch Paganiſh Superſtition, as occaſion d innumerable Oppreſ-
fions to Chriftianity, which is far above the moſt fublime Philofopby.
But his Name will ever be plac'd among the beſt of the Heathen Princes, for
his numerous and worthy Acts; which, as well as his excellent Meditations
which he left behind him, may ferve for noble Patterns of Morality,
even to Chriſtians themſelves. His Death was infinitely regretted in all
Parts; fo that it feem'd as tho' the whole Glory and Proſperity of the
Empire had dy'd with Antoninus. The Senate and People ador'd him
before his Funeral, pronounc'd him a propitious Deity; and as if it had
been an inconſiderable Thing to erect him a Golden Statue, and decrec
him divine Honours; they declared fuch Perſons to be facrilegious, who
had not in their Houſes fome Picture or Statue of the Emperor. Hedy'd on
the 17th Day of March, under the Confulſhips of Commodus and Annius
Aurelius, being almoſt 59 Years of Age, and having reign'd 19 Years, and
10 Days.
Hø Death.
V. Upon
;
Chap. III. COMMODUS the 18th Rom. Emp.
347
V.
ror.
Upon the Death of Antoninus, his Son Commodus was without A.D. 180.
Hered
. Contradiction acknowledg’d as Emperor, firſt by the Army, then by the COM-
Senate, and ſhortly after by the Provinces. He was now almoſt 19 Years MODUS,
of Age; more noble by Deſcent than any of the former Emperors
, being the eighteenth
Roman Empe
the firſt that was born in his Father's Reign; but he did not imitate liis
Father in his Moral Virtues and his Philoſophy, nor yet in thoſe malignant
Effects they produdc'd againſt Chriſtianity. A few Days after his Father's
Death, he made great Promiſes of a juſt and regular Government, and
for ſome Space was willingly govern’d by the wiſe Directions of his
Father's Friends: But being obnoxious to all kinds of Flatteries, by
reaſon of his Youth, he was ſoon led aſide by deſigning Men, and reſolv'd
to leave the Wars, and return to the Pleaſures of Rome; notwithſtanding
the juſt Arguments of the wiſeſt Counſellors, who unanimouſly advis d
him to ſee an End of this War himſelf. With this Reſolution the
Young Emperor wrote to Rome, advertiſing the Senate of his Coming;
and for a preſent Eaſe and Security, lie made a very hafty, and ſome ſay
diſhonourable Peace with the Enemy, which his Father had almoſt re-
duc'd to an entire Obedience. Then leaving a conſiderable Force on the
Frontiers, he ſet forwards towards Rome; and in all the Cities through
which he paſs’d, he was received withi incredible Joy and Solemnity,
upon the account of his Father's Worth, and the Hopes conceiv'd of his
liappy Reign. At his Entrance into Rome, Otuber the ſecond, he was
receiv'd in Triumph, with infinite Applauſes and Bleſſings by all Men,
who ſtrew'd the Ways where lie paſs’d with all kinds of Flowers and
Ornaments, hewing all poſſible Demonſtrations of Joy, and aſſuring
themſelves of a good and worthy Prince from the Son and Grandſon of
the two great Antonines. Nor were their Expectations immediately fruſtra-
ted; for he continu'd near two Years with much Decency and Mioderation,
Ereféb tho'not without ſome Tokens of a vicious Temper. The Poor Chriſtians The Chriſtians
eas'd from
had of all others moſt Reaſon to rejoyce; for their Affairs were happily
Perſecution
turn’d into a quiet and ſedate Poſture, and Peace encompaſſed the
Churches throughout the whole world. In which Interim, the ſaving
Word of God invited great Numbers of all Ranks to the Worſhip of the
true Deity; ſo that now many of thoſe in Rome, who were very eminent
both for Riches and Defcent, did , together with their whole Families,
betake themſelves to the Faith, and became Chriſtians.
Tho' the Chorch had ſo much Peace without, it was by Hereticks
fufficiently diſturb'd within ; and now particularly by one Apelles, a noted A pelles, and
boys Hereſie.
Diſciple of Marcion, who like him aſſerted two Gods; one Good, the
other Bad; the latter Author of the Law, and the former of the Goſpel.
But afterwards he grew ambitious of being Founder of a new Sect, and
fell in with a young Woman callid Philumena, poffefs’d with an Evil
Spirit, which ſhe pretended was the Holy Ghoſt." He then admitted but
one God, made up of infinite Parts, and allow'd Jeſus only a Budy of
Air, which he diſtributed among the Elements as he aſcended towards
Heaven. He deſpis'd the Law and the Prophets, and a great Part of the
New Teſtament, and deny'd the Reſurrection of the Body, with many A.D. 181.
Eufeb. other Hereticks. About the ſame Time the Errors of Montanus became ſo Com.
general and triumphant in the Leſſer Aſia, that the Faithful of that Pro- The Monta-
vince thought fit to aſſemble at ſeveral Times and divers Places about
it : They carefully examin'd the Nature of this new Prophecy, pro-
nounc'd it impious and prophane, rejected and condemn’d this Hereſie,
and Excommunicated all its Followers. The Synodicon takes notice of
a Council held at Hierapolis by Apolinaris Biſhop of the Place, who with
twenty
Tertui.
2
nifts condemn'd
in Aſia.
X x 2
348 Cent. II.
Book III.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
c
G
6
ciocii.
Florinus and
twenty ſix other Biſhops condemnd and excluded from the Church thoſe
falſe Prophets, Montanus, Maximilla and Theodotus. This was the firſt
Council we find, after that held by the Apoſtles at Jeruſalem, in the
Year 49. In the ſame Year, Theophilus Biſhop of Antioch, one of the
moſt vigorous Oppoſers of the Hereticks , who had written both againſt
Theophilus
writes against Murcion and Hermogenes, now wrote an excellent Treatiſe againſt a
the Pagans. learned Pagan callid Antolycus , which is all we have remaining of his
Works. It is divided into three Books ;. ' conſiſting of great Variety of
Learning and Reaſoning, with which he clearly vindicated the Chriſtian
Religion againſt all the Exceptions of Antolycus and the Heathens ; and
demonſtrated the Hiſtory of Moſes was more ancient, and more true,
' than any among them; and that their Poets had borrow'd their prin
cipal Stories from the Holy Scriptures. He is obſerv'd to have been
the firſt Author that apply'd the very Word Trinity, to the three Perſons
in the Godhead. Not long after the writing of this Treatiſc, having
been Biſhop of Antioch about 13 Years, hie dy'd; and was ſucceeded by
Maximinus, Maximinus, who continued in the See about nine Years, and was the
Bishop of An- ſeventh Biſhop of Antioch after the Apoſtles. Hegefippus dy'd at Rome,
about the ſame Time; ſhortly after which, that Church was extremely
A.D. 182. diſturb'd by two Presbyters, nam'd Florinus and Blaſtus, who drew away
Com. many from the pure Faith. The former, á Diſciple of St. Polycarp, fell into
the Valentinian Hereſie; and moreover maintain'd, That God was the
Blaſtus dijiuh Author of all kinds of Evil; for which he was degraded from his
the Church. Prieſthood by Pope Eleutherus, Blaſtus forſook the Communion of
the Church, and rather ſeem'd to have made a Schiſm, than formºd
a Hereſie; as is ſuppos'd from a Letter written to him by Irenæus, in-
tituled, De Schiſmate.
A.D. 183.
The Emperor Commodus, had for a conſiderable Space hearkned to his Herod.
Father's Friends; but now being excited by the Levity of his Temper, and
The Vices for corrupied by the Examples of looſe Companions, he gave himſelf over to
Commodus. all kinds of mean and extravagant Practices, regarding neither the
Honour of his Family, nor the Dignity of his Office. He openly mani-
feſted his Lewdneſs and Incontinence, ſpending a great Part of his Time
with his Affociats at infamous Houſes; and waſting Days and Nights
in Feaſtings, Banquetings, Bathings, and moſt abominable Luxury. Some-
times he was a Small-Ware Merchant, ſometimes a Horſe-courſer, fome-
tmies an Archer, othertimes a Charioteer; he eat and drank with
Gladiators, was ſubfervient to common Proſtitutes, and appear'd to be born
ratlier for the moſt vile and infainous Uſes, than for the Government
of the World. Theſe Actions, together with his Cruelties and Oppreſ-
A Confpir.tcy ſions, gave Occaſion to many conſiderable Perſons to form a Conſpiracy
siguinsi" him. againſt him, among whom his own Siſter Lucilla was one; who envying
the Greatneſs of the Empreſs Criſpina, became Aſſociat, unknown to her
Husband Pompeianus. The Manner of it being determin'd, the Charge
of the Execution was given to young Pompeianus; who was firſt
to ſtrike the Emperor , and the reſt of the Conſpirators to ſecond
and aſſiſt him. But his open and audacious manner of Proceeding, fru-
ſtrated the Deſign; for having liad ſufficient Opportunity of diſpatching
him, he inſultingly held up his Dagger, crying, The Senate ſends thee
this; which gave ſome of the Guards time to ſeize him, before he cou'd
ſtrike the fatal Blow. This caus'd the Diſcovery of all his Accomplices;
and Lucilla, Quintianus, Quadratus, and the reſt of the Conſpirators were
executed, beſides many other Perſons wholly innocent. Theſe Execu-
tions were ſucceeded by thoſe of his Empreſs Criſpina, accus'd of Adul-
tery, his Father's Couſin-german Fauſtina, and great Numbers of the
moſt
Dion,
Lamp
Com.
3
Chap. III.
349
COMMODUS the 18th Rom. Emp.
4
Iren.
moſt Illuſtrious of the Roman Nobility. He executed inany innocent Per-
ſons inſtead of others who were guilty, permitting Offenders and Criminals
to eſcape for Money; and if any deſir'd to be reveng'd of an Enemy, by
bargaining with Commodus for a certain Sum; lie was allow'd to inflict
Death, or any other Puniſhment. We are told ſeveral ſtrange and mon-
ſtrous Inſtances of his Cruelty and his Tyranny: increas'd ſo far, that
at a publick Feſtival, fancying himſelf derided by the People, his impe-
tuous Rage fo tranſported him, that he gave Orders to maſſacre all the
Multitude then preſent, and to burn the City; which had been executed,
but that his Favourite Latus deterr'd him from it. His Cruelties indeed
were much owing to his wicked Favourites, of whom Perennis was firſt
, A. D. 184
who was made his Captain of the Guards, and was no leſs notorious Com.
for his Avarice and Cruelty, than eminent for his Valour and Hardineſs.
During this Man's Authority, many Governments and Places were ſold,
niany unjuſt confiſcations and Scizures were made, and many horrible
Barbarities committed : Yet ſtill the Chriſtians eſcap'd, and were free
from Perfecution, having a greater Breathing-Time than in any of the
latter Reignis; and Dion tells us, this was by the Mediation of this Empe-
ror's beloved Concubine Marcia, who fucdeeding the Empreſs Criſpina, Marcia fuvou's
in all Things but the Title, had the greateſt Influence upon him; the Cliriſtians,
and favouring the Doctrin of the Chriſtians , preſerv'd them from
Trouble.
But ſtill the Church met with new Troubles from Hereſies and Here- A.D. 185.
ticks, and now particularly from one Marc, one of the worſt of Valen-Com. Š
tinus's Difciples, and no leſs remarkable for Magick than Hereſie, by
which he is ſaid to have caus'd Blood to appear in the Cup of the
Euchariſt. He took a ſpecial Care to ſeduce Women, and chiefly the
Rich and Beautiful ; under Pretence of making thein partake of the
Spirit of Prophecy, and of that great and heavenly Gift, of which he
declar'd himſelf the Fountain. He got vaſt Sums from the Rich, and
perſuaded the Beautiful, that by conſenting to his wicked Deſires, they
acted piouſly, and were repleniſh'd with the Holy Ghoſt
. His Followers,
which were callid Marcoſians, were chiefly about the Rhoſne in Gaul. The Marcos
They had an Initiation, which they diſtinguiſh'd from the Baptiſm of lia
Fefies Chriſt, and call'd it a Redemption; and inſtead of a Trinity, they
held a Quaternity, compos'd of Ineffability, of Silence, of the Father,
and of the Truih. They affirm'd that Jeſus ſuffer'd not in Reality, but
only in Appearance : They eſtabliſh'd two Principles, oppoſite to each
other; held with Valentinus his Fancy of the Æoncs, and deny'd the
Reſurrection of the Body. They continu'd till the fourth Century, freely
committing what Sins they thought fit, upon a Pretence of being more
enlightned than St. Peter and St. Paul. And St. Ferom ſays, that by means
of theſe people the Baſilidian Hereſie was ſpread through the greateſt
Part of Gaul, and carry'd alſo into Spain. In this Year 185, Monſ. Tille-
mont places the third Greek Verſion of the Old Teſtament after our Theodotion
Saviour's Birth, which was made by Theodotion of Pontus, a Diſciple of tranſlates the
Tatian, then an Ebionite or Marcionite, and laſtly a few; who has taken Bible into
ſomewhat more Liberty in his Tranſlation than Aquila, but not ſo much
as. Symmachnis did about fixteen Years before him; being more exact
than either, yet many Things are cut off, and Additions made to it, as
Origen obſerves.
The Chriſtians enjoy'd ſo much Freedom from Perſecution, that we find
A.D. 186.
jerom but one Martyr of Note in this Reign, which was Apollonius, an illuſtrious
Senator , eminent for his Philoſophy and other Parts of Learning; who
being accus'd of profeſſing the Chriſtian Religion, by his own Servant
callid
ſians.
,
$21%c?.
Com.
6
7
350 Cent. II.
Book III.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
And Death.
call’d Severus, was brought into the Judgment Hall before the Emperor's
Favourite Ferennis, then Captain of the Guards. The Servant undertook
his Accuſation in a very unleaſonable Time for himſelf, for the Refcript
of M. Antoninus, which commanded the Chriſtians Accuſers to be puniſh'd
with Death, being ſtill in Force, Perennis condemn'd him firſt to have
his Legs broken, and then to be executed. Then he earneſtly exhorted
Apollonins to renounce his Faith, and not to cauſe his own Kuin ; and
finding him immovable, ſince he was a Senator, he order'd him to give
an Account of his Religion before the Senate. Accordingly he appeard
in a full Houſe, where he made a learned and eloquent Apology for the
Apollonius a Chriſtian Religion ; but notwithſtanding that, he was condemn’d to be
Senator ſuffers beheaded, becauſe there was an ancient Law ſtill in Force, which or-
Martyrdom.
dain'd, That thoſe Chriſtians, who were once judicially accus'd for their
Religion, ſhou'd not be acquitted if they did not forſake it
. Not long
after, the Senate, which had committed this Injuſtice againſt one of its
Members, was ſeverely puniſh'd by the unjuſt Deaths of many of the
Senators; occaſion'd not only by the Cruelties of Commodus, but alſo by
Perennis's De- the wicked Deſigns of Perennis : By which Means Perennis became vaſtly
Signs ;
rich and powerful; and well knowing the great Luxury and Neglect of
Commodus, he began to endeavour to gain the Emprie to himſelf, and
had made ſome ſucceſsful Progreſs in that great Attempt. But his De-
ligns ſoon became apparent to all Men, and the Multitude of Accuſations
againſt him at length rous'd the Emperor from his Lethargy and Blind-
neſs, ſo that both he and his Sons, who were ſent into Illyricum to draw
the Legions to revolt, receiv'd the juſt Reward of their numerous Vil-
lanies.
A.D. 187
After the Death of Perennis, the Emperor undertook to repeal many Herod.
of his Acts; but continu'd not long in that Regulation, purſuing his
Pleaſures, and ſuffering himſelf to be governd by another Favourite nam'd
Cleander, a Perſon who for Cruelties, Rapines and Briberies exceeded
Perennis. His ill Practices occaſion'd new Plots and Conſpiracies againſt
the Emperor's Perſon, particularly by one Maternus, who practiſing all
Kinds of Robberies, gather'd together great Numbers of Banditti and
Strangers, and waſted Gaul and Spain; and being thence repell’d, reſolv'd
to attempt the Empire it ſelf. But deſpairing of attaining it by Force
he betook himſelf to Stratagems ; and taking Advantage from the annual
Solemnity kept in Honour of the Mother of their Gods, wherein it was
lawful to imitate Magiſtrates or their Officers, le ſent ſome of his Sol-
diers privately arm’d to mix themſelves with the Emperor's Guards, and
there to aſſaſſinate him. But his own Party, in Hopes of Advantage, de-
tected him; and he and many others were executed. Not long after
ſucceeded a dreadful Peſtilence, accompany'd with a Famine ; in which,
as at many other Times, Cleander's Management became ſo inſupportable
to the People of Rome, that they took up Arms and tumultuouſly march'd
to Commodus, and requir’d to have his Head. And tho the Emperor's
Guards made ſome Reſiſtance, yet at length the Torrent became ſo im-
petuous that Commodus was conſtrain'd, tho' extremely againſt his Will,
And Cleander to deliver up Cleander and his two Sons, to the Mercy of the Multitude.
jl:iin.
Commodus durſt not puniſh this Tumult; but became ſo lower and ſuſpi-
cious of all Men, that he caſt off all Care of State Affairs, giving ear
to every malicious Informer, to the Ruin of many innocent Perſons.
No Men of Worth were admitted into his Preſence, but being ruld
by looſe and diſſolute Perſons, he fell into the Practice of all kinds of
Vice and Cruelty.
Dion
Com.
7
8
Maternus,
About
Chap. III.
351
COMMODUS the 18+ Ron. Emp.
<
C
8
Indies.
About theſe Times, the great Ireneus, who had long contended, and frenæus writes
was beſt acquainted with the Principles of all the Hereticks, ſet about againſt all the
Heretiches.
that learned and elaborate Work Againſt Herefies, which he divided in-
to five Books * In the firſt, he diſplay'd the wild fantaſtick Notions of
' each Sect from Simon Magus to his Time, particularly the Valentinians
' and Marcaſians: In the ſecond, he refuted all their Principles, by thoſe
• of common Senſe and Reaſon : In the third, by the Writings of the
Apoſtles : In the fourth, by the Words of our Saviour; and in the
lait, he explain'd ſeveral Paffages of St. Paul, which the Hereticks had
miſtaken and abus'd. In all which he thew'd a great Variety of ſa-
cred and prophane Learning, and no leſs Skill in interpreting the Scrip-
tures ; retaining a great Number of Things, which the Diſciples of the
Apoſtles had taught by Word of Mouth. About the Time of the Ap-A.D. 188.
pearance of this Work, Julian Biſhop of Alexandria dyd; after he had Com.
held this Dignity near ren Years; and was ſucceeded by Demetrius, a Demetrius the
celebrated Man, who enjoy'd a long Pollefſion of it 43 Years, and was the twelfth Biſhop
eleventh Biſhop of Alexandria after the Evangeliſt St. Mark. Shortly after of Alexandria.
this Perſon's Entrance upon his Biſhoprick, fome Indian Emiſlaries deſir'd
him to ſend along with them ſome worthy and excellent Perſon, to preach the
Chriſtian Faith in thoſe Countries. None appear'd qualify'd for this Errand
like Pantænus, Governor of the Catechetical School, as being a great Phi-
loſopher, and incomparably furniſh'd with divine and human Learning.
Pantænus, notwithſtanding all the apparent Difficulties and Hardlips, Pantænus's
joyfully undertook the Miſſion; there being at that Time, as Euſebius Fourny to the
informs us, many Evangelical Preachers, who inflam'd with a holy
Zeal, in Imitation of the Apoſtles, were willing to travel up and down
the World for enlarging the Bounds of Chriſtianity. In this Journy, we
are inform'd, that he met with ſeveral of the Indians that retaind the
Knowledge of Chriſt, preach'd to them long ſince by the Apoſtle St. Ber-
tholomew; whereof not the leaſt Evidence was liis finding St. Matthew's
Goſpel written in Hebrew, which St. Bartholomew liad left behind bim,
and which, St. Jerom ſays, Pantænus afterwards brought back with him
to Alexandria. Upon his Departure from Alexandria, he was ſucceeded He is ſucceeded
in his catechetical School by the famous Clemens, uſually called Clemens by Clemens
Alexaïdrinus ;
Alexandrinus, a Man of infinite Induſtry, who by his great Labours and
Travels through the World, had gain'd a wonderful Skill in Philoſophy,
and all Parts of Learning both Human and Divine. Not long after his A.D. 189.
entering upon this uſeful Office of Catechiſt, he wrote that remarkable Com. 2
Piece intituled An Exhortation to the Gentiles, ‘in which he learnedly and who writes his
rationally refuted the Follies and Inipieties of the Gentile Religion, and Exhortation
' with the ſtrongeſt Arguments and Inducements perſuaded Men to en-
brace Chriſtianity. About the ſame Time there appear’d another emi-
nent Chriſtian in Alexandria, which was Ammonins, callid Saccas, from Ammonius
his carrying Sacks of Corn upon his Back; who now quitting his Em- Saccas.
ployment, betook himſelf to Study, and became one of the moſt learned
and eloquent Men of thoſe Times, a great Philoſoplier, and the chief
of the Platonick Sea, and afterwards Maſter to the great Origen himſelf
.
In the ſucceeding Year, Maximinus, Biſhop of Antioch dy'd, after he A.D. 190.
had been poffeſs’d of that See about nine Years; and was ſucceeded by Com.
Serapion, a Perſon noted for his Eloquence and Writings, who held that Serapion the
Dignity about 21 Years, and was the eighth Biſhop of Antioch after the eighth Biſhop of
Pbila. Apoſtles. In the ſame Year there appear’d two Hereſiarchs in Galatia,
nam'd Seleucus and Hermias, who did not only teach, with Hermogenes, Scleucus and
that Matter was Eternal, and that the Body of Jeſus was lodg'd in the Hermias Heren
ticks.
Sun, but alſo that God himſelf was Corporeal, that Mens Souls were
taken
to the Gentiles.
IO
Antioch.
352
Book III.
Cent. II.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY,
&c.
taken from the Earthi, and created by Angels, and that there was no other
Reſurrection than the Generation of Children. · They deny'd the Baptiſm
of Water to be ſufficient, but inſiſted upon that of the Holy Ghoſt and of
Fire, and accordingly they ſtigmatiz'd thoſe they baptiz’d with a hot Iron
on the Forehead.
And now the Emperor Commodus wallowing in all kinds of groſs Im- Lamp.
The Follies of pieties and ſenſeleſs Fooleries, fell into new and unheard of Extravagan-
Commodus. cies, ſo as to reject his own and Father's Name, and inſtead of Com-
modus the Son of Antoninus, he commanded himſelf to be ſtil'd Hercules
the Son of Jupiter ; and accordingly he forſook the Roman and Imperial
Habit, and in a ridiculous Manner ciad himſelf in a Lion's Skin, and
carry'd about a great Club in his Hand. With this ſtrange Habit he ap-
pear'd in all Places, ſo that he became the Deriſion of ſome, and caus'd the
Indignation of others; adding ſo many Executions and Cruelties, that he
became a Monſter of Mankind. And as if Rome had not been ſufficiently
afflicted by having ſuch a Governor, ſeveral other Calamities befel the City.
Severat Cala- About two Years before, the Capitol was burnt by Lightning, which like-
wiſe deſtroy'd the adjacent Buildings, and particularly the famous Libraries,
A.D. 191. which had coſt the Ancients ſo much Care to collect. And now another
Com.
1 Fire broke out, which conſum'd the Temple of Peace, and the Temple of
Veſta, laying open the ancient Image of Pallas to publick View, and then
rag'd for ſeveral Days before it cou'd be ſtopp’d. The Temple of Peace
was the largeſt and moſt beautiful Temple in the City, built by Vespaſian ,
and beſides its own magnificent Ornaments, many rich Men lodg’d
their Treaſures there for greater Security; ſo that this Fire impovce
riſh'd many more beſides thoſe whoſe Houſes were burnt. In this Year,
and 12th of Commodus, Eleutherus, Biſhop of Rome, dy'd, after he had hield
Victor the thir- the Dignity about 15 Years; and was ſucceeded by Victor, an Aſian and Son
teenth Bishop of Felix, a Perſon noted for his warm and violent Proceedings, who con-
of Rome.
tinu'd in the See about 10 Years, and was the thirteenth Biſhop of Ronie,
Rhodon flok after St. Peter and St. Paul. At this Time flouriſh'd Tatian's Diſciple
riſhes. Rhodon, who wrote many Pieces againſt the Hereticks, but none of them
mities.
are now extant.
A.D. 192.
Com.
13
In the following Year Commodus having render'd himſelf both odious i lered.
12 and deſpicable, became ſo extravagant, that he reſolv'd to lodge in a Fen-
cing School the Night before the Feaſt of Janus, from thence to iſſue out
next Day, not as Emperor, but as a common Gladiator to fence naked be-
fore the People. Which ſtrange Reſolution being made known to his
Friends, his beloved Marcia, his General Letus, and his Chamberlain Ele-
&tus, endeavour'd by all Methods of Perſuaſion to divert him from ſo mean
and diſhonourable a Deſign. But being provok'd, he commanded their De-
parture, and retiring to his Chamber at Noon to repoſe himſelf, he wrote
down the Names of theſe three Perſons in a Book, and deſign'd them for
Execution that Night together with a great Number of Senators and rich
Perſons, whoſe Eſtates, were to purchaſe him Security from the Soldiers.
This Writing was accidentally taken up by a little Boy, who was met with
it by Marcia; who viewing the fatal Contents, diſcover'd all to Latus and
Electus, who immediately reſolvid upon the Tyrant's Death, concluding
upon Poiſon as the moſt ſafe Means, which was ſpeedily adminiſter'd by
Marcia her ſelf. This immediately caſt him into a heavy Slumber, and
Marcia to conceal all, caus’d the Company to retire, under Pretence of
Reſt; but finding him awake and vomiting, ſhe and the reſt of the Conſpi-
rators haſtily calid in a ſtout young Man callid Narciſſus, and by ſhewing
The Death of him his Name in the black Liſt, engag’d him to go in and ſtrangle the
Emperor. Thus dy'd Commodus, a Prince who, as Lampridius fays, liv’d
Commodus.
only
Chap. III.
353
JULIANUS tbe 20. Rom. Emp.
Tirando
Copiiui.
only for his Subjects Miſchief and his own Shame į and dy'd on the
30th Day of December, being in the 31ſt Year of his Age; and having
reign'd 12 Years, 9 Months, and 14 Days.
VI. The Conſpirators found means to carry the Dead Body through A. D. 193.
the Guards, and immediately repair’d to the Houſe of Helvius Pertinax;PERTI-
and at Night perſuaded him to undertake the Government of the Empire, N A X,
carrying him to the Camp of the Prætorian Cohorts for that purpoſe. The the ninetenth
Roman Empea
Soldiers being deceiv'd with a Report that their Maſter's Death was natural, for.
readily comply'd with the Conſpirators, and made Pertinax Emperor;
and then being brought into the City, he was confirm’d by the Senate;
which at the ſame Time ſent an infinite Number of Curſes and Maledi-
&tions againſt Commodus and his Memory. Pertinax was the Son of an
enfranchis'd Slave, now 68 Years of Age, who had paſs’d through many
ſtrange Changes of Fortune, and was branded for no remarkable Vice but
Avarice, which was one Cauſe of his Ruine. He began his Government
with the Reſtraining the Licentiouſneſs of the Pretorian Soldiers, and their
Inſolencies and Injuries uſually committed againſt the People in the late
Reign. He baniſh'd Promoters and Informers, who again had crept into
the State, and regulated many other Abuſes and Diſorders, tolerated in
this Time; particularly, he ſold moſt of the Buffoons and Jeſters of Com-
modus, eſpecially ſuch as had obſcene Names; and alſo exacted a ſtrict
Account of thoſe Servants to whom that Emperor had been profuſe in
his Donatives. He entertain'd all Men honourably and courteouſly; by
which, and other good Actions, he ſo gain’d the Hearts of the Senate and
People, that they all accounted themſelves happy, in having ſo worthy
an Emperor. But the Pretorian Soldiers, too looſe to be reformd, foon took
an inſuperable Prejudice againſt him, upon the Account of his Frugality,
and ſtrict Diſcipline; and therefore endeavour'd to ſet up ſome others
againſt him, but with no ſucceſs. And now having a ſtrong Suſpicion, if
not a certain Knowledge of the Murther of their beloved Patron Commodus,
they became more inveterate, and withal ſo bold and inſolent, that they
reſolv’d to uſe no more private Methods, but in an open hoſtile Manner to
attack the Emperor in his Palace. In order to which, a conſiderable Body of
them was drawn out, who in a tumultuous Manner march'd through the
Streets of Rome, with drawn Swords and other Weapons; and as their
Motion was ſudden and impetuous, they enter'd the Palace, with little or
no Oppoſition. The Emperor refus’d to fly, urging, That ſuch an Action
was unworthy of his Dignity and past Deeds; and ſo facing his Soldiers, in
hopes of daunting them, he ſoon met with his Death from their Hands. He is ſlain.
This hapned upon the 28th Day of March, after a ſhort Reign of twelve
Weeks and three Days.
1
Herid.
The Soldiers after they had committed this execrable Fact, finding no JULIA-
Spart. Reſiſtance, became ſuperlatively Inſolent, and proceeded to an unheard-of N US,
Piece of Arrogancy, which was to ſet the Empire to Sale, and give it to the twentieth
Roman Empe-
the higheſt Bidder. The Competitors were only two, Sulpitian and Julian;
jror.
which latter obtain'd it of the Soldiers, but contrary to the Inclination
both of the Senate and people, who were however conſtrain’d to comply
with a Power which they cou'd not reſiſt. This Julian was Grandſon to the
famous Lawyer of that Name, who compos'd the Perpetual Edict in the
Reign of Adrian, and about 57 Years of Age, which he never cou'd
exceed. For tho'he much endeavour'd to make himſelf popular, yet the
Senate and People hated him, upon the Account of his ſcandalous Election;
and the Soldiers themſelves were alſo diſoblig'd by his bad Pay, and his
YY
covetous
354
Cent. II.
Book III.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
Heron,
Syari.
covetous Temper. Theſe Circumſtances gave an Occaſion to the Commanders
of the Armies abroad to aſpire to the ſame Dignity; and accordingly three
of them ſet up for themſelves, Pefcennius Niger in the East, Septimius
Severus in Illyricum, and Clodius Albinus in Britain. Severus lay the neareſt
to Rome, where Niger was moſt deſired; but he by continuing at Antioch,
inſtead of haſtning into Italy, gave Severus Opportunity to get before him:
For by croſting the Alps with incredible ſpeed, he got to Ravenna before
any expected him. His Pretence for taking the Empire was, to revenge
the Death of Pertinax, whoſe Name he aſſum'd, to do himſelf the greater
Honour, upon his firſt being proclaim'd in Illyricum. Julian endeavour'd
to make ſome Reſiſtance, but it did him no Service, his Courage and
Management failing him; and when the Senate lieard that Severus was near
the City with his Army, they declar'd Julian a publick Enemy, and order'd
He is ſlain. him to be flain, upon the 2d Day of June, after a ſhorter Reign than his
Predeceſſor, being only nine Weeks and two Days.
SEVE-
Upon the Death of Julian, Severus was immediately acknowledg’d Dion.
RUS, Emperor by the Senate and People; as he drew near to the City, he ſent
the twenty first Order to all the Prætorian Soldiers to come forth and receive him un-
Roman Empe- arm'd; which was accordingly obey'd, in hopes of pleaſing and appeaſing
him by their ready Obedience ; for he had concealed his Deſigns
from all but a few. But upon their coming forwards with Laurel-
Branches to pay him Homage, they were ſuddenly ſurrounded by his
Army; and ſo having reproached them with their barbarous and infamous
Practices towards the Emperor and Empire, he commanded them to be
immediately ſtript of all their Military Habiliments, depriv’d tliem of the
very Name and Honour of Soldiers, and baniſh'd them an hundred Miles
from Rome. And thus, with the Execution of ſome of the Ringleaders,
he began his Reign, to the great Satisfaction of all Men. This Em-
peror was by Birth an African, of the City of Leptis, now about forty
ſeven Years of Age; one who by his Induſtry had attain'd to almoſt all
Charges and Offices, wherein he purchas'd the Name and Reputation of
a valiant, wiſe and excellent Commander. He was likewiſe commended
for his Wit and Learning, his Prudence and Policy, and his Vigour
and Hardineſs; but juſtly condemn'd for his Punick Craft and Diſlimu-
lation, his Treachery and Infidelity, and his Severity and Cruelty : In
fhort, his Temper and Circumſtances diſpos’d him to the Performance
both of the nobleſt Acts, and the bloodieſt Severities. He immediately ſet
about the Regulation of many Abuſes in the City; and after thirty
He goes against Days continuance, reſolv'd to march againſt Niger, a formidable Rival,
Niger.
who had quietly poſſeſs’d himſelf of Byzantium, and all the East. There
was Reaſon alſo to dread what Albinus might do in his Abſence, who
had declar'd for himſelf in Britain; therefore he ſent to him, and
offer'd him the Partnerſhip in the Empire, with the Title of Cæfar; which
was willingly accepted by Albinus, who eſteem'd it a good Bargain to
obtain that with Eaſe, which he deſign'd to attempt by Force. And
thus laying Albinus aſleep, the World was divided into two Factions, and
a War began, as ſevere as any in the former Ages of the Roman State,
highly remarkable for the Valour of the Commanders, and the Num-
ber of the Forces.
During theſe Tranſactions and Revolutions, the Church at Rome Terte'.
The Hereſie of began to be infected with a new Hereſie, form’d by one Theodotus,
and Artemon. formerly a Currier or Tanner of Byzantium ; who in the laſt Perſecution,
having out of Fear of Torments deny'd Jeſus Christ, to vindicate his
Apoſtacy, added Blaſphemy to it; and with the Ebionites and Alogi,
taught,
Epih,
*
Chap. III.
355
SEVERUS the 21+ Rom. Emp.
mon.
1
2
C
C
Herod.
&c.
taught, that tho' our Saviour was conceiv'd by the Operation of the Holy
Ghoſt, yet he was but a meer Man, only excelling others in Juſtice and
Sanctity of Life. He had long lain hid at Rome; but afterwards employ-
ing what Learning he had, and having formed a Sect callid Theodotians,
he was excommunicated by Vi&or Biſhop of the City; and ſome ſay, con-
demn'd by a Council, together with a famous Diſciple of his callid Arte-
This Artemon had alſo many Followers, who holding almoſt the
ſame Opinions, joyn'd with the Theodotians, and afterwards became a
numerous and dangerous Sect. Theſe very boldly and fallly aſſerted,
That their Doctrin was continually held in the Church till the Time of
Pope Victor ; after which, they ſaid, it began to be corrupted, and the
Truth of it queſtion’d. About theſe Times, Clemens Alexandrinus wrote A. D. 194. .
his famous Work calld Stromata; “which conſiſts of Miſcellaneous Dif-Severi
courſes, compos'd out of the Holy Writings, and the Books of the Clem. Alexan-
Gentiles z both explaining and confuting the Opinions of the Greeks Pout cromatas
' and Barbarians, the Sentiments of Philoſophers, and the Notions of
'Hereticks; inſerting Variety of Stories, and Treaſures out of all Sorts
of Learning: Which , as he himſelf tells us, he therefore ſtild Stro-
mata, that is, A variegated contexture of Diſcourſes; which he compares
not to a curious Garden, where the Trees and Plants are diſpos’d in
' exact Order, but to a thick ſhady Mountain, where Trees of all kinds
grow promiſcuoully together. He is ſuppos’d to have ſhewn ſomewhat
too much of the Philoſopher in this work, and to have expreſs’d ſome
few Things not foundly or warily; yet capable of a candid Interpretation,
and ſuch as are often met with in the Writers of thoſe early Ages.
In the mean Time, Severus ſucceſsfully proceeded in his Expedition Severus bis
againſt Niger in the Eaſt; and nothing cou'd withſtand the rapid Fortune gainst Niger,
of this proſperous Prince. For whether his Buſineſs was perform'd in and others,
Perſon, or by his Lieutenants, he was equally ſucceſsful. His Army firſt
landed in the Leſſer Aſia, near Cyzicus, where they attackt, defeated and
New Æmilian, and after that engag'd with Niger himſelf
, whom they over-
came in two Battels : The firſt was fought near Nice in Bithynia, a City
very faithful to Niger's Intereſt; where his Army had been quite cut off,
if they had not fav’d themſelves by retreating into the City. The fecond was
near the Bay of Ifus, at the Straights of Cilicia, where Alexander the Great
had. formerly overthrown Dariusz after which Defeat Niger made his
Eſcape to Antioch, where finding himſelf not ſafe, he fled towards the Ex-
phrates; but being vigorouſly purſu'd, he was overtaken by ſome Soldiers,
who cut off his Head, and carry'd it to Severus. This Emperor imme-
diately gave
Orders that Niger's Wife and Children ſliou'd be baniſh'd from
Rome, and as a Conqueror perform’d his Pleaſure upon the Vanquilhºd,
deſtroying without Mercy. great Numbers who had joyn’d with Niger, and
particularly demoliſh'd the great City Antioch, which had aſſiſted his Ad-
verſary. Theſe Succeſſes made Severus reſolve to puſh forwards, and A. D. 195
puniſh all thoſe Eaſtern Princes who had taken part with Niger. The
Severi
Parthians and Adiabenians had ſent in Men to his Alliſtance, and therefore
he firſt attackt them; and in an Inrruption which he made into Parthia, he
took the City Niſibis, which he made the Frontier-Town of the Empire
on that Side. Whilft he was in Meſopotamia, he heard that Byzantinm had
at laſt ſurrender'd to his Forces. That City declar'd at firſt for Niger, and
after he was dead, held out againſt Severus, and endur'd one of the ſharpeſt
Sieges mention d in Hiſtory. The Surrender of Byzantium made him
abſolute in the East, and he doubted not but to be ſo ſhortly in the West.
The Catholick Church, which had hitherto been at Unity within it felf, A.D. 196.
was now in danger of a Schiſm, about the inconſiderable Controverſie of Severi
Yy 2
the
.
3
Eufeb.
&c.
co
356
Book III,
Cent. II.
.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY
C
the Time of Keeping of Eaſter; which was with great Violence reviv'd
The great con-
troverſie about by Pope Victor, who endeavour'd imperiouſly to impoſe the Roman Cuſtom
keeping Eaſter. of keeping it on the next Sunday after the Jewiſh Paflover, upon the
Churches of the Leſſer Aſia, and all others who obſerv’d the contrary
Uſage. And becauſe they did not yield, he raſhly ſent out his Excommu-
nication againſt them; not only endeavouring, but, as Euſebius explains
it in the following Words, actually proſcribing and pronouncing them cut
off from the Communion of the Church. The Aſiaticks little regarding
the fierce Threatnings from this Biſhop, under the Conduct of Polycrates
Biſhop of Epheſus, ſtood their Ground; Juſtifying their Obſerving it
upon the 14th Day after the Appearance of the Moon, after the Rule
• of the Jewiſh Paffover; and this by conſtant Tradition, and uninter-
rupted Uſage derived from the Apoſtles St. John and St. Philip, St. Poly-
carp, and ſeveral others to that Day. All which he wrote to Victor, but
prevail'd nothing to prevent his rending the Church in ſunder. For the
Compoſure of this unhappy Diviſion, Synods or Councils were call'd in
divers Parts of the World, as beſides one in Rome, one in Paleſtine under
Theophilus Biſhop of Cæfarea and Narciſus Biſhop of Jeruſalem, another in
Pontus under Palmus , another in Corinth under Bacchillus, another in
Oſdroena in the Eaſt; with many Biſhops in other Places; who were very
ready in their Endeavours to quench the common Flame; and tho' they
agreed with Victor in the main Controverſie, yet they all in their Epiſtles
blam'd his Management; and advis'd him rather to mind what concern'd
the Peace of the Church, and the Love and Unity of Chriſtians among
each other. But the moſt conſiderable of all was the excellent Irenæus,
who as Euſebius obſerves, in this Matter truly anſwer'd his Name, in his
peaceable and healing Temper. For having conven'da Synod in Gaul of 13 Bi-
Thops, after a full Debate of the Matter, he wrote a Synodical Epiſtle in their
Name to Victor: "Wherein lie acknowledg’d the Agreement with him in
' the Controverſie, but calmly and gravely advis’d him to beware how he
' excommunicated whole Churches, for obſerving Cuſtoms derivd to
• them from their Anceſtors: That there was as little Agreement in the
· Manner of the Preparatory Faſt before Eaſter, as in the Day it ſelf; ſome
thinking they were to faſt but one Day, others two, others more; and
ſome meaſuring the Time by a continual Faſt of 40 Hours : And that
'this Variety was of long ſtanding, and had crept into ſeveral Places,
while the Governors of the Church, who took leſs Care about theſe
different Cuſtoms, ſtill maintain'da fincere Love and Peace towards one
another; a Thing practis'd by his pious Predeceſſors, particularly Anice-
tus towards Polycarp; who tho’they cou'd not ſo far convince each other,as
to lay aſide their different Uſages, did yet mutually embrace, communicate
together, and peaceably part from each other. This Father alſo wrote
many other Epiſtles of the like nature to other Biſhops, and probably
with very good Effect; for tho' the Aſiaticks did not lay aſide their Cuſtom,
yet it does not appear that the Union between them and the Biſhops of
Rome was thereupon diſcontinu'd. All continu'd their own Cuſtoms in all
Places, till a full Determination was made of this Matter in the Council
of Nice, 129 Years after.
During theſe Diſturbances in the Church, there were no leſs Diſtur-Heroch
Succeſs against bances in the State ; for Severus, who particularly deſir'd to be ſucceeded
by his Sons Caracalla and Geta , found it high Time to remove Albinus,
who daily increasd in Strength and the Favour of the Romans. Accord-
ingly, having ſetled all Things in the Eaſt, and demoliſh'd the great City of
Byzantium, and given his Son
Caracalla the Title of Cæjur, he made uſe firſt of
ſecret Methods to deſtroy him, and afterwards of open War. At firſt Albinus
had
C
Severus bis
Spart.
Albiilus.
Chap. III. SEVERUS the 21" Rom. Emp. 352
had the Advantage; but at length Severus meeting him in Perſon near Lyons, A. D. 197
February the 17th, after a moſt obſtinate Fight routed his Army, and forc'd
him to make his Eſcape. But that prov'd to no purpoſe, for he was foon
Severi
kill'd, and his Head carry'd to Severus, who ſent it erected upon a Pole in
Triumph to Rome; whither alſo he return'd himſelf, after he had rais'd
vaſt Sums of Money by confiſcating the Eſtates of the moſt conſiderable
Men in Gaul. At his Return to Rome, he upbraided the Senate with their
Love to Albinus, and their Ingratitude to him; and in Diſgrace of that
venerable Aſſembly, he renew'd the Memory of the Tyrant Commodus, call’d
himſelf his Brother, and on June the ad, made him to be canoniz'd, and
ador'd as a God. He alſo condemn’d to Death great Numbers of the Senate
and Nobility of Rome, who had been Friends to Albinus or his Party;
producing Letters againſt them, and alledging other Proofs and Reaſons,
of which ſome are ſuppos’d to have been forg’d. He us’d the like Severity
to many eminent Perſons of Niger's Party, and in this being incited by Ava-
rice as well as Revenge, many conſiderable Ladies cou'd not eſcape his Fury.
Eufeb.
Tertul
The Fifth General Perſecution.
VII. In the midſt of all this Blood and Cruelties, the innocent Chriſtians,
who had enjoy'd Reſt for about 17 Years, were again afflicted and perſecuted;
but at preſent neither by the Order nor the Encouragement of Scverus, who
in the former Part of his Reign was very favourable to Chriſtianity. He had
been recover'd formerly out of a Fit of Sickneſs, by the Interceflion of one
Proculus Torpacio, a Chriſtian, who anointed him with Oyl, according to
the Apoſtle's Command, James 5. 14. and the Practice of the Prinitive
Church ; ſo that he knew by Experience of how great Efficacy the Chriſti-
ans Prayers were with the Phyſician of all Men. And he was ſo ſenſible
of this Benefit, that he ſent for Procul us, who was Steward to Evodus his
Son's Governor, and kept him in the Palace till he dy'd; and when ſome
Romans of both Sexes, and of great Quality, were afterwards accus'd of
Chriſtianity, he acquitted and applauded them, and openly check'd the
Madneſs of the People. His Court ſeern'd to be an Aſylum for Chriſtians,
for a long time; for his Son Caracala's Nurſe was a Chriſtian, and when
he was a Child, he expreſt ſo great an Indignation at the Puniſhment of
one of his Play-fellows who ſtood up for his Religion, that he was not
eaſily pacify'd. Beſides, the Behaviour of the Chriſtians towards Severus,
was a great Inducement to him to be very favourable to them; for
he who took notice of every Thing, cou'd not but ſee, that in all
his Wars they never appeard againſt him, neither joyning with Ni-
ger nor Albinus : The Concerns of another Life were chiefly in their
View, and they willingly left this World to thoſe buſie Men, who were
ready to put every Thing into confuſion to obtain it. But notwithſtanding
this Prince's Favour, the People's Fury prevaild, eſpecially in his Abſence
from Rome, ſo that a Perſecution broke out, and was continu'd for five
Years, before it was countenanc'd by the Emperor's Ediets; the Chriſtians
being proſecuted by the Standing Laws of the Empire, which not only
forbad all Religions not approv'd by the Senate, but alſo all Corporations and The Carles of
Societies not eſtabliſh'd by the Imperial Power. The wonderful Progreſs of tion.
Chriſtianity, the infinite Numbers of the Believers, with the many Miracles
ſtill perform'd by them, gave a mighty Jealouſie to their Pagan-Adverſaries;
who loaded them with all kinds of Calumnies, and us'd all poſſible Me-
thods to ſuppreſs them. The People, upon all publick Misfortunes, cry'd out
to have the Chriſtians caſt to the Lions, upon Suppoſition that they
occaſion'd
the Perfec!
358 Cent. II.
Book III.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
Severus's SXE-
occaſion'd all Calamities; and upon publick Feſtivals, they ſometimes tore
their Bodies out of the Graves, and cut them in Pieces. Many ſuffer'd by
Fire, by Sword, and by wild Beaſts; and others after cruel Scourgings and
other Torments, dy'd in Priſon; and all without Complaint or Reſiſtance,
but with Joy and Thankfulneſs, for having Opportunity of glorifying
their Maſter by their Sufferings. Tho'there were many Martyrs in the
Beginning, yet we find not the Names of any till the Year 200.
Tertullian, and Not long before this Perſecution, appear'd that celebrated Champion
coperte infelis Tertullian, the Son of a Roman Centurion of Carthage, where he was born and
educated in the Pagan Religion. He had been brought up in all the Accom-
pliſhments which the Learning of the Greeks and Romans cou'd produce,
but he was in a particular Manner skilld in the Roman Laws; for which
Reaſon ſome have thought him an Advocate. He was a Man of a moſt
acute Wit, and a nice Inquiſitor into all things; ſo that being convinc'd
by the powerful and triumphant Efficacy of the Chriſtian Faith above all
others, in the Beginning of Severus’s Reign, he forſook his Paganiſm, and
was Baptiz'd; and for ſome few Years he continued the moſt renowned
Profeſſor, and the moſt ſhining Light in the Chriſtian Church. He
ſoon ſet himſelf to write concerning that Religion he had underta-
ken, and publiſh'd four remarkable Pieces before, or about the Begin-
ning of the Perſecution; namely, of Penance, of Prayer, of Baptiſm, and of
Patience; and alſo two others about the Ornaments and Dreſſes of Women,
not long after. In all which, he ſhew'd himſelf a rigid Cenſor, a ſtrict
Obſerver of Rites and Diſcipline, and a zealous Aflerter of the moſt nice
Severities of Religion; which Principles being at length carry'd too far,
and with a ſtiff and violent Temper, brought him into Montaniſm and
other Errors, as we ſhall obſerve in its proper Place.
The Emperor Severus made no long Stay in Rome ; for being ambitious Hered.
celles in the
of Honour, and deſirous to be reveng'd of ſome Kings who had affifted his
Enemy Niger, he with his accuſtomed Vigour and Celerity departed
towards the Eaſt with a conſiderable Force. Arriving in Aſia ſooner than
any cou'd expect him, he immediately began the War in Armenia, threat-
ning Barſemins King of the Atreni, who had been a particular Friend to
Niger. The King of Armenia durſt make no Reſiſtance, but fent the
Emperor Preſents, ſued for Peace, and gave ſuch Hoſtages as he requir’d.
A.D. 198. Whercupon this valiant Prince turn'd his Forces againſt Arabia Felix,
Severi wliere was then a Mutiny, and took and plunder'd ſeveral Cities; and
from thence return'd againſt the Frontiers of the Atreni, and inveſted the
City Atra, the Metropolis of that Country. But being unable to take it
ſoon, by reaſon of its Situation and the exceſſive Heats, he immediately took
Water, and failing along the Euphrates, ſucceſsfully landed in the Confines
of the Parthians and Perſians, who in his Abſence had invaded the
Empire. Here with wonderful Expedition, he took Seleucia, Cteſiphon and
Babylon, and plunder'd and waſted whereſoever he came; which was
accounted the more ſignalConqueſt, becauſe the Romans ſtood in greater Fear
of the Parthians, than of any other Nation. In the ſame Year he made his
He makes Ca- Eldeſt Son Caracalla Partner with him in the Empire, gave him the Tribu-
racalla Partner nitian Power, and the Title of Auguſtus, June 2. and he alſo gave the Title of
in the Empire.
Cæfar to his Younger Son Geta. In this Year Tertullian tells us of a ſtrange
Appearance of a Figure of a walled City in the Air,in Judæa, for 40 Mornings
ſucceſſively; which the Montaniſts and other Millenarians imagined to
be the new Jeruſalem, where they were to live happily a thouſand Years.
Narciſſus, Bi In the Time of this ſtrange Sight, flouriſh'd Narciſſies Biſhop of Jeruſalem, Eufeb.
(lop of Jeru- the 15th Biſhop of the Uncircumciſion, from the Year 137, and the 30th
from the Apoſtle St. James, a Perſon cclebrated both for his Piety and
Dios
Eart.
filwin.
his
Chap. III.
359
SEVERUS the 2 14 Roin. Emp.
A.D. 199.
Severiş
His Retire-
his Miracles; particularly, for his changing Water into Oyl, in a Tinie of
great Want. After he had been ſome few Years Biſhop, and of a moſt ſtrict
and exemplary Life, ſome profligate Perſons who fear'd to be cenſur'd and
puniſh'd by him for their Crimes, by Way of Prevention accus'd him of
Incontinency; and to confirm their Accuſations, they added both Oaths
and Imprecations : The firſt wiſh'd to be conſum'd by Fire, the ſecond
delired to be waſted with Leproſie, and the third to loſe his Sight, if
their Allegations were not true; which notwitwſtanding were not believ'd
by the Faithful, becauſe the whole Courſe of his Life had been unblame-
able. But Narciſſis being unable to endure the Burthen of ſo great a Scan-
dal, and being inclinable to a Philofophical Life, retir'd himſelf from his
Church, and liv'd many Years in Solitudes, and obſcure Fields. But the
great Eye of Juſtice wou'd not connive at what paſs’d; and theſe wicked ment, and its
Men foon found the fatal Effects of their Imprecations : For the firſt
For the firſt was Conſequence,
burnt in his Houſe, with his whole Family, and the ſecond was cover'd
with that Diſeaſe which he had wiſhºd for; but the third, ſeeing the End
of the two former, and fearing the juſt Vengeance of Heaven, publickly
confeſs'd the whole Plot, and by daily pining and lamenting, and continual
weeping, at length loſt his Eye-light. Upon the Retreat of Narciſſus, the
Church proceeded to the chuſing another Biſhopą and before his Return
to feruſalem, he had tlıree ſeveral Succeſſors, Pius, Germanio, and Gordius.
The Perſecution, which in a great Meaſure had been confind to the A.D. 200.
City of Rome, within leſs than two Years reachi'd Africk and the City of Severi ;
Carthage, where Vigilius Saturninus was Governor, and the firſt in that The Sixth Per-
Country that employ'd the Sword againſt the Chriſtians. In which Place, fecution reaches
we have an Account of the Martyrdom of Speratus, and twelve others, callid
by the Name of Scillitains , probably from the Place of their Habitation,
who after a conſiderable Dialogue with Saturninus , and a couragious Decla-
tion of their Faith, were all condemn'd to be beheaded. Theſe Severities
towards the Chriſtians, and the innumerable Hardſhips they ſuſtaind in all
Places, rais’d up the Spirit of the mighty Tertullian, and caus’d him to
publiſh his famous Apology, which he dedicated to the Magiſtrates and Tertullian
Governors of the Roman Empire : "Wherein with incomparable Elo- oeuvostolis
quence, Evidence and Strength of Reaſon he pleaded the Cauſe of the pieces relating
• diſtreſſed Chriſtians; complaining of the Unreaſonableneſs and Injuſtice to the Perſecu-
of their Enemies, with all the illegal and irregular Methods of their Pro-
ceedings ; largely demonſtrating both the Vanity and the Falſhood of
the Crimes vulgarly charg'd upon the Chriſtians, as their being guilty of
Blood, Inceſt, Worſhipping an Affe’s Head, &c. Manifeſting their Meek-
' neſs and Innocency, their Temperance and Chaſtity, their ſublime
Piety to God, their inviolable Obedience to their Prince, the Soundneſs
of their Principles, and the Sanctity of their Lives, beyond all poſſible
Exception. By Way of Proof, he inſtanc'd in the Antiquity of the
Books of Moſes, the Predictions of the Prophets, the Authority of Pilate's
• Relation concerning Christ, and the miraculous Eſcape of Antoninus.
And in the Concluſion he ſhew'd, that the Virtues of the Chriſtians were
much more excellent and ſublime, than thoſe of the Pagan Philoſophers.
Not long after he publiſh'd his two Books, To the Nations; which were
almoſt of the ſame Subject with the Apology; in which the greateſt Part
of that is repeated, but put into another Order, and more enlarg’d. About
the fame Time he wrote his Scorpiachs, which was deſign'd for a Remedy
againſt the Scorpion-Poyſon of thoſe Hereticks who diſſuaded the Chriſti-
ans from ſuffering Martyrdom. And to ſpeak a Word in Seaſon, he alſo
wrote a moſt Pathetical Treatiſe to the Chriſtians in Priſon, intituled An
Exhortation to the Martyrs; wherein he powerfully incited them to
Patience
C
C
C
360 Cent. II.
Book III.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
fians.
Patience and Perſeverance to the laſt Moment of Life. Beſides theſe Pieces,
He writes his he wrote about this Time a remarkable Treatiſe call’d, Of Preſcriptions,
against Here against Hereticks; ſo nam'd, becauſe it ſhew'd, that their Doctrines were not
fies. to be admitted, by Reaſon of their Novelty ; for he obſerv'd, “That they
' cou'd not reckon their Original from the Time of the Apoſtles, nor cou'd
ſhew a Succeſſion of Biſhops, from their Times, as the Catholick Church
'cou'd. This Book was wrote particularly againſt Hermogenes, Marcion,
Valentinus, with many others.
There never was a greater Occaſion for writing againſt Hereſies : Form
beſides the ſeveral Hereticks formerly taken notice of, about this Time there Tertul.
The Docetes. appear'd the Docetes, and the Patripaſſians. The former were more ancient,
againſt whom St. John, St. Ignatius and St. Polycarp aſſerted the Truth and
Myſtery of the Incarnation, and they were a Branch of the Gnoſticks. This
Hereſie was reviv'd about this Time by one Julius Caffianus, one of the
Valentinian Sect; and his Followers obtain’d the Name of Docetes, from
dokấy, to appear ; becauſe they believ'dand taught, that the Actions and Suffer-
ings of Jeſus Christ were not in Reality, but ouly in Appearance. The
The Patripaf- Doctrin of the Patripallians was broach'd by one Praxeas, a Perſon of Aſia
of a turbulent Temper, as moſt Hereticks were; who upon the account of his
ſuffering a ſhort Impriſonment for Chriſtianity, vainly attributed to himſelf
the honourable Title of Martyr, and diffus'd the Poiſon of his Error both in
Rome and Africk. At Rome he prevented Pope Victor from acknowledging the
new Prophecies of Montanus, and caus'd him to revoke ſome Letters in Fa-
vour of that Sect. Here he taught his Heretical Opinions, and afterwards in
Africk, where Tertullian oblig'd him to recant; but in a ſhort time after he
again publiſh'd his Doctrin, and taught, that there was but one Perſon in the
Trinity; that the Father was the ſame with Jefits Chriſt, who was incarnate,
born of the Virgin, and ſuffer'd upon the Croſs. So that his Followers
who were at firſt callid Praxeans, were afterwards callid Patripallians, be-
cauſe they attributed the Paſſion to the Father himſelf.
The Concluſion
Thus we have got over the Actions of two Centuries, over five General
of the ſecond Perſecutions, and into the midſt of the ſixth; in which the Church of God
Century,
daily increas'd, and became more and more triumphant, in ſpite of the
Malice of all the Powers of Earth and Hell. And here it is remarkable, that
beſides the terrible Perfecutions that haraſs'd the Church, and ſeem'd to
tear it in Pieces, the Devil made uſe of three very ſubtle Methods to ruin
the Chriſtian Religion. Firſt, becauſe the extraordinary Miracles of the Son
of God were a notable Confirmation of the Truth and Divinity of his
Doctrin, he oppos'd the Impoſtures of Simon Magus and Apollonius Tyan&us
to his real Miracles. Secondly, becauſe the Holyneſs of our Saviour's Life
and Precepts was a powerful Perſuaſive to incline the World to Conver-
ſion, he introduc'd into the moſt Sacred Offices of Religion all Sorts of
Luſts and Impurities, by his Inſtruments the Gnoſticks and Carpocratians,
who adopted their Vices into the Number of their Myſteries; to whom are
to be attributed the Inceſts and Scandals unjuſtly charg'd upon the Orthodox
Chriſtians. And thirdly, left theſe ſhou'd prove ineffectual, that he might
incline the World to be careleſs and vile, he taught by the Mouths of
Marcion , Blaſtus , and Florinus, That God was the Author of Sin, that
he might ſuperſede all Laws, and enervate the Force and Vigour of all
Divine Injunctions. Yet notwithſtanding all theſe powerful Efforts, the
Church of God, afflicted with Perſecution without, and wounded with
Hereticks within, ſtill ſtood firm upon an impregnable Rock, gather d
Strength, increas'd, ſhin'd, and became the Wonder and Surprize of all
the created Beings of the Univerſe.
CHAP
*
Chap. IV.
369
SEVERUS the 21ſt Rom. Emp.
CHAP. IV.
From the Middle of the Fifth Perſecution, and Concluſion of the Se.
cond Century, to the Beginning of the Sixth General Perſecution of
the Church under the Emperour Maximinus.
Containing the Space of about 35 Tears.
ty.
HE Chriſtian Religion had now diffus'd it ſelf through all the
A.D. 201.
known Parts of the World; but more fully and triumphantly in Severi
the vaſt Roman Empire, where it was moſt violently oppos’d, and met The Encreaſe
with the moſt terrible Conflicts. Chriſtians were now in the Cities, of Chriſtiani -
Towns, and Villages, in the Camp, in the Senate, in the Palace, and in
all Places beſides the Pagan Temples and Theatres ; and that in ſuch
Numbers and Multitudes, that Tertullian aſſures us, that if they had u-
nanimouſly retir'd to any other Countrey, the Empire would have be-
come a mere Deſert and Solitude. All the Cruelties of the Gentiles were
to no effect ; but a ſtronger Invitation to others to encreaſe their
Party; the oftener they mowd them down, the faſter they ſprung up;
and their Blood was a Seed that grew up to a more plentiful Harveſt
and tho' ſeveral of the Gentiles had us’d their utmoſt Eloquence to ex-
hort Men to Patience under Sufferings, yet they could never make ſo
many Profelytes with their Arguments, as the Chriſtians did by their A-
ctions. The Patience and Sufferings of the moſt Vertuous and Heroick
Romans, were as far ſhort of thoſe of the Chriſtians, as their Philoſophy
was of the others Divinity. Their Heroes choſe Death when tliey were
no longer able to bear the Shame and Miſery of Living: But the others
embrac'd that, and all Torments, when they might have commanded all
the Conveniencies and Pleaſures of Life : By which means they became
triumphant in the midſt of the moſt imaginable Difficulties. And this
was the State of Chriſtianity in the Third Century; in the firſt Year of
which, and ninth of Severus, Vi&tor Biſhop of Rome, dy’d; ſome ſay by
Martyrdom, after he held this Dignity about ten Years. He left ſome
little Tracts behind him, particularly concerning the Time of keeping of
Eaſter; and according to St. Jerom, he was the first Eccleſiaſtical Author
who urit in the Latin Tongue, which muſt be before thoſe of Tertullian
and Apollonius. He was lucceeded in the Church by Zephyrinu, a Ro-
Zephyrinus,
man, and Son of Habundius, who continu'd Biſhop about 18 Years, and the 14th Bija
was the fourteenth Billiop' of Rome, after tlie Apoſtles St. Peter and op of Rome
St. Paul.
The Emperor Severus had now continu'd above three l'ears in the
Eaſt ; where, beſides ſeveral Wars, he made many Regulations and Alte-
rations. At length paſſing through the Countrey of Paleſtine, in the
Tenth Year of his Reign, to gratifie his Heathen Subjects, he forbad
all Perſons, under the fevereſt Penalties, to turn either Jews or Chriſtians; the ffih Porta
which Edict very much reviv'd and encreas'd the fifth General Perſecuti Secucion rovi-
on of the Church. And becauſe this perſecution now rag'd more than e- ved and ina
ver, and Severus himſelf was ſo concern'd in it, who before was a Friend
to the Chriſtians, many Writers make the fifth Perfecutiớn to commence
this year. The Governors of Provinces, and the bigotted People
being let looſe, ſuch Severitics and Cruelties were practis'd in moſt
А аа
Parts
Spart.
tas feb.
A.D. 202
Severi ..
creas':.
370 Cent, III.
Book II.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY,
:
great Influ-
Parts, that the Chriſtians of thoſe Days verily believed that the Times of
Antichriſt did then take Place; particularly Judas an Eccleſiaſtical Writer,
mention'd by Euſebius, who wrote a Commentary upon Daniel's Seventy
Weeks, and a Chronology ending at the tenth Year of Severus. This
Emperor going into Ægypt to view all the Rarities and Antiquities of
that Countrey, caus'd' the Perſecution to rage in a more particular man-
ner at Alexandria ; to which Place, as Eufebius obſerves, the moſt ſelect
Champions of the Chriſtians were brought out of all
Ægypt and Thebais,
as to the nobleſt Stadium of the Almighty, to ſuffer all ſorts of Tor-
ments and Deaths, and to be encircled with Crowns of immortal Bliſs.
This Perſecution caus?d many Chriſtians to retire from Alexandria, and
Clemens re- among the reſt, the celebrated Clemens, who was conſtrain’d to quit his
tires from A.
great Catechetical School, and go over to Cappadocia ; which he had
lexandria.
vindicated in his Stromata, ſince flying in Perſecution was according to
our Saviour's own Advice. Among the many Martyrs, Leoxides, Father
to the renown'd Origen, was firſt impriſon'd, then beheaded, and all
his Eftate confiſcated. During liis Impriſonment, young Origen, now but
Origen's Zeal 17 years of Age, began to diſcover a moſt impatient Defire of Martyr-
and Education, dom, and becauſe he knew the deplorable Eſtate wherein his father was
like to leave his Wife and Children, might probably have
ence upon his Mind, he by Letters paſſionately exhorted him to perfevere
to the laſt; adding this Clauſe among others, Take heed, Sir, that your
Care for us do not make you change your Reſolution. And he himſelf had
gone not only to Priſon, bụt to the very Block with his Father, had not
his Mother us’d all imaginable Arts to divert him; as firſt, Tears and all
kinds of Endearments, and afterwards hiding all his Cloaths, ſo tlaat
mere Shame confin’d him to the Houſe: A mighty Inſtance of a juve-
nile Forwardneſs and Maturity. This Origen had a moſt excellent and
religious Education beſtowd upon him by his, Father, who was ſo pleas'd
to find him in his Youth ſuch an admirable Proficient in the Holy Scri-
ptures, that to give vent to his Joy, he frequently went into his Chani-
ber when he lay aſleep, and reverently kiſs'd his naked Breaſt, as a noble
Treaſure of an early. Piety and a divine Spirit. He liad likewiſe learnt all
the Inſtitutions of the two great Maſters Clemens Alexandrinus and Ammo-
nius Saccas; and by means of his Studies and natural Abilities, he was not
only then a Miracle of his Years, but became afterwards the Wonder of
the whole Age.
As the Perſecution ragʻd at Alexandria, fo no leſs at Lyons, where. Se-
verys had been forinerly Governor, and where Ireneus
. Biſhop of the
Iren.eus mar- Place was a ſhining Light. Here, as Gregory of Tours, and the ancient
tyr'd ar Ly- Martyrologies inform us, Irenæus having been prepar'd by ſeveral Tor-
ments, was at length put to death, and together with him almoſt all the
Chriſtians of that great and populous City, whoſe Numbers could not be
reckon'd up; ſo that the Streets of the City flow'd with the Blood of
Chriſtians. Irenæus was above 2.4 Years Biſhop of this City, and a Perſon
whoſe profound Learning was accompany'd with great Prudence, Humi-
lity and Charity; ſo that he wanted no neceſſary Qualification of a good
Chriſtian, an accompliſh'd Biſhop, and an able Eccleſiaſtical Writer. Y.ct
he is obſerv’d, as well as Juſtin Martyr, to have held fome Opinions not
ſtrictly Orthodox, and to have had one Failing common to him and many
other ancient Authors, viz. That he ſometimes weakend and darken'd the
A. D. 203. moſt certain Truths of Religion, by Arguments not very ſolid. Not long
Severi after the Death of this great Oppoſer of the Hereticks, there appear'd erine
The Archon- another fort of them calid Archonticks, a Branch of the Marcoſians, who
among other extravagant Notions, lield that Arcliangels created the
Morld,
Ons.
ticks.
Chap. IV.
371
SEVERUS the 21ſt Rom Emp.
Bufcb.
World, from whence they had the Name of Archonticks. They deny’d
the Reſurrection of the Body, and plac'd perfect Redemption in a Chii-
merick Knowledge ; they judg'd that the God of Sabaoth exercis’d a cru-
el Tyranny in the 7th Heaven; that he engender'd the Devil, who begot
Abel and Cain of Eve; and that the Woman was the Work of Satan.
Theſe wild Errors they defended by Books of their own compoſing,
which they calld, The Revelations of the Prophets, and the Harmony. This
Sect remain' till the time of Epiphanius, and were particularly found ini
Paleſtine and Armenia.
To return to Alexandria, where the Perfecution was carry’d on withi
ſuch Violence, Leonides being beheaded, and all his Eſtate confiſcated,
young Origen remain'd with his Mother and Brethren, reduc'd to the ut-
moſt Poverty; but a rich Lady of the City, out of Reſpect and Compaſſi-
Origen is
on to his Miſery, afforded him all kind of Aſſiſtance, and took him into maintain d by
her Houſe. This Lady at the ſame time maintain'd one Paul, a noted He- a Lady.
retick of Antioch, whom ſhe had adopted for her Son, who held Confe-
rences in her Houſe, where a great Number, not only of the Hereticks,
but alſo of the Orthodox, were preſent. But, tho Origen was oblig?d out
of neceſſity to converſe with this Man, yet he would never hold Com-
munion with him in Prayer, keeping exactly to the Eccleſiaſtical Con-
ſtitutions, and teſtifying his Abhorrence of the Doctrines of Hereticks,
However, in a ſhort time he put himſelf into a Condition of no longer
needing this Lady's Charity; for applying himſelf vigorouſly after his
Father's Death to the Study of Humane Learning, he opend a School
for the Profeſſion of the Learned Arts, which rais'd him a conſiderable
Maintenance. And tho' he was then but a very Youth, yet did not the
Grave and the Learned, the Philoſophers, and the Hereticks, diſdain to be
preſent at his Lectures; many of whom from Auditors, becanie his Con-
verts, and afterwards Martyrs for the Faith. In a little time Fame recom-
mended him to publick Notice; and the Chair of the great School of
Alexandria becoming vacant by the Retreat of St. Clement, and the Flight He is made for
of many Chriſtians, Tome of the Heathens, who were diſpoſed to be con. Catechetical
verted, made their Application for him to undertake the Charge, tho’he School.
was not then above 18 Years of Age. The two firſt of his Diſciples
were Plutarch and Heraclas his Brother; and the Reputation and Num-
ber of his Converts encreaſing every Day, Demetrius Biſhop of the City
confirın'd him in the Einployment of Catechiſt, or Profeſſor of Sacred Learn-
ing in the Church of Alexandria. Being ſetled in this Office, he executed it
with infinite Diligence, and no leſs Succeſs; and leaving off teaching Arts and
Sciences, he ſold all his Books that treated of Human Learning, and gave
himſelf intirely to the Inſtructing his Diſciples in the Rudiments of Chriſtia-
nity. And then it was that he began to lead an extraordinary ſtrict and auſtere
Life, which with his Learning, brought over great Numbers of Diſciples,
notwithſtanding the Fury of the Perſecution, which in Alexandria was
carry'd on then with greater Violence than ever, under the new Gover-
nor Aquila, Succeſſor to Lætus. Several of his Diſciples ſuffer’d Mar-
tyrdom in the ſame Place ; ainong whom were Serenus, Heraclides, Heron,
Hermes, &c. and he himſelf was very often expos’d to the Rage of the
Pagans, when he went to the Aſſiſtance and Encouragement of the Mara
tyrs. He then carry'd his Auſterities ſo far, as to commit an Act of
fuch Exceſs, that it was blar'd even by his greateſt Defenders; and after-
wards condemn’d by himlelf, tho’he did it upon a pious Motive, and out of He emaſculates
an abundant Zeal and Charity. For his Employment obliging him to be kimſelf
.
often with Women, whom he inſtructed as well as Men, that he might
remove troin the Pagans all Ground of Suſpicion of any blameable Con-
Aaa 2
duct
372 Cent. III.
Book III.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY,
Severus's
&c.
duct by reaſon of his Youth, he reſolv'd to execute to the very Letter
that Precept and Perfection which he was perſwaded our Saviour had
propos’d in theſe Words of the Goſpel, that there are ſome who make them-
ſelves EUNUCHS for the Kingdom of Heaven's ſake. He endeavour'd to
keep this Action private, and to conceal it from his Friends ; but it was
ſoon diſcover’d; and being come to the Knowledge of Demetrius the Biſhop,
he then commended his Zeal and Faith, and excited him, Not to be diſcou-
rag'd upon that account, but to continue more earneſtly in the Inſtruction
of the Catechumens.
During the Heat of the Perſecution, the Emperour Severus in the Dion,
Triumph and tenth Year of his Reign, return'd to Rome, and triumph'd with great
Spectacles.
Magnificence over all thoſe Nations which he had ſubdu'd in his ſeveral
Expeditions, having aſſum'd the Title of Parthicus Maximus, from his
taking Seleucia and Ctefiphon in the Year 200. He likewiſe celebrated his
Decennalia, upon finiſhing his tenth Year, and marry'd his Son Cara-
calla with Plautilla, the Daughter of his Favourite Plautianus, a ſevere
Perſecutor of the Chriſtians, who for his Ambition and Treaſon not long
after, receiv'd the juſt Reward of all his Wickedneſs. Severus choſe to
perform all his Solemnities ſoon after one another, that he might by out-
doing all his Predeceſſors, make the People and Soldiers eaſie, and obli-
terate the Memory of his former Severities. And for that reaſon he gave
them a Donative amounting to above a Million and a half of our Mo-
ney. His Spectacles were almoſt beyond Belief; for the Pit of the Am-
phitheatre, as Dion deſcribes it, was like a Ship, contriv'd ſo as to hold
an incredible Number of wild Beaſts ; ſuch as Lions, Panthers, wild Bulls,
wild Aſſes, Oſtriches, and other ſtrange Creatures, which for ſeven Days
A.D. 204. together were let looſe to combat each other. And as tho' all theſe pom-
Severi i pous Solemnities had been inſufficient, in the twelfth Year of his Reign,
The grand se and the ſeventh of Caracalla's; he celebrated the grand Secular Games,
which, as they were the moſt fplendid and magnificent of any regular
Feaſts among the Romans ; ſo this Emperor was not defective in any thing
that might contribute towards their Glory. This was the fourth time
that theſe Games were celebrated ſince the Birth of our Saviour, which
was 57 Years after the laſt under Antoninus Pius, 116 after thoſe under
Domitian, and 157 after thoſe under Claudius. Theſe pompous Shews
Tertullian gave
gave occaſion to Tertullian, who had lately been at Rome, to write his
writes de Spe- Piece de Spectaculis, “in which he earneſtly difſwaded the Chriſtians from
being preſent at thoſe publick Sights and Spectacles, thewing that thoſe
Diverſions were both fcandalous and dangerous to thoſe who had before
renounc'd the Pomps and Pleaſures, as well as the Idolatry of the World.
It is believ'd, that not long after he wrote his Book de Idololatria, againſt
the Idolatry of the Pagans; tho’ ſome think it was wrote in the latter end
of his Life, becauſe there are ſeveral Paſſages in it more ſtrict and rigid
than in his former Writings, whilft he continu'd free from the Errors of
Mufanus an Montanus. About the ſame time Muſanus, an Eccleſiaſtical Author, wrote
Ecclefiaftical
a Book againſt thoſe Hereticks calld Encratites, of which we have nothing
but the Title remaining.
In the mean time the great Origen proceeded in his Employment with Exfeb.
extraordinary Succeſs, and many of his Diſciples ſeald their Faith with
their Blood. Beſides the Martyrs before-mention'd, Plutarch his firſt Con-
Line Triumphos vert, was led to Execution ; and not long after Marcella, and her Virgin-
and Potami. Daughter Potamiæna, were both conſum'd in the ſame Fire. The latter
was celebrated, not only for her Beauty, but alſo for her Chaſtity and
Courage ; which caus’d her to ſuſtain a thouſand Combats with her Lovers
to prelerve her Virginity, and no leſs Conflicts with her Enemies to pre-
cular Games
cekbrnted.
&taculis.
Wrir.
1112,
ſerve
Chap. IV.
373
SEVERUS the 21ſt Rom. Emp
veited.
ferve her Chriſtianity. Being brought before the Judge Aquila, after he
had inflicted grievous Stripes upon every part of her Body, he' tlirearned
to deliver her to the Gladiators to violate her Chaſtity, if ſhe did not de-
ny her Faith. She ſtill continu'd firm, and in her Aufwer reflecting ſevere-
ly upon the Pagan Religioni Aquila was fò provok'd thereby, that he forth-
with pronounc'd the definitive Sentence of Death, and Baſilides; one of
the military Apparitors, led her to her Exccution. When the Multitude en-
deavour'd to moleft and reproach her with obſcene Words, Baſilides
prohibited and thruſt them away, Thewing much Commiſeration and Hu-
manity towards her, Potamiëna being ſenſible of his charitable Intentions,
freely exhorted him to be of good Gouragė; for that when the was gone hence,
frie would intreat hér Lord for him, and would ſhortly make him in ample
Requital. When ſhe had ſpoken theſe Words, ihe couragiouſly underwent
Death with lier Mother, hot ſcalding Pitch being leiſurely and gradually
poured upon all the Parts of her Body, from the Crown of the Head, to
the Söle of tlie Foot. Suchi was the Combat fought by this renown'd
Virgin. Not long after, Baſilidès upon ſome Occaſion, being deſired by Bafilides cor:-
fome of liis Fellow-Soldiers to ſwear, he openly declar'd himſelt a Chriſtian
which at firſt they thought was ſpoke in Jeft; but when he firmly main-
tain'd it, he was brought before the Judge, and making before him a
Profeſſion of his faith, he was immediate'y impriſon’d. And when ſome
Chriſtians fepait'd to him, and ask'd the Caufe of this ſudden and unex-
pected Change; he anſwer'd them, Thar Potamiæna, three Days after her
Martyrdom, ſtood by him in the Night, and put a Croion upon his Head, declaa
ring that she had intreated the Lord for him, and had obtain'd ber Request,
and that ſhortly the Lord would take him to himſelf. Upon this Declarati-
on the Brethren immediately imparted to him the Seal of Baptiſm, and
the Day following he was beheaded. Euſebius adds, that according to
Report, many ofliers in Alexandria were converted to the Faith by means
of Potamiæna, who appearing to them in the Night, invited them to em-
brace the Goſpel.
As the weaker Sex thus triumph'd in Alexandria, ſo no leſs in Africk,
in the Perſons of Perpetua and Felicitas, two Ladies of Tuburbis in Niauri. Severi 15
tania ; the former of noble Parentage, 22 Years of Age, and now a Nurſe dom of Per-
to a Son, and the other of inferiour Extract, and very big with Child. petua, Felicis
Theſe two Ladies being remarkable for their Religion, were accus’d and tas, &c.
brought before Hillarian the preſent Governour of Africk; together with
four otlier Chriſtians, namely, Revocatus Brother to Felicitas, Saturninus
and Satyrus Brothers, and Secundulus, all Catecumens, and very young.
The Ladies nobly refiftcd a thouſand Temptations and Perſwaſions, and
joyfully endur'd all the Miſeries of a Dungeon, where they receiv'd the
Comfort of Heavenly Viſions, and converted Pudeus the Jaylor ; and
notwithſtanding Felicitas was newly deliver'd of a Child in Priſon, ſhe was
order'd two Days after with the reſt of them to be thrown to the wild Beaſts
in the Amphitheatre in Carthage : Only Saturninus was brought back frorn
the Beaſts and beheaded, and Secundulus dy'd in Priſon. This was done
March tlie 7th in the 12th Year of Severus ; of which we have a particu-
lar Account in the Ads of Perpetua and Felicitas, which are look'd upon
as of great Authority. Thus the Chriſtians ſuffer'd in Africk, and about
the ſame Time, while Hillari.in continu'd Governor, the cominon People
with loud Out-cries demanded of him to take away froin the Chriſtians
the Uſe of their Floors, or their Burying-places they then had: But, as
Tertullian obſerves, God who hearken'd to the Cries of the Pagans, ren-
der'd their Barn-floors uſeleſs ; for herent them no Corn for all that Year.
Tertullian ſtill continu'd a ſtrenuous Defender of the Chriſtians : but this
great
A.D.205.
A per.
A
:
374
Book III.
Cent. III.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
Diesu
great Man and Champion, who had gain'd ſuch infinite Reputation, and
done ſuch noble Service to the Church, now in the middle of his Age
Tertullian. (perhaps 45 Years) began to incline towards the Errors of the Montaniſts,
Montanilts. which foon caus'd him to ſeparate from the Catholick Communion.
The Fall and Separation of ſo famous a Perſon was a mighty Tempta-
tion and Diſcouragement to the Church ; and the Cauſes of it are vari-
ouſly aſſign’d; ſome ſay, it was for his being diſappointed of the Biſhop-
ricks of Rome and of Carthage; but this no ways agrees with his mor-
tify'd Temper, and known Contempt of the World. St. Jerom, with moſt
Probability, tells us, that the Envy and Reproaches he met with from the
Clergy of the Church of Rome, firſt caus’d him to fall off from the Church,
and to joyn with Montanus and his Party, whoſe appearing Auſterities
were moſt agreeable to his rigid and violent Temper, and moſt exactly
conſpir'd with his ſevere Courſe of Life. Tho' he did not run into all the
Extravagancies of Montanus, but pretended chiefly to reſtore the Apoſto-
lick Diſcipline, yet in his after-Writings he frequently ſpeaks of Montanus
as the Paraclete that was to come into the World, and violently declaims
againſt the Catholicks, under the Name of Pſychici, or Animal Perſons,
who took too much Liberty in their Manners and Devotions, ſtiling his
own Party Spiritales, as more immediately guided by the Holy Spirit, and
converſant in a more Divine and Spiritual Life.
A. D. 206. All this time the Emperour Severus diligently apply'd himſelf to the pub- Spart,
Severi H. lick Affairs, ſpent a conſiderable time in viſiting ſome Cities in Italy, in
Severus's Re- hearing Complaints, and doing of Juſtice; for which he is deſervedly
applauded by all Writers; particularly he was ſo exact as to Places of
Truſt, that he permitted no Man in his Dominions to ſell his Honours
and Dignities. He likewiſe erected many noble Works and Buildings in
Rome, and other cities, and had a ſpecial Regard to the Publick Good;
and notwithſtanding his Cruelty and Avarice, he perform'd many Parts
of a wiſe Governor, and worthy Prince. Particularly he declar'd him-
ſelf an Enemy to thoſe Vices that wounded Perſons Reputations, and
made new Law's againſt Adulterers : And the Age was then ſo looſe,
that three thouſand were indicted for that Crime. He took ſuch Care in
the Treaſury, that notwithſtanding his infinite Expences and Donatives, he
left behind him more Money in the Exchequer than any of his Predeceſ-
ſors; and was ſo careful of Proviſions, that he left in Rome ſuch Quanti-
ties of Wheat, Wine and Oil, as were ſufficient to maintain the City for
five years. He kept ſo many Legions of Soldiers, that he had no Cauſe
to fear any Foreign Potentate whatſoever ; but to them he gave ſuch Re-
wards and Privileges, as tho' for the preſent they ſtrengthen’d his own
Intereit, yet prov'd afterwards extreamly prejudicial to the Common-
wealth. For the Soldiers having formerly by the Management of ill
Emperors contracted Sloth and Avarice, were by theſe Incouragements
Atill more incited to violate the Sovereignty, to depoſe, deſtroy, and ſet up
whom they pleas'd; which broke in pieces the Relics of the ancient Dil
cipline, and afterwards threw the Empire into ſuch Confuſions ,
were never tolerably remov'd till the Reign of Diocletian.
Narciſſus rc-
In the 19th Year of this Fmperor's Reign, Narciſſus Biſhop of Jeruſa-Enfein
turns to Jeru- lem, after ſeven Years Retirement, in the Time of his third Succeſſor
Gordius, appear'd again in the City, as one riſen from Death to Life.
And being return'd from his Solitudes, he was prevail'd upon by the People
again to take the Government of the Church upon him ; being highly
reverenc'd by them both for his ſtrict and Philoſophical Courſe of Life,
and for the ſignal Vengeance which God had taken on his three Accuſers.
It is believ'd that Gordius was jovn'd with him, who dy'd ſhortly after; ſo
that
as
filem.
Chap. IV. SEVERUS the 21/ Rom. Emp: 375.
..
the Marcio-
nites and o-
C
<
that Narciſus was not only the zoth; aš fortferly mention'd, but al-
ſo the zgol Bilhop of Fertjálem after the Apoſtle St. James. In the 15th A. D: 207.
Year of the fame Reign; Tertullian, as he tells us Himſelf, wrote his Tréa-
Severi 14
tiſe againſt the Heretick Marcion, conniting of Five Books, ftill extant. Tertullian
Tho' Tertullian was ñow a Montaniſt, he was free from the Herėlie of thië writes againſi
Marcionites ; 'arid in the firſt Book he Thew'd that dne of the Gods of
'Marcion was only a fantaſtical ánd imaginarý Being: In the Second, he ther Hereticks.
prov'd that the God whom the Jews Worſhippd; was the only true
God, the Creator of the World, and the Author of all Good; reſolving
all the Difficulties which tlie Marcionites had rais’d againft God's co-
venant in the Old Teſtament: In thië Third, he Thew'd that Jeſus
Chriſt was the son of God, the Creator of the World, and Author of
the Law, who was foretold by the Prophets; and took upon him true
'Fleſh and human Nature. In the Fourth, he ſhew'd, that it was the fame
' God both in the old and riew Teſtament, réconciling the pretended
Contradictions alledgʻd by Marcibh, and making it appear, that the whole
Life of Jeſus Chriſt was foretold and figurd in the old Teſtament. În
' the fifth Book he prov'd from the Epiſtles of St. Paul, that it was the
‘lame God that was preached both in the old and new Teſtament, and
that Jeſus Chriſt was the Son of the Creator of the World. After liis
Schiſm, and much about the ſame time, he wrotë, beſides his Preſcripti-
ons formerly mentioni’d; three Treatiſeś againét other Hereticks, as Praxa
eds, Hermogines, and the Valentinians, befides other Pièces. Againſt
Praxeas and the Patropaſians "lie maintain'd the fričathation of our Savi-
our, and the Diſtinction of the Perfonis in the Holy Trinity; and ſhewd
that the Trinity of Perſons did no ways prejudice the Unity of the
Godliead, as the Unity of the Godhead did fio ways hinder the Trinity of
Perfons. Againſt Hermogine's "he diſcover'd the Fallacies and Sophiſms
of thae Heretick, ſhewing that our Religion taught us that God created
even that Matter whereof he made the World. His Book againſt the
Valentinians is rather a Satyr ånd Piccé of Railery, than a ſerious Con-
futation of the extravagant Sentiments of thoſe Hereticks. We find
two other Pieces of his near this Timė, one of the Fleſh of Jeſus Chriſt,
and the other of the Soul : In tlie former he prov'd againſt ſeveral Here-
ticks, that Jeſus Chriſt took upon him true Fleſh ; in the latter he
faltely maintain’d the Corporeality, as well as the Traduction of the
Soul.
Srill the Emperor Severus proceeded vigorouſly in the publick Affairs ; A. D. 208.
Sport and having waded throughi a Sea of Blood to make way for his Family, Severi 1..
hie declar'd his two Sons Succeffors conjointly, and gave to Geta the Title Severus joins
of Auguſtus, and the ſame Power witir Caracalla, whiofe Behaviour made with them and
him extreamiy uncaſie. Not long after lie receiv'd Advice, That the goes into Bri
Northern Inhabitants of Britain were up in Arms, and had been ſo fuc- tain.
ceſsful, that the ſtanding Legions were in danger of being deſtroy’d.
That therefore the Empire might not in his Reign be diminiih'd by the
Loſs of an Iſland of ſuch great Importance, he reſolv'd to go thither in
Perſon, cho'then aged and gouty; and the better to prevent the Enmity
and Irregularities of his Sons, he took them along with him. The Bri-
tains underſtanding the Emperor's Approach, and dreading his Power,
offer'd him an honourable Peace; but tliis Prince had ſuch an inſatiable
Deſire of obtaining thë glorious Title of Britannicus, that he refus d
their Propoſals. Upon luis Entrance into the Countrey, lze left his young; Severi **
eit Son Geta in the Southern Parts of the Province, which had continu'd
in Obedience; and marcii'd with Caracalla againſt the Northern Britains
and Caledonians; where with efie curring down Woods, making of Bridg-
es,
Dion,
A. D. 209
His Succeſſes
376 Cent. III.
Book III
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY
.
Minutius
Fælix writes
C
6
Tertullian
es, draining of Meers, and by the Enemies Ambuſcades, and Sickneſs,
he loft fifty thouſand Men, according to Dion. The old Emperor en-
counter'd 'theſe Miſeries and Difficulties with exceeding Bravery, and
proſecuted his Attempts with ſuch a vigorous Reſolution, that he at
length forc'd his Enemies to a Submiſſion, and likewiſe to deliver up a
conſiderable Part of their Countrey, and all their Arms. This was ef-
fected in the 17th Year of his Reign; in which Year it is probably be-
liev'd that Philoſtratus the Athenian Orator, compos'd that famous Hiſtory,
ör rather Legend, of the Life of Apollonius Tyanæus, which he ſays, was
taken from the Commentaries of one Damis, and revis’d and improv'd by
the particular Order of the Empreſs Julia.
A.D. 210.
About the ſame Time an eminent Chriſtian Lawyer of Rome, nam’d
Severis.
1. Minutius Felix, wrote an excellent Defence of the Chriſtian Religion,
entituld Octavius, in form of a Dialogue. “It is a Conference between
a Chriſtian callid Oétavius, and a Heathen call’d Cecilius, at which Minuti-
for the Chris
ftian Religion. us ſits as Judge. The Heathen firſt us'd all the ſeveral Arguments and
Evaſions, as well as all the ſeveral Calumnies and Reproaches that ever
'had been urg'd in theſe Times againſt the Chriſtians Actions and their
Religion. The Chriſtian on the other ſide gave full and convincing An-
ſwers to every Particular alledg’d; and withal ſhew'd the noble Triumphis
of the Chriſtians in their innumerable Sufferings, far beyond the moſt
hardy and couragious of the old Romans. This ſmall Treatiſe is written
with rare Elegancy, and an agreeable Turn, and the Reaſons are ſet forth
to Advantage, and beautify'd with a great deal of Learning ; and as Lac-
tantius obſerves, Minutius had been an admirable Defender of Religion and
the Truth, had he entirely apply'd himſelf to this Study. In the
fame Year, according to Mon. Tillemont, Tertullian wrote his Book de
writes de Pal. Pallio, which was upon this Occaſion. He liad lately left off the Gown,
the Garment ordinarily worn in all Parts of the Roman Empire, and had
put on the Cloak, the uſual Habit of Philoſophers, and of thoſe Chriſtians
that enter'd upon a ſeverer State of Life ; which caus’d him to be derided
by them of Carthage for his Levity and Inconſtancy, in turning from one
Courſe of Life to another. To vindicate himſelf therefore, he wrote this
Diſcourſe, wherein he puts forth the Keenneſs of a Sarcaſtick Wit, and
'ſpreads all the Sails of his African Eloquence, retorting the Caſe upon
his Accuſers, Thewing the Antiquity, Simplicity and Gravity of this Ha-
'bit, and ſeverely reproving the Luxury and Prodigality that had of late
over-run all Orders and Ranks of Men. Dupin obſerves, that it ſeems
to have been written rather to fhew his Wit and Parts, than for any
ſerious
Defence of himſelf.
The Emperor Severus having been nigh two Years in Britain, and re- Dios
built the famous Wall begun by Adrian, he retir’d to Ebcricum or Tork, eller
where he grew weak, partly with Age and Travel, and partly with Grief,
for tlie irreclaimable Life of his eldeſt Son. Hearing that the Soldiers had
declar'd lim Emperor, rouz’d with the Affront, he commanded him, with
the Tribunes and Centurions, to be immediately brought before him
and when they implor'd Pardon upon their Knees, he briskly told them,
That he govern'd with his Head, and not with his Feet, and ſo diſmiſs'd them.
His Diſemper increaſing, and perceiving his Death approaching, he cry’d
out, I have been all that a Man can be, but it is of no Uſe or Service to me
now. And ordering his Urn to be brought, wherein his Aſhes were to be
enclos’d, and taking it in his Hands, he ſaid, Little Urn, thou ſhalt now
contain what the whole World could not before. Then calling his Sons and
liis Friends about him, he made this remarkable Speech to them, When I
took the Empire upon me, I found it declining and languiſhing ; and now be-
Jio.
ing
Chap IV.
CARACALLA the 22d Rom. Emp 377
Severus.
Fkrud.
Second Roman
Emperor.
ing aged and decrepit, I leave it in a State firm and laſting to my Sons,
if they prove good ; if otherwiſe, feeble and finking. His Pains increaſing,
eſpecially in his Feet, he in vain call’d for Poiſon, according to Au. Victor ;
and then glutted himſelf with grofs Meats, which foon after ended his The Death of
Life. Thus dy'd Septimius Severus, a Perſon both of extraordinary Vi.
ces and Excellencies, who is rather to be rank'd among the Great than
the Good Princes. He dy'd in the Beginning of the Year 211, on the
4th Day of February, under the Conſullhips of Gentianus and Baſſus, be-
ing 65 Years of Age, and having reign d 17 Years, 8 Months and 3 Days,
reckoning from the Time of his being declar'd by the Senate.
II. Upon the Death of Severus, his two Sons Caracalla and Geta were A. D.211.
both declar'd and acknowledg’d Emperors, who agreed to leave Britain, CARA-
and return to Rome with the Aſhes of their Father. The firſt thing they CALLA,
did after their Arrival, was the Apotheoſis, or Deification of their Father, The twenty
which was perform'd after the ancient and uſual Cuſtom; and becauſe it
lo well ſhews the Religion and Paganish Superſtition of the Romans, we
Thall here out of Herodian briefly recite the Particulars of this pompous
Ceremony. Firſt, the whole City was commanded to go into Mourning, The Apotheo-
being mix'd with ſome Feſtival Solemnity: Next, a pale Image of Wax, ſis of Severus.
exadly reſembling the deceaſed Emperor, was plac'd at the Entrance of
the Palace, upon a itately Ivory Bed magnificently adorn'd with Cloth of
Gold : On the left hand were ſeated the whole Body of the Senators in
Black; On the Right, the Ladies of the higheſt Quality in plain white
Habits, without Jewels or other Ornaments. This laited for ſeven Days,
during which Space the Phyſicians often reſorted to the Image, as tho
it had been a living Patient, ſignifying every time, That they had ſtill leſs
bopes of the Emperors Life than before ; at which Words the Mourners
always gave a Groan. At laſt, wheu the Phyſicians had declar'd his Death,
the nobleſt and youngeſt of the Senators and Equites carry'd the Bed up-
on their Shoulders through the Via Sacra into the old Forum; on each fide
of which were erected two large Scaffolds, one fill'd with Láds, and the
other with young Maids, all Children of the higheſt Quality, who after a
moſt folemn and mournful manner ſung Hymns and Songs in Honour of
the Dead. Theſe finih'd, the Senators and Knights again took the Bed
and carry'd it out of the City into the Campus Martius, where was erect-
ed a beautiful Structure of Wood, almoſt in the form of a Pyramid,
with ſeveral Stories. The firſt was ſquare, and a ſort of a Chamber filld
with all ſorts of combuſtible Matter, and the Outſide richly adorn’d with
Cloth of Gold, Ivory, Statues, and fine Pictures: The ſecond had the
ſame Ornaments, and was of the ſame Figure, only was ſomewhat leſs,
with the four Sides open: Upon this was a third ſtill leſs, and upon that a
fourth; and ſo ſeveral other leſs Stories, till the laſt terminated in a Point.
The Bed and Statue being plac'd in the ſecond Story, fill’d with the richeſt
Flowers, Plants, Odours, Gums and Spices, the Roman Knights rode on
Horſeback round the Pile in Order and Meaſure, according to the Sound
of ſeveral Warlike Inſtruments: After them follow'd certain Perſons in
Chariots in Purple Robes, with Masks, repreſenting to the Life the Faces
of the moſt famous Commanders and Emperors among the Romans. Theſe
ended, the Succeſſors in the Empire ſet fire to the Pile with Torches ; the
Conſuls, Senators and Knights did the ſame to their appointed Side ; fo
that all was in a Flame immediately, and at the ſame time from the Top
of the Pile an Eagle was let fly, which was ſoon out of light. This was
accompany'd with infinite Shouts and Applauſes ; and the People being
made to believe that it was that Eagle which carry'd the Emperor's Soul to
B bb
Hea-
up
378 Cent. III.
Book III.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY,
Caracalla and
Geta.
Heaven, from that Moment they paid him the ſame Worſhip that they
did to their other Gods.
Caracalla and Geta were both young Men; the former now about
twenty three Years of Age ; in his Youth he had been noted for his com-
paſſionate Temper ; but his Pity and good Nature ſoon forſook him, and
he became one of the cruelleft" Monſters that ever reign’d. His Brother
Geta was naturally of a milder and ſofter Diſpoſition, and gaining the
Affection of the People, Caracalla foon fought means to deſtroy him by
Poyſon, and alſo endeavour'd to bribe the Prætorian Soldiers by many
ents and Favours, and withal gave them leave to live according to
Tke unhappy their Pleaſure. So that the City ſoon found the dangerous Effects of a
Government of State being govern'd by two Princes of equal Power and Authority, and
fo contrary in their Tempers, that they continually endeavour'd each o-
ther's Death. In Matters of Juſtice and publick Adminiſtration, they
were ever contrary in Opinion; and in chuſing of Commanders and Go-
vernors, each ſought to preferr his own Friends and Favourites, as likewiſe
they did in the Election of Conſuls and other Magiſtrates, which caus’d
all Affairs to ſucceed according to Favour and Contention. By which
means inſupportable Injuries and Diſorders were daily committed, either
of them perſecuting the contrary Faction, without daring to punish thoſe
of their own Party, left they ſhould make them their Enemies; whence
grew an univerſal Prejudice to the City and Province, and indeed in the
whole Empire.
As the Romans now met with daily Afflictions, ſo did the Chriſtians;
for the fifth Perſecution, which with different Degrees of Severity had
continu'd near 14 Years, was ſtill kept up ; particularly in Africk by Sca-
pula the Proconful of that Province. The Severities and Barbarities of
Tertullian this Man rouz’d the Spirit of Tertullian, who thereupon wrote a neat and
prises to Sca" pathetical Book to him, which is ſtill remaining to us.
'In the Beginning
he repreſented to him, That the Chriſtians rather choſe than fear'd Suffe-
‘rings, and to change a temporal Life for an eternal; that therefore he
did not direct his Diſcourſe to him out of Apprehenſion for them, but
out of an earneſt Deſire he had for the Salvation of the Heathens, fince
'the Chriſtians were oblig'd to love their Enemies, and to endeavour their
‘Converſion. He then repreſented the Honeſty and Simplicity of the
Chriſtians, and their hearty Prayers and Endeavours for the Proſperity of
the Empire, with thoſe particular Inſtances of Severity which the Di-
vine Providence had lately inflicted upon it, which could not reaſonably
be ſuppos’d to have been ſent upon any other account, than to revenge
the innocent Blood that had been ſhed; inciting him to Moderation by
'the Clemency and Indulgence of former Princes and Governors. Not
718 fifth Per- long after, Caracalla forgetting the Chriſtians, to follow other Crueltics,
Jecution ceales.
the Perſecution ended; and, as Sul. Severus aſſures us, the Church of God
had a long Peace of 38 Year, ſetting aſide that little Interuption by the
Emperor Maximinus in the Year 235. At the Ending of this Perfecution,
Origen goes Origen had a great Deſire to ſee the Church of Rome, ſo venerable for its
Antiquity and Renown, and accordingly came thither in the time of Pope
Zephyrin, where he ſtaid not long, but return'd back to Alexandria,and to his
accuítomn'd Catechetick Office, Demetrius his Biſhop earneſtly importuning
him to reſume it. His two renown'd Predeceſſors, Pantænus and Clemens,
were ſtill living, tho' probably in different Parts of the World; but how
long they liv'd, and what Deaths they dy'd, we have no certain Account.
Allo Montanus was ſtill living, who had broach'd his Hereſie forty Years
Apollonius before, and was now writ againſt by Apollonius a Greek Author, who con-
Chriſtian fuced the Practices and Manners of him and his Followers. In the ſame
Year
C
6
Ewe
to Romne.
Writer.
Chap. IV.
379
CARACALLA the 22d Rom
Emp.
Euſcb.
Year 211, Serapion Biſhop of Antioch dy'd after he had been poſſeſs’d of
that See 21 Years; and was ſucceeded by Aſclepiades, a Perſon of cele-
Aſclepiades
brated Reputation, who held that Dignity about ſix Years or more; and the oth Bifliopi
was the ninth Biſhop of Antioch after the Apoſtles.
of Antioch.
Origen being return'd from Rome to Alexandria, ſoon found his Em- A.D. 212.
ployment to encreaſe, and Auditors to preſs in ſo faſt, that he wanted Lei- Caracal.;.
ſure for Retirement, Contemplation, and the Study of the Holy Scriptures; Origen’s Im-
ſo that he was oblig'd to take in Heraclas for his Afliftant, who had been proversent s.
his Diſciple, and was well vers’d in divine and human Studies, by which he
divided the Labour between them, committing the younger and more
untutor’d Catechumens to Heralcas, and taking the maturer and older to
his own Care. And now he made many Converts, as well of Hereticks as
Heathens, particularly Ambroſius, noted for the Valentinian Hereſie; ſo that
great Numbers flock'd to him to make Trial of his fam'd Learning and A-
bilities, others to be inſtructed in the Precepts both of Philoſophy and Chri-
ſtianity. And the better to qualifie himſelf in Theology and the Under-
ſtanding of the Holy Scriptures, he diligently ſet himſelf to learn the
Hebrew Tongue, a Language little underſtood by the Fathers and the
Learned in thoſe Times; which he effected with extraordinary Labour, and
to grcat Purpoſes. By this means the Church of Alexandria flourillid ex-
ceedingly, as likewiſe did the Church of Jeruſalem about the ſame time ; of Alexander
which we have the remarkable Account from Euſebius of Alexander, a made Bishop of
worthy Biſhop of Cappadocia, who out of a religious Curioſity, had reſolvd Jerulalem.
upon a Journey to Jeruſalem, to viſit the holy and venerable Antiquities of
the Place, to which he was particularly excited by a divine Revelation in-
timating to him, that it was the Will of God that he ſhould be aſſiſtant to
the Biſhop of the Place. For ſo it was, that the celebrated Narciſus, who
had return'd ſix Years before to his See at Jeruſalem, and was now 116
Years old, became incapable through his great Age and Infirmities, duly to
manage that Charge. Alexander approaching near Jeruſalem, the Chriſtians
were warn’d by a Viſion and Voice from Heaven, to go out of the City,
and there receive him whom Heaven had deſign’d for their Bishop. This
being done, and finding Alexander, they entertain'd and introduc'd him
with all poſſible Kindneſs and Reſpect ; and by the Importunity of the Peo-
ple, and the Conſent of all the neighbouring Bilhops, he became Colleague
with Narciſſus in the Government of the Church, who liv'd with him a-
bout three or four Years. This is the firſt expreſs Inſtance we meet with
in Church Antiquity of two Bilhops fitting at once by Conſent in the ſame
See. Alexander held this Dignity with extraordinary Reputation about 39
Years, and was the 34th Biſhop of Jeruſalem after the Apolile St.
James.
In the ſame Year at Rome all poſſible Methods were made uſe of to re-
sport. concile the two Emperors Caracalla and Geta ; till at length upon the 27th
Day of February, Caracalla reſolving to be freed from a Rival, found means Caracalla kills
to kill his Brother, even in his Mother Julia's Arms, whither he had run his Brother
for Shelter ; having reign'd with him one Year and 23 Days. Immediate-
ly after the Fact, Caracalla ruſh'd out of the Palace, and run through the
City to the Camp, where going directly to the place where the Guards
kept their Standards and the Images of their Gods, he threw himſelf upon
the Ground to thank them for his Deliverance. After which he deſir'd the
Soldiers to protect him, and with broken Speeches, like one recovering out
of a Fright, gave them to underſtand, That he had at laſt diſpatch'd his E-
nemies that fought his Life. Whilſt they were muſing and doubting, he put
an end to all Scruples by his mighty Promiſes, telling them That he deſir'd
only to live and die with them; and immediately gave them all that incredi-
B b b 2
ble
iliondi
Gera.
38. Cent. III.
Book III
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
ty:
Caracal..
to Gaul.
ble Maſs of Money which his Fatlrer Severus had been collecting during
his whole Reign. This Donative not only fatisfy'd the Soldiers, but
caus’d them to threaten the Senate into a Compliance, who out of Fear ap-
prov'd of Geta's Death, and juſtify'd the Murder. Caracalla, to appeaſe
all, perform'd many Acts of Mercy, and likewiſe deify'd his Brother, being
content, as he declar'd that he ſhould be a God above, so he was not alive
His horrid upon Earth. But all theſe Acts of Remorſe were ſoon defac'd by his bru-
Aits of Cruel tal Cruelty towards thoſe who were but the leaſt ſuſpected of favouring his
Brother; and all his Servants and Guards, with their Wives and Children,
to the Number of twenty Thouſaud, were without Mercy put to Death.
Papirian the renown’d Civilian, with many others of the moſt illuſtrious
Families, were likewiſe executed upon the weakeſt Pretences. Whole
Nights were ſpent in the Execution of bloody Edicts; and the dead Bodies of
Perſons of all Ranks and Ages were contemptuouſly thrown into Carts, and
hurry'd out of the City,where they were burnt in Heaps without the Decen-
cy of common Ceremonies. So that the proud City of Rome, which had
often dipp'd her Hands in the Blood of the innocent Chriſtians, had now
her Streets overflown with the Blood of her chiefeſt Citizens; and was
A. C. 213. trampled upon by one of the greateſt Monſters in the Univerſe. Caracalla
.
being generally dereſted in the City, in the third Year of his Reign, re-
He travels in- ſolv'd to take a Journey through the Provinces of the Empire ; and his
firſt Progreſs was into Gallia Narbonenſis, where for the time he tarry'd,
he perform'd as great Miſchiefs as he could. He killd the Proconful of
the Province, and broke in upon the Privileges of ſeveral Cities ; and
when he had gain’d the Hatred of the whole Province by his tyrannical
and cruel Deportment, he return'd back to Rome, before his Ex-
pedition into Germany, as ſeveral learn’d Antiquaries are of opinion.
In the ſame Year there hapned a celebrated Diſputation between Caius, Exfeb.
an Orthodox Presbyter of the City and Diſciple to Irenæus, and one Pro-Jeram.
clus, who was one of the Heads of the Montaniſt Party, wherein the latter
ike Niunta- being vanquiſhi’d, was together with all the Followers of that Sect, excom-
riſts cxcommunicated by the Church of Rome, and even Tertullian himſelf among the
gether with reſt, as he ſufficiently intimates in his Piece de Jejuniis. This, to a Perſon
Tertullian, of ſo rigid and unyielding a Temper as Tertullian, was ſo far from reclaim-
ing or recovering him, that it made him more fierce and implacable than e-
ver againſt the Orthodox and Catholicks, looking upon them as far too
licentious in their Lives, and himſelf and his Party as the only truc Practi-
Who writes a- cers and Reſtorers of Diſcipline and Devotion. Accordingly he wrote
gainſt the Or. four Treatiſes principally againſt the Catholicks, viz. of Modeſty, of Mono-
gamy;
Exhortations to Chaſtity, and of Faſts. In his Book of Modeſty, he
endeavour'd to prove againſt the Church, that it had no power to remit
the Sins of Fornicators and Adulterers, and that ſuch as fell into theſe
Crimes after Baptiſm, could not be admitted into the Communion of the
Church how penitent loever they were. In his Book of Monogamy and
Exhortations to Chaſtity, 'he abſolutely condemn'd ſecond Marriages as be-
*ing Adultery. In his Diſcourſe of Faſts, "he commended the exceflive
'Falts of the Montaniſts, who made ſeveral Lents, obſerving the Statio-
nary Faſts, as if they had been expreſsly enjoin'd, making them to conti-
nue till Night, and eating upon thoſe Days only Bread and Fruits, and
drinking only Water. As Tertullian continually declin'd in the Opinion
A.D. 214. of the Church, ſo Origen daily improv’d,and became the Wonder of all Men;
Caracal., and having with infinite Labour and Induſtry examin'd all Parts of the
Origen com- Holy Scriptures, he compos'd that great and famousWork call’d the Tetrapia;
poes his Te.
which was a Bible, wherein by the Side of the Hebrew Text, he had tran-
trapla.
{crib'd in different Columns, the Tranſlation of the Septuagint, that of A-
chodox.
6
C
6
quila,
Chap IV.
38:
CARACALLA the 22d Rom. Emp.
Dion.
Herod.
quila, that of Symmachus, and that of Theodotian, diſtinguiſh'd all by Ver-
ſes, to which he afterwards made great Improvements and Additions,
This and other Works extreamly encreas'd his Reputation, and drew great
Numbers of learned Men from all Parts to Alexandria to converſe with
him, and to be inſtructed by him. About this time came a Meſſenger He goes to
from the Governor of Arabia with Letters to Demetrius the Biſhop, and preach in A-
to the Præfect of Ægypt, deſiring that with all ſpeed Origen might be ſent rabiz.
to impart the Chriſtian Doctrine to him ; ſo conſiderable had the Fame of
this great Man render'd him abroad in Foreign Nations. Accordingly
he went into Arabia, with great and folemn Attendance; in which
Nation having perform'd his Buſineſs, he return'd to his Charge in Alex. He returns,
andria.
In the mean time the Emperor Caracalla purſu'd his intended Journey Caracalla's
Spart. through the Empire; and taking his Way towards Germany and the Danube,
Journeys.
there at firſt, to win the Hearts of the Countrey People, he follow'd the
Faſhions of that Countrey, took upon him the German Habit, and choſe
ſuch of the Germans as were moſt ſtrong and active, for his Guard. He
ſought alſo to gain the Affections of the other Soldiers, by ſhewing him-
ſelf affable and ſociable, perſonally aliiſting them in their Labours, joyn-
ing in their Diet, and doing many things like a hardy Man and a Soldier.
By which means he became popular in the main; but he could not withi-
hold himſelf from many Extravagancies and Cruelties, as putting certain
eminent Men among the Germans to Death, and maſſacring a great Nuin-
ber of their Youth whom he had got together on pretence of liſting them
into his Service. From Germany he pafs’d through Thrace into Macedonia, A.D. 215.
where he fooliſhly pretended to imitate Alexander the Great in all his Caracal. .
Actions; and had a Body of 16000 Macedonians about him, whom lie
callid his Phalanx, in Imitation of that ancient Body of Macedonian Foot
ſo calld. From thence he croſs'd into the leſſer Alia, where at Pergamos he
ſacrific’d to Æſculapius for the Recovery of his Health. For now he be-
gan to be afflicted with ſeveral flrange forts of Diſeaſes; which beginning
in Germany, made ſome Perſons believe that the Inhabitants of that Coun-
trey had turn'd his Brain by their Cliarms and Incantations. It is more
probable that Caracalla's Crines made him horribly uneaſie, and that the
Diſturbance they gave him, at length affected his Head ; for he was fre-
quently affrighted with dreadful Viſions, and often imagin’d that he ſaw
his Father and Brother come upon him with drawn Swords. His reſtleſs He is tormenta
Fears drove him to make uſe of Magical Arts to raiſe the Dead ; ed wie k Ghoſts.
and amongſt others, he calld for the Ghoſts of his father and of
Commodus. His Brother's Ghoſt came up with his Father's tho' uncalld for;
and tho' they ſaid nothing, they joind in tormenting bim, whilſt the
Ghoſt of Commodus bad him aloud prepare for Vengeance. It is no won-
der then, that neither Supplications, nor Gifts, nor Ceremonies, could cure
this Malady, that neither Apollo-Grynæus, nor Æfculapius, nor Serapis,
could give Caracalla any Eaſe, tho' he ſent noble Preſents to each of them,
and was initiated with the greateſt Superſtition in all their Rites. So that
Dion, the Gentile Hiſtorian himſelf confeſt, That God more regarded the
Actions of Caracalla than his Gifts. In this reſtleſs Condition he shifted a-
bout from Place to Place till his Death, and going to Troy, he there in all
his Actions imitated Achilles, travelling more like a Player than an Empe-
ror, which Levity caus’d the Deriſion of fome, and the Indignation of o-
thers. In the following Spring he haſted to Alexandria, where he reſolvid A.D. 216.
upon an unheard of Piece of Revenge againſt the Inhabitants, for their Caracales.
Jefts, and contemptible Names they had given him. At his Arrival, he was
ſolemnly receiv'd with great Joy and a mighty Concourſe of People, ga-
ther's
.
382
Book III.
Cent. III.
EcclesiaSTICAL HISTORY.
stinns at A
lexandria.
And in ihe
East.
red.
His dereftable ther’d together from many Parts. Here he offer'd ſeveral Sacrifices, and
ihew'd many great Favours to thic Inhabitants ; but ſhortly after, aſſem-
bling them to ſee ſome publick Games, he caus’d them to be ſuddenly fur-
rounded by his Soldiers, and infinite Numbers of all Ages and Degrees
were miſerably cut in Pieces, to the vaſt Aftoniſhment and Terror of the
whole Countrey. After this monſtrous Action, he paſs’d into Syria ; and
being deſirous to ſignalize himſelf by ſome memorable Exploit, he ſent to
Artabanus King of Parthia, to leſire his Daughter in Marriage, declaring,
That he was coming to ſolemnize the Nuptials ; and that King being perſwa-
ded to meet the Emperor in a large Plain with a ſplendid Concourſe of No-
bility, unarm'd Soldiers and People, he ſuddenly ſet upon them with his
Army, and made a moſt terrible Slaughter, Artabanus himſelf hardly e-
ſcaping. For this Piece of Treachery, he aſſum'd the Title of Parthicus,
as he had before that of Germanicus, for killing ſome of the German No-
bility.
The barbarous Cruelties of this Emperor at Alexandria drove Origen Eufeb.
from that City; and not knowing any Place in Ægypt that could afford him
boire compare Shelter, he retir’d into Paleſtine, and fixt his Reſidence at Cæfarea. Where
his adınirable Abilities being ſoon diſcover'd, he was requeſted by the Bi-
ſhops of thoſe Parts, tho’ but then in the Capacity of a Lay-man, publickly in
the Church, and before themſelves, to expound the Scriptures to the People
The News hereof was immediately carry'd to Alexandria, and highly re-
ſented by Demetriks the Biſhop, who by Letters expoftulated the Caſe with
Theoftiſtus Biſhop of Cæfarea, and Alexander Bihop of Jeruſalem, as a thing
never heard of before in the Chriſtian Church. They in their Anſwer put
himn in mind, that it was no ſuch unuſual Thing for Laicks to preach by
Order, and in the Preſence of Biſhops, whereof they gave him particular
Inſtances. All which did not ſatisfie Demeirius, but he by Letters com-
He is recalld manded Origen to return, and ſent Deacons on purpoſe to urge him to it;
by Demetrius. whereupon he came back, and apply'd himſelf to his wonted Charge. Be-
fore his Return he found a new Verſion of the old Teſtament into Greek,
in a Veſſel among other Greek and Hebrew Books at ferico. It was done
by ſome unknown Jew, and was the fourth Greek Verſion of the old Te-
ſiament ſince our Saviour's Nativity ; it was found in the 7th Year of
the Emperor Caracalla, A. D, 217. About which time, or very Ahortly after, Hirod,
Caracalla met with the Reward of all his Wickedneſs, by the Contrivance
of Macrinus, one of his chief Commanders, and the Hands of Martialis,
who labb'd him whilſt he was retir'd from his Company to eaſe
Nature, This was the End of one of the cruelleſt Monſters in
Nature; and we can't but admire the juſt Judgment of Heaven in
cutting off the Pofterity of Severus in the firſt Generation, who had la-
bour'd by all poſſible Methods, juſt and unjuſt, to ſecure a laſting Empire
to his family. Caracalla died on the 8th Day of April, under the Conſul-
thips of Præſens and Extricatus, being 29 Years of Age, and having reign'd
ſix Years, two Months, and four Days,
A. D. 217. }|I. Shortly after the Death of Caracalla, Opilius Macrinus, the chief Dima
MACRI Contriver of the Atlaffination, upon Suppoſition of his Innocence, was capsal
?
NUS.
choſen Emperor by the Army, and likewiſe acknowledg’d by the Senate at
Rome. He was now about 53 Years of Age; a Perſon of an obſcure Pa-
rentage, and a Moor by Birth, who with ſmall Deſert and much Favour ob-
tain'd the Office of Prætorian Præfect, and by Treaſon and Chance ar-
riv'd at the Empire. He alſo nominated his Son Diadumenians, a Youth
of ten Years of Age, for his Companion and Equal in the Empire, to
whom he gave the Name of Antoninus, becauſe that Name was highly ac-
ceptable
Kic.
Caracalla
lain.
T:: 1:7278
Lirid Roman
Emperor.
Chap IV.
383
MACRINUS the 22d Roni Emp.
Euſeb,
ceptable to the Romans. Not long after Macrinus's Election, Artabanus
King of Parthia came down with a mighty Army upon the Frontiers,
threatning to be reveng’d upon the Romans for all the Injuries he had re-
ceivid under Caracalla. Macrinus, who wanted both Courage and a good
Cauſe, readily ſent back all the Priſoners, deſiring the Friendſhip of Arta-
banus,and charging all upon his Predeceſſor ; but the Parthian King,knowing
the Weakneſs of the Roman Army,requir’d more ample Reparations and com-
ing forwards as far asNiſibis, the Romans were beaten in ſeveral Engagements,
and Macrinus was glad to purchaſe a Peace by diſtributing among the Par-
thians a Sum exceeding a Million and a half of our Money. After this,
and ſome little Advantages obtain'd againſt the Armenians, Macrinus with His Milma-
his Son, repair'd to Antioch, where he principally follow'd the pleaſures nagemeni.
of the Place, neglected the Government of the Empire, and delay'd his
Journey to Rome, tho' he was often ſollicited, both by Letters and his own
Soldiers, to come to the City. In which he committed a great Error ; for
his ſtaying to partake of the Debaucheries of Antioch, and his ill-tim'd
Severities to his Soldiers, prov'd the Occaſion of his Ruine a few Months
after.
In the ſame Year it is believ'd, that Aſclepiades Biſhop of Antioch, dy'd,
Epiphs
, after he had worthily fill'd that See about 6 or 8 Ycars; and was ſucceeded
by Philetus who held that Dignity about 8 or 10 Years, and was the tenth Philetus the
tenth Biſhop
Biſhop of Antioch after the Apoſtles. In the ſame Year alſo Mon.Tillemont
of Antioch.
places that remarkable Story of Natalis a Confeſſor at Rome, which Euſe-
bius in the latter End of his fifth Book, relates from an anonymous Author.
This Natalis, had been ſeduc'd by Aſclepiodotus and Theodotus a Banker, The Story of
both Diſciples of that Heretick formerly mention'd, Theodotus the Currier,
Natalis.
who perſwaded him to be made a Biſhop of their Sect, upon conſideration
of a certain Monthly Salary. Being thus beguild by the Bait of Primacy,
as well as Profit, God, who was particularly merciful to the Afferters of
his Son's Honour, was pleas'd firſt to admoniſh him by Viſions ; and after
that, to torment him all Night by his Angels, in order to his Recovery
and Reſtoration. Inſomuch, that riſing very carly, with Sackcloth and
Alhes, and a Flood of Tears, he caſt himſelf down before Zephyrinus Bi-
ſhop of Rome, and alſo before the Clergy and Laity; uſing all Methods to
move the Compailion of the injur'd Church. And after many Intreaties
and Supplications, and ſhewing the Prints of the Stripes he had received
the Inſtruments of Heaven, he was with much Difficulty receiv'd again
into the Communion of the Church. As for Theodotus the Banker, he form- The Melchi-
ed a new Sect of his own, and added ſome Things to the Theodotians
formerly mention'd, as particularly that JeſusChriſt was inferior to Melchife-
deck, who was, according to his Opinion, Eternal without Father or Mother,
and the Advocate of Angels; and that Jeſus Chriſt was pure Man, and ex-
ercis'd the Office of Advocate only for Men. For which Reaſon his Followers
obtain'd the Name of Melchiſedecians.
In the mean time the Emperor Macrinus daily loſt ground in the Repu-
A.D. 218.
tation of all wiſe Men; but that which moſt promoted his Downfal, was Macrin. 1,
the Artifices of Mæfa, Siſter to the late Empreſs Julia, who upon the Death Macrinus
of Caracalla had retir'd to Emefa in Phænicia, with all her family and her declines,
vaſt Eſtate which ſhe had gain’d by living above twenty Years in the
Emperor's Court. Her Family conſiſted of two Widow Daughters, Soæmia
as and Mamæa, and their Sons Baſianus and Alexianus, one 14, and the on
ther 12 Years of Age. Emeſa was a City famous for worſhipping the
Sun in the Shape of a Black Conical Stone ; which Idol, they ſaid, came
down from Heaven, and was call’d Elagabal, or the Forming God. Now
Ballianus being a Prieſt of that Temple, he obtain'd the Name of Elagabar
lus
fedecians,
Dion.
Hirit.
384 Cent. III.
Book III.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY
lur, or as ſome write it, Heliogabalus ; and he was much admir’d by the
Roman Soldiers for his fine Shape and Beauty. Maſa finding the Soldiers
to affect him, that ſhe might loſe no Advantage, readily proſtituted hier
Daughter's Honour by reporting that he was the real Son of Caracallà ;'
and by means of large Sums, great Promiſes, and producing her Grand-
ſon in the Roman Camp near Emefa, ſhe procur'd the Soldiers there to pro-
claim him Emperor, under the Name of M. Aurelius Antoninus ; which
was done on the 15th Day of May, 218. Macrinus at firſt contemn'd that
Faction rais'd only by a Woman and a Boy, and thought it ſufficient to ſend
a Commander callid Julian to chaſtize the Revolters; but for want of his
own Perſonal Appearance, tlie Soldiers under Julian were ſoon corrupted,
cut off their General's Head, and went over to Elagabalus. This oblig'd
Macrinus immediately to make uſe of his whole Power ; but he wanting
Courage himſelf, and his Army an Inclination to fight, he was intirely de-
feated, and flying with all Secreſie and Expedition towards Rome, where
his Arrival was deſir’d, he was overtaken at Chalcedon, and both he and
his Son put to Death. This hapned on the 7th Day of June, under the
Contulſhips of Himſelf and Adventus, he being fifty four Years of Age,
and liaving reign'd but one Year and two Months, wanting three
Days.
He is lain.
&c.
The twenty
ELAGA Immediately after the Death of Macrinus and his son, Elagabalus, by Herod.
BALUS. the Advice of his Grandmother Meſa, wrote to Rome in the moſt obliging
manner imaginable; which notwithſtanding was ill Jigeſed by the Senate
fourth Roman
Emperor.
and People, who much more deſir'd the Goverin.ent of Macrinus. But
finding they were unable to reliſt ſuch a powerful Party, they yielded Obe-
dience to Elagabalus, of whom they conceiv'd ſome Hopes, both upon
the Account of his good Shape, and for his Name of Antoninus. By rea-
ſon of his Youth, many Things were at firſt order'd by the Advice and Di-
rections of Mæfa and her Favourites, who ſetling the unquiet Affairs of the
Eaſt, haltned towards Rome with the young Emperor; but being con-
ftraind to winter at Nicomedia in Bithynia, he there by ſeveral Inſtances
manifcfied his ſcandalous and irrcclainable Life. He was but fourteen
Years of Age when he was elected ; and as he was the youngeſt, ſo he was
the moſt looſe and profligate Emperor that Rome, or perhaps the World e-
HisCharacter. ver ſaw. His Life is one continu'd and amazing Inilance of the moſt ſu-
perlative Effeminacy, and the mois unaccountable Extravagancy; and it
cannot be determin'd which was moſt notorious, his unbridled Obſcenity,
his boundleſs Prodigality, or his Fantaſtical Foolery. It affords a melan.
choly View of Mankind, that when left to themſelves and abandon’d to
their Luſts, no Senſe of Honour, no Regard of Humanity or common
Decency, can reſtrain them. And that which made thele Things the more
wonderful in this Emperor, was, that an extraordinary Vein of Superſtiti-
on run through all his Actions ; ſo that whilſt he liv'd like a Brute, he would
needs ſeem pious and religious.
His Mother Soæmias was infamous like himſelf, but his Aunt Mamæa was
a Woman of admirable Vertues ; and tho the Domeſtick Examples ſhe
had been us’d to, were far from being excellent, yet ſhe kept her ſelf un-
corrupted in the midſt of fo much Impurity, and took a ſtrict Care to
keep her Son Alexianus the ſame. She was not only virtuous according to
the Heathen Notions of Virtue and Goodneſs, but her Aims were infinite-
ly higher. Being a Syrian born, ſhe could not but be acquainted with the
Affairs both of Jews and Chriſtians ; and having heard of the great Fame of
Origen, was extreamly deſirous to ſee him, and hear him concerning Reli-
gion, that the might truly underſtand it, and know what it was, for which
the
ܪ
Eufeb.
Chap. IV.
385
ELAGABALUS the 241b Rom. Emp:
Rome.
Herved.
the World had hit in ſuch Veneration. And for this purpoſe, before the
Emperor's Departure from the Eaſt, fle fent for Itim from Alexandria, Mamæa ſends
ordering a miktary Guard to conduct him to Antioch, where he ſtaid with into Suria
her lome conſiderable Time; and having fully open'd the Doctrines of
Chriſtianity, and given her mány Demonſtrations of the Faith of its Pro-
feffors, to the great Honour of God and Religion, he was honourably
diſmiſs'd,and permitted to return to his old Charge in Alexandria. It is pro-
bable that ſhe was baptiz'd; ſince ſeveral Writers do account her a Chriſtian,
and her Piery is ſo highly commended by Eufebius a Chriſtian Biſhop; be-
ſides, ſhe was ſo great a Patroneſs, that ſhe protected the Church from all
Perſecution during all her Son's Reign. Some late Writers are of Opini-
on, that this Interview between Origen and her was feveral Years after
this time ; but Mon. Tillemont in his roth Note upon his Life of Origen, has
given fufficient Reaſons to place it in this preſent Year 218. In which
Year, it is believ'd that Maximilla, one of the two great Propheteſſes of
the Montaniſts, dy'd. In the ſame Year alſo, or the following, Zephyrinus
Biſhop of Rome dy'd, after he had held the Dignity 18 Years, and was
ſucceeded by Caliſtus, an Italian of Ravenna, Son of Domitius, who con- Caliņus the
tinu'd in the See 5 Years, and was the 15th Bilhop of Rome after the Apo- sth Ballop !
Atles St. Peter and St. Paul.
Elagabalus having paſs’d the Winter at Nicomedia, in the following A. D. 219,
Din Spring came to Rome, where he made large Diſtributions, and noble Spe. Elagab.
ctacles of all ſorts ; but his only Concern for any Thing that might claim
the Name of Buſineſs, was to do Honour to his Syrian Stone-Idol, by Elagabalus
which he repreſented the Sun; to which with all poſſible ſpeed he erected his Superftitie
a magnificent Temple. To this Temple he repair'd every Morning, and ºn.
offer'd Hecatombs of Oxen, with an innumerable Quantity of Sheep,
which he laid on Altars loaded with the richeſt Spices, and waſh'd with
the nobleſt Wines, which were conſum’d with incredible Profuſion,
that the greater Honour might be paid to this image. Theſe extravagant
Superſtitions, celebrated with all ſorts of Muſick and Dancings perform’d
by Phenician Women, were fo much the more inſupportable, by how
much Elagabalus made them burchenfome to the Perſons of the higheſt
Quality; for the whole Body of Senators and Equites were oblig’d to at:
tend theſe Ceremonies as often as the Emperor thought fit to call them. A. D. 220.
Beſides this Temple near the Palace, he built another in the Suburbs to Elagab.;
his God, whither annually in the Heat of Summer the original Image,
which he had brought from Emeſa, was carry'd, where the Proceſſion was
as pompous as pollible: For the Idol was plac'd alone in a triumphal Cha-
riot moſt exquiſitely adorn'd; and the Emperor held the Reins himſelf,
running backwards by the Chariot ſide, that he might the more frequent-
ly view his Deity; all which was accompany'd with the Images of all o-
ther Gods, and the moſt ſacred and valuable Treaſures of the Roman Tem-
ples. The Gentile Romans, who had been educated with Sentiments of
Reverence towards their other Gods, were extreamly mortify'd, to ſee,
that whatſoever they held dear or facred in their idolatrous Worſhip,
muſt all now be ſacrific'd to this new image. They could have been ſatiſ-
fy'd to have worſhiptit as the Turelar Deity of the Emeſeni, and as ſuch to
have erected a Temple to it; bụt to proitrate all their other Idols to this
ſingle one, was, as they thought abominable. Yet nothing leſs would ſa-
tiste Elagabalus, who accounted all their ancient Gods as only Servants
and Attendants to his; tho’ſome of them were ſo much favour'd, as to be
chofen either for a Wife or for Companions to this. He was alſo lo vain,
as to hope to comprehend the Jewiſh and the Samaritan Religions in his
own, and therefore perhaps it was that he circumcis’d himſelf, and ſuper-
CCC
ſtitiouſly
TO
:
386 Cent. III.
Book III
.
ECCLESIASTICAL History.
on of Alexan-
der.
canus his
ſtitiouſly abſtain'd from Swines Fleſh; for he was deſirous to put the Rites
of all Religions in practice, that he might the more eaſily bring them that
were of other Religions, to pay a Reverence to his own Deity. It is pro-
bable that he would have been baptiz'd too, vainly imagining that by that
means he might ſeduce the Chriſtians to the Wor!hip of his Idol; and
perhaps he was, if there were any Apoſtates profligate enough to betray
their Faith to gratifie his fantaſtick Humour. As for the other Impieties
and Monſtroſities related of this Emperor, the Hints.we have before given,
are ſufficient in this place; they being ſo much below a Prince, and alſo a
reaſonable Man, that they ought to bury'd in Oblivion.
A. D. 221. In the third Year of this Emperor's Reign, Dion relates a ſtrange Story
Elagab. . of an Apparition of Alexander the Great, or ſome Dæmon in his Shape,
An Appariti- near the River Danube, who with four hundred Companions, dreſt and
dancing like Bacchanals, pals'd through Mæfia and Thrace to Byzantium,
without any Endeavours of Oppoſition from the Soldiers and Governors,
who allow'd them all Accommodations in their journey. Then paſſing
the Sea to Calcedon in Aſia, there, after ſeveral peculiar Ceremonies per-
form’d, and putting a wooden Horſe into the Ground, they wholly diſap-
pear'd. In the ſame Year a noted Chriſtian, callid Julius Africanus of Pa-
leſtine, obtain'da Deputation from the Emperor to cauſe the City of Emmaus
Julius Afri- near Jeruſalem to be repair'd, which was afterwards calld by the Name of
Chronology
Nicopolis. This Africanus about the ſame time compos'd an exact Chroni-
cle divided into five Books, from the Beginning of the World, to the third
Year of the Reign of Elagabalus, wherein he gave a brief Account of the
moſt remarkable Accidents from the Creation, to the time of Jeſus Chriſt,
and related in few Words all that hapned from our Saviour's Time, to that
wherein he wrote. We have not this famous Work under Africanus's Name;
but Euſebius has inſerted it almoſt entire in his Chronicon, altering and
adding ſome few Things, and correcting ſome of his Miſtakes. Beo
fides his Chronicle, he afterwards wrote two Letters, one to Ariſtides,
to reconcile the ſeeming Difference between St. Matthew and St. Luke,
concerning our Saviour's Genealogy; and the other to Origen, to theu
the Fabulouſneſs, or at leaſt the Uncertainty of the Hiſtory of Su-
Janna.
Elagabalus
In theſe Times Elagabalus having rendred himſelf odious and deſpicable Lamp.
adopts hisCou-
fin Alexianus. to all Men, was prevaild upon by the Artifices of his Grandmother
Mæfa, to adopt his Couſin-German Alexianus, tho’but two Years younger
than himſelf, and to make him Cæfar and his Succeſſor, giving him
the Names both of Alexander and Severus. This ſtrange Adoption was
readily confirm'd by the Senate, but in a ſhort time it much diſpleas'd E-
lagabalus; for he found the Diſpoſitions of young Alexander too virtuous
for him, and that the growing Hopes of that wonderful Youth would
foon eclipſe his Glory. This put him upon many fooliſh as well as impious
Projects to deſtroy him; but fearing that the Senate might ruine his De-
ligus, by chuſing another Emperor, he reſolv'd to anticipate them, and in
the fourth Year of his Reign, An. 222, he ſuddenly baniſh'd the whole
Senate out of the City, without allowing them to make the leaſt Prepa-
rations for Travelling. Shortly after, having unſucceſsfully endeavour'd to
poiſon Alexander, that he might ſound the Soldiers, he reported that he
was dead, which immediately rais'd a Mutiny among them. To appeaſe
which, he immediately took Alexander along with him in a glorious
Chariot to the Camp; where the Soldiers Acclamations were folely direct-
ed to his Couſin, and no Reſpect ſhewn to himſelf; which ſo enrag'd him,
that he threatned the Authors of the Mutiny with the fevereſt Puniſh-
ments. But the Tempeſt was grown too high, and the Army was reſolv’d to
Sic
1
rid
Chap. IV.
387
ALEXANDER the 25tb Rom. Emp.
1.mp.
Iorod.
rid this World of the Monſter, and thereupon ran furiouſly after him,
intending to kill him where-ever they found him. In a ſhort time they
found him with his Mother hanging about him in a Sink of the Army,
whether he fled, hoping to eſcape by that ſecret Way ; but the Paſſage be-
ing too narrow, he was ſtopt, and the Soldiers immediately cut off his He is fiaitu
and his Mother's Head, draggʻd their Bodies through the Streets, after
the moſt ignominious Manner, and at laſt threw his headleſs Trunk into
the common Sewers that led into the River, with a Weight ty'd to it, that
it might never riſe again and be bury'd. Thus dy'd Elagabalus, the moſt
vile and abominable Prince in the World, out of Hatred to whoſe Memo-
ry, a Decree was made by the Senate and People of Rome, That thencefor-
ward no Emperor of Rome Nould be called by the Name of Antoninus.
His Death hapned on the 11th Day of March, being in the 18th Year of
his Age, and having reign'd three Years, nine Months, and four
Days.
IV. Immediately after the Death of Elagabalus, young Alexander
A. D: 222
was by an univerſal Conſent acknowledgʻd Emperor of Rome , being
ALEX-
now about ſixteen Years of Age, and a Prince of luch admirable Vertues
ANDER.
and Qualifications, that they ought not to be paſs’d over in an Ecclefiaſti. The Tience
cal Hiſtory without particular Notice. This Prince having the moſt ce- fifth Roma.
lebrated Men for his Maſters and Tutors, became skilful in all Arts and Emperor.
Sciences, and was ſo conſiderable for his Parts and Abilities, that at the
Beginning of his Adminiſtration, he rather ſeem'd a wiſe old Man than a
Youth. By the Advice of his wife Mother Mamæa, he choſe the worthi-
eſt and moſt experienc'd Perſons of the Empire for his Council; and 2
ver acted any Thing without their opinion, notwithſtanding his own Ab-
ſolute Authority, and that he was ſo judicious and ſagacious himſelf, that
ſcarce any Man could impoſe upon his Underſtanding. By the Aniſtance
of his great Counſellors, he immediately ſet about a general Reformation;
and firſt, he ſent back all the Foreign Images that had been brought to
Rome, to their reſpective Cities and Temples ; then he remov'd all thoſo
impure Miniſters of Elagabalus, the Eunuchs, the Buffoons and Panto-
mimes, with an incredible Number of lewd Women, that had been brought Virtues.
into the Palace. He wou'd admit none to pay their Devoirs to him, his
Wife, or Mother, but Perſons of Honeſty and known Reputation ;
ſolemnly forbidding by the publick Cryer all ſuch as knew themſelves to
be otherwiſe, to approach his Preſence, threatning that if he once diſco-
ver'd them, it ſhould coſt them their Lives. And that he might remove
all Corruptions of Manners, he deſtroy'd the Uſe of mixt Baths in Rome,
where both Sexes bath'd together ; all which had been prohibited by ſome
of the good Emperors, but were reviv'd by his infamous Predeceſſor. He
reſtrain'd the ordinary Charges of the Court, and reduc'd the Palace to an
excellent Order ; abridging the ſuperfluous Expences introduc'd by the
Luxury of former Emperors. He apparell’d himſelf with great Plainneſs
and Modeſty, alledging That Government conſiſted in Virtue, and not in
coſtly Attire ; wherefore he wore no Jewels, nor wou'd permit any in his
Chamber, and accounted it a great Vanity, That a Thing To Small in Quanti-
ty should be so large in Price. He never made uſe of golden Cups, nor
allow'd above 200 Pound Weight of Silver Veſſels in his Palace; ſo that
at publick Entertainments he uſually borrow'd both Plate and Servants of
liis Friends. He was highly affable and courteous in his Temper, famili-
arly viſited all Perſons of Worth, and permitted any Man perſonally tờ
inform him of their Buſineſs; and finding their Demands reaſonable, he
perforın'd their Requeſts; if otherwiſe, he calmly debated the Matter
Ссс 2
with
His admiinit
.
388 Cent. III.
Book III
ECCLESIASTICAL History,
in
Publick.
with them, and ſhew'd them their Errors. He kept à private Memo-
rial of the Names of ſuch as ought to be conſider'd for their Services,
and the Preſents made to deferving Perſons, which he frequently viewd;
and when he found any to whom he had given nothing, or not conſide-
rable to their Merits, he calld them to him, asking, Why they were so
backward in demanding a Reward ; and why they would ſuffer him to conti-
sue in their Debt? He took care of the Education of great Numbers of
poor Children, and was very bountiful to all indigent Perſons of Merit;
and he is obſerv'd every Day to have done ſome good to others,
which he exceeded the renown'd Titus, by having the Happineſs of a
longer Reign.
His Cave of the
As the Bounty of this Einperor extended to all, ſo did his Care to
all publick Officers and Magiftrates, in the Choice of whom, his Opinion
was, That they were moſt fit for publick Places who declined them, not thoſe
who ſued for them; to which he frequently added, That ſuch only ought to
be advanced, who could diſcharge their Offices by themſelves, and not
by Deputies. That he might be exact in chuſing Men, when he appointed
Governors of Provinces and Cities, he publitli'd the Names of the Per-
fons deſign’d, deſiring and encouraging all Men to make all juſt Objecti-
ons againſt them, and to prove their Accuſation ; with this Proviſo, that
if they did not make good their Charge, and if it. proceeded from
Malice, the Accuſer ſhou'd be immediately beheaded : For, ſaid he, fince
Chriſtians and Jews uſe ſuch careful Methods in the Choice and Ordination
of their Prieſts, it is moſt reaſonable that the like Courſe ſhould be taken
in the Choice of Rectors of Provinces, to whom are committed the Lives
and Fortunes of thoſe under their Subječtions. He wou'd in no Caſe per-
init Offices and Places to be bought and ſold ; For, declar'd he, He who
buys his Office muſt needs fell Juſtice : I cannot bear any Merchants in Authority,
which if I tolerate, I cannot afterwards condemn their Aitions; and I ſhall
bluſh to puniſh that perſon who bought, ſince I once permitted bim to be a Buy-
He was alſo a ſevere Puniſher of ſuch Magiſtrates as were guilty of
any corrupt Practice ; and frequently faid, He had always his Finger in readi-
neſs to pluck out the Eyes of that Judge who was partial, or received Bribes and
Gratuities; in which lie was ſo ſtrict, that when Arabinus, a Perſon accus'd of
Bribery,came to pay him his Reſpects, he cry'd out in a violent Paſſion, Ara-
binus not only lives, but takes me for ſuch a ſenſeleſs Prince, as to appear in my
Preſence. He banilh’d one of his Secretaries for forging a Bill in his
Council, and caus'd the Sinews of his Fingers to be cut through, that he
might never be able to write after. And becauſe the Corruptions of
publick Officers were of ſuch dangerous Conſequence, he often declar'd,
That ſince their Truſts were so great, in moſt caſes, the Loſs of their
Places w.is an inſufficient Puniſhment, that nothing could recompence for
ſuch Miſchiefs, but the Loſs of their Lives. Accordingly, he commanded
one of his Servants, who had received a hundred Crowns of a Soldier
for a Bribe, to be hang’d in the High-way, where his Servants common-
ly paſs’d to his Houſes out of the City. Nor would he ſpare his chief
Favourite Turinus, who for taking Money for a Place, and not perform-
ing his Part in it, was adjudgʻd by him to be bound to a Stake in the
main Forum, and to be ſmother'd to Death with the Smoke of
green
Wood
and wet Stubble, the Publick Crier in the mean time proclaiming, He who
fold Smoke, dies by Smoke. By theſe Acts of Juſtice, as well as many a
thers of Mercy and Generoſity, he gain'd the Affection and Admiration of
all Men..
His Religion Amidſt ſo many Virtues and Excellencies, this Emperor could not want
to Christiani a proportionable Degree of Religion, which was really Pagan, but not lo
per-
er.
Chap. IV.
389
ALEXANDER the 24tb kom. Emp.
pernicious to the true Religion as that of Antoninus 'Philofophus ; for by
means of his Mother Mamæa, he ſhew'd a particular Eſteem for Chriſtiania
ty, and had the Images of Abraham and feſus Chriſt in his Cloſet, where
he perform’d his daily Devotions; but as a blind Man, without full Knoita
ledge, he plac'd Chriſt among Orpheus, Apollonius Tianæus, and his other
Deities. Tho' Alexander did not believe in Jeſus Chriſt as a Saviour, yet
he reverenc'd him as a Law.giver, whoſe Inſtitutions excelld all thoſe of
the Gentile Philoſophers. That Command, on which all the Law and the
Prophets depend, DO NOT THAT TO ANOTHER, WHICH YOU
WOULD NOT HAVE ANOTHER DO TO YOU, he was to fond of, that
when he puniſh'dany Man for Acts of Injuſtice, the Crier was commanded
publickly to pronounce it in the Court, and that it might be the more regar-
ded, he order'd it to be inſcrib'd upon his Palace, his Courts of Judicature,
and his publick Works and Buildings. He had ſuch a good Opinion of
Chriſtianity, that he once deſign’d.to erect a Temple to JESUS CHRIST
in particular ; but his Soothlayers hinder'd him by giving, a Reaſon,
which coming from a Pagan Author, is a noble Character of the Chriſtian
Faith, "That if the Chriſtians were ever publickly allow'd to have Teinples
' of their own, the Temples of the Roman Deities would be forſaken, and
the Empire would ſoon embrace Chriſtianity. Tho' this linder'd the Em-
peror from building Churches to the Honour of Jeſus Chriſt, he was not
willing that any already built ſhould be pulld down. For when the Company
of Victuallers complain'd that the Chriſtians had built a Church upon a
Piece of waſte Ground, which they claim'd for themſelves, he deny'd
their Petition, deciding the Matter by his Reſcript in theſe Words ; It is
better that God be there worſhipped in any manner, than that the Place
ſhould be put to ſuch Uſes as they deſign’d it for. The greateſt Part of his
Family were converted, and the Chriſtians enjoy'd perfect Tranquillity du-
Eslet. ring his Reign; in which Reign, it is moſtly believ'd, the Chriſtians began
firſt to build their Churches in publick, and in the View of the People and
Magiſtrates.
In the firſt Year of the Emperor's Reign, Hippolytus a celebrated Biſhop Hippolytus
in Arabia, and afterwards a Martyr, finiſh'd his remarkable Treatiſe con- cal uniten!
cerning Eaſter, wherein he gave a kind of a Clironicle to the firſt Year of
Alexander, and alſo a Paſchal Cycle for ſixteen Years. This Author was
eminent for ſeveral Pieces, as particularly one concerning Antichriſt, one
concerning the Reſurrection, and one againſt all Herehes; but for none more
than his Commentaries upon the Holy Scriptures. Theſe are ſaid to have A. D.223.
given Occaſion to the great Origen to do the like, being particularly exci- Alexan. :
ted by his dear Friend Ambroſius, who not only importun'd him, but alſo
furniſh'd him with all Conveniencies neceſſary for ſuch a Labour ; allow-
ing him beſides his Maintenance, ſeven Notaries, and ſometimes more, to
attend upon him, who by Turns might take from his Mouth what he di- Origen writes
&tated, and as many Tranſcribers, beſides Virgins employ'd for that pur- upone la sering
poſe, who copy'd out fair what the others had haſtily written. His Indu- ptures
.
ſtry and Diligence in theſe Studies were incredible, few Parts of the Bible
eſcaping his narrow and critical Re-ſearches; wherein he attain'd to ſo
admirable an Accuracy and Perfection, that St. Ferom himſelf, who was
not always civil to his Memory, profeſt, he could have been ſatisfied to
have born that Load of Envy caſt upon his Name, provided he had with
it hiš Skill and Knowledge in the Scriptures. About theſe Times, and the A. D. 224.
ſecond Year of Alexander, Caliſtus Biſhop of Rome, after he had held that Alexan.
Dignity about five years, was martyr'd in the City, undoubtedly without
the Emperor's Knowledge. He was ſucceeded by Urbanus, a Roman, and
Son of Pontianus, who continu'd in thc See about eight Years, and Rome
30
Urban the
16th Biſhop of
.
was
3.90
Cent. III. ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. Book III.
.
chais.
fends Philofo- a
was the fixteenth Biſhop of Rome, after the Apoſtles St. Peter: 1 and
St. Paul,
A. D. 22". V. For the space of two or three Years we find very little, either of
Alexan. á. Eccleſiaſtical or the Roman Affairs. The Principal relates to the indefati-
Euſebi
phy. of Philoſophy as well as Divinity, now wrote in Defence of his Philoſophi-
cal Studies, as well from the Uſefulneſs of them, as from the Examples
of Pantænus and Heraclas, now á Presbyter in Alexandria. But his
Philoſophical and unbounded Genius often tranſported him too far in his
Writings, and made him afterwards advance ſeveral extravagant Notions;
not to ſay dangerous Errors; which made greater Noiſe in the Church
A.D. 228.than any thing lince the Beginning of Chriſtianity. In the Year 228, he
Alexan. 4. was ſent by his Biſhop Demetrius from Alexandria into Achaia in Greece,
He goes 10 A- which was then diſturb’d with divers Hereſies that over-ran the Churches
in thoſe Parts. He ſtaid a conſiderable Time at Athens, where, as Epipha-
mins tells us, lie frequented the Schools of the Philoſophers, and conversd
with the Sages of that City. At Nicopolis near Altium, he found a new
Verſion of the the old Teſtament into Greek, which was done by ſome
unknown Few, and was the fifth Greek Verſion of the old Teſtament ſince
our Saviour's Nativity. Origen afterwards joining this with the Verſion
found at Jericho 11 Years before, and adding them to his Work callid Te-
trapla, mention'd 4.D. 214. he compos’d his. Hexapla and his. Ołtapla;
which was a Bible conſiſting of all the Greek Verſions, with the Hebrew
Text in two diſtinct Characters, and all plac’d in different Columns : A
noble Work, and of great Uſe. In this Journey to Achaia, as he paſs'd
At Paleſine through Paleſtine, he took Cæfarea in his Way, where producing his Let-
he is ordain'd ters of Recommendation from Demetrius, he was ordain'd Presbyter by
Presbyter.
Alexander Biſhop of Jeruſalemt, and Theoctiſtus of Cæfarea, he being now
13 Years of Age. Tho'this was intirely-the Act of theſe two excellent Bi-
Thops, who delign’d only to add Authority to his Embaſſy, yet the Thing
was highly reſented by his Dioceſan Demetrius, who envying his mighty
Demetrius Reputation, declar'd it was an Affront to his Juriſdiction, and a Contempt
Tolonis ir
of his Power ; and that he might not want Pretences, he condemn'd him
now for the unnatural Action committed in his Ycuth, ſeverely reflecting
upon the Biſhop who ordain’d him. However, Origen return'd peaceably
to Alexandria, where he continu'd his Commentaries upon the Holy Scri-
ptures. It was then that he publiſh'd his five Books of Commentaries upon
the Goſpel of St. John, eight Books upon Geneſis, Commentaries upon the
firſt five and twenty Pſalms, and upon the Lamentations of Jeremiah, his
Books de Principiis, and his Stromata.
In the ſame Year that Origen was ordain'd Prieſt, Philetus Biſhop of An-
tioch dy'd, after he had held that Dignity 10 or 11 Years ; and was ſuc-
Zebinus the ceeded by one Zebinus or Zebennus, who continu'd in the See about ninę
of Anrioch. Years, and was the eleventh Biſhop of Antioch after the Apoſtles. In
the ſame Year at Rome there hapned a dangerous and bloody Conceſt be-
tween the Emperor's Guards and the Citizens of Rome, upon the Account Diez.
of that renown'd Civilian Ulpian, who being Commander of the Guards,
vigorouſly endeavour'd to reform their many Corruptions; but the Sol-
diers growing too powerfnl, not only forc'd the Citizens to a Compliance
Ulpian fosin by Fire, but purſu'd Ulpian into the Palace, and flew him in the Preſence of
the Emperor and his Mother; which put an End to the Conteſt. This Ul-
pian was chief Counſellor to the Emperor, and wrote many excellent
Books upon ſeveral Subjects in the Law, out of which there are noble
Excerpta Nill preſerv'd in the Digeſts. In the following Year the celebra-
ted
!! Reme.
Chap IV.
391
ALEXANDER the 25ıb Roni. Emp.
us writes bis
Eisleb.
e'
excommunis.3-
ted Dion Caſſius, having been Proconſul of Africk for a few Years, and A. D. 229.
now a ſecond Time Conſul, retir’d himſelf into the Province of Bithynia, Alexan. 1.
where he wrote that great and excellent Work of his, the Roman Hiſtory, of Dion Caffi-
which we have a conſiderable Part ſtill remaining, and which ſufficiently Hilor).
ſhews the extraordinary Abilities of the Author.
All this while - Demetrius Biſhop of Alexandria was not appeas’d, but con- A.D. .230.
ferom. tinu'd to perſecute Origen; and in a Council which he aſſembld in the A.D.
.231.
tenth Year of Alexander's Reign, it was ordain'd that Origen ſhould quit Alex. 7:
Alexandria ; that he ſhould neither be permitted to teach or live there any demontering
longer ; but that nevertheleſs he ſhould not be depriv'd of his Dignity Council.
of Prieſthood. Origen being thus baniſh'd from Alexandria, reſignd the
Government of his Catechetical School to his Colleague Heraclas, and
retir’d to Cæfarea in Paleſtine, his ordinary Place of Refuge, where he
was generouſly receiv'd by his Patron Tbeoctiſtus Biſhop of that City, and
Alexander Biſhop of Jeruſalem, who undertook to defend him, comiſſi-
on’d him publickly to expound the Scriptures, and heard him as if he had
been their Mafler. But Demetrius being not ſatisfy'd with the firſt Judg-
ment againſt Origen, accus’d him of Heretical Principles in a ſecond Coun-
cil of the Biſhops of Ægypt, and having caus’d him to be depriv'd of In a fecond
His Prieſthood, and even to be excommnunicated, he wrote at the ſame Council he is
time to all Parts againſt him, to procure his being excluded the Commu-degraded and
nion of the Catholick Church. For when once a Prieſt was depos'd and ecd.
excommunicated by his Billiop, with the Conſent of the Biſhops of the
Province, he cou'd not be admitted into any Church. So that it is no
Wonder if all the Biſhops in the World, except thoſe of Paleſtine, Arabia,
P'sænicia, and Achaia, who were intimately acquainted with Origen, ſhould
conſent to his Condemnation; and if the Biſhop of Rome it ſelf,having aſſem-
bl’d his Clergy againſt him, did condemn him after the Example of his own
Biſhop. Nevertheſs Origen found ſeveral Protectors, eſpecially in Paleſtine, He nospieka
where he continu'd to explain the Scriptures at Cæfaria as formerly at Alex- ſtanding finai
andria, with ſo great a Reputation, that all ſorts of Perſons, not only from many Friends.
that Province, but even from remote Countries, came to be his Diſciples.
The moſt famous were Gregory, afterwards ſurnamed Thaumaturgus, and his
Brother Athenodorus, who afterwards returning to their own Countrey
Pontus, both became Biſhops, and prov'd eminent Lights and Governors of
the Church. Firmilian, afterwards Biſhop of Cæſarea in Cappadocia, was
another; who had ſo great an Eſteem for him, that he ſometimes engag’d
him to come over into his Province for Edification of the Churches in
thoſe Parts, and other times went into Paleſtine to viſit him, and to perfect
hinſelf by his Society and Converſation. His Enemy Demetrius liv'd not
long after he had excommunicated him, but dy'd in the fame Year after he
had held this Dignity 43 Years; and was ſucceeded by Heraclas, to whom fleraclas skie
Origen had left his School, who continu'd in this See about ſixteen 13th Bishop of
Years, and was the twelfth Biſhop of Alexandria, after the Evan- Alexandria.
geliſt St. Mark. Heraclas left the Care of his Catechetical School to
an eminent Prieſt call’d Dionyſius ; and tho’ both theſe were Scho-
lars and Friends of Origen, which caus’d the Heat againſt him to abate,
yet he was always look'd upon as an excommunicated Perſon by the
Ægyptians, and the Sentence of Demetrius continu'd under his Suc-
cellors. In tliis Retirement Origen compos'd his Hexapla and Oitapla;
went on with his Commentaries upon St. John, and began fome upon Eze-
kieland Iſaiah.
About the time of Origen's Retirement from Alexandria, it is believ'd
The Council of
that the Council of Iconium was calld, which Euſebius briely mentions
in his 7th Book and 7th Chapter. This was allembl’d to determine a
Con-
.
Iconiun.
392
Book III.
Cent. III.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
Talını:d ben
47.
Alexander
Artaxerxes.
.
Controverſie .concerning the Validity of that Baptiſm that was admini-
ſred by the Montaniſts or Cataphrigians ; and therein it was reſolv’d, That
all Baptiſin adminiſtred out of the Church was to be rejected, as had
been done before in Cappadocia by immemorial Cuſtom. All that we
know further of this Council, is, that there were many Biſhops at it
from Cappadocia, Galatia, Cilicia, and the neighbouring Provinces ;
and that Firmilian Biſhop of Cappadocia; was none of the leaſt eminent
A.D. 232. among them. In the following Year, and tenth of Alexander, Urbanus
Alex. i. Biſhop of Rome dy'd, by Martyrdom, as it's commonly believ'd, after he
had held that Dignity about eight Years ; and was ſucceeded by Pon-
Pontianus, tianus a Rorian; and Son of Calphurnius, who continu'd in the See a-
Svep of Rome. bout five Years, and was the ſeventeenth Biſhop of Rome after the Apoſtles
St. Peter and St. Paul. In the ſame Year, 162 Years after the Deſtructi-
The Jeruſalem
on of Jeruſalem, according the Rabbins, the Jeruſalem Talmud was begun
and compos'd by R. Jochanan; which is a confus'd Heap of the extrava-
gant and the wild Notions, Cuſtoms, and Traditions of the Jews in thoſe
Times But it is fo obſcure, that the Jews of latter Times could make
but little uſe of it ; ſo that when they cite the Talmud, they ordinarily
mean that of Babylon, written above three hundred Years after,
and when they would denote the other, they add the Title Jeru-
ſalem.
Alexander having now reign'd about ten Years, to the general Satiſ- Lampi
goes agairf faction of all Men, was alarm’d by the Progreſs of Artaxerxes in the
Eaſt, who having conquer'd Parthia, and reſtor'd the Perhan Empire,
began to invade the Roman Dominions. This caus'd Alexander to make
all neceſſary Preparations to oppoſe this new Conqueror, and to go in
Perſon againſt himn; in which Expedition he obſerv'd the greateſt Regu-
larity and Difcipline, maintaining luch Order and Juſtice, and puniſhing
Outrages and Miſdemeanors with ſuch Prudence and Severity, that his
His excelles Camp ſeem'd a well-governd City, and a Sight of his Army was ſufficient
Diſcipline. to give an Idea of the Grandeur of the Roman Empire. He was exceeding
careful, that no Soldier ſhould defraud another; ſo that if
any Colonel or
Captain detain’d the leaſt Part of his Mens Allowance, he was condemn'd
to inevitable Death; and once le diſcarded a whole Legion at a time, ne-
ver fcaring any Mutincers, becauſe he knew they could object nothing a-
gainſt his Life and Management. If any of his Soldiers in their March
near Gardens and Orchards, treſpaſs’d upon the Owners, he commanded
them to beaten with Rods of Iron ; or if the Dignity of the Perſon ex-
empted him from ſuch a Puniſhment, he publickly reprimanded him, and
putting him in mind of the Chriſtians Maxim, would ſolemnly ask him, If
he would willingly have been ſo ſerved in his own Eſtate? By theſe Methods,
and his innumerable Acts of Kindneſs and Condeſcenſion, with his tender
Regard to the meaneſt of the Sick and wounded, he was infinitely valu'd
and admir'd both by his own Soldiers and all the Countries through which
A.D. 233. he paſs’d. In this manner Alexander advanc'd againſt the Perſians; and du-
Alex. i. ring the time of the War, there paſs’d many remarkable Skirmiſhes, till
at length both Parties gathering together all their Forces, reſolv'd to come
His Succeſs. to a general Battel; in which Alexander, by his Management, gain'd one
of the greateſt Victories that ever was known in the Empire, Artaxerxes
with great Difficulty eſcaping with Life. There were ſlain in this Battel
10000 Horſemen, Foot-Men without Number, 200 Elephants, and 300
taken, as alſo 1000 armed Chariots, and an infinite Number of Priſoners
of all Ranks and Qualities, as is evident from the Account which Alex-
ander gave to the Senate after his Return to Rome. Tho' Herodian, who
hated both him and his Mother for favouring Chriſtianity, has given a dif-
ferent
Chap V.
393
MAXIMINUS the 26th Rom. Emp.
Limp.
&c.
ferent and detracting Account of theſe Wars. After this happy Victory,
the Emperor without Reſiſtance, recover'd all thole Countries that Artax-
erxes had taken from the Romans; and paſſing through the Body of NL:ſo-
potamia, he enlarg’d the Bounds of the Empire, took the Cities Cteſiphon and
Babylon, ſubdu'd Part of Arabia, and then return'd to Antioch in Syria.
Having eſtabliſh'd Peace in the Eaſt, he return’d to Rome, where he tri- A.D. 23.4.
umph'd on September 25. with great Solemnity. His Charior was drawn Alex. i.
by four Elephants, and the whole Senate, Knights and People, with an His Triumph.
infinite Throng of Women and Children, attended him from the Capitol
to the Palace, crying, Now Roine is ſafe, fince Alexander is fafe! The fol-
lowing Day was ſpent in the Games of the Cirque, and the Diverſions of
the Stage ; at which Time the Empercr gave a Largeſs to the People, and
eſtabliſhd Penſions for the Maintenance of poor Children, in Imitation of
the: Antoninus's, calling them by the Name of Mamæans, in Honour of
his Mother Mamæa.
This excellent Emperor continu'd but a ſhort Time in Rome, before he was
Herod. diſturb’d by the Revolt of the Germans, who joining with other Northern
He goes against
Nations, had paſs’d the Rhine and the Danube, with ſuch Fury and Num- the Germans.
bers, that all Italy was in a great Confternation. Upon Notice of which,
Alexander made what Levies he could, and to the mighty Regret of the
whole City, went in Perſon to ſtem this furious Torrent. Tho' the Em-
peror niet with mucha Succeſs againſt theſe barbarous Nations, yet he met
with more barbarous Uſage from the ſtanding Legions encamp'd about
Moguntia or Mentz; which had been abominably corrupted in the Reign
of Elagabalus, and ever ſince train'd up in all kinds of Rapines and Diſor-
ders. Alexander could neither endure their inſolent Outrages, nor they
his regular Diſcipline ; but more eſpecially they exclaim'd againſt the ex-
ceeding Penuriouſneſs of his Mother Mamæa, who was then, as at other
times, with him in the Camp. Theſe Inſolencies increaſing on one Side,
and the Emperor's Strictneſs on the other, the Soldiers being excited by a
famous old 'Soldier callid Maximinus, reſolv'd upon his Death ; which they
ſhortly after effected in his Tent, together with that of his Mother Mamæa.
He is pairi.
Thus dy'd this admirable Prince, by the Hands of a profligate and irreclaim-
able Army, to the infinite Grief of the Romair People ; who not only dei-
fy'd him, and beſtow'd a moſt magnificent Funeral upon him, but alſo
appointed that his Birth day ſhould be kept very religiouſly, and it was
obſerv'd for many years after. Alexander dy'd on the 19th Day of
March, under the Conſullhips of Severus and Quintianus, being about
twenty nine Years of Age, and having reign'd thirteen Years and
nine Days.
VI. Upon the Death of Alexander, the Soldiers made choice of
Maximinus, who had been the chief Promoter of the Murder, and ſwore
MAXI-
him Emperor. Maximinus immediately join'd his Son Maximus with
MINUS
him, allowing him equal Power and Authority ; but the Senate and
People of Rome utterly refuſed to confirm their Election, and continu'd man Emperor.
in that Reſolution; ſo that Maximinus was the firſt Roman Emperor, to
whom Hiſtorians give that Title, who was elected without the Conſent
of the Senate. Maximinus was now 62 Years of Age, a Perſon of the
meaneit Extraction, barbarous by Deſcent, ſprung froin a Goth and A-
Lane, who from a poor Herdſman of Thrace, by his monſtrous Stature,
prodigious Strength, and brutiſh Valour, gain’d ſeveral military Pofts, and
at length the Empire of the World. He was eight foot and an half His monftrc:us
in Height ; hiad Joints ſo large, that his Wife's Bracelet would ſerve hiin
for a Thumb-Ring; a Stomach ſo ſtrong, that he ordinarily eat 40 Pounds
D dd
of
+
Cizpit.
Herid.
A.D. 235.
The 26th Ro-
Stasure and
Timper.
394 Cent. III.
Book III
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
..
1
of Fleſh, and drunk fix Gallons of Wine ; and a Strength ſo extraordinary,
that he was able to turn and draw loaden Wains,' to ſtrike out a Horſe's
Teeth with his Fiſt, kill him with a Kick, and cleave young Trees with
his Hands. Beſides, he was of a Temper ſo bold and couragious, ſo fierce
and preſumptuous, that relying upon his vaſt Bulk and Strength, he nei-
ther fear'd nor regarded any Man in the World. So that Capitolinus tru-
ly ſaid of him, 'Never did a more cruel Beaſt tread upon the Earth. See-
ing himſelf advanc'd to ſo high a Station, he immediately ſhew'd the utmoſt
Extent of his Authority; and firſt he put to Death all ſuch as had been
intimate with Alexander, and then baniſh'd an infinite Number of others,
not allowing any Commander or Senator that had been advanc'd by him.
And becauſe he was much afham'd of the Meanneſs of his Extract, he com-
manded all ſuch as well knew him and his parents to be Nain ; tho many
of them had reliev'd both him and his parents in the Time of their low
Condition. He commanded many of the moſt illuſtrious Perſons of Rome
to be ſain, ſo that the Senate and people ſtood in great Fear of him, being
ready to tremble at his Name; and both Men and Women made ſolemn
Vows and Prayers to their Gods, That he might never fet Foot in their
City,
Conspiracies
In a ſhort time the inſupportable Behaviour of this Tyrant caus’d Magnus
againſt him.
a Conſular Perſon, to conſpire with many of Alexander's old Soldiers, and
fome others, to break down a Bridge as ſoon as Maximinus had paſs'd it,
and abandon him to the Enemy. But this was ſoon diſcover'd; tho' ſome
think the whole Project was invented by Maximinus, to colour over his
Cruelties, which he executed to ſo high a Degree, that he caus'd above
4000 to be ſain, upon prétence of their being concern'd in this Treaſon.
Shortly after, a great Number of Alexander's old Soldiers mutined; and
withdrawing themſelves from the Camp, proclaim'd one. Quartianus or
Ticus, for Emperor, who had lately been remov'd from his Charge. The
Soldiers conſtrain'd him to accept of the Empire, which he upon ſufficient
Grounds refus'd; for Macedonius, who had been the chief Promoter of his
Advancement, within a few Days after murder'd him in his Bed, and carried
his Head to Maximinus, who firſt kindly receivd him, and then put him to
a cruel Death, puniſhing him for his Treaſon to his Sovereign, and his
Treachery to his friend. With theſe Succeſſes the Cruelty and Tyranny of
Maximinus encreaſed; but ſhortly after he was diverted by his Wars againſt
His Succeſſes. the Germans, whom he overthrew in ſeveral Battels, waſted all theirCountrey
with Fire and Sword for above 400 Miles together, and threatned to ſubdue
all the Northern Nations as far as the Ocean ;and had his general Carriage
been anſwerable to his Courage, he might probably have enjoy'd. Time and
Opportunity to have perform'd all. In the Time of theſe Wars began the
Sixth Perlecution of the Church, after it had enjoyed about 24 Years Reſt,
from the End of the Fifth, under Severus and Caracalla.
$
CHAP
A
Chap. V.
3.95
MAXIMINUS the 26th Rom. Emp.
CHA P. V.
:
From tbe Beginning of the Sixth general Perſecution of the Church,
to the End of the Seventh, begun and ended under the Emperor's
Decius and Gallus.
Containing the space of about 18 Years.
The Sixth General PERSECUTION. .
Esfeb.
&c.
N the midſt of ſo much Cruelty and Bloodthed, it is no won. A. D. 235.
der if the Emperor Maximinus ſet himſelf to perſecute the Maxim. I.
Chriſtians , eſpecially ſince they had met with ſo much Favour from his
Predeceſſor. This is generally call’d The Sixth general Perſecution ; tho' Sulpi-
tius Severus admits not this into the Number, and therefore makes no more
than nine Pagan Perfecutions, reſerving the Tenth for the Times of
Antichriſt. But Euſebius expreſsly affirms, that Maximinus ſtirrid up a
Perſecution againſt the Chriſtians, and that out of Hatred to his Prede-
ceffor, in whoſe Family many Chriſtians had found Shelter and Patronage ;
but that it was almoſt wholly levell d againſt the Biſhops and Miniſters of
the Church, as the prime Pillars and Propagators of Chriſtianity. Whence
Firmilian, Biſhop of Cappadocia, in his Letter to St. Cyprian, ſays of it,
That it was not a general, but a local Perſecution, that ragʻd in ſome par-
ticular Places, and eſpecially in that Province where he liv'd, Serenianus the
Prefident driving the Chriſtians put of all thoſe Countreys. He adds, that
many dreadful Earthquakes happening in thale Parts, whereby whole Ci-
ties and Towns were ſwallow'd up, much increas'd the Perfecution ; it be-
ing uſual with the Pagans, if a Famine or Peſtilence, an Earthquake or le-
undation happen'd, immediately to turn their Rage againſt the Chriſtians,
concluding them the Caufers of thoſe Calamities. And this Origen meant
when he tells us in his Homilies, that he knew fome Places overturn'd with
Earthquakes, the Cauſe whereof, the Heather caſt upon the Chriſtians,
for which their Churches were burnt to the Ground; and that not only the
Common People, but the wiſer fort among them, did not ſtick openly to af-
firin, That theſe Things came for the ſake of the Chriſtians. About the
Beginnining of this perſecution the Emperor Maximinus and his Son exhi-
bited ſome magnificent Sports, and gave a Donative to the Soldiers, which
whoever receiv'd, was oblig'd to come up to the Tribune with a Laurel
Crown
upon his Head. Among theſe Soldiers, a Chriſtian, more ſcrupu-
lous than ordinary, brought his Crown in his Hand; and being ask'd ths
Reaſon of his not wearing it upon his Head, made Anſwer, That he could not
becauſe he was a Chriſtian. Upon which, he was publickly accus’d, ſtript
of all his military Ornaments, moſt cruelly ſcourg’d, and then caſt into
Priſon, bourly expecting Martyrdom. The reſt of the Chriſtian Soldiers
took Offence at his over-nice Singularity, as giving tlie common Enemy
too juſt a Provocation to vent their Rage againſt them. But this Action
coming to the Ears of Tertullian, now old and more rigid than ever, he
immediately ſet about to defend this Soldier, and wrote his Book De Coronâ Tertulan
Militis
, wherein he extoll’d the Act as an heroick Piece of Zeal and Chri-
Ntian Magnanimity, not only lawful and warrantable, but honourable,
juſt and neceſſary, and with an Air of, mighty Alſurance inaintain'd, that
Ddd 2
it
writos de Co-
roni, &c.
395 Cent. III.
Book Ill.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTOR
.
<
Origans ,
Rome
‘it was abſolutely prohibited to the Chriſtians to crown themſelves, and
even to bear Arms. Shortly after, he wrote his Book concerning Flight
in time of Perſecution, which is a further Mark of the extream Rigour of
Tertullian : for there he poſitively maintain’d “That Chriſtians were ab-
ſolutely prohibited to fly in Time of Perſecution, or ſo much as to give
'any Money not to be perſecuted.
A. D.236. Tho'this Perſecution was very ſevere in ſome Places, yet we have the Euſeb.
Maxim. . Namcs but of a few Martyrs. The chief of them was Pontianas, who
after he had been about five Years Biſhop of Rome, for his free reproving
the Roman Idolatry, was banith'd into the Illand Sardinia, where he thort-
Anteros the ly after dy'd or was ſlain. He was ſucceeded by Arteros a Grecian, the
18th Bijhop of Son of Romulus, who by his extraordinary Care in collecting the Acts of
the Martyrs, exaſperated the Government, and it is ſaid, caus'd himſelf to
be made a Martyr, after he had held this Dignity forty Days. After his
Deceaſe, Euſebius informs us, that when many were Competitors for this
See, a Roman called Fabian, coming out of the Countrey by Charce into
the Aſſembly, by means of the Deſcent of a Dove upon his Head, was u-
Fabian the nanimouſly choſen Biſhop; the People looking upon that unuſual Acci-
Keth Bishop of dent as the particular Direction of Heaven. He held this Dignity for about
14 Years, and was the 19th Biſhop of Rome after the Apoſtles St. Peter and
St. Paul. About the ſame time Origen was very induſtrious in ſupporting
Mens Spirits againſt the Miſchiefs of Perſecution, and underſtanding that
his dear friend Ambroſius and Protočtetus, Presbyter of Cæſarea, had been
brought before the Emperor, and undergone Impriſonment for their noble
Origen writes Confeſſion of the Faith, he wrote his Piece concerning Martyrdom, 'di-
of Martyrdom, ' recting it immediately to them, and exhorting them not only to part
from Cæfarea.' from all their Eſtates, but even their Lives for the ſake of Jeſus Chrift.
Nevertheleſs, contrary to the Notions of Tertullian, he conceald himſelf
during this Perſecution, and retir'd for ſome time to the City of Aibens,
where he finiſh'd his Commentaries upon Ezekiel, and proceeded with his
Commentaries upon the Song of Solomon, which he finilh'd when he return'd
to Cæfarea, from whence he went afterwards to Cæfare. in Cappadocia,
where he remain'd for ſome Space with Firmilian, who invited him thither.
During this Retirement of Origen, Zebinus Biſhop of Antioch dy'd, after
A. D.237. he had held that Dignity about nine Years; and was ſucceeded by the fa-
Maxim. š. mous Babylas, a brave and prudent Pilot, who in the midit of the greateit
Babylas the Storms guided that Church about 13 Years together, and was the 12th Bi-
12th Bijhop of
ſhop of Antioch after the Apoſtles.
And now the Church of God again found Reſt; which was occaſioned her:
more by the Confuſions that were in the Empire, than the Diſpoſition of
the Governors. For moſt of the Provinces groaning under the Burden of
a Tyrant, Africk firſt ihew'd its Deteſtation of him, and ſet up an emi-
nent old Man near 80 Years of Age, nam'd Gordian, then Procontul of the
Province, who together with his Son Gordian, were immediately confirm'd in
The Gordians the Empire by the Roman Senate,and Maximinus and his Son declar'd Enemies
proclaim'd
and Rebels to the State. This was ſucceeded by many Exccutions and Cruel-
in Rome againſt the Friends of Maximinus, and Orders were given to re-
move all his Governors, which were obſerved in moſt Provinces; but as
in ſome the Governors were ſlain, ſo in others the Senate's Meſſengers ; ſo that
there was Blood thed in all Parts, and the Crueltics of Maximinus made all
Men cruel. Gordian was proclaim'd in the Middle of May; but before he
had enjoy'd his Empire two Months, Capelianus Governor of Numidia,
joyning with Maximinus's Intereſt, march'd againit his Son, overthrew him,
and flew liim; which occaſion'd the poor old Emperor to end his Life iitli
his Girdle. In the mean time Maximinus was coming againſt Rome, like a
Antioch.
Cup
Emperors.
Analiz:::.
12
Chap V.
97
MAXIMINUS the 26tb Ruin. Emp.
raging Lion, breathing out Deſtruction to all Oppoſers, which causd the
Senate to meet with great Solemnity at the Temple of fupiter, and on
the 9th of July, they choſe two worthy Commanders, nam’d Maximus
and Balbinus, and made them Emperors conjointly. This Election was
ſucceeded by new Miſchiefs in Rome ; for the Arrival of ſome Spies from
Maximinus, rais’d ſuch Tumults and Conteſts between the Prætorian Sol-
diers and the Citizens, that after ſeveral Atracks, Slaughters and Cruelties,
the City it ſelf was ſet on fire by the Soldiers, and a great Part of it con-
ſumed. The Roman Empire allo felt the Vengeance of Heaven for the
Blood of the Chriſtians ; for during this Reign, neither the City of Rome,
ner the Provinces, were free from Wars, Tumults, Murders, Robberies,
and all manner of Calamities. In the Beginning of the Year 238, Maxi-
minus croſs’d the Alps into Italy, and beſiegʻd Aquileja, where he met with
an unexpected Oppoſition, and many Difficulties and Diſappointments. Here
his Cruelties and Mil-inanagements render’d him both odious and deſpica-
ble, infomuch that his own Soldiers at length ſet upon him in his Tent, and Maximinus
New both him and his Son, ſent their Heads to the Senate at Rome, and au: bis Son
left their Bodies to be devour'd by Dogs and Birds of Prey. This was the
deferv'd End of an Uſurper, Tyrant and Perfecutor, who dy'd in the End
of the Month March, under the Conſulſhips of Ulpius and Pontianus, be-
ing about 65 Years of Age, and having reigo'd, or rather continu'd in his
Uſurpation, three Years and a few Days,
Herede II. Upon the Death of Maximinus and his Son, Maximus and Balbinus
A.D. 238.
continu'd Emperors without Contradiction, having been created by the
MAX.
Senate above nine Months before. They began their Reign with a happy and BAL.
Eſtabliſhment of Peace in the Empire, govern'd all things well and wiſely, The 27th
made ſeveral good Ordinances, and gain'd the Love of all Men in general. Rom. Esp.
Only the Prætorian Soldiers were highly affronted at the Manner of their
Election, as being made by the Senate without their Concurrence ; and find-
ing themſelves in danger of loing their darling Power of making Empe-
rors, they foon reſolv'd upon the Death of theſe Perſons. Yet still they
might have ſecured themſelves by the Help of the Citizens and their new
German Guards, had not their own private Jealouſies made way for their
Ruin; which notwithſtanding their Age and Experience, gain'd ſuch an
Alcendant upon their Minds, that they kept their diſtinct Guards, and in
a manner ſtood upon their Defence againſt each other. The Prætorian Sol-
diers ſoon made their Advantage of theſe Diviſions, and at a Time when
the Capitoline Games were celebrated in Rome, and the Emperors weakly
guarded, they enter'd the Palace with great Fury, diveſted the Emperors of
their Robes, and hald them like two Criminals through the midit of the
City towards the Camp. But underſtanding that a conſiderable Force was
haftning after them to their Reſcue, to put an end to all further Conteſts,
they ſlew them both, and left their Bodies in the Streets. This hapned They are sain.
upon the 15th Day of July, theſe Emperors having reign'd a Year and lix
Days, lince their firſt Creation by the Senate, and but a little above three
Months from the Death of the laſt Emperor Maximinus.
Capisod.
The Soldiers, after they had committed this Murder, by Accident met
with young Gordian, Grandſon to the old Emperor of that Name, whom GORDI-
they immediately faluted by the Title of Auguſtus and Emperor, and ac- AN,
cordingly proclaim'd him. Being thus choſen by the Prætorian Soldiers, The 28th
the Senate and People, ſeeing no Remedy againſt their pretended Autho-
rity, readily confirm’d theix Election ; for he was generally belov'd in the
City, upon the Account of the Memory of the two former Gordians; And
from
Roman Emo
peror
398
Book III.
8
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
Cent. III.
nor.
Eufeb.
&c.
farea.
gave
!
6
And from this Election, there enſu'd an amicable Correſpondence between
the Soldiers and Citizens. Gordian was now but thirteen or fourteen Years
of Age, but of an ancient and illuſtrious Family; of a very ſweet and doci-
ble Difpofition, and ſo ſtudious and given to Learning, that we are aſſur'd
that he had 62000 Books in his Library. He ſo much follow'd the Coun-
cils of wiſe and worthy Men, that tho' he was naturally inclinable to Vice
and Senſuality, they ſoon form’d him into an excellent Prince and Gover-
He wanted no Qualification of a Governor, but Age ; and by his
mild and prudent Behaviour he ſo much gain’d the Affections of all Men,
that the Soldiers calld him their Child, the Senate their Son, and the Peo-
ple their foy and Delight.
The Church was free from Perſecution in all this and the ſucceeding
Reign, which gave an Opportunity to Pope Fabian to re-gain the Chriſtian G. Mis
Cæmeteries, and to make a Collection of the Acts of the Martyrs, accor-
ding to the Deſign of his Predeceſſor Anteros. Theſe Times alſo gave an
Origen re Opportunity to Origen to re-aſſume his School in Cæfarea in Paleſtine;
furns to Ca- about which time the famous Gregory of Neocæſarea, having been his Scho-
lar for five Years, was now re-call'd to his own Countrey, together with
his Brother Athenodorus. Gregory being to take his leave, made an excel-
lent Oration before his Maſter and a numerous Auditory, 'wherein he
‘a wonderful Character of Origen, and elegantly bewail'd his Departure
from his School, as a kind of Baniſhment out of Paradice. At his Return
to Neocæſarea, Origen follow'd him with a Letter, 'commending his ex-
'cellent Parts, able to render him either an eminent Lawyer among the
· Romans, or a renown'd Philoſopher among the Greeks,but eſpecially perſwa-
ding him to improve them to the Ends of Chriſtianity, and the Promotion
A.D.239. of Virtue and Piety. All Mens Eyes were upon him at Neocæſaren, ex-
Gordian. pecting the extraordinary Fruits of his Studies, tho' the Place was miſera-
bly overgrown with Superſtition and Idolatry ; but inſtead of anſwering
their Expectations, he retir’d to the Wilderneſs, and reſign'd himſelf up to
Solitude and Contemplation. In which Place he was miraculouſly confe-
Gregory crated Biſhop of Neocæſarea, by Phædimus Biſhop of Amaſea, a neighbour-
gus made Bir ing City. After which, he not only made great Numbers of Converts, but
ſhop of Neo- is laid to have wrought many Miracles, of which are mention’d in particu-
lar his expelling Dæmons out of a Pagan Temple, his ſtopping a dreadful
Plague by his Prayers, his drying up a Lake, and putting an End to an im-
placable Quarrel, his reſtraining the Overflowings of the River Lycus,
with ſeveral others ; upon the Account of which, he afterwards obtain'd
the Sirname of Thaumaturgus, or the Worker of Miracles. Tho' theſe are
confidently related by St. Gregory Nylen and St. Bafil, who liv'd but an hun-
dred Years after, yet they are doubred by ſeveral learned Men ; for which
Reaſon we have been the leſs particular concerning them. Yet at the ſame
time it muſt be acknowledg'd that Miracles were not then ceated, eſpecially
in Places over-run with Paganiſm, as Neocæſarea was. Not long after Gré-
Gordian-gory's Advancement in Neocæſarea, there appear'd a new Sort of Hereticks
The Valeſians in the Church, called Valeſianus, from Valefius an Arabian. They made
all their Followers Eunuchs, either by Perſwafion or force, and often did
the ſame to other Men, when they could meet with them conveniently.
They alſo maintain’d other Errors, and rejected the Law and the Prophets;
and were known in the Time of Epiphanius.
In the mean Time, the Emperor Gordian, who had reigned ſucceſsfully Capital.
about two Years, was extreamly diſturbed by Sabinianus Commander in
Africk, who proclaimed himſelf Emperor. But the Governor of Maurita-
nia, by Gordian's Order, marching againſt him, he was ſeized by his own
Men ; who by bringing him to Carthage, and delivering him into the
Hands
cæfarea.
A.D. 240.
1
Chap V.
399
GORDIAN tbe 27ıb Rom. Emp.
Gordian's
; a-
Hands of the Emperor's Officers, obtain'd Pardon for their Offence. This
Inſurrection caus'd Gordian to ſtrengthen his Intereſt ſeveral Ways, but A.D. 241.
more eſpecially by the Alliance of Miftheus the Præfect and Inſtructor, Gordian.
whom he ſo much honour'd for his great Wiſdom and Learning, that he
marry'd his Daughter, tho' but of an ordinary Family, and the Authority
and Management of this perfon added much to his Succeſs and Pro-
ſperity. The laſt Year and this were attended with ſtrange Accidents and
Calamities in
Calamities, ſuch as drove the Romans into great Fears and ſuperſtitious Pro- the Empire.
jects: The firſt was an unuſual Eclipſe of the Sun, which made Noon-Day
as dark as Midnight ; the ſecond was ſuch a terrible Earthquake, that ma-
ny Cities and Towns of the Empire were ſwallow'd up and deſtroy'd.
Theſe put the Romans upon conſulting the Books of the Sibyls, and occafi-
on’d great Number of Sacrifices not only in the City of Rome, but gene-
rally all over the World, as Capitolinus expreſſes it. Gordian having regn’d A. D.242.
four Years, was alarm'd with News from the Eaſt, that the mighty Sapores Gordian.
King of Perſia, who ſucceeded his Brother Artaxerxes, had ſucceſsfully
invaded the Roman Empire, over-run Syria, and taken and plunder'd An-
Succeffes
tioch it ſelf. Upon this Gordian caus’d the Temple of fanus to be open’d, broad.
and left Rome with a powerful Army; and marching by Land from Italy, he
firſt paſſed through Mæha, to ſtop the Progreſs of the Goths, and other
barbarous Nations which came down like a Torrent to inhabit Thrace
gainſt whom he obtain’d ſome Victories, and left thoſe Provinces in a
peaceable Condition. From thence he paſs’d over into the leſſer Aha and
Syria, where he had many Encounters with Sapores, and obtaining ſeveral
Victories, he ſoon recover'd Antioch ; and proceeding further, he took the
Cities Nihbis and Carræ from the Perſians : For Sapores being diſcou-
raged by the the firſt Battels, foon abandon'd the Roman Empire, and retir’d
into his own Countrey.
During theſe Tranſactions in the State, Beryllus Biſhop of Boſtra in Ara-
bia, broach'd fome dangerous Errors, allerting that our Saviour before his
Incarnation, had no proper Subſiſtence, no perſonal Deity, but only a de-
rivative Divinity from the Father afterwards. The Bilhops of thoſe Parts
met about it, but could not reclaim his Errors; whereupon the Alliſtance of
the great Origen was requeſted, who went from Cæfarea, and treated with
him both in private Conferences and in publick Synods. Origen's greateſt
Difficulty was to find out the true Meaning of the Perſon, which when he
had once diſcover'd he attack'd him with ſuch cogent Reaſonings and De-
Beryllus cinta
monſtrations, that he was oblig'd to quit his Hold, recant his Errors, and futed by Ori-
return back to the Church. The Records of all that paſs'd in this Affair gen.
were preſerv'd till the Time of Euſebius. After Origen was returned back
to Cæfarea, Beryllus ſhewing himſelf a true Convert, in ſeveral Letters gave
Thanks to him for his kind Pains in his Conviction, kiſſing the Hand that
thus brought him back.
And now all the good Fortune of the Emperor Gordian began to forſake A.D. 243:
him; which was occaſion’d by the ſudden Death of his father-in-law Mi-Gordian:
fatheus, and the Advancement of a valiant Arabian called Philip, into his
Places of Pretorian Præfect and General of the Army. Philip ſeeing him. Gordian des
de
ſelf ſo potent, and being ſwell’d with the Hopes of the Empire, reſolved to
venture all to obtain it; in order to which, he uſed the utmoſt Artifices and
Methods of Treachery to bring Gordian into Diſgrace with his own Sol-
diers. Which at length prov'd lo effectual, that the Soldiers by Force
made Philip his Equal in the Empire, and likewiſe gave him the Title of
his Tutour and Governor. Gordian patiently ſubmitted to this impudent
Determination, which caus'd Philip to become more inſolent and imperious,
ſo that by means of the other's Youth, and the Army's Favour, he began to
act
i
Beid.
ca
450
Book III.
Cent. III. EcclesiaSTICAL
Ecclesiastical HISTORY.
act as
,
.
Chriftian.
ſole Emperor. But Gordian being unable to endure this extravagant
Incroachinent, aíembled the Army, and openly expoftulated with his
Men concerning this ſtrange Uſage: . But Philip lo ſubtilly and ſuccef-
fully manag’d. lis Affairs, that the poor young. Emperor was diſplac'd, aban-
don'd by all, and reduc'd to that Extremity, that he ſent to entreat Philip
That he would pleaſe to allow him the Dignity of Cæfar; but that not being
granted, he then deſired to be his Prætorian Præfect: Which being like-
wife deny'd, he at laſt requeſted to be one of his Captains as long as he liv’d.
At this Petition Philip's cruel. Mind ſomewhat relented; but however af-
terwards conſidering how inuch Gordian was belov’d in moſt Parts of the
He is fill. Empire, both for his Family and Vertues, he commanded him to be ſain.
This hapned on the Borders of Perſia in the Month of March, under
the Conſullhips of Peregrinus and Æmilian, Gordian being now in the 20th
Year of his Age, and having :reign'd five Years and eight or nine
Months.
A. D. 244 III. Thus Philip ſucceeded in his Wickedneſs, and was ſo fortunate,
PHILIP, as to be acknowledg’d Emperor both by the Army and the Senate; and
The 29th Ro- he took his Son Philip, tho'but a Child of about fix or ſeven Years of Age,
man Empuxor.
for his Companion in the Empire. Julius Philippus was now about forty
Years of Age, and was by Birth an Arabian of Trachonitis, of diſhonou-
rable Parentage, his Father being a notorious. Captain of Robbers in that
Countrey. He was bred up in the Wars among the Roman Armies, from
whence he learnt Experience and Valour, and from his own Countrey
Treachery and Cruelty. Yet notwithſtanding his unjuſtifiable Actions,
supposed to be many Authors have declar'd him a Chriſtian, and conſequently the firſt
Chriſtian Emperor of Rome ; but ſeveral later Criticks have utterly dif-
believ'd it. The Authorities of the former ſeem to us to out-balance the
Reaſons of the latter; ſo that we are inclinable to think him a Chriſtian, but
withal acknowledge him to have been an immoral and wicked Man, weak
and imperfect in his Religion, if not heretical in his Principles. Philip
fhortly after his Election, made a diflionourable Peace with the Perſians,
and returned to Antioch where upon the Vigils of Eaſter, lie and his Em-
preſs attempted to enter into the Chriſtian Church, to partake of the Chrys
.
Prayers of the Congregation: But the holy Babylas, Biſhop of the City,
well knowing his late Crirnes, couragioully withſtood him, and laying his
Hand upon his Heart, pronounc'd him Unworthy to enter into the Sheepfold of
Jeſus Chriſt, and declar'd That he ſhould have no Admittance, unleſs he made
a general Confeſſion of his Sins, and was plac'd among the Number of the
He ſubmits to Penitents. To all which, it is ſaid, the Emperor humbly fubınitted, and
demonſtrated in his Deeds, the Sincerity and Devoutneis of his Affection
towards the Majeſty of Heaven. It is uncertain whether it was upon the
Account of this Action or ſome other, that Origen wrote a Letter both to
Philip and his Empreſs; which Letters St. Jerom ſays, were extant in his
Time. And Euſebius adds, that the Church of God very much flouriſh'd
fouriſhes.
and encreas'd under the Reign of this Emperor ; and Fope Fabian fent
A. D.245. many Biſhops and Paſtors into Gaul, as Denis to Paris, Saturnius to Tho-
Philip louſe, Trophimus to Arles, Paul to Narbonne, Gratian to Tours, Auſtremion to
Clermont, and Martial to Limoges. The Emperor, to ſhew his Morality,
when he return'd to Rome, made many good Laus to reform the Vices of
the Place, which Alexander himſelf could not effect. Particularly, he re-
flrain’d the open and ſcandalous Actions of Sodomites; and depriv'd the
Foets of their Titles and Privileges, becaule they then corrupted good Man-
ners, and tarniſh'd the Reputations of good Men. So that Philip ſeem'd
to endeavour to attone for all his former Errors.
;
Chr. A
Euleb.
Pengucc
Antioch.
The Church
4.
Chap V.
401
PHILIP the 29th Rom. Emp.
August
&c.
archa
2
3
About the Beginning of this Reign, or before, Tertullian in the main Tertullian
förlook the Montaniſts or Cataphrygians, but his Age and Opinions would
turns Herefin
not permit him to return to the Church ; ſo that from an Heretick, he be-
came an Hereſiarch, kept his ſeparate Meeting at Carthage, and form'd a
Sect call’d by the Name of Tertullianiſts, who continu'd in that City till
St. Auguſtin's Time. They condemnd ſecond Marriages, and held all the
rigid Principles of Tertullian, with the Traduction of the Soul ; but they
denied the wild Revelations and Prophecies of Montanus. Tertullian lived
not long after his Separation from the Montaniſts, but dy'd very old and
decrepit, as St. Jerom informs us, being probably about 90 Years of Age. His Death.
He was a Man of an acute Wit and Keenneſs, and admirably skilld in
all parts of Learning, yet his Stile was for the moſt part abrupt, rugged
and obſcure, but at the ſame Time ſublime and maſculine, carrying a
commanding and majeſtick Eloquence along with it. His Excellencies were
almoſt beyond Compariſon; ſo that his Fall was highly to be lamented.
But if we take all his Writings, Actions and Temper together, it is hard
to determine whether there was moſt Good or Ill in his Life, or whether
he did moſt Service or Dif-ſervice to the Church. Not long after the A.D. 246.
Death of Tertullian, in the fame City of Carthage, the famous Cyprian Philip
was converted from the Pagan to the Chriſtian Religion ; principally by the St. Cyprian
means of Cæcilius a Presbyter of Carthage, which occaſioned him to aſſume converted.
his Name, and ever after to love him as a Friend, and reverence him as a
Father. This Cyprian had a moſt liberal and polite Education, and was
ſo remarkable for his Eloquence and Oratory, that he publickly taught it
in Carthage with great Reputation and Applauſe , living then in grear
Pomp and Splendor, and never going abroad without a Crowd of Clients
and Followers. But inclining to Chriſtianity, and becoming a Catechumen,
he profeſt a ſevere Temperance and Sobriety, accounting it one of the beſt
Preparations for the Entertainment of the Truth, to ſubdue and tread down
all irregular Appetites. Immediately after his Baptiſm, he ſold moſt of his
plentiful Eſtate, and diſtributed it among the Poor, at once triumphing o-
ver the Love of the World, and exerciſing the great Duty of Mercy and
Charity; ſo that by the ſpeedy Progreſs of his Piety, ſays Pontius, he
became almoſt a perfect Chriſtian, before he had learnt the Rules of Chri-
ſtianity. He liv'd but thirteen Years after his Converſion; but in that thort
Space, by his Writings and Actions, he ſhew'd himſelf to be one of the moſt
eminent and thining Lights of the Age.
Still Origen, tho' an excommunicated Perſon, preſerved his Reputation Origen's Ix-
in ſeveral Parts of the World ; and tho’he was 60 Years of Age, it did not duftry.
hinder him from carrying on his works with as great Diligence as ever.
For he did not only compoſe ſeveral Books in his Study, but
he almoſt e-
very Day made Diſcourſes to the People of Cæfarea, and moſt commonly
without any Time to prepare them, which nevertheleſs were ſo highly e-
Iteemed, that the Tranſcribers took them down, and afterwards publiſh'd
them. Thegood Succeſs which Origen lately had in Arabia in the Cauſe of A. D. 247
Beryllus, rendred him celebrated in thoſe Parts, and his Afliſtance was now Philip
again deſired upon a like Occaſion. For a ſort of Hereticks then appear'd,
who affirmed, Tharat Death both Body and Soul expir'd together, and were
reſolv'd into the ſame State of Corruption, and that at the Reſurrection they
ſhould revive, and riſe together to eternal Life. For this purpoſe a general
Synod of thoſe Parts was called, and Origen deſir'd to be preſent at it,
who manag’d the Cauſe with ſuch weighty Arguments, and unanſwera- gainſt Here-
ble Reaſons, that the adverſe Party were oblig'd to throw down their ricks.
Weapons, and relinquiſh their Sentiments. He likewiſe ſucceſsfully com-
bated againſt another impious and heretical Sect, call’d the Helceſaite, the
Eec
For
Eufeb.
He combats
402
Bcok 111
Cent. III.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
:
ܪ
andria.
.
Followers of Elxai, of whom we have given Account in theYear 114. About
the ſame time Origen's Scholar Heraclas Biſhop of Alexandria dyd, after he
had held this Dignity about 16 Years; and after a long Vacancy, was ſuc- .
ceeded by another of his Scholars, the celebrated Dionyſus, who was
then Maſter of the great Catechetical School. This Dionyſius was a moſt
Dionyfius learned and excellent Man, and worthily filld the See about 17 Years,
shop of Ales being the 14th Biſhop of Alexandria, after the Evangelift St. Mark. In
the ſame Year the renowned Cyprian was made Presbyter in Carthage, in
which Office he ſo admirably behav'd himſelf, that in the following Year
A. D. 248. upon the Death of Donatus Biſhop of the Place, he was by a great Majo-
Philip rity cholen in his Room. But his great Modeſty and Humility made him
fly from the firſt Approaches of the News, judging himſelf unft for ſo
St. Cyprian weighty and honourable an Imployment, and deliring that a more worthy
made Biſhop
of Carthage.
Perion, and ſome of his Seniors in the Faith might poſſeſs the Place. But
this would by no means ſatisfie the People, who crowded his Doors, and
block'd up all Paſſages of Eſcape ; which made him endeavour to fly
out of the Window ; but finding it in vain, he unwillingly yielded,
the People impatiently waiting, divided between hope and Fear, till
ſeeing him come forth, they receiv'd him with an univerſal Joy and Satiſ-
faction.
In the fourth Year of this Emperor's Reign, which was juſt a thouſand Exeteren.
The grand se Years after the Building of the City, Philip order'd the Celebration of the &c.
celebrated the famous Secular Games, as it were ſolemnizing the Birth-Day of the City
laſt time.
of Rome. Mon. Pagi obſerves that this was the ninth and laſt Time they
were exhibited in Rome, and the fifth ſince our Saviour's Nativity. And
this Emperor took care to celebrate them with greater Pomp and Magnifi-
cence than ever had been known before, by reaton of the folemn Comme-
moration of the Building of the City. In the Circus Maximus were hunted,
baited, and encounter'd imfinite Numbers of all kinds of ſtrange Beaſts; two
thoufand Gladiators were match'd,who ſlew each other to give the Spectators
Delight; and in Pompey's Theatre were ſuch Variety of Shews and Games, as
laſted three Days and as many Nights, without Intermiſſion; where was ſuch
an innumerable Company of Lights, that the People could ſee at Midnight
as well as at Noon-Day, But towards the latter End of theſe famous Sports,
Pompey's Theatre accidentally took fire, and the greateſt Part of that glo.
rious Edifice was conſum'd, together with ſome other magnificent Buildings
near it. Philip's Celebration of theſe Games makes him look very unlike
a Chriſtian, or at leaſt like a very bad one ; yet his purging the City after-
wards, and ſuppreſſing of Vice, as we have formerly hinted, was agreeable
enough to one of that Profeſſion. Which has occaſion'd ſome to report
that he was converted immediately after the Secular Games, and baptiz'd
by Pope Fabian, which is a Ihing more uncertain than his being a Chri-
ftian.
About this Time, Origen, remitting nothing of his incredible Induſtry, Ensjet e
Philips.
at the Requeſt of his friend Ambroſius, undertook an Anſwer to the Book of
Celſus againſt the Chriſtians; who being an 'Epicurean Philoſopher, and of
great Parts and Learning, had of all the Heathens uſed the moſt ſubtle Ar-
Origen writes guments, and propos’d them with the greateſt Malice and Solidity. To
againft Cel- this Man Origën return'd a full Anſwer in eight Books, “Wherein he by con-
vincing Proofs eftabliſh'd the Truth of the Hiſtory of Jeſus Chriſt, his
'ſeveral Miracles, his Divinity and Reſurrection. He confuted all the Ca-
lumnies and Impoſtors of Celfus, and of the other Pagans againſt the
Chriſtians; and at length prov'd the Truth and Excellency of the Doctrine
' and Religion of Jeſus Chriſt. All which he wrote with ſo much folite-
neſs, Clearneſs, and Accuracy, that were there nothing elſe to teſtifie the
A-
A.D. 249.
fus.
C
<
(
Chap. V.
493
PHILIP tbe 24tb Rom. Emp.
!
Zozim,
Zonay.
Abilities of this great Mani,; this. Book alone would be ſufficient. And it is
believ'd not only to be the beſt of Origen's Works, but alſo the moſt excel-
lent and moſt compleat Apology for the Chriſtians that we have of all the
Ancients. At this time there was ſufficient Occaſion for Apologies ; for
now a dreadful Storm hung over the Church, threatning its intire Deſtru-
ction. This firſt appear’d in Alexandria, without the Knowledge of the
Emperor, occaſion’d by the Inſtigation of a certain Gentile Prieſt, or Ma-
gician, who finding the People prone to Superſtition, excited them to re-
venge the Quarrel of their Gods. The Multitude once rais'd, ran on with The Chriſtians
uncontroulable Fury, accounting Cruelty to the Chriſtians, the only In- barbaronfly
tance of Piety to their Gods. Immediately they laid Hands, upon one lexandria.
Metrus, an aged Man, who refuſing to blafpheme his Saviour, they beat
him with Clubs, prick'd him in the Face and Eyes with ſharp Reeds, and
afterwards ſton'd him. Next, they ſeiz'd on a Woman nam'd Quinta,
whom they carry'd to their Temple, where for refuſing to worſhip their
Idol, ſhe was dragg’d by the Feet through the Streets over ſharp Flints,
daih'd againſt Mill-ſtones, ſcourg'd with Whips, and diſpatch'd by the
fame Death with the other. Apollonia an ancient and eminent Virgin, be-
ing apprehended, had all her Teeth daſh'd out, and was threarned to be
burnt alive, who only begging a little Reſpit, of her own Accord chearfully
leapt into the Flames. They in all Places broke open Cbriſtians Houſes,
taking away the beſt of their Goods, and burning the reſt; and a Chriſtian
could not fir out Day nor Night, but they immediately cry'd out, Away
with him to the Fire. In which Manner they continu'd, till by Seditions a-
mong themſelves, they fell into new Conteſts, and gave the Chriſtians a
little breathing Time from the Purſuits of their Malice and Inhuma-
nity.
In the mean time the Roman Empire began to be puniſh'd by Famines,
Plagues and other Calamities; and Philip himſelf was in no ſmall Trouble
upon the Account of the Goths Invaſions, and the Rebellion of his Army,
which he ſent againſt them, who ſet up their Commander Marinus for
Emperor. Philip in great Fear complaining to the Senate of this Pre-
fumption, his Succeſlor Decius with much Aſſurance declar'd, That Mari-
nus's' Ambition woud ſhortly be his Ruin, which prov'd true; for within a
few Days after the ſame Army that choſe Marinus, being diſatisfy'd, flew him.
Upon Notice of this, Philip remembring the Prediction of Decius, gave
him the Command of the Army againſt the Goths, with an Augmentation
of Men, Money, and Proviſions. Decius was a Man of uncommon Wif-
dom and Experience, and ſufficient for the. Diſcharge of that Truſt; fo
that when he arriv'd at the Camp, all the Soldiers as well for the Worth of
his Perſon, as the fear of Puniſhment for their former Crime,
reſolv'd to chuſe him Emperor ; and by meer Conſtraint oblig'd him to
take upon him that Title and Dignity. Decius ſeeing himſelf thus unex- Decius pro-
pectedly advanc'd for his future Security, ſent a ſecret Meſſenger to acquaint claim'd by the
Philip, That being compelld by his Army, he had unwillingly aſumed the Name
of Emperor, but that he ſtill accounted him his Sovereign, aſuring him, that
as ſoon as he could get Liberty, he would utterly renounce that Title and Pre-
tenſions of Power. But Philip was too well accquainted with treacherous
Projets, to rely upon ſuch Pretences and Promiſes; therefore in a great
Rage, he reſolvd to march againſt himn in Perſon. In order to which, he
made uſe of many ſtanding Legions and new Levies, threatning with ma-
ny linprecations to cut Decius and all his rebellious Legions in Pieces; and
in this manner he began his March, ſhewing ſuch Anger and Haughtineſsto-
Wards his Soldiers, as rendred him odious to the Army;ſo thar eſteeming De-
cius more worthy of the Empire, before they left Italy, in the City of Verona,
Eee 2
they
Soldiers.
404 Cent, 1!1.
Book III,
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY,
1
A.D. 249.
they openly proclaim'd Decius!; and ſetting violently upon Philip, cut
off his Head, or rather cleav'd it in fünder, juft by his upper Row of
Teeth: This lapned between the 17th of June and the 19th of October,
under the Conſulſhips of Æmilian and Aquilinus, he being now in the 16th
Year of his Age, and having reign'd five Years and ſome few
Months.
IV. Shortly after the Death of Philip
, which was fucceeded by that Zofarm
.
DECIUS of his Son, Decius was without Contradiction, acknowledg’d and confirm'd
The zoth Ro. Emperor, both by the Soldiers and Senate. He was by Birth of an ancient
man Emperor and noble Family of Pannonid, the only Emperor of that Countrey, who
having held many Offices and Dignities, arriv'd at this high Station in
the 8th Year of his Age. As ſoon as his Election was confirm’d, he
gave
the Title of Cæfar to his four Sons; Decius, Hetruſcus, Trajan, and Hoſtili-
an ; which ſome have mention d as a particular Mark of his Ambition.
Then leaving Valerian, a wife and experienc'd Commander, for General of
all his Forces, he returned to the City of Rome; where he ſhewd him-
felf ſo brave and active in Regulations, ſo ſagacious and politick in Ad-
miniſtration, and became ſo univerſally acceptable by his modeſt and
excellent Behaviour, that by the Sentence of the Senate he was voted
not inferiour to the Emperor Trajan, and like him had the Title of Opti-
mes given to him. But notwithſtanding all his Merits, and the Reſpect
paid to him, his unheard of Cruelties towards the innocent Chriſtians, has
juſtly occaſion’d him to be rank with Néro and Domitian, and accor-
ding to Lactantius , - to procure him the Title of The Execrable
Decius :
The Seventh General: PERSECUTION.
001,
For this mercileſs Man, ſhortly after the Beginning of his Reign, rais’d Eufeb
.
the moſt dreadful Perſecution that ever had been known in the Church, &c.
which is moſt commonly callid The ſeventh General Perſecution; tho" La-
Etantius names Decius as the third of the general Perſecuters, leaving out
Trajan, Antoninus, Severus, and Maximinus, as not Perſecuters in ſo proper
The Cauſes of a Senle. Euſebius aſcribes thie main Cauſe of this Perſecution, to this Em-
the Perſecutie peror's Hatred to his predeceſſor Philip, whom he accounts a Chriſtian ; to
which Gregory Nylen adds a more probable Account of the Matter, namely,
the large and triumphant Prevalency of the Chriſtian Faith, which had dif-
fus'd it ſelf over all Parts, and enliven'd every Corner, not only Ci-
ties and Towns, but Countrey Villages ; ſo that the Temples were forſa-
ken, and the Churches throng’d, the Pagan Altars overthrown, and their
Sacrifices deſpis’d. This wonderful Increaſe of Chriſtianity, and
clenſion of Paganiſm, awaken’d the Malice of Decius ; who was enraged
to ſee the Religion of the Empire trodden under foot, and the Worſhip of
the Gods in all Places neglected, oppoſed and undermined by a Novel
and upſtart Sect, which daily multiply'd into greater Numbers. This made
him reſolve with all poſſible Force to check this growing Party, and to
uſe all Methods of Cruelty imaginable to exterminate the Name of Je-
ſus Chriſt, and reduce the People to the Religion of their Anceſtors :
Thereupon he iſſu'd out Edicts to the Governors of Provinces, ſtrictly
commanding, them to proceed againſt the Chriſtians with the utmolt
Severity, and to ſpare no kinds of Torments, unleſs they return’d to the
Obedience and Worſhip of the Gods. Tho' it is not to be doubted, but
that the exceeding Growth of Chriſtianity was the main Spring that ſet on
work
great De-
Chap. V.
.
!
Cypriisa.
Dio alex
The Severitý
.
7
and ?
DECILIS ihe zotb. Roin. Emp. 405
work the Malice of its Enemies; yet the excellent. Cyprian, like a Man
of
great Piety and Modelty, ſeeks a Cauſe nearer home, ingenuouſly
acknowledging that the Sins of the Chriſtians had fer open the Flood-Gates
for the Divine Diſplcafure to break in upon them for Pride and
Self-Intereſt, Want of Charity, Diviſions and Factions, began to reign
amongſt them; and the very Martyrs themſelves, who ſhould have
been an Example to others, caſting off the Order and Diſcipline
of the Church, became ſwelld with ſo vain and immoderate 4. Tu-
mour, that it was time God ſhould ſend them a Thorn in the Fle:lı
to cure it.
As to the Violence and Severity of this Storma, nothing can be ima-
Greg. Nij gin'd more black and diſmal; and this fucceeding a Calm of 38. Years of is.
Continuance (excepting that little Interruption under Maximinus) it made
it the more dangerous and inſupportable. Rome, Carthage, Alexandria, Neo-
cæſarea, and all parts of the Empire, felt the dreadful Effeas of it ; every
Heathen being ambitious to promote the Imperial Edicts, and thinking it
meritorious to bring a Chriſtian to the Stake. The Chriſtians were in all
ted in their Bodies ; Racks and Priſons, Axes and Halters, Fire and wild
Beaſts, ſcalding Pitch and melted Wax, ſharp Stakes and barning Pincess,
were but ſome of the Metliods of their Treatment, and when the former
were run over; new were daily invented and executed. Nor did they only
vary;
but repeat their Torments, and where one ended another began;
they many times tortur’d them without Hopes of dying, adding this Cruel-
ty to the reſt, to ſtop them in their Journey to Heaven; and others were
kept upon the Rack that they might die by Piece-meals, that their Pains
might be lingering, and the Senſe of them without Intermiſſion. Accu-
ſations were infinite; fome came in as Informers, others as Witneſſes, ſome
ſearch'd all private Corners, others ſeiz'd upon them that fled, and ſome
who expected their Neighbours Eſtates, took occaſion to accuſe them
of Chriſtianity. So that there was a general Confuſion and Conſternation,
the Laws of Nature and Huinanity were trodden under Foot; Friend be-
tray'd his friend, Brother his Brother, and Children their Parents, every
Man being afraid of his neareſt Relations. By this means the Woods and
Mountains became full, and the Cities and Towns empty; yet no ſooner
were many Houſes cleared of their proper Owners, but they were turn’d
into common Gaols, the publick Priſons not being ſufficient to contain
the Multitudes of Chriſtians ſent thither. Great Numbers that fled, met
with new Miſeries, being familh'd with Hunger and Thirſt, ſtaro'd with
Cold, over-run with Diſeaſes, ſurpriz'd by Robbers, or worried by wild
Beaſts and many taken by the wild Arabs and Saracens, who reduc'd them in-
toa State of Slavery more miſerable than Death it ſelf. And what was another
terrible Calamity to the Church, many of the weaker Chriſtians, unprepar’d
for ſo great a Conflict, apoſtatiz'd or compounded with their Perſecuters.
Several of theſe were puniſh'd by the immediate Hand of Heaven; and fe-
veral returu'd to the Church, and were reſtor’d and recover’d. Tho'many
revolted from the Faith, yet more maintain'd their Station with a firm
and unibaken Courage ; and many thouſands held out till they had obtain'd
the Crown of Martyrdom ; Nicephorus affirming it to be eaſier to count the
Sand of the Sea, than to reckon up the Martyrs in this Perſecution. And
what moſt imortify'd the Perſecutors, was, that many who till now had been
Enemies to Chriſtianity, on a ſudden came in and publickly profeſs'd chem-
(clves Chriſtians, and defy'd all the powers of Satan ; inſomuch that the
Judges were amaz’d and trembld, whilſt the Condemned were chearful and
couragious, and willing to undergo the ſevereſt Conflicts.
This
........
ma
retire,
US
406 Cent. III. ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. Book lll.
A.D. 250. This Perſecution begun in 'Rome about the latter End of the Year 249; compris
Decii ;. and in the Beginning of the following Year, January 20, Fabian Biſhop &c.
Pope Fabian of Rome, after he had held this Dignity 14 Years, receiv'd the Crown
martyr'd.
of Martyrdom.. Afrer his Death there was a Vacancy for 16 Months,
and the place was in a great meafure ſupplied by the Clergy of the City.
His Martyrdom was ſucceeded by that of Abdon, Sennas, Victoria, Anatolia,
and inany others in this City, as alſo by the Impriſonments of two emi-
nent Confeſſors, Celerinus and Moyſes. In the Beginning of the ſame
Year the Perſecution reach'd Carthage and Africa, where it rag'd after an
unheard of manner, of which St. Cyprian gives us a ſad and diſmal Ac-
count. This great Man was publickly proſcribed by the Name of Cæci-
lius Cyprianus, Biſhop of the Chriſtians; and every Mail commanded
not to conceal' his Goods'; beſides which the People frequently callid
out that he might be thrown to the Lions. So that being warned by
a divine Admonition and Command from God, as he himſelf affures
ſeverely upon his Flock, he thought good at preſent to withdraw him-
st: Cyprian, ſelf from Carthage, continuing in a private and diſtant: Retirement for
above a Year. During his Receſs, tho' abſent in Body, yet he was
preſent in Spirit; ſupplying the Want of his Preſence by thirty excel-
lent Letters, furnifh'd with pious Councils, grave Admonitions, leaſonable
Reproofs, eariteit Exhortations, and hearty Prayers to Heaven for the
Welfare and Proſperity of the Church. His greateſt Concern was for
the Cafe of the Lapſed, whom Feliciſimus and fome few Presbyters,
Oppoſers of Cyprian's Election, without the Knowledge and Conſent of
their Biſhop, had ralhly admitted to the Communion of the Church upon
very
eaſie Terms. Cyprian a ſtrict Aſſerter of Eccleſiaſtical Diſcipline,
and the Rights of his Place, was highly offended, and not only by feve-
ral Letters complained of it, but endeavour'd to reform it, not ſparing
the Martyrs themſelves, who .preſuming upon their great Merits in the
Cauſe of Religion, took upon them to give Libels of Peace to the Lap-
fed, whereby they were again taken into Communion, fooner than
the Rules of the Church did allow The Example of Cyprian's Re-
tirement was follow'd by ſeveral ein:nent Men, particularly Gregory
Thaumaturgus, who not only retreated from Neocæſarea himſelf, but alſo
advis’d his Church to decline the preſent Storm, and not to rely too
much upon their own Strength. Dionyſius Biſhop of Alexandria,' with
much Difficulty, eſcap'd into the wild Deſerts of Lybia, with his four
Fellow-Priſoners and Presbyters, Caius, Fauſtus, Peter and Paul. Among
Paul of The-thoſe that fled, we may mention the celebrated Paul of Thebais in Æ-
bais, the firft
gypt, a young Man of 21 Years of Age, who withdrew himſelf into
the Ægyptian Deſarts, where finding a large and convenient Cavern
in a Rock, which had formerly been a private Mint-houſe in the time
of Anthony and Cleopatra, he took up his Abode, leading for above 90
Years, till he was 113 Years old, a ſolitary and anchoretick Courſe of
Life, and became the Father of Hermits, and all ſuch as after-
wards reſign’d themſelves to Solitude, and a more Irict mortify'd
Lile.
But moſt of thoſe eminent Men who ſtood their Ground, became Enfet.
glorious Sufferers
. Among whom were Neſtor Biſhop of Megyddo in Pam-i.Ma
.
philia; Pionius, the illuſtrious Presbyter of Smyrna, who ſhew'd the moſt
heroick Courage imaginable ; Julian, Chronicon, Epimachus, Alexander,
Ammon, Zeno, Ptolomy, Ammonaria, Mercuria, Ifidore, and many others
at Alexandria; Mappalicus, Bulus, Fortunio, Paulus, Donatus, Martia.
lis, &c. in Carthage; beſides thoſe already mention’d in Rome, and an infi-
Hermite.
Many Martyrs
&c
nite
Chap. V.
407
DECIUS the 30th Rom. Emp .
1
particularly by great Wars and Devaſtations from the Goths, and other
mite Number of others. Alſo the renowned
Alſo the renowned Babylas Billiop of Antioch,
after he had worchily held that Dignity about 13 Years, dy'd either in
Priſon or by the Sword, having firſt order'd his Chains to be bury'd in
the ſame Grave with him, where St. Chryſoſtom aſſures us, they remain'd
in his Time, concerning which we are told a ſtrange Story, but which is
out of the Limits of our Hiſtory. He was ſucceeded by a Per-
fon callid Fabius, who continu'd in the See but a Year or two, and was the Fabius the
13th Biſhop of Antioch after the Apoſtles. Among all the Sufferers in 13th Biſhop of
Antioch.
this diſmal Time, the renowned Origen (now 64 Years of Age) had not
the leaſt Share. Euſebius ſumming up his Sufferings, tells us that the De- Origen's
vil muſter'd up all his Forces againſt him, and aſſaulted him with all his Sufferings,
Arts and Engines, marking him out above all others of that Time, as the
Object of his utmoſt Rage and Fury. He was caſt into the Bottom of a
loathſome and uncomfortable Dungeon, loaded with Irons, a Chain about
his Neck, his Feet ſet in the Stocks, with his Legs ſtretch'd to the utmoſt
for many Days together; he was threatned with Fire, and try'd with all
the Torments that a mercileſs Enemy could inflict. Which meeting with a
Perſon of his Age, and a Body broken with ſuch infinite Cares and Labours,
muſt needs be unexpreſſibly burthenſome. And yet he bore all with a
noble Patience, and was ready to ſubmit to the laſt fatal Stroke; but the
Judge, to give all poílīble Additions to his Miſery, order'd his Torments to
be ſuch as ſhould not take away his Life; ſo that before the Perſecution
ended, he eſcaped. The Storm of the Perfecution was very diſmal all And Eſcape.
this Year, and moſt of the next; yet in the latter End of this, therc
appear’d ſome Dawnings of Light in Carthage and Africa, and many
of the Confeſſors of thoſe Parts were releas’d out of Priſon.
This Perſecution, ſtirring up the Vengeance of Heaven, was attended Many Miſeries
in the Empire.
and ſucceeded by many Miſeries and Calamities in the Roman Empire ;
barbarous Northern Nations, and likewiſe by a dreadful Peſtilence, which
beginning in Æthiopia in the Confines of Ægypt, from thence infected all
the Provinces in the World, ſpreading for ten years after in an unheard of
manner, and deſtroying incredible Numbers of People in every City in
the Empire. To remedy the firſt of theſe
. Evils, the Emperor having no- A. D. 251.
minated his Sons Decius and Etruſcus Auguſti, and Partners in the Empire, Decii
made all poſſible Preparations, and in the Spring went into Thrace and Me-
fia, where the Goths had been moſt ſucceſsful; leaving the Government of
Cyprian Rome in the Hands of the Senate. Shortly after his Departure, the Clergy
of Rome, who had taken care of that Church during 16 Months Va-
cancy, made choice of Cornelius for their Bifhop, a worthy Roman, Son Corneli us the
of Caſtinus, who continu'd in the See but one year and a little above 20th Biſhop
three Months, and was the 20th Biſhop of Rome after the Apoſtles St.
Peter and St. Paul. Notwithſtanding the Worth of this Perſon, this Ele-
ction accidentally occaſion’d vaſt Miſchiefs in the Church, which were
rais d and promoted by the Pride and Turbulence of two Presbyters, Nova-
tian and Novatus, one of Rome, and the other of Carthage. Novatian had The Beginning
been formerly a Pagan Philoſopher, who being dangerouſly ill, had been of the woman
baptiz d in his Bed, and afterwards was ordain'd Prieſt, tho' not without
Oppolition from Clergy and People, it being, as they ſaid, contrary
to the Orders of the Church, that any ſhould be ordain'd who had
been baptiz'd after that manner. Cornelius' accuſes him of denying his
Sacerdotal Function in the Time of Perſecution, and of other unjuſtitiable
Practices. Being Maſter of much Wit, Knowledge and Eloquence, he
might have been very ſerviceable to the Church, if his Ambition to be
Biſhop, the main Occaſion of the Apoſtacy of the firſt Hereſiarchs, had
2
Euſeb.
src.
of Rome.
not
408 Cent. Ill.
Book Ill
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
mich Nova.
tian.
returns to
not carry'd him to a Separation. After the Death of Pope Fabian, he
wrote a very elegant Letter to St. Cyprian, in the Name of the Clergy
of Rome, and continu'd in the Communion of the Church during the Va-
cancy of that See. But as ſoon as Correlias was choſen Biſhop, puſh'd
forwards by Envy and Ambition, he openly attack'd his Election, accus'd
him of ſeveral Crimes, and publiſh'd a Libel againſt him. His principal
Plea was, that Cornelius admitted thoſe to Communion who had been guil-
ty of Idolatry ; and to make the beſt Advantage of this Accuſation, he
rigorouſly maintain d, That we ought never to permit thoſe Perſons to
partake of the Communion, who had once fallen into Idolatry. Upon this
Pretence he ſparated from Cornelius, and from thoſe who believ'd that the
Church might receive them again upon Repentance. The greater Part of
the Confeflors who had ſuffer'd couragiouſly for the Faith, too much
ſwelld with Vanity, and unable to endure
unable to endure, that others who had
ſhewn lo little Conſtancy and Reſolution, ſhould ſtand on the ſame Level
with themſelves, embracd Novatian's Party, together with ſome Presby-
ters. At the fame Time, Novatus before-inention’d, having imbrogld the
Church of Carthage; and finding himſelf in Danger of being excommu-
Novatus joins nicated by Cyprian for his ſcandalous, irregular and unpeaceable Practices,
repair’d to Rome, joyn’d himſelf to Novatian, and brought with him from
Carthage thoſe of his own Faction. They both maintain’d the ſame rigid
Principles, denying all Communion to the Lapſed, tho’never ſo penitent.
And thus a dangerous Schiſm began in the Church of Rome, which at that
Time conſiſted of one Biſhop, 44 Presbyters, 7 Deacons, 7 Sub-Deacons, 42
Acolyıhs or Clerks, 52 Porters and Exorciſts, above 1500 Widows and Poor
and a very great Multitude of People.
St. Cyprian In the mean Time the Perſecution being ſomewhat abated in Carthage,
St.Cyprian return’d to his Poſt, where he vigorouſly ſet himſelf to reformDil-
Carthage.
orders, and to compoſe thc Differences that diſturb’d the Church. For
which purpoſe he conven'd a Synod of his neighbouring Biſhops to con-
The firft. Coun- ſult about the Cauſe of the Lapſed; who having diſcuſſed the whole
thage. Matter, according to the Rules of the Holy Scripture, concluded upon
this wile and moderate Expedient, that neither all Hopes of Peace and
Communion ſhou'd be deny'd them, leſt Deſpair ſhould throw them into a
total Apoſtacy; nor yet the Cenſures of the Church be ſo far relaxed, as
rafhly to admit them to Communion : But that the Cauſes being examin-
ed, and Regard being had to the Will of the Delinquents, and Aggravations
of particular Caſes, their Time of Penance ſhould be accordingly prolong-
ed, and Clemency be obtain'd by Acts of more than ordinary Sorrow and
Repentance. That the Lapſed being of ſeveral Sorts, ſhou'd be treated
according to the Nature of their Crimes; the Libellatici, who had only
purchaſed Libels of Security and Remiſſion from the Heathen Magiſtrate
to excuſe them from facrificing in Time of Perſecution, ſhould be ſoon ad-
mitted to Reconciliation, but the Sacrificati be ſtill kept under Pe-
nance, and not allow'd Reconciliation till they became dangerouſly ſick,
provided they began to do Penance before their Diſtemper. For as
for ſuch as ſtay'd till they were ſick, before they deſir’d to undergo Pe-
nance, it was thought expedient wholly to refuſe them Abſolution, 'becauſe
then, ſays St. Cyprian, it is not ſo much Sorrow for their Sins, as the Fear
of Death, that obliges them to deſire it. As for thoſe Eccleliafticks who
had fallen into Idolatry, it was ordain'd that they ſhou'd for cver be ex-
cluded from the Clergy, that they ſhould communicate no more with
the Faithful, but as Lay-men, and that even ſome of them lhould be ob-
ligʻd to undergo the Severities of Penance. They likewiſe excommunica-
ted Feliciſſimus and thoſe of his Party, who had diſturb'd the Tranquillity
of
Chap VỊ
400
DECIUS the 3016 Ron. Emp.
tian is excoin-
municated.
Exſeb.
---
Rome.
of the Church of Carthage, in St. Cyprian's Abſence; and here Privatus
an Heretick of the Colony of Lambeſa, who had been condemn'd by 90
Biſhops, preſented himſelf; but ſeeing himſelf ſo far neglected, as not
to be admitted to make his Defence, he enibrac'd the Party of Feliciffimus.
The Council, after they had made thefe Regulations, fent a Synodical
Letter to Cornelius, whom they acknowledg’d Biſhop of Rome who
thereupon aſſembled a Synod of 60 Biſhops, and above as many Pref. Another Coun .
cil
byters and Deacons, who follow'd the Rules of the African Council in
ordering of publick Penance for the Lapſed: Particularly Trophimus, a
lapſed Biſhop, with his Flock, was receiv'din, after great Humility and
ſevere Penance ; but he himſelf was not allow'd to communicate, but
only in a Lay Capacity. As for Novatian, Novatus, and all that ob-
ſtinately adher'd to their inhuman and mercileſs Opinion, they were
excommunicated'; but it was ordain'd, that the Brethren who had fallen Where Nova-
into that Calamity, ſhou'd be more gently treated, and reſtor’d by Methods
of Repentance.
The Church's Cenſure was ſo far from humbling Novatian, that he im-
Cyprian. mediately enter'd upon new and worſe Projects; and being inſtigated by
Novatus, he reſolv'd to make himſelf Bishop of Rome. In order to ef-
fect this, he ſent two of his own Cabal to three mean ignorant Bihops,
who liv'd in a ſmall Province of Italy, and prevaild with them to come
to Rome, under pretence of accommodating Affairs, and putting a
Stop to ſome new Diviſions. Theſe Biſhops arriving, he ſhut them up Novatian w-
in à Chamber, and caus'd himſelf to be ordain'd Biſhop of Rome by ſurps the Bi-
them, about ten a-clock at Night, and this after he had made them
Shoprick of
drunk, as Cornelius relates the Matter. This rais'd a great Diſturbance in
the Church of Rome ; and the Heads of both Parties being deſirous to ob-
tain the Favour and Approbation of St. Cyprian, and of the other African
Biſhops, wrote Letters to them, and ſent their Deputies to Africk. No-
vatian's Letters were very ill received; yet the African Biſhops for a while
ſuſpended their Judgments, and ceas'd to ſend Letters of Communion to
either of the tuo Parties, till they were inform'd of the Matter by two
of their own Brethren, call’d Caldonius and Fortunatus, whom they pur-
poſely diſpatchat to Rome to learn the true State of the whole Affair. After
they were fully inform’d by them and two other African Biihops, who were
preſent at the Ordination of Cornelius, they decided it in favour of Him,
and ſent him Letters of Communion, having firſt confirm'd the Judgment
he had paſs'd againſt Novatian in Italy. This occaſion'd St. Cyprian to
write to the Confeſſors of Rome his Treatiſe of the Unity of the Church,
wherein he ſhew'd by ſeveral Reaſons, That the Church of Jeſus Chriſt
was eſſentially One, and that there could not be more; that there was only
one Epiſcopacy, a Part whereof every Paftor really poſſeſs'd ; that ſuch as
were out of the Church could hope for no Salvation; and that Schiſm
and Hereſie were the moſt enormous Crimes, which God had always pu-
nith'd with the greateſt Severity. Therefore he exhorted all Chriſtians
whatſoever to return to it again, to promote Union by their joynt Endea-
vours, and to maintain no Correſpondence with Schiſmaticks. The
Judgment of the Church in Africk, and the eloquent Writings of St. Cy-
prian brought the Confeſſors of the Roman Church over to Cornelius: The
Italiaw Biſhops alſo adher'd to him; and one of the three who ordain'd
But is rejected
Novatian, acknowledg’d his Fault, and did Penance for it. Novatian and
Novatus finding themielves rejected, endeavour'd to raiſe Diſturbances in
Africk and other parts; and to ſecure their intereſt, Novatian caus’d his Fol-
lowers to take this Oath, I ſwear by the Body, and Blood of Chriſt, that I will
F f f
.
ne.
410
Book II.
Cent. III.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
&c.
falem.
never deſert you, nor returns to Cornelius. They ſtill perſiſted in teaching
this Doctrine, that the Church neither can nor ought to admit any to the
Communion, who had once apoftatiz'd ; and they likewiſe condemn'd le-
cond Marriages, as the Montaniſts before tliem had done. They charged
the Orthodox with horrid Licentiouſneſs in admitting ſcandalous Offenders,
and by way of Diſtinction, they calld themſelves and their Party Ca-
thari, the pure undefild Party, who kept themſelves from all Society
with the Lapſed, and ſuch as communicated with them. And as this
Severity was agreeable to the Humours of many, Novatian became the
Head of a prevailing Hereſie, which ſpread through many remote
Parts of the World, and ſo extreamly diſturb’d the Peace of the
Church for a long time, that this Century is call’d by ſome Sæculum
Novatianum.
In the midſt of theſe Diſturbances in the Church, the Perſecution ftill Eufeb.
continu'd, tho' abated in ſome places. And now Alexander Biſhop of Laitant.
Jeruſalem, having held that Dignity 39 Years, after ſeveral Araign-
ments and various Sufferings, dy'd in Priſon at Cæfarea, to the great
Loſs of the whole Church, particularly to Origen, who had ever found
him a true Friend and Patron. He was ſucceeded by Mazabanes , who con-
Mazabanes tinued in this See about nine Years, and was the 75th Biſhop of Feruſalem,
the 36th Bi- after the Apoſtle St. James. About the ſame time Moyſes that eminent
shop of Jeru-
Prieſt and Confeſſor, with uncommon Courage and Conſtancy, ſuffer'd
Martyrdom within the Walls of Rome. · And now God thought fit to
give ſome Eaſe to his Church, by removing its ſevereſt Perſecutor De-
cius, who warring with the Goths and barbarous Northern Nations, in
a ſhort Time was in a hopeful: Way of deſtroying thoſe Ravagers. For he
had not only gain'd an entire Victory over them, with the Loſs of
30000 of their Men, but had alſo block'd them up in ſuch a nianner as
to have them all at his Mercy. But by the Treachery of his chief
Commander Gallus, the Goths were put into ſuch a Condition, as not on-
to eſcape, but alſo to attack him with all poſſible Advantage on their
Side. So that being ſurrounded by the Enemy, a great Part of his Army
was cut off. Perceiving his Defeat, and ſeeing his eldeſt Son kill'd before
his Face, he in Deſpair clapt Spurs to his Horſe, and rode furiouſly in-
The Death of to a deep Lake or Bog, where he periſh'd miſerably. His Body had not ſo
much as the Honours of a Funeral, but as beſt befitted one who had ſet
himſelf againſt God, was expos'd as a Prey to the Beaſts of the Earth, and
to the Fowls of the Air. Thus dy'd Decius, à Prince fufficiently fam’d,
but in relation to the Chriſtians, whoſe Blood was reveng'd not only upon
him, his Son, and his whole Army, but alſo upon the whole Roman Empire,
by means of the Inundations of the Goths and other barbarous Nations,
who at that Time might have been eaſily ſuppreſt, if not ruin'd by
natural Means, if Providence had thought it fit. His Death hapned in
the latter End of November, in the Year when he and his Son were
Conſuls; being now in the both Year of his Age, and having reign'd a little
above two Years.
GALLUS V. The Goths purſud their Vi&ory, and made a miſerable Slaugh- zizin
The 31ſt Ro- ter of the Roman Army; and thoſe who eſcap'd, fled to the Legions com-Europe
man Emperor. manded by Gallus, who, as a Confederate with the Goths, was in Safety. Cipriano
This Perſon ſhew'd himſelf very induſtrious in ſtrengthening and encou-
raging his Army, promiſing great Succeſs againſt the Enemy, till by his
popular Actions he effected his Deſigns, and procur'd the Soldiers to pro-
claim him Emperor. The Senate and People of Rome were extreamly con-
cern'd
Decius.
>
Chap. V.
4
V.
GALLUS the 31ſt Rom. Emp.
V
ons
A.D. 252
Ciprian.
cero'd, both for the Death of Decius, and the Overthrow of their Army
but underſtanding that Gallus was choſen Emperor, and that his Legions
had ſecured ſuch Men as eſcap'd from the Battel, they confirm'd his Ele-
cțion. Gallus was now about 45. Years of Age, and deſcended of an lio-
nourable Family in Rome, which he much fain'd by his infamous Acti-
For he not only ſtain'd it by his treaſonable Practices before he was
Emperor, but after his Advancement he made a Peace with the Goths, the
molt difhonourable that ever the Romans made ſince the Foundation of
their City; which was, That the Romans ſhould every Tear pay a conſidera-
ble Tribute to the Goths. And thus to gain the Title of Emperor, he was
content to make himſelf and the Romans, who were accounted Lords of all
Nations, tributary and ſubject to a rude and barbarous People. But the
Succeſſes of this Emperor prov?d according to the Merit of his Actions : Galli;
For the Goths, and other Northern Nations, not ſatisfy'd with their Advan- The Empire
tagious Peace, broke it in a ſhort time, and like a mighty Torrent, came harrafsd.
dowa
upon
the Provinces of Tbrace, Mefia, Thellaly, Macedonia, and ſome
Parts of Aſia, committing all kinds of Devaſtations and MaTacres. On
the other Side, the Perſians ſeeing the great Succeſſes of the Goths, enter'd
into Meſopotamia and Syria, with a mighty Power, under their great King
Sapores; and then paſſing forwards, they ſubdu'd Armenia, and drove out
Tiridates the King of that Countrey. But Gallus not much regarding theſe
Troubles and Calamities abroad, conſum'd his Time in the pleaſures of
Rome, taking his Son Volufian, tho? but a Child, for his Companion in
the Empire, and cauſing Virtus Auguftorum to be ſtampt upon their
Coins, as tho' Valour, and not Treachery, had gaind him the
Empire.
During theſe Diſturbances in the State, the Church was no leſs di- Novatian
Dis. Ale. ſturb’d by Novatian and his Party, who finding themſelves rejected in raiſes Difura
Italy, to be reveng’d upon their great Oppoſer St. Cyprian, rais'd
what Miſchiefs they could in Africk, where they caus’d one Maximus,
a Deputy of Novatian, to be cholen Biſhop: On the other ſide Feliciſſimus
of Carthage, an old Enemy to Cyprian, procurd Privatus of Lambefa,
formerly mention'd, to ordain a Perſon calld Fortunatus, Biſhop, in oppo-
fition to Cyprian, and afterwards came into Italy to get liis Ordinati-
on ratify'd there by Cornelius, pretending that this Fortunatus had been
ordain'd by five and twenty Biſhops, and that Cyprian himſelf favour'd
the Party of the Novatians. Cornelius at firſt rejected Feliciſſimus, and
thoſe of his Faction ; but at length, either terrify'd by their Menaces, or
ſhaken by their Diſcourſes, he entertain’d ſome Sulpicions to the Preju-
dice of St. Cyprian, and writ to him after a very diſobliging Manner; to
which the other return'd a very warın Anſwer, expoſing his Weakneſs
, and
acquainting him with the Malice of his Enemies. At the ſame Time the
Faction of Novatian began to ſpread it ſelf in the Eaſt, and to prevail in
the City of Antioch; and Fabius the Biſhop of the Place ſhew'd them too
much favour and Affection. This occafion'd a Synod of the Eaſtern The firft Couna
Bilhops about this Affair. For ſo Dionyſius Alexandrinus in his Letter cil of Anti-
to Cornelius, tells him, that he had been ſummon’d by Helenus Biſhop
of Tarſus, Firmilian of Cappadocia, and Theoctiſtus of Cæfured, to meet
in Council at Antioch, to ſuppreſs the Endeavours of ſome who thought
there to eſtabliſh the Novatian Schiſm. But ſhortly after the Party
declin'd by means of the Death of Fabius, who held this Biſhoprick
not above two Years. He was ſucceeded by Demetrian, who continu'd Demetrian
in this Dignity about eight Years, and was the fourteenth Biſhop of Anti- the 14th Bin
Shop of Anti-
och after the Apoſtles.
Fff 2
lo
bances
och.
och.
412 Cent, dll.
Book III.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
Euleb
cution.
The second
In the mean Time the excellent Cyprian calld a Council at Carthage Soprian.
Council of
Carthage.
of forty two Biſhops, who meeting on the 15th Day of May, ſleered
much the ſame Courſe as to the Lapſed ; being ſway'd to inoderate Coun-
cils, becauſe St. Cyprian had been frequently admoniſh'd by Divine Reve-
lations of an approaching Perſecution; and therefore they did not think
it prudent and reaſonable, that Men ſhould be left naked and unarm’d in
the Day of Battel, but be fortify'd with the Euchariſt, and reconcil'd to
the Church. In the Times of Peace and Proſperity they protracted
the Time of Penance, and allow'd not the Sacrificati to be re-admitted,
but at the Hour of Death ; but now the Enemy was breaking in upon
them, Chriſtians were to be prepar’d for Suffering, and Encouragement
given to thoſe who by a ſincere Repentance had thew'd themſelves ready
to contend earneſtly for the Faith. This they did, not to'patronize the
Idle, but to excite the Diligent, the Church's Peace being granted, not
in order to Eaſe, but to Conflict ; and if any us'd their Indulgence to
worſe Purpoſes, they did but delude themſelves, and were remitted to
the Divine Tribunal. The Reſolution of this Council was immediately
ſignify'd to Cornelius, that he might uſe the ſame Conduct in his own
Church. And now there was particular Occaſion ; for the "Emperor
Gallus "enem. Gallus, to compleat the Miſeries of his Reigni, renew'd the Decian Per-
ſecution againſt the Chriſtians, which had been much abated; refolv-
ing as it were to imitate his Predeceſſor in nothing but his Crimes.
He iſſu'd out no new Decrees, but only let looſe the Reins of the for-
mer ; for which Reaſon it is properly enough calld, a Continuation
of the Seventh Perſecution. This was attended with many Miſeries and
Calamities in the Empire, which were one Pretençe for it, as Wars, Ra-
vages, Famines, and that dreadful Plague which began in 'Decius's
Time, now rag’d more furiouſly than ever, particularly in St. Cyprian's
Dioceſs of Carthage. There vaft Multitudes were ſwept away every
Day, and the Streets were fill’d with the Carcaſſes of the Dead, which
ſeem'd to implore the Aſſiſtance of the Living. In this calamitous
St. Cyprian's
Time of Perſecution and Peſtilence, St. Cyprian call’d the Chriſtians to-
tender Care of gether, and in Imitation of the Divine Benignity, exhorted them to Acts
of Mercy and Charity, and that to their greateſt Enemies and Perſecu-
ters; and by his own Munificence and Perſwarions great Alliflance was
given to all ſorts of People. And that he might not be wanting to
He writes seo any, he at this time penn'd his excellent Diſcourſe concerning Mortality,
veral Treati- 'wherein he eloquently taught the Chriſtians to triumph over the Fears
Jes.
' of Death, and not to decline, but rather defire it, ſince it deliver'd them
' from all the Miſeries of this Life, and united them to feſus Chriſi for e-
ver ; that therefore they had very little Reaſon to grieve for their friends.
and Relations, ſince they were gone to the Enjoyment of the moſt ima-
ginable Felicity. This horrible Peſtilence, as the other Calamities of
the Empire had been before, was now by the Pagans charg'd upon the
Chriſtian Religion, as the Cauſe for which the Gods were implacably
angry with the World.
To vindicate it from this vulgar and popu-
lar Objection, Gyprian addreſs’d himſelf in a particular Treatiſe io Deme-
triar the Proconſul wherein he prov'd, that there Evils that came upon
'the World could never be laid at the Door of Chriſtianity, afligning other
'Reaſons of them, and amongſt the reſt, their wild and brutiſh Rage againſt
'the Chriſtians, which had provoked the Deity to bring theie Calamities up.
on them, as a juſt Puniſhment of their Folly and Madneſs, in ſetting them-
* ſelves againſt a Religion ſo innocent and dear to Heaven. About the fame
time alſo he wrote to Fortunatianus a particular Treatiſe callid The Exhortati-
on to Martyrdom.
The
bis Flock.
Chap V.
413
GALLUS tbe 31. Rom. Emp
Eufeb.
Cyprian.
Rome.
Zofim.
&c.
The Perſecution ſtill continu'd in ſeveral Places, and particularly in
Rome, where Cornelius the Biſhop felt the Fury of it. For having made
an open and generous Confeſſion of his Faith, for which St. Cyprian ap-
plauds him, he was baniſh'd to Civita-Vecchia, not far from Rome. But
that not ſatisfying the Malice of his Enemies, he was after that taken up,
cruelly ſcourg’d, and then beheaded upon the 14th Day of September, having
continu'd in the See one Year, three months, and ten Days. He left fome
few Writings behind him, and was ſucceeded by Lucius, a Roman, Son to Lucius the
Porphyrius, who for his vigorous aſſerting the Truth of Chriſtianity, was
21ſt Biſhop of
ſhortly after his Election banilh'd with ſeveral others, But in the Be- A.D.253.
ginning of the following Year 253, he return'd from his Exile with his Galli 2.
Companions, for which he was congratulated by St. Cyprian; and not long
after, in the Month of March, he obtain'd;a glorious Martyrdom as well
as his Predeceſſor, having held this Dignity but five Months and ten Days,
according to Bishop Pearſon. He was ſucceeded by Stephen I. a Roman, Stephen 1.
the Son of Julius, a Man of a warm and violent Temper, who conti- the 224, Bin
shop of Rome.
nu'd in this See ſomewhat above four Years, and was the twenty te-
'con'd Biſhop of Rome after the Apoſtles St. Peter and St. Paul. And
now the Perſecution drew to an End, but the Miſeries of the Empire
were as great as ever, and all the Reign of this wicked Emperor was
unfortunate and deplorable ; as well for the Loſs of ſeveral Provinces
to foreign Enemies, as other Calamitics. He had only one conſiderable
Victory in Maſia, gain'd by his General Æmilian over the Goths ; of
whom many Thouſands were ſlain, and the Purſuit follow'd for ſeveral
Days. But this Victory was ſo far from being an Advantage to Gallus,
that it ſoon after occaſion' d his total Ruin;;for Æmilian by this became ſo
celebrated, and Gallus ſo deſpicable, that the Soldiers, who admir'd the
Preſents and Promiſes of Æmilian, and who ever affected Novelties, pro-
claim'd him Emperor. The News of this foon rouz'd Gallus from his ſoft Ærrili in saja
Pleaſures in Rome, who thereupon with all poſible Expedition prepar'd him-claim'd im-
ſelf to oppoſe this dangerous Rival ; and ſo leaving the City, with his Son
and a powerful Army, he march'd towards Mæha. Here he was met by
Æmilian, who boldly came to a Battel with him, and at length overthrew
him, and New both him and his Son Voluſian; the Soldiers all joining with Galli:3 ſlain.
the Conqueror. This hapned at Terni in the Month of May, under the Con-
fullhips of Voluhan and Maximus, A.D. 253. Gallus being 47 Years of Age,
and having reign'd one Year and fix Months. His Death gave an en-
tire Peace to the Church of God, after it had endur'd the most terri-
ble Storm and Conflict that ever had been known before ; and which
had continu'd with ſome little interiniſſions and Abatements, near three
Years and a half.
:
peror.
1
CHAP
414
Book III.
Cent. III.
EcclesiastiCAL HISTORY.
.
C H A P. VI .
From tbe End of the Seventh general Perſecution of the Church,
to the Beginning of the Dioclelian Æra, uſually called, The
Æra of the Martyrs.
Containing the space of about
31
Tears.
:
UPO
Eufeb.
Æmilian's
Death.
A.D. 253. I
Pon the Overthrow of Gallus, Æmilian began to look upon Polio.
VALE-
himſelf as real Emperor of Rome; and accordingly wrote to
RIAN,
the Senate of his Succeſs and Election, adding many Complaints againſt
The 32d Ro- the Miſmanagement of Gallus, and as many Promiſes of his own Perform-
man Emperor. ances. But the Senate hiad no Regard to thefe Promiſes ; and the Army of
the Alps likewiſe oppos’d him, chuſing their own Commander Valerian for
Emperor, whom the Senate favour'd. Upon Notice of which, Æmilian's
Soldiers, mov'd with the great Reputation of Valerian, and the favour of
the Citizens, to avoid civil. Wars, roſe up againſt Æmilian, and New him,
after a ſhort Reign, or rather Uſurpation of about three Months. Upon
this, Valerian was not only acknowledg’d Emperor by the Army, but alſo
by the Senate and people, with extraordinary Applauſes; and being ſetled
in the Governmeet, he gave to his eldeſt Son Gallienus the Title of Augu-
ſtus, and made him his Equal in the Empire. ·· Valerian was now about 70
Years of Age, which Time he had ſpent in great Fame and Reputation,
both under good and bad Emperors, by reaſon of his Valour and other
Accompliſhments; and had attain d to many Offices and Dignities ; par-
ticularly under Decius he was made Cenſor of Rome, an Office dif-us'd ſince
the Reign of Claudius, into which he was choſen by the Senate, who all
cry'd out That the Life of Valerian was a continual Cenſorſhip ; and that he
ought to judge of the Crimes of others who had none of his own. He was of an
ancient Family, and in the whole Courſe of his Life had been proſperous
in his Enterpriſes ; ſo that all had great Hopes that this Man's Wildom and
Experience would diſperſe the Calamities of theſe unhappy Times. And
accordingly he fet about many Regulations, and made choice of wiſe and
worthy Governors, and of valiant and experienc'd Commanders, whom
he ſelected from the chief of the Nobility, by whom he was very ſucceſl-
ful in ſeveral Actions againſt the Northern Nations. Among the reſt of
his laudable Actions, lie ſhew'd himſelf a particular Patron to the Chriſtians,
whom he treated with all Offices of Kindneſs and Humanity, kindly
entertaining them even in his own Family ; ſo that his Court feem-
ed to be a Church for Piety, and a Sanctuary for Refuge to all
good Men.
The Death of In the Beginning of this Emperor's Reign, or the End of the laſt, the Eufeb.
Origen,
great Origen peaceably ended his Days at Tyre; having liv'd near 69 Years,
and moſt of them in the moſt imaginable Fatigue and Induſtry ; leaving a
Name that was the Envy of his own, and the Wonder of fucceeding Ages.
If we congder this Man in the Correſpondence he had with three or four
Emperors, his Behaviour under three Perſecutions, the Cenſurës he ſuſtain'd,
the Hereſies he confounded, the Numbers of Pagans he converted, the re-
nown'd Scholars he taught, and the fix thouſand Volumes he is ſaid to have
written, we can't but ſtand amaz'd at his wonderful Strength and Abilities.
Tho"
&c.
Chap VỊ.
415
VALERIAN the 3ad Rom. Emp.
----
Cyprian,
Sic.
Tho' his Parts and Learning have been admir'd by all Men; yet his Er-
rors were too many and dangerous to be excus'd ; tho' they proceeded
more from a curious Philoſophical Head, than from a ſtubborn unfound
Heart. He held and taught the main Principles of the Chriſtian Religion
with great Firmneſs; but being a vaſt Proficient in Philoſophy, and too
much poſſeft with the Notions of Plato's School, he grew very ſolicitous
to accommodate the divine Truthis to his belov’d Opinions. And from
three of them all his Errors ſeem to have proceeded ; as firſt, that all
intelligent Beings ever did, and ever ſhall exiſt : Secondly, That they
have always been free to do Good and Evil; and Thirdly, that they have
been precipitated in lower Places, and confin’d to Bodies for a Puniſhment
of their Sins. Notwithſtanding his Errors, no Man had greater Pens im-
ploy'd in his Vindication than himſelf; and never were more famous Con-
teſts than about his Writings, which are believ'd to have been much cor-
rupted, ſeveral Hereticks being ambitious to make ſo great a Man ſpeak
their Senſe. Particularly, there aroſe a certain Sect which call’d themſelves
Origeniſts, maintaining ſome of his Principles, as that the Sun, Moon, and The Oniga
Stars, had all Souls, that the Torinents of the Devils and the Damned ihould vis.
have an End, &c. To which they added ſeveral other Errors, and ſome of
them renew'd the Abominations of the Gnoſticks, and were thereíore fild
Dirty and Impure. Theſe Hereticks infected the Church to the 4th, 5th,
and 6th Centuries; and were one Occaſion of the Condemnation of all
Origen's Works.
The Peace which the Church enjoy'd under this Emperor, gave Oppor- The 3d Council
tunity to the Biſhops and Governors to make ſeveral Regulations; and par- of Carthage.
ticularly St. Cyprian call'd a Council in Carthage of 66 Biſhops upon a dou-
ble Occaſion. The firſt was concerning a certain Presbyter nam'd Victor,
whom Therapius his own Biſhop had too ſoon receiv'd into Favour, contra-
ry to the Deciſion of the laſt Council ; and the ſecond was concerning the
Time of baptizing Infants, ſtarted eſpecially by Fidus an African Bihop,
who aſſerted that Baptiſm was not to be adminiſtred before the eighth Day,
as Circumciſion was under the fewiſh Law. As to the firſt, the Bithops
were ſurpriz’d to find Therapius flight the Authority of a Decree to lately
enacted; but nevertheleſs, after mature Deliberation, they were of opinion
that the Reconciliation Victor had receiv'd from his own Biſhop,ought not to
to be revers’d ; and ſo they permitted him to enjoy Lay-Communion, con-
tenting themſelves with admoniſhing their colleague to be more vigilant
for the future. As to the Baptiſm of Infants, it was determin’d, that it was
not neceſſary to be deferr’d till the eighth Day, nor was the Mercy of God
to be deny'd to any as ſoon as born into the World ; that it was their uni-
verſal Sentence “That noneougbt to be prohibited Baptiſm and the Grace
' of God; which, as it was to be allow'd to all, ſo much more to Infants and
new-born Children. About this Time alſo, St. Cyprian writ against Fortu-
natianus, who had been Biſhop of Aſſuri
, and directed liis Letter to Épicte-
tus, who was elected in his Place, and to the People of that City. This
Fortunatianus had the Unhappineſs to fall into Idolatry, and upon that
Account was depriv'd of his Biſhoprick; after which he earneſtly la-
bour'd to re-poſleſs himſelf of it, and to perform his Epiſcopal Functions
as formerly. In this Letter St. Cyprian condemn'd theſe Proceedings,
' and demonſtrated the Neceſſity of Sanctity to make Mens Sacrifices
'acceptable, adviſing the People not to ſuffer him to exerciſe his Office,
but to ſeparate from him in caſe he perſifted in his Deſign.
In the following Year, thie' Bilhops of Spain had recourſe to St. Cyprian,
about an Afíair of the ſame Nature, for Baſilides and Martial, Biſhops of
Valer. .
Leon and Aſtorga, having been publickly convicted of Idolatry and other
Crimes
Cyprian.
dic
A.D. 254.
!
416 Cent Ill.
Book Ill,
:
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY..
ſo that up-
.
C
C
Crimes, were depriv’d, and Felix and Sabinus elected in their Places. : Ba-
filides owning his Crime, had voluntarily quitted his Bilhoprick, and was
plac'd in the Rank of Penitents, thinking himſelf happy if he might be admit-
ted to Lay-Communion. Nevertheleſs, theſe two, afterwards pulh'd on by
Envy and Ambition, us'd their utmoſt Endeavours to regain their Sees; and
for that End repair'd to Rome, not to demand their Re-eſtabliſhment from
Pope Stephen, but only to obtain favourable Letters from him. Stephen
being ſurpriz'd into a Compliance, granted them their Requeſt;
on their Return to Spain, they became more inſolent than ever, and thought
to re-poſſeſs themſelves by main Force. Whereupon the Clergy and People
of Spain by Letters addreſs'd themſelves to St. Cyprian, and alſo deputed
the new Biſhops, Felix and Sabinus, to know how to proceed in this Exi-
gency. The Saint judging it a Matter of no ſmall Importance, callid a
The ath Coxn- Council of 36 Biſhops, which was his fourth in Carthage ; and after a dili-
cil of Car-
thage gent Examination of all Circumſtances, the Biſhops came to this Reſolu-
tion, That the Deprivation of Bafilides and Martial, as well as the Ordina-
tion of Felix and Sabinus in their Places, ought to ſtand good : To which
purpoſe they wrote a Synodical Letter to the Clergy and People of thoſe
Dioceſſes, wherein they declar'd, “That ſince the Feople had Power to e-
lect good Bi'lops, and to reject the Bad, they wou'd be anſwerable to God
if they any longer communicated with them ; That the Ordination of
Felix and Sabinus was lawful, ſince it was done by the neighbouring Bi-
ſhops, by the Conſent of the People, that it ought not to be revers’d, tho
* Baſilides had iinpos'd upon the Credulity of Stephen, which Conduct, in-
ſtead of effacing their Crimes, aggravated their Guilt. After this, St. Cya
prian was conſulted by the Gallican Biſhops, concerning Marcian Biſhop of
Arles, who being infected with the Novatian Herelie, brought over ſeveral
Perſons to his Party, and arrogantly inſulted over his Brethren. Fauſtinus
Biſhop of Lyons, and ſeveral other Biſhops, wrote both to Pope Stephen and
St. Cyprian, defiring their Concurrence in excommunicating Marcian. But
Stephen neglecting the Affair, Cyprian wrote to him, 'deſiring him to ſatiſ-
fie the Requeſts of the Gallican Biſhops, and diſpatch his Letters to Arles,
declaring Marcian excommunicated; remonítrating, That ſince that Bi-
'Thop had join'd himſelf to Novatian, there was no Occaſion for a new
Judgment againſt him; that all Biſhops were oblig'd to admit Penitents into
the Church, ſo that the whole Body of Biſhops being united by a mutual
Charity, wheneverChriſt's Flock is attack'd by Hereſies or Schiſms, they may
be able to re-unite the Sheep, like good Shepherds who truly love their
Flock. About the ſame time, being highly cenſur'd by an African Biſhop
calld Papienụs, who believ'd the Calumnies of Feliciſimus, he wrote a ſo-
lemn Letter to him, juſtly condemning his raih Believing any ill Reports
of his Brother, concluding with theſe remarkable Words, “You have my
‘Letter, and I have yours; they will be both read in the Day of Judg-
ment, before the Tribunal of Jeſus Chriſt.
But now St. Cyprian was concern'd about a greater Affair, which was ex- Cyprima
amin'd in a Council of 32 Biſhops, which he callid the following Year;
The sth Coun and this was concerning the famous Conteſt about re-baptizing thoſe who
cil of Car- had been baptiz'd by Hereticks. This, by the Occaſion of the Montaniſts
thage.
and Novatians, had been formerly canvaſs'd in the Eaſtern Parts, from
whence it flew over to Numidia, and by Januarius and the Biſhops of that
Province, it was brought before St. Cyprian, and this Courcil of Carthage.
In this it was determind, 'That no Baptiſm could be valid out of the
. Church; That it was abſolutely neceſſary to re-baptize thoſe who had re-
'ceiv'd the Baptiſm of Hereticks; and that this was no novel Sentence, but
* had been ſo adjudgʻd by the African Biſhops their Predeceſſors, and the
A.D. 255.
Valer. ;
&c.
Thing
Chap VỊ.
417
VALERIAN the 32d Rón. Emp.
Cyprinn.
Exlib.
"Thing conſtantly practis'd and obſerv'd by them. Quintus a Biſhop, ſoon
after deſiring St. Cypian's Opinion of this Matter, he return'd him the
ſame Anſwer, 'thohe modeſtly acknowledg'd that ſome of his Brethreni
were of a different Opinion, and ſent him the Deciſion of this Synod. A. D. 256.
But that this Controverſie might be more fully examin'd, this excellent Valer. L.
Man in the next Year aſſembled a Council of 71 Biſhops, as well of the The 6th Couña
cil of Car-
Province of Africk as Numidia, who confirm'd all that had been deter-
thage.
min’d by the preceding Synod, concerning the Baptiſm of Hereticks, and
decreed, “That all Presbyters and Deacons who were ordain’d amongſt
'them, and alſo fuch of the Clergy, who had been ſome time of their
Party, upon their Return to the Cliurch, fhou'd only be receiv'd in the
'Quality of Laicks. And the better to maintain that Honour and
Friendſhip which Biſliops ow'd to each other, they acquainted Pope Stephen
with their Conſtitutions by a Synodical Lecter, towards the Concluſion of
which it repreſented, “That ſince their Ordinances were conformable to
* Truth and the Chriſtian Religion, they hop'd he wou'd make no Diffi-
'culty to approve them ; That they were ſenſible that all Biſhops could
not readily change their opinion, yet tho they retain'd their own Cu-
'ftoms, they might ſtill preſerve the Laws of Charity ; Therefore they
' did not magiſterially impoſe their Opinions upon others, ſince every Bi-
fhop had full Authority within the Juriſdiction of his own Church, for
which he was accountable to God alone.
Pope Stephen was ſo far from ſubmitting to the Reaſons of the Afrieans Pope Stepheit
in this Matter, whether becauſe he imagin'd they had a Deſign againſt the oppoſes si: Gya
Roman Church, or becauſe he thought the Queſtion of too great Conſe-
prian.
quence for them to determine, that lie was enrag'd againſt St. Cyprian and
his Colleagues, and rudely treated their Deputies : Nay, he prohibited all
the Christians of his Church to receive or lodge them, not only depriving
them of Eccleſiaſtical Communion, but alſo refufing them the common
Civilities of Hoſpitality. The Letter he writ back, was fill'd with Affronts
and Invectives, and his Deciſion was compriz'd in theſe Terms ; "If any
Perſon comes to you of any Herefie whatſoever, let not the leaſt Alte-
ration be made in what has been regulated by Tradition, but only lay
'Hands upon him and ſo receive him. This being brought to Africk, St. Cya
prian mov'd with the Proceedings of Stephen, fent his Letter, with á Refu.
tation of it, not only to Pompey of Africk, but alſo to Firmilian, and the
other Biſhops of Cappadocia, who were all of_the fame Opinion with Cya
prian, touching the Baptilin of Hereticks. Firmilian particularly writ a
long Epiſtle, wherein he amply and ſharply reſured the Opinion and Let-
ter of Stephen, and eſtabliſh'd the Diſcipline which Cyprian had defended;
alledging, that it had been obſerv'd in his Countrey by immemorial Cu-
ſtom, and confirın'd in two numerous Synods held at Iconium and Synnas
da. St. Cyprian alſo wrote a Letter to Biſhop Jubianus about this Matter,
and alſo another to Magnus, wherein he anſwer'd two important Queſtions,
and declar’d, “That Baptiſm by the Novatians in particular, ought to be
look'd upon as invalid; and that the Baptiſm of Clinicks, that is, of
lick Perlons on their Beds, was valid ; and that the Sacrament was equally
efficacious, whether the Perſon was plung’d into the Water, or had it
ſprinkled upon him. But, to put the grand Controverſie beyond all Diſputes
le fummon'd a more general Council of 87 Biſhops, which was the 7th The 7th Osuna
and laft, and the third upon this particular Occaſion, and this aſſembled in cil of Cats
thage.
the Month of September 256. In this Council the Letters of Jubianus to
St. Cyprian, and his Anſwer to that Biſhop, were firit read. After wlrich
St. Cyprian propos'd to all the Biſhops preſent, 'to deliver their Opinions
freely, but yet not ſo, as to condemn and excommunicate thoſe of a diffe-
6
Gg
rent
418
Book III,
Cent. III.
EccLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
C
St. Cyprian
prevails.
Eufeb.
C
6
rent Judgment; For, added he, none of us ought to make himſelf a Bi-
Itop of Biſhops, or pretend to awe his Brethren by a tyrannical Fear, be-
cauſe every Biſhop is at liberty to do as he pleaſes, and can no more be
judg’d by another, than he can judge others himſelf; but all ought to
wait for the Judgment of Jeſus Chriſt, who alone can ſet us over the
' Church, and judge our Actions. After this Propoſition, the Biſhops gave
their Opinions, and concluded all in favour of St. Cyprian.
Not only firmilian of Cappadocia, but alſo Dionyfius of Alexandria, and Cyprian
many others in the Eaſt, ſtood firm to St. Cyprian, and maintained, That
all Perſons baptiz’d by Hereticks ought to be re-baptiz'd. Dionyſius howe-
ver carry'd himſelf with great Temper and Moderation, and in his Epiſtles
diſtinguiſh'd between Apoftates, who had receiv'd their Baptiſm in the
'Catholick Church, and Pure Hereticks; That the former upon their Re-
turn were to be admitted by Impoſition of Hands, which Practice he had
learnt from his Predeceſſor Heraclas; but the latter, who had no Baptiſm
' but what was conferr'd by Heretical Perſons, were to be enter'd into the
'Church by Catholick Baptiſm. Beſides, he engag'd in this Diſpute more
like a Mediator than a Party, writing to Pope Stephen to ule Moderation
in this Ciſe, as he did alſo to his Succeſſor, and moſt other Biſhops of that
Time. But neither Numbers nor Arguments wou'd fatisfie Stephen; and
indeed the Controverſie aroſe to that Height between him and St. Cyprian,
that lie the other very rude and unchriſtian Language, ſtiling him
falſe Chriſt, falſe Apoſtle, deceitful Worker, and ſuch like; while the other
treated him with great Sharpneſs and Severity, charging him with Pride
and Impertinence, Self-contradiction, Ignorance, and Obſtinacy, and o-
ther Weakneſſes. Firmilian alſo charg'd Stephen with ſacrificing the Peace of
the Church to a petulent Humour, where Inhumanity, Audaciouſneſs, In-
ſolence and Impiety, are ſome of the Characters beſtow'd upon him: A great
Inſtance how far Paſſion and Prejudice may tranſport wiſe and good Men be-
yond the Merits of the Cauſe, and the Bounds of Charity. Thus we have giv-
en an Account of this great Controverſie,which was never nicely determin'd
till the Council of Arles in the fourth Century. All that we Thall add con-
cerning it, is, that St.Cyprian and his Party expreſly diſown'd Anabaptiſm,
or Rebaptization, ſtill aſſerting that there was but one Baptiſm; only
they look'd upon the Baptiſm of all Hereticks as ipſo facto null and void, and
therefore ſaid, that the Parties ſo baptiz’d, ought to receive what (lawfully)
they had not before.
gave
The Eighth general PERSECUTION.
A. D. 257. Il. The Chriſtians had now enjoy'd a profound Peace for about four Years Evfrá.
Valer. :. from Valerian, who had been kind to them beyond any of the preceding
Emperors; ſo that they wanted no Aſſurance of a happy and proſperous.Time.
But in the 4th Year of his Reign, this Emperor gave way to the Suggeſtions
and Delulions of an Arch-Magician of Ægypt,call’d Macrianus,who prevaild
upon him to fall from his former Kindneſs and to perſecute the Chriſtians ;al-
ledging that theſe Men by their wicked and execrableCharms,hinder'd all the
Proſperity of the Emperor, colouring his Pretence from their ſpecial Power
over Dæmons,w.hofe miſchievous Arts they diſſipated, and whom they ordi-
narily baniſhed with the ſpeaking of a Word. Upon a Pretence of this dange-
rous Power, Macrianus advis’d the Emperor to perform many impious
Rites of Initiation, abominable Sacrifices and Enchantments, to cut the
Throats of miſerable Infants, to facrifice the Children of unhappy Pa-
rents, to rip open the Bowels of new-born Babes, and to tear in Pieces, and
cut
Chap. VI.
419
VALERIAN tbe zad Rom. Emp.
The Continis
ance of the
Cyprian.
cut in ſunder God's own Workmanſhip, as if by theſe Acts he ſhould pur-
chale for himſelf a laſting Felicity. Whereupon Edicts were in all Places
publiſh'd againſt the Chriſtians, the great Enemies to Magick, and they were
without the leaſt Protection, expos’d to the common Rage. This is common-
ly call’d the The eighth General Perſecution of the Church, beginning in the
Month of April, and continuing three Years and a half, or 42 Montlis: For Perfecution
.
fo Dionyf. Alex. intimates when he makes Valerian to be the Beaſt in the Re-
velation to whom was given a Mouth Speaking great Things and Blaſphemies, and
Power was given to him to continue forty and two Months, Apoc. 13.5. The ſame
Perlon alſo tells us, that it is in vain to make a particular Enumeration of all
the Chriſtians that ſuffer'd in this Perſecution; only it is obſervable, that
both Men and Women, young and old, Soldiers and Ruſticks, Perſons of
all Ranks and Ages, were ſome beaten and ſcourg'd, others beheaded, and
others by overcoming the Violence of flaming Furnaces, receiv'd the Crown
of Martyrdom.
The Perſecution began at Rome, where we have the Names of ſeveral
Wit. CIP. Martyrs, as Rufinus, Secundus, Euſebius a Presbyter, and Marcellus a Deacon,
with ſeveral others But the chief of theſe Martyrs was Stephen himſelf,
who ſuffer'd on the ſecond Day of Auguſt, after he had held the See of Rome
a little above four Years. After a Vacancy of 22 Days, he was ſucceeded
by Xyftus or Sixtus II. an Athenian Philoſopher, who held this Dignity al-Sixtus II. the
moſt one year, and was the 2zd Biſhop of Rome after the Apoſtles St. Peter 23d. Bishop of
and St. Paul. The Perſecution extended to all parts of the Empire, and
beginning in Africk, Aſpaſius Paternus the Procontul ſent for St. Cyprian to
appear before him, informing him, That he had receiv'd Commands from
the Emperors, that all who were of Foreign Religion, ſhould worſhip the
Gods according to the Roman Rites, and demanded his Anſwer. Cyprian
readily reply'd, That he was a Chriſtian and a Biſhop, who acknowledged Bone
but the true God, the Creator of Heaven, Earth, and all Things; whom all
Chriſtians ſerved, praying Day and Night for themſelves and all Men, and
for the Proſperity of the Emperors. The Proconſul demanding of him
whether that was his final Reſolution, he reply'd, That Reſolution which
is founded in God, cannot be alter'd. Then he told him That he was to
Search out the Presbyters as well as Biſhops, and that he was com-
manded to prohibit all private Aſſemblies, and proceed with capital Puniſh-
ments againſt the Frequenters of them. The holy Man gave him an uncon-
cern'd Anſwer, ſo that the Proconſul finding it was in vain to treat with
St. Cyprian
him, commanded him to be banilh'd to Carubis, a little City Standing in baniſh'd.
a Peninſula within the Lybian Sea, not far from Pentapolis ; a pleaſant
Place, where he met with kind Uſage, was frequently viſited by the Bre-
thren, and furniſh'd with all Conveniencies. In this Retirement God was
pleas’d to favour him with feveral heavenly Viſions, by one of which,
in the firſt Day of his Arrival, he was particularly forewarnd of the
Manner of his approaching Martyrdom. At the fame time the Præfect
of Numidia, after having put ſeveral Chriſtians to Death, and ſcourg'd o-
thers, condemn'd many to the Mines, and among the reſt feveral Biſhops
and Presbyters of his Province, St. Cyprian, that he might improve all Op-
portunities from the Place of his Exile ſent theſe Martyrs an excellent E. He comforts
piſtle, 'wherein with wonderful Eloquence he heighten'd the Glory of the Martyrs.
their Confellion, and encourag'd thein to ſuffer with Conſtancy : He ſent
this to three different Places, where theſe holy Confelſors were dif-
pers’d, and remitted ſome Money to them to ſupply their preſent Extremi-
ties. Their Anſwers were written from three ſeveral Places, in which, in
an unaffected Stile, they return'd him their Thanks for his
great Kindneſs and Charity, and allur'd him, that his Letter had rais'd
Ggg 2
'cheir
420
Cent. ill.
Book III,
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
i
C
6
their drooping Spirits, heal'd their Wounds, and render'd their preſſures
more light and ſupportable to them.
As Africk felt the difinal Effects of this perſecution, ſo did Ægypt no Euseb.
leſs : And at the firſt Arrival of the Orders to Alexandria, Biſhop Dio-
nyfius, with ſome of his Clergy, addreſt himſelf to Æmilian the Gover-
nour, who at firſt did not directly forbid him to hold his Aſſemblies,
but endeavour'd to perſwade him from it, preſuming others would foon
follow his Example. Dionyſus return'd an Apoſtolical Auſwer, That we
muſt obey God rather than Men, ſolemnly aſſuring him, That he would
worſhip only the true God, from which Reſolution ke would never recede.
The Governour told him, That he had acquainted them with the great
Cle-
mency of the Emperors, if they would act agreeably to Nature, and adore
the Gods who were Protectors of the Empire, which he hop'd they would
be more grateful than to refuſe. To whom the Biſhop reply'd, That
though the Romans worſhipped other Gods, they only adored the Creator of
the World, who gave the Government to the Emperors, and to whom they
daily prayed for the Permanency and Stability of the Empire.
the Empire. Upon this the
Governor by way of Inſinuation, urg'd hiin to worſhip the Romans Gods
together with their own; but finding all ineffectual, he declar'd them ig-
Dionyfius
Alex. baniſh'd
norant and ungrateful, and order'd Dionyſius to be banill’d to Cephro in the
Deſerts of Lybia, and likewiſe prohibited all the Aſſemblies of the Chriſtians,
threatning the ſevereſt Puniſhments to the AggreſTors. The Sentence was
immediately put in Execution, and Dionyſius, tho' ſick, was not allowed
one Days Reſpite, but was hurried into the moſt uncomfortable Part of
Lybia ; but great Numbers of Chriſtians ſoon follow'd him, partly from
Alexandria, and partly from other Parts of Ægypt. At his firſt arrival
he was treated with Rudeneſs and a Shower of Stones, but in a thort time
he not only civiliz'd their Manners, but alſo reclaim'd them from Idolatry,
He makes new and brought them to Chriſtianity. And as he met with Succeſs, ſo he
ſhifted his Quarters, preaching about in thoſe diſconfolate Regions, and tur-
ning the Deſert into a Church. Nor could all the Severity of Æmilian
prevent the Chriſtians Allemblies at Alexandria, tho'he proceeded with
the utmoſt Hatred againſt ſuch as were brought before him, killing many
with all the Arts of Cruelty, kceping others for the Rack and Torment,
loading them with Chains, and thruíling them into loathſome Dungeons,
forbidding the Preſence of their neareſt Friends. Yet even in the
Height of theſe Amfictions God ſupported their Spirits, and animated o-
thers to venture in, and to adminiſter Comfort and Neceliaries to them,
not fearing, tho' with the Peril of their heads, to interr the bodies of
the Martyrs. From Cephro Dionyſius wrote to Pope Sixtus, concerning
the Re-baptization of Hereticks, in which he made a remarkable Exception
in one particular Inſtance, which was of a Man of his Congregation,
who had formerly receiv'd his Baptiſm from Hereticks, and now deſired
to obtain Catholick Baptiſm ; but he durſt not admit him, becauſe he
had been many Years in the Claſs of the Faithful, and a conllant Receiver
of the Euchariſt, judging that his long Communion with the Church might
be equivalent to Baptifm.
:: Herelicom About this Time one Sabellius a Lybian, born at Ptolemais a City of
Pentapolis
, ſtarted ſome unorthodox Notions and Opinions about the ***
Doctrine of the holy Trinity, teaching that there was no Diſtinction be-
tween the three Ferſons, and aſſerting the Father, Son, and Holy Ghoſt,
to be but one Subſiſtence, one Perſon under three ſeveral Names, who in
the Time of the Old Teſtament gave the Law under the Notion of
the Father, in the New Teſtament was made Man in the Capacity of
the Son, and afterwards deſcended upon the Apoſtles in the Quality of the
Ha-
Con verts.
Exfeb.
Sihellius.
Chap. VÌ
che
VALERIAN tbe 32d kom. E.my,
Holy Ghoſt. Epiphanius tells us that Sabellius had fuck'd is this Erroi
from fome Apochryphal Books, and more eſpecially from that callid The
Goſpel of the Ægyptians, where our Saviour is introduced ceaching his
Apoſtles, that the Father and the Son are but one and the fame Perſon.
Tho' thoſe who then held this Opinion; were callid Sabellians, yet the
Herelie was more ancient than Sabellius. For we find that it was the on
pinion of Praxeas and the Patropallians, and after them, of Nuetus of
Smyrna, from whom they were call’d Noetians; and laſtly, of tliis Sabellius,
who by his Care and Induſtry gave them that held it the Name of Sabelii-
ans, which Name ever after continued, as it does ro this Day.
And now the Perfecution began to give a fatal Turn to all the Pro-
Espirian
. ſperity of Valerian ; for Heaven being highly provok'd with the barbä- A. D. 258.
Ambrofio rous Treatment of its faithful Servants, lent its Scourges from the Valer....
Northern Countries, who came down in a more formidable manner than
ever; and at the ſame time the mighty Sapores King of Perſia, with a
furious Progreſs over run and ravag'd Syria, Cilicia, Cappadocia, and the
Eaſtern Parts of the Empire. This oblig'd the Emperor to make all
poſſible Preparations, and to march with a powerful Army to Byzantium
to put a Stop 'to his Enemy's Power. But theſe Miſeries were to far
from mollifying his Heart as to the Chriſtians, that'he ſent a Refcript ro tlie
Senate more ſevere than ever, wherein he order'd that Biſhops, Presby- The Perfecutio
ters and Deacons thould be pur to Death without Delay ; That Senators on encriaſes.
and Perſons of Quality ſhould loſe their Honours, and Preferments, and
forfeit their Eſtates; and if they ſtill continued Chriſtians ;. loſe their
Heads; That Ladies of the higheſt Rank should not only have their
Eftates confiſcated, but alſo be baniſh'd; and that all of the Emperor's
Houſhold ſhould be immediately ſent to Priſon. Which gave Occaſion to
the Governors to carry on the Perſecution with more Violence than ever;
among whom Macrianus was particularly diligent in Rome. In Execution
of theſe Orders, Pope Sixtus was brought out and beheaded with Quartus,
on the 6th Day of Auguſt, after he had been Biſhop of Rome 11 Months
and 12 Days. As he was led to Execution, Laurence his Archdeacon and
Treaſurer, follow'd after him, and with loud Cries delir'd, That he migbt The Martir-
partake of the Honour of Martyrdom with him, and that his Blood might be some of Pope
mingled with that of his Biſhop. Sixtus told him, That he was reſerv'd for Deacon Lau-
a more noble Combat, but that he ſhould quickly follow him, and within rence.
three Days be where he was. The Governor knowing Laurence to be the
Church's Treaſurer, ſeiz'd upon him, and charg'd him to diſcover where
the Treaſures were. The holy Man deſir'd three Days time to gather them
together, and preſent them to him ; at the End of which he preſented a
great Number of poor helpleſs People to the Governor, and let him under-
Itand, That they were the true Treaſures of the Church. The Governor in-
cens'd at this Diſappointment, immediately order'd him to be torn with
Scourges, to be whipt with Iron Rods and Plumbetæ, and then to be ſet on
the woodden Horſe, and to have all his Limbs diſlocated and laſt of all
ordered a kind of Grid-iron, with a ſlow fire under it, to be made ready;
upon which the Tyrant caus'd him to be laid down and roaited. will which
Torments St. Laurence endured with admirable Constancy and Unconcer-
nedneſs; and after a conſiderable Time lying upon that Bed, he victori-
oully callid out to the Governor, I am roaſted enough on this Side ; turn me on
the other, and than eat me. Then praying for the Conversion of Rome,
he chearfully yielded up his Spirit to God. The Perſecution was now ſo
hor; that after the Death of Sixtus, there was a Vacancy in the Church of
Rome for almoſt a Year, the Care of the Chriſtians being then left to the
Presbyters.
Nor
422
Book Ill.
Cent. III.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
The Martyrs Nor were Carthage and Africk free from the Severity of this Perſecuti-Cyprian
in Africk
on, where great Numbers ſuffer'd ; particularly three hundred Mar-
tyrs at Utica, commonly call’d the Martyrs de Mala Candida, who ra-
ther than do Sacrifice, chearfully leapt into a mnighty Pit of burning
Lime kindled for that purpoſe, and were immediately fuffocated in the
Smoke and Flames The daily News of the Chriſtians Sufferings gave
St. Cyprian juſt Reaſon to expect and provide for his own Fate, which he
waited and long’d for every Hour. Tho' his chiefeſt Friends deſired him
to withdraw; yet the Deſire and Proſpect of an immortal Crown had ler
him above the World, and made him deaf to all their kind Entreaties.
But when News was brought that the Officers deſign'd to carry him to
Utica, to ſuffer there, he retired, being unwilling to ſuffer in any Place but
Carthage, in the Preſence of the People where he had ſo long and ſucceſ-
fully preached the Goſpel, the Truth of which he was deſirous to ſeal
with his Blood; 'it being very agrecable that a Biſhop ſhould ſuffer for his
'Lord in that place where he had governed his Church, and by that e-
' minent Confeſſion edifie and encourage the Flock committed to his
Charge, as he writes in his laſt Epiſtle to his People. As for themſelves,
'he adviſed them to Peace and Unity, not to create Trouble to one ano-
'ther, nor to offer themſelves to their Perſecuters; but if any were appre-
'hended, couragiouſly to confeſs, as God ſhould enable them to declare
'themſelves. Taking up his Reſidence in Carthage, Officers were imme-
St, Cyprian's diately tent to apprehend him, who putting him in a Chariot carry'd him
Apprehenſion, to the new Proconſul Galerius Maximus, who commanded him to be kept a
Day longer at an Officers Houſe, while the People alarm’d with the News
of his Return and Apprehenſion, flock'd to the Doors, and watch'd there
all Night. Being brought before the Proconſul the next Day, Maximus
Examination, looking upon him, ſaid, Art thou Thraſcius Cyprian, a Biſhop and Father
to Men of impious Principles ? The Sacred Emperors command thee to fa-
crifice; therefore be well adviſed, and do not throw away thy Life. The
Holy Martyr reply'd, I am Cyprian and a Chriſtian, and cannot ſacrifice to
the Gods ; do as you are commanded; for in fo jujt a Cauſe I need no Con-
ſultation. The Proconſul diſpleaſed at his invincible Conſtancy, told
him, That be bad been long of this ſacrilegious Humour, bad ſeduced ma-
into the ſame impious Prultices, and ſhewn himſelf an Enemy to the Gods
and Religion of the Roman Empire, and one whom the moſt pious Emperors
could never reduce to the Obſervance of their holy Rites : That therefore
being found to be the Ringleader of ſo dangerous a Sett, be ſhould be made
an Example to all thoſe whom he had ſeduc'd, and that Diſcipline ſhould be
eſtabliſh'd in his Blood. Whereupon he read his Sentence out of a Table-
Book, I will that Thraſcius Cyprian be bebeaded. To which the holy
Man only anſwer’d, I heartily thank Almighty God, who is pleaſed to ſet me
free from the Chains of the Body. Sentence being paſs’d, he was led away
with a ſtrong Guard of Soldiers, infinite Numbers of People preiling after,
the Chriſtians weeping and mourning, and crying out, Let us alſo be behead-
ed with him. Being brought to the Place of Execution, which was a Field
ſurrounded with Trees loaden with Spectators, the Martyr falling down
upon his Knees, recommended his Soul to God in Prayer ; after which he
ſtript bimſelf to a Linnen Veflment, and expected the Executioner, to
whom he commanded the Sum of about fix Pounds of our Money to be
given. The Brethren (pread Linnen Cloaths about him to preterve his
Blood from being ſprinkled upon the Ground ; and then covering his
And Martyr. Eyes with his Hand, the Executioner did his Office. His Body was de-
poſited not far off by the Chriſtians, but at Night, for fear of the Gentiles,
rernov'd; and with many Lights and Torches, ſolemnly interr'd in the
Cæ-
ny
dom.
Chap. VI.
423
VALERIAN the 3 ad Rom. Emp
1
Cæmetery of Macrobius Candidus a Procurator, near the Filh-ponds in the
Mappalian Way. This was done upon the 14th Day of September, after hie
had been about ten Years Biſhop of Carthage, being ſucceeded by Lucian.
To give a ſhort Character of St. Cyprian, he may be ſaid to have been, tho
not the greateſt, yet the moſt uſeful and valuable Man, the moſt accurate
and finiſh'd Writer, and the moſt wiſe and ſerviceable Biſhop in
this Age.
At Ma.
6
ga
Pollio.
Not long after the Death of St. Cyprian, the Proconſul Galerius Maximus A.D. 2.59:
Enfilo dy'd, being ſucceeded by one Solon, who carry'd on the Perſecution with Valer,
no leſs Severity than the other had done. In Carthage many eminent
Chriſtians were put to death, particularly, Lucius, Montanus, Flavian, Fuli- Many Martyrs. .
an, Viktoricus, Primolus, Remus and Donatian; moſt of them of the
Clergy, and St. Cyprian's Diſciples. In Numidia, James and Marianus,
with many others, ſuffer’d at Lambela. In Spain, Fructuoſus Biſhop of
Tarragon, after a noble Confeſſion of his Faith, was burnt alive, together
with his two Deacons Augurius and Eulogius. In Paleſtine, Euſebius in-
forins us of three eminent Confeſſors, Priſcus, Malchus, and Alexander,
who being in the Countrey, and alham'd to think that they lay idle and
fecure, while ſo many others were contending for the Crown, unaniinouf-
ly went to the Governor of Cæfarea, profeſs'd themſelves Chriſtians, re-
ceived their Sentence of Death, and were made Food for the wild Beaſts.
Beſides theſe, he tells us of a Woman in Cæfarea, who, tho a Marcio-
nite, underwent the faine Fate. In Rome the Church continued a con-
fiderable Time without a Biſhop; but the Perſecution a little abating;
after almoſt a Years Vacancy, the Chriſtians made choice of Dionyſius, a
Dionyfius the
learned and excellent Man, who held this Dignity about eleven Years, 24th Biſhop
and was the 24th Biſhop of Rome after the Apoſtles St. Peter and of Rome.
St. Paul.
And now the Roman Empire began to be more and more amicted Valerian de-
Zilant
, by barbarous Inundations, and the Perſian Invaſions, in which Valerian cliries.
himſelf was the principal Sufferer. For after:lie had made fome Reſiſt-
ance to the Goths and Scythians, he was obliged to turn all his Forces a-
gainſt Sapores King of Perſia, who with a furious Progreſs ravaged many
of the Eaftern Provinces. Approaching near the Perſians, he became fo
diſhearten'd and confounded, that he deſpaired of Succeſs, and would
have put an End to the War by giving of Money. Sapores offered to
parly with him in Perſon upon that Subject, to which Valerian impru-
dently conſenred. And being infatuated by God, and betrayed by Macrio
anus, the firſt Cauſe of his Injuſtice to the Chriſtians, he was brought into
án incommodious Place without a fufficient Guard; where being ſur-
rounded by the Perſians, and all the Paſſes poſſeſſed, without any Reſiſt-
ance he was taken Priſoner by Sapores, who carried this old Emperor in-
to his own Countrey, and treated him with Indigaities below the meaneſt Priſorter by
Slave. For the inſulting Perfian, ſwell'd with this proſperous Gale, made Sapores King
Valerian his Footſtool, whenever he was diſpoſed to take Horſe ; cauſing
the greateſt Monarch of the World, to whom all Nations paid Homage,
to bow down his Neck for hiin to tread upon it, when he mounted the
Saddle. This was the miſerable Fate of the Perſecuter Valerian, which
hapned in the Year 260, he being 76 Years of Age, and having reigned
near ſeven Years; a Prince eminent for many remarkable Excellencies,
who for many Years wanted no kind of Succeſs and Reputationi
, till at
length: pulling down the Vengeance of Heaven, he was ſeverely puniſh'd
for his barbarous Cruelties to the Chriſtians; which was likewiſe no ſmall Puri
niſhment to the Romans, who never received ſuch a publick and ſignal Af-
front ſince the Foundation of their City. Sapores was wont to rally Valeri-
Ann
He is taken
.
424
Book III.
Cent. III.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY,
Death.
an, when he made him his Footſtool, telling him, That that Poſture was a
greater Proof on which Side the Victory went, than all the Pictures that the
Romans could make ; and for a long time after the Perſians treated the very
His miſerable Name of a Roman with the utmoſt Scorn and Indignity. Valerian conti-
Captivity and
nued about ſeven Years in this miſerable Servitude, notwithſtanding all the
Writings, all the Interceſſions, and all the Threats of the greateſt Potentates
in the World ; and at the ſame time deſpiſed and neglected by his own Son
Gallienus. At length being 83 Years of Age, Sapores caus’d his Eyes to be
pulld out, and after that, his Body to be flea'd alive, and rubb’d with
Salt, according to Agathias. But Lactantius faith that after his Death his
Skin was flea'd off his Body, and that both that and his Bowels being
tinctur'd with a red Colouring, were hung up in one of the Temples
of the Perſian Gods, to be a perpetual Memorial of ſo remarkable a
Triumph, by which they might always put the Roman Ambaſſadors
in mind of it, and from ſo uncommon a Spectacle, warn them not
to preſume too much upon their own Power, but to remember Valeri.
an's Fall.
Zafont.
Orofius,
A. D.260. IIJ. Valerian being taken Priſoner, his Son Gallienus in courſe re- Pollio
.
GALLIE- main d Emperor of Rome, being now about 41 Years of Age, and a Per-
NUS,
ſon ſufficiently noted for his Eloquence and Learning, but more for
The 3 zd Ro- his impious and profligate Life. This Reign was more confus’d and ca-
man Emperor.
lamitous than any of the preceding; and Heaven and Earth ſeem'd e-
The Miſeries qually to threaten the Deſtruction of the Roman Empire. In the Begin-
of this Reigu, ning of it the Sun was clouded and darkned, ſo that it did not appear
for many Days : Strange and diſinal Earthquakes overthrew Cities and
ſtately Edifices, deſtroying great Numbers of People, and ſhaking the
Lands ſo terribly, that the hidden Bowels of the Earth, and the ſtu-
pendious Caverns were laid open, from whence flow'd vaſt Streams of
Salt Water. The Sea overſwell'd its Banks, and broke into many Con-
tinents, drowning Countries, Cities, and People ; and ſo violent à Peſti-
lence rag'd, that in Rome, no leſs than 5000 Perſons dy'd in a Day. Bc-
ſides which, the whole Empire was dangerouſly invaded on all Parts: The
Germans over-run Rhætia and the Alps, and paſs’d into Italy as far as Ra-
venna ;
the Allemans alſo waſted Gaul, and enter'd Spain to the City of
Tarragon : The Goths and Scythians ravag'd all Pontus, and a great Part of
leſſer Alia; and in Europe, all Greece, Macedonia, and their Confines.
Dacia beyond the Danube was entirely loſt to the Quadi and Sarmatians,
who alſo ſeiz'd on Pannonia; and the Perſians and Parthians having already
gain’d Meſopotamia, poſleſs'd themſelves of a great Part of Syria. About
the ſame Time the Soldiers in all Parts electing their own Generals, advan-
ced no leſs than Thirty almoſt at one Time, who aſſuming the Title of
The Thirty Emperors, are generally recorded by the Name of the Thirty Tyrants;
Tyrants.
who being oppoſite to each other, and to Gallienus, the Empire by
their Means was more ſeverely harraſs’d and oppreſs’d by its own For-
ces, than by foreign Devaſtations : Only theſe Uſurpers, who were
generally valiant Men, did often ſecure the Empire from barbarous
Nations.
Among theſe thirty Uſurpers, the two firſt were Poſthumus, who ſet Pollio
.
up in Gaul, and Ingenuus in Pannonia, both valiant Commanders.
lienus immediately undertook the latter, flew both him, and overthrew the
Goths ; in which Victories he uſed incredible Cruelties, deſtroying all
the living Perſons in one City. But the former was ſo powerful, that
he maintain’d his Authority for ſeven Years; and Ingenuus, notwithſtand-
ing his Death, was lucceeded by Regillianus, who preſerved his Power in
Pan-
Gal. Evfib.
Chap. VI.
425
GALLIENUS the 33d Roni. Emp.
Behaviour.
Antioch.
Pannonia for three Years. So that by means of theſe and many other U. Gallienus's
ſurpers, Gallienus retired himſelf to Rome, regarding little either of his
own or his Father's Concerns; and while the whole World was infeſted
with Wars and Deſolations, he for the moſt part continu'd in the City
abandon'd to Eaſe and Luxury, and ſurrounded with the ſofteſt Plea-
ſures and Delights. And when he was informed that Ægypt had revolt-
ed, that Gaul was loſt to Uſurpers, that Aſia was ruin'd by Earthquakes
and the Scythians, and that other Provinces were in danger, he re-
turned Anſwers with ſo much Negligence and Remiſneſs, as if he
had utterly forgot his Office and Dignity. But notwithſtanding his
Careleſneſs and Diſregard to the Publick, yet he had ſo much Senle of
publick Calamities, as from his Father's Misfortunes to take the Mea-
ſures of his Carriage towards the Chriſtians. He ſaw that while his Fa-
ther favour'd the Chriſtians, Heaven ſmild upon his Deſigns, and his
Affairs fucceeded in an uninterrupted Courſe of Proſperity ; but that
when he once began to bear hard upon them, the Tide turned, and the
Divine Vengeance fell both upon him and the Empire. Therefore, con-
trary to the Practices of former Emperors in the like Circumſtances, he He relaxes the
wiſely reſolved to give Eaſe to the innocent Chriſtians, and accord- Perſecution.
ingly by his Edicts he entirely relax'd the Perſecution, and allowed
them a full Freedom in the Uſe of their Religion. This was done in
the Month of October, A. D. 260; from which Time the Church of God
had a long Peace of above 40 Years; tho’ it was not wholly without
Trouble and Interruptions, as well as Martyrs. About the Beginning of
this Time of Indulgence, Demetrian Biſhop of Antioch dy'd, after he had
held this Dignity about eight Years; and was ſucceeded by Paul of Sa- Paulus the
moſata, a Perlon fufficiently condemned for his intolerable Avarice and Am-15th Biſhop of
bition, who continued in the See about ten years, and was the 15th. Bilhop
of Antioch after the Apoſtles.
The Edicts of Gillienus for ſome time had not their deſir'd Effects in all A. D. 261.
Parts of the Empire ; for Macrianus, the great Enemy to the Chriſtians, Gallien.
taking Advantage from theſe confus'd Times, ſet up for Emperor with
his two Sons Macrianus and Quietus, and poilelt himſelf of a conſide-
rable Part of the Eaſt, together with Ægypt. In the ſame time A-
lexandria was filled with Factions, and Seditions, and ſo much Confu- The Miſeries
fion, that Biſhop Dionyſius, now return’d to his City, was compelled to dria
.
tranſact all Affairs with his Friends by Letters, “it being ſafer as he tells
us, for a Man to travel from the Eaſt to the Weſt, than to paſs from one
* Part of Alexandria to another, ſo inhumane and barbarous were the
* Outrages committed there. This was ſucceeded by a cruel Famine,
and that by a dreadful Plague, which over-run both City and Coun-
trey, and in a manner ſwept away all that the other Calamities had
ſpared. It mow'd down both Gentiles and Chriſtians, and turned the Par-
chal Solemnity into Days of Weeping and Mourning; all Places were
filled with dying Groans, and Sorrows either for Friends already dead,
or thoſe ready to depart. And here it is remarkable, that while thc Gentiles TheChriſtians
abandon’d their dying Friends, and fled from them as from certain Death, Behaviour as
the Chriſtians, without any Regard to their own Lives, boldly ventur'd in-
to the thickeit Dangers, daily viliting, alliſting and relieving their ſick and in-
tected Brethren, chearfully taking their Pains and Diſtempers upon them,
and often expiring with them. And when many of thoſe thus attended, re-
cover'd and livd, they dy'd themſelves, as if by an unheard of Piece
of Charity they had willingly taken their Difcaſes upon them, and dy'd
to ſave them from Death. The rnoit conſiderable both of Clergy and
People chearfully met a Death that delery'd a Title little leſs than that
Hhh
of
:
Pilis,
Enitb.
in Alexan.
that Tirrie;
426
Book Ill.
Cent. Ill.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
i
lexand. engs-
Sabellius
of Martyrdom : They embrac'd the Bodies of the Dead, cloſed their
Eyes, laid them out, walh'd and dreſt them up in their Funeral Ornaments,
took them and carry'd them to their Graves, it not being long before o-
thers did the ſame Offices for them. During the Time of this Peſtilence,
Dionyſius A.
and before, Dionyſius the Biſhop was warmly engag'd in the Confutation of
god againſt the Errors of Sabellius, who had confounded the three Perſons of the
Holy Trinity, and brought over many to his Opinions. But as it uſually
happens to rnoſt Men, while he manag’d the Cauſe with too much
Zeal and Fervency, he bent the Stick too much the contrary Way, aſ-
ſerting not only a Diſtinčtion of Perſons, but alſo a Difference of Eſence,
and an Inequality of Power and Glory. For which he is ſeverely cenſur'd
by St. Baſil, and ſome of the Ancients, as one who in a great Mcaſure o-
pend the Gap to thoſe Arrian Impieties that afterwards broke in upon
the World. Tho' St. Baſil cou'd not but do him ſo much Juſtice, as to ſay,
That it was not any ill Meaning, but only an over-vehement Deſire to
confute his Adverſary, that betray'd him into thoſe unwary and incon-
ſiderate Aſſertions. Some Biſhops of Pentapolis immediately took Advan-
tage of theſe Allertions, and going over to Rome, repreſented the Danger
of them to Dionyſius Biſhop of Rome. This Caſe was folemnly diſcuſs'd
The 2d Council in a Synod at Rome, which was the ſecond we read of in that City, and
of Rome.
Letters written to Dionyſius of Alexandria concerning this Matter, who in
four Books and an Apology refuted both the Errors of Sabellius, and vindi-
cated himſelf, declaring his Senfe more explicitly in this Controverſie.
all which may be ſeen at large in Athanaſius, who with infinite Pains vin-
dicated this his Predeceſſor, as a Man ſound and Orthodox, and who was
never condemn’d by the Governors of the Church, or held thoſe dangerous
Errors which Arriis broach'd afterwards.
In the mean time the Confuſions in the Empire encreas'd more and more ; Bellis
and among others, Valens and Piſo both fet up for Emperors ; the former
in Achaia, and the latter in Thelaly; but in a ſhort time Piſo was ruined by
Valens, and Valens was ſlain by his own Soldiers. The Deaths of theſe
Uſurpers much enlarged the Power and Dominions of Macrianus in the
A. D. 262. Eaſt, who while Odenathus, a valiant Prince of the Palmyrines, was ſuc-
Gallien. š. ceſsfully warring again the Perſians, now found an Opportunity to
afflict the Chriſtians in his Parts. Among theſe, we have an Account of
Marinus a military Officerin Cæfarea; who upon his being promoted to a
Centurion's Place, was immediately accuſed before the Governor of being
a Chriſtian; and tho he was a Man eminent both for Deſcent and Riches,
he was only allow'd three Hours Reipit for Deliberation. During which
Space, Theoilenus Billiop of the City, carry'd him to his Church, and ar
the Altar lhewing him his Sword and the holy Goſpel ; he demanded of him
which he would chuſe. Marinus freely chuſing the latter, Theoftenus bad him
adhere to that, and he ſhould obtain his Reward. Whereupon with a noble
Courage, he made Confeſſion of his Faith before the Tribunal, and im-
Marinus mar- medately after he was lialld away and beheaded. His Body was ſoon
after taken up by Aſtyrius a Roman Senator, and a Perſon fam'd for his
Chriſtian Boldneſs, as well as his Acquaintance with the Emperors and
greateſt Men, who carry'd it upon his own Shoulders, richly adorn'd it,
and honourably bury'd it. Of this Man Euſebius obſerves, that many mar-
vellous Things have been related : Particularly one at Cæſarea Philippi,
Altyris co-
where at certain Springs at a folemn Feſtival, a Pagan Sacrifice was wont
to be caſt into the Water, which by the Power of the Devil, would im-
mediately vaniſh out of Sight. Aſtyrius finding this extolld as a great
Miracle, and being preſent, and ſeeing many ſtricken with Admiration at
it, lifted up his Eyes to Heaven, and beſought the ſupreme God by Jeſus
Chriſt,
Trid.
Tersiert
Chap. VI.
427
GALLIENLIS the 33d Rom. Emp.
Follio.
Emſcb.
Chriſt, That he would rebuke this Devil, and command him to ceaſe
his Deluſions ; upon which the Sacrifice immediately floated upon the Wa-
ter, and the pretended Miracle ever after ceaſed.
And now the impious Macrianus being in a Manner Emperor of all the
Eaſt, became unſatisfy'd with his preſent Uſurpations, and reſolved to
march towards Rome, to make a Conqueſt of the Weſt alſo. Therefore
puihing forwards with 45000 Men through the leſſer Aha into Thrace
and Achaia, he was met by Aureolus, Commander of the Legions in Il-
lyricum and Dalmatia, who in one Battel put an End to all his afpiring
Attempts, overthrowing and flaying both him and his Son Macrianns. Macrianus
Upon which 30000 of the Soldiers went over to Aureolus, which 10 flain.
ſtrengthen'd his Intereſt, that he, like other. Generals, aſſum'd the Title
of Emperor, and became ſo powerful, that Gallienus, who was many
Ways diverted, thought fit to enter into Articles with him, and make a
Peace, which continu'd firm moſt of his Reign. Soon after the Death of
the Perſecuter Macrianus, Gallienus again ſent out his Edicts in favour of Gallienus
the Chriſtians, particularly this following Reſcript, directed to Dionyfius of publiſhes a Re-
Alexandria, Pinnas, Demetrius, and the reſt of the Biſhops: We have giv-vour of the
en Order that the Indulgence of our Bounty ſhall be extended throughout the Chriſtians,
World, that all Religious Places shall be freed from Force and Viclence.
Wherefore ye alſo may freely enjoy the Benefit of our Refcript, ſo as no Man
Mall dare to vex or moleſt you, and what you now may lawfully enjoy, bas been
long ſince granted by Us. And for this End Aurelius Cyrenius our High-
Steward, ſhall keep the Copy of this Edict which we have now granted.
The like Reſcript he alſo ſent to other Biſhops, giving them the free Li-
berty of the Cemetria, the Places where they bury'd their Dead, and
often aſſembled for their Religious Solemnities, eſpecially the Memorials
of their Martyrs. This was moſt grateful News to the Chriſtians, e-
ſpecially to Dionyſius at Alexandria, wliere they had ſuffered ſo ſeverely.
About this time, this indefatigable Biſhop was concern’d in a new Con-
troverlie occaſioned by an Ægyptian Biſhop named Nepos, who under-
ſtanding the Promiſes of the Goſpel in a groſs Senſe, and maintaining
Chriſt's thouſand Years Reign upon the Earth with inflexible Obſtina-
cy, compos'd a Book calld A Confutation of Allegoriſts, wherein he en-
deavour'd to prove his Opinion out of the Apocalypſe. He brought over
many to his Opinion in that Part of Ægypt called Arſinoe, which un-
happily proved an Occaſion of Schiſm and Diviſion in thoſe Churches.
Dionyfius, as a diligent Governor, judged it expedient to examine this
Doctrine publickly; and becauſe they generally look'd upon Nepos’s Book Dionyf. Aler.
as an unanſwerable Treatiſe, he confuted it vivâ voce, and after three whole confutes Ne-
Days Diſpute, which was managed with all imaginable Wiſdom and Calm- Millinaries.
neſs, he brought all things to an amicable Accommodation. After which,
he wrote two Books againſt Nepos's Opinion; in the firſt of which he de-
livered his own Opinion upon this Queſtion; and in the ſecond annex'd the
Reaſons, and the Teſtimonies drawn from the Revelations. In which laſt,
'tho’he look'd upon the Apocalypſe as written by an inſpired Author, yet he
could not be brought to believe that it was written by John the Evangeliſt,
but by another of the ſame Name.
After the Death of Macrianus, new Diſturbances aroſe in the Eaſt; Ba-
liſta his General, ſet up for Emperor in Syria, and retained his Authority
for two or three Years; and Æmilian Governor of Ægypt followed his
Example, and ſeized upon that important Kingdom, to the great Oppreſſi-
on of the Chriſtians in Alexandria. At the ſame time Prince Odenathus
in Defence of the Roman Empire, gained extraordinary Advantages a-
gainſt Sapores King of Perſia, which ſo affected Gallienus, that in the
Hhh 2
midi
Fullis,
&c.
428 Cent. li.
Book III.
ECCLESIASTICAL HistorY.
bis canonical
0
6
6
6
Gallienus's midſt of his Pleaſures, he made a ſolemn Triumph for thoſe Victories,
Triumph.
notwithſtanding his Father Valerian was ſtill under a miſerable Servitude,
and in the Hands of a defeated Monarch. In the ſame Year alſo the Goths
and Scythians made further Irruptions, ravaged Greece and the leſſer Ara,
and plunder'd the famous Temple of Diana in Epheſus. They made un-
heard of Devaſtations, and carry'd away many Chriſtians into their own
Countries; which Providence made uſe of for a further Propagation of the
Goſpel. In this general Confuſion moſt Perſons took advantage of their
Neighbours Misfortunes, and many of the weaker Chriſtians turn’d Rene-
gado's, and pillaged their Fellow-Chriſtians, and ſome under the Pretence of
A.D. 263. finding, ſtole, or at leaſt detain’d the Goods of others. This occaſion'dan
Gallien. Apan Biſhop to write to Biſhop Gregory of Neocæſarea, to beg his Advice
Greg. Tiau- what to do in this fad State of Affairs. Gregory by Euphrofinus fent back
matur. writes a celebrated canonical Epiſtle ſtill extant, wherein he preſcribes the ſeveral
Epifle.
Stations and Orders of Penitents, particularly cenſuring their inordinate
Avarice, and ſhewing how unſuitable ſuch Actions were to Chriſtians, and
how abhorrent to God; but much more inhumane in theſe calamitous
Times, to ſpoil the Oppreſſed, and inrich themſelves by the Ruines of
their miſerable Brethren. But ſince ſome pleaded they did not ſteal, but
only took what they found, he informed them, that if they found any
'thing, they were obliged to reſtore it, tho' belonging to their Enemies,
much more to their Friends, and Fellow-Sufferers. And if any thought
that their being Loſers themſelves was a ſufficient Warrant to detain what
they found, he let them know, that this was to juſtifie one Wickedneſs
with another; and becauſe the Goths had been Enemies to them, they
would become Goths and Barbarians to others. But ſince many had o.
'penly joyn'd with them in afflicting their Brethren, they were to be ex-
'cluded the Communion of the Saints, and not to be re-admitted till by a
juſt Penance according to the Crime, they had made a publick and ſolemn
Satisfaction to the Church.
Still the Confuſions in the Empire continued, or rather encreas'd; and follo
in the Empire
, now Saturninus a valiant Commander, ſet up for Emperor in the Borders
of Scythia, and continu'd under that Title abcut three years. Regillianus
in Pannonia, after three Years Ufurpation, and great Service perform'd a-
gainſt the Sarmatians, was Nain by the Roxolani or Ruffians. Æmilian at
the ſame time was cloſely beſieg d'in Alexandria, and after many Hardthips
and Miſeries to the Citizens and Chriſtians, lie was taken Priſoner, and af-
terwards put to Death in Priſon. But the famous Odenathus was more ſuc-
A.D. 264.
ceſsful, who not only defeated Baliſta, one of the Uſurpers, and repelld
all the Power of the Perfians, but ſo far eſtabliſh'd his Authority in all the
Odenathus Eaſt , that Gallienus, with the Senates Conſent, gave him what he had
joined with before uſurp'd, and made him Auguſtus, and his Equal in the Empire. His
Ufurpation was the moſt honourable, and prov'd more advantagious to the
Empire than any other; and he continu'd, with his Son Herod, in full Power
about four Years; to that the Eaſtern Parts of the Empire remain'd in a
tolerable Degree of Peace and Regularity.
About the Beginning of this Prince's Reign, Paulus Samoſatanus, who Euſeb
.
and Vices of had been near four Years Biſhop of Antioch, began openly to vent ſeveral
molatanus. Hetrodox Opinions; aſſerting that there was but one perſon in the God-
head ; that our Saviour was a Holy, but a meer Man, who came not down
from Heaven, but was of a pure Earthly Original ; that the Word (the
fame with the Father) did ſometimes reſide in him, and ſometimes depart
from him, with ſome other dangerous Propoſitions of the like nature. Be-
ſides all, he was highly obnoxious in his Morals, covetous without Bounds,
heaping up vaſt Riches, partly by Fraud and Sacrilege, partly by unjuſt
C
New Troubles
Gallien. 5.
Gallienus.
The Errors
Athan,
&c
Vex
Chap. VI.
429
GALLIENUS the 33d Rom. Emp
Vexations of his Brethren, partly by fomenting Differences, and taking
Bribes to aſſiſt the weaker Party. He was alſo proud and ambitious beyond
ineaſure, affecting Pomp and ſecular Power and to be ſtil'd a temporal Prince
rather than a Biſhop, walking through the Streets with a ſolemn Attendance
and Crowds of People after him. In the Church he caus’d an high Throne
to be erected, and a Place callid Secretum, after the manner of Civil Magi-
ſtrates; and being upon the Bench, he was wont to ſtamp with his Feet,
and frown upon thoſe who did not theatrically ſhout and applaud his Dil-
courſes, in which he generally reflected upon his moſt eminent Predeceſſors,
magnifying himſelf as far above them all. Inſtead of thoſe Hymns that
were ordinarily ſung in Honour of our Lord, he taught ſome of his Profely-
ted Females upon the Eaſter Solemnity to chaunt out ſome to liis Commen-
dation ; procuring alſo the Bilops and Presbyters in the neighbouring
Parts to publiſh the ſame Things of him in their Sermons to the People,
ſome of his Proſelytes not fearing to affirm, That he was an Angel come
down from Heaven. He was moreover vehemently ſuſpected of Inconti-
nency, maintaining in his Houſe fome Women of exquiſite Beauty, contra-
ry to the Canons of the Church, and to the great Scandal of Religion.
And that he might be the leſs diſturb’d, he endeavour'd to debauch his Cler-
gy, conniving at their Irregularities, and corrupting others with Penſions
and thoſe whom he could not ſeduce by evil Arts, he aw'd by Poicr; and his
mighty Intereſt in the Princes and Potentates of thoſe Parts, particularly in
Odenathus's Quecn Zenobia; ſo that they were oblig'd with Sorrow to bewail
at home what they durſt not declare abroad. To rectiſie theſe Miſchiefs in
the Church, moſt of the chief Biſhops in the Eaſt reſolv’d to meet in a Synod The 2d Couna
cil of Antioch
at Antioch, which was the Second in this City. The principal Biſhops that
aſlifted, were Firmilian of Cappadocia Preſident, Gregory of Neocæſarea, and
Athenodorus, his Brother of Pontus, Helenus of Tarſus, Nicomus of Iconium,
Himenæus of Jeruſalem, Theotecnus of Cæſarea, beſides a great Number of
others, as well Presbyters as Biſhops. Dionyſius of Alexandria was earneſtly
invited to this Synod; but not being able to travel, he acquainted them
with his Judgment of the Matter by way of Letters; and in his Epiſtle to
the Church of Antioch, to ſlew his Reſentment, he refus'd to give Paul ſo
much as the Civility of a Salutation. The Synod being ſate, and the Mato
ter being canvaſs’d, this crafty Heretick faw it was in vain to contend,
therefore he diſſenbled his Sentiments, palliated his Diſorders, confeſs'd
and recanted what he was not able to conceal, and by a feigned Repen-
tance, ſecured his Continuance in that honourable Place which he held in
the Church
Shortiy after the Synod at Antioch, the great Dionyfius dy'd at Alexan- The Death of
dria, to the great Loſs of that Church, after he had moſt wiſely and piouſ. Dionyſius A-
ly govern'd it about ſeventeen Years. He was a Man admirably skill'd in
the Opinion, Diſcipline and Precepts of the Church ; and his Memory was
continu'd at Alexandria by a Church dedicated to him ; but it flouriſh'd
much more in the incomparable Vertues of his paſt Life, and thoſe excel-
lent Writings he left behind him, of which far the greateſt Part, are now
loft. He was ſucceeded by Maximus a Presbyter of Alexandria, who held Maximus the
this See about eighteen Years, and was the 14th Biſhop of Alexandria, af- asth Bishop of
ter the Evangelift St. Mark. Not long after the Death of Dionyfius, another A. D. 265,
great Man left the World, namely Gregory Thaumaturgus, Piſhop of Neocæ- Gailien..
Jarea, after he had happily and gloriouſly govern'd that City about twenty The D.ath of
fix Years. A little before his Death, being ſenſible that his Time drew Greg. Thau-
near, he ſent about the City and the Neighbourhood to make a firict En-
quiry whether there were any that were yet Strangers to the Chriſtian
Faith. And being told that there were but ſeventeen in all, lie figh’d, and lift-
ing
Ejeb.
Gr. Nys.
lexandrinus.
naturgus,
430
Book II
Cent. III.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY,
Bozom.
ons in the Em
pire.
ceſs.
ing up
his Eyes to Heaven, appeal'd to God how much it troubled him that
he should leave any part of Mens-Salvation incompleat, but withal he acknow-
ledg’d it an extraordinary Mercy, -that when he himſelf had found but ſeventeen
Chriſtians at his firſt coming thither; he ſhould leave but ſeventeen Idolaters
to his Succeſſor. Having heartily-pray'd for the Converſion of Infidels,
and their Confummation of Glory, he calmly and peaceably relign'd up
his Soul to God; having firſt enjoynd his friends not to procure hini any
diſtinct and peculiar Place of Burial, but that as in his Life time he had
carried bimſelf as a Pilgrim and Foreigner, in the World claiming nothing for
himſelf
, ſo after Death he might enjoy the Portion of a Stranger, and be caſt into
the common Lot. After the Death of this Man, and of Firmilian Biſhop of
Cappadocia, the remaining Part of this Century had not ſuch great Lights
in the Church as before.
New Miſeries No Year in the Reign of Gallienus was without Rebellions and Uſurpa- Pollio.
and Uſurpati- tions; and in this Trebellian was ſet up by the Ifauri in Aſia Minor. A-
gainſt whom Gallienus ſent an Ægyptian Commander callid Cauſiſoleus, who
in a bloody Battel defeated and flew him ; but cou'd never reduce the I-
Sauri, who by reaſon of their inacceſſible Gountrey, prelery'd themſelves
after this from the Power of the Romans. In theſe Times of general Com-
motion Africk alſo made choice of a Tribune called Celſus, a Perſon of no
ſmall Reputation, and proclaim'd him Emperor ; whoſe Authority laſted
A. D. 266. but ſeven Days before he was flain, and great Indignities were offer'd to his
Gallien. 4. Body. And now again the Goths made terrible Ravages and Devaſlations in
the leſſer Aſia, Galatia, and Cappadocia, and carried away infinite Num-
Chriſtians bers of all ſorts of People: Among theſe Captives were many Chriſtians,
and their sucs and particularly thoſe of the Clergy, wlio by their unblamable Lives, and
their miraculous Cure of Diſeaſes and pofTeffed Perſons, not only poliſh'd
and refin’d theſe barbarous People, but daily brought over inany to be
baptiz'd and to embrace the Chriſtian Religion. Their Succeſs was ſo great,
that many of the Chriſtians, after they lád Liberty to return to their own
Countries, choſe to continue in theſe ſtrange Parts, where they could
do ſo much Service to the Goſpel. About this : Time alſo iť is be-
liev'd that the Franks firſt received the Seeds of the Chriſtian Religion.
A. D. 267.
Odenathus had not reign'd four Years in the Eaſt, before his Kinſmian Pollio
,
Gallien. , Mæonius treacherouſly flew liim, and caus’d himſelf to be proclaim'd Empe-
Odcnathus ror ; but in no long time after he met with the ſame Fate. Zenobia Wife
Main. Zeno. to Odenathus, remain’d a Widow, with three young Sons, Herennianus, Ti.
bia ſucceeds
him.
molaus and Vaballath ; and immediately took the Government upon her,
and began to rule with a maſculine Courage and Conduct, ſhewing ſuch
Wiſdom and Valour as is incredible; on tlie one side warring againit the
mighty Perſians, and on the other defending her ſelf againſt all the Power of
Rome for ſix Years together. All Writers take ſome notice of the Vertues
and Accompliſhments of this Princeſs, who was extraordinarily learn'd in
many Arts and Languages, and had herſelf abridg’d the Alexandrian and
all the Oriental Hiſtorians; and tho' ſhe was a Jew by Education, yet the
was willing to underſtand the Chriſtian Religion, and accordingly had ad-
dreſs’d her ſelf to Paulus Samoſatanus before-mention'd, who the better to
make it agreeable to her Taſte, betray'd his Fidelity, and taught diſhonou-
rable Notions of our Saviour. This Lady is celebrated for her uncommon
Chaſtity, and for being liberal and temperate in all things, very ſevere
upon
occaſion, yet no ways defective in Goodneſs and Clemency; brave and
magnanimous, as deſcending in one Line from the Kings of Ægypt, and in
the other from the Kings of Babylon, and in all Things acting as if ſhe had
been Empreſs of the World. Gallienus, who fear'd Odenathus, at firſt de-
ſpis'd Zenobia; but ſhe ſoon let him underſtand his Error by her frequent co
verthrowing his Forces, particularly thoſe under Heraclianus.
AC
Chap. VỊ.
431
CLAUDIUS the 34th Rom. Emp.
Pollio.
& C.
tions,
.
Pulio.
Sic.
man Emperor.
At the ſame Time Gallienus had no leſs Difficulties to encounter in the More Mileries
West, and in Gaul, where Poſthumus having reign'd about ſeven Years, was
and Uſurpan
Nain by Lollianus, who ſet up for himſelf. This was ſucceeded by the
Death of Poſthumus's Colleague Vitorinus, together with his Sons, as alſo
of one Marius, who all had the Titles of Emperors; whoſe Deaths caus’d
Tetricus to proclaim himſelf Emperor, and he became ſo ſucceſsful as to
retain his Authority fix Years. At the ſame Time the Goths again ravag'd
Mæņa, and the Heruli did the ſame in Aſia and Greece. So that in all Parts
of the Empire were committed infinite Murders, Robberies, Deſolations,
and all kinds of Barbarities, Tyrannies and Treaſons, accompany'd with
an innumerable Company of unheard of Miſeries and Calamities. Theſe
were ſo much occafion'd by the Vices and Cruelties of Gallienus, that the
chief Governors finding him incapable of defending the State, at length
reſolv'd upon his Death, which they found an Opportunity to effect in a Gallienus
ſhort time after, when Gallienus with his Forces beſieg’u Milan, now poſleſt ſain.
by Aureolus, one of the fore-mention'd Uſurpers. This was done in the
Month of March, about the 20th Day, under the Conſullhips of Paternus
and Marinianus, A. D. 268. Gallienus being 35 Years of Age, and having
reign'd about 15 Years from his firſt being nam'd Auguſtus, and near eight
from the Captivity of his Father Valerian. He left all the Eaſt ſubject to
Zenobia, Gaul and the Weſt to Tetricus, Illyricum to Aureolus, and Thrace,
Macedonia, and Part of Aha Minor to the Goths and Scythians.
IV. After the Death of Gallienus, Flavius Claudius by unanimous Con- A. D.268.
ſent was proclaim'd Emperor, who in a ſhort time put an End to the Life CLAU-
and Uſurpation of Aureolus, reduc'd all his Dominions, and return'd tri- DIUS,
umphantly to Rome. This Emperor's Lineage and Countrey is uncertain; The 34th Rom
Ro
we only know that he was a Perſon of great Valour and Bravery, of a
ſtrong Body and vigorous Mind, cminent for many Virtues, as Tempe-
rance, Chaſtity, and Juſtice; only he was ſomewhat ſevere to the Chriſti.
ans, tho'the Truth of that is doubted. He made ſeveral excellent Law's,
and in a ſhort time much reform’d the Common-wealth ; ſo that in his
thort Reign there was a great Change of Affairs, and he prov'd a mighty
Support to a declining Empire. His principal Care was to reſtore the Em-
pire to its former Strength and Glory, being ready to expoſe himſelf to all
kinds of Danger ; by which he gain'd ſuch a Name and Reputation, that cies.
the Moderation of Auguſtus, tlie Valour of Trajan, and the Piety of
Antoninus, are ſaid to have all center'd in Him. He firſt undertook a me-
morable Expedition againſt the Goths, who with other barbarous Nations,
came down like an Inundation with above 32000o fighting Men. Over A.D. 269.
theſe he gain'd one of the greateſt Victories that the Romans ever kney ; Claud.
in which Battel were ſlain and taken 3coooo Men, many barbarous Kings, His Succelles,
and Perſons of the higheſt Rank, with 2000 Ships loaden with Ammuniti-
on ; ſo that many Houſes were filld with Habiliments of War, and whole
Cities with Priſoners and Slaves. After which he recover'd what theſe
People had gain'd in Macedonia, Thell aly, and other Provinces; and turning
into Germany, he entirely defeated an Army of 200000 of the Inhabitants of
that Countrey. And now having re-eſtabliſh'd the Roman Power and freed the
Empire from all Foreigners, he next determin'd to march againſt his two
puiſſant Rivals, Tetricus in Gaul, and Zenobia in the Eaſt; but coming in
the Spring near Sirmium in Pannonia, he was there ſeiz’d with a Peſtilential
Fever, which in a few Days put an End to all his great Deſigns. The Ro-
mans honour'd him with a Statue of Gold of ten Foot high in the Capitol, an
Honour never granted before ;and alſo with another of Silver of 1500Pound
Weight, plac'd upon a Pillar compos’d of the Prows of Ships. He dy'd in the
Month
His Excellent
ܘ ܐܰ
Ani Death
43.2
Book III.
Cent. III.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
.
:
Vittor.
.
Month of April, under the Conſulſhips' of Antiochianus and Orphitus,
A. D. 270. being 56 Years of Age, and having reign'd two Years and about
one Month. In this Reign flouriſh'd that noted Antichriſtian Philoſopher
Porphyry
Porphyrius; who was a few by: Deſcent, firſt turn’d to Chriſtianity, and af-
flouriſhes
terwards apoftatiz’d.to Paganiſm, and then us’d his Wit and Learning a-
gainſt the Truth of the Chriſtian Religion, and the Holy Scriptures, wri-
ting a Piece in fifteen Books upon that Subject.
A.D.270. Upon the Death of Claudius, the Army unanimouſly choſe Aurelian for Vopife
.
AURELI-
Emperor, who was then General of the Horſe, and a moſt valiant Com-
AN,
mander ; but his Confirmation at Rome was a little retarded by reaſon of
The 35th Ro- Claudius's Brother Quintillus; who held the Title of Emperor for 17 Days,
man Emperor.
and then refign'd it, together with his Life. .. Aurelian was now about 57
Years of Age, having been bred up in War, and paſs’d through many Of-
fices; in which he perforin'd many noble Exploits, and many extraordinary
Actions in his own Perſon ; and particularly, as Vopiſcus from Theoclius tells
us, in the Wars of Sarmatia he kill'd with his own Hand 48 Enemies in
one Day, and at ſeveral times above 950 Men. His uncommon Valour and
expeditious Proceedings, have caus'd fome to compare him with Julius
Cæſar; but he much wanted his Mildneſs and Clemency, being naturally
very
ſevere and cruel ; ſo that he is juſtly ſaid to have been more fit to be
His ſevere and
vigorous
General of an Army than Governor of a State. His Severity to his So
Reign. ers was very remarkable ; and particularly he caus'd one for committing A-
dultery with his Hofleſs, to be torn in funder with two Trees forcibly bent
downwards; and he frequently caus'd Criminals to be ſcourg’d and execu-
ted in his Sight, either to preſerve a true. Diſcipline, or to feed his Eyes
with Cruelty. He was haughty as well as ſevere, and was the firſt Roman
Emperor that wore a Diadem on his Head, and that us’d Robes of Gold and
precious Stones; yet he happily ſupprelt corrupt Magiſtrates, clear'd the
Empire of Factions, and did many ſignal Acts of Juſtice. In ſhort, he is
ſaid to have been an admirable Phyſician to the Publick, but only that lie
took away too much Blood.
The Chriſtians enjoy'd Peace moſt of this Reign;. but in the firſt Year Eufeb.
of it the Church was again diſturbid by Paul Biſhop of Antioch, whoſe Im-
moralities and falſe Doctrine now became ſo publick and notorious, that the
The zd Coun- principal Biſhops of the Eaſt thought it necellary to meet in a ſecond Synod
cil of Antioch
at Antioch to proceed againſt him. This Synod or Council conſiſted of
72
Biſhops, in which Hymencus of Jeruſalem was Preſident; for Firmilian of
Cappadocia, who was expected, dyd by the Way. Here again Paul us'd
his utmoſt Artifices to conceal his Vices and Errors; but this ſubtle Man
was fully detected and laid open by Malchion a learned Presbyter of Anti-
och), who with great Reputation taught Arts and Sciences in this City. The
Diſpute lie had with him was taken down in Writing by publick Notaries;
and the Council, after they had wrote a Letter to Paul containing a Pro-
fellion of Faith, proceeded to condemn lim, and to chuſe Domnus, Son to
the former Bilhop Demetrian, a Perſon every way quallify'd for the high Poſt
Paul depriv’d, he obtain'd. Domnus continu'd in the See about five Years, and was the
16th Biſhop of Antioch after the Apoſtles. The Biſhops of the Council foon
i 6th Bijhop of
after wrote a Synodical Letter to Dionyſius Billop of Rome, and to all the o-
ther Biſhops in the World, to give an Account of all their Proceedings. This
was written not only in the Name of the Biſhops, but alſo of the Presby-
ters, Deacons, and the Laity ; in which they gave an Account of all the
Vices of Paul, declaring ‘That they condemn'd him principally for his
"reviving the Error of Artemas, teaching that feſus Chriſt was a meer
Man, and that he did not exiſt before he was born of the Virgin Mary.
But
1
Doinnus the
Antioch.
•
Chap. VI.
433
AURELIAN the 35tb Rom. Emp.
Rome
Vopifc.
Pollio.
But notwithſtanding the unanimous Conſent of the Biſhops, Paul refus'd
to obey their Decree ; and relying upon the Power of Zenobia, whoſe
Favour by Flattery he had obtain'd, he kept Poſſeſſion of his Habitatiori
during the reſt of her Reign, which was above two Years. Not long af-
ter this Synod, Dionyſius Biſhop of Rome dy'd, Decemb. 26th, after he had
held this Sce about eleven Years; and was ſucceeded by Fælix I. à Roman, Felix I. the
and Son of Conſtantinus, who held this Dignity above four Years, and was 25th Biſhop of
the twenty fifth Biſhop of Rome after the Apoſtles St. Peter and St. Paul.
About this time alſo the famous Anthony of Ægypt calld The Great, at the st. Anthony.
Age of about 20 Years, retir'd to the Deſerts of Thebais, became the Patron
of many who led folitary Lives, and was the firſt that preſcrib'd the Rules
of a Monaſtick Life.
In the firſt Year of this Emperor's Reign, the Marcomanni and other A. D.271
Eufeb. fierce Nations of Germany came furiouſly down into Italy it ſelf, making Aurel. :.
terrible Devaſtations in all Places; ſo that Rome was in ſtrange Conſter-
nation, all Perſons in a Confuſion, openly taxing the Proceedings and
Management of the Emperor himſelf. To remedy theſe Miſchiefs, the
Romans firſt flew to their old Arts of Paganiſm, order'd the Sibyls Books to
be inſpected with extraordinary Solemnity, and purg'd the City with in-
numerable Sacrifices, Ceremonies and formal Procellions, together with
many Magical Operations. Aurelian upon this Occaſion, writing to the
Fathers, ſpoke ſlightingly of the Chriſtians, and to remedy the impending
Miſchiefs, declar'd he would ſpare for no Coſts, but was ready to offer the
nobleſt Animals for Sacrifices, even the Captives he had taken; vainly imagi-
ning that the moli National Acts of Impiety would remove publick Cala-
mities. After this he haftned to meet the Barbarians, and after great Dif- Aurellan":
ficulties, he gain'd thiree great Victories over them, and happily finiſh'd the succes again?
War, from whence he return'd to Rome, highly incens’d at ſuch as preſum’d Nations.
to tax his Proceedings ; among whom Tome had form’d Conſpiracies a-
gainſt him. Having made ſeveral ſevere Examples of theſe, he reſolved
next to undertake an Expedition againſt the great Zenobia, accounting it a
Diſhonour to the Roman Empire, that a Woman ſhould inſult over it.
And paſting with a powerful Army through Sclavonia and Thrace, after A. D. 272.9
ſome Conflicts, he enter'd the lelier Aſia, and eaſily ſuppreſs’d the Rebelli- Anrel.
ons in Bithynia. Tyana, a City in Cappadocia, was the firſt Place that made
any Oppoſition, which ſo inrag'd this warm Emperor, that he vow'd He
would lo puniſh the Inhabitants, as he would not leave a Dog alive. But, as
Vopiſcus aſſures us, he was diſſwaded from this Severity by an Apparition
of the Glioſt of the famous Apollonius Tyanæus, who told him, That if he
hop'd to reign in Glory, and be a Conqueror, he muſt abſtain from the Blood of
the poor innocent Tyanxans. Which ſo affected him, that he immediately
pardon'd the Inhabitants; and when his Soldiers expected the Plunder,
and reminded him of his vowing not to leave a Dog alive, he comman-
ded them to kill all the Dogs, and to ſpare the People ; promiſing moreover
to erect a Temple to Apollonius, and to ſet up his Image and Statues.
From this Place le march'd to Antioch and Syria againſt Zenobia, who not
like a weak Woman, but like a brave Hannibal, provided and perform’d
whatever might contribute to Victory and Glory. After ſeveral Skirmillies,
both Parties came to a general Battel near Emeja in Syria, which was ex-
ceeding tharp, and to well manag’d by Zenobia, that Aurelian was ſeveral
times driven to the greateſt Extremities; but at length, after infinite Pains
and Difficulties, the Emperor obtain’d the Victory, and Zenobia fled to
dort again
Palmyra. dureli.in follow'd lier, and beſieg'd her in her chief City; but Zenobia.
finding ítreat Difficulties, he made a generous Oder to her of her life,
Riches and Liberties of her Subjects, if the yielded. Zenobiu returning
lii
him
434
Book 111.
Cent. IlI.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY
A. D.273.
by a Secular
Power.
Aurelian's
him a haughty Anſwer, he more cloſely beſieged her City, and in a ſhort
time by his admirable Management in intercepting all her Succours, he
became Maſter both of her and her Dominions. He put the Philoſopher
Aurel. 6. Longinus to death, who was Zenobia's Maſter, and had indicted her affront-
ing Letter, but reſerv'd this maſculine Queen to be an Ornament to his
intended Triumph. Zenobia being conquer'd, the Prelates of the Eaſt ad-
dreſs'd themſelves to the Emperor, petitioning him to remove Paul from
Antioch, who had join'd with Zenobia, and ſtill kept Poſſeſſion of the Biſhop-
rick. Aurelian was ſo much a Friend to the Chriſtians, as to comply
Paul depriv’d with their Requeſts, and order'd that Paul's Palace ſhould be deliver'd
up to whom the Biſhops in Italy and Rome ſhou'd aſſign it by their
Letters. So that Paul had the additional Diſgrace of being depriv'd by a
Secular Power ; which perhaps is the firſt Inſtance of ſuch Deprivation in
the Chriſtian Church,
This prov'da Year of great Action and Buſineſs to the Emperor Aurelian, Vopiſco
further Stc- who for Vigilance and Expedition, thew'd himſelf a ſecond fulius Cæfar. cic.
celes,
For having conquer'd Zenobia, and being got into Europe, he ſudden-
ly return'd with his Army as far as Palmyra, and ſeverely charliz'd the re-
volted Inhabitants of that place. And being once again in Europe, up-
on hearing of one Firmus's ſetting up in Ægypt, he with the like
Celerity march'd a third time through Aſia into Ægypt, where with
great Labour he recover'd that important Kingdom, and left it in
Peace. From Ægypt in the Eaſt, he pals'd with the utmoſt Ex-
pedition as far as Gaul in the West, in order to reduce Tetricus, the only
remaining Rival and Uſurper in the Empire. All which he perform’d
with a Succeſs beyond all Expectation, Tetricus yielding himſelf up to
his ſole Pleaſure. And now having perform’d ſuch great and numerous
And Triumph. Exploits, he reſolv'd to triumph in Rome for his Victories obtain'd
fince he was Emperor. This was one of the moſt magnificent Triumphs
that ever was ſolemniz'd in Rome, in which were led an infinite Number
of Priſoners and Captives of almoſt all Nations, with their ſeveral Offer-
ings, a vaſt Variety of all kinds of wild and ſtrange Beaſts, and a fur-
prizing Quantity of various Arms, military Ornaments, ſtately Chari-
&c. Aurelian in a Chariot drawn with Stags, was on one ſide atten-
ded by Tetricus, and on the other by Queen Zenobia, whoſe magnifi-
cent Robes, uncommon Beauty, noble Stature, and majeſtick Sweetneſs,
ſeem'd to eclipſe the Luſtre of the Emperor himſelf. He was follow'd by
all his victorious Legions, in the moſt {plendid Attire, and with Palm and
Laurel in their Hands; in which pompous Manner he enter'd the Capitol
to facrifice according to the Pagan Cuſtom ; the next Day being ſolern-
niz'd with all kinds of Sports, Games and Feaſts, with many extraordinary
Spectacles. Contrary to his former Cruelties, he beſtow'd Rewards upon
his Enemies, making Tetricus Governor of a great Part of Italy, and giving
Lands to Zenobia ſufficient to maintain her high Quality, in which ſhe liv'd
long after, being highly eſteem'd and applauded by all Men, ſtill preſerving
her ancient Reputation and Dignity. After this Oftentation and Grandeur,
Aurelian proceeded to many Regulations; and particularly he puniſh'd the
falſe Coiners, who by length of Time had gain'd ſo powerful an Intereſt, as
to raiſe a kind of a Civil War; ſo that it coſt the Emperor the Lives of ſe-
ven thouſand Soldiers to reduce them. He likewiſe ſetled the Bounds of
the Empire, and both repair’d and enlarg’d the Walls of Rome, ſo that accor-
ding to Vopiſcus, they were then almoſt fifty Miles in Compaſs.
ots, &c.
The
:
Chap. V!.
435
TACITUS the 36tb Rom. Emp
Vopifc
1
The Ninth general PERSECUTION.
In the midſt of this Peace and Proſperity, elevated with Pride and
Enfet. Security, Aurelian began to caſt an evil Eye upon the innocent Chri- A. D. 274.
Lattant. ftians ; and being induc'd by the Advice of ſome Men, he drew up le- Aurel. 5.
veral Letters and Edicts, deſigning a fevere Perfecution. But, as Euſe-
bius obſerves, God was pleas'd to bind up his Arms and while he
was peruſing and ready to ſign his Edicts, a Thunder-bolt from Hea-
ven, or Lightning, fell fo near his Perſon, that all People judg'd him
to be ſlain. From Lactantius we underſtand, that after this the Edicts
were really iſſu'd out; but by reaſon of the Emperor's Death foon af-
ter, they never reach'd all the Provinces of the Empire. This is moſt
commonly reckon'd the Ninth General Perſecution, which began about
fourteen Years after the End of the Eighth under the Emperor Vale-
rian; but it prov'd ro ſinall and inconſiderable, that it ſcarce gave any
Interruption to the Peace of the Church; ſo that many have reckon'd
that under the Emperor Adrian as one of the Ten Perſecutions, and
left this out of the Number. Some of the Martyrologies ſpeak of ſe-
veral Martyrs under this Perſecution, in Gaul and other places ; but
of them we have no great Certainty. We have no ſuch Aſſurance of
any as of Pope Fżlix, who ſuffer'd in Rome, December the 22d. after
he had held this Dignity five Years wanting four Days. On the fifth of
January following Eutychianus was choſen into his Place, who was a Eutychianus
Tuſcan Son to Maximus, held this Biſhoprick almoſt nine Years, and the 26th Bi-
was the twenty fixth Biſhop of Rome after the Apoſtles St. Peter and shop of Rome:
St. Paul. As Heaven was pleaſed to cruſh this Perſecution in the. Em-
brio, fo it thought fit to puniſh the Perfecuter ſhortly after, while he
was beginning a new Expedition againſt the Perſians. For having put
many Perlons to death upon ſight Occaſions, his principal Secretary Mnes-
theus began to doubt his own Security, having been threatned with
Death for ſome Offence committed, and knowing him to be nicely
punctual in his Puniſhments, he conſpired againſt him, and forg’d a
Roll of the Names of ſeveral Perſons, as tho' the Emperor had
mark'd them out for Execution, adding his own, and ſome others that
were then oui of Favour, to make it appear more plauſible. Upon ſight
of which, the deluded Perſons, for their own Safety, agreed to aſſaſſinate
the Emperor, and reſolving upon the Manner, as he paſs’d with a ſmall
Guard towards Byzantium they ſet upon him, and New him with little or no
Reſiſtance. This was done in the Month of March, in his own Con-
fullhip with Marcellinus, A. D. 275. he being 62 Years of Age, and having
reign'd five Years wanting about one Month.
V. The vigorous Reign of Aurelian had ſo tam'd all ſorts of Perſons,
that after his Death no Pretenders durſt appear; and the Army was ſo
far from creating an Emperor as formerly, that they ſent to the Se-
TACI-
nate to beg of the Fathers to make the Election, and that they would
TUS.
readily obey them. On the other ſide, the Senate deſir’d the Soldiers The 36th Ro-
to elect a Perſon, which they alſo declin'd; ſo that in paſſing and exchan- man Emperor.
ging of Compliments, there was an Interregnum of above lix Months,
which was never known ſince the Eſtabliſhment of the Empire. In which
Space of Time the World was without an Emperor, and the Empire go-
vern’d by the Senate ; a Change almoſt incredible, after ſo many Di-
ſtractions and ambitious Attempts on the State. At length, overcome
with Petitions from the Armies, the Senate made choice of a worthy
Perlon nam'd Tacitus, a Conſular Man of 75 Years of Age ; but of
Lii 2
Vopiſc.
Eufeb.
A. D. 2.75.
Un-
436
Book 111,
Cent. Iul.
ECCLESIASTICAL History,
unknown Lineage and Countrey. This Election was attended with ſo
much Joy and Satisfaction, that the Senators made publick Proceſſions,
offer'd many Sacrifices, expos'd their Images, clothed themſelves in
White, and feaſted as if they thought that the Days of their happy
Fore-fathers were revived. About the Beginning of this Emperor's
Reign Domnus Biſhop of Antioch dy'd, after he had continu'd about
five years in the See from the Deprivation of Paulus ; and was ſuc-
Timæus the cceded by Timus, who held this Dignity about ſix Years, and was the
17th Bijbap ſeventeenth Biſhop of Antioch after the Apoſtles. The Emperor Tacitus
of Antioch.
made it his Buſineſs to reform many Abuies and Corruptions in the
City made ſeveral excellent Laws and Crdinances, and in all Things
thew'd himſelf a moderate and good Man as well as a wiſe and care ful Go-
. Having reign'd about four or five Montlis, he undertook an
Expedition againſt the Perſians and Scythians in Ana ; and arriving
at Tarſus, St. Paul's Birth Place in Cilicio, he there dy'd; ſome fay of a
natural Diſeaſe, and others that he was kill'd by the Soldiers.
This hapned about the 12th Day of April, or a little after, A. D. 276.
he having reigned between ſix and ſeven Months, it being a little above a
Year from the Death of Aurelian.
vernor.
A.D. 276.
Upon the Death of Tacitus, the Commanders of the Army immedi- tip:ls.
PROBUS ately drew the Soldiers into the Field ; and without any former Requeſt,
The 37th Ro. or Agreement, legan to ſhew, how neceſſary it w.is to chufe a Perſon emi-
man Emperor. nent for his Valour, Honeſty, Piety, Clemency, and PROBITT; which
Speech was us’d in many Parts of the Army, and Probity always brought
up the Rear of the Virtues. Whereupon the Soldiers took the Hint,
and without any private Conferences, unanimouſly cry'd out, Let Irobus
be Emperor ! and immediately proclaiin'd him with great Acclamations.
About the ſame Time Florian, Brother to the late Emperor, was pro-
claim d Emperor by ſome other Legions ; but continu'd not long in that
State, before he perceiv'd the Intereſt of Probus too powerful for him ;
and perceiving his Soldiers ready to abandon him, alter two or three
Months Reign, he follow'd the Example of many difireſſed Pagans, and
dy'd by opening his Veins. Probus was now about
Probus was now about 44 Years of Age, born
of a noble Family in Pannonia, and train'd up to Mars from his Youth.
He ſoon became famous and renown'd for his great Valour and Con-
duct, and perform'd many noble Exploits under Valerian, Gallienus, Clau-
dius and Aurelian ; for which he was rewarded with many Civick Crowns,
Collars, Bracelets, Lances and Banners, with other military Ornaments
His Character, and Privileges. He was ſo much eſteem'd by Aurelian, that he deſign’d
him for liis Succeſſor; and his courteous Demeanour and excellent Conduct
in all his Oifices made him generally admir'd and belov’d. So that his
Arrival at the Empire prov'd the Joy and Satisfaction of the whole State ;
and Manlius Statianus congratulated the Senate in having an Emperor ſo ſub-
limely excellent, as to ſurpaſs Trajan, Adrian, the Antonires, and the beſt
of his Predecellors.
Tlie Chriſtians enjoy'd a profound Peace under all this Rcign, and in the Emled.
Bijhop of Lao- Beginning of it flouriſhed Anatolius Bithop of Laodicea in Syria, but born.com
in Alexandria ; a Man of profound Learning, admirable skill'd in humane din
Arts and Sciences. He had formerly thew'd his great Addreſs and Politicks
in the Siege of Alexandria in Æmilian's Time ; which by his prudent Coun-
cils he ſaved from an intire Deſtruction that threatned it. Being made Biſhop
of Laodicea, he wrote ſeveral Treatiſes, asten Books of Arithmetick, a re-
markable Piece concerning Eaſter, leaving behind ſeveral Monuments of
his Learning and Accuracy, particularly in relation to the Holy Scrip-
Anatolius
dicea.
tures,
Chap VI.
437
PROBLIS the 371b Rom. Emp.
tures, of which we have little Remains. Tho'the Church enjoy'd Peace A.D. 177.
without, it was now extreamly diſturb’d within by the Appearance and Riſe Probi.
of new and abominable Hereticks call’d Manichees, whoſe Original from
Mines in ſhort was in this minner. One Terebinthus,
One Terebinthus, Diſciple to Scithia-
The Beginning
nus a Magician, broaching many dangerous Errors, was oblig'd to fly of the Mani-
from Paleſtine into Perſia, where retiring to a Widow's Houſe, he was
chees, and
their Opinions
murder'd. This Widow being Heireſs to the Money and Books of Tere.
binthus, bought a Slave nam'd Curbicus, whom the afterwards adopted,
and caus'd him to learn theſe Books, and to be inſtructed in all the Sci-
ences of the Perſians. After her Death, this Man to blot out the Memory
of his former Condition, chang'd his Name to that of Manes ; and be-
ing ſwelld with a mighty Opinion of himſelf, he pretended himſelf an
Apoſtle of Chriſt, and that he was the very Comforier promis’d by our
Saviour. He maintain’d that there were two Principles; the one of Good,
from whence proceeded the good Soul of Man, and the other Evil, from
whence proceeded the evil Soul of Man ; together with the Body, and
all Corporal Creatures. He allow'd his Diſciples to wallow in all Impuri-
ties, and forbad their giving Alms to any but their own Sect. He gave
out that the Souls of his Followers went through the Elements to the Moon,
and afterwards to the Sun to be purify'd, from whence they went to God,
to whom they did rejoin : And the Souls of other Men, he fail, went to
Hell, to be ſent into other Bodies. He taught that Chriſt had his Reſi-
dence in the Sun, the Holy Ghoſt in the Air, Wiſdoin in the Moon,
and the Father in the Abyſs of Light. He deny'd the Reſurrection, con-
demn’d Marriage, and taught Pythagoras's Metempſychoſis, That Chriſt
had no real Body; That he was neither dead nor riſen, and that he was
the very Serpent that tempted Eve. He forbad the Uſe of Milk, Cheeſe,
Eggs and Wine, as Creatures proceeding from the evil Principle. He
us'd a different form of Baptiſm from that of the Church, taught that
Magiſtrates were not to be obey'd, and condemn’d the moſt lawful Wars.
It were almoſt impoſſible to rehearſe all the abſurd and impious Tenets of
this Hereſiarch ; inſomuch that Pope Leo, ſaid that the Devil reign'd in all
other Herelies, but had rais'd his very Throne in that of the Manichees
,
who had embrac'd all the Errors and Impieries that the Spirit of Man was
capable of ; for whatſoever Profanation was in Paganiſm, carnal Blindneſs
in Judaiſm, unlawful Curioſity in Magick; or Sacrilege in other Hereſies,
did all center in this. This Man promiſing the King of Perſia to cure his
Son, the Father ſent away all the Phyſicians that might have cur’d him,
and the Patient ſoon after dy’d; whereupon Manes was impriſon d, from
whence he eſcap’d; but being again apprehended, he was flead alive, and
his Carcaſs thrown to the wild Beaſts. Notwithſtanding the extrava-
gant Notions, and cruel Death of this Hereſiarch, his Followers daily
encreaſed, ſpread in many Nations, and became very
and became very numerous and
miſchievous in the fourth Century. The Manichees were divided into
Hearers and the Elect: Of the Elect twelve were callid Maſters, in Imitati-
on of the twelve Apoſtles ; beſides them, there was a Thirteenth; who
was a kind of a Pope amongſt them.
While theſe Miſchiefs hapned in the Church, the Emperor Probas was
very careful in preſerving the Peace of the State; and with a powerful
Army march'd into Gaul, now over-run by the Germans, who had poſſeſs'd
themſelves of the principal Parts of that Countrey. Here many ſharp
Battels were fought, one of which continu'd two Days, being only in-
terrupted by the Night; and was continu'd with that Obſtinacy, that the
Victory often enclin'd to either Side; till Probus by his excellent Ma- Probus's
nagement prevailed, and gave them a total Overthrow. In this and o-great succeſſes
ther
Vopiſc.
&c.
in Gaul.
438 Cent. III.
Ecok 111.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
Probi.
ricum.
Chaſchara.
A. D. 279.
Enſeb.
ther Battels, he kill'd no leſs than 400000 Men, reducd nine Kings,
recovered 66 of their principal Cities, and made many Devaſtations
in their Countrey; for which Advantages the Romans made great Feaſt-
ings and Rejoicings, and many ſolemn Sacrifices and Thankſgivings
A. D.278. to their Gods. Probus, after theſe Succeſſes, march'd with his victo-
rious Army into Illyricum and Dalmatia, which in a great meaſure
were over-run by the Sarmatians ; and this war was no leſs difficult
than the laſt, by reaſon of the Multitudes and Fierceneſs of thoſe Na-
And in Illy- tions. After ſeveral Battels, in which he fhew'd himſelf a moſt expe-
rienced and valiant Commander, he entirely ſubdu'd them, cleared the
Roman Provinces, and flew and took moſt of them. From thence
he marched with great Expedition into Thrace, and further North,
to revenge all the former Inſults of the Goths; but the near Ap-
proach of this warlike Emperor immediately cauſed them to yield O-
bedience, and they were allowed the Privilege of Confederates and Al-
lies of the Roman Emperor. About this Time flouriſhed Archelaus Bi-
Archelaus fhop of Chaſchara in Meſopotamia, an eminent Prelate, who underſtanding
Biſhop of
that the Heretick Manes had wrote a Letter to pervert a Perſon of Quality,
and apprehending his Doctrine would be very infectious in his Dioceſs
, ob-
liged him to a Conference, in which he confounded him to that degree,
that he forced him to quit the Countrey.
The Emperor Probus having given Peace to Europė, paſſed over into Afía Vorfe
.
Probi to make War with the Perſians and Parthians ; and in his March ſubdued
Ifauria in the leſſer Ara, and divided the greateſt Part of it among his
Probus’s Suc- öld Soldiers. Then marching into Syria and the Eaſt, he defeated a cer-
celles in the
Eaſt,
iain People called Blemii, who had poſſeſſed themſelves of Part of A-
rabia and Paleſtine. Upon the Emperor's approaching the Confines of
Perſia, Vararanes the King, tho' one of the moſt powerful Monarchs
in the World , immediately ſubmitted to reſtore what he had taken
from the Empire, and to ſuch other Articles as Probus required. And
now having no Enemies in the Empire, this victorious Emperor retur-
And Triumph. ned into Europe, and entred Rome in a moſt folemn Triumph, whichi
ſome by Miſtake fay was the laſt in that kind known in Rome. All Mens
Mouths were filled with the Praiſes of this Conqueror, and his Triumplı
was moſt noble and magnificent, being attended with Soldiers of ali Na-
tions, as well as Captives, and many renowned Commanders, particularly
Diocletian, Carus, Conftanti*s and Maximian, who being formed by the Dif-
cipline and Inſtructions of Probus, became afterwards Emperors them-
felves. The following Day was folemnized with Feaſts, Games, and Spe-
ctacles ; in which was greater Variety of Huntings, and encountring wild
Beaſts, than was ever known in Rome. For which purpoſe a Mountain
and a large Grove of Trees were ſet in the Circus Maximus ; which
Place being now like a Foreſt, a thouſand Ofriches were hunted in
it, a thouſand Staggs, a thouſand Mountain Goats, a thouſard wild
Boars, a thouſand Fallow Deer, and other kinds of Beaſts; which the
People were permitted to kill and take at their Pleaſure. The next Day
in the ſame Place were let looſe an hundred vaſt Lions, which filled
the Air with their Roarings, an hundred Lioneſſes, an hundred Lybian,
and an hundred Syrian Leopards, with 300 Bears. All which was ſuccee-
ded by great Numbers of Gladiators, and other warlike Pagan Exerciſes,
A.D. 280. to which the Romans were ſtill extreamly addicted. Not long after this
Probiť. Triumph, Probus and the Empire were diſturbed by domeſtick Pretenders
and Uſurpers ; and firſt by Saturninus in Ægypt, who was almoſt forced
to take upon him the Title of Emperor ; and next by Bonojus and
Proculus in Gaul, the one an inſatiable Vaſal to Bacchus, as the other was
1
to
Chap VỊ.
CARLIS, &c. the 38th Rom. Emp:
Antioch.
Vopiſc.
to Venus. Probus march'd into Ægypt, and with ſome Difficulty ſub-
Probus con-
du'd Saturninus, putting an End both to his Empire and Life at the quers all Uſura
ſame time. Then returning with 'extraordinary Expedition into Gaul, pers.
he reduc'd Bonoſüs and Proculus to that Extremity, that the former
in Deſpair hang 'd himſelf, and the latter flying into the Countrey,
was deliver'd up by the Germans, which compleated the Emperor's
Victories. He returned to Rome with great Applauſes and Congratulaa
tions; and now the Soldiers and all the Legions remained ſo quiet,
and in ſuch exact Obedience, that it grew to a common Saying,
That the Mice dare not gnaw for fear of Probus. In the Time of this
Peace and in the following Year, Timæus Biſhop of Antioch dy'd, af- A.D. 281.
ter he had held that Dignity about fix Years ; and was ſucceeded by Probi..
Cyrillus, who continu'd in this See about eighteen Years, and was the Cyrillus the
eighteenth Biſhop of Antioch after the Apoſtles. In whoſe. Time flou- 18th Biſhop of
rilh'd Dorotheus, a worthy Presbyter of Antioch, a Perſon excellently skill'd
in humane Learning, as well as the Holy Scriptures and the Hebrew Tongue, Dorotheus'
who liv’d in great Reputation till he was an hundred and five Years of Age, fouriſhes.
The Emperor Probus having again eſtabliſh'd Peace in the Empire, pro-
ceeded to the making of ſeveral new Laws and Regulations; and all
Men liv'd in ſuch Quiet and Security , that Probus declar'd, That he
would Speedily take ſuch a Courſe, as that there should be no need of Sol-
diers ; a dangerous Sentence in this corrupt Age, which cauſed the Sol-
diers to ſuſpect their Prince, and wiſh for his Removal. Beſides, in
theſe peaceable Times the Emperor would not permit them to be idle and
free from Labours, but daily imploy'd them in planting Vineyards, and in
many publick Works and Buildings, declaring, That Soldiers ought not to eat
their Countrey's Bread for nothing. Having taken all neceſſary Care concern-
ing a peaceable Government, according to the Greatneſs of his Mind, here-
ſolved to march again into the Eaſt, defigning to deſtroy the Kingdom of
the Perſians, the only remaining Enemy he had. Coming to Sirmium
in Pannonia, the Place of his Nativity, out of Love to the City, he ſet
ſeveral Thouſands of his Soldiers upon draining a Fen, and making a
vaſt Foſs to receive the Waters, that the Lands might become uſeful to
the Inhabitants. The Fatigue of this work, and his great Reſtraint of the
Soldiers Licentiouſneſs, ſo enrag'd them, that they conſpired his Death;
and taking a convenient Opportunity as he marched towards Greece, they
ſet violently upon him, and New him. They had notwithſtanding ſo Probus flain.
great a Veneration for him after his Death, that they erected him a
noble Monument, with this Epitaph, Here lies the Emperor Probus for
his Goodneſs juſtly called PROBUS; of all the barbarous Nations and U-
ſurpers a Conqueror. His Death hapned in Auguſt or November, A.D. 282.
under his own Conſulſhip with Victorinus, he being 50 Years of Age, and ha-
ving reigned ſix Years and three or four Months.
VI. The Death of Probus was much lamented in Rome and the Em- A.D. 282.
pire, and not a little in that Army where he fell, which did hiin
CARUS,
great Honours at his Funeral. After which the Soldiers proceeded to the &c.
Election of a new Emperor, and upon a ſerious Conſultation, the Majority The 38th Ro-
judgʻd Carus, whom Probus had made Prætorian Præfect, to be the moſt man Emperor,
ſufficient Perſon, as well for his worthy Diſcharge of many Offices and
Places of Truſt, as his great Experience in Government; and thereupou
they ſwore Obedience to him as Emperor, to the general Satisfaction of
the Army; which Election was ſoon after confirmed by the Senate. We
find no great Certainty as to the Age and Family of Carus, nor do we read
much of his Perſon; only Vopiſcus tells us, That he was a Prince of a mid-
dle
Hupijt.
many and
440 Cent. III.
Book III,
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
Numerian
bim.
Athanne
I
dle Character; yet rather to be rank'd among the good than the bad Empe-
rors. And he began his Reign with making a juſt Example of the Murderers
of Probus ; which removed that Suſpicion that ſome conceived of his being
conſenting to his Death. Shortly after his Election he joined his two
Carinus and Sons Carinus and Numerian with him in Quality of Cæſars, but not of
Auguſti till after wards. Carinus the eldeſt, was wicked, diſſolute, inſolent,
joined with
and addicted to all kinds of Viciouſneſs ; on the contrary, Numerian was
valiant, wiſe, modeſt and learned, and adorned with many excellent Qualifi-
cations and Virtues.
In the Beginning of this ſhort Reign, which was all peaceable to the Eufeb.
Chriſtians, Maximus, Biſhop of Alexandria, dy'd, after he had held that
Theonas the Dignity about eighteen Years, and was ſucceeded by Theonas, who continu-
15th Biſhop of ed in this See about nineteen Years, and was the fifteenth Biſhop of A-
Alexandria, lexandria after the Evangeliſt St. Mark. Under this Biſhop there flouriſh'd
Theognoſtus two eminent Men in Alexandria, Theognoſtus and Pierius, both Diſciples of
and Pierius Origen, and both ſucceſſively Maſters of the great Catechetical School in
flouriſh.
that City. Theognoſtus wrote ſeveral Treatiſes, ſeverely examin’d by Pho-
tius, but highly commended by Athanaſius, both for their Realon and their
Eloquence; who cites this Author as a Proof of the Divinity of our Sa-
viour, and as a Witneſs of Conſubſtantiality, comparing the Son to the
Father, as Light to the Sun, and as Vapour to Water, as being coeval,
and of the fame Subſtance. Pierius, the other, was a Man of an auſtere
Life, and of a voluntary Poverty, who alſo compoſed ſeveral ſorts of Trea-
tiſes, extant in St. Jerom's Time, with ſo much Eloquence, that he was callid
the young Origen; whoſe Opinions he ſeem'd to have embrac'd not without
Fault.
A. D. 283. Carus had not been long ſetled in his Empire, before he was obliged to V.pile.
Cari march againſt the Sarmatians, who underſtanding the Death of the Invin- &c.
cible Probus, came down with ſuch Fury into Pannonia, that they terrify'd
The Succelles of all Italy and the Empire. Carus after ſome Skirmiſhes, came to Battel with
them, in which he had the Victory, ſlew 16000, took 20000 Priſoners,
and put the reſt to flight. After this Victory, to effect what Probas had
deſign’d, he turn'd all his Forces againſt the Perſians, firſt making his Sons
Auguſti in the Month of Auguſt, giving them the Partnerſhip of the Em-
pire, leaving Carinus the Government of Gaul and Spain, and taking Nu-
merian with him to the Eaſt. In this Expedition Carus proceeded with
fuch Vigour and Succeſs, that he immediately took all Meſopotamia, from
whence he march'd up to the Walls of Cteſiphon overthrew the Per-
Jians in Battel, and purſuing his Victory, took both Cteſiphon and Seleucia;
for which he obtained the Surname of Perſicus. His Pride carried him
much further, ſo as to allow of the Title of Lord and God; but he liv'd
not long after this Impiety; for being laid fick in his Tent, there hapned
a terrible Storm of Thunder and Lightning, which New both him and many
others about him. This was the only Emperor that met with ſuch a Death,
which was ſo remarkable, that the Romans aſcrib'd it to the Divine Venge-
ance, for endeavouring to carry his Victories beyond Ctefiphon ; becauſe an
ancient Oracle had forbad to the Romans to extend their Empire beyond the
Capital City of the Perſians. His Death hapned in the latter End of the
Month December, in his own Conſullhip with that of his Son Carinus, ha-
ving reigned one year and ſomewhat above a Month from the Death of Pro-
bus. In the ſame Month died Eurychianus Bishop of Rome, ſome ſay by
Martyrdom, after he had held that Dignity almoſt nine Years; and was
ſucceeded by Caius a Dalmatian, and a Kinſman of the great Diocletian, who
Dihop of
continued in this See about twelve years, and was the 27th Biſhop of Rome
after the Apoſtles St. Peter Ind St. Paul.
Upon
Carus.
His Death
Caius the
Pome.
Chap VII.
441
DIOCLETIAN the 39tb Rom. Emp.
Vopifc.
Numerian
Upon the Death of Carus, the Empire devolv'd upon his two Sons Cari-
nus and Numerian. The former by his abominable Actions rendred him-
felf odious to all Men; only his extravagant Feaſts in Rome were pleaſing
to fome; but the latter was look'd upon as Emperor by the Army in the
Eaſt. This young Prince by his Sorrow and Tears for the Loſs of his Fa-
ther, had in a few Months brought ſuch a Diſtempcr upon his Eyes, that
he could not behold the Light, ſo that he was uſually carried in a cloſe
Litter, where he could not be feen. This ſecret Way of travelling prov'da
Temptation, and afforded an Opportunity to his father-in-law Aper, to al-
ſaſſinate him privately in his Litter, which he effected by ſome mercinary main.
Villain; and to conceal the fact till he had ſetled his own Intereſt in the
Army, he order'd the Litter to be carried as formerly, with the dead Body
in it, making Report that the Emperor cou'd not endure the sight of any
Man. But the Smell of the Body diſcovered the Treaſon ſooner than Aper
expected; and the Soldiers proceeding to a new Election, fixed upon Dio-
cletian, one of the greateſt Commanders of the Age. Diocletian ſeeing fucceeds.
himſelf thus advanced, cloathed himſelf with the Imperial Robe, and ſate
upon the Tribunal Seat, where being ſalured Auguſtus, he commanded the
Murderers of Numerian to be brought before him, and to be condemn'd to
Death. Upon the Sight of Aper, whoſe Name ſignified a Wild Boar; Dio-
cletian deſcended from his Throne, and liſting up his Hand, cry'd out to
him, Be proud, Aper, that you fall by ſo great a Hand as mine. Upon
which Words he flew him with his own Hand and Sword, crying, Now I
have killed the fatal Boar, and fullfilled the Predictions of my future Empire.
And thus began the Reign of Diocletian, and that call’d the Diocletian Æra,
upon the 17th Day of September, A. D. 284. in the Year of the Conſullhips
of the two Emperors Carinus and Namerian.
Dioclecia..
CHAP. VII
From tbe the Beginning of the Dioclecian Æra, to the Beginning
of the Tenth and laſt general Perfecution of the Church, uſually
called the Dioclecian Perſecution.
Containing the Space of almoſt 19 Tears.
The DIOCLETIAN ÆRA.
Error.
Evjeb.
,
F
ܕܕ
Rom the Death of Numerian, Diocletian was look'd upon as real A. D. 284.
1.
Emperor of Rome, notwithſtanding Carinus was ſtill alive, and in DIOCLE-
Polleilion of a conſiderable Part of the Empire. This Prince was born in TIAN,
Dalmatia, of obſcure Parentage, being generally reported to be the Son The39th Ro-
of a publick Notary; but by ſome, the Son of a freed Man to Anullianus a
man Emperor
Senator. The Name both of his Mother and the Town of his Birth, was
Dioclea, from whence he was called Diocles, till he was made Emperor ;
and then converting a Greek Name into a Roman Form, he nam'd himſelf
Diocletianus. He was now about thirty nine or forty Years of Age,' and
had paſſed through many conſiderable Offices before he arrived at this
high Poſt, which in the main he diſcharged with great Honour and Re-
putation. He was remarkable for his active Diligence and military Diſci-
K k k
pline,
.
4+2
Book illo
Cent. III.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY,
pline, his Sagacity and Ingenuity, his profound Cunning and Policy, and
likewiſe his contumacious Haughtineſs and Severity. Lactantius charges
hiin both with Cowardice and Avarice, as well as Pride and Oftentation,
which cauſed many cruel and Tyrannical Practices, and
and great Miſchiefs
in the State. Having taken upon him the Surname of Jovius, he gave
the
Title of Cæfar to a bold Commander named Maximianus, upon the 20th
Day of November, which Day Diocletian afterwards obſerv'd in the Cele-
bration of his Decennalia. At the ſame time he aboli'h'd the Æra of the
Battle at A&tium, which the Romans had obſerv'd 315 Years, and eſtabliſh-
ed a new Æra, or Date of his own, call'd the Diocletian Ara, from
whence the Account of following Times ſhou'd begin. The Chriſtians
alſo obſerv’d it for above 240 Years, till the Reign of the Emperor Juſti-
nian, it being upon their Account likewiſe call’d The Æra of the Martyrs, by
reaſon of this Emperors's Severity towards them. Not that Diocletian, or
any of his colleagues, ſhew'd any Severity to them in the former Part
of this Reign, as many have thought; for on the contrary, during far
TheChriſtians the greateſt Part of the Reign, the Chriſtians were not only unmoleited,
favoured.
but, as Euſebius aſſures us, were entruſted by the Emperors with the Go-
vernments of Provinces, were freed from the Fears of Sacrificing, were
converſant in the Imperial Palaces, were made Part of the Family, and
were allowed freely and openly to make Profeſſion of their Faith. The
Emperors alſo ſhew'd an high Efteem for them, and they ſeem'd more
acceptable to them than the reſt of their Attendants ; particularly Doro-
theus and Gorgonius, Perſons whoſe real Worth and excellent Behaviour,
render'd them dear to all Men. The Prelates and Biſhops were greatly in
Favour, and the Chriſtian Congregations daily encreasd to an extror-
dinary Degree; ſo that the Church had all the outward Marks of Peace
and Proſperity.
A.D. 285. Carinus, the ſurviving Son of Carus, ſtill kept Poſſeſſion of his Govern- Polie
.
Dioclet. . ment in Gaul, and the Welt, giving himſelf up to the moſt abominable Eutrop.
Kinds of Luxury and Debauchery,and removing all good and vertuous Men
from his Preſence and Converſation. But at length the Election of Diocletian
a little rouz’d him from his Vices and Extravagancies; and being naturally
bold and raih, he ſoon marched his Army againſt him, hoping to deſtroy
him in one Battel. Upon Notice of which, Diocletian with great Expedi-
tion part with his Forces from the Eaſt towards Gaul; and both Armies
meeting in Mæfia, there began a bloody War between theſe Rivals for the
Univerle. But this laſted not long, for in a few Days Carinus was firſt
Carinus over worſted by Diocletian, and then overthrown in a general Battel ; and ſoon
Rain.
after was Nain by a Tribune or Colonel of his own Army, whoſe Wife he had
formerly abuſed. By this Victory Diocletian remained fole Lord of the
Roman Empire ; but he had not been ſo long, before fie received Intelli-
gence that an infinite Number of Labourers and Peaſants in Gaul, called
Bagaudæ, had made a dangerous Inſurrection in that Countrey, being head-
ed by two Commanders, named Amandus and Ælianus. Diocletian ac-
Maximian counting this War inglorious to himſelf, fent Maximian, whom he had
goes againg made Cæſar, againſt theſe Rebels; who marching into Gaul, after ſome
ske Bagauda.
great Hazards and Difficulties, ſlew great Numbers, and diſpers’d the
reſt ; ſo that in all Places there was Peace and Tranquility. This Ex-
pedition ſeems the moſt probable Time wherein to place that celebrated
The Story of Story of the Thebæan Legion, which is ſaid to have conſiſted of 6666
she Thebaan Chriſtian Soldiers, under a brave Commander named Mauritius, and which
Legion.
for refuſing to ſacrifice, was firſt decimated by Maximian, and afterwards
put
all to the Sword. Some place this Story eleven or twelve, and others twen-
ty Years after ; and ſome lay it was done at Agaunum, and others at Oétodu-
thrown and
rus.
Chap. VII.
443
DIOCLETIAN the 39th Rom Emp.
rus.
Entrop.
Last ant.
The Story at large is attended with ſo many great Difficulties as to
Hiſtory, Chronology and Geography, and ſupported with ſuch weak Au-
thorities, that ſeveral learned Men have not only doubred of the Particu-
lars, but have pronounc'd the whole a Fable. But we ſhall leave that to the
Determination of more nice Enquirers.
In the ſecond Year of Diocletian's Reign, a principal Commander in A. D. 286,
Britain, nam’d Carauſus, revolted, proclaim'd himſelf Emperor, poíTeſs’d Dioclet.
himſelf of that Iand, and continued his Authority for ſeven Years
ſucceſſively. This and other Troubles. ariſing, Diocletian, to eaſe himlelf
of the whole Burthen, took Maximian for his Equal and Companion in the Maximian
Empire, gave him the Title of Auguſtus, and the Tribunitian Power ; all made Auguit
which was done near Nicomedia in Bithynia, in the Calends of April
. Wija Diocle
This Maximian was a Perſon addicted to all kinds of Viciouſneſs and Ra- tiani.
pines; and as Lactantius obferves, had more Courage as well as more A-
varice, than Diocletian; yet his Courage conſiſted rather in a daring to
commit enormous Crimes, than in a true Nobleneſs of Spirit. Theſe two
were notwithſtanding wonderfully cemented in their Friendſhips, Incli-
nations and Deſigns; and Maximian not only behaved himſelf as a faithful
Companion, but alſo as an obedient Son to Diocletian ; ſo that they governd
the Empire for many Years in Love and Unity, and obtained great Succeſſes
over their Enemies. Maximian was to preſerve the Weſtern Parts of the Empire,
and had his principal Reſidence at Rome ; where he became a Tyrant to the
Senators and the richeſt of the Nobility. Diocletian retain’d the Eaſtern and
Northern Parts to himſelf, and moſt uſually reſided in Nicomedia, where he
took upon him to erect extravagant Fabricks, oppreſt many Provinces
with his vaſt Expences, and endeavoured to make Nicomedia equal to Rome
it ſelf. At this City he winter'd this Year; and in the following Spring he
march'd againſt Narſes King of Perſia, diſperſed his Forces, and oblig'd that
A. D. 287.
Monarch to come to an honourable Peace with the Romans. In the ſame
Dioclet.
Year his Companion Maximian ſucceſsfully warred againſt the Germans,
and other Northern Nations, which came down with great Fury upon the
Empire.
Tho’the Emperors were Favourers of the Chriſtians, yet the Manichees The Emperors
gave them ſo juſt a Prejudice, that about this time they iſſued out an Ediets againſt
Edict againīt them, directed to Julian Proconſul of Africk; in which it chees.
was ordained, That the Ringleaders of a new Doctrine brought from
Perſia, who had committed many enormous Imp eties, ſhould be burnt
alive, together with their Writings; and that their followers ſhould be
beheaded, and their Eſates confiſcated ; but that perſons in high Places
should only loſe their Eſtates, and be condemn'd to the Mines. The
Reaſon of this Reſcript was drawn up in ſuch Terms, as that it might
ealily have reach'd the Chriſtians in general; but we do not find that they
were Sufferers by it; and the fame Laws againſt theſe Hereticks, were af-
terwards revived by Chriſtian Emperors. About the ſame Tiine there a- A. D. 288.
role an Ægyptian Hereſiarch, named Hierax, ſaid to be an Aſtrologer Dioclet.
and a Magician, who denied the Reſurrection of the Body, and taught The Hieracites
that all married People, and all Children dying before Years of Dif-
cretion, were excluded the Kingdom of Heaven, and that Paradiſe was no
ſenſible Thing or Place, but only the Joy and Satisfaction of the Soul.
He alſo taught that Melchiſedech was the Holy Ghoſt, and diſtinguiſh'd
che Subſtance of the Son from that of the Father, comparing it to a
Lamp with two Cottons, as if there had been a middle Nature from which
both thould borrow their Light. His Followers were call’d Hieracitæ, or Ab-
ſtinents, becauſe they abſtain'd from the Uſe of Wine and ſome Meats. This
Hierax compoſed a Treatiſe of the ſix Days Creation, all fill’d with Fables ;
Kkk 2
Epipha.
Sic.
3 5
ne-
+
444
Book III.
Cent. lil.
EiCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
>
&c.
M2Ny Troubles
Victorinus
nevertheleſs his affected Piety and Auſterities enduc'd niany to embrace his
Notions.
This Year being the twentieth from the tenth Century of the Buil. Eestup:
ding of Rome, Maximian celebrated ſome ſolemn Games in that City;
at which time Mamertine the Orator inade a remarkable Panegyrick up-
on him and his great Actions. In the following Year 289, Diocletian
celebrated his Quinquennalia, or firſt five Years of his Government at
A. D. 290. Nicomedia. And now Carauſus flourill’d more and more in Britain, ſo
Dioclet.. that we find him in the next Year reigning in Peace, and obtaining the
Title of Auguſtus, notwithſtanding all the Endeavours of Maximian to
in the Empire. the contrary. Maximian's Part of the Empire was not only abridgʻd by
Çarauſus, but alſo Diocletian's by Achilleus, a valiant Commander in Æ-
gypt, who ſeiz’d on that ancient Kingdom, proclaimed himſelf Empe-
ror, and continu'd as ſuch about ſix years. In Africk all the Legions
were drawn together in a mutinous Manner, and joining with many
Robbers and Inhabitants of thoſe Parts, feiz'd upon all the publick Rents
and Tributes; and theſe from their Continuance were called Quingentiani,
or Quinquagenarii. Narſes King of Perſia taking Advantage from theſe
troubleſome and unſetled Times, began a dangerous War upon the Em-
pire, and invaded Meſopotamia. In theſe Times there flouriſh'd two noted
Chriſtian Writers, Victorinus and Methodius, both Billiops, and afterwards
and Metho- Martyrs. The former was Biſhop of Paſſaw in Pannonia, who, as St. Jerom
dus flourijh. informs us, wrote a Treatiſe againſt all Hereſes, and many Commenta-
ries upon ſeveral Parts of the Holy Scriptures. The latter was Biſhop of
Olympus or Patara in Lycia, and afterwards of Tyre in Paleſtine, who wrote
a large Work againſt Porphyry the Philoſopher, an excellent Treatiſe a-
bout the Reſurrection againſt Origen, another about the Pythonil'a againit
the fame Man, a Book entitul'd The Banquet of Virgins, one about Free
Will, Commentaries upon the Scriptures, and other Pieces extant in
St. Jerom's Time ; of which we have ſtill ſome ſmall Remains.
A. D.291. II. The Emperors Diocletian and Maximian, now finding the Empire Extrep
Diodet.
sin a declining Condition by means of ſo many Rebellions and Uſur-
pations at liome as well as Enemies abroad, reſolved to ſtrengthen
their Intereſt and Authority by the Alliſance of others. Therefore
ineering at the City of Milan, after a folemn Conſultation, they agreed,
That each of them ſhould nominate a perſon to be Cæfar, and their
Succeflor, and ſuch a Perſon as ſhould be able to defend the Empire, both
againſt foreign Invaders and domeſtick Pretenders. This was finally de-
1. D. 292. termin'd at Nicomedia, in the following Year and Calends of March ;
Dioclet. . where Diocletian made choice of a fierce and couragious Soldier nam'd
Conſtancius Galerius Maximian, and ſurnamed Armentarius, as being born of a Cow-
and Galerius herd in Dacia; who, tho' he had thew'd great Marks of Valour, was of
a churliſh and barbarous Diſpoſition, agreeable to his Parentage. Maxi-
mian choſe Constantius, furnamed Chlorus, a Perſon of noble Birth, ver-
tuous and brave, Son of Claudia, Niece to the renowned Emperor
Claudius II. who had gained ſuch great Advantages over the Goths; and
he, tho' he was nominated by the junior Emperor, was inade ſenior
Cæſar, as Mon. Pagi juftlys obſerves from Euſebius, L. 8. C.5. Theſe
liad alſo the Triburitian Power granted thein ; and the better to be
aſſured of their Fidelity, the two Emperors cauſed them to put away
their Wives, and to marry others. Upon which Galerius married van
leria the Daughter of Diocletian, and Conftantius divorced Helena, by
e l'areof the whom he had the famous Conſtantine, and married Theodora, Daughter-
mitted to four in-law to Maximiar. After this Settlement, the Wars and the Provinces
were
&a
Chap VII.
DIOCLETIAN the 3916 Rom. Emp.
Eutrip
Vitror.
&c.
Honours.
i
were divided among theſe four, the two Emperors and the two Cæfärs.
All Illyricum, Afil, and the Eaſt, were allotted to Diocletian and Galerius ;
the former being to reduce Achilleus in Ægypt, and the latter to march
againſt Narſes King of Perſia, and alſo againſt the Sarmatians. Maxia
mian had Italy and Africk, and was to ſuppreſs the Quingentiani, and
Conftantius had Gaul and Britain, which he was to defend againſt the
Northern Nations, as well as Caraufius. Theſe Commanders did fo in-
creaſe the Number of the Troops, that, as Lactantius aſſures us, every
one of the four had a greater Army than the former Emperors had who
alone governed the whole Empire. By which Means they turned the beſt
Provinces into Deſerts, became unmeaſurably burthenſome to the Empire,
and no leſs inſupportable than the domeſtick Rebellions, and the foreign In-
valions.
Maximian was very ſucceſsful againſt the Quingentiani iri Africk, and in a A.D. 293.
Thort time broke their united Power, and conſtrained them to ſue for Diocl.
Peace. After which he marched into divers Parts of Africk, deſtroying
the Ulurpers and Robbers in thoſe Countries' ; for which he was ſurnam'd
Herculius, becauſe Hercules was principally employed in thoſe Exploits.
But Diocletian proceeded further, and called himſelf Fovius from Jupiter ;
and reſted not here ; but having this Year folemnized his Decennalia at Ni-
media, like Caligula and Domitian, he impiouſly aſſumed the Title of Diocletian
afies divine
Lord, challengd Divine Honours, and ſuffer'd his Subjects to adore him
as a God. And whereas it was cuſtomary among former Emperors, to
allow Petitioners to kiſs their Hands, and ſometimes their Cheeks
Diocletian on the contrary, by a publick Edict commanded, That all Men
without Diſtinction, fhould proftrate upon the Ground kiſs his Foot; and
for the greater Magnificence, he cauſed his Shoes to be ſet with Pearl
and precious Stones of the greateſt Value. In this Year Caraufus, after
ſeven Years Reign, was Nain in Britain by his Companion Alectus, who
notwithſtanding the Power of Conftantius, held that Iſland three Years A.D.294.
longer, before he could be reduced. Not long after Carauſius's Death, in Diocl. 17.
the following Year Maximian alto folemnized his Decennalia at Rome,
where he was a great Oppreſſer of the Nobility. At the ſame time Gale- Galerius's
rius was employed againſt the Sarmatians and other Northern Nations, bar- Succelles.
barous as his own Lineage, over whom he obtained many Advantages
this Year.
About this Time, and the following Year, there flouriſhed four Ecclefia-
ſticks of confiderable Note, Phileas, Heſychius, Pamphilus, and Lucian ; the A.D. 295.
two former Bilhops , the two latter Presbyters, and all afterwards Mar- Diocl.
tyrs. Phileas was Bilhop of Thmuis in Ægypt, deſcended of a rich and Phileas.
powerful Family, and celebrated both for his Eloquence and Philoſophy.
Heſychius was Biſhop of another City in Ægypt, and was chiefly remar- Heſychius.
kable for being the Correcter and Publither of that Edition of the Septun-
gint, called the Alexandrian Septuagint. Pamphilus was a Presbyter of Cæ- Pamphilus .
ſarea in Paleſtine, an intimate Friend to the famous Eufebius, who took.ex-
traordinary Pains to collect the Books of ancient Writers, and particularly
thoſe of Origen, for whom he had a more than ordinary Eſteem. Lucian Lucian.
was a Presbyter of Antioch, a Man of great Eloquence, who apply'd
himſelf to the Study of the Holy Scriptures, and publiſh'd a new Editi-
on of the Verſion of the Septuagint, which was afterwards called Lucian's
Edition. He is thought by fome to have been the firſt Author of the A-
rian Opinion, ſince moſt of the Heads of that Party were his Diſciples.
A.D. 296.
la the following Year, and 22d day of April, died Caius Biſhop of Rome,
Diocl.is
.
fome ſay by Martyrdom, after he had held that Dignity twelve Years and
Marcellinus
four Months; and was ſucceeded by Marcellinus a Roman, Son of Projectus, the 25th Bi-
who shop of Rome,
Eufeb.
Sic.
1 을
​TI
446
Book Ill.
Cent. III.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY:
.
and the two
Cæfars,
A.D. 297
who after a Vacancy of two Months and eight Days, entred upon the
See, and continued about eight Years, being the 28th Biſhop of Rome after
the Apoſtles St. Peter and St. Paul.
The Succeſſes And now the Emperors and the Cæfars became more and more ſucceſsful Extrap
.
of Diocletian
againſt their Oppoſers and Enemies. In Conſtantius's Part of the Empire, Lattunt.
Alleétus in Britain was overthrown and Nain, and that Iland wholly reduc'd
to the Roman Power, after ten Years Revolt. At the ſame time Diocletian
overthrew Achilleus in Ægypt, purſu'd him into Alexandria, beſieged him
eight Months, and at length took him, and condemned him to be devour-
ed by Lions and other wild Beaſts. Thus Ægypt was reduc'd after ſix
Years Revolt, where Diocletian, according to his ſevere Temper, inflict-
ed the moſt cruel Puniſhments, putting many Thouſands of all ſorts to
Death ; not only the Ringleaders and the Abetters, but all ſuch as barely
approv'd of the Rebellion. But Galerius was not ſo ſucceſsful againſt the
Perſians this Year, who raſhly venturing with too ſmall an Army, was o-
verthrown, and loſt the greateſt Part of his Men. Diocletian was then
coming from Ægypt into Meſopotamia, where Galerius meeting him, ap-
proach'd his Litter to ſalute him ; but Diocletian, without ſtaying, or bidding
him take Horſe, in a haughty Manner cauſed him to attend his Litter ſeve-
ral Miles on Foot, much blaming his Conduct and Indiſcretion in theſe laſt
Actions. But at length giving himn Leave to depart, and retrieve his Ho-
nour, Galerius in the following Spring march'd with a powerful Army in-
Diocl. 4.
to Armenia, which Narſes King of Perſia had entred. In the firſt general
Battel the Romans with great Difficulty, overthrew the Perſians, and Galerius
purſuing the Victory, entred Narſes's Camp, took his Wives, his Children,
his Siſters, and many of the Nobility of Perſia, with great Riches and
The Inſolence Booty. This Victory encreas'd the Infolence of Galerius, and no leſs the
of Galerius. ' Apprehenſions of Diocletian ; for upon this, he thought himſelf too much
degraded, to carry only the ſecond Rank of Honour, and to be only callid
Cæfar; and when at any time he received Letters with the inſcription Cæſar,
he was wont to cry out in a fierce and brutal Way, Muſt I ſtiil be Cæfar
He became allo ſo proud and elevated, as to report that Mars was his Father,
and that he ought to be looked upon as another Romulus, not conſidering
the Prejudice done to his Mother's Honour, of which he made no Account,
while he deſired to be thought the Progeny of a God. The Behaviour of
Conftantius was quite contrary to him and the two Emperors, who carrying
himſelf with all Mildneſs and Generoſity, gained the Love of all Men, and
no leſs ſucceſs in the Field than the other; for this Year he made a Con-
queſt of the Lingones, and flew 60000 of their Men.
A.D. 298. The Affairs of the Emperors now ſucceeding with an unuſual Proſperity, Laksat
Diocl. 15. Diocletian and Maximian, by a little Anticipation, folemniz'd their Quindecena
nalia, or fifteenth Year of their Government, the one in the Eaſt and the other
The Beginning in the West. From which Time they began to bear harder upon the Chriſtians
of the Perfecu-
than formerly, and to ſhew ſome Reſentments againſt a Sect that had ſo
greatly triumph'd over the Religion of the Empire. Diocletian was a Man
infinitely ſuperſtitious; and being now anxiouſly deſirous of knowing ſome
future Events, cauſed his Diviners to offer many Sacrifices; and while they
were ſearching for the uſual Indications in the Entrails, and the Emperor
preſent, fome Chriſtian Courtiers near him made the Sign of the Croſs on
their foreheads, which immediately frighted away the Dæmons, and put
all
into a Confuſion. The Augurs were alſo in Diſorder, not being able to dif-
cern the wonted Tokens; and, as if they had failed in ſome little Ceremony,
began anew, and often repeated them, but to no Effect. Whereupon Tages
Maſter of theſe Ceremonies, either ſeeing the Perſons, or ſuſpecting them,
cry'd out, That the Reaſon why the Sacrifices had not their uſual Effects,
was,
tion,
.
Chap VII
447
.
DIOCLETIAN the 35tb kom. Emp.
converted.
was, becauſe ſome profane Perſons had thruſt themſelves into the Allembly, and
mixed with the holy Solemnities. The Emperor enrag'd at this Diſappoint-
ment, commanded all preſent to do Sacrifice, and all his Attendants upon
pain of Scourging; and by a Warrant to the Commanders, order'd all tlie
Soldiers in the Army to do the ſame, or immediately to be disbanded. This
may be call'd the Beginning of the Perſecution, tho'it reach'd not to Capi-
tal Puniſhments, and no further than the Soldiery ; in which many ho-
nourable and profitable Poſts in the Army were abandon'd by the Chriſti-
ans, who choſe to forſake all rather than renounce the Worſhip of the
true God. This was ſtill inconſiderable as to the whole Body of the
Chriſtians ; and Eufebius tells us, that their Multitudes at this Time terri-
fy’d their Eneinies, and kept them from proclaining open War againſt
them all. Maximian alſo ſhew'd great Severity to the Chriſtian Soldiers,
conde.nning them to the moſt ſervile Offices ; and it was by their Hands
aud Labours that he raiſed thoſe immenſe Structures of the Baths of Dio-
cletian at Rome, the Baths of his own. Name at Carthage and at Milan,
with many other extraordinary Fabricks. In the Time of theſe Buildings, A. D. 299.
great Advantages were obtain'd againſt the Northern barbarous Nations, Diocl. is.
in which Wars young Conſtantine the Son of Conſtantius nobly ſignaliz'd
his Youth by many brave Exploits; particularly he took the Sirmacian Ge-
neral Priſoner, and brought him alive to Galeriiw.
About this Time there appear’d an eminent Pagan calld Arnobius, wlio Arnobius
being awakn’d with the Calls of Heaven, as well as the Lives of the Chriſtians,
preſented himſelf before the Bilhop of his City, and deſired to be admita
ted among the Faithful
. His City was Sicca in Numidia, where having
been a publick Profeſſor of Rhetorick, and a Pagan of no ordinary Abili-
ties, he was at firſt refus'd, till he had given ſome ſignal Evidence of the
Reality of his Converſion. Hereupon he ſet himſelf to vindicate the Cauſe
of Chriſtianity againſt the Gentiles, which he did in ſeven Books, where-He defends to be
in he vigorouſly aſlerted the Truth and Excellency of the Chriſtian Religi-
Religion.
'on, dexteroully and wittily expoſed the Follies of all Pagan Worship, and
'triumphantly baffled all the specious and popular Inſinuations. But being
but a Catechumen and a new Convert, he wrote nor without ſome Errors,
and thew'd himſelf better skilled in diſcovering the Weakneſſes of Paga-
nilm, than proving the Truth of Chriſtianity. But by this work he remov-
ed all po:libility of Jealouſie and Sulpicion, and was joyfully entertain'd
and receiv'd to Baptiſm; becoming ever after a ſtrenuous Defender of the
Chriſtians. About the Time of the Converſion of Arnobius, dy'd Cyrillus
Biſhop of Antiuch, after he had held that Dignity about eighteen Years, and
was fucceeded by Tyrannus, who continu'd in this See about thirteen Years, Tyrannus,
and was the 19th Bihop of Antioch after the Apoſtles. In the following
the 19th Bilb-
Year, and towards the Concluſion of this Century, dy'd Theonas Biſhop of A.D. 300.
Alexandria, after he had held that Dignity about nineteen Years, and was Diocl. 15.
fucceeded by Peter, a wiſe and eminent Governour, who continu'd in the Sce Peter thei7th
near twelve Years, and was the 16th Bilhop of Alexandria after the Evange. Bishop of Ale-
lift St. Mark.
And thus we have given an Account of the main Acts of the Chriſtian The Concluſion
Church through the three firſt Ages of it, and the wonderful and amazing of the third
Conquel that this Religion olcain'd over the greateſt Powers of Hell and
Darkneſs. Infomuch that the Chriſtians at this Time had without Arms over-
ſpread the face of the Earth ; and were alſo ſo numerous, thaï the preſent
Emperors dared not openly to attack them, till they had firſt cleared their
Arinies of them, and regulated their Soldiers for that Purpole. And here
it may not be improper to ſpeak a Word or two of what contributed to this
itupendious Progreſs and Encreaſe ; which beſides the Hand of God, and
the
Chriſtian
op of Antioch
Celltury. .
448 Cent. III.
Book Ill.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
1
A.D. 301.
the miraculous Powers in the Church, ſeem to have been theſe five Things.
Firſt, the real and intrinſick Excellency of the Religion it ſelf, which
taught the moſt rational, and noble, and ſublime Precepts : Secondly, the
great Learning and Abilities of many of its Champions, who bravely
defended it againſt all Domeſtick, as well as Foreign Enemies : Thirdly,
the indefatigable Zeal and Induſtry uſed in the Propagation of it; in
which they thought no Hazards too great, no Difficulties inſuperable,
no Nations too remote, to enlarge che Bounds of the Goſpel : Fourthly,
the incomparable Lives of its Profeſſors, which caus’d both the Envy
and Admiration of its Enemies. Fifthly, their unparallell d Patience and
inviolable Conſtancy under Sufferings, in which they became more
than Conquerors : And as the Roman Emperors triumph'd over the
World, they triumph'd over the Emperors, and inconteſtibly ſhewed that
they were guided and ſupported by an invincible and omnipotent Power.
III. We are now arrived at the fourth Century of the Chriſtian Enfb.
Diocl. 13. Church, the Beginning of which 'was attended with the moſt terrible
Storm and Conflict, that ever was known, and with no leſs Conqueſt
and Triumph ; ſo that Chriſtianity firſt vanquilli'd all humane Powers,
and then oblig’d them to be real Protectors. But before this glorious
Advantage, God thouglit fit to permit ſuch a furious Wind, as ſhould
purge all the Rubbiſh from his Church, and winnow all its Chaff. The
Chriſtians, with ſome inconſiderable Interruptions, liad now enjoyed forty
The Encreaſe Years Peace and Proſperity, from the End of Valerian's Perfecution; in
of the Chri- which Space they encreas'd to an extraordinary Degree, filled the Imperi-
al Palaces, and obtain’d the beſt Offices in the State; ſo that, as Euſebi-
us obſerves, it is impoifible to deſcribe the vaſt Aſemblies, the nume-
rous Congregations, and the Multitudes that throng’d in every City to
embrace the Faith of Christ. For which Reaſon they were no longer
ſatisfied with the old Edifices, but erected ſpacious Churches from the
very Foundations, throughout all Cities in the Empire. This unuſual Li-
berty, as it put the Chriſtians leſs upon their Guard, began by Degrees to be
turned into Licentiouſneſs, which produced many other Corruptions : Some
Many Corrup- began to envy and revile others, and were in a Manner at Wars among
themſelves, wounding each other with Affronts and Calumnies; Prelates
ſtrove againſt Prelates, and one Congregation rais'd Factious again it another.
When theſe Things became too open and ſcandalous, the divine Vengeance
began firſt to viſit them with a moderate and gentle Hand, and only per-
mitted Loſs and Diſgrace to fall upon thoſe Brethren who bore Arms.
But this proved not a ſufficient Warning ; but regardleſs of all Punilhments,
they added Impieties to Impieties ; and many Paltors and Governors, reje-
cting tlie Sanctions of Religion, were inflam'd with mutual Contentions,
ſtudying nothing more than promoting of Diffentions and Violence, making
of Schiſms and Separations, and greedily chalenging to themſelves the
Preeminence of others, as if it were earthly Dominion. When the firſt Vi-
ſitation, mild and affectionate, would not reach the Hearts of an inſenſible
People, God thought fit to ſend a ſecond more ſtrong and effectual; and
when the Ulcer began to putrifie, it was time to call for the Knife and the
Cauſtick.
Among the Schiſms at this Time, the moſt remarkable was that of Meletius Atban:
The Schiſm of Biſhop of Lycopolis of Thebais in Ægypt, who being convicted of many
Crimes, and amongſt others, of ſacrificing to Idols, was depos'd in a Synod
by Peter, Biſhop of Alexandria. ' Miletius made no Appeal to any other
Council, nor endeavour'd to recant or acknowledge his Errors, either to
Peter or his Succeſſors; but made a new Schiſm in the Church, and ſepara-
ted
J
t20ns.
t
Epipioa
the Meleti-
211s.
Chap. VIII. DIOCLETIAN the 39tb Roni. Emp.
449
Lactant.
în
ted from Peter and the other Biſhops, againſt whom he publiſh'd many
Calumnies, to cover the Shame of his Deprivation, and particularly
that they were guilty of too much Indulgence towards enormous Sin-
ners and Apoftates. He began his Schiſm in this Year 301, as Mon. Pagi
proves; and continu’da long time, with many followers, calld Meletians.
One of the moft violent Promoters of the ſucceeding Perſecution, was A. D. 302
Hierocles the Philoſopher, ſucceſſively Preſident of Bithynia, and Govern- Diccl.
our of Alexandria ; a Perſon who not only wrote againſt the Chriſtian Hierocles
Religion, and pretended to find many Inconſiſtences in the Scriptures, but flouriſhes
.
alſo had the Confidence to equal the Miracles of Apollonius Tyan xus to
thoſe of our bleſſed Saviour. But none dhew'd himſelf a more effectual
Promoter of this Perſecution than Galerius himſelf, to which he was exci-
ted not only by his own Cruelty and Superſtition, but in a particular
Manner by his own Mother, who was a moſt zealous Pagan, and had en-
tertain'd an inſuperable Prejudice againſt the Chriſtians, who frequently
thew'd a Deteſtation of her Religious Rites. Wherefore to gratifie her
Refentients as well as his own, le repair’d to Nicomedia, and us'd all Me-
thods to engage old Diocletian to proceed in what he had formerly begun,
and to ruine the Chriſtians entirely. He had many Conſultations with him Galerius :rg-
during a whole Winter, and while it was believ'd abroad that they were Diocletiana
treating about Srate-Affairs, they were only projecting a new Perſecution. the Chriſtians
Diocletian loving his Eaſe, cou'd not willingly hearken to new and violent
Councils, but thew'd Galerius How dangerous it was to diſquiet the Empire
with ſo much Confuſion and Bloodſhed ; which muſt needs bė vaſtly great,
fince the Chriſtians were ſo ready at all times to lay down their lives;
therefore he judg’d it ſufficient to purge the Court and the Army from
Men of that Religion. Finding this would not ſatisfie the furious Galerius,
he betook himſelf to his old King-craft, which was to reſolve upon all
commendable Actions without taking Advice, that the Honour might re-
dound to himſelf alone ; but to take Council in hazardous Matters, that the
Blame might fall upon others. Therefore he declar'd he wou'd hear the O-
pinion of his Friends and Confidents; and accordingly fome Judges and
military Commanders were admitted to Council; amongſt whom, ſome de-
clared the Chriſtians Enemics to God, and therefore ought to be deſtroy’d;
and others, out of Complaiſance, were too ready to aſſent to what Galeri-
us ſhould pleaſe to determine. All which did not ſatisfie Diocletian, who to
do all Things compleatly, fent to conſult the Oracle of Apollo Miletius ; Diocletiari
from whence receiving an Anſwer as from a true Enemy to Chriſtianity, he confules the
yielded, as tho' he had received his Directions from Heaven : Yet ſtill
conſents.
he mov’d for Moderation, that it might be done without Blood, while Ga-
ierius inſiſted that the Chriſtians might be burnt alive. The laſt Thing
determin'd, was to fix upon a proper and auſpicious Day for the Be-
ginning this great Work, which at length was determind to be 23d Day
of the next February, when the Terminalia were uſually celebrated among the
Romans; and this was choſen as a happy Omen, that they ſhou'd put a Termi
and Period to the Chriſtian Religion. This was reſolv'd in Winter, in the
fatter End of the Year 202, or the Beginning of the following, 303.
Oracleand
1
L11
CHAP
450
Book III.
Cent. IV. ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY,
CHAP. VIII.
From the Beginning of the tenth great Perſecution of the Church,
to the firſt Eſtabliſhment of Chriſtianity by Humane Laws un-
der the Emperor Conſtantine the Great.
Containing the Space of about 10 Years.
A: 0,393. I.
Exfeb.
The Tenth general PERSECUTION.
LL Things being thus eſtabliſhed between the Emperor and his literis
Diocl 16.
Cæfar, in the 19th Year and 8th Conſullhip of Diocletian, and
upon the 2 jd Day of February, the tenth and laſt general Perſecution
began in the City of Nicomedia. In the Morning of which fatal Day,
the Prefect of the City, accompany'd with ſome Officers, repaired to
the Church of the Chriſtians, and having forc'd open the Doors, fought
for the Image of the God they worſhipp'd ; but finding none, took the
Sacred Books and other Things they found, and threw them into
the Fire, filling all Places with Force and Violence. This was done in
the View of Diocletian and Galerius, who held fome Debate whether Fire
ſhould be ſet to the Church, but the former over-ruld that, as being of
dangerous Conſequence to the City; whereupon Officers were employ'd
The Steps taken who in a few Hours levell’d that lofty Building with the Ground. In the
in this perfis following Day an Edict was ſet up, commanding all Churches to be
demoliſh'd, and the Scriptures to be burnt; that all Chriſtians ſhould be
incapable of any Honours and Offices; that no Rank and Dignity ſhould
exempt them from Torture, and that they ſhould be out of the Prote-
ction of the Law, and have no Power to right and vindicate themſelves
by Suit. Upon the Publication of this Edict, a certain Chriſtian took
the Liberty both to tear it down, and to rally the Emperors; who be-
ing immediately ſeiz’d, after he had endur'd all ſorts of Torments with
admirable Patience, he was burnt alive. This Edict was ſucceeded by
another, which commanded all the Prelates of the Church to be put in
Bonds, and all imaginable Methods to be uſed to compel them to ſacrifice.
Yet the Severity of theſe Edicts did not ſatisfie the barbarous Galerius,
who, to puſh on Diocletian to the utmoſt Extremity, ſecretly cauſed the
Imperial Palace to be ſet on Fire; and this not ſufficiently moving the
wary Diocletian, he repeated the fact, and charg'd all upon the Chriſtians,
making Report, That they had conſpired with the Eunuchs to murder the Empe-
rors, and that they had been in great danger of being both burnt with the Palace.
This drove Diocletian beyond all the Reſtraints of Reaſon, and in a Fury
reſolv'd to compel all Perſons to ſacrifice, beginning with his Daughter
l'aleria, and his Empreſs Priſca. He put ſeveral of the Eunuchs, and
Courtiers of the greateſt Credit to Death, particularly Dorotheus, Gorgoni-
's and Peter; which laſt couragiouſly endured all the Tortures of Scourg-
ings, Gridirons and Fires. Several Presbyters and Deacons were ſeiz'd
and without Proof, condemn’d and executed ; and alſo Anthimus Biſhop
of Nicomedia, was beheaded, with whom was join'd a great Number of
Martyrs. No Regard was had to Age, Sex, or Order, and not contented
with ſingle Executions, whole Houſes full were burnt at once, and Droves
ty'd together with Ropes, were thrown into the Sea, with Millones about
on,
their
Chap. VII. DIOCLETIAN the 39th Rom Emp.
451
Eulit.
Lacrant,
ance and Sea
ز
their Necks. Nor was the Perſecution confin'd to Nicomedia ; for the
Judges were ſent to all Temples to force People to facrifice; the Priſons
were every where crowded, and unheard of Tortures invented; and that
none but Pagans might have the Benefit of the Law, they plac'd Alears
in the very Courts of Judicature, where every Perſon was oblig'd to of:
fer Sacriſice before he could plead : So that. Men came before their Judges
as before their Gods. New Edicts were daily lent into otlier Cities and
Provinces ; ſo that in a ſhort Time the Perſecution ſpread through moſt of
the Empire, and became almoſt univerſal.
This dreadful Perſecution continu'd ten Years under Diocletian arid his The Continui-
Succeſſors; but for most of that Time in the Eaſtern Parts of the Empire,
where, as Eufebius intimates, the Corruptions of the Chriſtians were
terity of it.
greateſt. At firſt it was more univerſal; and carry'd on with ſuch Violence
and Severity, that Diocletian and his Colleague vainly thought they had
compleated their Work; and accordingly they told the World in ſome In-
ſcriptions, That they had utterly. defaced the Name and Superſtition of the
Chriſtians, and had reſtored and propagated the Worſhip of the Gods. It is
impoſſible to enumerate the valt Multitudes of Martyrs in all Parts, or to
ſet forth the infinite Variety of their Miſeries and Torments; for, as L24
Etantius obſerves, a hundred Tongues and the loudeſt Voice were inluffici-
ent for ſuch a Labour. The Deaths were innumerable, and exceeded all
Relation : Some were beheaded, as in Arabia ; ſome devoured by wild The Variety
Beaſts, as in Phænicia ; others ſlain by breaking tlieir. Légs, as in Cap-
padocia ; ſome were hung up with their Heads downwards, and
ſuffocated by Now Fires, as in Meſopotamia ; and others were broil'd
upon Gridirons, as in Syria. In Pontus ſome had ſharp Reeds thruſt
up under all their Nails, and others had melted Lead poured upon
their naked Skins, which ran down and burnt the moſt neceſſary Parts
of their Body, while others without any Commiſeration, endured
obſcene Tortures unfit to be related, which the impious Judges us'd as
à Demonſtration of the Acuteneſs of their Wit, as if the Greatneſs of
that conſiſted in the moſt unnatural Inventions. In Ægypt infinite
Numbers of Meri, Women and Children ſuffer'd various kinds of Deaths ;
ſome of whom, after their Fleſh had been torn off with torturing Irons,
after they had been rack’d, moſt cruelly ſcourg'd, and ſuſtain'd Tor-
inents of different Sorts, and horrible to be heard, were committed to
the Fire, and others drown'd in the Sea. Other fome chearfully offered
their Necks to the Executioners; fome dy'd under their Tortuřes ; Q-
thers periſh'd with Hunger. Again, others were crucify’d, ſome accord-
ing to the ordinary Manner of Malefactors, and others after a more cruel
Manner, being nailed with their Heads downwards, and left to die by
Famine. But the Torments and Indignities which the Martyrs ſuſtain'd
in the Province of Thebais, ſurpaſs all Relation ; who with Tharp Shells
inſtead of torturing Irons, were torn all over their bodies till they ex-
pired. Women were ty'd by one of their Feet, and by certain Engines
hoiſed
up into the Air with their Heads downwards; and their Bodies being
entirely naked, were made a moſt deteſtable and inhumane Spectacle. O-
thers were ty’d by the Feet to great Boughs of Trees, violently wreſted and
forced together by Machines, which being let go, in a Moment rent the
Bodies of the Martyrs all in Pieces. All which was not for a few Days, or
ſhort Time, but continued for the Space of whole Years ; fometimes
no more than ten, at other times above twenty were deſtroyed; ſome-
times not leſs than thirty, at others near ſixty; and again at another time
a hundred Men together, with very imall Children and Women, were
executed in one Day, being condemn’d to various and interchangeable
Lil 2
Kiado
.
452 Cenr. IV.
!
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
Book III.
&c.
MENIS.
2119.
Kinds of Puniſhments. In Phrygia the Soldiers inveſted a populous City,
conſiſting all of Chriſtians; and ſetting Fire toit, Men, Women and Chil
dren, while calling upon God, were all confum'd in the Flames.
Great Numbers of Prelates, Biſhops and Clergymen, ſuffer'd in this Per-Emſcb
ſecution, far too many to be nam'd; till at length ſome of the Governors
of Provinces, weary'd with Slaughters, and ſatiated with the vaſt Effuſion
of Blood, pretended to ſhew Tokens of Clemency and Humanity, de-
claring, It was unfit to pollute the Cities with the Blood of the Inhabitants,
and to defame the mild Government of the Emperors with the Deaths of so
Other Puniſh- many Subjects
. Therefore they thought it ſufficient to diſcourage the Cbri-
Jtians, by making them miſerable in this Life, and ſetting Marks of Infamy
upon them. Accordingly, ſome had their Ears, Noſes and Hands cut off,
and others their Eyes put out, and one of their Legs diſabled. Eufebius
ſays, it is impoflible to reckon up the innunerable Multitudes of the Chriſti-
ans who had their right Eyes put out and ſeard with a hot Iron, and of
thoſe who had their left Legs made uſeleſs by torturing Inſiruments :
After which they were condemned to the Mines, not ſo much for the
Service they could do, as upon the Account of the Miſeries they thou'd
endure. All kinds of Arts were made uſe of to eradicate Chriſtianity and
The Behaviour eſtabliſh Paganiſm; and particularly the greateít Care was taken to dellroy
of the Chriſti- the holy Scriptures, but all in vain. All the Time, the Chriſtians gave
ſtrange and noble Inſtances of the moſt undaunted Bravery; they throng'd
to the Tribunals of their Judges, and freely declar'd their Opinions and
Religion, deſpiſed the Threatnings and Barbarity of their Enemies, and
receiv'd their laſt Sertences with a Smile. Yer ſome of them were not frec
from unwarrantable Practices; and as ſome preſt too forwards to Death
and Torments, ſo others leap'd off the Tops of Houſes to avoid the Ma-
lice of their Enemies; and ſome Ladies in Antioch drown'd themſelves to
eſcap'd being ravilh'd by the Soldiers. Others were far more culpable, and
out of Fear deliver'd up their Bibles; and too many, to avoid Torments,
apoftatiz’d. But far the greateſt Part of the Chriſtians behav'd themſelves
ſo manfully, that neither Fears nor Charms could falten upon them, at once
giving undeniable Evidences both of their own Fortitude, and of the irreſi-
itible Power of our Lord that went along with them. Among whom we
ought to mention Donatus, to whom Laciantius writ his Account of this
Perſecution, who was tormented nine ſeveral Times by three different
Governors ; by Flaccinus, by Hierocles, and by his Succeſſor Priſcillian.
In all theſe Cruelties the Emperor Maximian willingly joined with Dio-
cletian and Galerius ; ſo that theſe three wild Beaſts exercis'd their Bar-
Gaul free from barities upon all the Provinces from the Eaſt to the Weſt. Only Gaul
Perfecution.
was free, where the good and mild Conſtantius govern'd; but being urg'd
by his Superiours, he made a ſlight Pretence of pulling down ſome of the
Chriſtians Churches, without any further Damage. Once he politickly
pretended to proſecute them, and commanded all the Officers of his
Houſhold to join in the Pagan Sacrifices, or immediately leave their Pla-
ces; but when ſome of them did ſo, he ſent them away with great
Diſgrace, generouſly declaring, That thoſe Men who were not true to their God,
would never be faithful to their Prince.
During theſe diſmal Tranſactions, the Emperor Diocletian finding theſe Lollcea
Affairs to ſucceed according to his Deſire, reſolvd to repair to Rome, from &
whence he had been abſent many Years, there to celebrate his Vicennalia,
or twentieth Year of his Reign, and alſo to triumph for all his former Con-
Diocletian's quells and Victories. All this was perform'd upon the 20th Day of Novesi-
Triumph.
ber with great Solemnity, being accompany'd with his Colleague Maximium,
and the two Cæſars, Conftantius and Galerius. In this Triumph was expos'u
1
.
Chap. VII.
DIOCLETIAN tbe 391b Rom. Emp
453
ó
esitant.
an infinite Maſs of Treaſure of the Spoils of the Eaſt, of Ægypt; and ſem
veral Countries by them ſubdu'd. There were many Chariots full of Arms;
and Veſſels of Gold and Silver, and many renown'd Priſoners, particu-
larly the Wife and Children of the King of Perha, withi marý Kings
and Commanders of the Alanes, the Catti, and other Nations As foon
as all theſe Solemnities were over, Diocletian, who was always haughty
and imperious, ſhew'd how little he cou'd bear thoſe Marks of Liberty
that the Romans ſtill retain d ; at which he became ſo uneaſie, that tho
the firſt of January was near, in which he was to enter upon his ninth
Confallhip, yet he cou'd not be prevaild on to ſtay till that Day' at Romë,
but he began his Confullhip at Ravenna. The Winter was boil extreamly A.D. 304.
cold and rainy ; ſo that the Journey did ſo affect his Health, that it threw Diocl...
him into a lingring Sickneſs, and brought him into a low and uncomfort-
able Condition, which detain'd him in Italy the whole Summer. But thio' The Perfecutii
he was almoit incapacitated from acting himielf, his Lieutenants, and more by others
.
eſpecially Galerius, carry'd on the Perſecution, particularly in Paleſtine,
where Euſebius himſelf reſided, and was an Eye-witnets of infinite Bar-
barities. In the firſt Year of the Perfecution, he takes notice of the
Martyrdoms of Procopius, Alpheus, and Zaccheus in Cælarea, and of Ro-
manus in Antioch ; who with great Glory conquer'd the Malice of their
Perfecuters. In the fecond Year the Perfecution in thoſe Parts became
more violent and ſharp, and became memorable for the triumphant Deaths
of Timotheus at Gaza, Timolaus, Dionyſius, Romulus, Agapius, and ſeveral
others at Cæfarea. In Rome Pope Marcellinus ſuffer'd upon the 24th Day
of October, after he had held the Dignity of Biſhop eight Years, ſeven Months
and fourteen Days. In this Time of Perſecution there was a Vacancy in the
Church of above three Years.
In the mean Time Diocletian was brought very low by his Sickneſs, and Diocletian's
Sickneſs.
being carry'd in a Litter, arriv’d at Nicomedia in the latter End of the Year;
where upon the 13th of December he fell into ſo deep a Swoon, that all
deſpair’d of his Life. Yet he eſcap'd this long Sickneſs
, but never re-
gaind ſuch entire Perfection of Health as former ; for ever after this he
had ſome Fits of Madneſs, which return'd upon him ſome particular
Times, tho' in the Intervals he had his Underſtanding perfect. Not long
after his firſt Appearance abroad, which was on March ift. 305. Galerius
came to him, not to congratulate his Recovery, but to compel him to re-
ſign the Empire. This violent ambitious Man had lately made the ſame
Attempt upon Maximian, threatening him with a civil War if he refus'd
to relign ; but began with Diocletiun in a more gentle Manner, intimating,
That ſince he was become aged, and leſs able to bear the Fatigues of Go-
vernment, be ought to give himſelf ſome Repoſe, after ſo much Application
and Toil, according to the Example of Nerva towards Trajan. Diocletian,
uneaſie at ſuch a Propoſal, alledg’d, That a Reſignation was diſhonourable to
him who had born fo ſublime a Character, and unſafe for one who is so long a
Reign muſt have created many Enemies; therefore Nerva's Caſe was very dif-
ferent from his. But if to be of equal Dignity with himſelf, wou'd ſatisfie
Galerius, he was willing to conferr that Favour upon him. The other, who
had form’d a Project of making himſelf ſole Emperor, and finding this
wou'd not anſwer his End, pretended, That the Order which Diocletian bad be-
gun, of having two Emperors with fupream Power, and two Afiftants to them with
inferior Power ought ever to be maintain d. And then he concluded more rough- Being threats
ly, That if the Emperor would not retire, and make way for him, he would look to ned by Galer
himſelf; for be wou'd be no longer contented with his preſent Dignity. The rius,
old Man, now much broken and dif-ſpirited, having receiv'd Letters from
Maximian, and heard that Galerius was augmenting his Forces, at length,
with
.
454
Book III.
Cent. IV.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
Empire.
with ſervile Tears conſented to what he was unable to remedy. Howe-
ver Diocletian ſtill endeavour'd to be concern'd in the Nomination of the
two deſigned Cæfars; but in that alſo Galerius over-ruld, and appointed
two Creatures of his own, callid Severus and Maximinus, contrary to the
Opinion of the other, both wicked and barbarous Perſons, and agreeable
to his own Diſpoſition. All Things being thus concerted in ſecret, on the
firſt Day of May, this great Affair came to be declar'd; when the Soldi-
ers were drawn up, old Diocletian, with Tears in his Eyes told the Men,
That he was now become infirm; therefore he was reſolved to reſt himſelf after
so much Labour, and to deliver up the Empire to thoſe who were able to ſu-
Stain the Burthen of it. And accordingly he nominated the two new Ce-
fars that Galerius had appointed, contrary to all Mens Expectations, who
He reſigns the hop'd that young Conſtantine ſhould have been one. After this Diocletian
diveſted himſelf of his Imperial Robes; and, like a Soldier who had ob-
tain’d his Diſmiſſion, retired; drove through Nicomedia, and ſo paſs'd over
to Salona in his own Countrey Dalmatia, where he return'd to his private
State, and to his primitive Name Diocles. And thus the great Act of Re-
ſigning the Command of the World, which fome Authors extol and applaud,
appears from this Account out of Lactantius, to have been an Act of
meer Neceſſity and Conſtraint. This was done upon the firſt Day of May,
305, under the fifth Conſulſhips of Conſtantius and Galerius, Diocletian be-
ing now about 60 Years of Age, and having reign’d 20 Years, 7 Months,
and 14 Days, from the Beginning of the Diocletian Æra. Maximian by
Maximian Conſent alſo reſign'd the fame Day at Milan, having reign'd with the Title
does the ſame. of Auguſtus almoſt 19 Years.
A.D. 305. II. Upon the Reſignation of Diocletian and Maximian, the Empire in vider.
CON-
courſe devolv'd upon the two Cæfars, Conſtantius and Galerius, Men as dif- Zoom.
STAN- ferent in their Tempers and Diſpoſitions, as in their Births and Educations. &c.
TIUS, Wherefore, to prevent any future Diſputes that might ariſe from ſuch a
The qeth Ro- Diſparity of Inclinations, they agreed to make a diſtinct and independent
man Emperor.
Diviſion of the Empire between them, which was the firſt Diviſion of that
kind; for tho' the Empire had often been govern d by two Emperors at
The Empire one time, yet it was never independently divided before. Conſtantius had
divided into the Weſtern Parts of the Empire, namely, Italy, Sicily, the greateſt
independent
Part of Africk, together with Spain, Gaul, Britain and Germany ; and Gale-
rius the Eaſtern and the largeſt Share, namely, Illyricum, Pannonia, Mace-
donia, Thrace, all the Provinces of Greece, and the leſſer Aſia, together with
Ægypt, Syria, Paleſtine, and all the Eaſt. This Diviſion being made, the
Government of ſo many Provinces ſeem'd too great a Clarge to the paci-
fick Temper of Conftantius, who chuſing rather to govern well than to go-
vern much, freely relinquiſh'd the Provinces of Africk and Italy to Galeri-
us, contenting himſelf with Gaul, Spain, Britain, and his Part of Germany.
Galerius, on the other ſide, finding the Affairs of the Empire difficult to
manage with Security to himſelf, allotted the Government of Italy and A-
frick to Severus, and the Government of Ægypt, Paleſtine, and the Eaſt,
to Maximin ; reſerving to his own immediate Management, the Provinces
belonging to Illyricum, Greece, and Aſia-Minor. So that the World was
in a manner govern’d by four Heads, Conſtantius and Galerius independent
Emperors, and Severus and Maximin, Cæſars dependent upon Galerius.
Conſtantius the firſt and ſenior Emperor, was about
was about 54 Years of Age
when he entred upon this Government, which lie manag’d to the great
Satisfaction and Approbation of all Men, preſerving his Provinces from
15. Charashtr all kinds of Wars, Rebellions, and other Miſeries, during his Mort Reign.
of Conſtanti-
The Gauls not only lov'd him, but almoſt ador’d him, before lie was Empe-
.
Paris.
::$
for :
1
Chap VIII
CONSTANTIUS the 40th Rom. Emp. 455
1
Lactant.
Erleb.
ror; for under his former Adminiſtration they had eſcap'd the pernicious
Policy of Diocletian, and the bloody Temerity of Maximián. His princi-
pal Aim was to encreaſe the Happineſs and Riches of his Subjects, it be-
ing his declar'd Opinion, That it was better for a Prince to have his Nations
Wealth diffuſed, and in the Hands of many, than to be lock'd up in his own Cof-
fers ; concurring with Trajan, wlio compar'd the Exchequer to the Spleen,
the
great Growth of which hinder'd the Body's Nourilliment. He ſo little
affected Pomp and Splendor, that on Feſtival Entertainments, he generally
borrow'd Furniture and Plate from other Perſons for the Uſe of his Table.
And being in his former Adminiſtration reproach'd for his Poverty by Dio-
cletian's Ambaſſadors, he only intimated his Wants to the People, and in a
few Hours amaſs'd ſuch infinite Sums from their voluntary Contributions,
as aſtoniſh'd theſe Strangers; while he inform’d them, That the Love of the
People was the ſureſt Treaſure of the Prince, and that his Subjects Money was
by that Means always at his Devotior, which he never thought Jafer than
when they were Keepers of it. After the Ambaſſadors Departure, he return-
ed all the Subſidies that were preſented him; being by his voluntary Pover-
ty
richer than Diocletian and the other Princes who were his Partners.
He was of an affable, brave and generous Temper, and not only the Chri-
ſtians, but likewiſe all that were ſubject to him, were extreamly happy un-
der his excellent Government.
On the other ſide, thoſe Provinces under the Care of Galeriks, were The Charakten
miſerably harraſs’d, and oppreſs'd by the Inſolencies and Extortions of of Galerius.
that Tyrant; who continually loaded his Subjects with ſuch Taxes and
Impoſitions, and us’d ſuch barbarous Methods in collecting them, that the
State of Affairs look'd as diſmal as if the Empire had been over-run by Fc-
reign Enemies. All Places were full of Grief and Fear, all Mens Fields
were meaſur’d, an Account was taken of all their Trees, and Vines, and
their Cattle ; upon the flighteſt Suſpicions of Concealment, Men were
ſcourg’d and tortur’d; Children were hung up in Sight of their Parents ;
Slaves were oblig'd to accuſe their Maſters, and Wives their Husbands. None
but Beggars were exempted from theſe Oppreſſions; but this impious Man
us'd other Methods with them, gave Orders to gather then all together, to
put them into Veſſels and drown thern in the Sea ; by which Means he found
an effectual Expedient to keep all Men from making Poverty an Excuſe for
not paying of Taxes. His inhuman Practices alſo extended to Men of the
higheſt Rank, who were put to many cruel and ignominious Deaths, ſuch as
Crucifixion, and throwing to wild Beaſts; for Beheading was accounted an
extraordinary Favour. As for the Chriſtians, for whom he had the greateſt His Crueley
Hatred, he not only condemn’d them to Tortures, but to be burnt in flow towards the
Fires, after this horrible Llanner ; They were firſt chain'd to a Poſt, then a
gentle Fire ſet to the Soles of their Feet, which contracted the Callus of thie
Foot till it fell all off from the Bones; then Flambeaux juſt extinguiſh'd
were clapt to all the parts of their Bodies, ſo that they might be tortur'd all
over ; and Care was taken to keep them alive by throwing cold water in
their Faces, and giving them ſome to waſh their Mouths, left the Extremi-
ty of the Anguiſh thou'd dry up their Throats and choak them. Thus their
Miſeries were lengthned out whole Days, till at laſt, their Skin being quite
confum'd, and they juſt ready to expire, they were thrown into a great Fire,
and had their Bodies burnt to Aſhes ; after which their Bones were ground
to Powder, and thrown into ſome River. At the ſame Time, in the Eaſt
the Perſecution was carried on with freſh Rage and Cruelty by the bloody Maximin fel
Maximin, who at his entring upon his Government, iſſu'd out Orders to
ample.
quicken the Governors of Provinces in putting the Laws in ſtrict Exe-
cution againſt thoſe who refus'd to comply with the publick Rites and Cere-
monies
Chriſtians,
โ lows his Ex
456 Cent. IV.
Book III
,
EcclesiasTICAL HISTORY.
--
7h: Perfecution
ceales in the
Wi.
St. Aug.
Cic.
;
monies of the Empire. To which purpoſe, while Officers were making
Proclamation at Cæfarea, and ſummoning Men by Name out of a pub-
lick Roll, Apphianus a young Gentleman of Lycia, then Scholar to Eu-
ſebius, preſling through the Crowds, caught hold on the Hand of Urba-
banus the Governor, forc'd lim to let fall his Sacrifice, and gravely repro-
ved him for thoſe Impieties. Wliereupon he was immediately apprehended,
put to the ſevereſt Torments imaginable, and thrown half dead into the
Sea; his Brocher Ædeſius for the fame Fact ſuffering the ſame kind of Mar-
tyrdom, and almoſt at the ſame time at Alexandria, not to mention innu-
merable others who gloriouſly ended their Lives.
Thus were the Chriſtians ſeverely treated by Galerius and Maximin; but Esfeb.
the Perſecution in Italy, Spain, Africk, and thoſe Parts, ceaſed about the
time of Maximian's Relignation, after it had continu'd about two Years.
And now the Church obtaining ſome Reſt in the Weſtern Parts, the
Billiops and Clergy began to meet in ſeveral Places, to conſult ‘about
thic Caſe of ſuch as had lapſed in the Perſecution, and of thoſe call'd
Traditores, ſuch as had deliver'd up the Bibles and conſecrated Veſſels
belonging to the Church. And in this Year we read of two Councils or
The Council Synods, one at Cirtha in Africk, and the other at Eliberis or Elvira in
of Cirtha. Spain. The firſt conſiſted of cleven or twelve Biſhops of Numidia,
who met at the Houſe of one Donatus, in order to ordain a Biſhop in the
Room of Paul Biſhop of Cirtha, who had been a Traditor; Tigiris Pri-
mate of Numidia being Preſident of this Synod. Theſe Biſhops, who
were afterwards the Heads of the Donatiſt Faction, accus'd one another
mutually in the Synod, of complying too much with the Heathen Ma-
giſtrates and all of them fearing they ſhou'd be convicted of the
Crimes they laid to each other's Charge, they abſolv'd one another, re-
ferring themſelves to the Judgment of God. After which, they ordain'd
Silvanus, who liad been a Traditor, Biſhop of Cirtka, notwithſtanding all
the Oppoſition made by the Clergy, and Perſons of Note in the City
T::Council of to the contrary. The Council of Eliberes conſiſted of nineteen Biſhops
and twenty fix Presbyters, who made many Canons and Conſtitu-
tions relating to Penitents, the Lapſed, and other Matters, in which they
eſtabliſhi'd a rigorous Diſcipline. We have an Account of 81 Canons
here made ; but the Variety of the Rules, and the little Order ſhewn in
placing them, make learned Men believe, that the Canons attributed to
this Council, are an ancient Code, or an ancient Collection of the Coun-
cils of Spain. Not long after this Council, in the following Year 306.
Peter writes the Perfecution raging in Egypt, Peter Biſhop of Alexandria publiſh'd his
his Canonical excellent Canonical Epiſtle a little before Eaſter, being urgʻd by many of
Epiſtle.
the Lapſed, who deſir’d to be reconcild, and receivd into the Church.
'In this he gave ſeveral Rules how ſuch Perſons ought to be treated, care-
'fully examining all thc Circunſtances which might augment or dimi-
nith the Quality of the Crime, and thewing ſingular Prudence in tem-
pering the Rigour of Puniſhment by a reaſonable Moderation, without
which, Juſtice wou'd be weakned by too much Indulgence; and as he did
not lengthen out Penance by too ſevere Methods, fo neither did he de-
'ceive the Sinner by too remiſs an Faſineſs. It is believ'd, that about this
Time Peter depos’d Meletius Bilhop of Lycopolis
, of whom we have given
fome Account in the Year 301.
In the mean Time the good Emperor Conſtantius, in the ſecond Year Euſeb.
of his Reign, repair’d to Britain, and reſiding at Eboracum, or Tork , Zefim.
and there falling into fome Sickneſs, he began to be extreamly con-
cern'd for the Safety of his Son Conſtantine, who for ſeveral Years had been
licpt at the Court of Diocletian, as an honourable Pledge for his father's
Eliberes.
Fide-
Chap VIII. CONSTANTINE,&c the 41ſt Rom. Emp. 457
Fidelity;
and ſince his Reſignation, in that of Galerius in the East.
Galerius hated Conſtantius, and was jealous of his Son, whom he wou'd
often have remov'd by a violent Death, but he knew that the Army
admir'd Conſtantine, and wou'd revenge it. He ſought therefore under
pretence of Games and Martial Exerciſes to have diſpatch'd him, but all
in vain; for as the Hand of God was viſible in protecting him ſo long,
fo it appear’d moft fignally now in the laſt and critical Moment. His
Father had often fent for him, and had been as often deny’d; and parti-
cularly in this preſent Sickneſs he had renew'd his Importunity : So that
Galerius being aſham’d to deny this reaſonable Requelt, fign'd him a País
to take with him the next Day, reſolving upon fome Artifice to ſtop lini
in his fourney, and prevent his Arrival in Britain, and therefore order'd him
to come the next Morning to receive his final Inſtructions. But Conſtan- Young Con-
time having ſome Apprehenfion of his Deſigns, as ſoon as Galerius had ftantine's Po-
licy.
retir'd to his Reſt, rook Poſt-Horſes with all Speed, and at every Stage
where he arriv’d, beſides thoſe few he us'd liinfelf, he ham-llring'd all
the Horles he left behind him. Galerius, on Purpoſe to delay him, did
not open his Doors till Noon; and then calling for him, and underſtand-
ing that he was gone the Night before, he iinmediately commanded fe-
veral Men to purſue him ; but hearing ſoon after that the Poſt Horſes
were all diſabld, he burſt into a violent Pailion of Rage and Vexation.
In the mean Time Conſtantine travellid with the urmolt Expedition ; and
arriving at Tork, he found his Father weak, and paſt Recovery. Conítan-
tius at the Sight of his Son, in a ſort of a Rapture leapt out of his Bed,
and receiv'd him with all the Marks of Joy and Paternal Affection, gave
him ſeveral uſeful Inſtructions and Directions, and particularly recom-
mended the poor Chriſtians to his Care and Pity. Being demanded
which of his Children ihou'd ſucceed him, he having two Sons by Thco-
dora; neglecting his ſecond Wife and her Progeny, he cry'd alond, None but
the pious Conſtantine ! and thortly after expir’d in the Arms of this belov- The Death of
ed Son. Thus dy'd Conſtantius, a Prince of admirable Vertues and Accom- Conſtantius.
pliſhments, and infinitely belov'd and lamented by all his Subjects. He
dy'd on the 25th Day of July, in his own Conſullhip with Galerius, being
in the 56th Year of his Age, and having reigo'd only one Year, one Month,
and 25 Days from the Relignation of Diocletian and Maximian; but above
13 Years underthe Title of Cæfar, before he was Emperor.
III. The excellent Conſtantius being dead, his Son Conſtantine proceed- A. D. 306.
ed to celebrate his Obſequies ; which he did with all imaginable Pomp CON-
and Splendor. All Perſons honour'd that bleſſed Emperor with Praiſes and STAN-
Acclamations, and unanimouſly agreed, That the Succeſſion of the Son in
TINE,
the Empire was a Reſurrection of the deceas'd Father ; and forth with The 41 it'Ro-
they ſaluted him Emperor of the Weſt, with the higheſt Marks of Joy man Emperor.
and Satisfaction. Every Man's Eyes were fixt upon this Prince; his tall
and comely Perſonage, the Strength and Firmneſs of his Body, but eſpeci-
ally the Vertues and Endowments of his Mind, gave an early Omen of
the future Happineſs of his Reign. He was a Prince of a noble and His Charafter.
vigorous Spirit, of profound Policy and Capacity, and of no leſs Modeſty
than Magnanimity; and a Prince, wliom God of his Bounty rais'd up
to perform wonderful Things for his Servants. He was now about 32
Years of Age, and according to the moſt receiv'd Opinion, he was a
Native of Britain, which has been confirmed by ſeveral others; but Mon.
Pagi and ſome others ſeem’d to have made it appear, that he was born
in Naiſus in Dacia, now calld Nilla, a Town in Servia. His Parentage
was very
noble by his Fatlier's Side, as being deſcended from the Empe.
M mm
Eufeb.
Lactant.
&c.
ز
ror
458 Cent. IV.
Book III.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY,
Rome.
ror Claudius 11. and he, as it is believ'd, from the great Veſpaſian ; but his
Mother Helen was a Woman of inferiour Quality, of Drepano in Bithynia;
but yet a good Chriſtian. This, no doubt, contributed to his future Con-
verſion ; and the firſt Ordinance he made after his Advancement, was to
give the Chriſtians the free Liberty of their Religion.
Conſtantine for a conſiderable Time contented himſelf with the Name of Laftant.
Cæfar, and not immediately aſſum'd the Title of Auguſtus or Emperor,
expecting that the Senior Emperor thou'd have ſent him that Title, but
in vain : For as ſoon as his Image, wreath'd with the Imperial Laurel,
Galerius er was preſented to Galerius, he was lo tranſported with Rage, as to condemn
rag d.
both it and the Meſſenger to the Fire; but was diſſwaded from the Exe-
cution by liis Friends, who were ſenlible of the Miſchiefs of exar-
perating an already diſpleas’d Army. Therefore, that he might ſeem to
allow that voluntarily which he wanted Power to prevent, he ſent the
Purple to Conſtantine ; but withal proceeded to a new Contrivance, which
was to create Severus Emperor and Auguſtus, as being the elder Man, and
Conſtantine only Cæſar in Partnerſhip with M.iximin ; ſo that inſtead of
being next to himſelf, he might be the laſt of the four. But Conſtantine
food in no need of his Approbation to confirın his Title to the Empire ;
his Father's declar'd Will for his Succellion, and the univerſal Conſent
both of the Army and the whole Weſt, put his Right beyond all Diſpute.
His Image, according to the Cuſtom of neiv Emperors, being expos'd in
Maxentius Rome, immediately provok'd the Ambition of Maxentius ; and taking an
ſets up in
Opportunity in the Abſence of Severus, whoſe Government the Prætorian
Soldiers hated, he proclainn'd himſelf Emperor by their Aſſiſtance, and
ſome conſiderable Officers then in Rome, upon the 27th Day of October.
He was Son to old Maximian by Eutropia, an ordinary Woman of Syria, and
Son-in-law to Galerius; and was very popular among the Soldiers, whom
for Recompence he allow'd to commit intolerable Outrages and Diſorders in
the City. This was ſome Surprize to Conſtantine, but a greater to Galerius,
who with all ſpeed ſent Severus to ſuppreſs him, with an Army that had
formerly ſerv'd under Maximian, and order'd him to march directly to
Rome, knowing that thoſe Soldiers who had taſted the pleaſures of that
Place, wou'd endeavour both to preſerve the City, and to make it their
Head Quarters. Maxentius beginning to reflect upon the Boldneſs of his
Attempt, and the approaching Danger, to ſtrengthen his Intereſt, ſent
the Purple to his Father Maximian, who had liv'd in Campania ever
ſince his Reſignation of the Empire ; and declar'd him now Emperor a
Maximian, ſecond time. Maximian, who had reſign’d his Dominions againſt his In-
18-Aſſumes the
clinations, and was longing for a Change in the State of Affairs, accepted
Empire.
of it with great Satisfaction. In the mean Time Severus march'd with
A.D. 307. his Army, and in the following Year arriv'd at the very Walls of Rome;
Conſt... but his Soldiers conſidering againit whom they were to fight, immedi-
ately abandon’d him ; ſo that he was conſtrain’d to fly, and to ſhut him-
ſelf up with a Handful of Men in Ravenna, to avoid old Maximian who
had now re-aſſum’d the Empire, and was marching that way. Finding that
he cou'd not avoid being deliver'd up, he at length reſign’d his Imperial
Purple; but this Submiilion cou'd only purchaſe him an eaſie Death,
Severus ſain. which was by opening his Veins ; which happen’d a little before the Month
of April.
Maximian well knew the furious Temper of Galerius, and fearing that Laitani ;
he might join with Maximin, and revenge this Defeat, fortify'd Rome ; abertas
and having ſetled the principal Affairs, he march’d_into Gaul, and to
Conſtantine ſtrengthen his Intereſt, married his youngeſt Daughter Fauſta to Conſtantin
28::: Fall- about the Month of May. In the mean Time Galerius gather’d together all his
Troops,
Exjeba,
fia.
Chap.VIII. CONSTANTINE &c. the 41ſt Rom. Emp. 459
The Charattor
Laftant.
Victor.
Troops, and in a great Rage march'd into Italy againſt Maxentius, fully
reſolving to ruin all the Inhabitants of Rome, and particularly to deſtroy
the whole Body of the Senate. But he was foon ſtopt in his furious Ca-
reer ; for his own Soldiers, upon their near Approach to Romë, conſider-
ing the Conſequence of this unnatural War, began to deſert, and were in
a very ſtaggering Condition. This threw him into ſuch a terrible Fright, Gallerius's
that fearing the Fate of Severus, he caſt himſelf at his Soldiers Feet, and Miſcarriage
.
ſervilely begg’d, That they would not deliver him up to his Enemies;
and then march'd back with ſuch Fear and Confternation, that a ſmall Bo-
dy of Men wou'd have been ſufficient to have ruin'd him. Infinite Rava-
ges and Outrages were permitted by him, and committed by his Army
in all parts of Italy in their March ; ſo that inſtead of being a Roman
Emperor, he became the Plunderer of Italy, retiring back into his own
Part and Diviſion, after he had in a ſavage Manner deſtroy'd the whole
Countrey. Maxentius, who at firſt made ſome Shew of Piety and Com-
paſſion to the Caſe of the Chriſtians, after this Succeſs, became more in-
folent both towards them and his other Subjects; abondoning himſelf to of Maxentius
the moſt ſenſual Vices, and the moſt horrid and impure Actions; which
in a ſhort time brought him to the moſt oppreſſive Acts of Cruelty and
Tyranny. And to compleat his Character, he afterwards added the deteſt-
able Arts of Magick, and other infernal Deluſions ; in the Exerciſe of which
he became one of the moſt intolerable Oppreſſors that Rome ever knew.
By the Aſſiſtance of his Ariny he maintain'd himſelf in his Uſurpation,
and kept Rome and Italy ſix Years; but he ſoon loft Africk to another U-
ſurper nam’d Alexander, who ſet up for Emperor, and continu'd four Years
under that Title.
In the mean Time the reſtleſs Maximian made uſe of all Methods to Maximian's
regain his former Dignity and Authority, who, thoʻhe had a Share with Deſigns
his Son Maxentius, was no ways ſatisfy'd with it; but at his Return to
Rome he endeavour'd to ruine him; and rais'd ſuch Confuſions and Mil-
chiefs ainong the Prætorian Soldiers, that he caus'd himſelf to be driven
out of Rome, almoſt as ignominiouſly as Tarquin had been of old. From
hence he repair'd to Galerius, then at Carnuntum, knowing him to be his
Son's inveterate Enemy. He pretended he came to concert with him
ſome Things relating to the publick Good; but in Reality he hop'd under
this Pretence of Reconciliation, to find Means to deſtroy him, and poſſeſs
himſelf of his Share of the Empire, ſince he was now thruſt out of his
Galerius was at this Time buſily employ'd in creating of an Empe-
ror in the Room of Severus deceas d, and this was Licinius a particular Licinius
Friend of his, originally the Son of a poor Labourer in Dacia, but a very joynd in the
Empire.
politick and experienc'd Commander; and to give the greater Authority to
the Choice, old Diocletian was ſent for, and was preſent at the Solemnity.
Maximian was very urgent with his old Partner to re-aſſume the Empire ; but
nothing cou'd move Diocletian, who made Anſwer, If he could ſee the Quiet
he enjoy'd at Salona, and the Cabbages he had planted with his own Hands, he
wou'd be ſenſible that he was not to be tempted to ſo great a Trouble. Lici-
nius was created in the Month of November, and tho he had the Concur-
rence of Diocletian, yet Maximin in the Eaſt reſented it extreamly, and
wou'd neither be contented any longer with the Title of Cæſar, nor allow
Licinius the Precedence: Upon which Galerius ſent many Meſſengers to in-
duce him to ſubmit to this Order ; but Maximin wou'd neither yield to his
Entreaties nor his Commands. Galerius finding nothing wou'd prevail, re-
folv'd to put an End to this ſecond Rank of Dignity, and ſo extinguiſh the
Title of Cæfar ; therefore, as he declar'd himſelf and Licinius the proper
Emperors, ſo he gave to Maxentius and Conſtantine the Title of Sons of
M m m 2
Em-
own.
460 Cent. IV.
Book III.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY
The Character
of Maximin.
Lactanti:
to the Chris
Itians.
1
Emperors, and quite excluded Maximin. But hearing ſhortly after that
Maximin had boldly aſſum’d the Title of Auguſtus, he alſo gave the fame Ti-
tle to Conſtantine and Maxentius.
Maximin having made himſelf Emperor of the Eaſt, and having a pow- Eufeb.
erful Army, ſoon diſcover'd himſelf in his proper Colours, and ſhew'd that
he was a thorow-pac'd Tyrant ; as well in reſpect to his Subjects in general,
as to the Chriſtians in particular. In all Reſpects he nearly reſembled Max-
entius at Rome, and even ſurpaſs'd him in Impierics. He was vaſily timorous
and ſuperſtitious, and an extraordinary Favourer of the Impoltors about l-
dols and Dæmons; and he preſum'd not to ſtir or act in any Affair without
Divinations and Reſponſes of Oracles ; ſo that Magicians and Inchanters
were by him promoted to the higheſt Places of Honour. Upon which
Account, he us'd his utmoſt Endeavours to revive declining Paganiſm, and
And Cruelties impos'd' a more ſevere and cruel Perſecution upon the Chriſtians than
the former Emperors liad done. In the preceding Year, and fourth of the
Perſecution, he went to Cæfarea and Paleſtine, there to celebrate his Birth-
Day in December, which was done with great Variety of Shews and Specta.
cles. But all had been nothing, if the Chriſtians had born a Share in the
Triumphs of that Day. Accordingly Agapius, who had been before ſen-
tenc'd to the wild Beaſts, was brought forth into the Amphitheatre, and be-
ing invincible to all Perſwalions, was deliver'd over to tie Mercy of a
She-Bear, who only left him ſo much Life, as to be able to ſurvive till the
next Day, when with Stonesty'd to his Feet, he was thrown into the Sea.
Not long after, in the fifth and preſent Year of the Perſecution, Euſebius's
dear Friend Pamphilus was apprehended, and brought before Urbanus the
Preſident, who endeavour'd in turn him by all the Arts of Inſinuation and
Pamphilus Terrour; but all in vain. The Martyr remain'd iinmoveable, and generouſ-
imprifon* . ly deſpis’d his Threatnings, which ſo enrag'd the Governor, that he com-
manded him to be put to the acuteſt Tortures; and when they had more
than once rak'd his Sides, and torn off his Fleſh with Iron Pincers, he was
ſent to keep Company with the other ConfeſTors in Priſon, the Governor
himſelf being immediately after diſgracefully turo'd out of his Office,
and with Shame enough condemn'd to Death by the Emperor. But not
all the Miſery and Torment Pamphilus endur'd, cou'd fright Euſebius from
his Friend : He viſited him in Priſon, and diligently aſſiſted him in his Oc-
caſions, and during his two Years Iinpriſonment they mutually employ'd
A. D. 308. their Time to great and uſeful Purpoſes
. And as formerly they had pub-
Conit. . liſhed the Greek Tranſlation of the Septuagint, taken out of Origen's Hexa-
His Works. pla, for the Uſe of the Paleſtine Churches ; to now they compoſed an eia-
borate Apology in Defence of Origen, to vindicate him from thoſe rude
Cenſures and Reflections which the hally and indiſcreet Zeal of ſome had
Marcellus, caſt upon his Memory. About this Time Marcellus a Roman, and Son of
the 29th Bijhe Benedict, was made Biſhop of Rome on the 18th Day of February, after a
Vacancy in the See of three Years, three Months, and twenty five Days.
He held this Dignity one Year and almoſt eight Months, and was the 2915
Bilhop of Rome after the Apoſtles St. Peter and St. Paul.
The impatient Maximian ſtill finding his Projects fruitleſs, withdrew Lear:
himſelf again into Gaul, with Deſigns no leſs wicked than the former ; for
tho'both Conſtantine and his father had married two of his Daughters, he
plotted againſt his Life ; and in order to effect it, laid aſide his Imperial
Maximian's Habit. The Franks were then in Arms; ſo that Conſtantine was obliged
Treachery,
to march againſt them; but his Father-in-law perſwaded him that Part of
his Army would be ſufficient for that War ; all with a Deſign to have the
reſt of his Army in his own Power, and that Conſtantine for want of Soldiers
might be overwhelm'd by the Franks. He was eaſily perſwaded by one,
whole
of .
Chap. VIII. CONSTANTINE &c. tbe 41ſt Rom. Emp 461
Eufeb.
&c.
the East.
whoſe long Experience gave Authority to his Advices; ſo after a few
Days, when Maximian believ'd his Son-in-law was engag'd among the
Barbarians, he again aſſum'd the Purple, brake in upon the publick
Treaſury, diſtributed large Sums among the Soldiers, and gave out falſe
Reports concerning Conſtantine. “But all was foon torn'd upon him ; for
Conſtantine receiving Notice of his Actions, return'd with incredible Expe-
dition, to that Maximian was ſurpriz’d in his new Uſurpation, and alſo
abandon'd by the Soldiery, upon which he fled to Marſeilles, and ſhut
himſelf up there. Conſtantine ſoon follow'd him, and inveſted the Place;
and having demanded a Perſonal Conference from the Walls, lie calmly
ask'd him, What he himſelf had done, and what could puſh on Maximian to
act ro indecently as he had done : The other anſwering him very ſcurri-
louſly, thoſe about him ſet open the Gates to Conſtantine's Soldiers ; ſo
that this rebellious Emperor, and treacherous Father-in-law, was now in And Defocs
Conſtantine's Power, who ſatisfy’d himſelf with laying his Crimes before
him, and reprimanding hiin, ſtript him of his linperial Purple ; but
carried his Refentments no further, leaving him both his Life and his
Liberty.
This was the ſixth Year of the Perſecution, which was ſtill carried on
with the moſt imaginable Fury by Maximin in the Eaſt, who iſſu'd out
new Edicts in every Province, commanding that all the decay'd Idol Tem-
ples ſhou'd be immediately repair'd;: That all Perſons, Men, Women, ThePerfecutiort
Servants, and young Children, !hould be compell’d to do Sacrifice, and still rages in
by all Methods forc'd to eat Part of the Fleſh that had been offer'd; and
that all Proviſions expes'd to Sale in the Markets ſhou'd be defild with ſuch
Things as had been ſacrificed. Theſe Things encreas'd the Troubles and Mi-
ſeries of the Chriſtians, which prov'd fo vaſt and prodigious, that many
of the Gentiles themſelves cou'd but condemn the Barbarities of the
Emperor and many of his Officers. Euſebius has given a particular Ac-
count of the intolerable Cruelties practis'd in Paleſtine by the Governor
Firmilian, who ſucceeded Urbanus ; and of the Martyrdoms of two famous
Virgins Valentina and Thea, with Paul, Antoninus, Zebina, Germanus, and ma-
ny others; for which, he affures us, the Stones and ſenſeleſs Matter mira-
culouſly wept, to reprove the barbarous and unmerciful Diſpoſition of Men.
In the following Year, which was the ſeventh of the Perſecution, his dear A.D. 309:
Friend Pamphilus, who had been two Years a Priſoner, was brought forth Confts
with his Companions. The Judge knowing Pamphilus to be of an invin-
cible Conſtancy and Reſolution, only ask'd, Whether he would yet comply;
and having received both from him and his Companions a flat Denial,
Sentence of Death was paſt upon them. But between Sentence and Exe
cution, Pamphilus's Servant Porphyrius interpos’d, a young Man of good
Parts and Learning not above eighteen Years of Age, who boldly reque-
ſted that the Bodies of the Dead might receive decent Burial. But he paid
dear for his forward Zeal, the Tormenters being commanded to exerciſe
all their Faculties upon him, who rak'd off his. Fleſh till they had laid
bare the moſt inward Receſſes of his Body, all which he endur'd with
incomparable Patience; after which, being order'd to be burnt in a flow
Fire, he fuck'd in the Flames at a Diſtance, entertaining his Friends in
the Midſt of his Torments with a moſt ſerene undiſturbd Mind, till his
Soul mounted up, leading his Mafter the Way to Heaven, who ſhort- Pamphilus
ly after followed him with his Companions. But the Rage of their Sufers.
Enemies dy'd not with them, the Governor commanding their Dead Bo-
dies to be kept by a military Guard four Days, that they might remain
a Prey to wild Beaſts; but when neither Birds nor Beaſts came near to
touch them, they were permitted to be decently interr'd. Euſebius thus
de.
i
462
Book III.
Cent. IV.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
sires E-
gypt,
deprived of his dear Companion, withdrew himſelf from Cæfarea, and
Eufebius re- retired into Ægypt, where he found the Perſecution ſo far from abating,
that it encreaſed together with the Heat of the Climate, eſpecially in the
Parts about Thebais, where he tells us, he daily beheld the moſt diſmal
and deplorable Spectacles, and ſuch Numbers executed, that the very
Edges of the Pagan Swords were dulld, and the Tormenters themſelves,
thorelieving one another, tired out. . All which Time they diſ-
covered not only the higheſt Conſtancy, but the moſt impatient Deſire
of Martyrdom, Sentence being no ſooner paſt upon the firſt, but others
immediately crowded up to the Tribunal, confeſſing themſelves Chriſtians.
Where he is During his Reſidence in theſe Parts, Euſebius was ſeized and thrown into
impriſoned. Priſon ; but how long he remained there, or by what means he was deliver-
ed thence, we have no certain Account.
Rome affhet Tho’in the Weſtern Parts of the Empire the Chriſtians had Peace, yet
Rome was not exempt, which ſufficiently felt the Cruelties of the Tyrant
Niaxentius, who not only oppreſt the Chriſtians, but alſo condemned Mar-
cellus Billop of Rome to keep Beaſts in a Stable, and then baniſhed him
on Oitober the 7th, after he had held this Biſhoprick one Year, ſeven
Months, and twenty Days. After a Vacancy of about ſeven Months, a-
Eufebius the bout April in the following Year 310, he was ſucceeded by Euſebius the
zoth Bishop of Son of a Grecian Phyſician, who ſuffered under this Tyrant about four or
five Months after, and was the 30th Biſhop of Rome after the Apoſtles St.
Peter and St. Paul. After his Death there was was a Vacancy in the See of
Rome of abovc nine Months.
c.
Rome.
Laganti
Ani De5:).
A. D. 310. IV. The Perſecution having continued about ſeven or eight Years, Emfibi
Conſt. 5. God thought fit to abate it in the middle Parts of the Empire, as it had been
before in the Weſt ; and as he had chaſtized his Servants, he began now
to puniſh the great Perſecuters with untimely and miſerable Deaths.
Theſe Perſecuters were Diocletian, Maximian, Galerius, Maximin and Max-
entius; who were all Enemies to Morality as well as Chriſtianity. The
tirſt that fell was the wicked Maximian, who having loſt the Dignity of
an Emperor, and the Regard due to a Father-in-law, proceeded to new
Conſpiracics againſt Conſtantine, and endeavoured to corrupt his own
Maximian's Daughter Fauſta to murther her Husband ; all which being diſcovered by
her, and all liis impious Deſigns detected, Conſtantine could not ſafely allow
him any greater Mercy than to permit him to chuſe his own Death, which
Lactantius tells us, was Hanging: A Death ſufficiently ignominious for one
who had governed the Roman Empire near twenty Years with great Glory
and Reputation. But the Hand of Heaven was more viſible and ſignal in
the Punilhment of that grand Promoter of the Perſecution Galerius, who
in the Midſt of his vaſt and nefarious Projects, was viſited by an incurable
Caleriis's and intolerable Diſeaſe. It began with an Impoftume and Ulcer bred in his
pin ange Dijl: ma ſecret Parts, and a Fiſtula in Ano, which ſpread after an unheard of Manner,
and entered into his inmoſt Bowels; and tho'the Cancer encreaſed ſlowly
and gradually, yet it puzled all the Arts of the moſt excellent Phyſicians
and Surgeons. And while all fiumane Means became ineffectual, Recourſe
was had to the Pagan Gods, and Prayers were made to Æſculapius and
Apollo for his Recovery ; and ſome Relief was pretended to have come
froin the latter. But he grew ſtill worſe and worſe, and his Death
feemed very near; for the Ulcer had conſumed all the Bottom of his
Belly, his Bowels were laid open, and daily rotting, and his Buttocks were o-
ver-run with Putrefaction. Some bold, but unhappy Phyſicians, would
not deſiſt; and tho' they had no Hopes of Succeſs, yet they ſtill tried
new Remedies; which drove the Evil inwards, even through his Bones to
the
{"?"
Chap VIII CONSTANTINE,&c tbe' 4 sſt fion, Emp. 463
*
Lattant.
Eufeb.
ܢܬ ' ;
the
very Marrow, fo that Worins began to breed within liim. Tlie Stencli
that caine from lin was ſo noyfome, that it was perceiv'd; not only over
all the Palace, but in the very City likewiſe'; and the Pallages of liis ['-
rine and Excrements were now mixt, all the Membranes being corroded that
feparated them. He was devour'd by Vermin, and the whole Maſs of his
Body was turn’d into an univerſal Rottenneſs
. Some living Creatures, and
others that were boiled, were applied to the putrefied Parts, to try if the
Heat would draw out the Vermine ; and this indeed opentd a vaſt Hive
of them; yet a ſecond Impoſtumation diſcovered a more prodigious Swarin,
ſo that his Bowels ſeemed to diflolve' all into Worms. A Droprie joined to
all theſe Ills, did monſtrouſly disfigure his Body : All the upper Parts were
quite exhauſted, and dried like a meer Skeleton covered with a lead skin;
but at the ſame time all his lower Parts were ſwelled up like Bladders; fo
that the Shape of his Feet was ſcarce to be perceiv’d.' With all theſe lie
had inſupportable Pains and Torments, greater than he had in listed upon
the Chriſtians, which cauſed him frequently to bellow out like a wound-
ed Bull; and he often endeavoured to kill himlelf, and cauſed ſeveral
of his Phyſicians to be ſlain, becauſe their Medicines were ineiledłual
In all this dreadful Miſery, Galerius Janguilli'd a full Year; wlien at A.D. !.
length his Conſcience was awaken'd, and he was forced to give Praiſe, an: Conít.a.
make Confellion to the Supreme God: So that in the Intervals of his
Torments, he often cried out, That he would re-build the Church of Nico-
media, and that he would repair the Miſchiefs be bad done to the
Chriſtians. Being in his laſt Agonies, and having conſulted Conſtantine and
Licinius, he publithéd this following Edict in his and their Names. A. His Ediet in
mong our other Cares for the Advantage of the Publick, one was to reduce all Chriſtians
to the obſervation of the ancient Laws and conſtant Diſcipline of the Ro-
mans; and particularly to oblige the Chriſtians, who had forſaken the Re-
ligion of their Fathers, to return to a better Mind. Having obſerved that
tbey, moved by their own - Realóns, kad been guilty of a ſtiff and obſtinate A-
bandoning the Sanctions of their Ancettors ; and that according to their
different Humours, they were framing neiu Laws, by which they might go-
vern themſelves, and were falling into Diviſions, and forming leparate Alem-
blies. Upon which we illú'd out our Edicts, obliging them to return back to
their firſt Inſtitutions, which had good Effects upon many; but ſtill great Num-
bers continud firm to their Rules and as on one ſide they did not
offer a due Worſhip to the Gods, fo on the other ſide they did not adore the
God of the Chriſtians. We therefore having Regard to all theſe Things, and
being mov’d by our Princely Compaſion, and our conſtant Clemency towards all
Men, have thought fit to extend this our Grace and Indulgence even to the Chri-
ſtians: And therefore we do not only allow them to continue in their Religion, but
permit them to hold Aſſemblies for their Worſhip; provided they act nothing con-
trary to their eſtabliſh'd Diſcipline. In a particular Reſcript we will ſignifie our
Pleaſure to our fudges for their Direction. In the mean Time we expert that
the Chriſtians, in return to this our Favour, shall fupplicate their God
for our Health, and the Proſperity of the Common-wealth; ſo that they may
Still hope to enjoy our Protežtion in their reſpective Habitations. This Edict
was publilhed in Nicomedia, in the laſt of April, where the Priſon-Doors
were let open, and Donatus, with many other Chriſtians, fer at Liberty.
Yet all this did not avert the Judgments of God from Galerius; his Putrefa-
ction encreas'd, till it quite waſted his wliole Subſtance;. fo that a few Days
after the Publication of his Edict lie expired, having recommended liis He dies pile
Wife and Son to Licinius, and put them into his Hands. This was the mi- rably.
ferable End of that great Perſecuter Galerius, after an impious Reign of a
little above lix Years, ſince the Reſignation of Diocletian. At his Death he
left
;
464 Cent. IV.
Book III,
EcclesiASTICAL HISTORY.
Eufeb.
minions.
ny.
left the Empire divided among four; Conſtantine Emperor of Garl, Spain,
Britain and Germany ; Licinius bis Succeſſor, Emperor of the Provinces of
Illyricum, Greece, and Aſia Minor; Maximin, Cæfar, but ſince called Empe-
ror of Ægypt and the Eaſt ; and Maxentius, Uſurper, but ſince called Empe.
ror of Italy and Africk, tho' the latter was poſleft by another Ulurper na-
med Alexander.
Maximinen-
Upon the News of the Death of Galerius, the Tyrant Maximin in the Laltant.
larges his Do- Eaſt, us'd all poſible Expedition to enlarge his own Dominions, and in
a ſhort time poſleſs'd himſelf of Aſia and Bithynia, which now belonged
to Licinius. This Succeſs ſo ſwellid his Mind, that he became a more le-
His Superftiti- vere Oppreſſer of his Subjects and a more cruel Perſecuter of the Chris
on and Tyran- ſtians than before. That he might reſtore declining Paganiſm, he com-
manded new Temples to be erected in every City, and others with all
Diligence to be repair'd. He conſtituted great Numbers of Prieſts for the I
duls, and over them he appointed a Chief-Prieſt for every Province; which
were diſtinguiſh'd not only by their rich Habits, like the chief Officers of the
Court, but alio by a military Guard of a conſiderable Body of Men. That
Paganiſm might be univerſal, Maximin commanded all the Meat ſold in Mar-
kets to be firſt offered to Idols, or to paſs through ſome Rites of Idolatry, lo
that none could eat of it, without being in ſome manoer or other polluted
with thoſe Abominations. Beſides, he proceeded to the Commiſſion of all
kinds of leuid and extravagant Actions, pillag'd his Provinces with unreaſona-
bleTaxes and Impoſitions, and became an inſupportable Burthen to Perſons of
all Degrees and Profeſſions. In all his impious Practices he ſucceeded accor-
ding to his Wilhes, only in thoſe againſt the Chriſtians lie was daily defeated;
for they continually deſpiſed his Fires and Swords, his Racks and Engines, his
Tortures and wild Beaſts; and whilſt he endeavour’d to deſtroy the Sacred
Scriptures, they retain'd them in their Souls, triumph’d and ſung Hallelujah's
out of them in the midſt of the Flames. Other Chriſtians, to whom he
pre-
tended to ſhew Mercy, had their Eyes bor'd out, and ſome their Hands, or
Feet, or their Noſes and Ears, cut off, as Marks of Infamy; which they
look'd upon as Scars more honourable than thole of the greateſt Comman-
ders. Among the many that ſuffer'd Death, Lucian a renowned Presbyter of
Antioch, was brought to Nicomedia, and having made an Apology for his Re-
Peter of A. ligion in the Preſence of the Emperor, he was committed to Priſon, and then
executed. Many Biſhops in the Eaſt alſo ſuffer'd, among whom was the ce-
Surfers.
lebrated Peter Biſhop of Alexandria, who was beheaded after he had glo-
riouſly perform'd the Duty of the See about eleven Years. Upon his Death
there was a Vacancy in the Biſhoprick for above a Year. In the ſame Year,
Miltiades, after a Vacancy of about nine Months, Miltiades, or Melchiades, ſucceed-
che zit Bem, ed in the Biſhoprick of Rome ; he continued about two Years and an half
Shop of Rome.
in the See, and was the 31ſt Biſhop of Rome after the Apoſtles St. Peter and
St. Paul.
In this Year Alexander, after four Years Uſurpation of Africk, was ſub-
du’d, and the Province reduc'd to the Power of Maxentius at Rome. For
a conſiderable Space Africk and the Weſtern Parts of the Empire had been
freed from Perſecution; but now Diſturbances of another Nature began
to ariſe in the Church of Carthage, which afterwards prov'd a vaſt Mif-
chief to the Church in general. They began ſoon after the Death of
Menſurius Biſhop of Carthage, when ſeveral Perſons deſiring to ſucceed in
his See, aſſembled the neighbouring Biſhops to ordain a Biſhop of Carthage,
without citing thither the Bilhops of Numidia, as had been uſual in ſuch Ca-
ſes. The Deſign of theſe Perſons did not ſucceed according to their Intentions;
for not one of them was choſen Biſhop, but another Perſon nam'd Cæcilian,
Arch-deacon of Carthage, who was ordain’d by Felix Bithop of Aptungis. The
Bilhops of Numidia being offended at their being ſlighted, and not called to
lexandria
Optaan
St. And
this
Chap VIII. CONSTANTINE,&c. the 41ſt Rom. Emp. 465
tector and tutelar Guardian. He obſerv'd the fatal Miſcarriages of his Predecef-
this Ordination, and being ſolicited by ſome Enemies of Cæcilian, repair- the pretended
ed this Year to Carthage, to the Number of Seventy. They durſt not en- Council of
ter into the Church where Cæcilian had Poſeſſion, but being receiv'd by Carthage.
thoſe who call’d them, they cited him to appear before them, and defend
himſelf. This Biſhop undauntedly reply'd, That if there were any Proofs a-
gainſt him, the Accuſer might appear and produce them; but his Enemies
having nothing perſonal to object againſt him, accus'd Felix who had or-
dain'd him, of being a Traditor in the late Perfecution, and therefore in-
capable of beſtowing a valid Ordination upon him. Cæcilian either mil-
truſting the Innocence of Felix, or unwilling to enter upon this Contro-
verſie, made Antwer to his Enemies, That if Felix had not conferr'd upon
him
Epiſcopal Orders, he ſubmitted to be ordain'd by them a ſecond Time. Upon
which, Purpurius Biſhop of Limata, a ſubtle Projector, 'adviſed thoſe of his
Party, to make a Shew of accepting this Propoſition, and when Cæciliar
thou'd come to receive Ordination,
inſtead of laying Hands on him, they
thould put him under the Cenſure of Penance; which Advice had been exe-
cuted, had not Cæcilian been detain'd by his friends, who wou'd not ſuffer
him to truſt himſelf to the Fury of his Enemies. Upon his not appearing,
the Biſhops of Numidia condemn’d him, and ordaind Majorinus in his Room,
alledging three Reaſons for the Deprivation of Ceciliar : Firſt, becauſe he
refuſed to appear before the Council; Secondly, becauſe he had been or-
dain'd by Traditors; and Thirdly, becauſe being Arch-Deacon, ſay they,
he had hinder'd the carrying Victuals to the Martyrs in Priſon. After the
Biſhop had ſeverally pronounc'd their Sentences againſt Cæcilian,and ordain'd
Majorinus Biſhops of Carthage, they ſent a circular Letter to all the Biſhops The Beginning
of Africa ; exhorting them to ſeparate themſelves from the Communion of the Dona-
of Cæcilian. But notwithſtanding this Letter, and all their endeavors,
Cecilian continu'd in his Sce, and in Communion with a great Part of
the Biſhops of Africa, and with all the other Biſhops of the World;
who looking upon the Proceedings againſt him as violent and unjuſt, decla-
red themſelves in his Favour, and againſt the Numidians, who had now
made a Schiſm in the Church. This was the Beginning of the famous
Schiſm and Faction of the Donatiſts, which for a long time caus’d ſuch great
Diſturbances in the Church.
V. A great Part of the Roman Empire now lay under intolerable Miles
ries and Afflictions, as Famines, Peſtilences and ſuch like Calamities; and
likewiſe the horrid Cruelties and Oppreſſions of the two Tyrants Maximin
in the Eaſt, and Maxentius in Rome. The Inſolencies and Outrages of the
latter came daily to the Ears of Conſtantine in Gaul, whom God had now de-
Lign’d for a glorious Deliverer, and a noble Triumpher in his Cauſe. This
The Beginning
great Man being ſolicited by an Embaſſy ſent to him . by the Senate and
of Conſtan-
People of Rome, took up a Reſolution worthy of ſo generous a Mind, to tine's great
march againſt Maxentius, and free the City from the Tyrannies and Extrava-
gancies of thatUſurper. Accordingly, having taken upon him the Title of Maga
nus in the latter End of the Year 311, he entred Italy with an Army of about A.D. 312;
90000 Foot and 8000 Horſe ; and in the following Year againſt all Oppoſition Conſt. 4.
he advanc'd almoſt up to the Walls of Rome. Not long after his ingaging
in this Expedition, like a good and prudent Man, he began to conſider of ſome
Aſſiſtance beyond the meer Strength and Courage of his Forces; and knowing
that there was great Variety of Deities at that Time ador'd in the World,
his firſt Care was to learn which of theſe to fix upon, and implore as his Pro-
His Religion
ſors, who had violently ſtood up for the Multiplicity of Gods, had repos'd entire
Confidence in their Alliſtance, and courted their Favour by all the formal
and
Eufeb.
Xia.
Attempeso
Ćate.
Nan
466 Cenc. IV ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
Book II
4
ance.
andi fond Rites of Worſhipthat notwithſtanding their Zeal, their Wars
had bèen generally unprofperaus, and their Ends unfortunate and untimely:
of the contrato, Plät his Farlier had acknowledg’d and adored one only
Gca; and him ftier fupreme Governor of the World, who had wonderfully
proſpèrd his Undertakings, and given him many illuſtrious Inſtances of a
Divine Power ałŲ Goodneſs-tirough the whole Series of his Life. Theſe
Confiderations made him refolve to lay aſide the vulgar Deities, by which
the World - had been ſo long impos'd upon, and to adhere only to the
God of his Father; to whom therefore he humbly addreft himſelf, beſeech-
ing him to make himſelf known to him, and to effectually aſſiſt him in this
Expédition. And Heaven heard his Prayer, and anſwer'd it in a Manner
fo ſurpriſing and miraculous, that Euſebius' who relates the Hiſtory,
acknowledges, that it would not have been credible, if he had not
receiv'd it from the Emperor's own Mouth, who publickly and folemn-
lý råtify'd the Truth of it with his : Oath. The Army being near
Rome, and the Emperor imploy'd in theſe devout Ejaculations, near the
He is dire&ted 27th Day of October, and tlie Sün declining about three a-clock in the
by A miracu-
lous Appear-
Afternoon, there ſuddenly appear'd a Pillar of Light in the Heavens in
the Faſhion of a Croſs, with this plain Inſcription on or about it, TOTT
NIKA, In this overcome. Conſtantine was not a little ſurpriz’d at this ſtrange
Spectacle, as alſo were the whole Army that beheld it; and the Officers
and Commanders prompted by the Augurs ånd Aruſpices, look'd upon it as an
iuauſpicious Omen, portending an unfortunate Expedition. The Emperor
himſelf knew not what uſe to make of it, till at Night our bleſted Saviour
appear'd to him in a Viſion with the Croſs in his Hand, which he had ſhew'd
him the Day before, coinmanding him to make a Royal Standard like
that which he had ſeen in the Heavens, and cauſe it to be continually
carry'd before him in Wars, as an Enſign both of Victory and Safety.
Early in the next Morning, Conftantine informed his Friends what had hap- Euſeb.
ned, and ſending immediately for Workmen, fate down by them, and de- &c.
ſcrib'd to them the Form of the Standard, which he commanded them
to make with the moſt exquiſite Art and Magnificence ; and according-
He mak's a
ly they made it after this manner: A long Spear plated over with Gold,
Standard c- with a traverſe Piece at the Top a little oblique, in the Faſhion of a
cordingly.
Croſs; to which Croſs-piece was faſtned a four-ſquare Curtain of Purple,
embroider'd and beſet with Gold and precious Stones, which reflected
a moſt amazing. Luſtre, and towards the Top of it were pictur'd the
Emperor in the Midſt of his two Sons. On the Top of the Shaft above
the Croſs ſtood a Crown overlaid with Gold and Jewels, within which
was placed the facred Symbol, namely the two firſt Letters of Chriſt's
Name in Greek, X and P, the one being ſtruck through the other
thus K This Device he afterwards wore in his Shields, as not only
appears from Euſebius, but alſo from the Coins extant at this Day. This Im-
perial Standard in all his Wars was carry'd before hiin; and in Imitation of
this he caus'd Banners, which they call’d Labara, to be made for the reſt
of this Army, which were continu'd by his Chriſtian Succeſſors, tho' not
always in the exact Form. The Pagan Writers make no expreſs Mention
of the famous Apparition of the Croſs, as it is natural to expect from
them : -But they confeſs and acknowledge, that it was a currant and un-
contradicted Report in the Mouths of all, that before this Emperor's
great Engagement, an Army in the Air was ſeen to come down from
Heaven, Perſons of great Strength and Stature, with vigorous and chcar-
ful Looks, and bright flaming Armour, who were heard to ſay, We ſeek
for Conſtantinę, we are come to aſſiſt him ; as the Heathen Orator allures
us in that very Oration, wherein he congratulated the Victory. Conſtan-
tine
ܪ
Chap. VIII. CONSTANTINE,&c. the 41ſt Rom. Emp. 467
Euleb.
Lactant.
tine had an extraordinary Curioſity to be further inſtructed in theſe Divine
Significations; and therefore calling for ſome Chriſtian Biſhops, demand-
ed of them, Who this God was, and what was meant by this Sign? They He is inftrueta
inform'd him, That the Perſon who had done this, was the only begotten ed by Biſhops,
Son of the only true God ; the sign that appeared to him, was the Symbol
of Immortality, and the Trophy of that Victory which this God, while he was
upon Earth, had gained over Death : After which, they explain’d to him
the Reaſons of his coming down from Heaven, and the State of his In-
carnation, and undertaking the Cauſe of loft Mankind. He heard their
Diſcourſes with ſingular Pleaſure and Satisfaction, but kept himſelf upon
the Reſerve, like a wary and politick Man, not yiclding too much at firſt:
He often compar'd the Heavenly Viſion with what they had diſcourſed to him
upon that Argument, and the more he did ſo, the greater Satisfaction he
receiv'd; not doubting but that in due time God would more perfect-
ly diſcover theſe Things to him; in order to which, he relolv'd at lei-
fure Hours to peruſe the Holy Scriptures.
But in this he kept his And perujes
Thoughts to himſelf, till he might with all Safety declare them publickly the Scripterea,
to the World.
Furniſh'd with theſe pious Reſolutions, Conſtantine proceeded with all the
zaliman Skill and Courage of an excellent Commander. In the mean Time Max-
entius in Rome had abandon'd himſelf to Eaſe and Luxury, as well as
Charms and Inchantments, dividing his Hours between Pleaſure and Super-
ſtition. He never went out of the Walls of the City, and ſeldom out of
the Palace; ſo extreamly idle and unactive, that to remove into the Salu,
ſtian Gardens, tho' to enjoy a frelh Scene of Pleaſure, was accounted a
Journey and an Expedition, as a certain Orator juſtly reflects upon him.
But Conſtantine now approaching, he ſaw that he muſt of neceility leave
the City, and meet himn; and therefore he plied the Altars with various
Sacrifices, and commanded the Sibylline Oracles to be ſearch’d; from which
the Anſwer brought him, was, That that Day the great Enemy of Rome
Should periſh; all which he underſtood of Conſtantine, and apply'd the Suc-
cels to himſelf, and the rather becauſe it was then his Birth-Day. Thus,
putting all Things in the beſt Poſture, he quitted the City, and came
out againſt Conſtantine with a far more numerous Army, conſiſting of
170000 Foot and 18000 Horſe, a great Part of whom being Romans and
Italians, and having ſo ſeverely felt of his Tyranny, deſired nothing more
than to ſee him fall at his Enemies Feet. However, the Engagement was He engages
fierce and bloody, till Victory having hover'd for ſome Space, reſted on
with Maxen-
Conſtantine's Side ; for the Enemy's Cavalry being routed, the whole Army
fled, and hoping to eſcape the neareſt Way by a Bridge of Boats which Max-
entius liad built
over the Tyber, and had contriv'd it with ſecret Springs and
Engines to drown Conſtantine if he paſs’d that Way, were caught in their
own Snare, and fell into the Pit they had digged for others : For the En-
gines giving way, the Boats parted, and over-preſt with the Weight of
the Company, ſunk to the Bottom of the River, and Maxentius himſelf Maxentius
along with them, whole Body being found, his Head was ſtricken off, Nain.
and carry'd triumphantly upon a Pole before the Army. And this was the
deſerved End of an impious Tyrant and bloody Perfecuter, after he had
uſurp'd and poſſeſs'd a great Part of the Roman Empire for a little above
fix Years.
Conſtantine having obtain'd this compleat Victory, made a triumphant Conſtantind
Entry into the City, being met by the Senate, Nobility, and infinite enters trium-
Throngs of People, whoſe chearful Faces, and loud Acclamations ſuffici- phantly inte
ently teſtify'd the Senſe they had of their great Deliverance, publickly
filing him Their Saviour, Redeemer, and Author of their Happineſs.
Nan 2
Cona
tius.
Eufeb.
Lactant.
*c,
But
468
Book III
Cent. IV,
.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY
<
<
6
Conſtantine wou'd attribute nothing to his own Power and Policy, but
all to the Bounty of Heaven ; therefore the firſt Thing he did, was to ſet
up a ſtanding Monument of his Gratitude to that God, by whoſe Aflist-
ance be had gain’d the Victory, which he did by erecting a Statue to
him in the moſt conſpicuous Part of the City, holding in his Hand a long
Spear in Form of a Croſs, with the ſame Inſcription he had ſeen in the Hea-
vens, and alſo another Inſcription in the Baſis, intimanting, “That under the
Influence of that victorious Croſs he had delivered the City of Rome from the
Toke of Tyrannical Power, aud had reſtored to the Senate and people their
ancient Splendor and Glory. Several other Monuments with Inſcriptions
were erected for him, of which Remains are ſtill to be found among the
Antiquities of Rome, particularly at the foot of Mount Palatine, a tri-
umphal Arch, whereon this great Deliverance is acknowledg’d to have been
The Indiction wrought ' by the Impulſe and Aſiſtance of God, as well as the Courage and
begins. Puiſance of Conſtantine. From this Year began that noted Æra or Pe-
riod of Time callid The INDICTION; and about this Time, we are alſu-
red, that Conſtantine, commanded by publick Edict, that no Man for the
future ſhould ſuffer the Death of the Croſs, which till now was look'd
upon
as the moſt ignominious of all others. Having ſetled Affairs at Rome, and
endear'd himſelf to all ſorts of Perſons, to lhew himſelf grateful for the
Benefits he receiv’d, he gradually and more openly declar'd himſelf for the
The firft Lan Chriſtians ; and this Year he and his Colleague Licinius publiſh'd the firſt
publiſh'd for Law in favour of them, and ſent a Copy of it to Maximin in the Eaſt, de-
the Chriſtians. claring their miraculous Progreſs, and expecting that he ſhou'd follow
their Example. This made Maximin extreamly uneaſie, who being neither
willing to grant, nor yer daring to deny their Deſires, ſuppreſt their Edict,
Maximin w-and directed a Reſcript to Sabinus, Setting forth the Care and Pains his
willingly com- “Predeceſſors Diocletian and Maximian had uſed to ſecure their Religion
‘ againſt the Incroachments of Chriſtianity ; that at his coming laſt Year
to Nicomedia, he had been ſollicited both there and in other Places, that
no Chriſtian might be ſuffered to inhabit their City : However, his Pleaſure
was, that the Governors of Provinces ſhould uſe no Severity againſt
the Chriſtians, but treat them with all Mildneſs and Moderation, and
try by ſuch Methods to reduce them to the Worſhip of the Gods, which
"if
any would hearken to, they ſhou'd be moſt readily receiv'd ; but if they
‘had rather perſiſt in their own Religion, they ſhould be left to their
own Freedom. This Reſcript, as it wat extorted, ſo it was ſo ſtraighten-
ed, that it loſt moſt of its Effect. The Chriſtians knew the Zeal and
Fierceneſs of this Man's Temper too well to truſt him, no Proviſion be-
ing made in it for their Churches, but only a general Indemnity from
Trouble; they durſt neither build Churches nor hold publick Aſſemblies,
nor for the preſent ſafely profeſs themſelves Chriſtians, but kept upon
their Guard, waiting for a more fit and favourable Seaſon. In theſe
Tiines the See of Alexandria being vacant ſomewhat above a Year, A-
chillas was made Biſhop of the Place, who held this Dignity not above
five Months before he died, and was ſucceeded in the Year 313 by the cele-
brated Alexander, who worthily fill’d the See about 13 Years, and was the
shcroch Bilbop
vi Alexandria 1977 Bihop of Alexandria after the Evangeliſt St. Mark.
in the mean Tiine Conſtantine daily proceeded in his Kindneſſes to the Eufeb.
Chriſtians, received their Biſhops with all due Honour and Reſpect, taking
them with him in his Journies, and often entertaining them at his own
Table. All which the Pagans behield with an envious and malignant Eye, as
what portended the fatal Declenſion, if not the final Deſtruction of their Re-
ligion. This was no ſmall Concern to Maximin in the Eaſt, or even to
old Diocletian, who liv'd long enough to ſee all his former great Deſigns
blalt-
<
<
6
Hlexander
Ladans.
Chap. VI. CONSTANTINE, &c. tbe 41ſt Rom. Emp. 469
i
Eureka
Lactant.
Several Laws
blaſted and ruined. But what moſt nearly affected him, was Conſtantine's
Orders to pull down all the ſeveral Pictures and Statues of old Maximian.
Now Diocletian's Statues and his being always coupled together, the Diſgrace Diocletiari
of the one drew that of the other after it. Diocletian ſeeing this Affront put
afflicted.
upon his Statues, which no Emperor before him had ever ſeen in his own
Time, and being overpreſt with a Load of Grief and Guilt, he reſolv’d to
put an End to his Unquietneſs. The Hand of Heaven began now to be
viſibly upon him ; ſo that he was in a perpetual Uneaſineſs, and could nei-
ther eat nor ſleep; but was heard to figh and groan continually, and was
often ſeen in Tears, ſometimes tumbling on the Bed, and other times on
the Ground. Thus he who had governed the World with no ſmall Reputa-
tion above twenty Years, was now ſo dejected, diſpirited and mortify'd, that
he dy'd partly of Hunger, and partly through Anguilh and Madneſs
.
He dies mili
This hapned on the 3d Day of December 312, above ſeven Years after his rably.
Reſignation of the Empire, and in the 68th Year of his Age.
VI. Thus proſperous was the State of Chriſtianity, and now nothing A.D. 313:
Zofinne obſtructed its Progreſs and full Poſſeſſion of the World, but the Power Conift. z.
of Maximin in the Eaſt. Conſtantine, to carry on the great Work, thought
it convenient to ſtrengthen his Alliance with Licinius, and to give him his
Siſter Conſtantia in Marriage ; and having ſetled the Affairs of Rome, he de-
parted for Milan in the Beginning of this Year, where the Nuptials were Conſtantia
folemnized.
In this City in the Month of March, the two Emperors iſſu'd married to Lia
out ſeveral Laws and Edicts in favour of the Chriſtians, to reſtore them to
their former Eſtates, to grant them new Privileges, to excmpt the Clergy
from all Civil and Secular Offices, which had hitherto been a fevere Op-
in favour of
preſſion to them, with many other Advantages of the like Nature. Theſe the Chriſtians
Things were a dreadful Mortification to the Gentiles, who were ſtill more
confirm'd in their Fears and Apprehenſions, when they ſaw that Conſtantine
neglected the Celebration of the Grand Secular Games, which according to
the uſual Courſe, were to have been folemniz'd this Year. Theſe Games
were wont to be kept for three Days and Nights with uncommon Magnifi-
cence and Devotion, with numerous and pompous Sacrifices; peculiar and
appropriated Hymns, and a long Train of other Ceremonies. Therefore the
Emperor's Neglect of theſe ſolemn Acts occaſion'd a ſevere Cenſure from
the Gentiles, who not only look'd upon it as an Argument of his A-
verſion to their Religion, but exclaim'd againſt it as pernicious to the
State, and that which drew down the Vengeance of the Gods upon it.
In the mean Time Maximin accounting it a Diſhonour to be inferior to
Conſtantine and Licinius, made all poſſible Preparations, and march'd with
his Army out of Syria during the Winter Seaſon ; and having harraſs'd his Maximin
Army with long Marches, he arriv'd at Bithynia. The Seaſon was ſo ſevere, marches a
gainſt Licing
and the Ways made ſo deep by Snow and Rains, that partly with Cold and
partly with hard Labour, he loſt all or moſt of his Horſe; ſo that where-
ever he march'd, he might have been trac'd by them ; which was a very ill
Omen to his Men. Nor did he ſtop within his own Limits, but having
croſs'd the Straits at Thrace, he ſat down before Byzantium ; where being
a Garriſon belonging to Licinius, he ſtudy'd firſt to corrupt the Soldiers by
Preſents and Promiſes, and then to terrifie them by Threatnings; but
neither the one nor the other were effectual, till Time and want of Succors
oblig’d them to ſurrender. From thence he advanc'd to Heraclia and Des
rinthus, where he underſtood that Licinius was coming down to oppoſe him,
and was got as far as Adrianople. Licinius had drawn together what Forces
his ſhort Time wou'd permit, and march'd towards Maximin with ſign
rather to ſtop his Progreſs, than to engage in any Action ; for, as he did not
inte
Laginf.
US,
470
Book 111.
Cent. IV.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
6
intend to fight, ſo he liad no Proſpect of Victory, ſince he had not now al-
bove zcooo Men, and Maximix was at the Head of an Army of 7c0oo Mes.
While the two Armies were ſo near each other, that it was natural to
expect a ſpeedy Deciſion on the Enemy's Side, Maximin made a Vow to
Jupiter, Ibat if he got the Victory, he would utterly extinguiſh the very
Licinius ir Name of a Chriſtian. On the other Side, an Angel appear'd to Licinius in
Arulted by
his Sleep, and order'd him to riſe immediately, and joyn with his whole
Angel.
Army in calling upon the Great God, promiſing him an aſſurd Victory
upon his Performance. At the ſame time, he dreamt that after this he aroſe,
and that the Angel dictated to him the very Words he hould uſe in his
Prayer. Aſſoon as he was awake, he call'd for one of his Secretaries,
and order'd him to write down the Words as following, "We pray to
thec, O great God; we pray to thee, O holy God; we commit the Ju-
'fice of our Cauſe to thee; we commit our Lives to thee; we commit this
'our Empire to thee. It is by thee that we live; our Conqueſts and our Hap-
pineſs proceed from thee: 0 thou great and good God, hear our Prayers;
we ſtretch out our Hands to thee : Hear us therefore, thou holy and great
*God. Many Copies were immediately made of this Prayer, which were
ſent about to all the Officers, and were required to make their Soldiers get
it by heart. This highly rais'd the Courage of the whole Army, who now
look'd upon the Victory as certain, ſince it was foretold in ſo uncommon
and divine a Manner.
Maximin confiding in his Numbers and his Gods, reſolv'd to give Bat- Lefanti
tie before the firſt of May, which was the Anniverſary of his coming to
the Empire, that he might celebrate that Day with greater Poinp, when he
had defeated his Enemy. When Licinius heard that Maximin's Army was
advancing, he likewiſe drew out his ; ſo that they were in View of each
other. Upon their near Approach, Licinius's Men laid down their Shields
and Head-pieces upon the Ground, and with Hands and Eyes lifted up to
Heaven, offered up that Prayer they had been taught, the Emperor bimſelf
beginning, and the Officers and Soldiers following him in it; which was
pronounc'd ſo loud, that the other Army heard the Sound of it. The
Prayer was three times repeated, which animated the Soldiers to the utmoſt
Degree, and having put on their Helmets, and taken up their Shields, fear-
leſly expected the Enemy. The two Emperors parly'd a while ; but
Maximin would fearken to no Propoſals of Peace, deſpiſing Licini-
us, and not doubting but his Men would deſert him, becauſe he was more
ſparing of his Bounty than himſelf. The Signals being given, Licinius,
Licinius sio ſupported by a divine Aſſurance, began the Battel with great Vigour,
feats Maxi- and the Enemy was immediateby ſo diſorder'd and confounded, that they
could neither draw their Swords, nor throw their Darts. Maximin ran
about on all Sides, uſing all the Methods of Perſwalion to procure Licini-
wa's Soldiers to come over to him, but all in vain ; for being leverely
preſt upon, he was ſoon oblig'd to retire himſelf. His Army fell before the
other, without being able to make Reſiſtance, and his vaſt Body of Men
were mow'd down by a Handful on the other Side. They ſeem'd to have
forgot their Quality, their Courage, and their former Exploits; and the
Hand of God was viſible in delivering them over to the Mercy of their E-
nemies, as if they had come into the Field for Execution and not for
Bartel. This melancholy Sight caus'd Maximin to throw away his purple
Robe, and fly in the Habit of a Slave; having firſt the Mortification of ſee-
ing one Half of his Army deſtroy'd, and the other Half ſurrender'd. And
ſince the Emperor had deſerted his Soldiers, they were not aſham'd of de-
Maximin ſerting his Intereſts. In a Night and a Day he got a hundred and three-
jšies towards
ſcore Miles, to Nicomedia; where having taken his Wife, and Sons, and
ikEzft.
ſome
ming
Chip VIII. CONSTANTINE,&c: the 41ſt Ron. Emp. 471
mejores
Feb.
Eufeb.
Lactant,
and Cortie few of his Domeſticks,' he departed towards the Eaſt. He ſtopt
at Cappatilació, "where fie re-aſſuin'd the Purple, having gather’d together
Fáine Bollitis, partly of his own Stràgglers, and partly of ſome Troops of
-the Eaftern Provinces.
Lactant, & Liciullies, after he had diftributed a part of his Army into Quarters, croſ-
Péd the Straits, and with the reit of his Men, went over into". Bithynia.
When he entera into Nicomedia, ļe offer'd up publick" Thankſgivings to
God; by whöfe Aid he had obtain'd this fignal Victory: And on the 13th of
June, Conſtantine and he being in their third Conſulſhip, he publiſh'd the
ſame Edict at Nicomedia, as had been publiſh'd at Milan a few Months be-
fore. This Edict was very much in favour of the Chriſtians ; and to con-
firm it, Licinius by verbal Inſtructions urged all Perſons to ſee the Churches
of the Chriſtians reſtord to them. And thus ended entirely the tenth and The Tenth
laſt General Perſecution of the Church, which from the Beginning of it, Perſecution exs
23. 303. that is, from the Demoliſhing of the Church of Nicomedia, to
the Rebuilding of it, were ten Years and near four Months.
Maximin having return'd with Diſgrace into his own Provinces, he firſt
in a furious Pailion deſtroy'd many Prieſts and Prophets belonging to thoſe
Gods he ador'd, looking upon them as Betrayers and Impoſtors, ſince they
had engag’d him in a deſtructive War. He now began to be ſendible of the Maximin ix
Power of the God of the Chriſtians, and by way of Expiation, illu'd out a great Diſtreſs.
Decree, much more favourable than his former, wherein he allow'd the
Rebuilding of their Churches, and order'd the Reforation of their Eſtates.
Still he fled before Licinius, and pofleft himſelf of the narrow Paſſages of
Mount Taurus, where he built forts to hinder the March of his Enemy.
Finding this ineffectual, he took a Compaſs to the Right Hand, and Hled to
Tarſus; but being in Danger of being ſhut up there both by Sea and Land, and
feeing no Proſpect of eſcaping, his fearful Apprehenſions, and the Anguiſh
of his Mind, made him ſeek for Death as the only Remedy againſt thoſe E-
vils with which the Vengeance of Heaven had purſu'd him. He firſt eat
and drank to a great Exceſs, as was uſual to ſome who reckon it their laſt
Meal, and then took Poiſon ; but his Stomach being over-charged, that
He poiſ0915
had no preſent Operation on him ; but inſtead of diſpatching him in a himſelf,
fhort time, it threw him into a lingring Torment, not unlike that of the
Plague ; by which his Life was far lengthen'd out, and made miſerable to
the utmoſt Degree. The Poiſon now began to work viclently upon him,
ård as an inviſible Fire, gradually conſum'd his Vitals, and his inſufferable
Pains threw him into a Phrenſie; ſo that for four Days time he eat Earth,
which he dug up with his Hands, and ſwallow'd greedily. This Fire wait-
ed and melted away his Fleſh, and the entire Shape and Figure of luis form-
er Beauty quite diſappeared. The Violence of his Pains became ſo intole-
rable, that he ran his Head againſt a Wall with ſuch a Fury, that his Eyes
Darted out of their Places. But as he loſt the Sight of his Eyes, a Viſion
was repreſented to his Imagination, as ſtanding to be judgʻd by God, wlio
feem'd to have Armies of Miniſters about him, all in ſplendid Garments j
at the Sight of which, he cry'd out as if he had been put on the Rack, That
it was others, and not him, that were to blame! Yet afterwards he confeft. his
own Guilt, which was extorted from him by the exquiſite Torments he ſuſtai-
ned. He call d upon Jeſus Chriſt, and with Floods of Tears begg'd that he
wou'd have Pity on him : He groan'd and roar'd out with the Heat of his
inward Flames, and having fully acknowledg’d, That theſe Sufferings were
clue for his Contempt and Preſumption againſt Chriſt, he breath'd out his Soul And dies mi-
in the moſt dreadful Manner imaginable. This hapned in the Month of Au- ferably.
guſt, and was the juſt Death of a bloody Tyrant, and barbarous Perſecuter
of the Church, after he had reign'd in the Eaſt above eight Years.
The
1
N
472
Book III.
Cent. IV.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
trumpas.
The Death of Maximin put a Period to all the Troubles of the Chriftians ;
Curitianity and this was the great Epocha, when Chriſtianity triumphantly got Poffer-
fion of the Thrones of Princes, and to its own native Power obtain'd the
additional Strength of Humane Laws and Conſtitutions : In which State,
tho'not with equal Succeſs and Splendor, it has ever ſince continu'd. As
to the real Manner, and the gradual Methods obſerv'd in this Eſtabliſhment,
thoſe are out of the Compals of this Work; which we conceive has an-
fwer'd its Title and End, by ſhewing the State of Cbriſtianity till the firſt
Elabliſbment of it by Humane Laws.
FINI S.
.
A CHRO-
A
.
no
Chronological TABLE
Both of the
Roman and Eccleßaftical Affairs :
FROM THE
Nativity of our Bleſſed Saviour, to the firſt Eſtabliſhment of Chri-
ſtianity by Human Laws, under the Emperor Conſtantine the
Great.
CO L L E C T E D
From the Works of Cardinal Noris, Father Pagi, Mon. Tillemont, &c. Foreigners :
From Archbiſhop Uſher, Biſhop Pearſon, Mr. Dodwell, &c. Engliſhmen; and
from the Information of one of the greateſt Chronologers, now living.
A.D. Roman
V.Æ. Emperors.
Roman Affairs.
Eccleſiaſtical Affairs.
Biſhops of Biſhops of Biſhop's of
Rome. Alexandria, Antiochi
Auguſtus
from the
Death of Auguſtus examins the State of the whole Jeſus Chriſt born at Bethlehem on the
Roman Empire.
25th of December, under the Conſul-
Julius Cae-
ſhips of Auguſtus and Sylla.
far.
40
40
Oar Lord circumciſed Jan. iſt.
Auguſtus divides Paleſtine among Herod's Preſented in the Temple Feb. 2d.
Sons into three diſtinct Governments. He is adored by the Magi, and flies into
Ægypt.
Herod maſſacres che Infants in Bethle-
hem, and dies a little before the
Paſſover.
41
41
Our Lord returns from Ægypt, and ſet-
tles at Nazareth in Galilee.
42
42
Auguſtus baniſhes his Daughter Julia.
43
43
Auguſtus opens the Temple of Janus,
which had been ſhut before our Sa-
viour's Birch.
44
44
I
The vulgar Æra of our Saviour's Birch
commences, A. M. 4004, V. C. 754.
45
2
45
46
Tiberius returns from Rhodes in July, af-
ter ſeven Years Stay.
46
3
Caius Cæſar makes Ariobarzanes King over
the Armenians.
:
47
A
The CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE. .
|
Biſhops of Biſhops of Biſ:ops of
Alexandria. Antioch.
Röme.
c.ri
Roinan
Ant
of
Emperors:
Roman Affairs.
Eccleſiaſtical Affairs.
Huguftus.
i
Auguftus adopes Tiberius fune 27th. St. John the Evangeliſt fuppes'd to have
4 47
He refuſes the Title of Lord.
been born this Year.
48
He compleats the Calendar.
48
Auguſtus eſtabliſhes the Militia of the
5
Empire.
49
".
1-49
6
so
50
7
A grear Famine in Rome.
Argheldis bamined and his Dintinions
reducid ca a Rom.la Province.
Coponius the first Governor.
w
Germ.iricus manages the War with Dal-Cyreneus makes a ſecond Taxation in Ju-
inuti.z.
data pod děpoſes Joazer the High-
Prielt.
Judits of Galilee riſes up and forms a
Hew Sect.
The Detratidi' War finith'd. Car Lord, at civetve Years of Age, dir.
puccs with the Doctors.
The Samaritains prophane che Temple.
51
SI
8
52
52
9
A1:guſtus makes Laws againſt Celebacy.
Varus defeared in Germany,
Auguflus baniſhes Ovid.
53
:
Auguſtus ſends Tiberius into Germany.
:
10
53
54
Ambivius made the ſecond Governor of
Judete
IO
54
Tiberius carries on the Wars with the Ger-
mans.
LI
55
(2
55
56
1
+
Tiberius finiſhes the German Wars, and is
affcciated in the Empire with Auch it
guſtus.
Auguſtus makes his Will
, and lays it up innius Rufus made the third Governor of
With'rlie Veſtal Virgins.
56
13
pudel
:
57
57
Angulus finds 4137000.Citizens of Rome.-
Hl.
Auguſtus dies at Nola, Augwił 19th.
14 Tiberius. TIBERIUS reigns 22 Years, 7 Months,
I
and 7 Days.
I
Germ.inicus Wars in Germ.tny.
Valerius Gratus made the fourth Governor
Tiberius reſtrains the Licentiouſneſs ofl: of Juded.
15
the Players.
He depofes Annas, and ſucceſſively fets up
2
Illimisel, Eleizer and Simon.
2
16
3
Germ.nichs, atter great Succelles, is re
cali'd from Germany.
The Aſtrologers are banilli'd our of Italy.
Germanicus triumphs, May 26th. The few's complain of the Tases. Tibe-
Coppadocia reduc'd to a Roman Province. rius refers them to Germanicus.
Geïmunicus fent into the Edift.
3
17
ៗ
4
4
18
.
Geriranicies reduces Comnagena to a Roma
Province
5
5
19
6
Whoredom in women of Quality isſThe Senate forbids the Religion of the
puniſh'd witir Baniſhment.
Ægyptians and Jews, and baniſhes the
Germanicis, being poiſon’d, dies towar's latter our of Rome.
the End of this Year.
Caiaphas made High-Prieſt by Gratus.
The Death of Germanicus reveng'd upariamaliel made Head of the Sanhedrim, ac-
Pili.
cording to clie Rabbins.
6,
20
7
21
7
8
Tiberius rerires to Campania in the Begin. The falle Acts of Jejus Chrilt pubiſh'd in
ning of the Year.
the 4th Century, are dated from this
Year.
8
22
Tiberius afíociates his Son Drujus with this
Tribunician Power,
9
9
23
Drufus poifond, from which Time Tiberii::
become more tyrannical.
The Players are baniſh'd our of Rome and
Tials.
JO
The CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE.
Roman
A. D. Emperors.
Roman Affairs.
Eccleſiaſtical Affairs.
Bifanps of Biſlips of Biſkops of
Romc. Alexandria. [ Antioch.
Tiberius.
1
IO
Ticfurins, after ſeven years ſtruggle, is
defeated in africk
Ciberies folcmnizes his firſt Dec?
mliol,
Augu!t 19th.
24
.
JI
II
25
12
I 2
26
13
i
Tiberius retires from Rome, and never Pontius Pilate niade the fifthi G vėrier of
returns.
.
Judsa.
He create's great Diſturbances to the
Jevtis.
[iberius ſeccles at Capre1.
Herod divources his wife, and marries He-
Tie Amphitheatre at Fidena falls, and rodias, Wife to his Brocher Philip.
Kills 20000 People, and wound's 30000
more.
13
27
17
14
28
Foſeph, Husband to the Virgin Mary, dies,
according to the moſt receiv'd Opinion.
!
15
:
15
2.)
THE BEGINNING OF THE
Tiberius's Mother Livia dies.
GOSPEL, and of golin Baptiſt's
Agrippina, Widow to Germ.nicus, and her Preaching, in the Beginning of this
tivo Sons baniſh'd.
or lartcr End of the laſt Year.
He has many Followers.
16
j
16
30
Jeſus bapiizd, Jan. 6th.
His. Temptation
Sejąnus is ſuſpected by Tiberiis. John's Teſtimony of him.
His firſt Miracle át Cand, in Match!
Paterculus finishes his Hiftory.
THE FIRST PASSOVER after
Scode believe that the Romins took
away,
our Saviour's Baptirm, April 6th.
the Power of Life and Death from the
Fobu concludes his Miniſtry, and is im-
Fews this Year.
prifond in Noyember.
Jeſus converfes with thc Samaritans, and
chen cutes the Noblemàit's Scií in 62-
lilee.
17
:
1
17
1
31
:
13
felus fettles at Capernaum.
Sejiunus, by Tiberįus's Command, is exe- He calls, Peter, Andrew, James, John,
cured with all this Family, other 1 7011. and Matthew.
After the Death of Sejanus, Tiberius is THE SECOND PASSOVER af-
more favourable to the Jews. kter our Saviour's Bapiiſmi, March
28th.
The Choice of the 12 Apoftfés in May.
John ſends to Jefus from Priſon.
Felius receivės Mary Magdalene.
He goes over info Tracponitis
, where the
Inhabitants are frighted.
Je raiſes the Dead, and works other Mi-
racles at Citperndum.
A volume of the Sibyls Eooks added to the Miſſion of the 12 Apoſtles in far.
the rcfi.
John Baptiſt beheaded in Feb.
Tiberius, in tlie nlidſt of his pleafures, The firſt Miracle of the Leaves.
cruel and initcr.ible.
THE THIRD PASSOVER after
our Saviour's Baptiſm, April 14tli, in
which Pilatè ſlays the Galileans.
Feter's Confeſſion of Christ.
7efu's Transfiguration.
The Miſſion of the 70 Diſciples.
Fefsus goes to the Feaſt of Tabernables in
Otober.
The Return of the 70 Diſciples.
J clus goes to the Feaſt of Dedication in
December.
IS
:32
i
I 9
19
33
THE GREAT YEAR.
Tiberius is extremely ſevere towards all cus croffes Jordan.
the Friends and Accomplices of Sc. His laſt Journy to Jeruſalem.
janus.
He converts žacchem, and raiſes Lazarus
Agrippina, and cthers, are ſuffer'd to perifti from the Grave.
by Famine.
His Kingly Entrance into Jeruſalem,
March 29th.
THE FOURTH AND LAST PAS-
SOVER, April 2d, which feus chan-
ges for the Eucharif.
Felius condemnd, fcourg'd and crucify'd,
April 3d, Friday
lis Reſurrection, April sth.
le appears five Times the ſame Day, and
ſeveral Times after.
dis Aſcenſion, May 14ch.
The CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE .
Biſhops of | Biſloops of
Rome. Alexandria.
Biſkops of
Anricch.
Roman
A.D.
Roman Affairs.
Eccleſiaſtical Affairs.
Emperors.
Tiberiis.
Matthias choſen one of the Twelve.
The Effi ſiɔn of the Holy Ghost, May 24ch.
33
20
The firſt Eſtablishment of the Chriſtian
Church.
Miracles wrought, doc.
Philip the Tetrarch being dead, his Do. Tiberius proposes to deify Jejus.
minions are by Tiberius united to Sy. The ſeven Deacons cholen.
ria.
James the Lifs made Biſhop of Jeruſa
20
The Conſuls celebrate Tiberius's Vicen lem.
nalia, and are condemn'd ſhortly Stephen ſtoned, about the Paſſover.
after.
The Church firſt perſecuted, and the Be-
34
lievers diſpers'd into ſeveral Countries.
Philip converts the Samaritans, Peter and
Johnconfirms thein.
21
Siinon Magus the firſt Introducer of He
reſie.
Philip converts the Eunuch of Æthiopia.
21
35
Tiberius makes Vitellius Governor of Sy- Paul converted rear Damaſcus.
ria, in the Room of Pomponius Flaccus. He retires to Arabia, where he continues
two Years.
Vitellius goes to feruſalem at the Pallo-
ver, reitores the Prieſt's Veſtments, de
poſes Caiaphas and fers up Jonathan.
22
22
the Year 34:
36
A Phænix ſaid to appear in this Year, or The Samaritans deluded by an Impoſtor,
and chaſtis’d by Pilate.
Rome afflicted by Inundations, doc. Pilate depriv'd of his Government.
Herod defeated by Aretas.
Paul returns from Arabia to Damaſcus.
Vitellius makes Theophilus High-Prieſt.
23
23
IV.
37 Caligula.
and 8 Days.
I
Tiberius dies at Milenum, on March 26th. Pilate baniſh'd by Caligula to Vienna in
Gaul.
CALIGULA reigns 3 Years, 10 Months, Marullus ſent in his Room.
Herod Agrippa advanc'd co be King of part
Caligula diſpoſes of ſeveral Governments of Judaa.
Caligula impiouſly aſſumes Divine Ho-Paul goes from Damaſcus to Jeruſalem.
nours, and builds a Temple to him and from thence to Tarſus.
ſelf.
Agrippa affronted at Alexandria, and the
fews barbarouſly treated.
Herod and Herodias banilh'd.
Pilate kills himſelf.
I
38
2
2
Caligult aboliſhes the Memory of Augu- Peter ſuppos'd to have founded the B:-
Nus's Victories over Antony.
ſhoprick of Antioch.
He banilhes his Siſters, and commits ma-He goes to Lydda and Jospa, where he
ny Cruelties.
cures Æneas, and raiſes Tabithir frcir
the Dead.
Uncertain
when this Bi-
ſhoyrick was
founded.
39
3
3
40
Caligula, having made a ridiculous Expe-The Jews reduc'd to grear Extremities by
dition, returns to Rome in Triumph, Caligula.
THE CALL OF THE GENTILES.
Cornelius the firſt Gentile Convert.
Auguſt 31.
4
4
41
V.
Claudius.
I
Caligula ſain by Chereas, on January|The Jews favour'd by Claudius.
24th.
Agrippa makes Simon and Matthias High
Prieſts fucceffively.
CLAUDIUS reigns 13 Years, 8 Months, Many Gentiles converted at Antioch: Bar
and 19 Days.
nabas goes to chein.
He makes Agrippa King of all Paleſtine. Sr. Matthew writes his Goſpel.
Marſus made Governor of Syria, who Paul, after three Years Labours in CiThis Biſhop-
checks Agrippa.
licia, &c. goes with Barnabas to An-frick by ſome
Camillus's Revolt and Death.
tioch.
luppos'd to
A Famine in Rome.
Peter falſly ſupposid to have ſercled all'e founded
Rome this Year.
his Year.
I
42
2
2
I.
Euvodius.
43
Claudius aboliſhes ſeveral Feaſts and Sa- The Believers firſt callid CHRISTANS
crifices.
in Antioch.
The Famine foretold by Agabus. St. Mart's Goſpel written.
Marſus affronts Agrippa.
Marſus makes Elioneus High-Prieſt.
Claudius goes into Britain, in the End of Eurodius ſaid to be Biſhop of Artioch.
this Year.
3
1
3
I
44
Claudius triumphs over the Britains. Paul and Barnabas go to Jeruzalem.
He makes Fadus the ſeventh Governor of Agrippa perſecutes the Church.
Judsa.
Sc: James the Great beheaded a little be
Helena relieves Jeruſalem in the Famine. fore the Paſſover.
Peter impriſon'd, and eſcapes.
Agrippa dies miſerably.
Paul and Barnabas made Apoſtles of the
Gentiles.
4
2
The CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE :
Biſhops of Biſhops of Biſhops of
Rome. Àlexandria. Antioch.
Euvodius.
Roman
A. D Emperors.
Roman Affairs.
Eccleſiaſtical Affairs.
Claudius. Claudius forbids erecting any Statue with-Herod of Chalcis obtains Power over. che
out the Senates Permitſion.
Temple, and makes Joſephus High-
Eidus with Longinus difturb the Jews.
Prieſt.
4
Theudas the Impoſtor defeated.
45
The Diſperſion of the 12 Apoſtles.
Petul and Barnabas begin their Circuit.
5
and convert Sergius Paulus in Cyt
prus, doc.
2
j
5
3
46
Thrace, formerly ſubject to Kings, reduc'd Paul and Barnabas go to Antioch in Piſi-
to a Romin Province.
dia; from thence to Iconiuin, Lyſtra
and Derhe.
Alexander, an Apoftate few, made the
8th Governor of Judet.
6
4
6
4
47
The Grand SECULAR GAME S Paul and Barnabas, after three Years Cir-
celebrated by Claudius, April 21ſt, in cuit, return to Antioch in Syri.n.
the sooth Year of the City, un- Ananias made High-Prieſt, bring the 12th
der the Conſulſhips of Claudius and after Chriſt's Birth.
Vitellius.
7
Ś
7
5
48
Claudins finds above ſix Millions of Ro-Cumanus made Governor of Judea, un-
min Cicizens.
der whom 20000 Jen's were Nain in a
Mesſalina publickly marries Cilius in O&to-Scdition.
ber, and is executed not long after. The Virgin Mary ſuppos’d to dye this
Year, aged 68.
The Church diſturb'd by Judaizing Chri-
Stians.
8
8
6
49
Claudius marries his Niece rigrippina.
Paul and Barnabas go to Jeruſalem.
Seneca recallid from Baniſhment, and The FIRST COUNCIL in the Chri-
made Tucor to young Nero.
ſtian Church.
Paul and Barnabas return to Antioch.
9
7
9
50
Young Nero adopred by Claudius.
Agrippina obrains the Title of Auguſta.
.
7
Paul rebukes Peter ar Antioch.
Paul and Barnabas ſeparate.
Paul circunciſes Timothy.
1ο
8
-
10
51
II
9
Nero made Prince of the Youth. Paul travels into Europe.
Cara&tacus King of the Britains defeated At Philippi he is ſcourg'd and impriſon'd
and brought to Rome.
with Silas.
He goes on to Thesſalonica and Beräai
Diſturbances in Paleſtine, which cauſes Paul goes to Athens, and diſputes before
the Bani Shinenr of Cumanus, a little the Areopagus.
before the Pallover.
The fews baniſh'd by Claudius.
Claudius repreſents a famous Naval Com-Paul goes to Corinth, and ſtays 18 Months.
bar.
He writes his firſt Epiſtle to the Theſalo-
nians.
The Death of the Apoſtle Philip.
Il
:9
52
I 2
IO
IZ
10
5
53
Nirn marries Oft.v'it, Daughter of Clau- Agrippa preferr'd, and Felix made the
diits,
10th Governor of fudet.
Paul broughr before Gallio.
He writes his ſecond Epiſtle to the Thessa-
Lonians.
19
13
14
ber szili.
II
54
VI.
Ncro.
Claudius poiſon’d by Agrippina, on Oto-Paul goes to Epheſus, to Jeruſalem, to
Antioch, through Galatii and Phrygia,
and returns to Epheſus, where he re-
NERO reigns 13 Years, 7 Months, and mains 3 Years.
27 Dilys.
Apollos preaches at Corinth.
Senecit and Burrhus, Covernors of the Peter goes to Babylon, from whence he
young Emperor.
writes his firſt Epiſtle.
Nero's Government applauded. Cerinthus ſuppos'd to begin his Hereſie.
Nero poiſons Britannicus in February. Felix made Governor of Judaa, and
kologeres King of Parthia gives Hoſtages proves very corrupt and tyrannical.
to nero.
Paul continues at Epheſus.
I
12
I
I 2
55
2
13
2
Nero begins to degenerate.
13
56
The Jews deluded by an Ægyptian Magi
cian,
Faul's Miracles at Epheſus.
The Sons of Sceva defeated:
3
14
3
14
57
Nero begins to hate his Mother Agrip-Paul at Epheſus writes his firſt Epiſtle to
pina.
the Corinthi.ins, and his Epiſtle to the
Galatians.
Paul endanger'd by a Tumult:
He leaves Epheſus, and makes Timothy Bi-
Mop of the Place.
He goes into Macedonia, and writes hi:
fecond Epiſtle to the Corinthians.
He goes to Corinth, and writes his Epiſtle
to the Romans.
4
IS
B
The CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE.
Roman
A.D. Emperors.
Roman Affairs.
Eccleſiaſtical Affairs.
Biſhops of | Billions of 1 Biſhops of
Rome. Alexandria. Abiri..ch.
Ek vodius.
Nero.
Nero takes Poppea to Courr.
Corbulo becomes Maſter of Armenit.
15
4
58
Paul leaves Corinth, and at Troas raiſes,
Eutychus from the Dead.
His laſt Juurny to Jeruſalem.
He arrives there Mizy Isth.
He is taken up by the Jews, and becomes
a Priſoner to the Romans.
He is ſent to Felix, who keeps him two
Years.
Ananias depos'd, and Ifhinael made High-
Prieſt.
16
5
IO
5
59
5
6
Nero, after ſeveral ſecret Contrivances, The Jew's ſuffer much under the Go.
orders his Mocher to be ſain, March vernment of Fxlix.
19th.
Paul a Priſoner under hini.
17
6
17
60
Nero eſtabliſhes new Games in Rome for Feſtus the nith Governor of Judsı.
five Years.
Paul is accus'd before him, who appeail:
to Nero,
He is ſent toward Italy in September.
He is ſhip vreck'd, and caſt upon Me-
lita.
The Death of St. Matthew.
1.
St. Mark.
7
I
18
1
18
7
61
The Britains, after they had killd 80000 Paul arrives at Rome in February, and con-
Romans, are defeated by Suetonius.
tinues 2 Years Priſoner.
St. Luke writes his Goſpel.
The Death of St. Mark, who is ſucceeded
by Anianus.
8
2
19
8
II.
19
Anianus
62
Nero ſends Albinus to be the 12th Go-Joſeph and Anianus made High-Prieſts.
vernor of Judaa.
The latter cauſes the Marcyrdom of
Burrhus dies, Seneca retires.
St. James, about the Paſſover.
Nero kills his wife Octavia.
Simeon ſucceeds fames in Jeruſalem.
Matthias ſuppos'd to die this Year.
Damnaus and Gamaliel made High-
Prieſts.
Paul writes his Epiſtles to the Philippians,
to the Epheſians, to Philemon, and to
the Colosſians.
I
20
2.
e
9
20
63
Poppea obtains the Title of Augufta.
St. Luke writes his Acts of the Apoſtles.
Plautius, Governor of Meſia, performs fe- Paul writes his Epiſtle to the Hebrews,
veral Exploits upon the Danube. being at Liberry.
He goes into Spain, and after that into
Crete.
Lazarus, whcm Chriſt had rais'd, is ſup-
pos'd to have dy'd this Year.
10
2.
21
:
10
2
21
64
Nero ſets Rome on Fire, July 19th, which Paul makes Titus Biſhop of Crete, and
continues 7 or 8 Days.
goes into fuden.
Rome and Italy afflicted.
St. Peter ſettles ar Rome.
Neró builds a ſtarely Palace.
He defears Simon Magus.
He ſends Florus to be the 13th Governor THE FIRST GENERAL PER-
of Judea.
SECUTION, beginning in the
Month July.
The Death of St. Andrew.
Paul travels in Aſia.
The Temple finiihd.
Matthias the laſt High-Prieſt.
!
II
3
22
II
3
22
65
Piſo's Conſpiracy diſcover'd, April 12th. The Jews afflicted by Florus,
Seneca, Luc.in, and many others ſuffer. Wonderful Preſages of their Ruin.
Nero kills his Wife Poppen.
St. Paul at Philippi writes his firſt Epiſtle
to Timothy, and alſo his Epiſtle to Ti-
tus.
12
4
23
4
I 2
23
66
Tiridates, King of Armenia, receives his St. Paul's Deach foretold him.
Crown from Nero.
The Beginning of the Jews Rebellion,
The Temple of Janus fhut in April, and and latt Miferies, in May.
open'd in May, or ſoon after. Ananias flain, Auguſt 15th.
Nero goes into Achaia, in the End of this The Jews horribly mafſacred at Cæſarea
Year, and ſtays till the End of the and Alexandria.
Jeruſalem inveſted by Ceſtius Gallus in
Helins left Governor of Rome.
Otober.
The Chriſtians flie to Pella.
Ceſtius retires in November 8ch.
Veſpaſian ſent into fudæa, being the 14th
Governor.
next.
13
5
24
5
13
24
67
The Olympick Games are deferred from St. Paul's ſecond Arrival at Rome.
65 to this Year.
He and St. Peter are impriſon'd.
Nero contends in the Games, reſtores Li- St. Peter writes his ſecond Epiſtle.
This Biſhop-
berry to Greece, and returns toward: St. Paul writes his ſecond Epiſtle to Ti-rick founded
Rome in the larger End of the Year. mothy.
by St. Peter
Vefpafian carries on the Jewiſh War, and St. Paul.
ta kes Joſephus, and clears Galilee in
Dcember.
14
6
25
:
The CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE:
.
Roman
A.D. Emperors.
Roman Affairs.
Eccleſiaſtical Affairs.
Biſhops of
Biſhops of Biſhops of
Alexandria. Antioch.
Rone.
Anianus.
Euvodius.
14
1.
Linus.
25
68
The firſt Revolutions in the Empire beginSt. Peter and St. Paul martyr'd at Rome,
in March.
Feb. 22d.
Nero abandon'd and ſain near Rome Linus ſucceeds them in the Sce.
June 9th.
Sc. Clement writes his Epiſtle to the Ci-
rinthians, under Galba.
GALBA reigns 7 Months and 7 Days. Euvodius Biſhop of Antioch martyr'd thi:
te governs imprudently.
Year.
The fer's divided inco horrid Fa
{tions.
I
VII.
Gulba,
I
2
7
26
I
VIII.
Oibo.
Titellius proclaim'd, Jan. 2.
Foſephus fer free by Vefpafian.
Galba adopts Piſo, jan. 10th. The Jews languiſh under all the Miſe-
Galba flain, Jan. 15ch.
ries of War Factions, Divaſtacions ,
and Murthers.
OTHO reigns 12 Weeks 6 Days.
Ananus and Zacharias are flain.
otho marches againſt Vitellius, March Ignatius ſucceeds Euvodiws in the Biſhop
14th.
rick of Antioch.
Being defeated he kills himſelf, April
Isth.
II.
Ignatius.
2
7
I
69
IX. VITELLIUS reigns 8 Months, and
Vitellius.
$ Days.
VESPASIAN proclaim'd, fu'y ift,
from which Time he reigns io Years
wanting 6 Days.
Rome plunder'd, and Vitellius flain, De-
X.
cember 20th.
Vefpafian.
I
8
3
I
I
I
3
8
I
The Gauls revolc.
Titus fits down before Jeruſalem in the
Sabinus affumes the Title of Cæſar in Beginning of April.
Gaul.
He gains the firſt Wall April 28th, and
Domitian goes againſt the Gauls.
the ſecond May 7th.
The Capitol, which was burnt the laft He ſurrounds the City in June.
Year, began July 21ſt.
Antonia taken July 5th.
Veſpaſian goes froin Alexandria to Rome The perpetual Sacrifice ceaſes July 7th.
in the latter End of the Year. The Temple confund August 8th.
The whole Cicy raken and demolifh'd Ser-
tember. 8ch.
The JEWISH OECONOMY en-
ded, with the Death of 1337490
fcws.
70
2
4
9
2
2
4
୨
2
71
Vefpafian and Titus triumph over the Titus weeps over the Ruins of Jeruſa-
jews, in the End of April.
lein.
Titus honour'd with a triumphal Arch. The Lands of Judea fold, and the Money
The Temple of Jinus thue up the ſixth due to the Temple paid to the Capi-
Time.
tol.
efpafian's Regulations.
Several Hereſies at this Time, as the Me-
nandrians, the Ebionites and Cerin-
thians.
St. Jude writes his Epiſtle.
3
5
IO
3
3
5
IO
3
Fulvius Silva finiſhes the Wars in Frdea, The Jews Temple in Ægypt demoliſh'd,
April 25th.
and the Race of Duvid fought for.
Antiochus King of Comagent depriv'd of The Chriſtians return to Jeruſalem.
his Doininions by the Roman Power. Barnabas writes his Epiſtle.
The Death of St. Jude.
The Death of St. Bartholomew.
72
4
6
II
4
4
6
II
4
Several Provinces reduc'd to the Roman The Death of St. Thomas in the East In-
Power.
dies.
The Philofophers baniſh d.
Joſephus finiſhes his Wars of the Jews.
73
5
7
12
5
5
Veſpaſian and Titus make the laſt publick The Death of St. Luke.
Cenſus in Rome.
The Death of St. Simon.
7
I 2
5
74
6
8
13
6
5
reipafian dedicates che Temple of Peace. The Jewiſh Sanhedrim fit at Jabneh.
8
13
6
75
7
9
14
7
9
Great Earthquakes in Cyprus and the
Eaſt.
14
76
7
8
7
IO
IS
I
8
IO
15
8
77
9
Pliny dedicates his natural Hiſtory to
Titus.
A great Plague in Rome.
Agricola ſent to reduce Britain.
Peregrinus the Cynick Philoſopher impo
ſes upon the Chriſtians.
II
16
9
9
II
16
9
78
IO
12
17
10
The CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE .
A.D. Emperors
Bijl ops of Bilbops of | Biſliops of
Rone.' Alexandria. Anticch.
Aliinus.
17
Ignattins.
Is
Roman
.
Roman Affairs.
Eccleſiaſtical Affairs.
IO Veſpaſian dies near Reate, on June 24ch Linus Bishop of Rome ſuffers, and is fuc-
XI.
ceeded by Cletus cr Arencletus.
Titis.
ITUS reigns 2 Years, 2 Months
and 20 Days.
A vaſt Irruption of Veſuvius, in Novem.-
I ber, which ſuffocates Pliny.
I
Fires, Plagues, and other Calamicies in. 7oephus's W.ars of the Jeus put into the
Rome.
publick Library
2 Agricola's Succeffes in Britain.
Linus.
12
11.
Cletus.
79
18
II.
1
I
18
II
80
2
19
I 2
2
19
I2
81
2 Titus falured Imperator 15th Time. Polycarp made Biſhop of Smyrni, chi:
Titus dics in Subind, on September
3
or the next Year.
13th.
St. John founds Churches in Afia.
XII.
DOMITIAN reigns 15 Years, and
Domitian.
I He begins well.
five Days.
3
20
13
I
20
3
13
82
Domitian makes many Regulations.
Agricola proceeds in his victories.
The Sedt of the Nazarenes appear is
Perlit.
St. John now at Epheſus.
2
4
21
14
2
4
21
14
83
Domitian baniſhes the Philofophers. The Whcredums of the Veſtal Virgins ſe
He goes into Germany, and returns with verely puniſh'd.
the Title of Germanicus.
3.
5
22
IS
3
5
15
Agricola reduces all Britain to the Roman
Power.
84
22
III.
Avilius.
6
I
4.
16
6
I
16
4
85
Domitian aſſumes Divine Honours, and Many Sacrifices offer'd to Domitian.
the Titles of Lord and God.
7
5
2
17
2
5
7
17
86
Domitian finiſhes the Capitol, and inſti-
tutes Capicoline Games, to be celebra-
ted every sth Year.
6
8
3
18
6
8
The Hereſie of the Nicolaitans abour thi:
Time.
3
18
87
:7
9
4.
19
9
4
7
19
88
The Revolc and Defeat of Antonius.
The Grand SECULAR GAMES
celebrated by Domitian, Serteinhar 13th.
8
IO
Ś
20
8
Іо
Domitian baniſhes the Philoſophers a le-
cond Time.
5
20
89
9
II
6
21
II
6
21
9
Domitian begins to thew his Hatred to che
Chriſtians.
90
IO
12
7
22
IO
Domiti.in triumphs over the Dacians.
He ſhurs the Temple of fanks.
22
Cornelia, the Head of the Veſtal Virgins.
bury'd alive for Incontinency.
7
12
III
Clemens.
91
II
I
8
23
I
8
II
Cletus is Martyr'd, and Clemens remain:
ſole Biſhop of Rome.
23
92
1 2
2
9
24
2
12
9
Agricola dies, and Domitian's Cruelcies en - Hermas writes his Paftor.
creaſe.
Hcrod's Family quite extinct.
2+
93
13
3
10
23
13
3
JO
25
94
Quintilian publiſhes his Rhetorick. Foſephus finiſhes liis Antiquities of the
Domitian baniſhes the Philoſophers a
Jens, and dies.
third Time.
Apollonius Tyanans performs his Magick
before Doinitian.
14
4
II
26
14
4
II
26
95
Domitian rages againſt many of his Sub-THE SECOND GENERAI
jects.
PERSECUTION in the Begin
ning of the Year.
Sc. John chrown inco a Cauldron of boil.
ing Oil, and then banillid tu the Iſle
of Patinos.
Clemens the Conſul ſuffers.
15
5
I 2
27
15
16
3
27
I 2
96
XIII.
Domitian ſain in his Palace on Septeni-St. John writes his Revelations.
ber 18th.
Several are martyr'd, and St. Jude':
His Memory aboliſh'd.
Grand-children are quellion'd.
Domiti.in relaxes the Perfecution.
NERVA reigns 1 Ycar, 4 Months, and Nerva is favourable to the Chriſtians.
8 Davs.
te reicinds the Acts of Doinitian.
Nerva.
6
13
28
I
The CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE .
Roman
A. D Emperors.
Roman Affairs.
Eccleſiaſtical Affairs.
Biſhops of Biſhops of Biſhops of
Rome. Alexandria. Antioch.
Avilius.
13
Ignatius.
I
30
97
IV.
Cerdo.
: 31
Acrui. The Pretorian Guards raiſe a Diſtur-Timothy martyr'd ac Epheſus, Jan. 22d or Clemens.
bance.
24th.
6
Nerva ad iprs Trajan, Otober 28ch, and St. John returns to Epheſus, and takes
afier that gives him full Power.
Care of thc Church.
He writes his three Epiſtles.
Ar the Requeſt of che Aſian Churches, he 7
2
writes his Goſpel.
2 Nerva dies at Rome on the 21ſt, or 27th St. Clement, Biſhop of Rome, condemn’d
by Trajan to dig in the Mines in Tau-
of January.
7
rica Cherſoneſus.
Trajan.
TRAJAN reigns 19 Years, 6 Months,
and 15 Days.
8
I
I
31
XIV.
98
2
32
I
2
I
32
99
2
---
3
33
Traj.ın made Pontifex Maximus, and ob-St. John ſtill careful of the Church.
8
tains the Title of Optimus.
He converts a famous Robber.
He exterminates the Delators, and makes
many Regulacions.
9
Pliny Junior makes his celebrared Pane.THE THIRD GENERAL PER-
9
gyrick upon Trajan.
SECUTION in the middle of the
Juſties of Tiberias finiſhes his Chronicle Year.
chis Year.
St. Clement ſuffers towards the End of Evariſtus.
the Year.
St. John dies at Epheſus, December 20th..
The End of the APOSTOLICK AGE.
2
3
33
IV..
100
3
4
34
I
The Hereſie of the Cainites.
3
Trajan's firſt Conquefts in Dacia.
He triumphs.
4
34
IO I
4
2
5
35
2
4
5
Trajan makes many Regulations in the
Srare.
35
102
5.
3
6
36
5
3
6
36
103
6
4
7
37
6
4
7
37
104
7
5
8
38
Pliny Junior made Governor of Pontus Justin Martyr born this Year.
and Bithynia.
He arrives there September 17th.
Nero's golden Palace burnt down.
Pliny writes in Favour of the Christians.
Trajan begins his ſecond War in Dacia, Irajan anſwers him.
and builds a famous Bridge.
The Perſecution abated.
Decebalus ſlain, and Dacia reduc'd to a
Roman Province by Trajan.
He criumphs, and orders new Feaſts.
Trajan begins his Eaſtern Expedicion in Papias Biſhop of Hierapolis, the firſt Au-
Otober,
chor of the Millenarians,
He arrives at Seleucia in December.
5
8
38
105
7.
8
6
9
39
8
6
9
39
106
9
7
IO
40
1
40
1o
9
7
107
III.
Heron.
Ιο
Trajan arrives at Antioch, Jan. 7th.
St. Ignatius condemn'd to the wild Beast:
Trajan conquers Armenia, and reduces id by Trajan.
to a Province.
Simeon Biſhop of Jeruſalem crucify'd at
the Age of 120.
St. Ignatius wrices his 7 Epiſtles.
He is martyr'd at Rome December 20th.
Trajan makes new Conqueſts in FarthiaSt. Polycarp writes his Epiſtle to the Phi-
and Mefopotiinia.
lippians.
8
II
I
8
II
10
I
V.
108
V.
Alexander.
Primus.
II
2
I
I
JI
Three Cities fuvallow'd up in Galatia.
I
I
2
Barfim&us in Edesa and One fimus mar
tyr'd.
109
I2
2
2
3
12
2
2
The Pantheon in Rome burnt by Light-Saturninus begins to broach his Herefie in
ning.
Syria.
3
I IO
13
3
3
4
13
3
3
4
III
14
4.
4
3
14
Bafilides broaches his Hereſie in Alexan
dria and Agppt.
4
4
5
(2
IS
5
5
6
Trajan dedicates a Place in Rome for pub-
liſhing his Acts.
S
5
6
IS
16
113
6
6
7
1*
с
The CHRONOLOGICAL TAB LÊ.
A.D. Emperors.
Homan
Biſkops of Bilbops of Biſhops of
Roman Affairs. In
Eccleſiaſtical Affairs:
Rome.
Alexandria. Antioch.
.
Primiss.
Trajan: Trajan begins a ſecond Expedition into -tie Elxai the Impoſtor appears in Paleſtine. Alexarder.
Heron.
and gives Name to the Offenian Sect.
7
East.
16
6
6
114
}
17
7
7
8
17
7
7
; 8
115
Trajan conquers Chaldea and Amrie. Trajan eaſes the Chriſtians at the Inſtance
He is endangend by a dreadful Eareli- of Tiberianus.
quake at Antioch, December 23d. The Jews rebel, and uſe ſtrange Earba
ricies.
:
18.
8
8
9
18
8
8
9
I16
Trajan purſues his Victories towards the The Jews, after innumerable Cruelties,
Indies.
are ſeverely chartis'd and branded.
He begins to decline.
19
9
.9
10
19
Trajan diſappointed in Arabia.
Trajan dies in Chlicia, on Auguſt 8th.
9
9
19
20
117
XV.
Adrian.
AÐRIAN reigns 20-Years, 11 Months
wancing one Day.
He abandons ſeveral Provinces in the
Eaſt..
о
Іо
II
I
IO
Io
I
Trajan Triumphs after his Death.
Adrian remics many Debts.
The Church of Athens being much de-
clin'd, is reſtor'd by Quadratus Biſhop
of the Place.
11
118
VI.
Sixtus I.
VI.
fuftus.
2
12
1
I
2
I
I
12
119
Adrian makes an Expedition againft the Oenomans the Cynick writes againſt the
North, and returns.
Heachen Oracles.
3
2
2
2
3
2
13
I 20
Adrian begins his general Vifitation of the
Empire, and goes into Gail and Gera
many.
4
3
3
14
4
Adrian travelsinto Betgium, Britain, and The Alexandrians diſturb'd about their
Spain.
3
3
I 21
God Apis.
5
4
4
189
5
4
Adrian returns to Rome in April.
He gives a King to the Germans.
4
13
I 22
!
6
5
5
16
6
5
5
16
Adrian begins his Eastern Vification, and
goes into Aſia and Syria.
123
7
6
6
17
Adrian continues at Grecce and Athens.
6
6
17
I 24
7
8
Adrian enter'd into the Eleuſinian Myſte-
ries, which creates new Troubles to
the Chriſtians.
7
7
18
8
Adrian is ſtill at Athens.
7
7
18
I 25
A ſevere Perſecution againſt the Chri-
Stians, under which great Numbers
ſuffer.
9
8
8
19
Adrian returns to Rome.
8
9
8
19
126
Quadratus and Ariſtides preſenc Apolo-
gies for the Chriſtians.
Granian the Governor writes in Favour
of them.
Adrian eaſes them by a Decree.
10
9
9
20
10
9
Adrian makes many Regulations in Rome. Agrippa Caſtor writes againſt the Heretick
Bafilides.
9
20
1 27
II
IO
IO
21
!
10
21
II
10
128
VII,
Teleſphorus.
IV.
Cornelius.
12
II
1
1
II
I 2
Adrian proceeds in his Viſitation and goes Adrian aboliſhes the Cuſtom of human
into Africk.
Sacrifices.
I
129
VII.
Eumenes.
:
2
2
13
I
13
2
I
2
1301
Adrian travels into Greece, Aſia and Syrhe Carpocratian Hereſie begins.
ria.
A Collection made of chole Books call'd
the Silylline Oracles.
14
3
2
3
The CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE
| Roman
Bilops of
Eccleſiaſtical Affairs.
A.D. Eruperarsi
Biſhops nf | Biſkops of
Roman Affairs.
Romic. Alexandria. Anticch.
Hirian. Adrian goes inco. Judex and Arabia.
Telesphorues. Eumenics. Corneliis.
3
The Perpetual Edict comp s'd by Salviu.
3
131
14
Julianus.
15
4
3
4
IS Adrian goes into Ægypt, where he deifies Adrian rebuilds Jerujalem, and calls id
+
3
1132
Antinous,
Eliä Capitolina.
16.
5
}
2
i
4
4
5
16
Adrian continues in Ægypt.
Fullin Martyr converted in Paleſlive.
5
4
5
133
17
6
5
6
6
5
6
134
17
18
Adrian leaves Ægypt, and palles over ec The fews make a general Revolt under
Athens,
their falſe Moſiah B.zrcocab.
Jeruſalem caken and demoliihd.
7
6
7
I8
7
6
7
135
Adrian returns co Rome, May 3d, and The Miſery of the Jews at the Siege of
concludes his viſitation of the Empire. Bether, which was taken in Auguſt.
He adopts L. Commodus.
19
8
7
8
8
19
7
8
136
Adrian exécuces ſeveral conſiderable Men. The Jews are entirely defeated, with
the Death of soo and eighcy ciouſınd
them.
The LAST DISPERSION of the
Jews.
The End of the Biſhops of the Circum-
ciſion.
:
20
9
8
9
Adrian grows tyrannical.
20
8
9
9
137
The Jews forbidden to ſee Jerufalem.
Adrian rebuilds Jeruſalem, and prophane:
ic.
Mark che firſt Eiſhop of Jerufalem of the
Uncircumciſion.
Aquila tranflaces the Bible into Greek.
21
1ο
9
10
10
9
Ιο
138 XVI.
21 Commodus dies 7 an. ift.
The Chriſtiaens enjoy great Tranquillity:
Adrian adopts T. Antoninus, Feb. 25th. Yet Teleſphorus Bithop of Rome luffers.
Adrian dies ar Baie, on the roth Day of
July.
Ani. Piris.
ANTONINUS PIUS reigns 22
Years, 7 Months, and 26 Days.
I
VIII.
Hyginus.
IO
11
I
I
I
IO
II
139
Antoninus gives i King to the Qudi, and Juſtin Martyr fercles at Rome, and keeps
another to the Ainnenins.
a School for the Eenefit of the Go-
ſpel.
2
2
II
12
2
2
II
12
140
Plslegon Tralliinus finishes his Olympiads Valentinus and Cerdo cwo Herefiarchs
this Year,
come to Rome.
3
3
12
13
3
Fruitint the Empreſs dies, between the
25th of Feb, und ich of July.
3
I 2
13
141
4
4
13
14
4
New Games inſtituted in Honour of Adrian Murcion, being excommunicaced, joins
che Emperor.
with Cerdo ac Rome.
4
13
14
142
IX.
Pius I.
VIII.
Marchs.
V.
Ejos.
5
I
I
5
The Hereſie of the Valentinians begins in
Cypru.
I
I
I
143
6
2
2
N
3
2
2
2
144
The Hercfie of the Marcionites begins in
Rome, and ſpreads through many Coun-
cries.
7
3
3
3
Antoninus gives thic virile Robe to L. V'e.
7
8
3
3
3
145
rus.
4
4
4
8
146
Several ſpuriuus Writings publith'd abjui
this Time.
4
4
4
9
5
5
5
Arpion writes his Roman Hiſtcry.
THE GRAND SECULAR GAMES
celebrated in Rome.
5
5
5
147
Іо
6
6
6
i
IO
Antoninus folemnizes his firſt Decerna.
lia.
6
6
14
6
7
II
7
7
The CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE.
Roman
A.D. Emperors.
Roman Affairs.
Eccleſiaſtical Affairs.
Biſhops of Biſhops of Biſhops of
Rome. Alexandria. Ancioch.
The Chriſtians begin to be hardly treated.
Ant. Pius.
II
Pius I.
7
Marcus.
7
Eros.
7
149
12
8
8
8
8
8
8
12
Juſtin Martyr publiſhes his firſt Apolog)
to the Emperor.
150
13
9
9
9
9
9
13
9
Antoninus writes to the Grecians in Favou.
of the Chriſtians.
151
14
IO
Іо
Іо
10
14
Antoninus publiſhes an Edict in Favour of
the Christians.
10
10
1
152
IX.
Celadion.
II
15
1
IS
The Hereſie of the Opbites and Sethians.
II
1
II
153
15
12
2
12
16
12
2
12
Fullin Martyr leaves Rome, and viſits the
Exift.
154
17
13
3
13
7 ulin Murtyr writes againſt Tryphon the
Jew.
13
3
13
17
18
155
14
4
14
18
144
4
14
156
19
15
5
15
15
19
The Quartodeciman Controverſie about
Easter, begins.
St. Polycarp goes to Rome, where he con-
founds Marcion,
5
15
157
X.
Anicetus.
6
20
16
I
20
Antoninus fclemnizes his ſecond Decenna- Hegeſippus ſeroles at Rome, about thi:
lia.
Year.
I
16
6
158
21
2
7
17
21
2
Antoninus renews ſeveral Laws again |Melito made Biſhop of Sardos in Afia.
Adulterers.
7
17
159
22
3
8
18
22
3
8
18
160
Valentinus dies chis Year.
Marcellina a Carpocratian Wiman come:
to Rome.
23
4
9
19
4
9
19
161 lant. Philo)
5
10
20
I
I
IO
5
20
162
6
II
Antoninus Pius dies at Lorium, on the Alexander the Impoſtor ncred for hi:
23 7th Day of March.
falle Oracles in Paphlagonia.
XVII. ANTONINUS PHILOSOPHUS
Ant. Pbiloj, reigns 19 Years and 10 Days.
Lucius Verus join'd with him.
The Emperor Commodus born, Auguri
311t.
Many Troubles and Calamities in the Em-THE FOURTH GENERAL PER
pire.
SECUTION begins in the firſt Yeai
The Britains revolt, the Catti invade the of this Reign.
North, and the Parthians the Eaſt. Glycerie ſuffers in Thrace, May 13th.
2
Verus is ſent againſt the latter.
Antoninus makes inany Regulations in the The Chriſtian Apologies forbidden tu bu
163
Stare.
read.
3 verns is ſucceſsful in the Eaſt.
3
erus marry'd to Antoninus's Daughter Lu. Felicitas and her feven Sons martyrd in
cillit.
164
Rome.
4 Casius is ſucceſsful in the Eaſt. Concordus martyr'd at Spoleto.
The Roman Generals, after many Battels Fustin Martyr diſputes with Creſcens the
4
and great Succelles, finiſh the War in Cynick Philofopher.
165
the East.
Peregrinus the Impoſtor burns himſelf ai
5
the Olympick Games.
21
6
II
2
21
7
1 2
22
7
12
22
8
13
23
8
13
23
୨
14
24
5
9
14
2of
166
Antoninus and v'erus triumph over the The Perſecution encreaſes.
Parthians.
St. Polycarp martyr'd at Smyrna , Fel..
Great Calamities in the Empire.
23d.
Antoninus and Verus march againſt the Juſtin Martyr writes his ſecond Apolog
Marcomanni, dic.
for the Chriſians
X.
Agrippinus.
6
IO
I
25
The CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE
Biſhops of Billions of
Alexandria. Antiocli,
Agrippinus.
Eros.
25
10
1
II
2
25
II
26
2
VI:
Theophilus.
3
I
I
I
3
I
2
4
2
2
4
2
5
3
5
3
171
6
4
6
4
7
5
7
s
potamia.
1
8
6
againſt the Pagıns, and dies.
Roman
Billoups of
A.D. Emperors.
Eccleſiaſtical Affairs.
Roman Affairs.
Rome.
Ant. Phi. The two Emperors, being ſucceſsful, re. Fuſtin Martyr, with fix others, beheaded Anicetus.
ar Rome, by Rufiicus the Governor.
turn to Rome.
6
167
7
The German Wars begin.
Dionyfius, Bithop of Corinth, flouriſhes ar
7
chis Time.
Soter Biſhop of Rome ſends Alms to Co XI.
168
rinth.
Soter.
8
Antoninus and V'erus proſecute the Ger-Tatian at Rome writes againſt the Gentiles
8
man War.
Symmachus tranſates thc Eible into Greek.
169
Verus dies at Altinum, in the midſt of
Winter.
9
Antoninus reigns alone.
9
Antoninus in Perſon ſucceſsfully purſues Melito preſents an Apology for the Chri-
che Wars in the North.
170
ftians.
The Hereſie of the Antitalles.
IO
3
Divers Events in the Wars with the Tatian begins the Hereſie of the Encra-
Іо
Northern Nations.
tites in Meſopotamia.
3
Antoninus foleninizes his Decennalia. The Hercfie of Montanilts begin in Phry-
gia.
The Herefie of the Adumites and Alogi
4
II
begin this Year.
4
Antoninus makes many wiſe Regulations. (Pinytus, Philippus, and modeſtus, Eccle-
II
Coinmodus has the Title of Germanicus gi-
Germanicus gi- fiaftical Writers, flouriſh' abuut this
172
I 2 ven him, oxtober 15th.
Time.
5
Pauſinias purſues his History of Greece. Bardalenes broaches his Herefie in Meſo 5
12
173
6
I3
6
Antoninus ſucceſsfully carries on the Wars Antoninus and his Men reduc'd to Deſpair;
13
in the North againſt the Quildi. are deliver'd by the Prayers of the
174
Chriſtians, for which he writes in Fa-
14
vour of them.
7
:Antonin!'s makes Peace i12 the North. The Chriſtians eas'd.
7
14
Cafus revolts in April, he is Nain in
175
July.
15
Antoninus goes into the E.uft, where he
8
buries Fauliina.
Antoninus paſſes through Syria and Ægypt, Apollinaris, Biſhop of Hierapolis, writes 8
IS and coines to Athens.
an Apology for the Chriſtians, and
dies ſhortly after.
He recurris to Rome, and makes his Son
XII.
176
Commodus Auguftus, November 27th.
Eleutherus.
15 He triumphs with him, December 23d.
i
Antoninus remnies many Debts due to chc The Perſecution reviv'd:
16 Publick.
Athenagoras and Miltiades preſent Apolo-
Smjina ruin'd by an Earthquake.
gies for the Chriſtians.
177
The Martyrs ac Lions ſuffer in Auguſt.
The Account of them is ſent to ſeveral
17
Churches.
Ireneus made Biſhop of Lions.
17
Antoninus marries his Son Commodus, and Lucius, King of Britain, ſends co Pope
goes with him to the Northern War, Eleuther us for Preachers.
178
Auguſt sch.
Hermogenes, the Author of increated
18
Matcer, appears about this Time.
3
Antoninus meets with various Fortune in Pantenus made Governor of the great ca-
18
the North.
techetical School in Alexandria, which
3
Celſus, and other Philoſophers flouriſh he much improves.
179
about this Time.
Many Martyrs this Year.
19
4
19 Antoninus Philoſophus dies at Sirmium on The Chriſtians eas'd from Perſecucion un-
the 17th of March.
der Commodus.
20
4
Arelles, a Diſciple of Marcion broaches
1801 XVIII. MMODUS reigns 12 Years, 9 Months, his Herefie.
Commodus.
and 14 Days.
He makes Peace, and returns to Rome in
5
I
Triumph, Oslob. 22d.
The Temple of Serapis ac Alexandria The Montaniſts condemn'd by a Council
I
burnt.
in Aſia.
5
181
Theophilus, Biſhop of Antioch, writes
8
6
9
7
9
7
IO
8
IO
8
II
9
I
II
9
2
I 2
1ο
2
12
IO
13
II
13
II
XI.
Julianus.
I 2
I
I
12
COM
2
13
13
2
VII.
Maximinus.
2
Hegeſippus dies ar Roine.
6
3
I
D
The CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE.
'
Konan
Biſhops of Biſhops of Biſhops of
A. D. Emperors.
Roman Affairs.
Eccleſiaſtical Affairs.
Romic. Alexandria. Antioch.
Commodus. The Romans obtain ſome Victories over Florinus and Blaſtus, two Presbyters, di-, Elenticriss. Julianus. Miaximinus.
the Dacians.
ſiurb the Church at Roine.
6
3
182
2
4
3
I
7
2
7
4
2
3
183
A Conſpiracy againſt Commodus, for
which many are executed.
Criſpina baniſh'd and flain.
4
5
3
8
Commodus grows tyrannical.
5
4
Marcia, the Emperor's Concubine, fa
vours the Chrijiians.
3
184
5
9
6
4
5
6
9
4.
185
Origen born this Year.
The Hereſie of the Marcifians.
Theodotion tranſlates the Bible into Greek.
6
IO
7
5
6
IO
7.
Perennis forms ambitious Deſigns, and is Apollonius a Senacor ſuffers Martyrdom ir
ruin'd.
Rome.
5
186
7
.
8
II
6
II
8
6
187
7
8
Maternus conſpires againſt Commodus , Irenæus writes againſt all the Hercricks.
and is executed.
12
9
7
9
12
8
7
The Emperor Caracalla born, April 4th. Pantenus cakes a Journy to the Indies foi
che Propagation of Chriſtianity.
He is fucceeded in his School by Clemens
Alexandrinus.
ID
1
188
XII.
Demetrius.
9
13
8
I
13
I
9
8.
189
A Famine in Rome, upon which account Clemens Alexandrinus writes his Exhorta-
Cleander and his Sons are ſlain.
tion to the Gentiles.
Ammonius Saccas flouriſhes.
IO
14
2
9
9
IO
Commodus grows inſupportable.
Many Calamities in Roine.
Seleucus and Hermias, two Herefiarchs,
ſhew themſelves in Galatia.
14
2
190
VIII.
Serapion.
II
IS
3
I
15
II
The Temple of Peace, and many other Rhodon, Diſciple to Tatian, flouriſhes
Edifices burnt down in Rome.
about this Time.
I
3
191
XIII.
Villor.
12
4
2
I
12
1
Commodus, having made himſelf odious,
is ſlain at Rome December 30th.
4.
2
192
13
2
5
3
XIX. PERTINAX reigns 12 Weeks, 3 Days. Theodotus the Tanner of Byzantium, with
Pertinax. He is ſlain, March 28th.
his Diſciple Artemon, brcach their He-
reſies at Roine.
2
I
5
3
XX. JULIAN reigns 9 Weeks, 2 Days.
Julianus. He is ſlain, fune 2d.
193
I
XXI.
Severus.
SEVERUS reigns 17 Years, 8 Months,
and 3 Days.
He marches againſt Niger in the Eaſt.
3
6
4
1
I
I
6
3
4
Severus is ſucceſsful againſt Niger, and Clemens Alexandrinus writes his Stro-
others in the Eaſt.
mata.
194
2
4
7
5
: 2
4
7
S
Severus is ſucceſsful againſt the Parthians,
and becomes Maſter of the Eaſt.
195
:3
3
8
6
8
5
13
6
196
Severus marches againſt Albinus in the The Controverfie about keeping of Eaſter
Weli.
begins under Pope Vi&tor, and occa-
Cardcalla made Cæfur.
ſions Synods in ſeveral Parts of the
World.
4
6
9
7
The CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE
ијати
Biſhops of
Rome.
Bill:ops of Biſhops of
Alexandria. Antioch.
Roman
1
Roman Affairs.
Eccleſiaſtical Affairs.
A.D. Emperors.
Sever 15. Albinus defeated and flain, Feb. 19ch. THE FIFTH GENERAL PER
Severus returns to Rome, and deifies Com SECUTION begins in Rome, with-
4
197
modiss, June 2d.
our the Order of the Emper.ir.
Severus marches againſt the Eaſtern Po. Tertullian begins to thew himſelf.
5
l'ition.
6
Demetrius,
9
Serapion.
7
tentates.
ΙΟ
7
8
5
IO
7
198
Curacalla made Allguſtus, and Partner Narciſus Biſhop of Jeruſalem Houriſhes
with his Father, June 2d.
at this Time.
Severus makes great Conqueſts in the
Eut.
6
8
II
9
6
8
II
9
199
7
I 2
9
Іо
Severus concinucs in the Ex/t.
Narcisſus being fallly accuſed, rctires from
Geta made C&fitr by the Senate, March the See of Jeruſalem.
7th.
Severus ſtill continues in the Euft. The Perſecution reaches Africk.
Tertullian wrices his Apology, with other
Pieces relating to the Perſecution, as
alſo his Preſcriptions againft the Here-
ticks
The Docetes and Patripaſians appear at
chis Time.
7
9
12
lo
200
8
Ιο
13
II
10
8
Severus in Syria gives the virile Robe ecTertullian diſcovers the Errors of Praxeas,
Caracalla.
and cauſes him to recant.
XIV.
Zephyrinus.
13
II
201
9
14
I 2
I
9
I
14
I2
Severus viſits Arabia, Paleſtine and Ægypt. Severus publiſhes Edicts againſt fews and
He gives a Senate to the City of Alexan- Chriſtians, which revives and encreaſes
dria.
the Perſecution.
Clemens retires from Alexandria.
Origen begins to ſhew his Zeal.
Trencus martyr'd at Lions, with almoſt all
the Chriſtians.
202
IO
2
IS
13
IO
2
IS
13
203
Severus returns to Rome, triumphs, and The Herefie of the Archonticks.
celebrares his Decennalia.
Origen is made Governor of the cateche-
Caracalla marries Plautian's Daughter.
rick School in Alexandria.
He emaſculates himſelf.
II
3
16
14
II
3
16
14
204
Plautian ſlain about fill. 22d.
Tertullian writes De Spe&taculis.
celebrated after June 2d.
Plutarch, Marcella, and Potamiena mar-
tyr'd in Alcxandria.
I 2
4.
17
15
I 2
Bulliz Felix il Robber pillages Italy.
4
17
IS
205
Perpetua, Felicitas, and their Compa-
nions ſuffer at Carthage, March 7th.
God puniſhes Africk with Barrenneſs.
Tertullian inclines to the Montaniſts.
13
5
18
16
13
s
18
16
206
Severus makes many Regulations in the Narciſus, after 7 Years Retirement, re-
Stare.
turns to Jeruſalem, and governs the
He is levere to the Senators.
Church with his chird Succeffor Gor-
dius.
14
6
19
17
14
Bulla Fxlix ſuppreſs’d.
6
Tertullian, now Montanist, wrices againſt
the Marcionites and other Hereticks.
19
17?
207
IS
7
20
13
7
20
18
208
IS
16
8
21
Severus joins his Son Getz with hiin, and
makes him Augulins.
He goes with his two Sons into Britriin.
Severus meets with many Difficulcies and Philoſtratus the áthenian writes the Life
Succeſſes in Britain.
of Apollonius Tyaneus.
19
16
8
21
19
209
17
9
22
20
9
22
20
210
17
IS
Severus builds a Wall in Britain. Minutius Felix writes for the Chriſtian
He falls fick, towards che End of the Religion.
Year.
Tertullian writes De Pallio.
IO
23
21
21
IO
23
211
18 Severus dies at Eboracım or York on the Tertullian writes to Scapula in Vindica-
4th Day of February.
tion of the Chriſtians.
XXII.
The fifth Perfecution ceaſes.
Caracalla.
CARACALLA reigns fix Years, 2 Months. Origen goes to Rome.
1 and 4 Days.
Apollonius writes againſt Montanus,
Geta join'd with him.
IX.
Aſclepiades.
II
24
I
1
I
II
24
I
2.1 2
Geta is llain by his Brother Caracalla. Prigen takes Affiſtants in his catechetical
| Feb. 27th.
School.
Caracalla commirs innumerable Cruel- Alexander Biſhop of Cappadocia, by di-
ties.
vine Impulſe, join'd with Narciſſüs Bi-
thop of Jeruſalem.
2
12
25
2
The CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE.
Roman
A.D. Emperors.
Roman Affairs.
Eccleſiaſtical Affairs.
Bil ops of
Rome.
Biſhops of | Biſhops of
Alexandria. Antioch.
12
2
213
Caracalla. Caracalla travels into Gaul, makes many The Mont:nifts are excjmmunicared by Zephyrinus. Demetrius. Aſclepiades.
Changes, and returns to Rome. che Church of Rome, together with Te-
25
2
tuilian.
Tertullian writes ſeveral Pieces againſt the
3
Orthodox.
13
26
3
1
3
26
13
3
214
Caracalla goes into Germany, where he origen compoſes his Tetrapla.
commits many Extravagancies. He goes to preach in Arabia, and return;
to Alexandria,
4
14
27
4
4
Caracalla cravels inro Macedonia and Aſia,
where he commits new Follies.
14
27
4.
215
5
is
28
5
S
IS
28
5
216
Caracalla commits intolerable Barbarities origen retires from Alexandria , and
ar Alexandria :
preaches at Cefarea,
And no leſs Wickedneſs in the Eaſt. He is recall'd by his Biſhop Demetrius.
6
16
29
6
6
16
29
6 Caracalla ſlain by Martial in Syria, April The fourth Greek Verſion of the Bible
8ch.
found at Jericho.
7
Natalis, a Confeſſor at Rome, lapſes, and
XXIII. MACRINUS reigns 1 Year, 2 Months is reſtor'd.
wanting 3 Days.
The Hereſie of the Melchifedecians.
Macrinus. He purchaſes Peace of the Parthians, and
winters at Antioch.
217
X.
Philetus.
17
30
I
I
I
17
30
2
18
Elagabalus declar'd Emperor May 16th. The Emperor's Aunt Mamea ſends for
Macrinus and his son ſain, on the 7th Origen into Syria, to be inſtructed in
Day of June.
the Chriſtian Religion.
218 XXIV.
Origen returns to Alexandria,
Elagabalus.) and 4 Days.
ELAG ABALUS reigns 3 Years, 9 Months,
He winters at Nicomedia.
XV.
Califtus.
31
2
I
I
I
I
31
2
219
Elagabalus comes to Rome, where he be-
gins to commit many Extravagancies.
2
2
32
3
2
2
Great Inſtances of Superſtition among
the Romans.
32
3
220
3
3
33
4
3
Elagabalus adopts his Couſin Alexianus, Julius Africanus compoſes his Chriſtian
and calls him Alexander.
Chronology.
3
33
4
221
4
4
34
5
4
34
5
222
4 Elagabalus Nain by the Soldiers in Rome, The Church happy under the Emperor
on the 11th Day of March.
Alexander.
XXV.
Hippolytus, Biſhop in Arabia, flouriſhes
and
ALEXANDER reigns 13 Years,
Alexander.
about this Time.
9
Days.
He makes greae Regulations.
I
5
35
6
I
5
35
6
223
Alexander proceeds in his Regulations. Origen writes Commentaries upon the
His Grand-mother Maſa dies.
Scriptures, and employs ſeveral Nota-
ries.
2
6
36
7
Dion Caſius, the Hiſtorian, advanced.
6
2
36
7
224
XVI.
Urbanus,
3
37
8
1
3
The Emperor Gordian born, Jannuary
20th.
I
37
8
225
4
2
38
9
4
2
38
୨
226
5
3
39
IO
5
Origen applies himſelf to Philofophy, and
writes to Heraclas in Juſtification.
3
39
IO
227
6
4.
40
II
6
II
Ulpian, the great Civilian, Nain in a Se-Origen goes towards Achaia.
dition at Rome.
At Paleſtine he is ordained Presbyter
which is highly reſented by his Bi-
Mop Demetrius.
4
40
228
XI.
Zebinus.
7
5
41
1
The CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE.
Kuldland
A.D. Emperors.
Roman Affairs.
Eccleſiaſtical Affairs.
Bifhips of
Roine.
Biſiops of Biſhops of
Alexandria. Anticch.
Zebinus.
lexunder. Dion Caſius retires to Bithynia, and finiſhes
his Roman Hiſtory
7
Urbanus:
5
Demetrius.
41
I
229
8
6
!
42
2
1
7
8
6
42
2
239
9.
7
43
3
43.
9
7
3
231
Origen oblig'd to quit Alexandria, and is
condemo'd by two Courcils, and ex-
communicated.
He finds niany Protectors.
The Ccurcil of Iconium, about Heretical
Baptiſn.
XIII.
Heracles.
8
IO
4
I
8
1ο
Alexander marches againſt Artaxerxes , origen is ſtill diligenc in his Wricings.
who had waſted Meſopot.mit. The Jerufilem Talmud begun about this
Year.
I
4
232
XVII.
Pontianus.
II
2
5
I
II
Alexiinder has great Succeſſes againſt Ar.
tuxerxes, and the Perſians.
1
2
5
233
I 2
2
3
6
2
: 3
6
3
4
7
Alexander returns to Romi, and triumphs.
12
September 25th.
1234
He marches againſt the Germans fuori
13
afcer.
Alexander llain near Mentz by the Scl-THE SIXTH GENERAL PERSECU.
13
diers, on the 19th of March.
TION, in the Beginning of Maximi-
XXVI.
nus's Reign.
235 MaximinusMAXIMINUS reigns 3 Years, and a Tertullian writes De Corona, and againſi
few Days.
Flight in Perſeoution.
Several conſpire againſt him.
3
4
7
4
S
8
I
:
Maximin ſucceſsfully wars againſt the D.-Prototeftus and Ambrofius impriſon'd for 4
cians and Sarm.itians, and winters ar the Faith.
Sirmium.
Origen writes to them concerning Martyr. XVIII.
dom, and retires from Cajarea. Arteros.
I
5
8
236
I
XIX.
Fabian.
2
6
9
I
9
2
1
6
237
Gadiun and his Son prcclaim'd Emperor:Origen proceeds in his Commentaries up-
in the middle of May.
on the Bible.
They are Nain in July,
The Church enjoys Peace.
Maximies and Balbinus declared by the
Senite, July ych.
A great Sedition in Roire, and part of the
City burnt.
XII.
Babylas.
3
2
7
I
7
I
238
Maximin beſieges Aquileia.
Crigen re-aſſuines his School in C&fitre.i.
3
He is Nain before the Place in the End of Grezory Thaumaturgus Houriſhes about this
XXVII.
Murch.
Time.
Muxin. &
Balbinus. MAXIMUS and BALBINUS reign a
litcle above 3 Months.
I
XXVIII. They are ſlain, July 15th.
Gordian. GORDIAN reigns 5 Years, and 8 or 9
Monris.
3
8
2
I
I
3
8
2.
239
Gordian governs with great Satisfaction. Gregory Thaumaturgus miraculouſly or-
dain'd Biſhop of Neo-Cefarea.
He is faid to work
many
Miracles.
2
4
9
3
2
Sirbinianus fecs up for Emperor in rifrick. The Hereſie of the Valeſians.
He is foon ſuppreſs'd.
Origen makes a ſecond Voyage into Greece.
4
9
3
240
3
5
10
4
3
s
10
4
241
Kordian marrys tlie Daughter of ntifi-
thers.
Eurthquakes and Prodigies in the Em-
pire.
4
6
II
is
4 4
Gordian is fucceſsful aguinft the Gotlis, Beryllus of Arabia broaches ſeveral Errors.
and againſt Spores King of Perfii. Origen confutes him in a Synod.
6
II
5
242
5
12
ó
?
E
The CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE.
Roman
A.D., Emperors.
Roman Affairs.
Eccleſiaſtical Affuirs.
Bilirps of Billions of | Biſhops of
Rome. Alexandria. Anticch.
Heracles.
Gordian. Miſitheus dies.
Philip advanc'd to his place.
5
Gordian declines.
Fibi.n.
:7
Babylos.
6
12
243
6
8
8
13
7
6
8
13
7
244
XXIX.
Philip.
Gordian ſlain in the Borders of Perſia, in Philip fuppos’d (not without Reat:n) to
the Month of March.
be a Chrillian,
He ſubmics to Penance under Babylas Bi-
PHILIP reigns five Years, and a few thop of Antioch.
Months.
Origon wrices to him, and his Empreſs.
He makes Peace with the Perſians and re-
furns to Syria,
:
9
14
8
I
I
14
9
8
245
Philip returns to Rome, where he makes The Church Hourilhes, and Pope Fabian
many Regulations.
Tends many Biſhops and Paſtors incc
Gaul.
Tertullian turns Hereſiarch, and dies ſocn
after.
2
10
IS
9
Philip's Son has the Tribunitian Power.
lo
2
IS
9
246
St. Cyprian converted m Chrillianity as
Curthage.
He tells his Eſtate, and gives it to the
Poor.
Origen ſtill induſtrious.
3
Ir
16
10
Philip's Son made Auguftus.
16
3
Origen combices againſt ſeveral Herericks
in Arabia.
St. Cyprian made á Presbyter in Carthage.
II
10
247
XIV.
Dionyſius.
12
I'T
4
1
12
I
11
13
2
12
THE GRAND SECULAR GAMES ce-St. Cyprian nade' Bithop of Carthage.
4
lebraced the laſt Time in Rome, U. C.
248
looo.
5
Philip undertakes to purge the City.
Famines and Troubles in the Empire. Origen wrices againſt Celfus.
5
Decius proclaim'd Emperor.
Fhe Chriſtians barbarouilly created at Alex
6 Philip is llain berween June 17th and andria, in the Month of January.
Ollober 19th.
THE SEVENTH GENERAL PERSE.
249 XXX.
CUTTON, in the Eeginning of the
Decius. DECIVS reigns two Years., and a Month Reign of Decius.
Many apoſtacize, and ſeveral puniſh'd
I He makes his four Sons C&f.ars.
for it.
13
3
12
or two.
14
3
13
13
1
14
3
250
The Goths ravage the Empire, which is Pope Fabian martyr'd Jan. 2och.
attended with many other Calamities. Abdon, Vittoria, doc, martyr'd, Celerinu:
A terrible Plague begins, which laſts ten and Minyes impriſon'd.
Years.
The Perfecution reaches Africk in April.
St. Cyprian, Gregory Thaum.xturgus, and
Dionyfius Alexandrinus retire.
Paul of Thebais the first Hermit.
Babylas of Antioch, Nejior, Pioneus, Cele-
rinus, and innumerable others are
martyr'd.
Origen ſuffers much.
The Church in Africk begins to have
Peace in Decernler.
XIII.
Fabius.
4
2
1
4
I
251 XXXI. GALLUS reigns one Year, and 5 Months Novatian ulurps the Biſhoprick of Rome.
Decius quits Rome in the Spring, and The Beginning of the Novatian Schisin.
2
marches into Mæfin.
Novatus and Novatian join.
Valerian nam'd Cenſor, October 27th. Sr. Cyprian returns to Carthage.
3 Decius defeated by the Gnths, and Nain in the firſt Council of Carthage.
XX.
the larcer End of november.
Council ac Roine which excommunid Cornelius.
caces Now.tian.
.
Gallus. Gallus makes Hoftilian Auguflus, and his He is rejected by fome, aud fellow'd by
Son lolufian Celar.
ochers.
He makes a diſhonourable Peace with the Alexander Biſhop of Jerufalem dies Pri-
I
Goths.
Toner at Cæfarea.
S
2
2
I
5
252
Volufian made Auguſtus in the End of July.slovatian raiſes new Diſturbances.
Gallus comes to Rome and cauſes Hostiliar The first Council of Antinch.
to be fluin.
Tlie fcccnd Council of Carthiige.
Many Nacions invade the Empire.
Kullus revives che fevench Perticution.
Śc. Cyprian is careful of his Ficck, and
writes teveral Treatites.
XIV.
Demetrius.
XXI.
Lucius.
6
2
I
I
2
I
6
I
253
XXXII.
l'alerian.
Famines, and other Calamities in the Em-The Church enjoys Peace will the eighth
pire.
Perlecucion.
Æmilian proclaim'd Empercr. Origen dies at Tyre, aged 69.
Galus and his son lain ar Terni in May. The scct of the Originiſis.
XXII.
The third Council of Carthage.
Stephen I.
L'ALERIAN reigns almoſt-ſeven years. Sc. Cyprian writes againſt tunatianus of
Æmilian lain in Augult.
Aljur.
Gallienus made Augustus.
7
2
I
I
The CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE. .
Biliops of
Rome.
Biſhops of Biſhops of
Alexandria Anciuch.
Stephen 1.
Dionyfius. Demetrian.
7
1
2
8
3
2
8
3
Roman
D.
A.D. Emperors.
Roman Affairs.
Eccleſiaſtical Affairs.
Valerian. Valerian governs well and honourably. Pupienus oppofes Sc. Cyprian.
The furth Council of Carthage, con
I
254
cering Bafilides and Mutial.
St. Cyprian writes about Almis.
2
He is concern'd with the Gallican Biſhop.
The fifth Council of Carthuge, concerning
2
the validity of Hereticks Baptifm.
255
3
The fixth Council of Cartha:je upon the
fame Subject.
3
Pope Stephen rejects all their Proceedings.
St. Cyprian writes to Julianus.
The ſeventh Council of Carthage in Sep-
temiher.
Firmili an, Dionyſius, da jin with
4
Sc. Cyprian.
3
9
4
?
3
9
4
256
4
10
S
i
4
10
4
S
257
The Perſians, Scythians, and other Ni-THE EIGHTH GENERAL PERSECU-
cions invade che Empire.
TION begins in April, aud continues
3 Years and a half.
Pope Stephen martyrd, Auguſt 2d.
Sc. Cyprian banith’d, Angult 300h.
Dionyſius Alexandrinus banil'd.
Subellius broaches his Hercſie in Lybia.
XXIII.
Sixtus 11.
1
5
I
II
6
II
5
6
I
Valerian murches wich his Army co By- The Perfecucion cncreaſes.
Rantium, to go againſt the Perfians. Pope Sixtus and his Archdeacon Lau-
rence martyr'd, Auguftidth.
Many martyr'd in Africk.
St. Cypriun recall'd trom Baniſhment, and
beheaded, September 140h.
258
6
I 2
7
.5
The Scysbians paſs the Danube, enter Ajiw, Many Martyrs ſuffer in Africk, Spain, Lyd
and pillage an infinite Number of Pla- bia, Paleſtine, and other Parts of the
Empire.
I 2
7
ces.
259
XXIV.
Dionyſius.
13
7
8
1
8
I
13
260
Valerian declines.
The greac Miſeries and Calamities in the
7
Valerian is taken Priſoner By S.ipores Empire, cauſc Gallienus to relax the
King of Perfia.
Periccucion in Ollober.
Paulus Samoſatanus, the nored Biſhop of
XXXIII. GALLIENUS reigns almost 8 Years after Antioch.
his Father's Caprivity.
Gallienus. Vaſt Ravages made in the Empire.
Poſthumus ſets up in Gidul, Ingenuus in
I
Pannonii, who is niin, and fucceeded by
Regilli.nus.
XV.
Paulus.
2
14
1
I
2
14
I
261
Macrianks and his Sons fer up in the The Chrijiians behave theinfelves nobly
Eaſt.
at Alexandria.
Great Troubles in Alex.indrit before che Dionyfius Alexandrinus ingages againſt Sa.
Paſſover.
bellines,
l'ijn and Valens fer up, the one in Theffa-This occaſions the ſecond Council of
ly, the other in Achaia.
Rome.
They are both lain.
Odenathus is ſucceſsful againſt the Pcr-
Jians.
2
IS
2
2
3
IS
262
Macri.inus and his Son defeated by Aureo-Macrianus perficures the Chrijlians in the
lus, who fets up himſelf, and reigns Exfl.
cill Gallienus's Death.
Marinus martyr'd ac Caftred.
Gallienus triumphs for Odenat bus's Advan- Aj!yrius celebrated.
tage over the Perfi.ins.
Gullienus publiſhes a Refcript in Favour
The Goths and Scythians ravage Greece of the Chrijlians, after the Deach of
and Aſia, and pillage Diana's Temple. Mucrianus.
Æmilian fers up in Egypt.
Dionyfius Alexandrinis confutes Nepos and
che Millenaries,
Many Chriflians carry'd captive by the
barbarous Nacions,
3
4
16
3
3
4
16
3
263
Saturninus fers up in the Borders of Scho By Reaſon of the Failing of ſome Chri-
tia.
jtins, Gregory Thaumaturgus writes his
Æmilian beſieg'd in Alexandria, and after Canonical Epiſtle.
wards lain.
The Chriſtians fuffer much in the Siege of
Regillianus lain in Pannoni.t, after three Alexandri...
Years Reign.
4
odenashus defeats Balifa and the Per.
s
17
4
lions.
The CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE.
Rom1
1.1. Emperors.
Roman Affairs.
Ecclefiaftical Affairs. Rome.
Bilbiups of | Billiops of
Hlexandria. Antioch.
Doon Jius.
5
Dionyfius.
Pilulus.
4.
264
Gallienus. Odenathus having ſettled liis Poiver in the Paulus Samoſatanus fhews his Errors an
Euft, is made Auguflus , and join'd Vices: .
wich Gullienus.
which cccafio.i the ſecond Council,
4
Gallienus marches againſt Paithumus in Artioch,
Gitul, where he is wounded.
5 ictwinis joins with Poſthumus, and our
reigns him.
17
XV.
Maximus:
i
6
......
I
5
6
I
5
265
Trebellian ſets up in Aſia, and is Nain. Gregory Thaumaturgus dies at Neo Cxfate..
The Tiuri revolc.
after he had govern'd cirät Church 26
Celſus ſets up in Africk, and reigns buc Years.
6
leven Days.
7
2
6
6
7
2
6
266
The Goth's pillage Afia, Galatia and Cap-Many Cirilliars made captive by the
padocit, and carry away infinice Num- Goths, who propagate the Faith amongſ :
bers of People.
.chem.
The Frank's receive the Faich about the
fame Time.
7
8
3
7
7
8
3
7
264
Odenathus, after four Years Reign is ſlain Paulus Samſatanus encourag'd and fup-
by Mxonius.
ported by Zenobiit.
Zenobia and her Scns ſucceed him in the
Eaſt.
Poſthumus in Gaul ſlain by Lollianus, wh
ſets up himſelf.
Vittorinus and Marius Tiitt:
Tetricus lucceeds in all Gauli
Vaſt Ravages in the Empire.
8
9
4
8
8
The Goths and Heruli pillage Afia and
Greece.
Gallienus Llain near Milan cn the 20th
Day of March.
9
4
8
268 XXXIV.
5
9
I
io
5
9
II
6
IO
?
II
Іо
Claudius. CLAVDIVS reigns a little above two Claudius is ſuppos’d to be ſomewhat ſe-
Years.
vere co the Chriſtians.
He defears Aureolus, and returns to Rome
in Triumph.
The Goths to the Number of 320000 Porphyry, the A poftare Chriſtian flouriſhes
I
Men, after many Ravages, are defeated in this Reign.
269
by Cl.tudius.
Zabias General co Zenobia becomes Ma-
2
fter of Ægypt.
Claudius marches to Sirmium in Pannonia, The Chriſtians are favour'd by Aurelian.
2
where he dies in the Month of April. The third Council of Antioch, which de-
prives Paulus Samofatanus, and places
3
Domnus in his See.
Sc. Anthony retires to the Deſerts of Ægypt,
270 XXXV. AURELIAN reigns five years wanting at 20 Years of Age.
one Mcnth.
durelian.
Quintillus Emperor for 17 Days.
Jurelian ſhews Vigour and Severity.
:I
The Marcomanni, and other Nations de The Sybils Books ſearch'd into.
feated by Aurelian.
The Chriſtians ſlighted.
271
Aurelian returns to Rome, and enlarges
2 the City Walls.
:
6
XXV.
Fxlix l.
XVI.
Domras.
7
I
1
I
7
I
I
2
8
2
2
8
2
2
272
Aurelian begins his March againſt Zeno. Paulus Samoſataniss fails in his Intereſt.
bia.
He defears Zenobia, and beſieges her in
the latter End of the Year.
3
3
9
3
3
3
9
3
:
273
Zenobia is taken Priſoner.
Paulus Samoſatanus deprived by Aurelian.
Longinus is executed by Aurelian. Aurelian caſts an evil Eye upon the Chri.
Aureliin puniſhes Palmyra.
Nians.
He reduces Firmus in Ægypt, and cauſes
Tetricus in Gaul ev yield.
He triumphs over all.
4
10
4
4
4
IO
4
4
274
5
Conſtantine the Great born Feb. 27th. THE NINTH GENERAL PERSECLI-
Aurelian builds a Temple to che Sun. TION begins in the latter End of this
He abandons Daci.z.
Year.
Pope Felix martyr'd December 22d.
Aurelian Nain near Byzantium, in the The Perfecution ſoon ſtopp’d.
Mönch of March.
5
II
5
5
5
XXXVI. An Interregnum of ſix Monchs.
275 Tacitus. TACITUS" begins his Reign, September
25th, and continues 6 or 7 Months.
XXVI.
Eutychiirusi
XVII.
1 117: eris.
12
1
I
The CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE.
Roman
A.D: Emperors.
Roman Affairs.
Eccleſiaſtical Affairs.
Biſhops of | Biſhops of | Bijbops of
Alexandria. Antichi.
Rome.
Eutychianus. Miximus.
Tüinals,
;
I
· I
I 2
1
Tacitus.goes towards the Ealt.. The Chriſtians enjoy a full Peace.
He is flain ae Ilirfies in Aſia on the 12tli Anatolius Biſhop of Laodicea flouriſhes in
of April, or a little after.
the Beginning of Probus's Reign.
XXXVII. PROBUS reigns 6 Years, and 3 or 4
Probus
Monchs.
Florian Ilain after three or four Months
Reign.
1
276
2
13
2
I
I
2
Probus obrains vaſt Victories in Gaul...
reat Rejoycings at Rome.
2
The Hereſie of the Manichees begins
about: this Time.
13
277
2
i
3
14
3
2
3
14.
3.
278
Probus marches into Illyricum and Thrace, Archelaus, Biſhop of Chaſchara.in-Mefopool
and clears them from the Goths and Sara tamia, flouriſhes about this Time.
matians.
i
3
4
IS
4.
3
4
15
4
Probus conquers the Ifauri, and the-Bleat
mii, and makes Peace with Vararanes
King of Perſia.
He returns through Thrace, and tri-
umphs.
!
279
:
4
3
16
5
;
4.
16
5
5
280
Saturninus, revolts in Ægypt, and Propuebl
lies and Bonoſus in Gaul.
Probus reduces them all.
5.
.
6
17
6
:
6
'5
Probus gives Peace to the Empire, and Dorothaus, a worthy Presbyter, of Antiach,
employs his Soldiers in Planting, Buil- flouriſhes about this Time:
dụng, doc.
6.
17
280
)
XVIII.
Cyrillus.
:
:
6
7
18
1
Ć!
Doll!
6
Probus ſlain near Greece, in Auguſt or No-Theognostus and Pierius, cwo Diſciples of
vember,
Origen flouriſh in Alexandria.
18
7
I
i
282 XXXVIII. ÇARUS reigns about one Year and one
Car14, &c.
Cafars.
Month.
He makes his Sons Carinus and Numerian
XVI.
Theonds.
8
2
I
I
1
8
I
2
283
Carus worſts che Saringtians.
Carinus and Numerian made Augufti in
the latter End of Anguli.
Carus after Advantages over the Perſians
is llain by Thunder after the 8th of
December.
2
9
2
3
t
2
3
Carinus makes magnificent Feaſts in Rome,
September 12th.
Nummerian ſlain by Aper, before the 17th
of September.
7
Dioclciian.
and 14 Days.
Miximian made Cæfar; November 2oth.
i
XXVII.
Caius.
284 XXXIX. DIOCLETIAN reigns 20 Years, 3 Months, THE DIOCLETIAN ÆRA, or the
Æra of the Martyrs, comunences All-
guſt 29th.
3
I
4
I
I
I
3
4
285
Carinus overthrown by Diocletian, and The Thebean Legion ſuppos'd to have
1ļain in Mafia.
been marryr'd this or the following
Miximian marches againſt the Bagauda in Year.
Gaulo
2
2
4
5
2
2
4
5
286
Maximian made Auguſtus, and equal with The Chriſtians meet with ſome Troubles
Diocletian, April iſt.
ar Rome.
he has the Weſtern, and Diocletian the
Eaſtern Parts of the Empire.
Canafius revolts in Britain.
3
3
6
5
3
3
6
5
Diocletian is ſucceſsful againſt Narfes King Several are ſuppos'd to be martyr'd this
of Perſia.
Year.
Maximian worſts the Germans.
The Emperors publiſh Edicts againſt the
Manichees.
+
287
4.
6
4
...
.....
F
The CHRONOLOGÍCAL TABLE.
Roman
Biſhops of
Biſhops of! Biſhops of
Roman Affairs.
Eccleſiaſtical Affairs.
A.D. Emperors.
Alexandria. Antioch.
Theonas.
Cyrillus.
Diocletian. Maximian is victorious over the Germans. The: Herefie of the Hieracites about thi:
Year.
4
288 4
Rome.
Caius,
6
7
5
5
7
8
s
7
8
5
289
Maximian is forc'd to make Peace with
Caraufius.
Diocletian wars with the Sarmatians.
!
6
6
8
9
6
8
6
Caraufius obtains the Title of Auguftus in Methodius and Vi&torinus, two worthy Bi
Britain.
ſhops, flouriſh abouc chis Time.
Achilleus ſets up in Ægypt.
9
290
7
7
9
10
7:
9
10
7.
Great Troubles in the Empire.
The two Emperors conlulc at Milan.
291
8
8
10
II
8
8
IO
)
Conſtantius and Galerius made Cæfars at
Nicomedia, March ist.
The Empire divided among the Empe-
rors and Cæfars.
:
292
9
12
9
9
II
I 2
9
Carauſius llain in Britain by Alle&us, who Diocletian aſſumes Divine Honours.
holds the Illand three Years longer.
293
IO
IO
12
13
-
Io
12
10
13
Galerius obtains Advantages over the Sar-
matians, and other Northern Nations.
294
II
II
13
14
The Carpi ſubmit to the Romans.
II
II
Phileas and Hefichins, cwo worthy Bi-
ſhops, and Pamphilus and Lucian, two
eminent Presbyters, flouriſh about this
Time:
13
14
295
12
14
13
I 2
Alle&tus in Britain reduc'd by Conſtantius.
Diocletian reduces Achilleus in Ægypt in
8 Monchis.
I2
14
IS
I 2
296
XXVIII.
Marcellinus.
13
is
16
I
IS
16
13
:
Galerius is ſucceſsful in the Eaſt.
He grows inſolent.
297
2
16
14
17
2
16
17
14
298
Dincletian's and Maximinian's Baths begun Diocletian begins to perſecure the Chri.
this Year.
Stian Soldiers.
Arnobius wrices againſt the Gentiles
15
3
18
17
The Marcomanni are defeated by the Em-
perors.
18
: 3
17
15
XIX
Tyrannus.
299
16
4
I
18
Peter of Alexandria flouriſhes.
18
16
4
300
XVII.
Peter.
17
S
2
I
17
5
I
Constantius defears thc Lingones, and kills The Chriſtians begin to grow corrupt.
6000o,
The Schiſm of the Meletians begins this
Year.
301
18
6
2
3
The CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE.
villal
Roman Affairs.
Bishops of Biſhops of Bijops of
Eccleſiaſtical Affairs.
Rome. Alexandria. Antiuch.
A. D. Emperor's.
Peter. Tyrannus
Diocletian. A Famine in divers Parts of the Empire. Kalerius urges Diocletian to perſecute the Marcelinus.
Galerius winters with Diocletian at Nicol Chrillians.
6
3
18 inedia,
Diocletian cunfulcs tlie Oracle, and con
302
ſenrs.
7
3
4
19
2
19
7
3
4
¡Diocletian celebrates his Vicennalia at THE TENTH GENERAL PER-
Rome, and triumphs November 20th SECUTION, begins February 23d.
with Maximian.
ar Nicomedia, continues to Years, and
He leaves Roine in Haſte.
four Monchs.
Horrid Cruelcies and innumerable Mar-
cyrs in all parts of the Empire, Gaul
only excepted.
303
20
8
4
20
8
4
s
Dincletian has a great Sickneſs most of The Perfecution carry'd with new Fury
this Year.
by Galerius and ochers.
He arrives very ill at Nicomedia in the It rages in the Eift,
End of the Year.
Pope Marcellinus ſuffers on Oktober 24th.
He is believ'd to be dead on the 13th of A Vacancy in the See of above three
December.
Years.
304
21
9
5
6
5
6
.
Diocletian appears openly, March iſt. Galerius encreaſes in Cruelries to the Chri.
21 He reſigns the Empire, wich Maximian, Stians.
on May the ift.
Maximin follows his Example.
The Perſecucion ceaſes in Africk and the
Welt.
XL.
CONSTANTIUS reigns one Year, one The Council of Cirtha.
Conſtantius Month, and 25 Days
.
The Council of Eliberes.
The Empire independently divided be
tween hini and Galerius.
Maximin and Severus are Cæfars.
I
305
6
7
of July.
6
7
Constantius ſends for his Son Conſtantine Galerius and Maximin encreaſe the Perſe-
I
inco Britain.
cution in their Dominions.
Conſtantius dies ar York, on the 25th Day Peter, Biſhop of Alexandria, writes his
Canonical Epiſtle before Eaſter,
2
Conſtantine favours the Chriſtians.
CONSTANTINE reigns 30 Years, and The Meletian Schiſm encreaſes.
XLI. almoſt 1 Months.
The Schiſm of the Donatifts begins.
Severus made Auguftus by Galerius, who
Conſtantini
only accounts Conſtantine Cæfar.
Maxentius fers up in Rome Ollober
28th.
I Maximian re-aſſumes the Empire.
306
7
8
1
7
8
Severus goes againſt Maxentins, and is Maximin ftill rages againſt the Chriſtians
flain in April.
in the Eaſt.
Alexander fers up in Africk.
Pamphilus cortur'd, and impriſon'd at Ca-
Maximian gives his Daughter Fuuſia to Sarea.
Conſtantine in May.
He and Euſebius vindicate Origen's Works.
G.clerius goes againſt Maxentius, and re-
turns in a Fright.
Galerius makes Licinius Auguftus in No-
vember,
307
8
2
9
2
8
୨
Mazimin aſſumes the Title of Auguſtus, After a Vacancy of above three Years,
and Galerius unwillingly confirms i Marcellus is made. Biſhop of Rome
buth to him and Conltantine.
Feb. 18ch.
XXIX.
Maximiun conſpires against Conſtantine, Valentina, Thea, and many others ſuffer Marcellus.
and is defeated.
in the East.
308
3
9
IQ
1
3
9
10
309
A great Sedition in Rome, which is much Pamphilus ſuffers Feb. 16th.
afflicted by the Tyrannies of Maxentius. Euſebius retires to Ægypt, where he is
impriſon'd.
Marcellus Biſhop of Rome condemn'd co
keep Beaſts, and then baniſh'd, o&to-
ber 7th.
4
2
10
II
4
Maximian, fir his treacherous Deſigns The Perſecution being ſomewhat abarcd,
I againſt Conſtantine is executed.
is reviv'd by Maximin.
Galerius ſtruck with an incurable Diſeaſe,
in March.
1ο
II
XXX.
Euſebius.
310
5
1
II
I 2
The CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE.
A.D. Emperors.
Biſhops of Biſhops of
Alexandria. Antioch.
Peter.
Tyrannus.
Roman
Roman Affairs. Eccleſiaſtical Affairs
Bifhops of
Rome.
Conſtantine Galerius, oppreſs’d with Torments, diesGalerius publiſhes an Edict in Favour of
i miſerably in May.
the Chriſtians, April 30th.
Maximin enlarges his Dominions in Aſia. Maximin adds new Cruelcies to the Chri-
5 Alexander defeated in Africk.
stians.
Conſtantine begins his great Expedition The pretended Council of Carthage. XXXI.
againſt Maxentius, and enters Italy in Miltiades ſucceeds in Rome, Fuly ioth. Miltiades.
the latter End of the Year. Peter, Biſhop of Alexandria, fuffers, No-
6
vember 25th.
II
1 2
311
I 2
13
I
1
I
6
I
13
+
Conſtantine intirely defears Maxentiks , Conſtantine inſtructed by the Viſion of the
and encers Rome in Triumph, in 080- Croſs in the Heavens.
ber.
He adviſes with Biſhops and peruſes the
THE INDICTION begins.
Scriptures.
Diocletian afflicted.
He publiſhes his firſt Law in Favour of
He dies miferably, December 3d.
the Chriſtians.
Maximin unwillingly complies wich ic.
312
XVIII.
Achillas.
!
<
}
; 7
2
14
I
I
7
2
14
:
2
Conſtantine marrjes his Siſter Conſtantia to Conſtantius and Licinius iſſue out ſeveral
Licinius in Jan.
Laws for Chriſtianity at Milan.
Maximin marches againſt Licinius. Licinius againſt Maximin is inſtructed by
He is overthrown by Licinius in May, and an Angel.
flies to the Enft.
The tepth Perſecucion ended intirely,
Maximinin great Diſtreſs poifons himſelf, June 13th.
and dies miſerably in Anguft. Máximin acknowledges the Power of Chri-
CHRISTIANITY TRIUMPHS.
313
XIX.
Alexander.
8
3
15
I
:
THE
1
.
1
:
THE
IN D E X
TO
He comes to
.
ted, ibid.
A
St. Andrew believes in Jeſus, 51. He is call’d to be
an Apoſtle, 59. His Death, 234.
HE Adamites, Hereticks, Page 308. Anianus ſucceeds St. Mark in Alexandria, 221.
Adrian the 15th Roman Emperor,»302. Anicetas the 10th Biſhop of Rome, 320:
His Excellencies and Failings, 302, 303. Annas made High-Prieſt, 41.
His Generoſity, 303. His Dacian Expe- Ananias with Saphira, their Puniſhment, 155.
dition, 304: He viſits the Empire, and enters Gaul Anteros the 18th Biſhop of Rome, 396.
and Germany, ibid. He enter's Belgium and Spain, St. Anthony the Hermite, 433.
305. He returns to Rome, and viſits the Eaſt, ibid. The Antitactes, Hereticks, 335.
At Athens he is initiated into the Élenfinian Myſte- Antioch, its Biſhoprick foundécl, 168. The firſt Council
ries, ib. His Decree in favour of the Chriſtians, 307. of Antioch, 411. the ſecond, 429. the third, 432.
He viſits Africk, 308. He Deifies Antonius, 309. Antoninus Philofophus, the 17th Roman Emperor,
He rebuilds Jeruſalem, ibid. He concludes the viſt 322. His Excellencies and Failings, 322, 323. His
tation of the Empire, 3 11. He adopts Lucius Com Regulations, 326. His Superſtition, 33 2. His Ex-
modus, ibid. He profanes Jeruſalem, 313. His pedition with Verus into the North, ibid. Further
Death, 314.
Regulations, 336. He goes again into the North, 377
Agrippa Senior, is bighly affronted at Alexandria, 167 He meets with a miraculous Deliverance by the Prayers
He is made King of Paleſtine, 175.
of the Chriſtians, 338, 339. He writes in favour
Jeruſalem and changes the Prieſthood, ibid. He is of the Chriſtians, 339. His Journey into the Eaſt,
check'd by Marſus, 177. He perſecutes the Church, ibid. He is initiated at Athens, and makes Com-
modus bis Partner, 340.
and puts James, the Son of Zebedee to Death, 179.
His laſt Advices and
He impriſons Peter, 179. Agrippa goes to Cæſarea,
Death, 346.
18o. He dies miſerably, 181. His Memory inſul- Antoninus Pius, the 16th Roman Emperor, 3 14.
His great Vertues, ibid.
His Regulations, 315.
Agrippa Junior, ſucceeds Herod of Chalcis, 188. His Edict in favour of the Chriſtians, 318. His
He is preferr’d, 198. He and others viſit Feftus,
Death, 322.
and bear St. Paul, 216.
Appelles, and his Hereſy, 347.
Agrippa writes againſt Bafilides, 307
Appollinaris writes an Apology for the Chriſtians, 340.
Agrippina ber Deſigns, 201. She is pain by Nero,215 Apollas, bis Succeſ in the Miniſtry, 209.
Agrippinus, the 10th Biſhop of Alexandria, 332. The Apoſtles, their Fourney and Preaching, 81. Their
Albinus, the 12th Governor of Judæa, 224.
Return, 82. Their Flight, 131. They work many
Alexander, the 15th Roman Emperor, 387. His ad Miracles, 154. Are impriſon'd by the Sanhedrini, ,
mirable Vertues and regard to Chriſtianity, 387,388. but are freed by an Angel, ibid. Are threatned with
He goes againſt Art- xerxes, 392. His excellent Di Death, 155. Their general Diſperſion, 183. They
ſcipline and Succeſs, ibid. His Triumph, 393. He divide the World by Lot, ibid. Their Creed and
goes againſt the Germans, and is ſain, ibid.
Canons, ibid.
Alexander, the fifth Biſhop of Rome, 298.
Apollonius, a Chriſtian Writer, 378.
Alexander made Biſhop of Jeruſalem, 379. Apollonius, a Senator, Juffers Martyrdom, 350.
Alexander, rbe grb Biſhop of Alexandria, 468. Apollonius Tyanæus, the Magician, brought before
Alexander, the 8th Governdor of Judæa, 167. Domitian, 275. His Death, 279.
An 21pparition of Alexander the Great, 386. The A potactes, Hereticks, 335.
Alexander the Impoſtor, 323.
Aquila tranſlates the Bible into Greek, 314.
Alexandria's Miſeries, 425
Archelaus own Succeſſor to Herod, 37. He is oppos'd
The Alogi, Hereticks, 335.
by bis Country-men, 38. He is depriv’d and baniſh'd
Ambivius, the fécond Governoir of Judæa, 42. by Auguftus, 40,
Ammonius Saccas, a Chriſtian of Alexandria, 351. Archelaus, Biſhop of Chaſchara, 438.
Ananias made Highs. Priet, 188. His Death, 239.
The Archonticks Hereticks, 370.
Ananus the High-Prieſt, llain, 252.
Areras of Arabia overthrows Herod the Tetrarch,164.
Anatolius, Biſhop of Laodicea, 436.
Ariftides writes his Apology, 306.
Ooo
Arnga
The N D E X
1
B
B
tings, ibid.
Arnobius Converted, 447. He defends the Chriftian ; Cerdo the 4th Biſhop of Alexandria, 282.
Religion, ibid.
Ceſtius Gallus attacks Jeruſalem, 239.
He retires
Aſclepiades, the grh Bifrop of Antioch, 379. with great loſs, 240.
Allirius, i celebrated Chriſtian, 426.
Chriſt's Genealogy, 28.
Athenagoras, with Miltiades, preſent their Apologies, Chriſtian Church, its first eft abliſsment and form, 150.
340. Judaizing Chriſtians diſturb the Church, 189. Cbri-
Auguftus, Emperor of Rome, bis Character, 31, 32. ſtians return to Jeruſalem, 263. their increaſe, 369.
His general Taxation, 32. His Troubles, 39. He State of the Church, 289. The Chriſtians fly to
refuſes the Title of Lord, 40. His Regulations, 42. Pella, 240. They are barbarouſly treated in Alex-
His Dearly, ibid.
andria, 403. They are made Captives, and their
Avilus, the third Biſhop of Alexandria, 271.
Succeß, 430. The Chriſtians favoured, 442. Their
Aurelian, the 3515 Roman Emperor, 432. His fe increaſe and many Corrisptions, 448.
vere and vigorous Reign, ibid. His succeſs againſt The Council of Cirtha, 456.
the Northern Nations, and againſt Zenobia, 433. Claudius the sth Roman Emperor, 174. He is poy-
His further Succeſſes and Triumph, 434. He begins son’d, 200.
the ninth Perſecution, and is lain, 435.
Claudius the 3r Roman Emperor, his Excellencies,
Succeſſes and Death, 43 1.
Clemens Alexandrinus ſucceeds Pantænus in the Go-
vernment of the Catechetick School; he writes bis
Abilas the 12th Biſhop of Antioch, p. 396. Exhortation to the Gentiles, 351. He writes bis
Bardafenes and bis Hercie, 337.
Stromata, 355. He retires from Alexandria, 370.
The Epiſtle of Barnabas written, 263.
Clemens Romanus Epiſtle to the Corinthians, 246.
Barfimæus Martyr'd, 298.
He is made third Biſbop of Rome, 273. His Ba-
St. Bartholomew's Death, 264.
niſhment, 284. His Martyrdom, 285: His Wri-
Bafilides Converted, 373
Believers fell their Effates for the Common-good, 152. Glecus, the ſecond Biſhop of Rome, 268.
when firſt diſperfect
, 158. when firft obtained the Commodus, Son of Antoninus, born, 323. He is
Name of Chriſtians, 178.
Partner in the Empire, 340. He marries, 345.
Beryllus confuted by Origen, 399.
He is made 18th Roman Emperor, 347. His Vices,
The Siege of Bether, 311.
and a Conſpiracy against him; 348. His Follies, and
The Bishops of the Circumciſion, 312.
Several Calamities, 352. His Death, ibid.
Concordus Martyr'd, 327.
С
Conſtantius and Galerius made Cæfars, 444. He is
the 40th Roman Emperor, and divides it into inde-
,
,
His Death, 457
Caius, Bijbep of Rome, 440.
Young Conſtantine's Policy, 457. He is the 41ſt Em-
Caliſtus ihe 15th Biſhop of Rome,
peror of Rome, ibid. His Character, ibid. His
Caligula the 4th Roman Emperor, 165. He grows Marriage, 448. His firſt great Attempts, 465.
unſupportable, and is flain, 173.
He is directed by a miraculous Appearance, 466.
Caracalla Pariner in the Empire with Severus, 358. He is inſtructed by Biſhops, 467. He ingages with
He is the 22d Roman Emperor, 377. His and Maxentius, ibid. His Triumphant Entrance into
Geta's unbappy Government, be kills bis Brother Ge Rome, ibid.
His borrid Axts and Cruelty, 380. He Coponius, the firſt Governour of Judæa, 41.
Travels into Gaul, ibid. His fourneys, and is tor- Cornelius ſends for Peter, 171.
menied with Ghosts
, 381. His deteft able Actions at Cornelius 4th Biſhop of Antioch, 307.
Alexandria, and in the Eaſt, and is ſlain, 382. Cornelius 20th Biſhop of Rome, 407.
The Cainites, 28c.
Cumanus grh Governour in Judæa, 188. He is ba-
Carinus, and Numerian joined with him, 440. Ca niſhed; 198.
rinus overthrown and fain, 442.
St. Cyprian converted, 401. He is made Biſhop of
The firſt Council of Carthage, 408. the ſecond, 412. Carthage, 402.
He retires with others, 40€.
the ihird, 415. the fourth and fifth, 416. the ſixth He returns to Carthage, 408. His tender Care of
and ſeventh Council of Carthage, 417.
his Flock; and he writes ſeveral Treatiſes, 412.
The Carpocratians, 308.
He prevails againt Pope Stephen, 418. Helis baa
Carus the 38th Roman Emperor, 349. His Succeſſes
niſhed, 419.
He Comforts the Martyrs, ibid.
and Death, 440.
His Apprehenſion, Examination, and Martyrdom,
Caſſius's Revolt and Death, 339.
422.
Dion Caffius writes bis Hiſtory, 391.
Cyrenius's ſecond Taxation, which cauſes a new Seft
Celadion, 9th Biſhop of Alexandria, 319.
called Gaulanites, 41.
Century the first concluded, 287. the ſecond, 360, and Cyrillus, the 18th Biſhop of Antioch, 439.
the third, 447
:
Decius
The INDE X.
Eucychianus the 26th Biſhop of Rome, 435.
D.
+
F.
De
Ecius proclaimed by the Soldiers, 403. He is the
Abian the 19th Biſhop of Rome, 396. He is Mars
zoth Roman Emperor, 404.
Attended with
I tyr’d, 406.
many Miſeries in the Empire, 407. His Death, 401. Fabius the 13th Biſhop of Antioch, 407.
Demetrian the 14th Biſhop of Antioch, 411.
Fadus the 7th Governour of Judæa, 181. He ends Di-
Demetrius the 12th Biſhop of Alexandria, 351.
turbances, 182. He, with Longinus diſturb the
Diocletian is the 39th Roman Emperor. 441. He
Jews, 182.
makes two Cæſars, and commits the Care of the Em-
A Famine foretold by Agabus, 178.
pire to 4. 444. He aſſumes Divine Honorats, 445. Fauſtina dies, 316.
His and the two Cæſars Succelles, 446. He is ur.
Fauſtina dies, 340.
ged by Galerius to perfecute the Chriſtians, be com- Fauſta is married to Conftantine, 458.
ſults the Oracle
, and conſernsts
, 449. His Triumph, Fælix the 10th Governour of Judæa, 198. His Governa
452. His Sickneſ, and being threatned by Galerius,
ment, 202.
He routs an Egyptian Magician, 20%.
be refigns the Empire, 453,454. He is Affli&ted, Felix the ift, the 25th Bishop of Rome, 433.
and dies, 469.
Felicitas and her ſeven Sons Martyr’d, 326.
Dionyſius Biſhop of Corinth, 333.
Feftus the Eleventh Governour of Judea, 216. His
Dionyfius 14th Biſhop of Alexandria, 402.
Government, 223.
Dionyſius Alexandria baniſhed, 420. He makes new Florinus and Blaftus diſturb the Church, 348.
Converts, ibid. he is engaged againſt Sebellius, 426. Florus the 13th Governour of Judæa, 235. His wick-
be confutes Nepos, and the Millinaries, 427.
bis
ed Government, ibid.
Death, 429.
Dionyſius 24th Biſhop of Rome, 423.
G.
The Diſciples of Jeſus (being 70.) their return, 95.
The Diſciples of Jeſus (being 11.) comforted by 2 An-
in an upper Room, and chufe a new Apoſtle (viz ) Galba the ath Roman Emperor, 245. He Adopts
gels, They return to Jeruſalem, aljemble themſelves GAbriel appears to Zacharias, 25. He appears to
Macchias, 147, 148. They meet and pray, 153.
Piſo, 246. He is ſain, 247.
they. chuſe Seven Deaconis, 156.
Galerius and Conftantius made Cæſars by Diocletian,
Domitian the 121b Roman Empire, 269. bis Regu-
444. Galerius's Succeſſes, 445. His Infolence, 446.
lations, 270. he puniſhes the Veſtal Virgins, and Ba-
He urges Diocletian to perſecute the Chriſtians, 449.
miſhes the Philoſophers, 271. be aſſumes Divine bo-
He threatens Diocletian, and has the Empire reſign-
nours, ibid. b. inſtitutes the Capitoline Games, and
ed to him, 453. His Character, 455. He is inraa
celebrates the grand Secular Games, 272. he again
ged, 457. His Miſcarriage, 459. He joyns Lic-
baniſhes the Philoſophers, 273. be fears, 277. St.
cinius with him in the Empire, ibid. His ſtrange
Jude's Grand-Children are brought before bim, he re-
diſtemper, 462. His Edi&t in favour of the Chris
laxes the Perſecution, grow's more uneaſie
, and is
ftians, 463. He dies miſerably, ibid.
fain, 277, 278.
Galilee recovered, 241.
Domnus the 16th Biſhop of Antioch, 432.
Gallus the 31ſt Roman Emperor, 410. The Empire
Donatifts their Beginning, 465.
Haraled, 411. He renews the71b Perſecution, 412.
A Diſturbance at Dor, 176.
He is fain, 413.
Dorotheus flouriſhes, 439.
Gallienus 33d Roman Emperor, and the Miſeries of
his Reign, 424. His Behaviour, 425. He relax.
E.
es the Perſecution, ibid. He publiſhes a Reſcript in
favour of the Chriſtians, 427. He is joyned by O.
A
Dreadful Earthquake, 300.
denathus, 428. Gallienus flain, 431.
Edictum Perpetuum, 309.
Gentiles, their firſt call, 171.
Elagabalus the 23d Roman Emperor, and his Cha- The two Gordians proclaimed Emperors, and both ſaing
racter, 384. bis Superſtition, 385. He acopes bis Cous-
366.
zin Alexianus, 386. He is fain, 387.
Gordian the 28th Roman Emperor, 397. Calami-
The Council of Eleberes, 456.
ties in the Empire, 399. His Succeſes abroad, ibid.
Eleutherus the 12th Biſhop of Rome, 340.
He declines, ibid. He is lain, 400.
Elxai the Impoſtor, and his Followers, 229.
Granian writes for the Chriſtians, 307.
Æmilian proclaimed Emperor, 413. His Death, 414. Gratus the 4th Governor in Judæa, 43.
The Encratites begin by Tatian, 335.
Gregory Thaumaturgus made Biſhop of Neo-Cæſa.
Eros the 5th Biſloop of Antioch, 316.
rea, 398. He writes bis Canonical Epiſtle, 4286
Eumenes the 7th Biſhop of Alexandria, 307.
His Death, 429.
Eufebius Biſhop of Cæfarea retires to Egypt, 462. The Guards brib’d, 141.
where he is Impriſon'd, ibid. Eufebius the 30th Bi-
shop of Rome, ibid.
Hege
:
The INDE X.
.
182.
!
cures a Noble-man's Son of Capernaum, ibid. He
H.
begins to Preach in Galilee, 58. He goes to Naza-
reth, ibid. He is barbarouſly treated there, 59.
Fgelippus and his Writings, 321.
He ſettles at Capernaum, and reſtores a Demoniack
H
Queen Helena relieves Jerufalem in a Famine. there, 59, 60. Cures Peter's Wives Mother, and
many other fick Perſons, 60. He makes a ſecond
Hereſie when firſt began, 16r. Herefies, 261. The Progreſs through Galilee, Cures a Leper, and returns
Nicolaitan Hereſie, 272.
to Capernauni, 61. He frees a Paralitick both
Heraclas 13th Biſhop of Alexandria, 391.
from his Sins and bis Diſeaſe, 62.
Hermas writes his Paftor, 273.
He Cures an Infirm Man at the Pool of Bethſaida, 63.
Herod's Reign, 25. His Maſſacre of the Infants, 36. He is called before the Sanhedrim, bis Defence, ibid.
His ſtrange Diſtemper, ibid. His cruel Orders, 37. He Diſcourſes the Phariſees concerning the Sabbath,64.
His Death, ibid. His Dominions divided, 39. He returns to Capernaum, anil beals a Man with a
Herod's Son's Goverment, 40. He builds Tiberias, withered Hand on the Sabbath, ibid. He works
44
Marries has Brother's Wife, 45. Herod's fears, many Miracles, 65. His Choice of his 12 Apoſtles,
81. His final Baniſhment occaſioned by the Ambition Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholo-
of Herodias ; and Herodias's likewiſe, 168. His mew, Mathew, Thomas, James, Simon, Jude
Dominions given to Agripp, ibid.
and Judas Iſcariot, 66. Ilis Sermon on the Mount,
Herod Agrippa's firſt Rile, 166. He is made King 67. He returns to Capernaum, and cures a Cen-
of Philips Dominions, ibid.
turion's Servant, 70. He goes to Naim, and rai-
Herod of Calcis obtains powver over the Temple, and fes a Widow's Son, 71. His sin/wer to John Bap-
makes Joſephus High Prieſt, 183.
ciſt, and his Diſcourſe to the l'eople thereupon, ibid.
Heron fiscceeds Ignatius in Antioch,
He clines with Simon tbe Phariſee, where Mary
Hermogenes and the Materialiſts, 34).
Magdalen) anoints bis Feet, 72. He is followed by
Heſychius, 419.
many Women, ibid. He cures a Dumb and Blind
The Hieracites, 443.
Demoniack, and the Pharifees Blaſpheme, 73. His
Hierocles flourißies, 449.
Vindication and Denunciation againſt them, and al-
Hyginus the 8th Bishop of Rome.
gainſt the Nation of the Jews, ibid.
His Mother,
Hippolitus an Eccleſiaſtical Writer, 389.
&c. deſire to ſpeak with him, ibid. bis Parabolical
Sermon and Explanation, 74.
The Holy Ghofts great Effuſion nt Pentecoſt, 148. . A
His Anwer to a
ſecond Effufion of the Holy Gboft, 153.
Scribe and two others, who were to follow him, 75.
He takes Shipping, and Alivages a Storm, 76. He
I.
arrives at the Gadarenes Country, wbers be cures two
Domoniacks, and permits the Devils to enter a Herd
Ames is called, 59.
His Ambition, 109.
He is of Swine, ibid. The Gadarenes beſeech him to leave
J
Beheaded by Agrippa, 179.
their Countrey, 77.
His Diſcourſe on Matthew's
His
James the leß made Biſhop of Jeruſalemi, 157. Feaſt, and beals a Woman of a blocdy Flux, ibid.
Epiſtle written, 223. His Martyrdim, 225.
He retores Jairus's Daughter to Life, 78. He cures
The Council of Iconium, 391.
two blind Men, and a Dumb Demoniack, ibid.
He
The Temple of Janus shut up, 238. It is ſhut up, 260 goes a ſecond time to Nazareth, ibid. Where
It is shut up, 273;
he is ſlighted, 79. He Re-viſits Galilee, ibid. His
Jeruſalem the firft Church, 151. A Sedition in Jeru Million of the 12 Apoſtles, and Inſtru&tions to them,
ſalem, 188. Jeruſalem Beſieged, 310.
inid. His Miracle of s Loaves and sooo Men,
His 82.
Jeſus born, 32. Time of bis Nativity, ibid.
He walks on the Sea, ibid. be Impowers Pe-
firft Revelation to Shepherds, 33. His Circumciſion,
ter to do the Jame, 83. His Diſcourſe concerning
ibid His preſentation in the Temple, 34. His Re-
bis Fleſh and Blool, and the comfequences of it, 84.
ception by Simeon, ibid. His Recepsion by Anna He Diſputes concerning waſhed hunds, 65. He repairs
ibid. His ſecond Revelation to the Magi, 35. He towards Phænicia, where he rritores a Woman of
is acknowledged with Aderation, ibid. llis flight Canaan's Daughter, 86. He returns to the Se.. of
into Egypt, ibid. He returns from Egypt, 39. Galilee, and cures one Dumb ani Deaf, ibid. His
His Habitation at Nazareth, ibid. At 12 Years of
Miracle of the Seven Loaves and 4000 People, 87.
Age be comes to Jeruſalem, and Diſputes with the He reprehends the blindness of the Phariſees, and of
Dosturs, 41. His private Education, 45.
his own Diſciples, ibid. be cures a blind Man ät
Is Baprized, 119. His Age and time when Baptized,
Bechſaila, ibid. he tryes bis Diſciples, 88. bis
and Combat with the Devil, ibid. Hs goes to a
firſt diſcovery of bis Paſſion, ibid. bis Transfigurati-
Marriage, where he works his firſt Miracle, 52. on upon the Mount, ibid. be deſcends from the Moun-
He repairs to Capernaum, 53. At Jeruſalen at tain, and returns 10 bis Apoſtles, 89. be cures a
the Paßover, he clears ibe Temple of Traders, ibid. pobeljed Lunatick, 90. his ſecond diſcovery of his
He wirks Miracles, and Diſcourſes with Nicode. Paſſion , ibid.
His payment of Tribute at Cam
mus, 54. He goes and Baprizes in Judæa, 55. He pernaum, ibid. His Sermon of Humility, ibid.
eners Samaria, Diſcourſes with a Samaritan Wo Of Shunning Scandals, of Private and Publick Cer-
ma17, 56. Converts many Samaritans, 57. He Sures, and of forgiving Injuries, 91. He is advi-
fed
The INDEX
à
ſed to go to Jeruſ alem at the Feaſt of the Tabernacles, öne Queſtion, ibid. be expoſes the Hypocriſie and vil.
bis Fourney towards that City, and his Miſſion of 70 lanies of the Phariſees and leading Mei, 119.
be
Diſciples, 92. bis Arrival at the Feaſt of Taberna applauds the Widow, 120. bis prophetical Sermon
sles, 93. he diſputes with the Phariſees, 94. and is concerning the Deſtruction of the Temple and Jeruſa-
in danger of being ſtoned, 95. bis Diſcourſe with lem, ibid. bis Parable of the careful Servant, 121.
Lawyer, and his Parable of the good Samaritan, 96. of she ten Virgins and of the Talents, 122. Deſcriptio
he is entertain’d by Martha and Mary, ibid. be on of the last Judgment, ibid. be lups at Simon the
teaches the Diſciples to pray, and invites them by tuvo Lepers, where Mary anoints bis Head, 123. he washa
Examples, ibid. he diſpoſefjes a dumb Demoniack, es bis Apoſtles Feet, teaches them Humility, and fore-
97. dines with a Phariſee, and expoſes their Sećt, tells Judas's Treaſon, ibid. be gives his Diſciples a
ibid. he cautions bis Diſciples againſt Hypocriſie, Co new Commandment, 124. be prepares the laſt Pallo-
vetouſneſs and Careleſneſs, 97 and 98. be warns the ver, and comforts his Diſciples before his Departure,
Jews to Repentance, the Parable of the barren Fig 125. he celebrates the Pallover, and inſtitutes the
tree, he cures a crooked Woman, and confutes the Risler Euchariſt , 126. be compoſes the Apoſtles Conteſt, and
of the Synagogue, 98. he goes to Jeruſalem at the Feast warns them of their Temptation, 127. be gives his
of Dedication, where he cires a Man born blind, 99. farewel Exhireätions, ibid. his folemn Prayer, 128.
the Man is brought before the Sanhedrim, ibid. and be departs over Kedron, and foretels bis Apaſtles Infir-
is excommunicated. 100. be expoſes the Jews, and mities, 129. bis Ante-Pal;wn and Avony in the Gar-
proves bimſelf to be the good Shepherd, ibid. be is in den, his Apprehenſion and Judas's Treajon, 130. he
danger of being ſtoned, 101. be croſſes the River Jor is brought before Annas, and then before Caiaphas
dan, 102. his anſwer concerning the Namber of the and the Sanhedrim, 131. be is inhumanly treated
Bleſſed, and to Herod's Threatenings, ibid. be cures by the Servants, and brought again before the Sambe-
one fick of the Dropſie, and delivers Rules concerning drim, 132. he is brought before the Roman Govern-
Feaſts, ibid. together with a Parable, 103. by exhorts nour Pilate, 133. wbo finds no Fault in him, 134.
bis Followers to Precaution by two Examples, and ex he is brought before Herod, and ſent back wiih Scorn,
poſes the Phariſees Murmurs by the Parables of the ibid. be is again brought before Pilate, who in vain
loft Sheep, the Piece of Silver, and the prodigal Son, propoſes to releaſe bim inſtead of Barabbas , ibid.
103. be reproves their Covetouſneſs by' the Parable
he is Scourged, crowned wiib Thorns, and expoſed to the
of the uninſt Steward, 104. and the Example of Jews, 13 5. be is examined again by Pilate, ibid. is
Dives and Lazarus, 105. be adviſes bis Dil condemned to be crucified, 136. is led through Jeruſa-
ciples againſt Scandals, and the Thoughts of Merit, lem, and crucified between two Thieves, 137. bis
ibid.
Garments are divided, ibid. be triumphs in one of the
He cures ten Lepers, 106. He ſhews the coming of his Thieves, and makes bis Will, ibid. be cries out in his
Kingdom, ibid. He teaches Fervency in Prayer by Agonies, and dies, 138. bis Death attended wiib lemn
the Parable of the unjuſt Judge, and Humility by the veral Prodigies, and the Jewiſh Types at an end, ibid.
Parable of the Phariſees and Publicans, ibid. He bis Side is pierced, 139. bis Body begg'd and buried,
into Peræa, wher: he diſputes with the Phariſees ibid. bis Reſurrection, 140. bis firſt Appearance to
goes
concerning Divorces, 107. be bleſſés certain Infants, Mary Magdalen, bis ſecond to ceri din Women, and
ibid. bis Anſiver to the young Man, ibid. bis Re his third appearance to two Diſciples, 141. bis fourth
prehenſion of Covetouſneſs, 108. bis Promiſe to true Appearance to Peter, and hus fijeb Appear ance to ten
Followers, and Parable of the Labourers in the Vine of the Apoſtles, 142. bis ſixth Appearance to the ele-
yard, ibid. he is ſent to Martha and Mary, 109. ven, and his 7th Appearance at the Sea of Galilees
histbird Diſcovery of bis Paſſions, ibid. be goes to bis Inſtructions to Perer, 144. bis 8ch Appearance to
Jericho, 110. be converts Zaccheus, ibid. The Soo Brethren, 144. his Commiſion to the Apuſtles,
Parable of the ten Pieces deliver’d to ten Servants, ibid. his oth Appearance to James, and his laſt Ap-
ibid. be cures two blind Men near Jericho, ibid. pearance to 120 Diſciples, before wbom be aſcends in-
be goes to Bethany, and raiſes Lazarus from the
to Heaven, 145.
Grave, 111. he retires to Ephraim, 112. he re-Jeſus Damnaus made high Prieſt, and a ſtrange Pre-
turns to Bethany, where Mary anoints bis Feet, Sage, 225.
Jeſus Gamaliel made bigh Prieſt, 226.
His Kingly Entrance into Jeruſalem, 113; he weeps o- The Jews Troubles, 38. They are perſecuted in Rome,
ver the City, ibid. be clears the Temple of Traders, 43. They are divided in their Opinions concerning Je-
ſus, and bring a Woman to him taken in Adultery,
I14
bis Diſcourſe with certain Greeks, ibid. be
.
cserjes the Fig-tree, 115, and clears the Temple again, 94. The Jewish Types at an End, 138. Their fruit-
ibid. bis Diſcourſe concerning the wither'l Fig-tree, lefs Caution, 139. & Defence between the Jews und
116. he is queſtion’d by the Rulers, wbo are puzzled, Heleniſts, 156. The Jews in Alexandria barba-
ibid. his Pärable of the two Sons in the Vineyard, rouſly treated, but are reliev’d by the Removal of
ibid. bis Parable of the ungrateful Husbandman, ibid. Flaccus, 167. The Jews all reduc’il to great Extre-
bis Parable of the Marriage Feaſt, 117. be defeats mities by the Pride of Caligula, 169. They are ealed
the Phariſees, and ſilences the Sadduces, 118. be by Agrippa's Mediation, 170. About scocojlarin
anſwers a Doctor of the Law, then confounds all by near Babylon, ibid. They are favour’d by Claudius,
175
II2
Рpp
The I N D E X
175. They are banilh’d by Claudius, 196. Wonderful Julianus the 20th Rom. Emperor 253. he is ſain, 354.
Preſages of the Jews Ruin, 236. A Conſpiracy at Julius Africanus his Chronology, 386.
Rome, for which many ſuffer, ibid. The Begin. Juſtin Martyr converted, 309. be comes to Rome, 316.
ning of the Jewish War, 238. The Jews mal he writes his firſt Apology, 318. be viſits the Eaſt,
Sacred at Cæſarea and other places, 239. They 320. he writes againſt Tryphon, ibid. his Dif
make great Preparations, 240. Their Miféries, borrid pute with Creſcens, 326. be writes b's ſecond Apó-
Factions, Robberies, and Murthers, 251. All Judæa Lagy, 331. be with fire others apprehended, 332. bis
Suffer, 252. The Seditious divided into three Factions, Diſcourſe with the Governor, ibid. he and his Com-
and the three Fa&tions reduc'd to two, 253. The per panions ſuffer, 333.
petual Sacrifice ceaſes, 256. The Seditious fly to the Jultus the 6th Biſhop of Alexandria, 304.
upper City, 257. The Number of the Jews ſain, 258.
The End of the Jewiſh Oeconomy, ibid. The End of
the Jewiſh War, 262. Their Temple in Egypt de-
L.
ibid. They with 263.
The Jewiſh Sanhedrim fit af Gabneth, 265. Their Licinius joined with Severus, 459. be marries
Rebellion and Barbarities under Trajan, 301. They
are entirely defeated and chaſtiſed, ibid. They make a min, and is inſtructed by an Angel, 470. be defeats
general Revolt, 310. They are entirely defeated, 311. Maximin, ibid.
Their Miſeries and laſt Diſperſion, z 12. They are for- Linus ſucceeds St. Peter and St. Paul in Ronie, 244.
bidden to ſee Jeruſalen, 313.
be Juffers, 267.
Ignatius the ſecond Biſhop of Antioch, 259. bis Four. Lucian, 445.
ney towards Rome, 294. bis Epiſtle to the Ephefi. Lucius of Britain ſends to Pope Eleutherus for Preach-
ans, Magnetians, Trallians, Romans, Philadel ers, 344
phians, Smyrnians, and to Polycarp, 295. bis Ar- Lucius the 21ſt Biſhop of Rome, 413.
rival at Rome, and Martyrdom, 296. be appears to St. Luke's Goſpel written, 222. be writes the Acts of
bis Friends, ibid.
the Apoſtles, 229. bis Death, 265.
The Indiction begins, 468.
Lyſias reſcues Paul,
St. John the Baptiſt born, 27. his Life, 46. his Miniſtry
and time of his Miniſtry, ibid. "Preaching, 47. bis
Baptiſm, ibid. he is follow'd by all his Sects,, ibid.
M.
be foretels , of Jeſus,
so. he ' ſecond
M
Teſtimony of Felus, 51. his third Teſtimony, ibid.
the
bis laft Teſtimony of Chriſt, 55. he goes to the Court bis Miſmanagement, 383. he declines, ibid. he is
of Herod, ibid. he is impriſon'd by him, 56. be
ſain, 384.
Sends to Jeſus, 71. bis Death, 81.
Mamaa Cends for Origen into Syria, 385.
St. John the Evangeliſt believeth in Jeſus
, 51. he is The Beginning of the Manichees and their Opinions,
called, 59. his ambition, 109. bis Acts at Ephe 437.
ſus, 270. he is thrown into á Chaldrın of boyling Marcella and Potamixna, their Triumphs, 372.
Oyi, 276. he is baniſh'd to the Iſle of Patmos, ibid. Marcellina a Carpocratian, 32 1.
be writes his Revelations, ibid. he is much afflicteil, Marcia favours the Chriſtians, 349.
ibid. he returns to Epheſus, 280, he writes his firſt The Marcionites Hereſie, 317.
Epiſtle, ibid. his ſecond and third, 281. be writes The Marcoſians, 349.
bis Goſpel at the Regueſt of the Alian Churches, ibid. Marcellinus the 25th Biſhop of Rome, 445.
bis Care, 284. be converts a Robber, 285. his Love, Macellus, the 29th Biſhop of Rome, 460.
285. bis Death, ibid. bis Diſciples and Writings, ibid. Marcus the 8th Biſhop of Alexandria,
Joſeph the reputed Father of Jeſus dies, 45.
Marinus martyr’d, 426.
Joſeph made bigh Prieſt, 223.
St. Mark's Goſpel written, 178. bis Death 220.
Jofephius made bigh Prieſt by Herod of Calcis, 183. Mark Biſhop of Jeruſalem, the firſt of the Uncircumci-
Joſephus taken Priſoner, 241. he is ſet free, 249. his
fin, 313.
Wars of the Jews put into a publick Library, 268. be Marſus affronts Agrippa, 177.
finiſhes his Antiquity of the Jews, 274. he dies, ibid. Several Martyrs, 275. The firſt Commemoration of Mar-
Irenæus made Biſhop of Lyons, 344. he writes againſt tyrs, 331. An Account of the Martyrs Jent to ſeveral
all Hereticks, 351. he is martyr'd at Lyons, 370. Churches, 344. Many Martyrs, 345.
Iſhmael is made bigh Prieſt, 215.
The Martyrs in Africk, 422. Muny Martyrs, 423.
Diſturbance in Judæa, 198. All Judæa ſuffer, 252. Marullus the 6th Governor in Judæa, 166.
St. Jude writes his Epiſtle, 262. bis Death, 263. his The Virgin Mary viſits Elizabeth, 27.
She is Supected,
Grandchildren brought before Domitian, 277.
28. ber Death, 188.
Judas bargains with the Sanhedrim, &c. 124. bis Mary anoints Jeſus's Feet, 112:
Deſpair and ſtrange Death, 133.
Maternus and Cleander flain, 350.
Julian, ile nith Biſhop of Alexandria, 345. Matthew called, 62. bis Feaſt, and Jeſus's Diſcourſe
spon
the core is thought to be ibe Melliah, ibid., bis Semd. MA Macrinus ribe+2zd Roman Emperor, 382.
.
The IN DE X,
܀
.
220.
1
2.
His Deſigns, .459. His Character
upon it, 77. bis Goſpel written, 176. bis Death,
dinances, 279.
He Adopts Trajan, 282. He
dies, 283,
St. Matchias's Death, 225.
Nicodemus ſpeaks for Jeſuis, 94:
St. Matthias the laſt High Prieſt, 235.
The Nicolaitan Herefte, 272.
Maxentius ſets up in Rome, 458. his Character 459. The beginning of the Novatian Schilm, 407. He iš
be is ſlain, 467
Excommunicated at the Council of Rome, 409. He
Maximian goes againſt the Belgaudæ, 442. be is made Uſirps the Biſhoprick of Roine, but is rejected, 409:
Auguftus and equal with Diocletian, 443. their Ele railės Diftirbances, 411.
Edicts against the Manichees, ibid. he reſigns his Novatus joyns with Novatian, 408.
Right to the Empirė, 454. bé re-aſſumes the Em- Numerian ſain, 441.
pire, 458.
460. His Cruelties to the Chriſtians, ibid. His
Treachery and Defeat, 460, 461. His Vilany and
.
Death, 462
Maximinus the 26th Roman Emperor, his Monſtrous
Stature and Temper, 393, Conſpiracies againſt him on en athus joyned with Galerius
, 428. He is
ctavia killed by her Husband
and his Succelles, 394. He and his Son ſlain, 397.
Maximus and Balbinus the 27th Roman Emperor , jain, and Zenobia ſucceeds bim, 430.
397. They are ſain, ibid.
Ophites Herefie, 319.
Maximin follows Galerius's Example, 455. He en Oneſmus Convirted, 228. He is Martyr’d, 298.
larges bis Dominions, 464. His Superſtition and Origen’s Zeal and Education, 370. He is maintaina
Tyranny, ibid. He unwillingly complies with Con-
ed by a Lady; 371.
He is made Governour of
ſtantine, 468. He marches againſt Licinius, 469: the Catechetical School, ibid. He Emaculates
He is Defeated, 470. He poylons himſelf, and dies himſelf, ibid. He goes to Rome, 378. His im-
miſerably, 471.
provement, 379. He compoſes his. Terrapla, 380.
Maximus the 7th Biſhop of Antioch, 348.
He
goes to preach in Arabia, 381. He returns,
Maximus the 15th Biſhop of Alexandria, 429. ibid. He retires to Cæſarea, 382. He is remo
Mazabanes the 36th Biſhop of Jeruſalem, 410. called by Demetrius, ibid. He writes Commen-
The Melchifedecians, 383.
taries upon the Scriptures, 389. He defends Phi-
The Meletians Schiſm, 448.
loſophy, 390. He goes to Achaia, ibid. At Pa-
Melito made Biſhop of Sardis, 321. He preſents an leſtine be is ordained Presbyter, ibid. Demetri.
Apology for the Chriſtians, 335.
us reſents it, ibid. He is condemn’d by a Coun-
The Death of Meſſalina, 187.
cil, in a ſecond Council Degrailed and Excommuni-
The Millenarians 294.
cated, 391. Notwithſtanding finds many Friends,
Miltiades the 31ſt Biſhop of Rome, 464.
391. He writes of Martyrdon, and retires from
Minutius Foelix writes for the Chriſtian Religion, Cæſarea, 396. He returns to Cæfarea, 398. His
175.
Induſtry, 401. He Combats againſt Hereticks
Many Miſeries in the Empire under Decius, 407. ibid. He writes againſt Celſus, 402. His Suf-
Montanus and his Hereſie, 336.
ferings and Eſcape, 407. His Death, 414.
The Montaniſts condemn’d in Aſia, 347. They are Ex- The Originiits
, 415.
communicated with Tertullian, 380.
Ocho the Eighth Roman Emperor, 247. His De-
The Multitudes ſurprized, 149.
feat and Death, 248.
Muſanus an Ecclefiaftical Writer, 372.
9
P.
1
N.
Amphilus flouriſhet, He is Tortur'd and
Arciſſus Biſhop His Re Impriſon'd, 460. His ibid. He
tirement, and its Conſequence, 359. He returns fers, 461.
to Jeruſalem, 374.
Pantænus Governour of the Catechetick School in
The Story of Natales, 383.
Alexandria, 345. His Journey to the Indies,
Nathaniels Teſtimony, 52.
351.
Nero the Sixth Roman Emperor, 202. He Degene- Papias Bishop of Hierapolis, 293.
rates, 215. He orders his Mother to be Jain, Paul prepares for Damaſcus, and is miraculouſly
215. His ill Government, 226. He kills bis Converted, 162. He is comforted by Ananias,
Wife O&avia, 226. His Enormities, 232. He ibid. He retires to Arabia, 163. He returns
ſets Rome on fire, 232. His Cruelties againſt from Arabia to Damaſcus, 164. He is in Dan-
the Chriſtians, 233. He kills his Wife Poppæa, ger there, 166.
He goes to Jeruſalem, ibid.
237. He kills himſelf, 245.
And from thence to his own City Tarſus, 167.
Nerva the 13th Roman Emperor, 279. His Or He goes with Barnabas to Antioch, 177. They
018
The INDEX
Goes into Judæa, ibid.
to
It is abated, 293.
o ,
the Hebrews, 229.
are ſeparated by God for the ſervice of the Gen-
He goes into Spain, 230.
He returns to Crece, ibid.
tiles, 181. Sauls Rapture, 182. He and Bar-
He makes Titus
nabas' begin their Circuit, and they come to Pa Biſhop of Crete, ibid.
phos, 184. They ſtrike Elymas the Sorcerer His Fourneys, 235. His firfi Epiſtle to Timo-
blind, and Convert the Governour Sergius Paulus,
thy, 237
His Epiftle" to Ticus, ibid. His
ibid. They remove to Perga, ibid. From thence Fourneys ibid.
His ſecond Arrival at Rome,
to Antioch in Piſidia, where. Paul preaches first 241. His and Peters Predictions, 242. They
to the Jews, and then to the Gentiles, 18s. Be are both impriſoned, ibid. Pauls fecond Epiſtle to
ing diſturbid, they remove to Iconium, and from. Timothy, 2:43., He is Martyr’d, 244.
thence to Lyſtra, where upon curing a Cripple, Paul of Thebias, the firſt Hermit, 406.
they are accounted Gods, 186. Paul is ſtored, but Paulus the 15ih Biſhop of Antioch, 42 5.
eſcapes, 186. They return Antioch
They go to Jeruſalem, 189. The Council of Je-
ruſalem, ibid. The Decree of the Council, 190.
by a ſecular Power, 434.
They return to Antioch, 191, Paul rebukes Perennis's Deſigns and Death, 350.
Peter, 191. Paul and Barrabas part aſunder, Peregrinus the Impofter, 266.
192. ' Paul Circumciſed Timorliy, ibid. Paul Perpetua and Felicitas Martyr'd, 373.
goes into Europe, 193. He is Scourged at Phil- A fevere perſecution of the Church, Saul principal A-
lippi, and Impriſoned with Silas, ibid. He goes gent, 159. The firſt general Perſecution, 233. The
to Theſſalonica, and to Berra, 194.
From thence ſecond general Perfecution, 275. The third general
to Athens, where he preaches and pleads before
Perſecution, 285. The Cauſes thereof, ibid. The
the Areopagus, 195. Paul goes to Corinth, bis
Perſecution ſtill rages, 29.1.
firſt Epiſtle to the Theſſalonians, 196. He is
The Chriſtians ſeverely perſecuted, 305. They are
encouraged by a Viſion, 197. He is brought before
He is brought before ſeverely treated, and an Edict in favour of them,
Gallio, 198. His ſecond Epiſtle to the Theffa 318. The fourth general. Perſecution and Cauſes;
lonians, 199. He goes to Epheſus, and to Je-
325. Attended with many Troubles in the Ema
ruſalem, ibid. He returns to Epheſus, 200.
pire, ibid. It increaſes, and many Cruelties, 328.
He continues at Epheſus, 204. His firſt Epiſtle
The 4th Perſecution revived, and the Hiſtory of
to the Corinthians, 205. His Epiſtle to the Ga-
the Martyrs at Lyons, 340, 341. They are
latians, ibid. Being a Turnult by. Demetrius,
fed from Perſecution, 347. The 5th Perſecution
be is in danger, and leaves Epheſus, 207. His
and Cauſes thereof, which reaches Africa, 357,
ſecond Epiſtle to the Corinthians, 207. His E 359.
It revives and increaſes, 369. It ceaſes,
piſtle to the Romans, 208. He raiſes Eutychus
378. The 6th general Perſecution , 395: Tbe
from the Dead at Troas, 209. His farewell zib general Perſecution and Cauſes , 404. Tbe
Sermon to the Presbyters of Epheſus, ibid. His
Severity of it, 405. It is renewed by Gallus, 412,
laſt Fourney to Jeruſalem, 216. He ad vifes with
The 8th general Perſecution, 418. The continuance,
James, 211. And complies with ſome Rites, ibid.
419. Ii increaſes, 421. The beginning of the
He is in great Danger, ibid. Is reſcued by Ly.
Toth Perſecution, 446. The steps taken therein,
fias, but becomes a Priſoner to the Romans, 212. 450. The Continuance and Severity of it, and the
He apologizes before the People, who will not be
variety of Deaths, 451. Other puniſhments, with
ſatisfied, ibid. By the order of Lyſias, he is ex-
the Behaviour of the Chriſtians, 452. The Perfe-
amined by the Sanhedrim, who cannot agree, cution carryed on by others, 453. The Perfecution
213. The Jews conſpire againſt him, ibid. He
ceaſes in the Weſt, 456. It ſtill rages in the Eaſt,
is for ſecurity ſent to Cæſarea, where he is ac-
461. The 10th Perſecution ended, 470.
cuſed before Felix, 214. His full Anſwer, ibid. Pestinaxthe 19th Roman Emperor, 353. He is
Fle is detained by Fælix, 215.
He is accuſed hain, ibid.
before Feſtus, and he appeals to the Emperour, Peter believes in Jeſus, 51. He is called, 59. His
ibid. He is brought before Feftus and Agrippa, Confeſion, 88.
His Denial of his Maſter, 132.
He makes a Speech to Agrippa, ibid.
His firſt Sermon to the Jews, 149. And 3000
Ilbich almot converts bim, 218. Paul and on Converted thereby, 150. He goes up to the Tem-
thers ſent towards Rome, and he and his Com-
ple with John, and heals a Cripple, ISI.
His
pany in great danger by a Storm, ibid. They are
Second Sermon to the Jews, and sooo Converted,
cuft upon Melita, 219. They are civilly intreat 151, 152. He and John are Impriſoned, and
ed by the Inhabitants, ibid. He cures the Gover brought before the Sanhedrim, 152. Their De-
nor's Farber, 220, .
He leaves Melita, and ar fence, they are threatned and diſmilled, 152.
rives at Rome, 221. He diſcourſes with the They go to Samaria, 160.
Pecer ſeverely re-
Jows there, 222. He returns to the Gentiles; proves Simon Magus, 160.
Peter and John
with his Succeſ, ibid. His Epiſtle to the Phi return to Jeruſalem, 161. Peter goes to Lydda
Jippians, 227. His Epiſtle to the. Epheſians and cures Æneas, 168. He is ſent to Joppa,
ibid. His Epiſtle to Philemon, 228. His E where be raiſes Tabitha from the Dead, 169.
piffle to the Coloſſians, ibid. His Epiſtle to His Viſion, be goes with the Meſſenger, and preaches
ea
217.
The INDE X.
/
He goes towards
to Cornelius, and Baptizes him and several o-
thers, 172, 173. He vindicates the Action to the
R.
Apoſtles at , . Who are bighly
pleaſed going Rome, Ome and .
177.
The
He from whence he
writes his first Epiſtle, 200. He ſettles at Rome,
244
230. His ſecond Defeat of Simon Magus, 231. Rome taken and Plundered, and the Capitol burnt,
His ſecond Epiſtle and Predictions, 242. He is 250. Calamities there, 268.
İmpriſoned with St. Paul, ibid. He is Martyr’d, The Romans Succeſs in the Eaſt, 327. Great Ca-
244
lamities in the Roman Empire, 327. A Council
Peter, the ſeventeenth Biſhop of Alexandria, 447. in Rome, 409. Second Council of Rome, 426.
He writes his Canonical Epiſtlé, 456. He ſuffers, 464. New Troubles in the Roman Empire, 426. . New
The Phariſees plot against Jeſus, 117.
Miſeries and Uſurpationis there, 430, 431. Many
Phileas flouriſhes, 447.
Troubles there, 444. Rome afflicted; 462.
Philecus, the tenth Biſhop of Antioch,
Rufus, the third Governour in Judæa, 42.
Philip called to be an Apoſtle, 52.
His Death, 197
Philip the Deacon preaches at Samaria, 160. and
S.
Baptizes Simon Magus, ibid. He
Gaza, where he Baptizes the Ethiopian Eunuch,
from whom he is miraculouſly removed, 161.
Diſturbance in Samaria, .
The Death of Philip the Tetrarch, and his Dominions
The Hereſie 420.
united to Syria, 156.
The Sanhedrim conſult againſt Jeſus, 112. The
Philip, the 29th Roman Emperor, 405. He is ſup Sanhedrim Conſult a ſecond time againſt Jeſus,
poſed to be a Chriſtian, and ſubmits to do Penance at
I 24
Antioch, and the Church flouriſhes, ibid.
Saturnius and Bafilides, broach their Herefies,
Philippus and Modeftus flouriſh, 337.
299,
Pilate, the 5th Governot:r in Judæa, 44. His ſevere The Sons of Sceva defeated, 204,
Government, ibid. He ſlaughters the Galileans, 85. Grand Secular Games celebrated, 187. They are again
He examines Jefus again, and being terrified (after celebrated, 317. Again celebrated, 374. They are
be had pronounced him Innocent) be condemns bim to
celebrated the lajt time, 402.
be Crucified, 136. He gives Tiberius en Account Sejanus Executed, and the Jews enſed, 79.
of our Saviour's Actions, and Tiberius propoſes to Seleucus and Hermias Hereticks, 351.
ieifie him, 155. He is depoſed from his Govern- Serapian the 8th Bilbop of Antioch, 351.
ment, -164.
He is baniſhed, 165. He killeth Sergius Paulus is converted by Paul and Barnaba's,
himſelf, 168.
184
Pius I. the ninth Biſhop of Rome, 316.
Seth an’s Hereſie, 319.
The Death of Elder Pliny, 268.
The Severians, 335.
Pliny the Younger ſent into Aſia, and be writes in fa- Severus the 21st Roman Emperor, 373. He goes
vour of the Chriſtians, 291.
against Niger, ibid. His Succeß against Niger
His
St. Polycarp made Biſhop of Smyrna, 270. and others, 355. d great Controverſie about keep-
Epiſtle to the Philippians, 297. Hc goes to ing Eaſter, 356. His Succeß against Albinus,
Rome, 320. His Zeal for his Faith, 321. He ibid. His Succeſ in the Eaſt, 358. He makes
is fought for, he retires, and foretels his Death, 328. Caracalla Partner in the Empire, 358. His Tri-
He is Apprehended, and encouraged by a Voice from umph and Spectacles, 372. His Regulations, 374.
Heaven, 329. His Diſcourſe with the Proconful, He joins bis two Sons with him, and goes into Bri
330. He is ordered to be burnt, ibid. His Con-
tain, 375. His Succeſſes, ibid. His Deatb, 377
Itancy, his Prayer, his Execution, 331.
The Apotheſis of bim, ibid.
Pontianus, the 17th Biſhop of Rome,
Severus hain, 458.
Poppæa killed by her Husband Nero, 237,
Simeon ſucceeds St. James in Jeruſalem, 225. His
Porphyry flouriſhes, 432.
Torment, and Martyrdom, 297.
Probus, the 37th Roman Emperor, and his Cha- Simon Magus Baptized, 160.
He is ſeverely res
racter, 436. His great Succeß in Gaul and Il-
proved by Peter, ibid. His ſecond defeat by St. Peter,
lyricum, 437. His Succeſs in the Eaſt, and Tri-
231.
His Followers Opinions, as the Gnoſticks,
ibid. His Death, 265.
umph, 438. He Conquers all Uſurpers, 439. He
is lain, ibid.
The Sibylline Oracles, 308.
Sixtus Í. the 6th Biſhop of Rome, 304.
Sixtus II. the 230 Biſhop of Rome, 419. He witb
Q.
his Deacon Lawrence is Martyr'd, 421.
Sorer, the Eleventh Biſhop of Rome,
His Spurious Writings, 317,
Quadratus made Billup of Athens, 304.
Apologies, 306.
St. Stephen cunfestes the most Learners Jews, who ac-
Q99
cuſc
The INDE X.
1
.;-
T
and Death, 424.
cüſe bim of Blaſphemy, 157. His Defence before, Trajan the forsrteenth Roman Emperor, 183, His
the Sanhedrim, ibid. His Happy proſpect of Heaven, Excellencies and Defects, 'ibid. He obtains the Title
158. · He is hurry'd out of the City and Stone:d, ib. of Optimus, 284. His Succeſſes in Dacia, and
His Burial, ibid.
Regulations, 290. His ſecond War in Dacia, 291
Stephen I. the 22d Biſhop of Ronre, 413. He oppoſes His wonderful Bridge, ibid. His Anwer to.
St. Cyprian, 420.
Pliny, 292.' He Conquers all Dacia, 293. His
Symmachus tranſlated the Bible into Greek, 334. Honours, ibid. He begins bis Eaſtern Expedi-
The Sun darkened, 138.
tion, ibid.
He goes to Antioch, 294. He
Diſputes with St. Ignatius, and condemns him
to wild Beaſts at Rome, ibid.
He Conquers
T.
Armenia, Parthia, and Meſopotamia, 298.
He Conguers Chaldæa and Affyria, 300. HC
A citus the 36th Roman Emperor, 436.
declines, 301.
His Death, 302.
His Triumph
T
The Talmud of Jeruſalem begun, 392.
after his Death, 303.
Tatian writes against the Gentiles, 334.
Tyrannus, the nineteenth Biſhop of Antioch,
Telleſphorus, the ſeventeenth Biſhop of Rome, 447
307. The Thirty Tyrants, 424.
The Temple finiffed, 235
Tertullian, and ſome of his Writings, 358. He writes
is Apology, with other pieces relating to the Perſecu-
V.
tion, and bis 7'reſcriptions against Hereſies, 360.
He writes De Spectaculis, 372. He inclines to He Valentinians Hereſie, 316.
the Montanilts, 374. He writes against the Mar Valentinus and Cerdo, Hereſiarchi, 3 16.
cionites, and other Hereticks, 375. He writes De
Pallio, 376.
He writes to 'Scapula 378. He Valerian, the thirty ſecond Roman Empedor, 414.
is Excommunicated, and writes againſt the Ortho He declines, 423. He is taken Priſoner by Sapores,
dex, 382.
He writes De Corona, 295. HC King of Perſia, ibid.
His miſerable Captivity
turns Herefiarch, 401. His Death, ibid.
Theodofian tranſlates the Bible into Greek, 349. The Valeſians, 298.
Theodorus and Artemon's Hereſie, 354.
Verus bis Expedition with Antoninus, 332. His
The Story of the Thäbian Legion, 442.
Theognoitus and Pierius flouriſhi, 440.
Veſpaſian, the tenth Roman Emperor, 250.
He
Theonas, the 1516 iiijhop of Alexandria, 440.
à Blind and a Lame Man, 25.1. His
Theophilus, the ſixtb Biſhop of Antioch, 233. He Regulations, 260. His Avarice, 261. He ſells
zzritts against the Pagans, 248.
the Lands of Judaa, ibid. He baniſhes the Philoſo-
Theudus The Impoftcr defeatel, 183.
phers, 264. He makes the last Cenſus in Rome,
Thomas bis Infidelity, 143. He is ſatisfied, ibid. 265. He Conſecrates the Temple of Peace, 265.
His Death, 264.
His Death, 266.
Tiberius, the third Roman Emperor, '43.
His Victorinus and Methodus flourifh, 444.
Reign unſupportabla, 101. He propoſes to deifie Vitellius goes up to Jeruſalem, and reſtores the
Jefus, 155.
He declines, 165. His Death, High.Priests Veſtment, 163. He depoſes Caiphas,
ibid. and makes Jonathan High-Prieſt, ibid. He pre-
Timæus, the ſeventeenib Biſhop of Antioch, 436. pares agaiñſt Aretas, 164. He makes Theo-
Timothy Circumciſed, 192. He is made Biſhop of philus High-Prieſt, ibid.
Epheſus, 207. His Martyrdom, 280.
Vitellius ſets up for Emperor, 247.
He is the nintb
Titus made Bijwop of Crete,
Roman Emperor, 248. He is pain, 250.
Titus ſets down befire Jeruſalem, 253 He gains Ulpian, ſain at Rome, 390.
the first and ſecond Walls, and Crucifies great num- Urban the ſixteenth Biſhop of Rome, 389.
bers of Jews, 254, He ſurrounds the City with a
Wall, and a dreadful Famine enſues, 255. A No-
ble woman toils ber Child, and eats it, ibid. He
gains the Caſtle Antonia, 256. He burns the
Temple, ibid. He is Majber of all the City, which Zacharias flain, 252.
he entirely demoliſhes, 257. He weeps over Je- Zebinus, the eleventh Biſhop of Antioch, 390.
rufalem, 259.
He and his Father Triumph, and Zephyrinus, the fourteenth Biſhop of Rome, 369.
he is honoured with a Triumphal Arch, 260. He is
the Eleventh Roman Emperor, his Regulations, 267.
His Death, 269.
Death, 334.
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