Of accusing the holy text , most pure , and expressing Gods wisedome .

MOses telleth that Abraham bought a buriall place in Hebron , for price of money , and that Iacob bought a field in Sychem for lambes : and Iacob was buried in Hebrō , and the Patriarkes in Sychem . Now if a man should say that Iacob was buried in Sychem , he reiecteth Moses , & all the authoritie of God. Or if he say that Abraham bought the field which Iacob bought , and say that Abrahā bought Sychems plot for money , The vntrueth is augmented : yet all this doe our right reverend Fathers . In these wordes from Act. 7.16 . and 17. as they would make the simple to beleeve : And Iacob descended into Egypt , and dyed , both he , and our Fathers , and were caried over into Sychem , and layd in the sepulchre that Abraham bought for money of the sonnes of Emor , the sonne of Sichem . By this Iacob should be caried to Sychem , and be buried there : and Abraham should be the purchaser , and for money , and Iacob and the Patriarches should be buried together . So the Iewes would say that Machmad makes no greater madnes in his Al-koran : seeing Abrahams purchase was in Hebron , & for 400. sickles : and that of Sychem was Iacobs , & for an hundreth lambes . And Iacob was buried in Hebron , as was told , & the twelue sonnes in Sychem . The Bishops sawe that this was most false : & runne from euill to worse . And thus their margent note speaketh , vpon vers . 16. For ( B ) money . Here appeareth an errour . For Abraham seemeth to be put in the text in the steed of Iacob . For Iacob bought the sepulchre of Emor , and not Abraham , who bought before a field of Ephron . Thus we accuse the holy Ghost for giuing vs a corrupted New Testament . And our countries heard not that any Greke copy from the first to the last differed here . So the first should be corrupt : & so Machmad should say truely , that we had not a pure N. Testament . Also the Iewes rule should condemne vs : a comon rule & generall : in Thalm. Ierus . San. fo . 20. Diathece se batelah Mikzathah batelah cullah . A Testament which faileth in part , faileth in the whole . This our errour is not first ours , but old , and knowen to Iewes : whereby their millions despise the Gospell , and hold S. Stephen no martyr : as missing in Moses plain story . Whereas in trueth S. Stephen meant thus : Iacob died in Egypt , the Patriarkes died in Egypt : Only the Patriarkes were caried to Sichem : Iacob and the Patriarkes were buried : Iacob in Hebron : in ground which Abraham bought , and bought for money , and not for Lambes : The Patriarkes were buried in Sichem , in ground which Iacob , not Abraham , bought , & not for money , but for an hundreth lambes . Saint Stephen meant all this : which all , we pervert to cause millions of millions to reiect the New Testament , and to runne to eternall flames . The rare elegancie of S. Stephens wordes would haue made a Iewe know that he spake in the Prophets style , & shortnes : but his speech would be harshe , to one not longe acquainted with the Prophetes maner . To vnderstand this , three rules must be deliuered . One , that Vau the Ebrew , is sometimes , which : as in Malach. 3. and Mark cha . 1.1 . which shall prepare thy way : And often in two members ioyned , in other tongues by , AND , it is omitted in the Prophetes , as that in Ps . 133. Like the dew of Hermon , which falleth vpō moūt Sion . For , like the dew of Hermon , AND that which falleth vpon mount Sion . A third Hebrew matter commeth , hard even for Ebrewes , and often noted by the holy Ghost among the 848. margent notes , vpon most exact text wordes , but worthy of notes : As Hande , for the handes : barre , for the barres : Sonne , for the sonnes . So , grave , Act. 7. for , The graves : The singular being put gerally for the plurall . These things being considered , Saint Stephen will cleare him selfe to all learned Iewes admiration . For , thus the Greek , Hebraizing , meant : Iacob descended into Egypt , he , and our Fathers which were caried to Sichem . And they were put in Graue : that which Abraham bought for price of money : AND that from Emor the Sichemite . Any acquainted with the Ebrew style would thus vnderstand Saint Lukes Greeke . And so the New Testament should be farre from blame , and in high admiration , and Iacob should not be left vnburied in Saint Stephen , nor buried with the Patriarkes : nor Abraham a purchaser in Sychem , nor Sychem purchase made by money , and not by lambes . This our ignorance must be noted , for the thousands or rather millions of copies disgracing our selues : though in the paynes expected it may be amended . For copies vnrevocable sold now 46. yeres , our darknes must be hightened : and the scripture must be defended , as pure all , and most syncere . None that haue any sparke of grace will envy that , but wish it withall might maintayned .

Of perverting the holy text of the old Test. in 848. places .

THe old Test . in Ebrew hath in the margent words of warning for others in the text 848. times , yet alwayes the text word is exact , and the margent warneth of some matter profitable for the depth of Ebrew skill , or helpeth in a doubtfull phrase : or telleth of the like elswhere vsed with some little difference : or in propre names which mē gaue vnfit , layth a fitter to be read : or for brood speeches readeth ciuiller . And both the text is exact , and the margent profitable . But the margent readings are omitted in many copies : And none without great blame alter the text . Amongest Ebrewes David Kimchi was found rash herein in his preface to the booke of Iosuah . But hee was sharply taken vp by others : yea and he calleth backe himselfe in particulars . Kimchi said : that the Bible was corrupted in Babylon , and the margent was a correction . That his opinion is shewed to be most foolish and deadly against Gods word , by Elias Levita praef ad Massorita . Biblia : and it might dash all authoritie of scripture . Also Barbinel the most curious that euer , I trow , handled the tongue , though not the soundest : yet herein he soundly confuteth Kimchi in his praeface to Ezekiel . Yet a learned man of Cambridge , M. Edw. Liuely , maketh the margent the right reading , for Dan. 9. penned after Babell fell : and by Daniel full of wealth , and able to keepe his owne bookes . That his dealing is extreemely dangerous to the authoritie of Scripture . For if in fiftie two yeares in Babel after the Temples fall , Moses and the Prophetes had so many corruptions in longer time more would grow . The learned man dealt here not learnedly . A prosessour of Ebrew 30. yeares might haue shewed that the text was still most exact : and in many places far the more curious Ebrew : and he should not weaken the glory of Gods providence , whose watchfulnes hath preserved every letter of all the holy Hebrew that his Prophetes wrot for the vse of all ages . Many booke-prophetes wrote for the vse of Israell , while their tongue , families and townes stood : which afterwardes would not profit , when Israell perished : and heathen should be vexed in searching stories not plain .

Those bookes the last Prophetes extinguished , and made vp an absolute pithie storie fit for all ages . And so much we must defend to every letter . Ecclesiasticall authoritie in a certen libell commendeth M. Livelies booke . Bishops that know Ebrew will not assent , nor any who vse advisement . Authoritie should make Lively recant . This blamer knoweth that he hath read thrise mo Ebrew auctours then he , and will defend each of the 848. words blamed by M. Lively . And a worke titled Tiphereth Israel , would haue told M. Lively more thē he knoweth for this matter , and much more , to speak better of the holy text . And the right reverend fathers should write of the Bibles purenesse first , how the text is sound , before they dispute of further matter . All thinges must be done in order in the Church of God. And if men regard money not learning , Gods face will be vpon them .

Of Tzau , an Ebrew worde in Hosee , rashly blamed .

IEroboam the first , bade Israell worship calues at Dan and Bethel : vpon his word they did so . That Hosee touched in one syllable , Tzau , a charge . M. Liuely writeth that the text is corrupt : Shau by him it should be . No Ebrew told him so . Only he told him selfe so . By equall authoritie he might make a new Bible of his owne head . Hee bringeth the Lxx. for his warrant . They translate : Vaine thinges , as Shau : The answere is easie . They translate cōmonly for Heathen capacitie : where Iewes stories would be hard for them So they entitle the bookes of Samuel , The Kings . Because Heathen would not soone perceaue how Core his sonne should haue such a title . So Heathen would not soone see how Osee spake of Ieroboams charge : and therefore the Lxx. take for Tzau , Shau ; for Charge , Vain things , dealing most wittily . This work of M. Lively is solde in Paules . But the auctor should amend that : We may not crosse our owne ground : that the Scripture is all pure & cleare , in one copie or other : and here in all that haue bene spokē off . And M. Liuely alone fighteth against all the world : But that our Ecclesiasticall authority fighteth in his allowance , for him against our good .

Of Daniels seauens : the right meaning and corruption commended by our Ecclesiasticall , and Stationers .

SInce Adamfell , on the day of his creation , and brought death before he walked in any obediēce , to kindle Gods anger to the full , yet God in mercy vsed many meanes to breed faith in the redeemer : beside the warnings of his word . The flood destroyed all but eight , & of all the men nothing remaineth but spirites in prison , except eight saued in the Arke . That severity might haue made them all wise . Yet Cham was not bettered : but his race called out Idolatry and Babels Tower for that . wherevpon God bereft these builders of the tongue that spake of hope in the redeemer , that they should no more heare of him , till Babel should fall by Sem in Cyrus and by Iapheth in Darius , when Persians and Medes tooke Babell . And amongst his owne people he reckoned the worldes age to that time , most exactly and plainly , yeares 3470. And then his Angell telleth Daniel for Darius and Cyrus , and all nations , of the kingdome of Salvation : and nameth the redemer the most holy : Messias the Governer : Messias that shall confirme the covenaunt with many : and telleth of his kingdome , how it shal be in sufferings . Iudah saw the fall of Salomons kingdome , their hope : and the fall of Babel the glorie of nations ▪ and now first experience might teach that the kingdomes of this world vnder the sun , had nothing but vexation of spirit . At that time it was fit to tell all the world of the kingdome of heauen : when Iewes & Gentiles saw all the earth cursed . The Iewes kingdome had fallen : and they were told they should never haue an earthly kingdome more : and Hethen kingdomes were shewed to be as savage beastes coaming out of the great sea tossed with many windes . So in that opportunitie an Angel , called Gabriel , the mighty man of God , whom Daniel had seene before , cometh in the Evening to Daniel praying for a return home , for his people to restore their religion : and telleth him that his prayer was heard , that Ierusalem shal be restored , as Esaie foretold Cyrus should do it , that mount Sion should haue sacrifices seaven times the space of seaventy yeares captivity , that is , 490. yeres . But exactly then the Son of God would consecrate him selfe to end Moses and to bring in an Eternall redemption : and as he had Oxen and sheepe in sacrifices for his body , and their blood for the blood of his covenant : hee would confirme a covenaunt for all nations . As the Gospell recordeth what he hath done , leaving bread for his body in seale of covenaunt , and wine for the new testament by his covenant : So at his death he should end Moses Lawes , and all Leviticall function : that no Mosaicall sacrifice should afterwardes be lefull . And the time of all this matter is clearely and strictly set downe : that Cyrus & Darius knew when the sonne of God would worke redemption : in which hope 49000. Iewes leaue Babel for Ierusalem , and so many of Israel as had hope of Salvation , thought of Ierusalem in all countreys where they were scattered . Also the Sonne of God is called by Gabriel , as was said , Messias : in such Ebrew as it must needes be a propre name : which it is not againe in all the old testament : and Saint Iohn for Messias cha . 1. and 4. forceth vs to looke vnto the Angells speach : and still the name of CHRIST through the new Testament : in so much that to deny MESSIAS here to meane Our Lord and Saviour , that is nothing els but to deny all the New Testa . Besides , for certainty of all : God telleth that by the tenth part of this time exactly , from the leaue to returne , Ierusalem shal be walled , but not without much adoe : so forty nine yeres are set alone , with the stories of 4900. thousand Iewes interlaced , least Heathen lyes should break the trueth of the Chronicle . When God had given Cyrus all the kingdomes of the earth , then he maketh a decree to build the Temple : and to giue a subsidie throw 120. nations , to helpe the Iewes home . Long warres had Cyrus afore he became so great . Esay did name him by his name , and foretold of his victories . And Heathen doe record them : and Lucian recordeth , that Cyrus liued 100. yeares : and Xenophon , that he very yong began warre : so his glory might well by Greekes begin where scripture placeth the Chaldean : to whom Heathen Greekes giue no superioritie over the Persians . After Cyrus tooke Babel , he reigned three yeares : when Daniel fasted because the building of the Temple was hindred by letters written to Artaxata named in Ezra 4. and called Prince of Persia , Dan. 10. And soone Cyrus might dye . Otherwise Daniel would stirr him to further his own decree : and Herodot bringeth his death neare Babels fall , by Scythian Thamar . Artaxata or Cambyses had reigned so long with his father , that he had put to death all the chief Nobility : By Lucian citing Persique writers : and after his hinderance of the Temple , Christ with his eyes , like a flame of fire , Dan. 10. would rewarde him according to his workes : being Can-byshes , a Prince of shame : and Herodot sheweth his badnes and quick death after his sole governement . And as counsellers prevayled al his dayes to hinder the Temple , which counsels hardly could be long vniforme , that record in Ezra 4. argueth , that he reigned not long sole Emperour : though Heathen in Clemens giue him 19. yeares , which might be almost all vnder his Father . Next cometh the King which maried Atossa Hester famous in Hellanicus for inventing Epistles , as he thought . Mardochai telleth of her Letters through 127. Provinces for the Iewes safety : And of them Hellanicus might speake . Hester was maried to him in his seaventh yeare . So her sonne Darius Artaxasta mentioned Ezra 6 : ver . 14. might be six yeares old in his fathers twelfth , mentioned by Mardochai then actiue , though he were caried to Babel with King Iechonias . This King Esters husband is called Darius in Herodot , and Ctesias : and he liued by Ctesias 43 yeres , and by Herodotus he was 20. when Cyrus went to Scythia , vpon the taking of Babel : and dreamed of his Empire . So if Cambyses called Artaxata by his Imperiall name , reigned after Babels fall 7. yeares . Darius had 16. who by his Imperiall name is Oxyares , Assuerus or Xerx . Two sonnes he left , who gently strove for the Empire , while neither sought to defeate the other , as Iustine recordeth : and Herodot recordeth that Athossaes sonne borne after the father was Emperour , prevailed . The wisedome of Mardochai and Nehemias and Ester , might cause that quietnesse : Seeing Mardochai was a chief in the kingdome . And somwhat the yong yeares of Atossaes sonne : ten at his fathers death . So the other brother hath his fathers Imperiall name Xerx , Est. 10. by the Ierusalem copy in the Massoreth . This Xers six yeares prepared warre for Grecia , in his brothers minority . When he was in Grecia , then was Atossaes sonne 16. and might well licence the building of the Temple : and take the other Imperiall name Artaxasta , being king of Assur , or Babel : before he was sole Emperour , and mention prayer for the Kinges sonnes : and acknowledge Gods wrath in the overthrow of Xerx , for hindering the Temple . And the style of Aggei sheweth that he exhorted the returned whereof some had sene Salomons Temple , to build before the King gaue leaue : otherwise exhortation were cold . And seeing Hester was of Beniamin , in whose tribe the Temple was built , Sems sonne by Elam and Arphaxad was fit to be the builder . And God prospered him and his sonne , and his grand child . No other would so favour Iuda : In his second he authoriseth the Temple , with great charges for sacrifice , & with menacies vpon the hinderers : in his sixt it is built : In his seaventh he sendeth Ezra to set forward lawes , with great giftes from the Persian worthies : being taught with the King the religion of God. In his twentieth Nehemias the third in the Cataloge of the returned , walleth the City : by seaven seavens from the seaventieth of Babel . And Ierusalem is not more walled by stones , then trueth of storie : to check Heathē , by the Chronicle . Whē 49000. Iewes teach vs to make frō Cyrus decree to build Ierusalē vnto the building but 49. yeres , wher Persians haue since their own chalēge of Empire 149. So that 100. must be cut off : when we examine their time as they touch the 490. yeares , told vnto the Kings of Sem and Iaphet , for persuading Iapheth to dwell in the tentes of Sem : And there the Heathen deceyue , where prophets most clearly correct their deceipt : that Daniels ch . 10. and 11. and Ezra 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7. And Nehem : and Ester , and Aggei , Zacharie , and Malachi , chase their errour , who can not stick to Heathen , but will wrest Gods word more grossely then any thing is spoken in all the Alkoran . Yet our Ecclesiasticall bragg what Maister Liuely hath done against all these holy bookes . Particular texts and stories of Kings shal be compared with his learning : and our right reverend fathers shal see who be the lyers against all duty , and raylers against all honesty , foming out their owne shame as the raging waves of the Sea , they shall resume their owne phrases : and by their eares heare their tongue .

Of 2. Chro. 36. or Ezra 1.

THus saith Cyrus King of Paras : The Eternall the God of heaven hath given me all the kingdomes of the earth : and hath commaunded me to build him a Temple in Ierusalem which is in Iudah , Who is amongst you of all his people , The Eternall his God be with him : and let him go vp , &c.

Of Cyrus first yeare , what it meaneth .

SEeing Cyrus came vp as a warrier vnto all the kingdomes of the earth , reason would tell that in his first yeare of reigne in Persia , he overcame not 120. countreis : but his first yeare of Empire aboue all mightie is meant : yet our Ecclesiasticall make the FIRST , here the first of Cyrus thirty : in M. Liuelies thirty yeares skill for Ebrew writers ▪ when he bringeth one Ebrew of his minde , the Earth shall beare starres , and the sky shal be plowed .

Of Ezra Chap. 3. ver . 8.

IN the second yere after returne vnto the house of God in Ierusalem the second moneth , Zorobabel sonne of Salathiel , and Iesus sonne of Iosadak , and the rest of their brethren the Sacrificers and the Levites , and all they which came from the captiuity , to Ierusalem , began to lay the foundation of the Temple , &c. then this Epistle was written to hinder the building to Artax . King of Paras , Ezr. 4.12 . Be it knowen to the King , that the Iewes which are come from him to vs , are come to Ierusalem , and builde the rebelleous and mischevous Citie : &c. And ver . 24. Then the worke of the house of God was stayed . For this staying Daniel fasted , as he writeth , Cha. 10. v. 1. & 2. And the Ebrewes that write vpon Daniel , would tell M. Liuely so . And reason telleth that this Artax . was ruler whē the Iewes vnder Cyrus came home .

M. Liuelies corruption .

Cyrus reigned 30. yeares .

Cambyses 7.

Darius 36.

Xerxes 21.

Artaxerxes 40. And by him the Temple was hindered by M. Liuely : So he would make about 100. yeares of a few monethes , and Zorobabel and Iesus aliue all the while : and the Temple without going forward , so long where none hindred . Neuer any authour was made so senseles as M Liuely would make Ezra . And in deed the Artax . whom he maketh the hinderer , was the builder , Ezra 6. Such thankes M. Liuely giueth him , where God did most highly renowme him : & calleth his nobles WORTHIES .

In the second of Darius Nothus the Temple goeth forward : by M. Lively , so , Zorobabel & Iesus were 137. yeres together in office : and further absurdities folow : as against Ezra . Ch. 6. The Elders of the Iewes builded by the cōmandment of Darius Artaxerxes . In his second yere , they beganne to builde , and prospered by the prophecy of Aggai and Zacharie : in the sixt of King Darius the returned from the captiuitie celebrate the dedication of the house of God , and the returned from captiuitie , celebrate the Passeover : So 49000. of the returned ( Ezra 2 ) should be aliue and actiue the troupes of them 138. in midle age . And this is more strange : In the seaventh of Artax . Ezra ( sonne to Saraias kild with Sedekias children 52. before Babel fell , 2. King. 25. ) cometh from Babel 26. after Aggei prophecieth , by M. Liuely , aged at the least by him 216. yeres . Since ages were halfed vpon the building of Babel not many liued so longe : yet Ezra seeth many descentes of high Priestes after all this . So by M. Liuely and our Ecclesiasticall auctoritie , Ezra should liue longer then any borne since Babell fell : so ready he is in Ezra , by 30. yeeres profession . Such a cunning professour should not halt before creples .

Of Nehemias . Chap 1.

NEhemias walleth Ierusalē after Ezraes returne 25. yeres , and in Persia before his returne , he asked his brethrē : how his brethren did , the remnant of captiuitie by M. Liuely twenty yeres after the end of the Peloponnesian warres , that is in propre Greeke trueth tenne yeares before the reigne of Alexand. Macedon . And the returned from Babylon should be then at home 175. yeare . and 187. when hee walleth Ierusalem : which space the holy Ghost hath made but seauen seavens : that men might soone see a tenth of 490. in their present age performed in most noble stories , if they had any mind to marke the word of God.

Of Aggei disgraced .

AGgei saith , ch . 2.3 . who is that remaineth among you , which saw the former Temple . If the demaunded were ten yeares old when they saw the former Temple , they should be by M. Liuely when Aggei spake 200. yeares old . And who can beleeue that ; Ninety they were : and so well might be : and the trueth hangeth without absurdities : but vntruthes will sone iarre from scripture .

Of Zacharie disgraced by our Diuinity .

ZAchary speaketh to Zorobabel in the second of Darius , and in his fourth : and in all his speaches as to the returned from Babel . And he should be thought of vs , as of all the Thalmudiques , a Prophet at the returne when the altar was built : and yet he is called a yong man , Chap. 2.4 . An Ebrew professour should not go against all Ebrewes , that ever professed , and the comon iudgement of all men .

Of Malachie .

MAlachie prophecieth after the Temple was built , and not with Aggei & Zacharie . For Ezra would not haue omitted him when he nameth the other two , furtherers of the Temples worke , if he had prophecied amongest them . But as the Temple licenced by Darius alias Artaxasta , in his second yeare , was finished in the sixt of Darius : and in the seaventh of Artaxasta , Ezra cometh from Babel to reforme matters : as mariages with infideles : and such , fit for beginning a new comon weale : So Malachy speaketh nothing of the Temple , but of maintenance for the Levites , & of strange faithed wiues , and all , for matters fit for a new beginning comon weale : and not to later ages as many as Nestor had seene in Homer ; which thing M. Liuelies Persique skill would import But Hebrewes vniversally agree , that he was presently in action vpon rhe building of the Temple : so that many held him to be Mardochai , captiued of old time with Iechonias , or Ezra , sonne to Saraias kild when Nebuchadnezar brent the holy Temple . Now M. Liuelies Persique Chronique skill would make all Iewes amazed , how an Hebrew professour should ever dreame against all Hebrewes , all , every mothers son that Malachies speach should be applied to times so farre from the returne from Babel : and that , to dash the set time for the redemption of the world .

Of all the Persian Kings : How the Scripture speaketh of them : or leaueth them .

DARIVS the Mede , who made a proclamation of worship to Daniels God , is celebrated , Dan. 6.

CYRVS , who decreeth to build Babel vpon his own charges : and passeth a Decree to build Ierusalem , is mentioned , Dan. 10.2 . Ch. 36. Ezra 1. and 4.

* ARTAXATA , vnder whom the Iewes are sayd to returne , Ezra 4. who yet returned in the first of Cyrus . All these three must needes be holden to reigne together , and but a very short time .

OXYARES , as Greekes would name him , or Asuerus , or Xerx , by the copy which the Iewes keepe in golden letters at Ierusalem . Mardochai being 63. yeares in Babel : and actiue in his twelfth : argueth that time to be neare the returne . And Esther Atossa his wife , famous in Heathen , telleth that he is DARIVS HYSTASPIS in Grecians . Also Hathac the Eunuch attendant vpon Esther , and in Ctesias miraculously affected towardes Darius , he telleth who that Assuerus was . See Photius Ctesias . In the copie of Henry Stephen Nathac is put for Hathac : But the Anspurge copie agreeth better with Esther : And geueth greath light to know what King was Atossaes husband . And Aaechylus in his tragaedie for Xerx his flight : maketh Darius plainly husband to Atossa . She is Esther .

XERS , that bare his fathers Imperiall name , he is noted in Dan. ch . 11. to stirr all against the kingdome of Iavan . But he medled not with the Iewes .

DARIVS called in Ebrew by Imperiall name Artaxasta : by Cambyses Imperial name , with differēcie of one letter : as to keepe the court Recordes distinguished : & then in Greeke by both * Artaxerxes : he is set foorth in Ezra , Ch. 6. by two names Darius & Artax : by the vniversal cōsent of Ebrewes , & most strong reasons , & so to be Esters son : & so of Beniamin : and fit to build Gods Temple . And none Heathen but he euer favoured the Iewes entierly , & Nehemias was his cup-bearer , as likest to be most faithfull to him : and obteyned authoritie to wall Ierusalem : and after twelue yeares returned to the King : and his Nobles are called Valiant Worthies , Ez. 7. And he tamed the Grecians most of any Persian : and he knew al his Predecessours were plagued for hindring the building of the Temple : as he clossely confesseth , Ez. 6. of him being one man , and continuing favour towardes the Iewes , the Ebrew professour against Ebrewes all , I trow , doth make two men , and putteth others betwixt him and him selfe . Ochus and Longimanus Nehemias passeth over , and cometh to DARIVS the last , Neh. 12. And for all these the holy last Prophetes haue such argumentes , that no Iew commenting vppon scripture , could thinke that Iuda was in Babylon aboue 130. And their millions will rather come short , then come so farre as 130. yeares . And M. Livelies 230. marre the strongest prophecie for the salvation of the world , and light of the New Testament . So the holy story doth receyue extreeme disgrace .

What kinde of testimonies M. Liuely bringeth , to rent all the last holy Prophetes : the stretch the liues in them 100. yeares more then their liues will suffer .

MAister Liuely citeth Iulius Africanus , for Cyrus first yere , to be in Olympiad 55. And ill set by Beroldus in Olympiad . 80.

Aunswere to Olympiades .

MAister Liuely hath seene or might , three treatises iustly checking them which holde Olympiades in any accompt : or accompt by Rome : or the Archontes of Apollodorus , or the distances which Exatosthenes maketh betwixt Cyrus and Xerx , & thence to The Peloponnesian warres : and how Thucidides and Demosthenes make fifty yeares for 35. And how from Lysanders vnwalling of Athens , he maketh 34 yeares , where Isocrates & Strabo with Lysias would make but ten : & twelue thence to Phil. Macedon for never an one . And the true accomptes of Greekes living in Persicq times , were brought forth against one that had better skill then M. Liuely in Greeke : and did all that Greeke could doe for defence : that he might well say as Hector in Vergil : Si Pergama dextrâ Defendi possent , etiam hâc defensa fuissent . And as careles VC-alegon had soone his house on fire for resistance past all hope : so M. Liuely might haue seene what would become of his Librarie .

For Olympiades this was part .

EZekiel prophecied in Olympiad 48. by Clemens , and by him , Aggei ninety yeares after in Olympiad 48 So our Ecclesiasticall skill maketh Ezekiel and Aggei of one age . This wil be small commendation for right reverend Fathers that haue taken so many hundreth thousande poundes sterling for teaching Diuinitie : To make Ezekiel prophecying in the fift of King Sedekias kild by Nabucodonosor & Aggei that built the Temple by his tongue , to be of one and the same Olympiad in sad trueth , and trueth to examine an Angels prophecie . Reuerend Fathers should haue dealt more reuerendlie then to check Gods word for the very houre of our redemption , set in Daniels time sure for all the world : more reuerendly they should haue dealt then to alter the borders which Prophetes and Angels had settled . More of this stuffe shal be shewed . Xexes in of Esthers time and Oebotas a Greeke , and Gelo King of Syracusa were of one time : and dealers in the same warres . Yet Oebotas warred then in Olympiad the sixt : and so Gelo built Camarina in Olympiad the third by the commētarie vpon Pindarus . So by our Ecclesiasticall men King Cyrus should be in Antiochus Epiphanes dayes : Or Xerxes in King Ezekias time . Thus we corrupt religion by ignorance of all groundes of study . This ground is sure & worthy of all interteynment : which Thalmud Ierusalemy citeth : but cōfirmed afore in the Gospel Ein dibre Thorah zaricin chizuk : Thaaniut fol. 66. col . 1. The words of the Law need no fortification . So our Lord sayth : I receaue no testimony from men . When Abraham saw Ismael persecute Isaak , he knew that that time four hūdreth yeares Israel should come from Egypt , as well as Moses , in the end . So Ezekias knew fiftine yeres afore he died , when he should die , so well as they that saw his death : So Ieremy knew seauenty yeares before Babel fell , when it should fall : as well as Daniel that saw it fall : so Daniel knew that 490. yeares from his prayer , Christ our Lord should confirme the covenant for Heathē : as well as the Disciples knew that it was done . And all Iewes , of any religion in the Gospell , looked at the same time for the kingdom of heaven to appeare by the plain proprietie of Gods word . Further dotage in Olympiades may be wayed .

Chilon the wise , the Old Lacedemonian of Solons age , was Ephorus in Sparte in the fiftie sixt Olympiad : of Solons age : and much ancienter then Cyrus . Sosigenes in Laertius is the authour . By Pamphyla , a learned Romane woman , which wrote of Olympiades , whose worke Photius honoreth in his Librarie : it was the sixt Olympiade when this Chilon was Ephorus . So by Olympiades there is a doubt of 200. yeares ( that is 50 Olympiades ) when Chilon one of the seaven sages , florished . Whose time without Olympiades helpe , is knowen wel enough . So for the deceaved : these Olympiades , if they be not farre enough out of the way by them selues , these Olympiades would prick them forward . And it must needes be counted a most grievous iniurie against the Maiestie of God , to torment all the Byble by them , and to deny the gracious light of Salvation : whiche the holy Angel Gabriel left as mount Sion that can not be mooved . And as the mountaynes are about Ierusalem , so are holy Scriptures about that oration of the holy Gabriel : who taught all at Babels fall , that 490. yeares after that yeare , the King of Glory should be kild : but death should not holde him , but his iustice should appeare by his Resurrection : that he was kild not for him selfe , but to make reconciliation for our sinnes , and to seale Vision & Prophet : and to make Heathen syssoma one body with Israel . The Lord knew , that as plain a prefixed time as time could bee prefixed was needfull for all the world . And the holy Angel might not speake deceipt as Iuppiter in Homer , by a dreame , deceaved Agamemnon , by the word NOW : saying : Now thou shalt take Troy. Agamemnon tooke it for , THAT DAY : but Iuppiter meant that yeare : and so caused for amendes to Achilles , infinite slaughter of Greekes . By M. Liuely the Angel deceaued all that ever read his wordes : till M. Liuely came to teach their right meaning , and he should no more be an holy Angel then Iuppiters dreame was a God. Our reverend fathers might haue spared the Princes authoritie frō cōfirming such Agamemnonean dreames . They that adventure their eternall state on this : that they will with all hart , might , and strength , that Gods grace will graciously afford , further the trueth and light of the Gospell , will not reioyce to haue their authority vsurped to the Eternall destruction of their People and them selves . This cosinage to check the holy Angel by Olympiades , to turne the prophecy from light to darknes : from trueth to falshood : from Christ his name to prophane Atheistes : from his covenaunt in the Lords supper : vnto a covenant of Romane dogges with as dogged Iewes : from the times beginning certen and cleare to all heartes of sage , vnto one never knowen afore M. Liuely told : and to end not at our Lordes death : to ende Moses there , but to ende at Ierusalems fall : and sacrifice to be lefull so farre : this matcheth Eves fall by the Serpent : and passeth the building of Babel . And Esay thought and taught , that by Cyrus Decree Ierusalem should be built . And seeing he gaue them vnder letters Patentes leave , to returne to Ierusalem to builde the Temple , the Decree for City and Temple must needes be at that time : and so Daniel would vnderstand him : that from that yeare all the world might date their writinges thus : Dated 490. yeares afore the kingdome of Messias Cyri primo : Dated 460. Darij Artax . 20 when Aggei prophecieth : Dated 442. vicesimo Artax . before Messias kingdome : when Ierusalem was walled . And as Men on a iourney knowen , know stil how fewer miles they haue to their Inne or rest : so all the world yere by yere , since the Angell taught Daniel , might know , how neare they were to the opening of the kingdome of heaven by our Lord his most holy soule going through the veile of his flesh into heaven , by Saint Paule , into Paradise by the Gospell , into Hades by the Greeke , ( but in Hades to the Gardens of the godly , and not Tartarus ) to make reconciliation for vs , having found Eternall redemption . Such limites are fitt markes for a Chronicle : The first yeare of Cyrus Empire , who had revenged Babel that oppressed Gods children 70. yeares : that yeare which saw an Angell tell Daniel of an Eternall kingdome , in hope of which 49697. leaue Babel for Ierusalem sure to be still in affliction : and a Proclamation of the God that made the heavens over six score nations : and a willing subsidie from so many for them that goe to Ierusalem in this hope : Such noble stories should be the mark of a Chronicle for Christ : chayned from Adam 3470. yeares thither : and thence seaven times the captivities length , that is 490. yeares , vntill the King of glory doth open freedom for all : when the sun darkened three houres : when the earth trembleth : when the stones burst : when the curtine of the Temple rent : as a Draper would part a peece of cloth : when the dead arose : when our Lord forty dayes was seene of the faithfull , to send his spirit and a fiery law to teach all nations . Such noble markes should the Angel Gabriels Chronicle haue : and not obscure dennes of Cacus to bring errours in numbre as the leaues of a forest .

And yet let vs more consider the vanity taken by the Games of Olympia : renued every fift yeare : having full foure yeares to an Olympiade : That by a fuller discourse such wicked toyes might be banished for ever : and made a lothsomenes to all men of iudgement .

Olympiades miracles for Thales the wise man.

THales Milesius was well knowen that he liued in Solons times , & Croesus King of Lydia , whom Cyrus cōquered : and yet Croesus was of King Iosias times , as Greekes cōferred , will convict . This Thales is said by some to be borne in the thirty fift Olympiade , and to florish in the seaventh : that is about 120. yeres afore he was born . And this stuffe is goodly to obscure the time of Salvation , shining in Daniel more then doth the sunne in his greatest brightnes . Mast. Liuely hath drawne Olympiades into our Ecclesiasticall authoritie : to make vs a skoff to all Iewes of the world : that wee looke by them how to vnderstand an Angel of light , sent by the grace of God to teach all the simple world : into whose lippes if grace were not powred , to be vnderstood as soone as he spake : heathen would say Daniel sawe no Angel. And M. Lively neuer heard of any Iew that more regarded Olympiades , thē we regard Lucianes true stories . And if he had read such Grecians as marke them , how they iarre , he would haue helde them as weake as Cobwebbes which a fly would breake .

Of Cyrus and Cambyses to what Olympiad M. Lively might apply them .

Suidas in the name Anacreon , the Poët , sayth : he liued in the dayes of Polycrates the tyrant of Samos in the fiftie two Olympiade : But others place him in the twenty fift Olympiade vnder Cyrus and Cambyses . So by Suidas Cyrus & Cambyses reigne togeather . And by Olympiades an hundreth yeares sooner then M. Liuely would : and almost an hundreth yeares before Nebuchadnezar : if Ezechiel prophecieth in Olympiad 48. as Clemens of Alexandria writeth he did . And so the Ebrew professour may see to what passe his Musae Olympiades bring Ebrew writers , if his penne were regarded .

The recordes of his Eclipses are lesse regarded : of Iewes and Grekes : and of Arabians cited by Christmannus vpon Alfragan : which euen from great Alexander ( whence Greekes better agree ) make lesse yeares by much then Ptolemies recorders of Eclipses . And they from Nabonassar , Mardocempad , Nabopollasar , Cambyses , Darius the first , compared with King Ezekias calling back of the sun , & Esthers time , can haue no possibility of agreement , or likelyhood . Galen vpon Hippocrates sayth well : that the most part of the bookes in Alexandria Librarie were forged : And Laertius telleth of forging many thousand yeres with pretense of marking eclipses , & odde monethes and dayes . Chrysostome the learned regarded them not : Maximus Monachus bringeth other reckonings , Epiphanius other , and Clemens of Alexandria infinite varieties , and yet no care of those calculations : and expressely telleth there was no Chronique observation in record before Eratosthenes , vnder the Ptolemeis times , cōpiled one . ROME also is brought in Chronicle , who before great Alexander had no writers . And Onuphrius Panvinius wondereth at varieties , when & by whom Rome should be built . Also ARCHONTES or Maiors of Athenes are brought to fight with an Angel. Three writers wrote of thē : Demetrius , Stesichorus , & Apollodorus : the third auctour was late : and of Chroniclers that would seeme exact , folowed . But their names many together running vpon a letter , shew that from some Alphabet table , they wee fetched : and very vnlearnedly . For many extant in Demosthenes , Aeschines , and Lysias , oratours speaking of their owne times , are not in Apollodorus . And beyond the times of Xerx , there is no table of them extant . As Athenes saw not to what purpose they should keep any record of times . And Apollodorus hath about 40. where the life of Euripides the Tragique will confute him . That shal be shewed in few wordes . Of Euripides thus writeth Suidas in Euripides . Euripides , &c. was borne the very same day that Greekes turned the Persians vnto flight , &c. he lived seaventie five yeares . This writeth Suidas in the terme , EVRIPIDES . And in the terme Timotheus thus : Timotheus the Lyrique , was in the dayes of Euripides the Tragique , when Philip Macedon reigned . So it is a sure demonstration that Xerxes flight , & Philip Macedones reigne are not sundred aboue 75. yeares . So M. Liuely is convicted to bring about 40. Mayors of Athenes for Euripides life time , more then his dayes saw there . It is great pity that our Archepiscopall authoritie should check the Date for salvation to all the world , with such Acherontean bables : where even Greekes fight for scripture .