2036242
-
f
JIM
THE
HISTORY OF THE JEWS,
FROM THE
DESTRUCTION OF JERUSALEM
TO THE
PRESENT TIME.
BY HANNAH ADAMS,
OF BOSTON, AMERICA.
" And the Lord shall scatter thee among all people from the one
end of the earth even unto the other; and among these nations
shalt thou find no ease, neither shall the sole of thy foot have rest"
Deut. xxviii. 64, 65.
loiition :
Printed by A. MACINTOSH, Brick Lane, Spitalfields :
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ADVERTISEMENT.
THE following " History of the Jews/' by Mrs.
Hannah Adams of America, is now printed in
England, with that Lady's kind permission, at the
expense and for the benefit of the " London
Society for promoting Christianity amongst the
Jews ; " and the hope is warmly cherished, that
when British Christians shall have been made more
fully acquainted, through the medium of this pub-
lication, with the calamities which have befallen
the Jews since their last dispersion, such sympathy
will be excited, as to stimulate them to co-operate
zealously with the above Society, in its benevolent
endeavours to impart the knowledge of the crucified
Jesus, the true Messiah, to that long oppressed
nation, whose past sufferings, present degradation,
and future glory, are equally foretold by the
prophets of the Old Testament, and the apostles
of the New. It is proper to remark, that a few
alterations were deemed expedient, in the present
edition.
2036242
THE AUTHOR'S PREFACE.
THE history of the Jews since their dispersion
has been but little investigated even by the literary
part of the world, and is almost entirely unknown
to the general mass of mankind. The design of
this work, including the introduction, is to give
a brief sketch of their situation, after their return
from the Babylonian captivity, to the nineteenth
century. The compiler is sensible, that the subject
is not calculated to engage the attention of those
readers whose object is merely amusement. ^Instead
of a narration of new and entertaining events,
they .will find a tedious succession of oppressions
and persecutions, and probably turn with disgust
from the gloomy picture of human guilt and
wretchedness.
To the speculative and inquisitive part of man-
kind, the subject must, however, appear more
interesting. The history of the Jews is remark-
able above that of all other nations, for the number
and cruelty of the persecutions they have endured.
They are venerable for the antiquity of their origin.
They are discriminated from the rest of mankind
by their wonderful destination, peculiar habits, and
VI PREFACE.
religious rites. Since the destruction of Jerusalem,
and their universal dispersion, we contemplate the
singular phenomenon of a nation subsisting for
ages without its civil and religious polity, and thus
surviving its political existence.
But the Jews appear in a far more interesting
and important light when considered as a standing
monument of the truth of the Christian religion ;
as the ancient church of God to whom were
committed the sacred oracles ; as a people selected
from all nations to make known and preserve the
knowledge of the true God. To them the Gospel
was first preached, and from them the first Chris-
tian church in Jerusalem was collected. To them
we are indebted for the scriptures of the New,
as well as of the Old Testament. To them were
given the spirit of prophecy, and power of
working miracles. From them were derived an
illustrious train of prophets and apostles. To
use the language of an inspired writer, " To
them pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, the
service of God, and the promises; and of them,
as concerning the flesh, Christ came."
The history of the Jews by Mr. Basnage, a
learned French refugee, who was pastor of the
Walloon church at the Hague, and died in 1723,
is the principal authority made use of in the first
PREFACE. ?11
part of this history ; the references are made to
the translation of Mr. Taylor, published in 1708,
which received the approbation of the author.
The compiler is greatly indebted to the writings
of M. Gregoire, formerly bishop of Blois, senator,
member of the National Institute, &c. &c. His
excellent " Essay on the Reformation of the Jews"
has afforded much important information respecting
this extraordinary people. His late valuable work,
entitled " Histoire des Sectes Religieuses/' pub-
lished at Paris, 1810, besides interesting and en-
tertaining accounts of the various denominations
of Christians, contains several curious articles re-
specting the Jews. The works of David Levi
have furnished materials for what is said of the
religious tenets and ceremonies of his brethren.
Occasional assistance has been given by modern
travellers, whom curiosity has induced to investigate
the present condition of this singular people. The
learned Dr. Buchanan, in his valuable works,
particularly his " Researches in Asia," has fur-
nished authentic documents respecting the state
of the eastern Jews. Some recent intelligence
concerning those in Europe has been collected from
a late work of Mr. Adam, entitled, " The Reli-
gious World Displayed, published 1809. The
respectable author observes in his preface, that
" he was indebted for particulars respecting them
to Joshua Van Oven, a learned, distinguished, and
Vlll PREFACE.
worthy member of the society of German Jews."
Various other authors will be found referred to in
the history ; but the above mentioned have fur-
nished the principal materials for the work.
To the intelligent and well informed the difficulty
of collecting the history of a people so little known,
particularly in this country, during the last and
present century, wholly from desultory and un-
connected materials, will appear obvious. The
compiler can only say, that however deficient and
ill arranged her history may be, she has spared
no exertions in her power to collect authentic do-
cuments, and has used them to the best of her
ability. But while she relies on the candour and
indulgence of the public, she cannot forbear to
express the warmest gratitude to those respectable
gentlemen whose generous patronage has enabled
her to devote her time to literary pursuits.
INTRODUCTION.
SECTION I.
Of the state of the Jews under the Persian monarchy;
and the change which took place after the Babylonish
captivity.
B. C. 536.] THE Jews * having remained in
captivity seventy years, according to the prediction
of the prophet Jeremiah, f were restored to their
native country by Cyrus the Great, king of Persia.
For this purpose he issued a decree, in the first
year of his reign, by which they were permitted to
return to Palestine, and rebuild their city and
temple. This opportunity was joyfully embraced
by the most zealous of the tribes of Judah, Benja-
* So denominated from the name Judah, as this tribe obtained
the pre-eminence, and was more numerous than that of Benjamin.
All the descendants of Jacob were anciently called Israel, or children
of Israel, till the time that ten of the tribes revolted from the house
of David : (See 1st. of Kings.) These ten tribes were afterwards called
the house of Israel, and the other two tribes, of Judah and Benja-
min, the house of Judah. From time to time many of the house of
Israel joined that of Judah for the enjoyment of religious privileges ;
(1 Chron. ix. 3.) became incorporated with them, and were with them
carried captive to Babylon. Many of these embraced the opportu-
nity of returning to Judea after the captivity ; for the decrees of the
Persian kings extended to all the house of Israel. The people of
Judah and Israel, after their return, were blended together under the
name of Jew. Prideaux's Connection, vol. i. p. 190 270.
i Chap. xxv. 11. " And these nation* shall serve the king of
" Babylon seventy years."
B
INTRODUCTION.
in; and Lcvi. A large part of the Jewish cap-
tives, who chose to remain in Babylon, made liberal
contributions towards assisting their brethren.*
B. C. 534.] Soon after the return of ,the Jews,
they began* with alacrity and zeal to rebuild their
altar, and laid the foundation of their temple.
While they were engaged in this important under-
taking, the Samaritans f expressed an earnest
desire to assist in the completion of the building.
But as they blended the worship of their false
deities with that of the God of Israel, the Jews
rejected their request, alleging that, as the decree
of the Persian monarch extended only to the house
of Israel, they could not admit them to participate
in the work. This refusal gave rise to that impla-
cable enmity which subsisted between the Sama-
ritans and Jews; J and induced the former to exert
* Ezra i. 6.
t The Samaritans were originally heathen colonies from different
countries. After the king of Assyria had taken Samaria, the capital
of the ten tribes, he removed the greatest part of the Israelites into
Babylon and Assyria. And in order to re-people the desolate country,
he brought colonies from Babylon, Cutha, Ava, Hamath, and Se-
pharvaim, and established them in the cities of Samaria instead of
those .whom he had carried into captivity. These people being im-
mediately after their settlement much infested with lions, attributed*
this calamity to their neglect of the tutelary deity of this country,
and petitioned the king to send one of the captive Jewish priests to
instruct them how to worship the God of Israel. A priest was ac-
cordingly sent back, who took up his residence at Bethel, and esta-
blished the worship of the true God. Yet while Jehovah was feared
because of his supposed influence in that land, the gods of the Baby-
lonians and other countries had divine honours paid to them. This
mixture of idolatry with the Mosaic worship continued til) the build-
ing of the Samaritan temple on Mount Gerizzim. Henry's Ancient
Israelites, p. 352.
J John iv. 9.
INTRODUCTION. 3
themselves to obstruct the building of the temple.
In consequence of their malicious attempts, the
erection of the sacred edifice was suspended, till
Darius issued an edict which not only ratified the
grants of Cyrus, but denounced a severe penalty
against all who obstructed the work. When this
important decree was communicated to the Jews,
they rapidly proceeded in the building, which was
finished in the sixth year of Darius, and the dedica-
tion performed in the month Adar with all imaginable
splendour and solemnity.*
B. C. 349.] The history of the Old Testament
closes with an account of the restoration of the Jews
to Palestine, and the building of their city and temple
under Ezra the priest, and Nehemiah the governor.
The assiduous labours of these pious and eminent
men to reform the abuses of the Jewish state and
church, to enforce the observance of the Mosaic law,
and restore divine worship to its original purity, are
recorded in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah.
It appears from the sacred records, that the Jews,
after their return from captivity, were in a feeble
state under the first Persian monarchs. They were
exposed to the envy and malice of those strangers
who resided in the vicinity, in particular to the
insults and calumnies of the Samaritans. It is also
evident from the cruel edict which Haman obtained
against them, from which they were saved by the
powerful intercession of queen Esther, that they
were in danger of being destroyed upon the least
intimation of the king's pleasure. By degrees, how-
* Ezra vi. 16, 17.
4- INTRODUCTION.
ever, their affairs were established, and though they
were subjected to an easy tribute, they lived under
their own laws, in the form of a commonwealth,
governed by the high-priest, and the council of
seventy- two elders ; and exercised among them-
selves the power of life and death.* Jerusalem
being at length rebuilt, fortified, and repeopled.,
began to resume some appearance of its former
splendour, and the temple was honoured by the
offerings of strangers.f
After the death of Nehemiah, the government of
Judea appears to have been joined to the prefecture
of Syria, from which the high priests received their
authority.]; This circumstance induced many per-
sons to aspire to that high office merely through
ambition and avarice, who were destitute of zeal
* The grand council of the nation called the Sanhedrim, which
assembled in an apartment of the temple at Jerusalem, possessed the
power of life and death. The Jews styled it a hedge to the laws,
because the members of the council had authority to interpret it at
certain times and on certain occasions, as they thought proper. Its
authority extended over all the synagogues in Judea and remote
countries, and no appeal could be made from its sentence. Whether
this consistory of seventy elders was a perpetual, or only a temporary
institution, is a subject of dispute. The Jews, and after them Gro-
tius, Selden, Lightfoot, and several other learned Christians, maintain
that it was first instituted by Moses; that the seventy-two elders
appointed to assist him were its first members; and that the Sanhe-
drim, so famous in the latter ages of Jewish polity, subsisted after
his time until the destruction of the temple. But Basnage and others
hare attempted to prove that the court of the Sanhedrim was first
established in the time of the Maccabees. Basnage, p. 400. Jen-
nings' 1 Jewish Antiquities, vol. i. p. 39.
+ Fleury's Ancient Israelites.
J The candidates purchased this office from the Syrian governor,
and retained it by means of money ; hence they oppressed the people
with taxes to enable them to fulfil their pecuniary engagements.
INTRODUCTION. 3
for religion, or love for their country. For whole
centuries, the office of high priest being the chief
object of men's ambition, the violent contests for
the sacerdotal dignity, and the arbitrary conduct of
those who obtained it, involved the Jewish nation
in various calamities.
B. C. 373.] A remarkable instance of the truth
of this assertion occurred in the 34th year of Ar-
taxerxes Mnemon ; at which period Joiada was
succeeded in the high priesthood by his son Johanan.
Some time after his investiture he received a visit
from his brother Joshua, who asserted that Bagoses,
the governor of Syria, had promised to transfer the
sacred dignity to him. A dispute immediately
ensued, and Joshua was slain in the interior court
of the temple. Bagoses receiving intelligence of
this event, severely upbraided the Jews with defiling
the habitation of their God, and imposed a heavy
fine upon the pontiff, which was not taken off till
the death of Artaxerxes changed the face of affairs.
The Jews were, however, by no means free from
trouble in the reign of his successor ; for Ochus
having subdued the greatest part of Phoenicia, car-
ried his victorious arms into Judea ; reduced Jeri-
cho, and sent a great number of the inhabitants
into captivity. Ten years after this event Johanan
died, and was succeeded by his son Jaddua.*
After the Babylonish captivity the Jews retained
a constant aversion to idolatry, which they justly
supposed was the principal cause of their expulsion
from their native land.
Prideaiu's Connection, vol. ii. p. 658.
:!
6
INTRODUCTION.
It has been assigned as a reason for this change,
that previous to the captivity they had no syna-
gogues* for public instruction, nor places for
religious worship, except the temple and the cities
of the Levites. In consequence of which the di-
vine laws were neglected and forgotten, and they
were easily allured into the superstitious practices of
their idolatrous neighbours. But after their return,
they had synagogues erected among them in every
city, which were opened, not for ceremonial wor-
ship, as sacrificing, for this was confined to the
temple; but for praying, preaching, reading the
law,f divine worship and social duties. The people
repaired to the synagogue morning and evening
for prayer, and on sabbaths and festivals the law
was read and expounded to them. The custom of
reading the scriptures and preaching in the syna-
gogues is supposed to have been introduced by
Ezra.J
* Dr. Prideaux and other learned writers have maintained that
there were not any synagogues before the captivity, as there is no
mention of them in the Old Testament, hut after that period their
number was very great. They were places of prayer and religious
assemblies for the worship of God. The times of the synagogue
service were three days every week besides fasts and festivals. The
Jews also attended prayers three times every day, in the morning,
afternoon, and at night. At the east end in every synagogue is an
ark or chest, in commemoration of the ark of the covenant which
was in the temple; and in this ark they lock up the Pentateuch,
written upon vellum with a particular ink. Sec Prideaux's Connection,
vol. ii. p. 534, 535, and Picurl's Iteligious Ceremonies of the Jftus.
+ The mode of worship adopted in the Jewish synagogues subse-
quent to the captivity, differed but little from the present worship of
Christian assemblies; for it consisted of three parts, reading the scrip-
tures, prayer, and preaching. Graves s Lectures on the Pentateuch.
Published 1807.
i We have a short but beautiful description of Ezra's first preach-
INTRODUCTION. <
The reformation, begun by Ezra and others, at
length degenerated into formality and superstition ;
and when the Jews first deviated from the purity of
their morals, and the simplicity of their religious
worship, their zeal for the rites and ceremonies of
their law increased. It is supposed the lamentable
change became more general after miracles and
prophecies ceased,* which had in some measure
prevented them from taking the shadow for the
substance of religion. +
O >
It is evident, that soon after the termination of the
prophetic age ? | the Jews began to corrupt the law
of Moses, by introducing certain precepts and insti-
tutions which they professed to have received by
oral tradition from the most ancient time. This
traditionary law, which chiefly respected religious
ceremonies, fastings, and other practices distinct
from the moral duties of life, at length obtained
with the greater part of the Jewish nation a degree
of aulhority equal to that of the Mosaic law; whilst
the minor part, rejecting these innovations, adhered
strictly to the institutions of their sacred oracles.
These two general classes, which do not appear to
have been distinguished by any peculiar appellation,
gradually adopted other tenets and customs, and at
length formed several distinct sects, of which the
principal were the Sadducees, the Caraites, the
ing in Xehemiah viii. The Jews had liturgies for their prayers, in
which are all the prescribed forms of their synagogue worship.
Prideaux's Connection, vol. ii. p. 537.
* From the lime of Malachi, the Jews had not been favoured with
any prophet. He flourished about the year 397 before Christ.
\ Picart's Ceremonies and Religious Customs of the Jews.
Enfield's Philosophy, vol. ii. p. 171.
& INTRODUCTION.
Pharisees, and the Essenes.* These denomina-
tions were formed at different periods after the
spirit of prophecy ceased from Israel, and were in
a flourishing state at the time of our Saviour's
appearance upon earth.
SECTION II.
Sketch of the History of the Jews under Alexander and
his Successors to the Revolt of Mattathias.
B.C. 330.] A GREAT event, foretold in the pro-
phetic pages f at length arrived, when the mighty
empire of Persia was subdued by Alexander the
Great, 208 years after the overthrow of the Baby-
lonian empire by Cyrus. The Jews gave a striking
proof of their fidelity to Darius Codomanus, the
last Persian monarch, by refusing to assist Alex-
ander in the siege of Tyre. The Macedonian
hero, exasperated at this refusal, after the conquest
of that city led his victorious army against Jeru-
salem. J
At this alarming crisis, Jaddua, the high priest,
offered sacrifices and supplications to the God of
Israel, and being, as it is said, directed by a vision
in the night, went forth the following day to meet
the conqueror, dressed in his pontifical robes, at-
tended by the priests in sacerdotal vestments, and
the people in white garments. Alexander, struck
with profound awe at the sight of this solemn pro-
cession, bowed himself down before the high priest,
* See an account of these sects in Section V.
t Dan. ii. 39. + Josephus's Jewish Antiquities.
INTRODUCTION. 9
and adored the name of Jehovah, inscribed on his
mitre. In reply to those who expressed their asto-
nishment, that the victorious monarch of so many
nations should pay homage to a Jewish priest, he
declared, that during his abode in Macedonia, he
had seen this pontiff in a vision, encouraging him to
pursue the war against the Persians, and promising
him complete victory. He was therefore convinced
that he had engaged in this expedition under the
conduct of God, whom he worshipped in the
person of his high priest. The king then entered
Jerusalem in the midst of the procession, and of-
fered sacrifices in the temple, where Jaddua shewed
him the prophecy of Daniel, that a Grecian king
should overturn the Persian empire. This predic-
tion heightened his confidence of success.*
Alexander, after this event, highly favoured the
Jewish nation by exempting 1 them from paying the
tribute on the seventh, or sabbatical year ; permit-
ting them to live under their own laws, and enjoy
the free exercise of their religion. He transplanted
many of them into a new city which he built in
Egypt, and called Alexandria, after his own name,
granting them privileges and immunities equal to
those enjoyed by his Macedonian subjects. f
B. C. 333.] Upon the extinction of the Persian
monarchy, in consequence of Alexander's J con-
* Such is the account given by Josephus and some other histo-
rians. JosephHt's History of the Jews, and Rollings Ancient History \
t Prideaux's Connection, p. 696, 697. Fleury's Ancient Israel-
ites, p. x35.
After the conquests of Alexander a distinction is made of the
Hellenist Jews. This name was given them because they mingled
with the Greeks and spoke their language. They rend the Scriptures
10 INTRODUCTION.
quests, the Samaritans endeavoured to accomplish
a civil and ecclesiastical union with the Jews. For
this purpose Sanballat, governor of Samaria, gave
his daughter in marriage to Manasses, the brother
of Jaddua the high priest., fully expecting that the
succession in the priesthood would devolve upon
Manasses, and that by this means a coalition might
be effected. Sanballat upon finding that the Jews,
particularly the members of the Sanhedrim, highly
resented this profane alliance, took his son-in-law
under his protection, and having obtained permis-
sion from Alexander to build a temple on mount
Gerizzim, appointed Manasses its high priest. A
powerful body of priests and Israelites, who had been
involved in similar connections, joined the Samari-
tans.* The erection of the temple highly exaspe-
rated the Jews ; the violent animosity between the
parties increased, and gave rise to frequent hosti-
lities.f
B. C. 324.] After the death of Alexander, the
Macedonian empire was divided among four of his
generals; and Judea being situated between Egypt
and Syria, became subject to all the revolutions and
wars in which his successors were engaged against
each other. It was at first governed by Laoraedon,
the Mitylenian, one of Alexander's captains, and
after he was defeated by Ptolemy Soter, king of
in Greek also, after the Septuagint Version had been prepared, by
order of Ptolemy Philadelphia, king of Egypt. Basnage, p. 527.
* It is supposed, that when Manasses fled to the Samaritans, he
first brought the law of Moses among them; and after they received
it they renounced idolatry, and worshipped the true God. Prideaux's
Connection, -vol. ii. p. 598.
t Josephus, p. 284. Enfield's Philosophy.
INTRODUCTION.
Egypt, the Jews refused to violate their engage-
ments to him. Enraged at their resistance, Ptolemy
marched to Jerusalem, and being apprized of the
religious veneration of the Jens for the Sabbath,
fraudulently surprised and took the city on that day,
and carried a hundred thousand of the inhabitants
captive into Egypt. However, in consideration of
the loyalty they had on various occasions evinced to
former conquerors, he advanced the most distin-
guished persons among them to places of trust in
the military department ; and eventually confirmed
all the privileges which Alexander had formerly
bestowed upon their nation. Ptolemy settled some
of the captives in Lybia and Gyrene ; from those
who were established in the latter of these countries
descended the Cyrenian Jews, mentioned by the
writers of the New Testament.*
Soon after the recovery of Judea by Ptolemy,
Simon, the Jewish high priest, died in the ninth
year of his pontificate. The character given of
him in Ecclesiasticusf evinces his distinguished
merit ; and the piety and integrity which uniformly
marked his conduct, induced his cotemporaries to
honour him with the surname of Just. He exhibited
an ardent love of his country by repairing and
fortifying the city and temple ; and is said to have
rendered the most essential service to religion by
completing the canon of the Oid Testament. This
celebrated pontiff was the last member of the grand
synagogue. J
* Prideaux's Connection, vol. ii. p. 150. Encyclopedia, TO!, ix.
t Ecclesiasticus, chap. i.
t The grand synagogue consisted of 120 elders who, in a regular
INTRODUCTION.
On the decease of Ptolemy Soter, his successor
Philadelphia confirmed and enlarged the privileges
of the Jews. He established many of that nation
in his dominions, ransomed those who had been
carried captive into Egypt,, and caused a copy of
their sacred books to be translated into the Greek
language,* and deposited in his famous library at
Alexandria. By means of the translation, which
was styled the Septuagint version, f the Jewish reli-
gion was made known among the Gentiles, so that
the temple was enriched with magnificent presents
from the neighbouring monarchs.
The Jews also obtained distinguished favours
from Seleucus Nicator, king of Macedon and Syria,
who admitted them into all the cities which he had
built in Lesser Asia, and allowed them the same
privileges with his Grecian and Macedonian sub-
jects.*
The Jewish affairs continued to wear a favour-
succession after the expiration of the Babylonish captivity, laboured
assiduously in restoring the Jewish church and state; and exerted
themselves to diffuse an accurate knowledge of the Holy Scriptures
among their brethren. Sacred Mirror.
D
* This translation is frequently quoted by the sacred writers of the
New Testament. Butler's Boras Biblicce.
f A late author observes that, with respect to the history of the
Septuagint, there scarcely is a subject of literature upon which more
has been written, or of which less with any degree of certainty is
known. The popular account of its being made in the reign of
Ptolemy Philadelphus, at the suggestion of Aristeas, and under the
direction of Demetrius Phalerus, by seventy or seventy-two Jews
shut up in cells, appears to be generally exploded. The prevailing
opinion is, that it was made at Alexandria at different times, and by
different interpreters, but that all pf them were Jews. Butler's
Horte Biblica, p. 18, and also Prideaux's Connettion, vol. iii. p. 29 52.
+ Flenry's Ancient Israelites, p. 235.
INTRODUCTION. IS
able aspect till in the reign of Ptolemy Philopator
they were greatly oppressed by the incursion of the
Samaritans. At the same time Antiochus the Great,
king of Syria, made a vigorous effort to conquer
Judea. He was however defeated by the Egyptian
monarch, who soon after visited Jerusalem, and
offered sacrifices to the God of Israel for his recent
victory. Stimulated by an extreme curiosity to
view the interior part of the temple, in spite of the
remonstrances of the priests and the lamentations of
the people, he forced his way through the two outer
courts ; but it is related, that on his attempting to
penetrate into the most holy place he was struck
with inexpressible terror, and was obliged to be
carried out by his attendants. Instead however of
being humbled by this judgment, he was exaspe-
rated against the Jews ; and on his return to Egypt
raised a persecution against those in that kingdom,
deprived them of their privileges, ordered them to
be enrolled among the lowest order of Egyptians,
and sentenced many to slavery and death. He was
afterwards however induced to revoke his sangui-
nary decrees.*
B. C. 212.] After the death of Ptolemy Philo-
pator, Antiochus the Great invaded Caelosyria and
* It is said, that the king had resolved to destroy the whole
nation, beginning with those who resided in Egypt, whom he ordered
to be brought in chains to Alexandria to be killed by bis elephants.
As this wa* to be done publicly, a vast concourse of people were col-
lected together to behold the horrid exhibition, when to their great
surprise, the elephants having been made drunk with wine and frank-
incense, turned all their rage upon the spectators, and destroyed
great numbers of them, while the Jews remained in perfect safety.
The king relented, and restored this persecuted people to their former
privileges. Prideaux's Connection, vol. iii. p. 118.
INTRODUCTION.
Palestine, and soon made an. entire conquest of
these provinces. The Jews renounced their alle-
giance to Egypt, placed themselves under his pro-
tection, and offered him their assistance. The
Syrian monarch, highly gratified by the fidelity
and zeal they exhibited in his service, restored to
Jerusalem its ancient privileges ; gave a large sum
out of his own treasury for repairing the temple,
and maintaining public worship; granted an exemp-
tion from all taxes for three years to all the dispersed
Jews who should return to their capital, and libe-
rated all who had been sold for slaves in any part
of his dominions.*
B. C. 176.] Upon the decease of Antiochus,
his son and successor Seleucus continued to the
Jews the enjoyment of their civil and religious pri-
vileges, and the expenses of their sacrifices were
defrayed out of the royal treasury. Their prospe-
rity was, however, disturbed by an unhappy alter-
cation between Onias the high priest, and Simon
the governor of the temple. The latter, actuated
by a principle of revenge, gave such an exagge-
rated account of the treasures in the temple, that
Seleucus determined to appropriate part of them to
his own use, and commanded Heliodorus, his trea-
surer, to convey them to Antioch. Upon his arrival
at Jerusalem, Onias endeavoured to dissuade him
from his purpose, assuring him that these treasures
were appropriated to the use of the widows and
orphans in the Jewish community. Heliodorus,
however, still persisted to execute his commission.
t Pridcaux's Connection, TO!, ii. p 128.
INTRODUCTION.
15
But while the priests and people united in ardent
supplication to the God of Israel to preserve the
sanctuary, he was suddenly struck, according to the
book of Maccabees, with inexpressible terror by an
awful vision, and soon after quitted the city, which
he acknowledged was under the protection of a
divine and irresistible power, Simon, enraged at
the defeat of his malicious designs, accused Onias of
having invited the king's treasurer to Jerusalem.
But the high priest justified his conduct to his royal
master, and at length procured the banishment of
the treacherous governor.*
B. C. 173.] Soon after Antiochus Epiphanes
assumed the Syrian diadem, Jason, brother to
Onias, went to Antioch and purchased the high
priesthood for three hundred and sixty talents f He
also obtained an order that the present pontiff, who
was a man of exemplary piety and justice, should be
sent to that metropolis, and there confined for life.
This impious priest subverted the religion of his
ancestors, by procuring a grant for erecting a Gym-
nasium, or place of exercise, at Jerusalem, similar
to those which were built in the Grecian cities ; and
encouraged the people by rewards, precepts, and
example, to adopt the superstition of their idolatrous
conquerors. From this time, therefore, a general
apostacy took place, and the service of the temple
was neglected.!
After Jason had enjoyed his ill-acquired dignity
for a few years, he was supplanted by his brother
* Josephus, p. 303. 2 Maccabees iii. Prideaux's Connection,
t About ninety thousand pounds sterling.
Josephus, p. 304. 2 Maccabees.
16 INTRODUCTION.
Menelaus, whose impiety, if possible, exceeded
that of his predecessor. After he had obtained the
high priesthood by offering the additional price of
three hundred talents, he ordered the sacred vessels
to be sold to pay the stipulated sum, and bribe the
courtiers in his favour. He also caused Onias, \vho
had reproved him for his impious sacrilege, to be
put to death. He was indefatigable in his exer-
tions to destroy the Jewish religion ; engaged that
himself and his party should wholly conform to the
Greeks; drove Jason from Jerusalem, and by his
tyranny and extortion caused an insurrection in that
city.*
B. C. 166.] In the mean time Antiochus was
prosecuting the war in Egypt, and on a false report
of his death, Jason marched to Jerusalem at the
head of a thousand men, and severely chastised the
adherents of Menelaus. But the approach of the
Syrian monarch compelled him to elude his ven-
geance by flight; and at length he died in exile
universally hated and despised. Antiochus, exaspe-
rated at the supposed revolt, and the rejoicings
upon the report of his death, abandoned Jerusalem
for three days to the fury of the Syrian army.
Forty thousand persons were slain, and nearly an
equal number sold for slaves. The impious mo-
narch, conducted by the traitor Menelaus, forced
his way into the temple, and even penetrated into
the most holy place ; tore off the golden ornaments,
carried away the sacred treasures and utensils ; and
in order to offer the greatest insult to the Jewish
*^ Josephus, p. 303. Prideaux's Connection, vol. ii. p. 175, 176.
INTRODUCTION. 17
religion, sacrificed a large hog on the altar of burnt
offering.*
After the capital was drained of treasure, and
filled with blood, the tyrant appointed a barbarous
Phrygian, named Philip, governor of Jerusalem,
established the apostate Menelausf in the high
priesthood, and returned in triumph to Antioch.
B. C. 168.] About two years after this terrible
event, Antiochus despatched Appollonius, governor
of Syria, at the head of twenty-two thousand men,
commanding him to destroy Jerusalem, massacre
the men, and sell the women and children for slaves.
The king's officer concealed his intentions till the
first sabbath after his arrival ; and while the people
were assembled for the solemn worship of God, he
executed his horrid commands with unrelenting bar-
barity. Every part of the city was then plundered,
set on fire, and the walls demolished. The temple
was indeed permitted to stand, but its service was
totally abandoned ; for the Syrian troops built a
fortress opposite to the sacred edifice, in order to
overlook and assault all who came to worship the
God of Israel. J
The impious monarch, not yet satiated with the
blood of the Jews, resolved totally to abolish their
religion, or extirpate their whole people. He
therefore issued a decree, that all the nations within
his dominions should forsake their old religion and
* Josephus.
t The temporal authority, which was united with the pontifical,
made the office of high priest appear of such value to Menelaus
and Jason. Prideaux, vol. ii. p. 168.
t Rollin's Ancient History, vol. viii. p. 390.
C
18 INTRODUCTION.
gods, and worship those of the king, under the
severest penalties. To enforce obedience to his
orders, he placed overseers in every province, and
being apprized that the Jews were the only persons
who would presume to disobey his commands, strict
injunctions were given to have them treated with
the utmost severity. Atheneas, an aged and cruel
man, well versed in all the rites of Grecian idolatry,,
being sent into Judea, dedicated the temple of
Jehovah to Jupiter Olympus,* and set up his
statue on the altar of burnt-offering. All who
refused to offer their adorations before the idol,
were either massacred, or compelled to endure the
most exquisite tortures. At the same time, altars,
groves, and statues were established not only in
Judea, but in all the parts of the Syrian empire ;
and all who professed the religion of Moses, were
obliged to worship them under the same penalties.
The king also promulgated an edict, making it
instant death to offer sacrifices to the God of
Israel, to observe the sabbath, practise circumcision,
or any of the Mosaic institutions. In short, an
energetic attempt was made to destroy every copy of
the law, which the king commanded to be delivered
up under penalty of death, while he strenuously en-
deavoured to exterminate every faithful worshipper
of God. f
At this distressing period, multitudes quitted their
* At this time the Samaritans presented a petition to the king, in
which they declared themselves not to be Jews, and requested that
their temple on Mount Gerizzim might be dedicated to the Grecian
Jupiter, and called after his name. Ilollins Ancient History.
t Frideaux, vol. ii. p. 184, 1ST.
INTRODUCTION. i9
habitations, and retreated to caves among the rocks,
where they subsisted on herbs and roots. A large
number apostatized ; yet the ministers of cruelty
were frequently baffled by the intrepid firmness of
their victims. The king, exasperated at their
boldness in defying his edicts and punishments, re-
solved to visit Jerusalem in order to enforce the
execution of his sanguinary decrees. When the
tyrant arrived, he had recourse to the stake and the
rack ; and commanded and superintended the most
horrid executions.* The unshaken constancy of
the sufferers filled him with rage and astonishment ;
while their triumphant deaths strengthened the faith
and courage of their brethren.
Though the persecution under Antiochus was the
greatest the Jews had ever suffered, they had
hitherto endured the horrid cruelties of the tyrant
without resistance. But at length men eminently
distinguished for valour armed themselves in defence
of their religion and laws ; and while they fought
under the banner of the God of Israel, they were
enabled to effect the destruction of their idolatrous
enemies, the deliverance of their nation, and the
restoration of the true worship.
* The venerable Eleazar and the seven brethren, with their pious
mother, were at this time put to a most cruel death. 2 Macca-
beet vi. vii.
c 2
20 INTRODUCTION.
SECTION III.
Sketch of the history of the Jews under the Asmonean
family.
MATTATHIAS, an eminent priest of the Asmonean
family,* lamented with deep anguish and regret the
wretched situation of his country, and had for some
time retired to Modin, his native place, in order to
avoid the persecution which raged in Jerusalem.
Apelles, one of the officers of Antiochus, was sent
to that city to establish the heathen worship. After
assembling the people, he endeavoured to persuade
that venerable priest to set an example of com-
pliance with the king's edict, by insinuating compli-
ments, magnificent promises, and by stating the
number who had apostatized. Mattathias boldly
replied in the hearing of the multitude, " that
though all the Jews, and all the nations on earth,
should conform to the king's decree, he and his sons
would continue faithful to the law of their God, and
that no consideration should ever induce them to
abandon the religion of their ancestors." Immedi-
ately after, he killed one of his countrymen who
offered sacrifices on the altar of Modin. Upon
being joined by his sons, and some others, he exe-
cuted the same summary vengeance on the king's
officer and his attendants ;f and hastily passing
* He was the great grandson of Asmoncus, from whom the family
derived their name. Prideaux's Connection, vol. ii. p. 187.
+ Mattathias's conduct was conformable to the law of Moes in
such cases. See Deuteronomy xiii.
INTRODUCTION. 31
about the city, exhorted all who were zealous for
the law of God to follow him.
Animated by the example of Mattathias and his
pious family, large numbers of Jews being deter-
mined to make vigorous exertions for the recovery
of their civil and religious privileges, followed their
venerable leader into the desarts of Judea.* They
were soon pursued by the royal army ; and being
attacked on the sabbath., many perished without
offering to make the least resistance. Their leaders
were hence induced to pass a decree for defending
themselves for the future on that holy day, which
being ratified by the priests and elders, was privately
communicated to Palestine and the adjacent vil-
lages, f
B. C. 1 67. ] The party of Mattathias being strongly
reinforced, furiously attacked the Syrians and apostate
Jews, destroying many, and compelling others to
seek refuge in foreign countries. After having struck
their enemies with terror, the conquerors marched
from city to city, overturning the heathen altars,
demolishing the graven images, opening the Jewish
synagogues, and enforcing the practice of circum-
cision. They also assiduously employed themselves
in searching for and transcribing the sacred books,
and causing the reading of the scriptures to be
resumed. Their heroic exertions were crowned
with such remarkable success, that in the short
space of one year, a happy reformation had begun
to extend over a large part of Judea, when death ar-
rested Mattathias in his glorious progress. In his
* Whiston's Josephuv vol. iii. p. 46. t Ibid.
22 INTRODUCTION.
last moments he exhorted his sons, in the most
fervent and affectionate manner, to emulate, their
pious ancestors, and hazard their lives in defence of
the religion and laws of their country.*
B. C. 160.] Judas, surnamed Maccabeus,f his
eldest son and successor, is said to have been the
greatest uninspired hero of whom the Jews can
boast. J With his small army, which at first only
consisted of six thousand men, he soon made him-
self master of some of the strongest fortresses in
Judea ; became terrible to the Syrians and Sa-
maritans ; compelled the apostate Jews to retire in
confusion, while the pious emigrants returned and
enlisted under his banners. The Syrian monarch,
and the governors of the provinces, exerted them-
selves to the utmost to crush this dangerous revolt in
its infancy. For this purpose they repeatedly sent
formidable armies against Judas, commanded by
officers of consummate valour. The Maccabean
hero, animated by religious confidence in God, was
not alarmed by the vast superiority of numbers on
'tfA, r.^J ;y.'fi V_' - . ' ; '.-.!. ; ;. ; . , .
* 1 Maccabees ii. Josephus, p. 309.
+ The motto on the standard of Judas was taken from Exodus xrv
" Who is like unto thee among the Gods, O Jehovah !" which being
written by an abbreviation formed the initial letters of the words put
together, which made the artificial word Maccabees. Such at least is
the national tradition concerning the origin of a name applied in its
strict sense to persons enlisted under Judas and his brethren ; but also
more extensively to those who, before Judas raised his standard, had
magnanimously braved death in the same religious canse. Parti-
cularly to those Jews recently tortured at Jerusalem by the merciless
Antiochus Epiphanes, as well as those martyred 50 years before at
Alexandria by the cruel Ptolemy Philopater. Prideaux'a Connection,
vol. ii. p. 193. Gillie's History, vol. iii. p. 183.
+ Encyclopedia.
INTRODUCTION.
23
the side of his enemies : but continued successfully
to defend the laws and religion of his countrymen :
and in one year defeated the Syrians in five battles.
In the last of these engagements, the army which
was raised by Lysias the Syrian governor, amounted
to sixty-five thousand men. Judas gained a com-
plete victory, obliged the troops who had escaped
the sword to elude his vengeance by an ignominious
flight, and their commander to abandon the en-
terprize, and return to Syria.*
B.C. 165.] Encouraged by this brilliant success,
the victorious Maccabees marched to Jerusalem,
destroyed the Syrian idols, repaired and purified the
temple, replaced the sacred vessels, and divine wor-
ship, which had been interrupted for three years
and an half, was resumed with the greatest splendour
and solemnity. The temple, which was decked with
a profusion of ornaments, was consecrated anew to
the service of God, and an annual feast appointed
to perpetuate the remembrance of this joyful event.
But notwithstanding the triumphant success of
Judas and his army, they were not able to expel the
Syrians from their fortress on mount Acra, which
was opposite to the temple ; in order therefore to
prevent the interruption of divine worship, they
protected the sacred edifice by building high walls
and lofty towers, which were supported by a
powerful and vigilant garrison. f
The surrounding nations, exasperated at the re-
establishment of the Jews, united against them, and
* For a particular account of the battles between the Syrians and
Jews, see 1 Maccabees iii. iv.
t 1 Maccabees iv.
INTRODUCTION.
attacked them on all sides, being resolved to destroy
every worshipper of Jehovah. But Judas and his
valiant brothers repeatedly attacked and vanquished
their forces with prodigious slaughter ; reduced
several of their principal places ; and obtained the
most complete success.*
In the mean time Antiochus, being on his return
from an unsuccessful expedition against Persia, re-
ceived the alarming news, that all the Jews had
revolted, defeated his generals, expelled their armies
from Judea, and restored the primitive worship.
This intelligence filled him with such frantic rage,
that he declared he would utterly extirpate every in-
dividual of the Jewish nation. These words were
scarcely uttered, says the author of the book of
Maccabees, when he was struck with a torturing and
incurable disease, and was compelled to acknow-
ledge, that his sufferings were justly inflicted by the
God of Israel, whose people he had persecuted with
unrelenting cruelty.
After having languished for some time in a mise-
rable condition he expired, and his death freed the
Jews from the most inveterate enemy they had ever
known. Antiochus Eupater, his son and successor,
continued to prosecute the war against the Jewish
nation, f
Some time after the death of the tyrant, Judas
laid close siege to the tower of Acra, which Appol-
lonius had built to overlook the temple. The young
king advanced to the relief of the garrison at the
head of an hundred thousand foot, twenty thousand
* Rollin's Ancient History, vol. viii.
t 2 Maccabees ix. Josephus, vol. iii p. 69.
INTRODUCTION. 25
horse, thirty-two elephants, and three hundred
chariots of war. Upon the approach of this formi-
dable army, the Maccabean chief having exhorted
his troops to fight valiantly for their liberties, and
given for the watchword, " Victory is of God,' 1
attacked the enemy in the night, slew four thousand
six hundred men, threw the whole army into confu-
sion, and made a regular retreat into Jerusalem.*
Antiochus Eupater, having reduced the fortress
of Bethsura, conducted his army to the Jewish
metropolis. The garrison defended the city with
undaunted courage, till they were reduced to the
utmost extremities from want of provisions ; but
Providence interposed in their behalf, and the report
of a rebellion in Syria induced the besiegers to
grant them an advantageous peace. The king en-
gaged to leave the fortifications of the temple entire ;
but upon the cessation of hostilities he caused them
to be demolished, in open violation of the treaty
which he had just confirmed with the most solemn
oath.f
Menelaus the apostate high priest, who had at-
tended the Syrian army in this expedition, was
accused by Lysias, the commander, of being the
instigator of the war, and condemned to suffer a
cruel death. The Syrian government then con-
ferred the pontifical dignity upon Alcimus, a man
equally unprincipled and vicious as his predecessor.
But the Jews refused to admit him to officiate at
their altar, on account of his known impiety, and
attachment to the superstitions of the Grecians.];
* 2 Maccabees ix. Josephus, vol. iii. p. 69.
t 1 Maccabees vi. 68. + 2 Maccabees xiii.
26 INTRODUCTION.
B. C. 162.] Onias, the son of Onias HI. who
was murdered in Antioch, being disappointed in not
obtaining the high priesthood after the death of his
uncle Menelaus, withdrew into Egypt. Indignant at
the promotion of the unworthy Alcimus, he peti-
tioned Ptolemy Philometer and Cleopatra his queen
to permit him to build a temple for the Jews in that
country, alleging that the prophet Isaiah had fore-
told that " there should be an altar to the Lord in
Egypt."* The king and queen granted his request,
assigned a portion of land, and an adequate revenue
for the purpose. The place chosen for erecting the
temple was Heliopolis, or the city of the sun. It
was built after the model of the temple at Jerusalem ;
but not on so large and magnificent a scale. Onias
was made high priest ; inferior priests and Levites
were also appointed ; and divine worship conducted
as in the capital of Judea.f
Demetrius, son of Seleucus Philopater, and
lawful heir to the crown, having put Antiochus
Eupator to death, Alcimus, the apostate high priest,
who upon being rejected by the Jews had become
their implacable enemy, petitioned the new king to
support his title. Demetrius at his instigation sent
large armies under the command of Bacchides the
governor of Mesopotamia, and Nicanor, governor
of Judea. But the designs of both were frustrated
by the valour and prudence of the Maccabees ; and
Nicanor, who had blasphemed the God of Israel,
and threatened to destroy the temple, was slain in
the engagement, and his army defeated with prodi-
gious slaughter.^
* Isaiah xix. 18, 19. t Josephus, vol. iii- p. 59. + Ibid.
INTRODUCTION. 27
Soon after this victory, Judas sent an embassy to
Rome, and obtained an alliance with that powerful
state. But previously to the return of the ambas-
sador, Demetrius despatched Bacchides into Judea
with the flower of his troops, consisting of twenty-
two thousand men, to revenge the death of Nicanor,
and establish Alcimus in the priesthood. At the
approach of this formidable army, the soldiers of
Judas, which amounted to only three thousand men,
were intimidated to such a degree, that all left him
except eight hundred. With this small force, which
he exhorted in the most pathetic manner to die vali-
antly rather than desert, he broke the strongest
wing of the idolatrous army, and chased the fleeing
troops to Mount Azotus. But at length being sur-
rounded on all sides, and overpowered by numbers,
this heroic defender of his country fell, covered
with honourable wounds, on heaps of his expiring
enemies. His death was deeply lamented, and his
heroic exploits deservedly celebrated.*
B. C. 100.] The death of Judas filled his coun-
trymen with the utmost consternation, while their
enemies, inspired with fresh courage, reduced Jeru-
salem, put many of the adherents of the Maccabees
to death, and reinstated Alcimus in the priesthood,
which sacred office he perverted to the vilest pur-
poses. Josephus observes, " that the calamities the
Jews suffered at this time were equal to any they
had experienced since their return from Babylon."
But at length the impious high priest having pre-
sumed to break down one of the walls of the sanc-
tuary, was suddenly cut off in the full career of his
* 1 Maccabees ix.
28 INTRODUCTION.
wickedness, and expired in agonies.* The party of
Judas made the most strenuous exertions against
their enemies, and unanimously chose Jonathan to
succeed his brother as their prince and general.
Under his direction the war was conducted with
such energy and success, that the Syrians, disturbed
by their own intestine divisions,, solemnly engaged
to refrain from further hostilities, and a treaty of
peace was concluded, f
Immediately after the Syrian forces left Judea,
Jonathan commenced a regular government, similar
to that of the ancient Israelitish judges ; be repaired
the walls of Jerusalem, fortified the city, and made
several important reformations in the civil and eccle-
siastical affairs of his country. The increase of his
reputation and success, induced the competitors for
the Syrian monarchy to court his friendship ; and as
Demetrius had formerly persecuted the Jews, he
joined the party of his rival Alexander Bela. With
the unanimous consent of the people, he accepted the
high priesthood from him ; [B. C. 144.] that place
having been vacant seven years from the death of
Alcimus. Jonathan also formed an alliance with the
Romans and Lacedemonians, and rendered himself
formidable by his military achievements. But after
he had governed the Jewish nation with equal pru-
* By the order of prophets Haggai and Zechariah, a low wall or
inclosure was built round the sanctuary to separate the holy from the
unholy ; and the rule was, that within this no tincircumcised person
was to enter. Alcimus, in order to give the Gentiles equal liberty
with the Jews, to pass into the inner courts of the temple, ordered
this wall of partition to be pulled down. Prideaux'x Connection,
vol. ii. p. 264.
+ Prideaux's Connection, vol. ii. p 264.
INTRODUCTION. 29
dence and skill for about seventeen years, he and his
children were treacherously put to death by Tryphon,
a Syrian usurper, in the city of Ptolemais. One
thousand persons who attended him as guards were
likewise assassinated.*
B. C. 143.] After the death of Jonathan, the
leaders of the Jewish nation assembled at Jerusalem,
and chose Simon, the only surviving son of Matta-
thias, for their general and high priest ; and settled
both the civil and sacerdotal power on his posterity.
He imitated the valour and prudence which marked
the conduct of his brother ; repaired the fortresses of
Judea ; reduced and demolished the tower of Acra ;
renewed the treaty with the Romans ; and sent an
embassy to Demetrius, lawful heir of Syria, offering;
to acknowledge his sovereignty, and assist him in
depriving the usurper Tryphon of the regal dignity.
These proposals were cheerfully accepted by Deme-
trius ; and a letter was returned, which constituted
Simon sovereign prince and high priest of the
Jewish nation ; ordered all public acts to be made in
his name, and released his territories from all foreign
o
dominion. After the independent reign of Simon
had commenced, he bravely defended his country ;
took Gaza and Joppa ; restored peace, to Jerusalem ;
beautified the sanctuary, and enforced obedience to
the divine law. At length, however, [B. C. 135.]
a period was put to his life and usefulness at the
castle of his son-in-law, by whom he and two of
his sons were treacherously murdered after he had
governed the Jews eight years. f
* Whiston's Josephus, vol. v. p. 13. 1 Maccab. x xhrin 'n *
t I Maccabees xvi.
<HJ INTRODUCTION.
Immediately after Simon's death, Antiochus Si-
detes, the then reigning king of Syria, marched to
Palestine with a powerful army, and compelled the
Jews to deliver their arms, demolish the fortifications
of Jerusalem, and pay him an annual tribute. Not
long after, this monarch was slain in an expedition
against the Parthians ; and the intestine commotions
which distracted the kingdom after his death afforded
Hyrcanus, the son and successor of Simon, an
opportunity to enlarge his dominion?, and deliver
his country from the yoke of foreign power. His
exertions were crowned with such complete success,
that neither he nor his descendants were ever after
subjected to the kings of Syria.*
He was also successful in his wars with the Idu-
means, whom he compelled to renounce their idol-
atrous rites, or abandon their country ; in con-
sequence of which they lost their political existence,
and became incorporated with the Jewish nation.
The conqueror next turned his arms against the
Samaritans ; demolished their capital city, and the
temple which was erected on Mount Gerizzim.f
Hyrcanus renewed the alliance which his prede-
cessors made with the Romans, who were now
rapidly advancing to the meridian of their power.
And having subdued his enemies, and amassed pro-
digious treasure by his conquests, enjoyed his autho-
rity without disturbance, made Judea flourish under .
his wise administration, and raised his nation to a
greater degree of splendour than it had ever en-
joyed since the Babylonish captivity. His last days
* Whiston's Josephus, vol. v. p. 14. Prid. Conn. vol. ii. p. 325.
t Hollin's Ancient History.
INTRODUCTION.
31
were however embittered by a contest with the
Pharisees,* who, at this time had acquired great
power and popularity ; and had incensed the king
by calling in question his title to the high priesthood.
Hyrcanus, however, after having enjoyed the royal
authority twenty-nine years, died in peace, greatly
beloved and lamented by the generality of the Jewish
nation. f
Aristobulus, his eldest son, succeeded him both in
the regal and sacerdotal dignities. He was the first
after the Babylonian captivity who assumed a
diadem, and the title of king. The commencement
of his reign was marked with several acts of de-
spotic cruelty. He even put his own mother to
death, because she aspired to the government ; and
imprisoned his brothers, one of whom he also caused
to be slain upon an unjust suspicion. During his
government the Itureans, who inhabited the north
easterly parts of Galilee, were attacked and van-
* Learned men differ respecting the origin of the Pharisees. Some
suppose that they arose about an hundred and fifty years before the
appearance of our Saviour. Josephus, who was himself of this sect,
speaks of it as flourishing in the time of Jonathan the high priest.
The dissensions between the schools of Hillel and Shammai, a little
before the Christian era, increased the number and power of the
Pharisees. Hillel, having acquired a profound knowledge of the
most difficult points of the Jewish law, became master of the chief
school in Jerusalem, and laid the foundation of the Talmud. Shana-
inai, one of his disciples, deserted his school, and formed a college,
in which he taught doctrines contrary to his master. He rejected the
oral law, and followed the moral only in its literal sense. These dif-
ferent schools long disturbed the Jewish church by yiolent com-
motions. However, the party of Hillel was at last victorious.
Enfield's Philosophy. See also Section V. for a further account of this
denomination.
t Josephus, vol. Y. p. 19.
32 INTRODUCTION.
quished. After a short reign the tyrant expired,
filled with the utmost horror and remorse of con-
science.*
B. C. 105.] Alexander Janneus, brother of
Aristobulus, being liberated from prison, ascended
the throne. This martial prince defeated the Phi-
listines, and compelled them to receive circumcision. f
He also achieved other brilliant conquests in Arabia,
Gilead, and Moabitis. During his reign, however,
the Jews were in a very miserable condition, being
not only involved in foreign wars, but distracted by
intestine commotions. The powerful party of the
Pharisees, who detested him for enforcing his father's
decrees against their constitutions, exerted them-
selves to the utmost to vilify his government, and
exasperate the people against him. Their malicious
attempts gave rise to a civil war which lasted six
years, involved both parties in innumerable cala-
mities, and occasioned the death of more than fifty
thousand persons. At length Alexander having in
vain endeavoured to effect a reconciliation, gained
the victory in a decisive battle, and punished his
enemies with the utmost severity. The king died
in the 27th year of his reign, after he had be-
queathed the government to his wife Alexandria,
whom he appointed guardian to the young princes.
When the queen ascended the throne, in compli-
ance with the advice which she received from her
* Josephus, -vol. v. p. 19.
t The practice of obliging the nations, who were conquered by the
Jews, to quit their country, or embrace the Mosaic religion, was inva-
riably followed by the Asmonean princes. Roltin's Ancient History,
vol. iz. p. 221.
INTRODUCTION. 5O
husband just before his death, she sent for the prin-
cipal leaders among the Pharisees, to whom she
entirely committed the management of her affairs.
By this measure she acquired popularity, and esta-
blished herself on the throne. But this turbulent
sect having compelled the queen to grant their
exorbitant demands, commenced a violent perse-
cution against the Sadducees,* and exercised their
authority in the most arbitrary and oppressive
manner. Alexandria died in the ninth year of her
reign, having appointed her eldest son Hyrcanus,
who had been made high priest, to succeed her in
the regal dignity. f
Immediately after Hyrcanus II. ascended the
throne, his brother Aristobulus raised a powerful
army against him, which soon compelled him to sue
for peace, on condition of resigning all title to the
regal and pontifical dignity. But the ambition of
Antipater, governor of Idumea and father of Herod,
involved the Jews in a new war. He used all his
address to replace the late king on the throne, in
order that he might govern under him . By his assist-
ance, and that of Aretas, king of Arabia, Hyrcanus
assembled a body of troops, which defeated Aris-
* The Sadducees derived their origin and name from one Sadoc,
who flourished about two hundred and sixty years before Christ.
Sadoc was a pupil of Antigonus Socliseus, president of the sanhedrim,
who having inculcated in his lectures, that men ought to serve God
out of pure love to him, and not in a servile manner, either for fear
of punishment or hope of reward, Sadoc, not understanding this
spiritual doctrine, concluded that there was no future state of
rewards and punishments. His adherents were denominated Sad-
dncees. Jennings' Lectures, vol. i. p. 456. gee part v. for a farther
account of this sect.
t Josephus, rol. v. p. 26.
P
34 INTRODUCTION.
tobulus, and kept him closely besieged in Jeru-
salem.*
B. C. 65.] In this situation of affairs, Aristo-
bulus implored the protection of the Romans, and
his petition being accompanied with large presents,
effectually answered his purpose, and induced the
republic to write to Aretas, commanding him to
raise the siege, and leave the country. The Arabian
prince obeyed the injunction, and Aristobulus
escaped from his confinement, and gratified his
vindictive rage by the destruction of his enemies. f
Some time after this event, the two brothers sent
ambassadors to Pompey, at that time commander in
.chief of all the Roman forces in the east, and chose
him the arbitrator of their mutual differences.
The Roman general heard each party Tvith ap-
parent impartiality, and dismissed them with a
promise, that he would embrace an early opportunity
of deciding the controversy. Aristobulus, offended
at the delay, and suspecting Pompey favoured his
brother, made formidable preparations for war.
Exasperated at this, and other parts of his conduct,
the Roman commander caused him to be imprisoned,
and marched with his whole army against Jeru-
salem.;];
Though the gates of the city were readily opened
by Hyrcanus's party, yet the faction of Aristobulus
took shelter in the temple, and resolved to defend
themselves to the last extremity. Pompey therefore
closely besieged them ; and the superstitious rigour,
with which the Jews observed the sabbath, facilitated
* Josephm, vol. i. p. 28. t Ibid. i Ibid. vol. v. p. 30.
INTRODUCTION. 35
the conquest of their metropolis. For though, since
the commencement of the Maccabean war, they
had agreed to defend themselves on that holy day,
when actually attacked, they still thought it unlawful
to prevent the works of the enemy. The Romans
therefore were unmolested, while they employed
themselves in preparations for an attack on the
sabbath, and made themselves masters of the city
after a siege of three months. A terrible slaughter
ensued, in which more than twelve thousand persons
were killed, and many perished by suicide. During
these horrid transactions, the priests, who were
offering sacrifices, continued their devotions with
great composure, and suffered themselves to be
murdered before the altar without any resistance.
Their constancy excited the astonishment and admi-
ration of the conqueror.*
Jerusalem was reduced on that very day, which
the Jews observe as a solemn fast for the taking of
the city and temple by Nebuchadnezzar. After
Pompey had completed the conquest of Jerusalem,
his curiosity induced him to examine every part of
the temple. Accompanied with some of his supe-
rior officers, he even penetrated into the holy of
holies. But he left the treasures of the sacred edi-
fice untouched, and ordered the priests to make a
solemn purification, and offer sacrifices according
to the Mosaic institutions. f
* Rollin's Ancient History, TO!, ir. p. 293.
t Josephus, vol. v. p. 31 33.
D 2
36 INTRODUCTION.
SECTION IV.
Sketch of the history of the Jews, from the conquest of
Pompey to the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.
B. C. 63.] JOSEPH us and Tacitus date the loss
of the liberty of the Jews, and the translation of
the sovereign authority to the Romans, from the
reduction of Jerusalem by Pompey. For though
Hyrcanus was restored to the pontifical dignity with
the title of prince, he was deprived of the ensigns
of royalty, and condemned to pay a disgraceful
tribute. His dominions were also reduced to nar-
rower limits ; for Pompey restored to Ccelo Syria
all the towns taken by the Jews, gave liberty to
Samaria and other maritime towns, and strictly pro-
hibited him from attempting any new conquests.
To prevent future revolts, the Roman general com-
manded the walls of Jerusalem to be demolished ;
and, after regulating the government of Judea
according to his pleasure, returned to Rome, Aris-
tobulus and his sons Alexander and Antigonus being
sent prisoners to that city to adorn his future
triumph.*
B. C. 57.] Prom this period, for many years, civil
dissensions and desolating wars raged in Judea.
Alexander, the son of Aristobulus, found means to
escape from Rome, and appeared in that country at
the head of a formidable army. Hyrcanus had left
the management of affairs to Antipater, who, having
used every artifice to ingratiate himself with the
Romans, was enabled, by their assistance, to suppress
* Josephus, vol. T. p. 34.
INTRODUCTION. 37
the rebellion. Some time after, Aristobulus obtained
his liberty, and joined the discontented party in Pa-
lestine. But his attempts were frustrated; and he
was again committed to prison. A few years after,
Julius Caesar set him at liberty, in order to gain his
assistance against Pompey ; and both he and his son
Alexander were put to death by the partizans of that
famous general.*
B. C. 52.] About this time Crassus, the Roman
governor of Syria, invaded the Parthians ; and
on his march against that nation stopped at Jeru-
salem, and stimulated by his insatiable avarice.,
seized the sacred treasures in the temple. The
wealth he acquired by this sacrilegious pillage is said
to have been upwards of two millions sterling. But
the vengeance of heaven overtook him ; for he was
soon after defeated and slain by the Parthians. f
B. C. 48.] Meantime the power and influence
of Antipater rapidly increased. Julius Caesar, who
after the death of Pompey usurped the supreme
authority at Jlome, rewarded the services he had
rendered him in the Egyptian war, by making him
lieutenant of Judea, and honouring him with the
title of a Roman citizen. He also confirmed Hyr-
canus in the priesthood, gave liberty to fortify the
city and repair the walls of Jerusalem, which
Pompey had demolished, and bestowed such signal
favours upon the Jews, that during his life, they
could scarcely be said to feel the Roman yoke.
At this time Antipater procured the government
of Jerusalem for his eldest son Phasael, and that of
Galilee for his second son Herod. f
* Josephus, vol. v. p. 37 40. t Jbid. t ^id- p 43.
38 INTRODUCTION.
During the domestic calamities, which engaged
the attention of the Romans upon the assassination
of Julius Caesar, Hyrcanus was deprived of his
authority by his nephew Antigonus, who, after
making vigorous efforts, in which he was assisted
by the Parthians, recovered the kingdom, Hyrca-
nus and Phasael were thrown into a dungeon ; but
Herod escaped destruction by a precipitate flight.
He first took refuge in Egypt, from whence he
repaired to Rome for assistance, and by the power-
ful patronage of Mark Anthony, who was then in
the zenith of his power, was inaugurated king of
Judea. Soon after he entered Palestine with a
numerous army, and subdued Galilee. He was
however repulsed at Jerusalem with great slaughter ;
but being reinforced by Sosias, governor of Syria,
he*made himself master of the city, after an obstinate
siege of six months. The immediate consequence
was a cruel pillage and massacre, which was followed
by the death of Antigonus the son of Aristobulus.
Thus ended the reign of the Asmonean family, after
a duration of an hundred and twenty nine years
from the beginning of the government of Judas
Maccabeus.*
Upon the entire reduction of the holy city, Herod,
a stranger and Idumean, ascended the throne of
Judea.
Herod, who proved one of the greatest tyrants
ever recorded in history, commenced his reign with
a cruel persecution of the adherents of Antigonus :
the most affluent among them he caused to be put to
death, and confiscated their estates in order to re-
* Josephus, vol. v. p. 43.
INTRODUCTION. 39
plenish his empty coffers. The tyrant decoyed
Hyrcanus from Parthia, where he had fled for
shelter ; and, contrary to the most solemn engage-
ments, caused him to be assassinated. Aristobulus,
the grandson of Hyrcanus, who was appointed high
priest, was drowned in a bath by his contrivance.
Mariamne, his queen, who descended from the illus-
trious Asmonean family, and was distinguished for
her beauty, virtue, and accomplishments, fell the
next victim to his resentment and jealousy. Three
of his sons, in the course of his tyrannical reign,
were condemned to suffer death. He sacrificed his
friends as well as foes to his ungovernable fury,
oppressed the people in the most cruel and arbitrary
manner, and exhausted the treasures of the nation
by his boundless extravagance.*
After Herod had destroyed the greatest part of his
supposed enemies, he began to exhibit a marked
contempt for the Jewish religion and laws. From
the beginning of his reign to the final destruction of
the temple, the high priests had no hereditary right ;
but were set up and removed at his pleasure, and
that of his successors. He also destroyed the autho-
rity of the grand sanhedrim,f and burnt the Jewish
records, that he might be thought originally an Isra-
elite. He built temples in the Grecian taste, erected
statues for idolatrous worship, consecrated a superb
theatre and amphitheatre, to celebrate games in
honour of Augustus, adopted in his ordinary habits
'Jr
* Josepbus.
t Herod had been obliged to appear before the grand sanhedrim,
in order to answer for his conduct, previously to his obtaining the
regal dignity ; and from a principle of revenge he attacked the
assembly, which by degrees lost its power.
40 INTRODUCTION.
Roman manners and usages, and in his public capa-
city was absolutely devoted and subservient to the
Romans.
Under the administration, and through the in-
fluence of this tyrant, the Roman luxury was
introduced into Palestine, accompanied with all the
vices of that licentious people. In a word, Judea.
governed by Herod, groaned under all the cor-
ruption, which might be expected from the authority
and example of a prince, who though a Jew in
outward profession, was, in point of morals and
practice, a contemner of all laws human and
divine.*
B. C. 23.] After Herod had amassed a prodi-
gious treasure by his cruel extortions and confis-
cations, he proposed to regain the favour of the
Jewish nation by repairing the temple ; and for
eight or nine years employed upon it eighteen
thousand workmen, who at last completed the stu-
pendous design. The magnificent structure, which
he erected, is said, in some respects, to have even
exceeded the first temple, which was built by
Solomon. f Rising in all its grandeur from the
summit of a mountain, it commanded an extensive
prospect ; its appearance, says Josephus, exhibited
every thing, that could strike the mind and astonish
the sight. It was on every side covered with solid
plates of gold, and, when the sun arose upon it,
* Mosheim's Eccl. Hist. vol. i. p. SI. Horse Biblicas.
t It was built of hard white stones of prodigious magnitude.
Hence, the disciples expressed tlieir admiration of its grandeur, and
of the large and magnificent stones, of which it was erected, Mark
xiii. 1. See Harwooifs Introduction to Die jVtf?t> Testament, vol. ii.
p. 158.
INTRODUCTION. 41
reflected such a dazzling effulgence, that the eye
was unable to sustain its radiance. The temple was
encompassed with august porticoes, on which im-
mense riches were profusely expended; and every
ornament bestowed, that human art and genius
could devise. This superb structure was continually
receiving additions to the time of the ministry of
our Saviour.* Herod set up a golden eagle of ex-
quisite workmanship, the arms of the Roman empire,
over the gates of the temple.
About this period there was a general expectation
through the eastern world of the advent of some
illustrious prophet and deliverer, who should change
the aspect of human affairs. f The Jews in parti-
cular eagerly anticipated the coming of the promised
Messiah, as the time predicted by Daniel for his
manifestation was arrived. Devout persons waited
day and night for the consolation of Israel ; and the
whole nation, groaning under the Roman yoke,
and stimulated by the desire of liberty or of venge-
ance, expected their deliverer with the roost anxious
impatience.
At length, that most interesting and important
epoch arrived, when the Saviour Jesus Christ made
his appearance on earth. When the sun of righteous-
ness arose on a benighted world, Polytheism was in
* Hence the Jews might with literal propriety assert, as they
ostentatiously did, " Forty and six years was this temple in building,"
John ii. 20. As the whole was executed under the idea of repairs, it
continued to he called the second temple.
t Josephus, Suetonius, and Tacitus, mention this general expec-
tation ; and hence Virgil, the Roman poet, in his fourth eclogue,
describes the blessings of the government of some great personage
who was, or should be born about this time.
INTRODUCTION.
every country, except Judea, the predominant, and
almost universal religion. The Roman empire under
Augustus had attained the zenith of its power : while
the pagan nations, who composed this vast monarchy,
exhibited the most glaring picture of human depra-
vity ; and the Jewish state, and true religion, were
almost at the lowest ebb. Just before our Saviour
was born, the temple of Janus was shut, to intimate
that the nations of the earth were at peace. This
remarkable peace, after so many ages of tumult and
war, was a fit prelude to the introduction of the
glorious prince of peace into the world.*
The malicious attempt of Herod to involve the
Saviour of the world in the slaughter of the babes of
Bethlehem is recorded by the sacred history. f The
tyrant died the following year in exquisite tortures.
During his illness he sent for the heads of the
most eminent families in Judea, confined them, and
left orders, that, as soon as he had breathed his last
they should all be put to the sword, to oblige the
nation to go in mourning at his death. He expired
soon after, in the thirty-seventh year of his reign ;
the sentence was not executed ; and the nation re-
joiced at their deliverance. J
After the death of Herod, the Roman emperor
divided the kingdom of Judea between his sons.
The brothers, for some years, governed Palestine
without any open rebellion or disturbance. But
Archelaus, who obtained half the kingdom, under
the title of exarch, proved so corrupt and wicked
a prince, that both Jews and Samaritans sent ambas-
* Mosheim's Ecclesiastical History, vol. i. p. 16. t Matthew xi.
J Josephus, vol. v. p. 154.
INTRODUCTION. 43
sadors to accuse him to Augustus. The emperor
deposed and banished him for his tyrannical conduct;
and reduced Judea to the form of a Roman province,
to be ruled by procurators, who were to be appointed
and recalled at the pleasure of the reigning monarch.
The power of life and death was taken from the Jews ;
their taxes were regularly gathered by the publicans ;
and justice was from that time administered in the
name, and by the laws of Rome.*
SECTION V.
Of the different denominations among the Jews at the time
of Chris? s appearance upon earth.
THOUGH the Jewish nation, at the time of our
Saviour's appearance, retained the worship of the
true God, they had grossly perverted their religion,
by exalting the traditions of their ancestors above
the clear and positive injunctions of their law ; and
while they presumed to infringe the strongest moral
obligations, they were scrupulously exact in per-
forming the most minute and trifling ceremonies,
which were enjoined by their rabbies. The ultimate
object of many, was to obtain popular applause;
hence they publicly displayed all the parade of os-
tentatious charity, and were privately guilty of the
* The precise year, when this event took place, it may be difficult
to ascertain : but the judicial forms which were observed on the trial
and condemnation of oiir Saviour, and the acclamation of the Jews,
" We have no king but Csesar," irrefragably shew that it had arrived.
Horse Biblicae, p. 42. This event illustrates the celebrated prophecy
of Jacob, Genesis xlix. 10. The generality of interpreters, Jewish
as well as Christian, have by Shiloh understood the Messiah.
44 INTRODUCTION.
greatest extortion and cruelty. Yet, elated with
spiritual pride, they considered themselves as the
only favourites of heaven, and excluded all other
nations from the hopes of eternal life.*
During Christ's ministry on earth the temple
was used as a place of merchandize, and the most
sacred offices, even the high priesthood, were sold.
The chief priests, who purchased their places by
bribes, maintained their ill acquired authority by the
most abominable crimes. The inferior priests, and
those who possessed any degree of authority, had
become dissolute and abandoned in the highest
degree : while the multitude, excited by their corrupt
example, ran headlong into every kind of iniquity,
and, by their seditions, robberies, and extortions,
armed against themselves both the justice of God
and vengeance of man.
The Jewish nation, at the time of our Saviour's
appearance, were divided into a great variety of
sects. The principal points in dispute among
them respected the law of Moses, the immortality
of the soul, the resurrection of the body, future
rewards and punishments, and the nature of virtue.
AH admitted the divine authority of the Mosaic law.
All agreed in thinking, that their religious tenets and
observances were the only objects worthy of their
attention. f
The rabbies, or the teachers of each sect, defended
their tenets with the greatest zeal and pertinacity.
The Jews and Samaritans were, in particular,
violently opposed to each other. The latter, at first,
Harwood's Introduction, vol. i. p. 108, 109. Moshsim.
t Prideaux'a Connection, vol. i. p. 353. Horse Biblicse.
INTRODUCTION.
45
were heathens, who worshipped the God of Israel,
in conjunction with other deities, till Menasses, who
was made their high priest, with other fugitive Jews,
coming to them from Jerusalem, brought with them
the book of the law, and taught them to worship the
true God only, according to the Mosaic institution.
From this period they are considered a sect of the
Jewish religion. They looked upon the temple of
Gerizzim, as the only place where God was pleased
to be worshipped, and the centre of true religion.
They received no scriptures except the books of
Moses, Joshua, and Judges, which two latter,
however, they did not allow to be of divine authority
like the Pentateuch.*
The Pharisees were the most distinguished, flou-
rishing, and popular sect among the Jews. They
assumed this name on account of their separating
themselves for superior strictness in ritual observ-
ances. Their separation consisted chiefly in certain
distinctions respecting religious ceremonies, and does
not appear to have interrupted the uniformity of
religious worship, in which the Jews of every sect
always seem to have been united. f
It appears, from the frequent mention which is
made by the evangelists of the scribes and phari-
sees in conjunction, that the greatest number of
Jewish teachers, or doctors of the law, were at that
time of the pharisaical sect. The ecclesiastical
scribes were the learned of the Jewish nation, who
expounded the law, and taught it to the people. J"
The Pharisees were principally distinguished by
* Basnage, p. 115. + Jennings' Jewish Autiquitie*, vol. L p. 437.
t Jennings' Jewish Antiquities, p. 392.
46 INTRODUCTION.
their zeal for the traditions of the elders, which
they not only maintained to be of equal authority
with the written law, but in many cases explained
the latter by the former, entirely contrary to its true
intent and meaning ; and thus made the command-
ments of God of no effect by their traditions. They
pretended that those traditions, which they called
the oral 'aw, were delivered by God to Moses, on
Mount Sinai, and preserved through successive ge-
nerations. They were charged with maintaining,
that by observing both the written and oral law,
man may not only obtain justification before God,
but perform meritorious works of supererogation ;
that fasting, alms, ablutions, and confessions, are
sufficient atonement for sin; that thoughts and
desires are not sinful, unless they produce evil actions.
They acknowledged the immortality of the soul,
future rewards and punishments, and the resurrection
of the body.* According to Josephus, they main-
tained the doctrine of predestination ; but supposed,
that the divine decrees did not interfere with the
freedom of the human will.f
* Dr. Prideaux supposes that the Pharisees maintained only a Py-
thagorean resurrection, that is, the transmigration of the soul into
another body. David Levi, on the other hand, asserts, that the
Pharisees knew and taught the true resurrection of the body and soul
together. For proof of this, he quotes Ezekiel xxxvii, and other
passages in the Old Testament. Whence he asserts, that " the doctrine
of the resurrection, and consequently that of a future state of rewards
and punishments, was well known and established in the Jewish nation,
(and that in the most clear, explicit, and unequivocal manner) for
almost a thousand years before Christ." David Levft Ceremonies of
the Jews, pp. 255 2(51.
i They maintained* that " before a man is born, it is predes-
tinated, whether he shall be wise or foolish, weak or strong, rich or
INTRODUCTION. *7
This denomination, by their apparent sanctity of
manners, had rendered themselves extremely popular.
It appears both from the scripture, and the testimony
of Josephus, that the common people were entirely
at their disposal, and gave their suffrage to every
religious prescription and judicial sentence, that had
obtained their sanction. - The great, who feared
their artifice, were frequently obliged to court their
favour. Hence they obtained the highest offices
both in the state and priesthood; and assumed
the chief direction both of public and private
affairs.*
The peculiar manners of this sect are strongly
marked in the writings of the evangelists ; particu-
larly their exactness in performing the rites and
ceremonies of the law, both written and traditionary ;
the rigour of their discipline in washings, fastings,
and ablutions ; their scrupulous care to avoid every
kind of ritual impurity : their long and frequent
prayers, made not only in the synagogues and
temples, but in the public streets ; their phylacteries
on the borders of their garments, on which were
written sentences of the law ; their assiduity in
making proselytes ; their ostentatious charities ; and,
under all this specious mark of Zealand purity, their
abominable and atrocious vices. According to our
Saviour's representation of them, they were a race
of the most demure hypocrites that ever disgraced
human nature, resembling whited sepulchres, which
poor. But whether he is to be wicked or righteous, vicious or
virtuous, it entirely in his own free will." David Levfs Ceremoniet of
the Jews, p. 267.
* Josephus.
48 INTRODUCTION.
outwardly appear beautiful, but inwardly are full of
putrefaction.*
The above account is confirmed by the testimony
of the Jewish writers themselves. The Talmudk
books mention several distinct classes of Pharisees,
under characters, which show them to have been
deeply immersed in superstition. Among these were
the truncated Pharisee, who, that he might appear
in profound meditation, as if destitute of feet,
scarcely lifted them from the ground ; the mortar
Pharisee, who, that his contemplations might not be
disturbed, wore a deep cap in shape of a mortar,
which would only permit him to look upon the
ground at his feet ; and the striking Pharisee, who,
shutting his eyes, as he walked, to avoid the sight of
women, often struck his head against the wall.
They practised many painful austerities and mortifi-
cations, frequently observed severe fasts, covered
their features with gloom and solemnity, and used
every artifice to captivate the admiration of the
populace, f
The sect of the Sadducees was inconsiderable in
number ; but some of those who professed its tenets,
were of illustrious families, and others distinguished
for their opulence. We find that Caiaphas, an
high priest, was of this denomination, and Josephus
mentions several other Sadducees, who were exalted
to the supreme power in church and state. The
chief heads of the doctrine of this sect are as follow.
All laws and traditions not comprehended in the
written law, are to be rejected as merely human
* Har wood's Introduction'
t Godwin's Jewish Autiq. p. 45. Enfield's Plulos. vol. ii. p. 18.
INTRODUCTION". 49
inventions. Neither angels nor spirits have a
distinct existence, separate from this corporeal
vestment. The soul of man therefore does not
remain after this life, but expires with the body.
There will be no resurrection of the dead, nor any
rewards and punishments after this life. Mau is not
subject to irresistible fate, but has the framing of
his condition chiefly in his own power. Polygamy
ought not to be practised.*
The sect of the Caraites, though its history be
exceedingly obscure, is not to be confounded with
that of the Sadducees. The name denotes a scrip-
turist, and seems intended to distinguish those, who
adhere to the scriptures as the whole and only rule of
their faith and practice. This denomination was
given them about thirty years before Christ, when,,
upon the dissension betwixt Hillel the president of
the Sanhedrim, and Shammai the vice-president, by
which their respective pupils were divided into two
parties, betwixt whom there were perpetual contests,
those, that were of the opinion of the Caraites, sided
with the school of Shammai, and those, who were
zealous for traditions, with that of Hilld. According
to Dr. Prideaux they did not absolutely reject all
traditions, but only refused them the same autho-
rity with the written oracles of God. They were
distinguished from the Sadducees, by maintaining
the doctrines of the immortality of the soul, and
future rewards and punishments, f
The Essenes differed from all the above men-
tioned sects, as they secluded themselves not only
* Josephus. Enfield's Philosophy.
+ Prid. Con. vol. ii. p. 388. Jennings' Lectures, vol. i. p. 433.
E
50 INTRODUCTION.
from politics and public affairs, but, as much as
the nature of man and constitution of society will
admit, from the common concerns and intercourse of
private life. Some suppose they took their rise,
from the dispersion of their nation, after the Baby-
lonish captivity ; others, that they began when
the persecution of Antiochus compelled the Jews to
retire to the woods and mountains. They main-
tained, that rewards and punishments extended to
the soul alone, and regarded the body as a mass
of malignant matter, and the prison of the immortal
spirit. The greatest part of this sect considered the
laws of Moses as an allegorical system of spiritual
and mysterious truth, and renounced all regard
to the outward letter in its explanation. The
leading traits in the character of this sect were, that
they were sober., abstemious, peaceable, lovers of
retirement, and had a perfect community of goods.
They paid the highest regard to the moral precepts
of the law ; but neglected the ceremonial, excepting
what regarded personal cleanliness, the observation
of the sabbath, and making an annual present to the
temple at Jerusalem. They commonly lived in
a state of celibacy, and adopted the children of
others, to educate them in their own principles and
customs. Though they were, in general, averse to
swearing, or to requiring an oath, they bound all,
whom they initiated, by the most sacred vows, to
observe the duties of piety, justice, fidelity, and
modesty : to conceal the secrets of the fraternity ;
to preserve the books of their institutions; and with
great care to commemorate the names of the angels.*
* Enfield, vol. ii. p. 180. Jennings' Lectures, vol. 5. p. 170.
INTRODUCTION. 51
Philo mentions two classes of Essenes ; one of
which followed a practical institution, the other pro-
fessed a theoretical system. The latter, who were
called Therapeutae, placed their whole felicity in the
contemplation of the divine nature. Detaching
themselves entirely from secular affairs,, they trans-
ferred their property to their relations and friends,
and retired to solitary places, where they devoted
themselves to an holy life. The principal society of
this kind was formed near Alexandria, where they
lived not far from each other, in separate cottages,
each of which had its own sacred apartments, to
which the inhabitants retired for the purposes of
devotion.*
Besides these eminent Jewish sects, there were
several of inferior note, at the time of Christ's
appearance ; the Herodians, mentioned by the
sacred writers, and the Gaulonites, by Josephus.
The Herodians derived their name from Herod
the Great, and were distinguished by their coinciding
with the plan of that monarch to subject himself and
his dominions to the Romans ; and also by com-
plying with many of the heathen usages. Their
distinguished tenet appeared to be, that it is lawful,
when constrained by superiors, to comply with idol-
atry, and with false religion. Herod seems to have
formed this sect, in order to justify himself in his
practice of studying every artifice to ingratiate
himself with the emperor, and to secure the favour
of the principal personages in the court of Rome.
We find the Sadducees readily embraced the tenets
of this party ; for the same persons, who, in one of
* Enfield, vol. ii. p. 186.
52 INTRODUCTION.
the gospels, are called Herodians, are in another
styled Sadducees. The Herodians were not so
much a religious, as a political sect, attached to
Herod during his life, and to his sons after his
decease.*
The Gaulonites were Galileans, who derived this
name from one Judas Theudas, a native of Gaulpn,
in Upper Galilee, who, in the tenth year of Jesus
Christ, excited his countrymen, the Galileans, and
many other Jews, to take arms, and venture upon
all extremities, rather than pay tribute to the
Romans. The principles he instilled into his party
were, not only that they were a free nation, and
ought not to be in subjection to any other ; but, that
they were the elect of God, that he alone was their
governor, and that therefore they ought not to
submit to any ordinance of man. Though Theudas
was unsuccessful, and his party, in their very first
attempt, entirely routed and dispersed ; yet so
deeply had he infused his own enthusiasm into their
hearts, that they never rested, till they involved the
city and temple in their own destruction. f
Many of the Jews were attached to the oriental
philosophy concerning the origin of the world.
Prom this source the doctrine of the Cabala is sup-
posed to be derived. That considerable numbers of
the Jews had 'imbibed this system, appears evident,
both from the books of the New Testament, and
from the ancient history of the Christian church. It
is also certain, that many of the Gnostic sects were
founded by Jews.J
* Josephus. Prideaux's Connection. t Josephus.
J Mosheim's Eccles. Hist. vol. i. p. 38.
INTRODUCTION. 53
At the time when our Lord Jesus Christ appeared
upon earth, the great body of the Jewish nation
were waiting with great anxiety for their promised
Messiah. Yet they formed erroneous ideas of his
character. They expected not a spiritual, but a
temporal sovereign. They supposed he would
manifest himself as a mighty conqueror, free them
from subjection to the Romans, aggrandize their
nation, render Jerusalem the metropolis of the
world ; and, after subduing all their enemies, com-
mence a glorious reign of prosperity and peace.
Hence they were disgusted with the humble ap-
pearance of the divine Redeemer ; while the Phari-
sees and great men were exasperated at the boldness
and severity of his rebukes. For though he united
in himself the accomplishment of every ancient
prophecy, he was ignominiously rejected and put to
death by the Jewish nation. The tremendous cala-
mities which befell them after perpetrating this
horrid crime; the fulfilment of our Saviour's pre-
dictions, respecting the destruction of their city
and temple, and their consequent dispersion and
sufferings, will be related in the following pages.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
CHAPTER I.
Tyranny of the Roman government in Judea. Herod Agrippa made
king. The emperor Caligula attempts to have his statue placed in
the temple of Jerusalem. Resistance of the Jews. Death of
Herod Agrippa Arbitrary conduct of the Roman governors.
Many Jews depart for foreign* countries. Number of Jews in Je-
rusalem at the Passover. The prodigies which preceded the
war. Of the contest respecting the city of Cesarea Jews and
Syrians take up arms. Vast numbers destroyed on J)oth sides.
The Jews take several important fortresses. Cestius Gallus marches
against them and besieges Jerusalem. The Christians retire to
Pella. Jews make great preparations for war. Vespasian is sent
against them with a powerful army. He reduces the cities of
Galilee. Of the parties among the Jews. Of the civil war in
Jerusalem ; and the cruelty of the Zealots. Vespasian is pro-
claimed emperor, and scads his son Titus to terminate the war by
the reduction of Jerusalem.
THE ministry of our blessed Saviour, while he
remained on earth, was principally confined to the
Jews ; and notwithstanding the obstinate incredu-
lity of the majority of the nation, who, impatient
under the tyrannical government of the Romans,
eagerly expected a temporal deliverer, a large
number acknowledged him as the true Messiah.
The apostles also, in obedience to the command
of their divine Master, began to preach the Gospel
to this distinguished people. Under their ministry
56 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
many were converted, and the first Christian church
was founded at Jerusalem. But the unbelieving
Jews, who had rejected and crucified the Prince of
Life, exhibited the same enmity against his apostles
and followers, and, in the infancy of the Christian
Church, they were its most cruel persecutors.* The
most signal marks of divine vengeance, however,
soon pursued this infatuated people ; and the pre-
dictions of the Divine Redeemer, respecting the
tremendous destruction of Jerusalem, began to be
accomplished.
The governors of Judea, appointed by the Ro-
mans, constantly insulted the feelings of the Jews,
by exhibiting a marked contempt for their religion
and law. Pontius Pilate, during his administration,
took every occasion of introducing his standards,
with images, pictures, consecrated shields, &c. into
their city ; and at length attempted to drain the
treasury of the temple, under pretence of bringing
an aqueduct to Jerusalem. Seven years after the
crucifixion of Jesus Christ, complaint being made
of the tyranny and rapine of Pilate, he was super-
seded, and, in extreme poverty and misery, pe-
rished by suicide at Vienne in France.f
Soon after, Herod Agrippa, grandson to Herod
the Great, was promoted to the regal dignity ; and,
during his reign, the Jews were involved in new
difficulties. The Roman emperor, Caligula, intoxi-
* The early ecclesiastical historians, as well as the New Testa-
meat writers, attest the emniU of the Jews against the Christians,
and, that they were more particular y exasperated against those be
lievers, who were of their own nation.
t Josephus, vol. r.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS, 57
cated with mad ambition, claimed divine honours ' f
and, being determined to have his statue placed in
the sanctuary of the temple, ordered Petronius, the
governor, to raise an army to enforce obedience to
his impious injunction. At this alarming period,
the Jews went in a large body to the governor,
beseeching him in the most pathetic terms not to
defile their temple with images ; and, falling pros-
trate on the ground, offered to die rather than
disobey their law.* Their moving entreaties ex-
cited the compassion of Petroni us, and he engaged
to interest himself in their behalf. At length
Agrippa, who was in high favour at court, under-
took their cause ; and, upon the emperor's solemnly
engaging to grant whatever he should ask, he,
generously preferring the welfare of his people to
his own emolument, requested the monarch to
relinquish the design of having his statue erected in
the temple. Caligula reluctantly granted his suit ;
and the death of the tyrant, which took place soon
after, prevented his renewing the impious at-
tempt, f
According to the sacred historian,* Agrippa, who,
from an ambitious desire of popularity among his
countrymen, raised a persecution against the Chris-
tians, and blasphemously suffered himself to be
styled a God by some deputies from Tyre and Sidon,
was miraculously struck with a terrible disease, which
soon put an end to his life. After his death Judea
was again reduced to a Roman province, and the
new governors appointed over it were continually
* Josephus, vol. v. p. 172, 173. t Ibid.
t Acts v.
58 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
irritating the minds of the people by the most
glaring infringements upon their privileges.*
Felix, who had advanced from obscurity and
servitude to rank and power, with the true spirit of
a slave, exercised the tyranny of an eastern prince.f
His oppression, rapine, and cruelty, excited a spirit
of revolt ; while the false prophets (who were so
numerous under his government, that some of them
were apprehended and killed every day) were con-
tinually blowing the flames of sedition. The people
were massacred by the troops of Felix for following
these deceivers, who, according to our Saviour's
prediction, drew multitudes into the desart to shew
them signs and wonders. In particular, a certain
Egyptian Jew, entered Judea with a numerous
banditti, and, having collected about thirty thousand
men, led them to Mount Olivet, and promised to
deliver them from the Romans. Felix, with his
legions, met him at the foot of the mountain, slew
many of his followers, and took others prisoners.
The impostor, with a remnant of his adherents,
made their escape. J
Judea, during the government of Felix, was in-
fested with robbers, and clandestine assassins, named
Sicarii, who, with poiniards concealed under their
garments, used to mingle in the crowd, and stab
their supposed enemies. By the just judgment of
heaven, the Jews, who had crucified their Messiah,
and desired a robber and murderer to be granted
to there, had their country overrun with robbers and
* Josephus's Wars of the Jews, vol. v. p. 184. + Tacitus.
J This is supposed to have happened in the year of Christ 55.
^ Joseph us, vol. v. p. 184, 185.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 59
murderers ; and the frequency of the horrid assassi-
nations among them, excited universal consternation.
Porcius Festus, who succeeded Felix upon his
removal from the government, supported a better cha-
racter than his predecessor. At the commencement
of his administration, the assassins were spreading
terror throughout Jerusalem. He punished these
wretches with exemplary severity, and exerted him-
self to the utmost to suppress the civil discords,
which, in consequence of the extravagant claims,
and frequent depositions of the Jewish pontiffs,
raged among the priests, and filled the country, the
city, and sometimes the temple, with blood.*
Festus died in his government, and the Roman
emperor Nero sent Albinus in his room. Insatiable
avarice being his ruling passion, he burdened the
nation with extraordinary tributes ; and became the
encourager of all kinds of villany, by yielding to
bribery and corruption. f
Gessius Florius, who succeeded Albinus, far sur-
passed him in wickedness ; and gloried in his greater
violence. He even robbed the sacred treasury,
pillaged whole provinces, oppressed the Jews by all
kinds of rapine and extortion, encouraged the rob-
bery and plunder of the banditti, for a share of their
booty ; fomented the public divisions ; and even
used his utmost exertions to excite an open rebellion,
in hopes, that the public confusion might prevent
complaint against his iniquitous conduct. In a word,
he was one of the vilest wretches, that ever disgraced
* Josephus, vol. v. p. 186. Mavor'f Univ. Hist. vol. ii. p. 347.
t Josephus, vol. v. p. 186.
60 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
human nature ; and a distinguished instrument of
divine vengeance upon the subjects of his capricious
tyranny.*
In consequence of the distracted state of Judea,
many of its inhabitants sought an asylum in foreign
countries; while those who remained, applied to
Cestius Gallus, governor of Syria, who was at Je-
rusalem, at the passover, earnestly beseeching him
to deliver them from the tyranny of their cruel go-
vernor. Cestius, instead of making a strict inquiry
into the conduct of Florus, dismissed the Jews, with
a general promise, that he should behave better for
the future. In the meantime directions were given
to compute the number of Jews then at Jerusalem,
by that of the lambs offered at the festival, which
were found to amount to 2,556,000. f
A. D, 65.] While the arbitrary conduct of the
governor, and the irritated state of the Jewish people,
threatened them with the horrors of war ; famines,
earthquakes, and terrific sights in the heavens, ap-
peared to fulfil the awful predictions of our Saviour.
Josephus, among many other fearful prodigies,
relates, that before the rebellion, when a great
multitude were assembled in Jerusalem, at the
Passover, at the ninth hour of the night, so great
a light shone round the altar, and the temple, that
it seemed to be bright day; that a few days after
the festival, before sun-set, chariots and troops of
soldiers in armour were seen passing through the
clouds, and surrounding cities ; and that the priests,
going into the inner temple, felt the place move
* Josephus, vol.v. p. 187. t Ibid.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. ()1
and tremble, and heard a voice, more than human
crying, " Let us depart hence."*
This account is confirmed by Tacitus, the Roman
historian, who says, " Portents and prodigies an-
nounced the ruin of Jerusalem ; swords were seen
glittering in the air; embattled armies appeared;
and the temple was illuminated by a stream of light,
that issued from the heavens, the portal flew open,
and a voice more than human announced the imme-
diate departure of the gods; there was heard at
the same time a terrific sound, as if superior beings
were actually rushing forth. "f
A contest had long subsisted between the Jews
and Syrians concerning Cesarea, which was situated
in the confines of Syria and Judea. The Jews
maintained,, that the city belonged to them, because
it was built by Herod their king; while the Syrians
pretended, that it had always been considered^ as
a Grecian city, since even that monarch had erected
in it temples and statues. During the administration
of Felix, the contest rose to such a height, that both
parties armed against each other. That governor
allayed the ferment for a time, by sending some of
the chiefs of both nations to Rome to plead their
* Josephus, vol. v. See Archbishop Newcome's Observations on
the character of our Lord, for an admirable detail of these events.
t Murphy's Tacitus. Dr. Jortia remarks, that " if Christ had not
expressly foretold, that there should be fearful sights, and great signs
from heaven, many, who give little heed to portents, and know that
historians have been too credulous in this point, would have suspected
that Josephus had exaggerated, and that Tacitus was misinformed :
but, as the testimonies of Josephus and Tacitus confirm the pre-
dictions of Christ, so the predictions of Christ confirm the wonders
related by these historians." JortMs Remarks on Ecclesiastical
History.
O4 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
cause before the emperor. The aftair hung in sus-
pense till this period, when Nero decided it against
the Jews. This event was the immediate cause of
the fatal war with the Romans, which proved the
most desperate of any recorded in history ; and ter-
minated in the destruction of Jerusalem.*
A. D. 66.] The decree of the emperor was no
sooner published, than the Jews, in all parts of the
country, took up arms; Agrippa,f who happened
to be at Jerusalem at the commencement of the war,
attempted to appease the fury of the multitude by an
elaborate speech, in which he painted, in glowing
colours, the vast extent and grandeur of the Roman
empire ; the mighty nations who had been subdued
by its all-conquering arms ; the folly and infatuation
of the Jews in opposing the masters of the world ;
and concluded by a pathetic exhortation to his
country-men, to lay down the weapons of their
rebellion. But his entreaties and remonstrances
were alike disregarded; and he was compelled to
provide for his personal safety by quitting the city.
The flames of intestine war now raged with irre-
sistible fury in every part of the unhappy province,
and its progress was marked by acts of cruelty and
* Josephus, vol. v. p. 188.
t He was the son of Agrippa, great grand son to Herod, and king
of C hale is. He resided chiefly at Jerusalem, and obtained the adrai-
uistration of the temple, and a right to appoint or depose the high
priests. When the high priest Ananus, had condemned St. James to
death, some Jews who disapproved of this cruelty, complained to
Agrippa, and this prince deprived him of the high priesthood. He,
with his sister Bernice, heard St. Paul's defence before Festus, the
Roman governor, and he owned himself almost convinced by it.
See Acts xxv. 26. Basnage's History of the Jetes, p. 23.
t Josephus. vol. v. p. 215
HISTORY OP THE JEWS. 63
desperation. Twenty thousand Jews were massacred
at Cesarea, fifty-two thousand at Alexandria, two
thousand at Ptolemais, and three thousand five hun-
dred were cut off at Jerusalem by the troops of Florus
in one day. The Jews, to the utmost of their power,
exercised similar cruelties on the Syrians and Romans,
and slaughtered immense numbers of people.*
The rebellious Jews being joined in Jerusalem
by numerous assassins, with their assistance beat the
Romans out of the fortresses of Antonia and M assada,
possessed themselves of the towers of Phasael and
Mariamne, and reduced the palaces of Agrippa,
Bernice, and the high priest to ashes. They even
carried their fury to such a height, as to massacre
those Romans, who had capitulated on condition of
having their lives preserved. Their treachery was.
however, soon revenged on the Jews in Sythopolis,
who had offered to assist in reducing their factious
brethren. For their sincerity being suspected,
above thirteen thousand of their number were inhu-
manly massacred. The rebels, in the mean time,
crossed the Jordan, and took the fortresses of Ma-
chaerus and Cyprus ; the latter of which, after
putting all the Romans to the sword, was razed to
the ground, f
Upon the general revolt of the Jews, Cestius
Gallus, president of Syria, marched at the head of
a powerful army into Judea and Galilee, burning all
the towns and villages in his way, and slaughtering
the inhabitants. He was met at Gibeon, a city about
six miles from Jerusalem, by large numbers of Jews,
who attacked him with such fury, that his whole
* Josephus, vol. v. p. 215. t Ibid.
O-t HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
army was in danger. Agrippa, who joined him
with a body of troops, endeavoured once more to
appease his rebellious countrymen by sending two of
his officers to them with proposals of peace. But
after they had killed one of his officers and wounded
the other, Cestius advanced with his whole army,
repulsed the rebels, and made himself master of the
lower parts of Jerusalem.* Josephus says, " If
Cestius had continued the siege a little longer, he
would have taken the city ; but God being angry
with the wicked, would not suffer the war to be
terminated at that time." But Cestius suddenly and
unexpectedly raised the siege at the instigation of
some of his officers, who, it is said, were bribed by
Florus. Emboldened by this impolitic step, the
insurgents pursued Cestius to his camp at Gibeon,
from whence he escaped by night, with the loss of
upwards of five thousand of his army.f
It is recorded by an ancient historian,^ that the
Christians abandoned Jerusalem at this awful period.
Having called to mind the warning of their divine
Master, that, when they should see Jerusalem en-
compassed about with armies, and the abomination
of desolation (the Roman army with their idolatrous
images ) standing in the holy place, they should
* About A. D. 67. f Josephus.
+ Eusebius's Ecclesiastical History, Book iii. chap. 5.
^ " The Roman armies are styled, the abomination of desolation,
because they not only spread desolation before them, but were held
in the utmost abhorence by the Jews, on account of the images of
their gods and emperors, which they carried in their standards, by
which they swore, and to which they sacrificed. The usual orna-
ments of these standards gave such offence to the Jews, that, in
peaceable times, the Romans entered Jerusalem without them : and
Vitellius, at the request of some eminent Jews, humanely avoided
HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
63
flee unto the mountains. In obedience to this
sacred injunction, they removed to Pella, a city
beyond the river Jordan, about an hundred miles
from Jerusalem, belonging to Agrippa, and inhabited
by Gentiles. Here they obtained a safe asylum ;
and \ve do not find, that even a single individual of
them perished in the ruin of the Jewish metropolis.*
The defeat of Cestius heightened the obstinacy
of the Jews, who, elated with their success, made
formidable preparations for the prosecution of the
war. Ananus, the high priest, and Joseph, the son
of Gorion, were appointed to govern Jerusalem, and
repair the walls ; while persons of approved valour
and resolution were sent to command the troops in
the provinces. Josephu^f a priest of considerable
marching his forces through Judea on account of these ensigns.
When therefore they were planted within sight of the city and temple,
when they stood within the holy precincts of Jerusalem, rivalling, as
it were, the God of Israel, this was a hostile contempt of the Jews,
and is justly placed among the presages of their utter destruction."
Newcome's Observations on our Lord, p. 240.
* Newton on the Prophecies, part ii. p. 19.
f Josephus was born at Jerusalem, 37, and descended from the
illustrious Asmonean family. He soon discovered great acuteness
and penetration; and made so rapid a progress in the learning of
the Jews, that he was occasionally consulted by the chief priests
and rulers of the city at the age of sixteen. He adopted the opinions
of the Pharisees, and engaged in civit affairs. In the early part of
the Jewish war, he was a famous general ; and after he was taken
prisoner admitted to share the confidence of Vespasian, and his son
Titus, the latter of whom he accompanied to the siege of Jerusalem.
After the city was taken, he attended Titus to Rome, where Vespasian
gave him the freedom of the city, and settled a pension upon him.
At Rome he applied himself to study the Greek language, and com-
posed his history of the wars of the Jews. He Kved till the thirteenth
year of Domitian; and died in 93,. aged fifty-six years. General Bia^
graphical Dictionary, vol. ix. p. 28.
F
66 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
rank, and the celebrated writer of the antiquities and
wars of the Jews, was appointed governor of the
two Galilees.
Nero, the Roman emperor, who had received
intelligence of the defeat of Cestius, and was alarmed
at the energetic measures which were taken by the
Jews, commanded Vespasian, an officer of distin-
guished prudence and bravery, to march with all
possible expedition into Judea. Accordingly, that
commander employed himself in raising forces ; and
his son Titus was despatched to fetch two of the
Roman legions from Alexandria. But the Jews,
previous to the arrival of the army in their country,
had twice attempted to take the city of Ascalon, and
were each time repulsed, with the loss of ten thou-
sand of their number in the first, and eight thousand
in the second engagement.
Early in the following spring, the imperial army,
which amounted to sixty thousand men, completely
armed, and fully disciplined, entered Galilee. Soon
after their arrival, Gadara was taken on the first
assault ; all the adults were put to the sword, and
fire set to the adjacent towns and villages. The
conquerors next closely besieged Jotaphala. Jo-
sephus, being apprized of their design, supplied the
city with ample stores, and defended it with heroic
valour for forty-seven days. The Romans, however,
finally surprised and took the place, and all the
inhabitants were either slain, or made prisoners.
The captives amounted to one thousand two hun-
dred ; and forty thousand lost their lives on this
occasion.*
* Josephus, vol. v. p. 285.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 67
Josephus was among the prisoners. He had
escaped the general massacre, by flying from the
midst of his enemies, and with forty of his bravest
men, concealed himself in a deep cavern. His retreat
was discovered to Vespasian, and that famous ge-
neral sent to offer him life, upon honourable con-
ditions. Upon his preparing- to accept the terms,
his companions upbraided him in the severest
manner, and even offered to murder him. At this
critical moment, he appeased their fury, by advising
them, if they were determined upon death, to draw
lots, who should kill his companion, in order to
avoid the crime of suicide. This dreadful proposal
was accepted ; and Providence so ordered it, that the
two last survivors were Josephus, and a person
whom he easily persuaded to live. The Jewish
commander, upon his arrival in the Roman camp,
assured Vespasian, that he should soon be chosen
emperor ; and, in consequence of this prediction,
the conqueror treated him with great respect and
generosity.*
While the Roman forces were besieging Jota-
phata, the inhabitants of Japha, a neighbouring
city, rebelled. The general sent a powerful army
against them, and they were reduced, after an
obstinate siege. All the men, amounting to 15,000,
were massacred; and the women and children made
prisoners. About a week after, the Samaritans,
who had assembled in a riotous manner on Mount
Gerizzim, were almost all put to the sword, or
perished. Joppa, which had been formerly laid
waste by Cestius, being now re-peopled and fortified
* Josephus, vol. T. p. 293.
F 2
68 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
by some seditious Jews, who infested the country,
fell the next victim to the Roman vengeance. When
the imperial army invaded that city, large numbers
of the wretched inhabitants betook themselves to their
ships. But they were driven back by a violent
tempest, which dashed the vessels against the rocks.
In this extreme distress many perished by suicide;
others were swallowed up by the waves, or crushed
by the broken ships ; and such as were enabled to
reach the shore were killed by the merciless Romans.
The sea was for a long space discoloured with blood;
four thousand two hundred dead bodies strewed the
coast, and not a messenger remained to report this
great calamity at Jerusalem.*
After Vespasian had refreshed his troops, he
marched to Tiberias; the city yielded; and the
inhabitants were spared at the moving intercession
of king Agrippa. Tarichse, on the sea of Galilee,
was next attacked ; and, after an obstinate resistance,
reduced by the victorious Romans. Multitudes of
Jews were destroyed, and upwards of thirty thousand
sold for slaves. Vespasian proceeded to invest
Gamala, a city placed on a rocky isthmus. The
assailants were driven back with prodigious slaughter.
Their last attack, however, was successful, the flight
of their darts being favoured by a violent storm,
which obstructed those of the enemy. After the
city was taken, the exasperated victors slew four
thousand of the inhabitants ; and a large number
fell victims to their own impatience and ungovern-
able fury. The Romans also obtained a decisive
* Josephus, vol. r. p. 291. Newcome's Observations on our Lord,
p. 228.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 69
victory over the Jews, who had retired to a strong
hold on Mount Itabys.*
Titus, who was sent to besiege Gischala, earnestly
exhorted the inhabitants to save themselves from
destruction, by a timely surrender. The citizens
were inclined to accede to his advice ; but a seditious
Jew, named John, the son of Levi, head of his
faction., vehemently opposed it ; and, having the
mob at his command, overawed the whole city. On
the sabbath he entreated Titus to forbear hostilities
till the following day, engaging, on that condition,
to accede to his proposal. But, after his request
was granted, he with a number of his followers,
withdrew to Jerusalem. The citizens then sur-
rendered, and, having apprized Titus of John's
flight, earnestly besought him not to punish the
innocent with the guilty. The conqueror, after
yielding to their entreaties, pursued and killed six
thousand of the followers of John, and brought back
three thousand women and children prisoners. The
traitor himself eluded their pursuit, and exasperated
the inhabitants of Jerusalem against the Romans. f
After the conquest of Galilee was completed, by
the reduction of Gischala, Titus joined his father, at
Cesarea, where his troops were permitted to enjoy
an interval of repose ; during the remainder of this,
and in the following year, the revolutions in the
Roman empire prevented Vespasian from pursuing
the war with vigour. He the more readily deferred
commencing the siege of Jerusalem, from being
* Josephus.
+ Hence Josephus says, * God saved John for the destruction of
Jerusalem," p. 294.
70 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
apprized, that the Jews were wasting their strength
by internal divisions, and facilitating the conquest of
their devoted city.*
The Jewish nation at this time were divided
into two very opposite parties. The more rational
part, who clearly saw that the war, if continued,
would end in the total ruin of their country, strongly
urged the necessity of immediate submission to the
Romans. Another party, called Zealots, from their
boasted zeal for the law of God, arid the religious
customs of their ancestors, vehemently opposed all
pacific measures. This faction, which was far the
most numerous and powerful, consisted of men of
the vilest and most abandoned characters ever re-
corded in history. They were the remains of the
sect of the Gaulonites, which was headed by Judas
Theudas, and like him affirmed, that it would be
offering the greatest dishonour to God to submit
to any earthly potentate, much less to Romans and
heathens. Under the mask of religion, these
wretches committed the most horrid and unnatural
crimes, f
John, who had fled from Gischala, put himself
at the head of these incendiaries ; and, being joined
in that city by a band of robbers and assassins,
seized upon the temple for a fortress, and that holy
place was made a theatre of civil war. The opposite
party, under the conduct of Ananus, a wise and
venerable man, among the chief priests, armed in
their own defence ; and, after an obstinate contest,
forced the Zealots into the inner cincture of the
temple, where they were closely invested. John,
* Josephus, vol. T. p. 355. t Ibid, p. 334.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 71
who had pretended to agree with those, who desired
peace, was sent to the Zealots with terms of accom-
modation ; but he betrayed his trust, and earnestly
exhorted them to persevere with unshaken firmness.
He intimated to them the necessity of foreign
assistance ; and persuaded them to enter into a
treaty with the Idumeans. But Ananus shut the
gates of Jerusalem, and precluded the new allies
from entering the city.*
On the night the Idumeans were excluded, there
was a tremendous storm, accompanied with thunder,
lightning, and a violent earthquake. The* Zealots
took advantage of the prevailing terror and con-
fusion, sawed the bolts and hinges of the temple
gates without being heard, forced the guards, sallied
into the city, and introduced twenty thousand of their
allies. After being thus strengthened and assisted,
they perpetrated the most horrid cruelties. Twelve
thousand persons of noble birth, and in the prime
of life, upon their refusal to join them, were inhu-
manly murdered. Ananus and Joshua, the chief
priests, were next put to death, and their dead
bodies left without burial. After massacreing many
persons of distinction, they turned their sanguinary
cruelty upon the citizens and lower classes, and the
capital was filled with blood and carnage. At this
dreadful period, none dared publicly to lament the
loss of his nearest friends or relations ; or even afford
them the last melancholy rites of interment. This
cruel despotism compelled many to forsake Jeru-
salem, and take refuge with the Romans, though the
attempt was extremely hazardous, as the avenues of
* Josephus, vol. v. p. 37i.
72 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
the city were strictly guarded ; and all, who were
detected in attempting to escape, were immediately
put to death. The Idumeans, who were of John's
party, at length complained of the vast numbers,
who were massacred ; repented of having joined
the tyrant, and returned to their native country.*
The Zealots, after they had massacred or driven
away all, who were capable of opposing them,
turned their murderous weapons against each other.
A new faction was formed against John by Simon,
a man of an abandoned character, and daring spirit,
who had his head quarters in the fortress of Masada.
To increase his party, he published a proclamation,
in which he promised liberty to the slaves, and
suitable encouragement to all freemen, who would
enlist under his banners. After he had, by this
stratagem, collected many followers, he invaded
Idumea, perpetrated all kinds of cruelty, corrupted
the general of that country, and having gained
possession of their military forces, advanced towards
Jerusalem, and encamped before the city. This
army destroyed the Jews without the walls, and
were more dreaded than the Romans ; while the
Zealots within excited still greater terror than
either.*
The inhabitants of Jerusalem, in order to oppose
the tyranny of John, who, they apprehended,
would burn the city, formed the fatal resolution of
admitting Simon and his troops. Accordingly, they
entered the metropolis, and increased the calamities
of the miserable people, who were exposed alter-
nately to the rage of both factions. Another party
* Josephus, vol. v. p, 347. t Ibid.
HISTORY OF THE JEW:*. 73
also arose in the city, under Eleazar, formerly a
commander of the Zealots, seized upon the court
of the priests, and kept John confined within that of
the Israelites. He, being enclosed by Simon, who
had possession of the city, and by Eleazar, who
occupied the inner temple, defended himself with
great resolution against both his powerful enemies;
killed and wounded many of each party ; and the
temple and altar were frequently polluted with
blood.*
A. D. 69.] During the internal contest in the
city, Vespasian had marched from Cesarea, and
conquered the yet unsubdued part of the country ;
he stormed Hebron near Jerusalem, slew all the
adults, and burned the city. He had also gained
possession of Gadara, the metropolis of Perea, and
reduced all the Idumean towns to ashes, except such
as were deemed serviceable to the troops, whom he
appointed to overawe the country. As every place
was now reduced, but Herodium, Masada, and
Machaerus, which the robbers had occupied, Jeru-
salem became the grand object of the Romans.
Vespasian, therefore, being elected emperor, pre-
viously to his taking possession of his dominions,
sent his son Titus to reduce this metropolis. An
account of the tremendous calamities of the Jews,
during the destruction of their city and temple, will
be related in the following chapter.
In the meantime, while, with the most painful
sensations,, we read an account of calamities, which
no other description of men ever experienced in any
age or country, let us recollect, that the Jews had
* Josephus, vol. v. p. 369.
74 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
called down the divine wrath, by crucifying the
Lord of glory, and blasphemously exclaiming, "His
blood be upon us and our children." This dreadful
imprecation was fulfilled ; and the vengeance of
heaven, of which they had been mercifully fore-
warned by the prophets, and by Christ himself,
was discharged upon them by that very nation,
whom they had instigated to condemn the Messiah.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
CHAPTER II.
Strength of Jerusalem. The Jews are assembled from all parts to keep
the passover. The city is invested by Titus. They make great
preparations for an attack. They gain the first and second wall.
A famine raged in Jerusalem. Inhuman practices of the Zealots.
Jerusalem is surrounded by a wall. Terrible situation of the city.
The temple is plundered, and daily sacrifice ceaseth. The temple
set on fire. Horrid massacre of the Jews. All Jerusalem con-
quered by the Romans. The temple and city demolished. The
remaining castles in Judea are taken.
JERUSALEM was built on two mountains, and
surrounded by three walls on every side, except
where it was enclosed with deep vallies, which were
deemed inaccessible. Each wall was fortified by
high towers. The celebrated temple, and the
strong castle of Antonia, were on the east side of
the city, and directly opposite to the Mount of
Olives. But notwithstanding the prodigious strength
of this famed metropolis, the infatuated Jews brought
on their own destruction by their intestine contests.
At a time, when a formidable army was rapidly
advancing, and the Jews were assembling from all
parts, to keep the passover,* the contending factions
were continually inventing new methods of mutual
destruction, and in their ungoverned fury they wasted
* " The day ou which Titus encompassed Jerusalem was," says
a late author, " the feast .of the passover ; and it is deserving of
particular attention, that this was the anniversary of that memorable
period, in which the Jews crucified their Messiah." See a pamphlet
entitled, "The destruction of Jerusalem an absolute and irresistible
proof of the divine authority of Christianity." London, pub-
lished 1805.
70 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
and destroyed such vast quantities of provisions as
might have preserved the city many years.*
A. D. 70.] Such was the miserable situation of
Jerusalem, when Titus began his march towards it
with a formidable army ; and, having laid waste the
country in his progress, and slaughtered the in-
habitants, arrived before its walls. The sight of the
Romans produced a temporary reconciliation among
the contending factions, and they unanimously re-
solved to oppose the common enemy. Their first
sally was accordingly made with such fury and
resolution, that, though Titus displayed uncommon
valour on this occasion, the besiegers were obliged
to abandon their camps, and flee to the mountains.
No sooner had the Jews a short interval of quietf
from their foreign enemies, than their civil disorders
were renewed. John, by an impious stratagem,
found means to cut off or force Eleazar's men to
submit to him ; and the factions were again reduced
to two, who opposed each other with implacable
animosity. J
The Romans, in the mean time, exerted all their
energy in making preparations for a powerful attack
upon Jerusalem. Trees were cut down, houses
levelled, rocks cleft asunder, and vallies filled up ;
towers were raised, and battering rams erected, with
other engines of destruction, against the devoted city.
* Josephus.
t Bishop Newcome remarks, that at this period the Christians had
au opportunity of escaping from Jerusalem, according to our Lord's
solemn exhortation. For some time before this flight was precluded,
as it bore the appearance of a revolt to the Romans. Newcome's
Observations, p. 242.
^ Josephus, vol. vi. p. 127.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 77
After the offers of peace, which Titus had repeatedly
sent by Josephus, were rejected with indignation,
the Romans began to play their engines with all their
might. The strenuous attacks of the enemy again
united the contending parties within the walls,, who
had also engines, which they plied with uncommon
fury. They had taken them lately from Cestius,
but were so ignorant of their use they did little
execution, while the Roman legions made terrible
havock. The rebels were soon compelled to retire
from the ponderous stones, which they threw inces-
santly from the towers they had erected, and the
battering rams were at full liberty to play against
the walls. A breach was soon made in it, at which
the Romans entered, and encamped in the city,
while the Jews retreated behind the second en-
closure.*
The victors immediately advanced to the second
wall, and plied their engines and battering rams
so furiously, that one of the towers they had erected
began to shake, and the Jews, who occupied it,
perceiving their impending ruin, set it on fire, and
precipitated themselves into the flames. The fall of
this structure gave the Romans an entrance into
the second enclosure. They were, however, re-
pulsed by the besieged ; but at length regained the
place entirely, and prepared for attacking the third
and inner wall.f
The vast number of people, which were enclosed
in Jerusalem, occasioned a famine, which raged in
a terrible manner ; and, as their calamities increased,
* Josephus, vol. vi. p. 38.
t Ibid, p. 49 50. Mayor's Universal History.
8 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
the fury of the Zealots, if possible, rose to a greater
height. They forced open the houses of their fellow
citizens in search of provisions ; if they found any,
they inflicted the most exquisite tortures upon them,
under pretence that they had food concealed. The
nearest relations, in the extremity of hunger, snatched
the food from each other.
Josephus, who was an eye witness of the un-
paralleled sufferings the Jews experienced during
the siege of their metropolis, remarks, that "all the
calamities that ever befel any nation since the
beginning of the world, were inferior to the miseries
of his countrymen at this awful period."* Thus
we see the exact fulfilment of the emphatic words
of our Saviour respecting the great tribulation in
Jerusalem, f
Titus, who was apprized of their wretched con-
dition, relaxed the siege four days ; and, being still
desirous of saving the city, caused provisions to be
distributed to his army in sight of the Jews, who
nocked upon the walls to behold it. Josephus was
next sent to his countrymen to attempt to persuade
them not to plunge themselves in inevitable ruin by
persisting in defence of a place, which could hold
out but little longer, and which the Romans looked
upon as already their own. He exhorted them in
the most pathetic terms, to save themselves, their
temple, and their country ; and painted in strong
colours the fatal effects, which would result from
their obstinacy. But the people, after many bitter
invectives, began to dart their arrows at him ; yet
he continued to address them with greater vehe-
* Josephus, TO!, vi. p. 63. + Matthew xxiv. 21.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 7 if
mence, and many were induced by his eloquence, to
run the utmost risk in order to escape to the Ro-
mans ; while others became more desperate, and
resolved to hold out to the last extremity. *
The Jews, who were forcibly seized by the
Romans without the walls,, and who made the utmost
resistance for fear of punishment, were scourged and
crucified near the city. Famine made them so
daring in these excursions, that five hundred, and
sometimes more, suffered this dreadful death every
day ; and, on account of the number, Josephus
observes, that " space was wanted for the crosses,
and crosses for the captives." And yet, contrary to
Titus's intention, the seditious Jews were not dis-
posed to a surrender by these horrid spectacles.
In order to check desertion, they represented the
sufferers as suppliants, and not as men taken by
resistance. Yet even some, who deemed capital
punishment inevitable, escaped to the Romans, con-
sidering death, by the hands of their enemies, a
desirable refuge, when compared with the com-
plicated distress which they endured. And though
Titus mutilated many, and sent them to assure the
people, that voluntary deserters were well treated by
him, and earnestly to recommend a surrender of the
city, the Jews reviled Titus from the walls, defied
his menaces, and continued to defend the city by
every method, which stratagem, courage, and despair
could suggest. -j-
In order to accelerate the destined ruin of Jerusa-
lem, Titus, discouraged and exasperated by the re-
* Josephus, vol. vi. p. 50.
t Ibid, p. 5165. Newcorne's Observations, &c. p. 245.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
peated destruction of his engines and towers, under-
took the arduous task of enclosing the city with a strong
wall, in order to prevent the inhabitants from receiving
any succour from the adjacent country, or eluding
his vengeance by flight. Such was the persevering
spirit of the stfldiers, that in three days they enclosed
the city by a wall nearly five miles in circuit. Thus
was the prophecy of our Saviour accomplished:*
" The days shall come upon thee, when thine enemies
shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee
round, and keep thee in on every side." Upon this,
the famine raged with augmented violence, and
destroyed whole families; while Jerusalem exhibited
a horrid spectacle of emaciated invalids and putre-
scent bodies, f The dead were too numerous to be
interred ; and many expired in the performance of
this office. The public calamity was too great for
lamentation, and the silence of unutterable woe over-
spread the city. The Zealots, at this awful period,
endeavoured to encourage the obstinacy of the people,
* Luke xix. 43.
i The vast number of people shut up by the war, occasioned pesti-
lential diseases, and afterwards famine of course advanced more
rapidly. Dr. Lardner observes, that " it might have been expected,
that the bad food, which the Jews were forced to make use of, the
strictness of the siege, and the noisome smell of so many dead bodies
lying in heaps in the city itself, and in the Tallies and ditches without
the walls, should have produced a plague. But nothing of this kind
appears in the history; which must have been owing to the special
interposition of divine providence. Josephus, in some of the places,
where he speaks of the putrefaction of the dead bodies, may use
expressions equivalent to pestilential ; but he never shews, that there
was an infection; if there had been, it would have equally affected
the Romans and the Jews, and the siege of the city must have beea
broken up, and the Romans would have gone off as fast as they
could.'' fVatson's Tracts, vol. v. p. 170.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 81
by hiring- a set of wretches, pretenders to prophecy,
to go about the city, and declare the near approach
of a speedy and miraculous deliverance. This im-
pious stratagem for a while afforded delusive hopes
to the miserable remains of the Jewish nation. But
at length an affair took place in Jerusalem, which
filled the inhabitants with consternation and despair;
and the Romans with horror and indignation. A
Jewess, eminent for birth and opulence, rendered
frantic with her sufferings, was reduced to the dread-
ful extremity of killing and feeding upon her infant.
Titus, being apprized of this inhuman deed, swore
the total extirpation of the accursed city and people ;
and called heaven to witness, that he was not the
author of their calamity.*
The Romans, having pursued the attack with the
utmost rigour, advanced their last engines against
the walls ; after having converted into a desert, for
wood to construct them, a country well planted, and
interspersed with gardens, for more than eleven
miles round the city. They scaled the inner wall,
and after a sanguinary encounter, made themselves
masters of the fortress of Antonia. Still, however,
not only the Zealots, but many of the people, were
yet so blinded, that, though nothing was now left
but the temple, and the Romans were making for-
midable preparation to batter it down, they could
not persuade themselves, that God would suffer that
holy place to be taken by heathens ; but still ex-
pected a miraculous deliverance. And though the
war was advancing towards the temple, they them-
selves burnt the portico, which joined it to Antonia;
* Josephus, vol. vi. p. 7382. 108.
6
82 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
which occasioned Titus to remark, that they began
to destroy with their own hands, that magnificent
edifice, which he had preserved. When Josephus
was sent for the last time to John, who commanded
in the temple, to upbraid him for obstinately ex-
posing that sacred building-, and the miserable
remains of God's people to inevitable destruction,
he answered with the bitterest invectives, adding,
that " he was defending the Lord's vineyard, which
he was sure could not be taken by any human
force;" yet this monster had not scrupled to plunder
the temple of a large quantity of its golden utensils,
and the magnificent gifts of kings, which he con-
verted to his own use. He also seized the sacred
oil, which was to maintain the lamps; and even
used to intoxicate himself and his party with the
wine, which was intended for sacrifice.*
On the 17th of July, the daily sacrifice ceased
for the first time since its restoration by the brave
Judas Maccabeus, there being no proper person
left to make the offering. Titus upbraided the
Zealots for neglecting their worship ; and challenged
them to leave the temple, and fight on more proper
ground, in order to preserve that sacred edifice
from the fury of his troops. But, as they persisted
in their inflexible obstinacy, Titus, after several
bloody engagements, took possession of the outward
court of the Gentiles, and forced the besieged into
that of the priests. The Roman commander had
determined in council not to burn the temple, con-
sidering the existence of so proud a structure an
honour to himself. He, therefore, attempted to
* Josephus, vol. vi. p. 79. Mayor's Universal Hist. vol. ii. p. SIS.
HISTORY OP THE JEWS. 83
batter down one of the galleries of the precinct ; but
as the strength of the wall eluded the force of all his
engines, his troops next endeavoured to scale it, but
were repulsed with considerable loss. When Titus
found, that his desire of saving the sacred building,
was likely to cost many lives, he set fire to the gates
of the outer temple, which, being plaited with
silver, burnt all night, and the flame rapidly com-
municated to the adjacent galleries and porticoes.
Titus, who was still desirous of preserving the
temple, caused the flames to be extinguished; and
appeased the clamours of his troops, who vehemently
insisted on the necessity of razing it to the ground.
The following day was, therefore, fixed upon for
a general assault upon that magnificent structure.*
The utmost exertions of Titus to save the temple
were, however, ineffectual. Our Saviour had fore-
told its total destruction, and his awful prediction
was about to be accomplished. f And now, says
Josephus, " the fatal day approached in the revo-
lution of ages, the 10th of August, emphatically
called, the day of vengeance, in which the first
temple had been destroyed by the king of Babylon."
While Titus was reposing himself in his pavilion,
a Roman soldier, without receiving any command,
seized some of the blazing materials, and, with
the assistance of another soldier, who raised him
from the ground, threw them through a window
into one of the apartments, that surrounded the
sanctuary. The whole north side, up to the third
story, was immediately enveloped in flames. The
Jews, who now began to suppose Heaven had for-
* Josephus, vol. vi. p. 03, 94. t Matthew MW 9,
84 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
saken them, rushed in with violent lamentations, and
spared no effort, not even life itself, to preserve the
sacred edifice on which they had rested their security.
Titus, being awakened by the outcry, hastened
to the spot, and commanded his soldiers to exert
themselves to the utmost to extinguish the fire. He
called, urged, and threatened his men. But so
great was the clamour and tumult, that his entreaties
and menaces were alike disregarded. The exas-
perated Romans, who resorted thither from the
camp, were engaged either in increasing tbe confla-
gration, or killing the Jews; the dead were heaped
about the altar, and a stream of blood flowed at its
steps.*
Still, as the flames had not reached the inner part
of the temple, Titus, with some of his chief officers,
entered the sanctuary and most holy place, which
excited his astonishment and admiration. After
having in vain repeated his attempts to prevent its
destruction, he saved the golden candlestick, the
table of shew bread, the altar of perfumes, which
were all of pure gold; and the volume of the law,
wrapped up in a rich golden tissue. Upon his
leaving the sacred place, some other soldiers set
fire to it, after tearing off the golden plaiting from
the gates and timber work.f
A horrid massacre soon followed, in which pro-
digious multitudes perished ; while others rushed in
a kind of phrensy into the midst of the flames, and
precipitated themselves from the battlements of their
falling temple. Six thousand persons, who, de-
luded by a false prophet, with hopes of a mira-
* Josephu, wl. Vi. p. 117. + Ibid. p. 115.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 85
culous deliverance., had fled to a gallery yet standing
without the temple, perished at once by the relentless
barbarity of the soldiers, who set it on fire, and
suffered none to escape. The conquerors carried
their fury to such an height, as to massacre all they
met, without distinction of age, sex, or quality.
They also burnt all the treasure houses, containing
vast quantities of money, plate, and the richest
furniture. In a word, they continued to mark their
progress with fire and sword, till they had destroyed
all, except two of the temple gates, and that part
of the court which was destined for the women.*
In the meantime, many of the Zealots, by making
the most vigorous exertions, effected their escape
from the temple, and retired into the city. But the
avenues were so strictly guarded, that it was impos-
sible for them to escape. They therefore fortified
4Jhemselves, as well as they were able, on the south
side of it ; from whence John and Simon sent
to desire a conference with Titus. They were
answered, that though they had caused all this ruin
and effusion of blood, yet their lives should be
spared if they would surrender themselves. They
replied, that " they had engaged by the most solemn
oaths, not to deliver up their persons to him on any
conditions ; and requested permission to retire to
the mountains with their wives and children/' The
Roman general, enraged at this insolence, ordered
proclamation to be made, that not one of them
should be spared, since they persisted in rejecting
his last offers of pardon. f
The daughter of Zion, or the lower city, was
* Josephus, vol. vi. p. 116, 117. t Josephni, vol. vi. p. 127.
86 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
next abandoned to the fury of the Roman soldiers,
who plundered, burnt, and massacred with insa-
tiable rage. The Zealots next betook themselves to
the royal palace in the upper and stronger part
of Jerusalem, styled also the city of David, on
Mount Zion. As many of the Jews had deposited
their possessions in the palace for security, they
attacked it, killed eight thousand four hundred of
their countrymen, and plundered their property.*
The Roman army spent nearly twenty days in
making great preparations for attacking the upper
city, especially the royal palace ; during which
time, many came and made their submission to
Titus. The warlike engines then played so furi-
ously upon the Zealots, that they were seized with
a sudden panic, quitted the towers, which were
deemed impregnable, and ran like mad men towards
Shiloah, intending to have attacked the wall of
circumvallation, and escaped out of the city. But
being vigorously repulsed, they endeavoured to
conceal themselves in subterraneous passages ; and,
as many as were discovered, were put to death.
The conquest of Jerusalem being now completed,
the Romans placed their ensigns upon the walls
with triumphant joy. They next walked the streets,
with swords in their hands, and killed all they met.
Amidst the darkness of that awful night, fire was set
to the remaining divisions of the city, and Jeru-
salem, wrapt in flames, and bleeding on every side,
sunk in utter ruin and destruction. During the
siege, which lasted nearly five months, upwards of
eleven hundred thousand Jews perished. John and
* Josephus, vol. vi. p. 127.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 87
Simon, the two grand rebels, with seven hundred of
the most beautiful and vigorous of the Jewish youth,
were reserved to attend the victor's triumphal
chariot. After which, Simon was put to death ;
and John, who had stooped to beg his life, con-
demned to perpetual imprisonment.*
The number, who were taken captive during the
fatal contest with the Romans, amounted to ninety
seven thousand ; many of whom were sent into
Syria, and other provinces, to be exposed on the
public theatres, to fight like gladiators, or to be
devoured by wild beasts. The number of those
destroyed during the war, which lasted seven years,
is computed to have been one million four hundred
and sixty two thousand, f
When the sword had returned to its scabbard for
want of objects whereon to exercise its fury, and
the troops were satisfied with plunder, Titus com-
manded the whole city and temple to be demolished.
Upon viewing the strength of the works, he ex-
claimed, " We have fought with the assistance of
God ; it was God who drove the Jews out of these
fortifications ; for what can the hands of men, or the
force of machines effect against these towers." In
order to give posterity an idea of the strength of the
city, and the astonishing valour of its conquerors,
he preserved the highest towers, Phasaelus, Hip-
picus, and Mariamne, and a part of the wall which
surrounded Jerusalem to the west. All the other
circuit of the city was so levelled, as not to leave
those, who approached it, any proof that it ever had
been inhabited.]; It is recorded in the Talmud,
* Josephus, Tol. vi. p. 139. + Ibid. J Ibid. p. 142, I4S.
88 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
and by Maimonides, that Terentius Rufus ploughed
up the foundations of the temple ; thus were our
Saviour's prophecies fulfilled : " Thine enemies
shall lay thee even with the ground; and there
shall not be left one stone upon another."*
On the reduction of Jerusalem, Titus returned in
triumph to Rome, where the senate decreed him a
triumph with Vespasian, his father ; and all things,
that were esteemed the most valuable and beautiful,
were exhibited to grace this great occasion. Among
the rich spoils, those, which were saved from the
temple of Jerusalem, were the most remarkable ;
and the volume of the law was the most venerable of
all the trophies of the conqueror.
Three strong castles still remained untaken in the
almost desolated land of Judea. Lucillius Bassus
was sent by Vespasian, as lieutenant general ; and
soon reduced Herodium and Machserus. But the
castle of Masada, being very strong both by nature
and art ; and defended by Eleazar, a man of un-
daunted courage, baffled the attacks of the Romans.
At length, however, they caused it to be surrounded
by an high wall, set fire to the gates, and prepared
to storm it the following day. When the Jews
found no way of saving themselves, or their fortress,
from the hands of the enemy, Eleazar instigated
the garrison to burn the valuable stores of the castle,
destroy first their women and children, and then
themselves. Ten men who were chosen by lot exe-
cuted this horrid purpose. The last survivor among
these executioners, set fire to the place, and de-
stroyed himself. [A. D. 73.] When the Romans
* Luke xix. 44. Newcome's Observations, p. 25S.
HISTORY OP THE JEWS. 89
on the morrow were preparing to scale the walls,
two women, who had escaped by concealing them-
selves, while the rest were intent on slaughter,
related to them the whole transaction.*
After this terrible event, the opposition on the
part of the Jews ceased. It was, however, the sub-
mission of despair. Every where ruin and deso-
lation presented itself to the solitary passenger,
and a melancholy and deathlike silence pervaded
the whole region.
" The ruin of the Jews/' says a late historian,
" is, in itself, a very interesting event; but infinitely
more so, when considered as connected with religion.
A bloody war, in which party rage conspires with
foreign arms to destroy the nation ; an ancient and
famous people, who from their country, as from a
centre, had spread themselves into every part of the
known world, smitten with the most dreadful ca-
lamities ever recorded in history ; a great and lofty
city devoured by flames, and eleven hundred thou-
sand inhabitants buried under its ruins ; a temple,
the wonder of the world, and the object of the ve-
neration of those, who followed a different worship,
so entirely demolished, that not one stone was left
upon another^ are surely such events, as, if they
were merely human, could not but highly interest
every one. How much more regard ought we to
pay to them, when we reflect, that they were foretold
by Jesus Christ forty years before they happened,
at a time when nothing seemed to portend such an
event ;f that the dispersion of the Jewish people,
* Josephus, vol. \i. p. 188, 189.
t It ought to be remembered, that the prediction of our Saviour
90 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
and the ruin of their temple, form a part of the gos-
pel system, by means of which, a knowledge of the
true God was no longer to be confined to one nation
only, or his worship attached to one particular place.
In short, that these disasters, the greatest that can
be conceived, are the vengeance, which God took
for the greatest crime which ever was perpetrated
upon the face of the earth, the cruel and ignominious
death of his Son/'*
It has pleased Providence, that this important part
of history should be transmitted to us by Josephus,
one of the Jewish nation, who was an eyewitness,
and had himself a great share in the principal events.
He has, unintentionally, given us a striking demon-
stration of the truth of the Christian religion, by
exhibiting, in the most lively manner, how the
prophecies of our blessed Lord, concerning the
destruction of Jerusalem, were literally fulfilled in
their fullest extent.
was given at a time, when Judea was at peace, under the sway of a
nation, which never, till the destruction of Jerusalem, treated their
enemies with utter excision, and unsparing desolation. Watton't
Tracts.
* Crevior's Roman History.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 91
CHAPTER III.
Wretched state of the Jews after the destruction of Jerusalem. Titu
commands their lands to be sold, and confiscates the tribute which
was paid annually to the temple. His successor, Domitian, treats
them with still greater severity. Sedition at Alexandria. The
temple built by Ouias is shut up. The Jews seek an asylum in
various countries. Institution of the patriarchs in the west. State
of literature among the Jews. Of the Cabbalistic philosophy.
Account of the celebrated cabbalistic book. Of the rabbi Akibha.
THE condition of the Jews was extremely miser-
able after the destruction of their capital. The mul-
titude of the dead, the prisoners who were sold, and
the fugitives who had fled into various parts of the
world, had left the country almost depopulated.
The once flourishing plains of Palestine were covered
with dead bodies ; and of the celebrated cities, which
existed formerly on their coasts, such as Capernaum,
Bethsaida, and Chorazin, nothing was left but
shapeless ruins. Some women and old men were
permitted to remain in Jerusalem ; but all, who were
able to bear arms, were removed. A strong attach-
ment to their native residence probably induced a
number to return, and dwell among the ruins of
their devoted city.*
After the war was terminated, the emperor ordered
all the lands in Judea to be sold, strictly prohibited
building any cities therein, and commanded the
Jews, on condition of preserving their religion, to
pay to Jupiter Capitolinus the capitation tax, which
devotion had destined annually for the service of the
temple. Although the sum assessed on the head of
* Basnage, p. 508.
$&, HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
each individual was inconsiderable., the use for which
it was assigned, and the severity with which it was
exacted, was considered as an intolerable grievance.*
Domitian, brother to Titus, who succeeded in the
Roman empire, increased the calamities of this
wretched people. They were involved in the
persecution, which the Christians endured during
his tyrannical reign ; and many of them were con-
demned to suffer death.* This emperor intended
to extirpate all the lineage of David, but when the
grandsons of St. Jude the apostle, kinsmen of our
Lord, were brought before him, their poverty induced
him to retract his sanguinary purpose.
A. D. 72.] Notwithstanding their late calamities,
some of the seditious Jews, who had retired to Alex-
andria in Egypt, began to excite fresh insurrections.
Bat their countrymen who resided in the city, appre-
hending the consequences that might ensue, pru-
dently interfered, and delivered them up to the
Romans, who put six hundred of them to death.
They maintained their inflexible obstinacy to the
last ; and even their children would suffer the most
exquisite tortures, rather than acknowledge Caesar
for their lord. The emperor, being apprized of
their rebellious disposition, ordered the temple,
* Though, after the conquest of Pompey, Judea was made tributary
to the Romans, they were permitted to collect the taxes by their
own receivers, and were exempted from tribute during the sabbaticai
year. The annual tribute to the temple, they supposed to be an
offering to God, as his subjects. But after the destruction of Jeru-
salem, the emperor usurped the place of God, and appropriated the
tribute to himself. ThU was the more afflicting and disgraceful,
because it obliged them to purchase the liberty of exercising their
religion. Basnage, p. 509.
t Basnage, p. 509.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 93
which Onias had built in Egypt, to be shut up, lest
it should afford them a pretence for assembling them-
selves, and thus give them an opportunity of exciting
some new sedition.*
Multitudes of Jews, who had survived the sad
catastrophe of the destruction of their city and tem-
ple, sought an asylum in various parts of the world.
Many retired to Egypt, where a Jewish colony had
resided from the time of Alexander ; others fled to
Cyrene j a large number removed to Babylon, and
joined their brethren, who had remained in that
country ever since the captivity ; some took refuge
in Persia, and other eastern countries. By degrees,
they formed themselves into a regular system of
government, or rather subordination, connected with
the various bodies of their brethren dispersed
throughout the world. They were divided into the
eastern and western Jews ; the western included
Egypt, f Judea, Italy, and other parts of the Roman
empire. The eastern were settled in Babylon.,
Chaldea, Assyria, and Persia. In process of time
both these parties chose a distinguished personage
to preside over each of their respective divisions.
The heads of the eastern Jews were styled princes
of the captivity ; and those of the western Jews
were known by the title of patriarch. Mr. Basnage
and other learned men have supposed, that the
patriarchal J dignity was first instituted in the reign
* Basnage, p. 492.
t Some refugees passed from Egypt to Ethiopia. Basnage, p. 494.
$ According to the Jewish writers, this office originated at a
much earlier era. The first patriarch was Hillel, surnamed the
Babylonian. He came to Jerusalem about thirty years before the
birth of Christ, and lived to an advanced age. The Jews regarded
94 HISTORY OP THE JEWS.
of Nerva, who succeeded Domitian. This emperor
favoured the Jews ; recalled those who had been
banished on account of their religion ; relieved them
from the heavy taxes which had been imposed upon
them by his predecessor ; and forbade their being
molested in future on account of their religion.
They are supposed to be of the Levitical race, since
the least attempt in the tribe of Judah to recover any
of their former power, would have excited the
jealousy of the Romans.* But the priests and Levites
were permitted to assume the power of teaching
the people, to set up schools, to appoint preceptors
over them, and at length install one above the rest,
with the title of patriarch; because neither their
tribe, which was excluded the regal authority, nor
their office, which was confined to religious concerns,
could give umbrage to the Romans. The celebrated
city of Tiberias, situated on the banks of a lake
which bears its name, and was rebuilt by Herod,
tetrarch of Galilee, was chosen for the patriarchal
seat. The dignity of their chiefs was hereditary, f
The authority which the patriarchs acquired over
the people committed to their charge, owed its rise
and gradual* increase to their great reputation for
him as a second Moses, who was little inferior to their lawgiver:
and asserted, that the patriarchal dignity continued in his family till
the fifth century. Modern Universal History, Tol. xiii. p. 141.
* The house of David was now almost extinct ; and the few who
remained reduced to poverty, and obliged to labour for their daily
subsistence. If there was any shadow of authority among this people,
after the destruction of their city and temple, it fell into the hands of
the priests of the race of Levi and Aaron. Their understanding and
science raised them above the vulgar; and as the people became
more numerous, their authority increased.
+ Basnage, p. 146.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 95
learning and piety. They decided cases of con-
science, and religious controversies ; presided over
synagogues ; were empowered to appoint subor-
dinate ministers and missionaries to execute their
orders ; and to receive an annual contribution from
their dispersed brethren, in order to support their
dignity. They obtained, by degrees, a great au-
thority over the western Jews, who were pleased to
depend upon them in order to maintain some shadow
of union. The power, which these chiefs obtained,
has, however, been much exaggerated by the Jews.,
to enable them to repel a powerful argument urged
by the Christians, viz. that the sceptre, or regal
authority, was departed from them.*
The learned Dr. Lightfoot has imagined, that
the Jewish sanhedrim was not immediately destroyed,
but only removed to Jafna, and thence to Tiberias,
where it subsisted till the death of Judah, the saint.
Other learned men, particularly Mr. Basnage, sup-
pose this tribunal did not exist after the destruction
of Jerusalem, for the following reasons. f If Titus
had made any such concession, Josephus would have
mentioned it for the honour of his nation. Domitian,
who hated and oppressed the Jews, would never
have allowed them such a signal privilege ; besides,
it has been the prevailing idea of the Jews, as well
as of the Christians, that this tribunal had not power
to sit in any other place but in Jerusalem. Our
* Basnage, p. 146.
t After the Sanhedrim was abolished, the Jews substituted in it*
room some particular tribunals for the decision of religious disputes.
These tribunals, which were afterwards called houses of judgment,
were a very imperfect image of the sanhedrim. Picarft
Ceremonie, p. 195.
96
HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
Saviour, it appears, alluded to this, when he said,
(Luke xviii. 33) that it could not be, that a prophet
should perish or be condemned to death out of Je-
rusalem, since the sanhedrim alone had the power
of passing that sentence on him.*
The Jews, though a considerable part of their
religion was involved in the destruction of their
country, still adhered with inflexible ^obstinacy to
those customs and religious rites, which remained in
their power to practise. After their national polity
was dissolved, they appear to have been confirmed
in their attachment to the oral traditions and unau-
thorized decisions of the rabbies. As they agreed
in thinking, that their religious rites and observances
were the only objects worthy their attention, it fol-
lowed, that their literary controversies, instead of
embracing, like those of the philosophical sects of
the Pagans, the wide field of general literature, were
directed and confined to their religious and ritual
institutions, and were exhausted in questions or dis-
cussions immediately referrible to these subjects.f
After the devastation and ruin of their country, a
small number of learned men only were left among
them to transmit their ancient doctrines and insti-
tutions to posterity. Of these, part escaped into
Egypt, and part withdrew into Babylon ; in both
which countries the refugees were humanely re-
ceived. Those, who remained in Palestine, collected
the scattered fragments of Jewish learning from the
general wreck into the academy of Jafna (frequently
called by the Greek writers, Jamnia) where they
* Basnage. Modern Universal History, vol. xiii. p. 136.
t Butler's Hone Biblicre, p. 40.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 97
also revived their forms of worship. The rabbi
Jochanan,* was the founder of this school, and the
design which he begun was completed, as far as the
state of the times would permit, by the rabbi Gamaliel,
who is from this circumstance called Gamaliel
Jafniensis. The success, which attended this school,
induced many of the dispersed Jews to return to
Palestine ; and another academy was formed at
Tiberias, which soon became the chief seat of Jewish
learning in its native country. This school obtained
immunities and privileges from the emperor Antoni-
nus Pius; and it produced that curious record of
Jewish wisdom, the Jerusalem Talmud. Other
schools, after the examples of Jafna and Tiberias,
were erected at Bitterah near Jerusalem, at Lydda
or Diospolis, at Cesarea, and (which became more
celebrated than the rest) at Zippora, or Sephora, in
Galilee, f
Prom this time, there was not wanting a succession
of Jewish doctors to transmit their religion and phi-
losophy to posterity. These doctors flourished, not
only in Palestine, but in the Babylonish schools,
which, in process of time, were established at Sora,
Pundebita, and other places on the Euphrates.^
Two methods of instruction were in use among the
* The Jewish writers assert, that the academy which Jochanan
erected at Jafna, consisted of three hundred schools, or classes of
pupils. They extol the extraordinary merit of this rahbi in the
most extravagant terms. According to them, " If the whole heaven*
were paper, all the trees in the world pens, and all the men writers,
they would not he able to record all his merits." Modern Universal
History, vol. xiii. p. 141.
i Enfield's Philosophy, vol. ii. p. 198.
t According to Basnage, these schools were not founded till the
beginning of the third century.
H
HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
Jews ; the one public, the other secret. The public
doctrine was that, which was openly taught the
people from the law of Moses, and the traditions of
the fathers. It comprehended (he popular articles
of faith, and rules of manners.*
The secret doctrine of the Jews was that, which
treated of the mysteries of the divine nature and
other sublime subjects, and was called cabbala, from
a Hebrew word, which signifies to receive, because
it was received by tradition. After the manner of
the Pythagorean and Egyptian mysteries, it was
taught only to certain persons, who were bound,
under the most solemn anathema, not to divulge it.
The cabbala is divided into three sorts. By the
first, the Jews extract from the words of scripture
recondite meanings, which are sometimes ingenious,
but always fanciful. The second is a kind of magic,
in employing the words and letters of the scriptures
in certain combinations, which they suppose have
power to make the good and evil spirits of the
invisible world familiar with them. The third,
which is properly the cabbala, is an art, by which
they profess to raise mysterious expositions of scrip-
ture, upon the letters of the sentences to which they
apply them.f
The Jews assert, that the mysteries of the cabbala
contain the profoundest truths of religion, which, to
be fully comprehended by finite beings, are revealed
through the medium of allegory and similitude, in
the same manner as angels can only render them-
selves visible upon earth | by assuming a subtle body
* Enfield. t Butler's Horae Biblicze. Basnage, p. -202,
J Maurice's Indian Antiquities, vol. iv. p. 588.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 99
of refined matter. According to their account,
while Adam was in paradise, the angel Rasael
brought him a book from heaven, which contained
the doctrines of heavenly wisdom. And when Adam
received this book, angels came down to him to
learn its contents ; but he refused to admit them to
the knowledge of sacred things, entrusted to him
alone. They assert, that, after the fall, this book
was taken back into heaven ; after many prayers and
tears, God restored it to Adam, and it passed from
Adam to Seth. The Jewish fables proceed to relate,
that the book being lost, and the mysteries it
contained almost forgotten in the degenerate age
before the flood, they were restored by special reve-
lation to Abraham, who committed them to writing
in the book Jezirah ; that the revelation was re-
newed to Moses,* who received a traditional and
mystical, as well as a written and preceptive law,
from God ; that, being again lost amidst the cala-
mities of the Babylonish captivity, it was once more
revealed to Esdras ; that it was preserved in Egypt,
and has been transmitted to posterity, through the
hands of Simeon-ben-Setach, Elkanah, Akibha, Si-
meon-ben-Jochai, and others.
Dr. Ennekl,f from whom the above account is
* According to .the Jewish accounts, all the patriarchs of the
ancient world had their separate angels to instruct them in these mys-
terious arcana; and Moses himself was initiated in them by the
illustrious spirit Metatron. Basnage, p. 1S5.
t The chief heads of the cabbalistic doctrine, are thus delineated
by the abovementioned author.
" From nothing, nothing can be produced ; since the distance
between existence and non-entity is infinite. Matter is too imperfect
in its nature, and approaches too near to non-entity to be self-
existent. The Being from whom all things proceed is a spirit, uu-
100
HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
chiefly selected, supposes, that the mystical or cab-
balistic philosophy of the Jews, arose in the time
created, eternal, intelligent, percipient, having within itself the
principles of life and motion, existing by the necessity of its nature,
and filling the immensity of space. This spirit is En soph, the infinite
Deity. This Eternal Fountain of existence sends forth from himself
natures of various orders, which, nevertheless, are still united to
their source. The world is a permanent emanation from the Deity, in
which his attributes and properties are unfolded, and variously modi-
fied. The nearer any emanation is to the First Fountain, the more
perfect and divine is its nature ; and the reverse.
" Before the creation of the world, all space was filled with the Or
Hnen Soph, or infinite intellectual light. But, when the volition for
the production of nature was formed in the divine mind, the eternal
light, hitherto equally diffused through the infinite expanse, withdrew
itself to an equal distance in every direction, from a certain point,
and thus left about this centre, a spherical portion of empty space, as
a field for the operation of emanation, by which all things were to be
produced. -In the space from which the divine light was thus with-
drawn, there was still, however, some portions or traces left of the
divine essence, which were to become the receptacle of rays, sent
forth from the Eternal Fountain, or the basis of future worlds.
From a certain part of the concavity of infinite light, which sur-
rounded the opaque sphere, the energy of emanation was first exerted,
and rays were sent forth in right lines, into the dark abyss. The
beam of light, thus produced, formed a channel, through which
streams were to flow for the production of worlds. This beam was
united to the concave of light, and was directed towards the centre
of the opaque sphere. From this luminous channel, streams of light
flowed, at different distances from the centre, in a circular path, and
formed distinct circles of light, separated from the concave of light,
or from each other, by portions of dark or empty space. Of these
circles of light, ten were produced, which may be called Sephirae, or
Splendours.
The rectilineal beam of light, which is the first emanation from
the eternal fountain, and is itself the source of all other emanations,
may be distinguished by the name of Adam Kadman, the first man,
the first production of divineenergy, or, the Son of God. The Sephirze
are fountains of emanations, subordinate to Adam Kadman, which
send forth rays of divine light or communicate essence and life to in-
ferior beings. The ten Sephira are known, according to the order of
emanation, by the names, Intelligence, or the Crown, Knowledge,
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 1 01
of the first Ptolemies, and originated in Egypt,
where they learned, by the help of allegory, to mix
Wisdom, Strength, Beauty, Greatness, Glory, Stability, Victory,
Dominion.
" These are not the instruments of the divine operations, but
media, through which the Deity diffuses himself through the sphere
of the universe, and produces whatever exists. They are not beings
detached from the Deity, but substantial virtues or powers, distinctly,
but dependently, sent forth from the eternal source of existence
through the mediation of Adam Kadman. the first emanating power,
and becoming the immediate source of existence to subordinate ema-
nations. They are dependent upon the First Fountain, as rays upon
a luminary, which is conceived to have sent them forth with a power
of drawing them back, at pleasure, into itself.
" The first infinite source of being is the Ensophic world, or world
of infinity, within which, after the manner above described, four
worlds are produced by the law of emanation, according to which the
superior is the immediate source of the inferior; these are Aziluth,
or the world of emanation, including the Sephirae; Brisk, or the
world of creation, containing certain spiritual natures, which derive
their essence from the Sephira; ; Jezirah, or the world of forms,
composed of substantial natures, derived from the superior spiritual
substances, and placed within etherial vehicles, which they inform ;
and Asiah, or the material and visible world, cora^-ehending all
those substances which are capable of motion, composition, division,
and dissolution.
" These derived worlds are different evolutions, or expansions of
the divine essence, or distinct classes of beings, in which the infinite
light of the divine nature is exhibited with continually decreasing
splendour, as they recede from the First Fountain. The last and
most distant production of the divine energy of emanation is matter;
which is produced wLen the divine light, by its recession from the
Fountain, becomes so attenuated as to be lost in darkness, leavin^
nothing but an opaque substance, which is only one degree above non-
entity. Matter has no separate and independent existence, but is
merely a modification and permanent effect of the emanative energy
of the divine nature.
" The Sephirae, or first order of emanative being, existiag in Azi-
luth, are superior to spirits, and are called Parzuphim, Persons, to
denote that they have a substantial existence. The inhabitants of the
second world are called Thrones, on account of the dominion, which
they possess over the various orders of Angels, which inhabit the
102 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
Oriental, Pythagorean, and Platonic dogmas with
Hebrew wisdom. The cabbala having, according
to this author, obtained early credit among the
Jews, as part of their sacred tradition, was trans-
third world. The fourth, or material world, is the region of evil
spirits, called K/ippolh, the dregs of emanation. These are the
authors of the evil, which is found in the material world; but they
are continually aspiring towards the sephirs, and will, in the great
revolution of nature, return into the inexhaustible fountain of deity.
Spirits of all orders have a material vehicle, less pure and subtile in
proportion to their distance from En Soph ; and this vehicle is of the
nature of the world next below that to which they belong. Jlfetalron
is the prince of Jezirah, or the angelic world, in which there are ten
distinct orders ; Sandalphon of Asiah, or the material world : these,
together with the hosts over which they preside, animate aerial
vehicles, capable of impression from corporeal objects, and in dif-
ferent ways requiring renovation.
" The human soul, proceeding by emanation from the Deity, is an
incorporeal substance of the same nature with the divine intellect.
Being united to the body, one complex nature is produced, endued
with reason, and capable of action. The human soul consists of four
parts: Nephesh, or the principle of vitality ; Ruach, or the principle
of motion; Pfschumah. or the power of intelligence; and Jechidah,
a divine principle, by means of which it contemplates superior natures,
aud even ascends to the Ensophic world. All souls were produced at
once, aud pre-existed in Adam. Every human soul has two guardian
augels, produced by emanation at the time of the production of souls.
" The mind of man is united to the divine mind, as the radius of
a circle to its centre. The souls of good men ascend above the
mansion of the angels, and are delighted with the vision of the first
light, which illuminates all the worlds.
" The universe continues to exist by the divine energy of emana-
tion. Whilst this energy is exerted, different forms and orders of
beings remain; when it is withheld, all the streams of existence
return into their fountain. The Ensoph, or Deity, contains all things
within himself; and there is always the same quantity of existence,
either in a created or uncreated state. When it is in an uncreated
state, God is all ; when worlds are created, the Deity is unfolded, or
evolved, by various degrees of emanation, which constitute the
several forms and orders of created nature." Enfteltfs Philosophy^
vol. ii. p. 2172-21.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 103
mitted under this notion by the Jews in Egypt to
their brethren in Palestine.
Simeon ben-Jochai, a celebrated rabbi, was the
first who committed these mysteries to paper ; and,
as the Jews affirm, by divine assistance, he rom-
ped the Zohar, or brightness.* He is said to
have lived some years before the destruction of
Jerusalem. Titus condemned him to death ; but
he and his son escaped the persecution, by secreting
themselves in a cave, where he had leisure to com-
pose the abovementioned book. He perfected the
work with the assistance of the prophet Elias, whom
God sent from heaven, from time to time, to explain
to Simeon such mysteries as were above his compre-
hension f
The Sepher Jetzirah, or book of the creation, is
the next in cabbalistic fame to the Zohar : and is
quoted by the Jews, as of divine authority. Some
ascribe this work to the patriarch Abraham ; others
suppose it was written by the rabbi Akibha, who
lived in the second century.
He was president of the academies of Lydda and
Jafna ; and a disciple and successor of the rabbi
Gamaliel. Until he was forty years of age, he was
a shepherd in the service of a rich citizen of Jeru-
salem ; but his master's daughter having promised
to marry him, if he became a learned man, he assi-
duously applied himself to study. So successful was
his application, that he became one of the most
famous teachers in the schools of Jewish learning.
* David Levi calls the Zohar a cabbalistical commentary on the
Pentateuch.
t Basnage, p. 1 85.
104 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
He was considered by his nation, as the oracle
of the times; and one of the greatest preservers of
the traditional law.* The Jews in Palestine did
not scruple to say, that God revealed to him, what
he concealed from Moses ; and, if their accounts
are to be credited, he had twenty four thousand dis-
ciples. This rabbi is mentioned with veneration
through the whole Talmud ; not only on account of
his great attainments in the cabbalistical learning,
but for his extraordinary abilities and wisdom in
solving important questions in the law.f Towards
the close of his life, he followed the standard of the
impostor Barchocheba, who appeared under the cha-
racter of the Messiah, to deliver his countrymen
from the power of the emperor Adrian. An account
of this revolt, and the new and dreadful calamities,
which the Jews suffered in consequence of the
insurrection, will be related in the following
chapter.
* De Rossi's Hebrew Biography.
t David Levi's Ceremonies of the Jews.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 105
CHAPTER IV.
The Jews rebel in the reign of the emperor Trajan. They are subdued
and banished from the Isle of Cyprus. The emperor Adrian begins
to rebuild Jerusalem, and plants a Roman colony in the new city.
Rebellion of the Jews. Barchocheba declares himself the Mes-
siah, and is made leader of the insurgents. He chooses the famous
rabbi Akibha for his precursor. The rebels raise a formidable army.
Adrian sends forces against them, and besieges them in Either.
This city surrenders to the Romans. The false Messiah is slain.
Horrid carnage of the Jews. Multitudes of them are sold, and
transported to Egypt. Adrian completes the building of Jerusalem,
and prohibits the Jews from entering the city.
NOTWITHSTANDING the complicated afflic-
tions, which the Jews suffered in Palestine during
the destruction of their city and temple, the measure
of their calamities was not completed. They had
scarcely begun to breathe after the ruin of their
country, when their impatience under a foreign yoke
broke out in an open revolt during the reign of the
emperor Trajan, who had interdicted them from
reading their law, and treated them with great seve-
rity.*
A. D, 115.] The rebellion was commenced by the
Jews in Cyrene, where they had been settled for many
years, and become powerful. At first they gained
considerable advantages over the enemy, who fled to
Alexandria, and massacred all the Jews in the city.
Those of Cyrene, exasperated at this dreadful re-
prisal, having chosen one Andrew for their com-
mander, murdered two hundred and twenty thousand
of the Lybians, and depopulated the country. The
emperor Trajan sent Martius Turbo with a power-
* Basnage, p. 611.
106 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
ful army against them, and the rebels were reduced
after several desperate battles, which were attended
with great slaughter.*
A. D. 116] The following year, the Jews in
Mesopotamia, alarmed at the fate of their brethren
in Egypt, appeared in arms, and with such force,
that the inhabitants of the whole country were filled
with consternation. This induced Trajan to send
Lucius Quietus, the greatest general in the empire,
against them, who slew great numbers of the insur-
gents, and subjected the rest to the Roman power.
To prevent their again assembling and rebelling,
the emperor appointed him governor in Palestine,
to watch their motions and keep them in awe.f
Soon after, the Jews, who were numerous in the
island of Cyprus, made a more dreadful insurrection,
and massacred two hundred and forty thousand of
the inhabitants. Trajan sent Adrian, a famous ge-
neral, against them, with a powerful army. After
an obstinate conflict, the rebels were reduced, and
the emperor published an edict, banishing them
from the island, and forbidding them to return,
under the severest penalties.];
A. D. 130.] Notwithstanding the miseries, which
the Jews suffered by their revolt, their rebellious
spirit was still unsubdued. Adrian, the successor of
Trajan, had prohibited them from circumcising
their children ; and sent a colony to rebuild Jeru-
salem, near the place where the ancient city stood.
He designed to adorn it after the Roman style, and
call it CEiia Capitolina, from the name of his family.
* Basnage, p. 511. + Ibid. i Ibid. p. 512.
HISTORY OP THE JEWS. 107
This exasperated the minds of the Jews, and stimu-
lated them to commence an open rebellion.*
A. D. 132.] Coziba, one of the banditti, who
infested Judea, and committed all kinds of violence
against the Romans, was the leader of the in-
surgents. To facilitate the success of his bold
enterprize, he assumed the name of Barchocheba,
which signifies the son of a star ; and pretended he
was the person prophesied of by Balaam in the
words, ( ' There shall come a star out of Jacob, and
a sceptre shall rise out of Israel." This barbarian,
so well calculated by his courage and enterprising
spirit to be the Messiah, according to the perverted
conceptions of the Jews, was acknowledged in that
character by his infatuated countrymen. f He en-
gaged to deliver his nation from the power of the
emperor Adrian, and restore its ancient liberty and
glory. The famous rabbi Akibha, being chosen by
him for his precursor, espoused his cause, afforded
him the protection of his name, and not only pub-
licly anointed him as the Messiah, and king of the
Jews, but placed a diadem on his head, caused
money to be coined in his name, and followed him
to the field, at the head of twenty thousand of his
disciples, and acted in the capacity of master of his
horse. By calling on all the descendants of Abraham
to assist the hope of Israel, an army of two hundred
thousand men was soon raised, who repaired to
* Basnagc, p. 512.
+ Several impostors had appeared before him; some under the
title of the Messiah; others under that of his precursors; most
of whom were the disciples of Judas the Gaulonite. But Barcho-
cheba was the first who obtained great celebrity.
108 HISTOKY OF THE JEWS.
Either, a city near Jerusalem, chosen by the famous
impostor for the capital of his new kingdom.*
Adrian at first neglected to take measures against
the revolt, supposing the Jews had been too effectu-
ally humbled by his predecessor to be able so soon
to raise a formidable insurrection. But being ap-
prized, that numbers had flocked to the standard of
Barchocheba, he sent Tinius Rufus, governor of the
province, with a powerful military force against
them. The rebels, however, gained great advan-
tages over the imperial army, and destroyed vast
numbers of Romans and converted Jews. Their
rapid success and sanguinary devastations, filled
Rome with astonishment and consternation. At
length, Julius Severus, one of the greatest generals
of his age, was despatched to crush this dangerous
revolt. This able commander, not thinking it
prudent to oppose at once so formidable an army,
attacked and defeated the insurgents in parties ; and,
at length, cut off the supplies of the enemy, and
besieged them in Either, f
The rebels defended themselves with obstinate
resolution ; and, even put Tryphon, a famous rabbi,
to death, because he proposed their surrendering to
the Romans. However, they were not able long to
withstand the repeated and vigorous attacks, which
were made upon the city. In one of these assaults,
the pretended Messiah was killed, and Either obliged
to surrender. The Jewish history, bloody as it is
in almost every page, records no fact, excepting the
destruction of Jerusalem, more horrid, than the
undistinguished and promiscuous slaughter which
* Basnage, p. 515. t Ibid. p. 518.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 109
ensued. Akibha* and his son were put to a most
cruel death. Five hundred and eighty thousand
fell by the sword in battle, besides a vast number,
who perished by famine, sickness, fire, and other
calamities. The Jewish historians affirm, that a
greater number were destroyed in this war, than the
whole amount of their nation, when they emigrated
from Egypt ; and, that their sufferings, under Ne-
buchadnezzar and Titus, were not so great as those
they endured under Adrian. Of these unhappy
people, who survived the second ruin of their nation,
vast numbers were exposed for sale at the fair of
Terebinth, f at the price of horses, and dispersed
over the face of the earth. Those who could not
find purchasers at this place, were removed to
another fair, which was kept at Gaza ; others were
transported to Egypt.J
A. D. 136.] After the war was terminated, Adrian
completed his design of rebuilding Jerusalem. In
order to prevent new revolts among the Jews, he
caused the ancient monuments of their religion to be
destroyed, and studiously profaned all the places
which they revered. He erected a theatre with the
stones, which had been used for the temple, and
dedicated a temple to Jupiter Cajfitolinus, where
that of Jehovah formerly stood. He placed a hog
of marble upon the gates of the city, on the side of
* With him, say the Jews, perished the glory of their law. After
bis death, hi-s tomb, which they suppose to have been at Tiberias, was
visited with great solemnity. Enfitltfs Philosophy, TO!, ii. p. 201.
t The fair of Terebinth was annually kept on the plain of Mamre,
sacred for having been the place where Abraham pitched his tent, and
where he received the heavenly guests. Gen. xvii. 17.
i Basnage, p. 519.
110 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
Bethlehem ; and, as he hated the Christians as well
as the Jews, he erected a statue of Venus in the
place where Christ was crucified ; and in that where
he arose from the dead, one of Jupiter. In the
grotto of Bethlehem, where our Saviour was born,
he established the \ orship of Adonis.*
The emperor, by a severe edict, prohibited the
Jews, upon pain of death, from entering Jerusalem,f
and fixed a vigilant garrison of the Roman cohorts
to enforce the execution of his orders. He even
forbade them to view their once beloved city at a
distance. " Before this period," says a late author,
<e they were seen covered with rags, traversing,
midst sighs and lamentations, the Mount of Olives,
and the remains of their temple. They were
reduced to the necessity of being economists in their
misery to purchase this favour from the avarice of
the soldiery. At this price they obtained, as a
singular indulgence, permission to go thither and
weep on the anniversary of the sacking of their city ;
and the Jews were obliged to pay for the right of
shedding tears, in those places where they purchased
and shed the blood of Jesus Christ ! " J
In the calamities of the Jews, we contemplate the
fulfilment of the prophecies, which foretold them
* Basnage, p. 519.
+ Though Adrian interdicted the Jews from entering Jerusalem,
they were not banished from Judea ; the patriarchs still resided in
that country, and the famous school of Tiberias still existed. The
condition of those, who remained in Palestine, was, however, ex-
tremely wretched. According to Juvenal, some of the Jews in Rome
and Egypt, after the revolt, were obliged to turn fortune-tellers for
their subsistence. Basnage, p. 519.
Gregoire, in his Essay on the Reformation of the Jews, quotes
as au authority for this fact, St. Jerome in Sophonian. chap. x.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. Ill
long before they took place. Moses had predicted,
that they should be carried into Egypt, and sold at
a very low price. " And the Lord" said he, " shall
bring thee into Egypt again with ships, and ye
shall be sold unto your enemies, and no man shall
buy you."* When Jerusalem was taken by Titus,
the captives, with their wives and children, were sold
at the lowest price ; and we learn from St. Jerome,
" that after their last overthrow by Adrian, many
thousands of them were sold ; and those, who could
not find purchasers, were transported into Egypt,
and perished by shipwreck or famine, or were mas-
sacred by the inhabitants."f
* Deut. xxviii. 68. t See Newton on the Prophecies, p. 70.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
CHAPTER V.
State of the Jews in the EastOf the princes of the captivity. Judah
the saint compiles the Misna. History of that work. Jews rebel
under Marcus Antoninus. Marcus Aurelius renews Adrian's edict
against them. They are treated with kindness by Septimius
Severus. Of their state under Heliogabalus. They are favoured
by Alexander Severus, and the subsequent Roman Emperors.
WHILE the Western Jews were exposed to the
terrible calamities, which have been related in the
preceding chapter, a milder destiny attended their
brethren in the east. Trajan, indeed, had carried
. his arms against them as far as Mesopotamia ; but
Adrian, after his accession to the throne, consented,
that the Euphrates should be the boundary of the
Roman empire. Those, therefore, who resided
beyond that river, were not concerned in that
prince's war against their nation. Many, however,
who panted after liberty in the most remote pro-
vinces of the empire, passed into Judea to assist
their brethren. Yet they answered no other pur-
pose, but to augment the number of the slain,* and
increase the triumph of the conquerors.f
A. D. 122.] The history of the eastern is more
obscure than that of the western Jews, the former
having but an imperfect knowledge of the events
which took place among their brethren in those
remote countries. Previous to the destruction of
* The number of the slain, according to Basuage, amounted to
above six hundred thousand, which number could not have been
found in Judea, after the sufferings of that country under Trajan.
f Basnage, p. 162.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 113
the temple, those of that nation, who resided in the
eastern countries, sent presents to Jerusalem ; re-
paired thither from time to time, to pay their
devotions ; and acknowledged the supreme authority
of the high priests. But after the ruin of their
country, having no longer the band of unity, which
was formed by the temple and high priests, they
imitated their brethren in Palestine, and elevated
chiefs to preside over their synagogues, whom they
styled princes of the captivity.*
The origin of these chiefs is not known ; it is
only evident, that they did not exist till the second
century. They were installed with great pomp and
solemnity. Babylon or Bagdat was chosen for the
place of their residence, where they presided over
ten courts of justice. There were twenty-eight
synagogues, among which was that of the prince,
supported with pillars of marble of various colours.
His office was to confer ordination on all the heads
of the synagogues in the east, from whom he received
contributions to enable him to support his dignity,
and pay the tribute which was exacted by the kings
of Persia. It is believed that Huna, who was
cotemporary with Judah the Saint, was the first
prince of the captivity at Babylon. These princes
exercised the same authority in the eastern, that the
patriarchs of Tiberias maintained in the western
countries. f
The Jews, however, pretend, that these chiefs
were superior in power and dignity to the patriarchs
of Judea, and affirm, that all, who remained of the
* Modern Universal History, vol. xiii. p. 156.
t Basnage, p. 162. Lewis's Hebrew Antiquities
I
114 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
race of David, abandoned that province, and retired
to Babylon, where they conclude the sceptre men-
tioned by Jacob is to be found. But men of learning
among the Christians have proved, that they have
greatly exaggerated the grandeur and authority of
these princes, who were subjected to the Persian
monarchs. And, if we consider the low condition
of the Jews, and the oppressions, which they endured
from the Parthians, Romans, and other nations, it
will appear evident, that the princes of the captivity
could possess only a small share of authority.*
In order to raise the glory of their nation, the
Jews bestow the highest encomiums on the learned
men, who flourished among them during the second
century. In particular, they extol the famous rabbi
Judah,f the third Jewish patriarch, who obtained
the appellation of Saint. He was born in the city of
Sephora, and having acquired great celebrity for his
piety and profound learning, presided over the
academy of Tiberias with uncontrolled authority,
and decided the most abstruse controversies. His
memory was so highly revered among the Jews,
that they compare him with the Messiah ; they
relate many extraordinary accounts of this rabbi ;
among the rest, they assert, that he made the em-
peror, Marcus Antoninus, a proselyte to Judaism,
and, that it was by his order, that Judah compiled
the Misna.J
* Modem Universal History, vol. xiii. p. 180.
t Judah was born on the same day that Aktbha died, and the Jews
imagine this event was predicted by Solomon, when he says, The sun
riselh, and the sun goeth down. Akibha dying was the sun that set,
and Judah the Saint the rising sun. Basnage, p. 156.
t Eufield's Philosophy, vol. ii. p. 198.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 115
i
This celebrated book is a code of the Jewish canon
and civil law. It was held in such profound vene-
ration by the Jews, that they called it the second
law, (which the name Misna signifies in Hebrew)
importing, that it has the same authority with their
Pentateuch or first law. Judah was induced to
undertake this work from a just apprehension, that
his nation, in their various dispersions and migrations
through so many provinces, and during the inter-
ruption of their public schools, would neglect to
practise the rites of their religion ; and the traditions
of their fathers would be obliterated from their
memory.*
" The history of the Misna," says Enfield,f " is
briefly this : The sect of the Pharisees, after the
destruction of Jerusalem, prevailing over the rest,
the study of traditions became the chief object of
attention in all the Jewish schools. The number of
these traditions had, in a long course of time, so
greatly increased, that the doctors, whose principal
employment it was to illustrate them by new ex-
planations, and to confirm their authority, found it
necessary to assist their recollections by committing
them under distinct heads to writing. At the same
time, their disciples took minutes of the explanations
of their preceptors, many of which were preserved,
and grew up into voluminous commentaries. The
confusion, which arose from these causes, was now
become so troublesome, that, notwithstanding what
Hillel J had before done in arranging the traditions,
* Basnage. Maurice's Indian Antiquities.
t Enfield's Philosophy, vol. ii. p. 198.
t The name of Hillel is held iu the highest esteem among the
i 2
116 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
Judah found it necessary to attempt a new digest of
the oral law, and of the commentaries of the most
famous doctors. This arduous undertaking is said
to have employed him forty years. It was com-
pleted, according to the unanimous testimony of the
Jews, about the close of the second century. This
Misna, or first Talmud, comprehends all the laws,
institutions., and modes of life, which, beside the
Hebrew scriptures, the Jews supposed themselves
bound to observe." *
.This work was soon respected by the Jews as a
sacred book. It consists of a variety of traditions,
and explanations of several passages of scripture,
and serves as a supplement to their written law.
According to their account, these traditions were
delivered to Moses, during his abode on mount
Sinai, -and he afterwards communicated them to
Aaron, Eleazar, and his servant Joshua. They
transmitted them to the elders, who delivered them
to the prophets; and they passed from Jeremiah to
Baruch, and from him to Ezra, who delivered them
to the grand synagogue, the last of whom was Simon
the Just. Thus these traditions were handed down
from generation to generation, in regular succession,
till they were transmitted to Judah the Saint, who
committed them to writing, and thus formed the
voluminous compilation styled Misna ; f this work
Jews, for his exertions to perpetuate the knowledge of the tra-
ditionary law. He arranged its precepts under six general classes,
and thus laid the foundation for that digest of Jewish law, called the
Talmud. EnfieUfs Philosophy.
* Enfield.
t See a particular account of all the receivers of oral tradition, in
David Levi's Ceremonies of the Jews, p. 276 286.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 117
was taught in all the schools, both in Palestine and
Babylon. Such is the account of David Levi,*
and the creed of every rabbi.
Dr. Prideaux, rejecting the Jewish fiction, ob-
serves, that, " after the death of Simon the Just,
about two hundred ninety nine years before Christ,
the Mischnical doctors arose ; who, by their com-
ments and conclusions, added to the number of those
traditions, which had been received and allowed by
Ezra, and the men of the great synagogue ; so, that
towards the middle of the second century, under the
empire of Antoninus Pius, it was found necessary to
commit these traditions to writing, more especially,
as the country had greatly suffered under Adrian,
many of the schools had been dissolved, and their
learned men cut off; and, therefore, the usual
method of preserving these traditions had failed. f
The Misna of Judah did not, however, resolve all
the doubtful cases and questions, which were agitated
by the Jews ; and it was thought to need some
larger explanation to render it more intelligible.
This induced Jochanan, a celebrated doctor of the
Jewish law, with the assistance of two disciples of
Judah, to write a commentary on the Misna. This
work was called the Talmud of Jerusalem, because
it was composed in Judea, for the use of the Jews,
who remained in that country.
In the second century, several new sects were
formed among the Jews, while those remained,
which had figured in the time of our Saviour. The
Gaulonites still retained their seditious spirit against
* David Levi's Ceremonies of the Jewi.
t Prideaux's Connection.
IIS HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
all foreign government. But the Pharisees had,
since the destruction of Jerusalem, formed the bulk
of the nation. The Hemero-Baptists were a branch
of this denomination, only distinguished by their
more frequent washings. The Masbotheans, were
a branch of the Sadducees, for they denied the im-
mortality of the soul, and attributed all events to
chance. The Hellenists were the Jews, who spoke
Greek, and read the Septuagint in the synagogues.
Though there was at first some jealousy between
them and their brethren, who performed public
worship in the Hebrew language, they were allowed
to use the Greek translation in their religious as-
semblies. But, after they found, that the Christians,
in disputing against Judaism, derived advantage
from the Septuagint version, their prejudice against
it was heightened, and those who vindicated it were
regarded by the other party, as sectarians and
schismatics.*
The edict of Adrian, which prohibited the Jews
from circumcising their children, being still in force,
their impatience under this restriction stimulated
them, notwithstanding their late calamities, again to
have recourse to arms. The emperor Antoninus,
however, soon suppressed the revolt ; and afterwards
restored to them the privilege for which they con-
tended, and treated them with great moderation and
kindness. He, however, forbade their attempting to
make proselytes to their religion.
In the commencement of the reign of Marcus
Aurelius, the eastern Jews, who were subjects of
the king of Parthia, joined that monarch in a war
* Basnage, p. 528.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 119
against the Romans. The emperor, incensed at
this conduct, after he had reduced the rebels, re-
newed Adrian's severe edict against them. But
those laws were not executed in the remote pro-
vinces.*
A. D. 197.] The emperor Septimius Severus, in
the commencement of his reign, declared war against
the Samaritans and Jews. They had settlements
in Galilee; but the prohibition, which excluded
them from entering the precincts of Jerusalem, was
still in force. This unhappy people, though so
often humbled and subdued, attempted once more to
repel their enemies, and invaded Samaria and Judea.
After the emperor had reduced them to obedience,
he relaxed his severity against them. In order to
reward their fidelity to him, when Pescennius Niger
was competitor for the throne, he allowed them the
privileges of Roman citizens, and rendered them
eligible to offices of trust and honour, f
A. D. 200.] The chiefs and doctors of the
eastern Jews obtained celebrity in the commencement
of the third century, and established academies in
various parts. After the Persian monarchy was
restored, and the Parthian overthrown, the rabbies
were for some time treated with great respect. At
this prosperous period, Samuel Jarchi, who was
famed for his literary acquirements, particularly for
his skill in astronomy, came from Judea, was consti-
tuted chief of an academy at Nahardea ; and among
other dignities obtained that of prince of the capti-
vity.*
The tranquillity, which the Jews enjoyed in the-
* Basnage, p. 523. + Ibid. p. 531. J Ibid.
120 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
east proved, however, only a prelude to a violent
persecution, which Sapor, king of Persia, com-
menced against them. According to the Jewish
historians, he was instigated by his subjects, who,
being jealous of the influence of their nation, endea-
voured to effect their destruction.
The scene was reversed, and their affairs assumed
a favourable aspect under Zenobia, queen of Pal-
myra. During the reign of this celebrated princess,
they flourished in every part of her dominions ;
erected superb synagogues, and were exalted to the
highest dignities. But, after this heroine was sub-
dued by Aurelian, they retired from her dominions
to Persia.*
A. D. 218.] Heliogabalus, who at this time
ascended the throne, had been circumcised, and ab-
stained from swine's flesh. He, however, erected a
superb temple in honour of the sun, the idol he
worshipped. He ordered the palladium, the vestal
fire,- the mother of the gods, and whatever the
Romans held in the highest veneration, to be con-
veyed to this temple. Being well acquainted with
the tenets of the Samaritans and Jews, he intended
to blend their religious rites with the adoration of his
deity. The unexpected death of this emperor, who
was assassinated by his soldiers, delivered the Jews,
who never would have consented to adopt his reli-
gion, from the fiery trial which awaited them.f
Alexander Severus, who succeeded Heliogabalus,
highly favoured the Jews, corresponded with them,
and was instructed in their religion. This emperor
had a domestic chapel, where he placed the statues
* Basnagc, p. 533. + Ibid.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 121
of Abraham, of Orpheus, and of Christ. He was
desirous of erecting a temple to Christ, and re-
ceiving him into the number of gods. His object
was, by the aid of the Eclectic philosophy, to blend
the Pagan, Jewish,, and Christian religions.*
The subsequent Pagan Roman emperors con-
tinued the tranquillity which the Jews enjoyed. In
particular Philip, who was born in Arabia, where
they carried on commercial pursuits, treated them
with the greatest indulgence. And it does not
appear, that they were involved in any of the violent
persecutions which the Christians suffered during
the reigns of Decius, Valerian, and Dioclesian.f
It seems from the preceding account, that the
Jews enjoyed intervals of tranquillity, and were
treated with kindness and indulgence by several of
the Pagan emperors of Rome. The numerous
remains of this people, though they were still
excluded from the precincts of Jerusalem, were per-
mitted to form and maintain considerable establish-
ments, both in Italy, and in the provinces ; to
acquire the freedom of Rome, to enjoy municipal
honours, and to obtain at the same time, an exemp-
tion from the hard and burdensome offices of society.
The moderation of the Romans gave a legal sanc-
tion to the forms of ecclesiastical police which were
instituted by the vanquished sect. New synagogues
were erected in the principal cities in the empire,
and the institutions and rites of the Mosaic law
were celebrated in the most public and solemn
manner.^
* Basnage, p. 532. Gibbon's Roman Empire, vol. ii. p. 305.
t Basnage, p. 533. Gibbon, vol. ii. p. 337.
122 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
Alexander Severus and his successors in particular
treated the Jews with great clemency. But, as it
will appear in the following parts of this history,
when the Christian princes were at the head of the
Roman empire, they did not show so much indul-
gence to a nation, whom they considered as the inve-
terate enemies of Jesus Christ.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 123
CHAPTER VI.
State of the Jews under Constantine and his successors. The emperor
Julian highly favoured this people, and proposed to assist them in
rebuilding the temple of Jerusalem. Of the vast preparations
which were made for this purpose, and the miracle which caused
his design to he abandoned.
IN the fourth century, one of the most important
revolutions took place, that ever was known in the
annals of mankind. The splendid edifice of pagan
superstition was subverted, and Christianity esta-
blished under Constantine the Great and his suc-
cessors. During- the reign of this monarch, the city
of Jerusalem, which Adrian called Elia, resumed its
ancient name. The emperor enlarged and beautified
it with many superb buildings and churches ; and
his pious munificence extended to every spot which
had been consecrated by the footsteps of the apostles
and prophets, and of the Son of God. *
This important change in the religion of the
Roman empire did not prove advantageous to the
Jews. Constantine, in the commencement of his
reign, enacted some severe laws, which abridged
their privileges. Their increasing numbers and
prosperity having rendered them insolent, they
insulted and abused those who deserted the syna-
gogue and embraced Christianity. The emperor
charged them with stoning and burning those who
renounced their religion ; and condemned them and
all their accomplices to suffer the same punishment.
He also forbade them to make proselytes under the
* Gibbon, rol. iv.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
severest penalties ; and gave liberty to all the slaves,
who accused their masters of having circumcised
them, or who professed the Christian religion. He
further ordered, that they should be obliged to serve
at all public offices, like the other subjects of the
empire, from which, however, he exempted the pa-
triarchs, priests, and others, who officiated at the
synagogues, schools, &c.*
The council of Elvira in Spain, which is com-
monly placed in the reign of Constantine, prohibited
the Christians, who had been in habits of social inter-
course with the Jews, from eating with them in
future. Though the penalty fell only on the Chris-
tians, who were made liable to excommunication, it
subjected the unhappy Israelites to insults and con-
tempt. By another decree this council prohibited
the possessors of land from permitting Jews to bless
the fruits of the earth,f because their benedictions
would render those of the Christians useless. The
council threatened to expel from the church those,
who refused to obey these orders. J
During the reign of Constantine, the Jews were
numerous in Persia, and having experienced great
kindness and liberality from many of the sovereigns
in that kingdom, had acquired great influence at
court. Emboldened by their prosperity, and stimu-
lated by a desire of revenging the insults and indig-
nities they suffered in the Roman empire, they, in
* Basnage, p. 354.
+ The Jews in this country appear to have been tenants to the
Christians. They had public prayers in their synagogues for divine
blessings on their grounds. Jortiri* Remarks on Ecclesiastical
History, vol. ii. p. 294.
t Basnage, p. 544.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 125
conjunction with the Magi, raised a bloody perse-
cution against the eastern Christians. Many were
slaughtered at their instigation, their churches
demolished, their sacred books burnt, and, as the
persecution was long as well as bloody, every trace
of Christianity was nearly obliterated.*
A. D. 341.] The cruelty of the Jews did not long
remain unpunished. Constantius, who succeeded
his father, and hated this people on account of their
religion, treated them with the utmost rigour. During
his reign they raised an insurrection in Diocsesarea
in Palestine, in order to co-operate with the Persians,
who at the same time invaded the Roman empire,
and laid siege to Nisibis. The emperor sent an
army, who took Judea in their way to Persia,
defeated the rebels, and destroyed the city.f
Soon after, Constantius, incensed against the
Jewish nation, not only revived the laws which had
been enacted against them in the former reigns, but
added new ones still more severe. Every Jew that
married a Christian, circumcised a slave, or retained
any who were Christians, was punished with death.
The Jewish patriarch, who was still permitted to
exercise a precarious jurisdiction, held his residence
at Palestine ; and the neighbouring cities were filled
with a people who fondly adhered to the promised
land. But the edict of Adrian, which exiled them
from Jerusalem, was renewed and enforced ; and
they viewed from afar the walls of the holy city,
which was profaned in their eyes by the triumph
of the cross, and the devotion of the Christians. J
* Basnage, p. 544. t Ibid.
Basnage. Gibbon's Roman History, vol. iv. p. 90,
126
HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
The death of Constantius delivered the Jews from
the evils they endured. Their affairs assumed a
more favourable aspect, when Julian, styled the
apostate, was elevated to the imperial dignity. As it
was his determined purpose to subvert the Christian,
and restore the Pagan worship, his aversion to the
Christians induced him to treat the Jews with distin-
guished kindness and liberality. He allowed them
the free exercise of their religion ; and exempted
them from the heavy taxes which were imposed upon
them by his predecessors. Emboldened by such
powerful protection, they assembled in several cities
in Syria and Judea ; demolished the churches, and
committed other outrages. Their example was fol-
lowed by their brethren in Egypt, who destroyed
the finest churches in Alexandria.*
Julian established the Pagan religion by law ;
disqualified the Christians from bearing offices in the
state ; fined and banished their clergy ; forbade
them to teach the sciences in the public schools ;
imposed a tax on all who refused to sacrifice to idols ;
and in short used every method that human inge-
nuity could invent, to destroy the Christian religion.
But finding his attempts baffled by the inflexible
firmness of the Christians, he formed the famous
design of rebuilding the temple of Jerusalem. Its
final destruction had been foretold by Christ and the
prophets ; and it was, as he imagined, reserved for
him to falsify their predictions ; and he meant to
have converted the success of his undertaking into a
specious argument against the faith of prophecy and
truth of revelation. f
Banage, p. 546. t ibid.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
127
In pursuance of his general design of opposing
revelation to itself by setting one sect against an-
other, the emperor addressed a public epistle to the
nation or community of the Jews, dispersed through-
out the provinces. In this letter he honours the pa-
triarch with the title of brother. He compassionates
their misfortunes, praises their constancy, declares
himself their gracious protector, and concludes with
a promise, that, if he should return victorious from
the Persian war, he would rebuild Jerusalem, and
pay his grateful vows to the deity in that holy
place.*
The prospect of an immediate and important
advantage would not suffer the impatient monarch to
await the remote and uncertain event of a Persian
war. He resolved to erect a stately temple on the
commanding summit of Moriah; to establish an
order of priests, whose interested zeal would detect
the arts, and resist the ambition of their Christian
rivals; and to invite a numerous colony of Jews,
whose stern fanaticism would be always prepared to
second, and even anticipate, the hostile measures of
the Pagan government.f
For this purpose, the emperor assigned immense
sums out of the public revenue ; and committed the
superintendency of the plan to Alypus, his intimate
friend, whose aversion to Christianity was congenial
to his own. This minister, having obtained the
strenuous support of the governor of Palestine,
provided immense quantities of materials, and large
numbers of workmen. To use the words of a
* Warburton's Julian.
t Gibbon, vol. iv. p. 105. Warburton's Julian.
128 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
celebrated author, " At the call of their great de-
liverer, the Jews from all the provinces of the empire
assembled on the holy mountain of their fathers ;
and their insolent triumph alarmed and exasperated
the Christian inhabitants of Jerusalem. The desire
of rebuilding the temple has in every age been the
ruling passion of the children of Israel. In this
propitious moment, the men forgot their avarice,
and the women their delicacy ; spades and pick-
axes of silver were provided by the vanity of the rich,
and the rubbish transported in mantles of silk and
purple. Every purse was opened in liberal contri-
butions, every hand claimed a share in the pious
labour, and the commands of a great monarch were
executed by the enthusiasm of a whole people." *
A. D. 363.] On this occasion, however, the
power of Julian, who had all the resources of the
empire at his command, and the enthusiasm of the
Jews, were unsuccessful; it is attested by several
respectable writers, that while the workmen were
digging up the foundations of the temple, terrible
earthquakes and balls of fire broke forth, which
obliged them to desist, and caused a total suppression
of the work.f
The most unexceptionable testimony to this extra-
ordinary fact is that of Ammianus Marcellinus, a
celebrated Pagan historian, who was a friend and
admirer of Julian. This writer, in his history of
his own times, has thus recorded the obstacles which
interposed to interrupt the restoration of the temple
of Jerusalem : " Whilst Alypus, assisted by the
governor of the province, urged with vigour and
* Gibbon, vol. iv. p. 106. t Basuage, p. 546.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 129
diligence the execution of the work, horrible balls of
fire, breaking out near the foundations with frequent
and reiterated attacks, rendered the place from time
to time inaccessible to the scorched and blasted
workmen ; and the victorious element continuing in
this manner obstinately and resolutely bent, as it
were, to drive them to a distance, the undertaking
was relinquished." *
This wonderful event is also attested with some
variations f by Ambrose, Chrysostom, and Gregory
Nazianzen, cotemporary Christian writers, the last
of whom published his account of the miracle before
the expiration of the same year, and has boldly
declared, that this preternatural event was not dis-
puted by the infidels. The subsequent writers,
who relate this extraordinary fact, are the historians
Socrates, Sozomen, and Theodoret.J;
In latter times the truth of this miracle has been
maintained by some writers of high reputation in
the republic of letters ; particularly the learned
bishop Warburton, who has published an ingenious
treatise in order to prove the miraculous interposition
of Providence in defeating the attempt to rebuild the
temple of Jerusalem.
In defence of the truth of this miraculous interpo-
sition, it has been alleged, that it differs from the
pretended miracles of those days, that it was not
wrought to serve a party. No sect could claim any
honour or credit from it ; but it was performed
by Providence for the credit of Christianity, and
* Ammianus Marcellinus, Lib. XXIII. chap. i. p. 330.
t All, however, agree in the principal points.
See Warbur ton's Julian, and Jortin's Remarks.
K
HJSTORY OF THE JEWS.
to serve the common cause against Judaism and
Paganism.*
Others, particularly Mr. Basnage and Dr. Lardner,
have expressed their doubts respecting the truth of
this miracle. f The latter of these writers judiciously
observes, "Julian's intention (or desire at least) to
rebuild the city of Jerusalem and the Jewish temple,
was never accomplished, but was frustrated and
defeated. Whether it was owing to miraculous
interposition, or to his expensive preparations for
the Persian war, and other circumstances of his
atfairs, and to his defeat and death in that war, the
overruling providence of God ought to be acknow-
ledged in the event ; and the argument for the
truth of the Christian religion, taken from the fulfil-
ment of our Saviour's prediction in the destruction
of Jerusalem, and the overthrow of the Jewish
people by Vespasian and Titus, and their continued
dispersion, remains in all its force." J
* Jortin's Remarks, vol. ii. p. 327.
t The reader is referred to Basnage's History of the Jews, and to
TO!, viii. of Larduer's Jewish and Heathen Testimonies, for the reasons
on which they ground their disbelief of this miracle.
i Lardner's Jewish and Heathen Testimonies, vol. viii. p. 393.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 131
CHAPTER VII.
State of the Jews under Valentinian and Valens. During the reign of
Theodosius they insult the Christians at the feast of Purim.
Edicts of Theodosius II. A false Messiah appears in Candia.
Tumult in Alexandria. Violent behaviour of Cyril, bishop of that
city. Jews in the west favoured by Honorius. Reputed con-
version of those in Minorca. Suppression of the Jewish patriarchs.
State of the Jews after the irruption of the barbarous nations
into the Roman empire.
A. D. 387.] THE reign of Jovian, who suc-
ceeded Julian, was too short to affect any material
alteration in the condition of the Jews. Valentiniau,
who, under the reign of an apostate, had signalized
his zeal for the honour of Christianity, granted a
general toleration to his subjects. The Pagans,
the Jews, and all the various sects which acknow-
ledged the divine authority of Christ, were protected
by the laws from arbitrary power and popular insult.
He prohibited the Jewish synagogues from being
profaned, plundered, and demolished. Under his
reign, and that of Valens, the Jewish patriarchs were
restored to the enjoyment of all their privileges.
However, Valens deprived this people of one great
advantage, by revoking the decree which had
exempted them from public offices.*
The Jews enjoyed a peaceable interval during
the reigns of Gratian, Theodosius, and Arcadius.
Theodosius I. granted them particular jurisdiction ;
and besides their civil and public judge, they had the
power of electing officers and magistrates of their
own persuasion. They possessed also authority to
* Basnage, p. 547.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
execute the decrees, which were passed respecting
the religion and discipline of their brethren. The
tranquillity which they enjoyed under Theodosius
was, however, disturbed by some bigotted Chris-
tians, who caused one of their synagogues to be
burnt ; but upon complaint being made to the em-
peror, he ordered it to be rebuilt. St. Ambrose, it
is said, justified the outrage, and was highly offended
with the emperor for protecting an unbelieving
nation.*
During the reign of Theodosius II. the liberal
treatment which the Jews had long experienced,
emboldened them to offer an insult to the established
religion. Being assembled to celebrate the feast of
Purim, instead of hanging a figure of Haman on a
high gibbet, as had been their common custom, they
presumed to fix it on a cross, and with their usual
execrations burnt the cross and the figure. The
emperor being apprized of their insolent behaviour,
prohibited their erecting and burning such gibbets,
under the penalty of being deprived of all their
privileges. The Jews generally obeyed ; but those
of Macedon and Dacia continued their insults of this
kind ; which the Christian magistrates retaliated by
burning their houses and synagogues, and putting
their leaders to death, f
A. D. 408.] In order to suppress these disorders,
the emperor issued an edict, forbidding the Christians
to burn the synagogues, and the Jews to offer insults
to the established religion. About three years after,
those of Inmestar, a city in Chalcis, being inflamed
* Basnage, p. 547. Jortin's Remarks on Ecclesiastical History.
+ Basnage, p. 550.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 133
with wine at the feast of Purim,* fastened a young
Christian to a gibbet, who died in consequence of
their cruel treatment. The Christians, exasperated
at this conduct, took arms, and the Jews being
numerous in that country, a bloody engagement
ensued, in which many of both parties were killed.
At length the governor of the province was ordered
by the emperor to punish the instigators of these
disorders, and an end was put to the tumult.f
The Christians, however, still continued to plunder
and burn their synagogues, and appropriate their
goods to the use of the church, particularly at
Antioch, where the Jews were numerous and
affluent. Upon complaint being made to Theo-
dosius, he ordered the people to restore what they
had taken, and erect new synagogues. But he was
induced to repeal this equitable act at the instigation
of the famed saint in the air, Simon Stylites,J who
was in high esteem with the clergy, and exerted all
the influence he had acquired by the fame of his
sanctity, to prevent restitution being made. After
Theodosius had revoked his orders, the Christians
of Antioch and the neighbouring provinces were
emboldened to commit new acts of violence against
* The Jews celebrate the feast of Purim by drinking much wine,
because they say by means of a wine banquet Esther made the king
so g6od humoured, that he was induced to grant her request.
Priaeaux's Connection.
t Basuage, p. 151.
* Simon was a Syrian, who derived his appellation from his living
on the top of a pillar, where he is said to have continued thirty-seven
years. This fanatic had thus acquired a most shining reputation,
and attracted the veneration of all about him. It has been said, that
the emperor wrote a polite letter to him, in which he styles him the
holy martyr in the air. Bagnage, p. 551.
134 HISTORY OF T11E JEWS.
the Jews. The emperor was obliged, in 425, to
publish an explanation of his former edicts, in order
to suppress the cruelty and injustice, which the
revocation of his late decree caused the bigotted
people to inflict upon this unhappy nation.
A. D. 432.] The Jews were numerous in the
island of Candia, and had acquired wealth. About
this time an impostor appeared, who pretended to
be a second Moses, sent to deliver his people. He
promised to divide the sea, and afford them a safe
passage through it to their own land. During one
year he passed through every town and village in
the island, and persuaded his countrymen to meet
him on the day, and at the place appointed. They
collected as much of their effects as they were able
to carry, and having assembled with their wives and
children, he led them to the top of a rock, and
commanded them to cast themselves into the sea.
The men, with unshaken faith, instantly obeyed,
and the women and children followed with equal
ardour. Many were drowned ; others were saved
by Christian fishermen. They became sensible of
their infatuation, and endeavoured to seize the
impostor ; but he had the address to elude the
search, which led them to suspect that he was the
devil. Ashamed of their blind credulity, many were
induced to embrace the profession of Christianity.*
A. D. 415.] The city of Alexandria was com-
puted to contain about one hundred thousand Jews,
who had early distinguished themselves by their
dexterity in trade, and like the other Egyptians
were mutinous and seditious. At this time they
* Basnage, p. 551.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 135
appear to have been greatly relaxed in the strictness
of their religious habits ; and a number of them,
instead of attending the synagogues on the sabbath,
chose to be present at the public diversions, which
were exhibited on that day. On these occasions
frequent dissensions took place between them and
the Christians, which seldom terminated without
bloodshed. Cyril, the bishop of the city, was ardent
in the prosecution of heresy, and entertained, in
particular, an extreme aversion against the Jews,
whom he threatened with ecclesiastical execution.
But confiding in the protection of Orestes, the
governor of Alexandria, who was their friend
and patron, they despised the menaces of the
bishop.
An altercation having taken place with the
Christians, the Jews resolved to attack them in the
middle of the night. For this purpose they de-
spatched several persons through the streets of the
city, who exclaimed, that the principal church was
in flames. Alarmed at this outcry, the Christians
came hastily out unarmed ; and the Jews, who
distinguished them by some peculiar marks, imme-
diately attacked them, and many were slain in this
tumult.* Exasperated at this outrage, Cyril, with-
out waiting for a legal sentence, led a seditious
multitude to the attack of the synagogues, which
they levelled with the ground. They then entered
the houses, and, without making any distinction
between the guilty and the innocent, plundered them
of all their goods, which were appropriated to the
use of the church. They next compelled the rem-
* Basnage, p. 551.
136 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
nant of the unbelieving nation to abandon the city
almost naked, and Alexandria was impoverished by
the loss of an industrious and wealthy colony.*
Orestes was enraged at this infringement upon
his authority. The people also declared against the
proceedings of the bishop, and endeavoured to
persuade him to submit to the governor. But he
resolutely refused, and, taking* the gospel in his
hand, endeavoured to intimidate him to a recon-
ciliation. Upon finding Orestes inflexible, he com-
manded a regiment of monks,f amounting to fifteen
hundred, to descend from the mountains, and attack
him in his chariot. Accordingly, having first reviled,
'they assaulted and dangerously wounded him. His
life, however, was preserved by the people, who
repaired to his assistance, rescued him out of the
hands of the monks, and compelled them to provide
for their safety by flight. After the tumult was
appeased, Orestes caused Ammonius, the principal
offender, to be put to death, and sent an account of
the whole transaction to his court. Cyril, also
wrote to the emperor to justify his conduct ; and
in his next sermon declared Ammonius a martyr in
the cause of Christianity. J
The indiscreet zeal of Cyril produced a new
commotion, in which many persons lost their lives;
and an atrocious murder gave additional horrors to
this sedition. Hypatia, daughter of Theon, a cele-
* Basnage, p. 532.
t Cyril kept a standing army of dragoons, namely, the Egyptian
monks and Alexandrian ecclesiastics, -who were always ready to fight
his battles. Jortin'a Remarks on Eccles. Hist. vol. viii. p. 106.
i Basnage, p. 556. Jortin's Remarks on Ecclesiastical History,
vol. iii. p. 106.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 187
brated astronomer, publicly taught philosophy in
the Platonic school at Alexandria, where her
father had presided. This lady, who was eminently
distinguished for her talents and learning, had
obtained great celebrity, and attracted a crowded
audience. Orestes was in the habit of consulting
her in all difficult cases, and paid great deference to
her judgment. She was, however, a Pagan, and
being suspected of hindering a reconciliation be-
tween the governor and Cyril, was assaulted by the
fanatical populace, and barbarously assassinated
before one of the Christian churches. It is even
said, that Cyril, who detested her religion, who was
jealous of her reputation, and suspected her of
taking an active part against him, instigated his
followers to put her to death.*
A.D. 412.] While the bishop of Alexandria
exhibited this intolerant spirit, a Roman monarch
displayed the liberality of a more enlightened period.
The Jews in the west, under the protection of
Honorius, enjoyed the full exercise of their religion.
This emperor enacted a law, which exhibited his
generous and extensive views, importing that the
real glory of a prince consisted in allowing all his
subjects of different religious sentiments, the full and
* Basnage, p. 553. Dupin and some other ecclesiastical writers
endeavour to vindicate Cyril, and clear him from being concerned
in the murder. But a learned writer observes, " if there be not
sufficient evidence to condemn him as author of the murder, neither
is there room to acquit him. If he was innocent he should at least
have excommunicated those who were concerned in this vile assassi-
nation; but it does not appear that this was done; and neither
Socrates nor Valerius have said one word in his vindication." Jortiris
Remarks, vol. iii. p. 155.
138 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
r
peaceable enjoyment of all their rights and privileges'.
Agreeably to this decree, he expressly prohibited the
destruction of synagogues, and the appropriation of
them to any other purposes. He also gave orders,
that they should not be compelled to violate the
sabbath on account of their public services, alleging
that the rest of the week was sufficient for secular
purposes. He disapproved of the unjust calumnies
which were raised against this people; and com-
manded the governors of provinces to do them justice,
by resisting all the encroachments which had been,
and should in future be made upon their privileges.
He also allowed them to retain Christians in their
service, provided they left them at entire liberty to
fulfil the duties of their religion.* On the other
hand, to prevent the Jews from abusing their liberty,
the emperor prohibited their building new syna-
gogues, and making proselytes ; and deprived them
of some offices f which they formerly enjoyed in the
empire.
A. D. 428.] The celebrated but disputed con-
version of the Jews in Minorca, is said to have
taken place in the fifth century. There were two
considerable towns in this island ; and the Hebrews
were interdicted from that, in which the Christian
bishop resided. It is even related, that those who
presumed to enter it were generally punished with
sudden and miraculous death. The other was
chiefly inhabited by the Jews who, under Honorius f
* Basnage, p. 557.
t The Jews were admitted into the Roman troops for four cen-
turies; they continued on the same footing till the emperor Honorius
thought proper to declare them incapable of military service.
Gregoirr's Essay on the Reformation of the Jeics.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 139
enjoyed very considerable and lucrative offices.
Theodosius, president of the synagogue, and doctor
of the law, was the principal person in the island.
Severus, the bishop, was persuaded by Orosius,
who had lately returned from Jerusalem, loaded with
miraculous relics, to attempt their conversion. They
began with private, and proceeded to public con-
ference in the synagogue. The Christians, being
apprized that the Jewish women intended to assault
them, provided for their defence. A tumult ensued,
in which the synagogue was destroyed. It is said,
however, that the bishop exhibited such a number of
miracles, that their principal men were induced to
relent, and in the course of eight days the greatest
part of the Jews were converted to the Christian
faith, and their synagogue to a church. But some,
who continued obstinate and intractable, concealed
themselves in caverns, till hunger compelled them to
quit their retreats ; others, leaving their property
behind them, sought an asylum in foreign countries.
These facts clearly demonstrate that compulsory
means had been used to effect a conversion.*
A. D. 429.] The Jews sustained a severe affliction
in the fifth century, by the office of patriarch, which
had kept up a centre of unity among them, being
abolished by the imperial law. . Those chiefs were
supported by taxes levied upon the Jewish people,,
which, at length, became so exorbitant, that they
applied to the civil power for relief. Instead, how-
ever, of obtaining redress, they had the mortification
of seeing the tribute converted to the emperor's use;
and, as there was no income to support the dignity.
* Basnage, p. 55*. Modern Universal History, vol. xiii.
140 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
it became extinct. After this period the western
Jews were solely under the direction of the chiefs
of the synagogues, whom they called Primates.*
The fifth century was remarkable for the eruption
of the barbarous nations upon the western empire.
Yet the Jews only participated in the calamities
which usually attend great revolutions. Under the
Vandals they were allowed the free exercise of their
religion, and on the payment of tribute were per-
mitted the freedom of commerce. One of the effects
of the invasion was the destruction of trade, which
those barbarians, who delighted in war, held in little
estimation. Commerce was therefore transferred to
a people, who were generally treated with ignominy
and contempt, and precluded from enjoying titular
dignities, and civil and military offices. f
After the Goths obtained possession of Italy, the
Jews continued to be protected by those barbarous
kings. Theodoret, in particular, deserves high
commendation for the liberality of his conduct.
During his reign, the Jews had formed establishments
at Naples, Rome, Milan, and Genoa, for the benefit
of trade, and under the sanction of the laws. Yet
their persons were insulted ; their effects pillaged by
the populace of Ravenna and Rome, upon the most
frivolous, or extravagant pretensions. Theodoret
endeavoured to rectify these abuses ; he defended
them against the Christian zealots, and forbade any
* Theodosius and Valentinian deprived the patriarchs of their
office, and applied the taxes which were levied for their support to
the imperial treasury. Honorius also published, at the end of the
fourth century, a law upon the same subject. Basnage, p. 556.
+ Basnage, p. 600. Anderson on Commerce.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 141
compulsory measures to be employed for their con-
version. He reproved the senate for suffering one
of their synagogues to be burnt at Rome ; and the
clergy of Milan for attempting to seize upon
another.* When the citizens of Genoa deprived
them of the privileges which they hud for a long
time enjoyed among them, they sought redress from
Theodoret, who permitted them to rebuild their
synagogues, and restored to them the free exercise
of their civil and religious rights. Thus the Jews
concluded the fifth century in the Roman empire ;
though they had frequently suffered from the violent
tumults and animosities of the people ; yet the
authority of their sovereigns enabled them to pre-
serve some of their most important privileges, f
* Basnagc, p. 561. Gibbon, vol. v. p. 89. t Ibid.
142 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
CHAPTER VIII.
Of the Jewish academies in the east. Rabbi Asce begins to compile
the Talmud of Babylon. An account of the Masora. Persecution
of the Jews in Persia during the fifth and sixth centuries. Of the
Sebureans and Gaons. State of the Jews under the Persian mo-
narchs. Their attempt upon Tyre. Of their state in the west.
Justinian's edicts against them. Appearance of a false Messiah.
Revolt in Cesarea. The Jews assist the Goths against Justinian.
They raise an insurrection in Antioch. Conversion of those in the
island of Cyprus.
THE Jewish academies in the east were towards
the close of the fifth century in a flourishing condi-
tion, under the direction of rabbi Asce, who was
eminently distinguished for his talents and learning.
He was born at Sora in Babylon, and at the early
age of fourteen was chosen president of the cele-
brated academy in that city, which office he enjoyed
sixty years. He died in 427.
After having taught with the highest reputation
forty years, he began a collection of the sayings,
debates, and decisions of the rabbies, from the time
of Judah the Saint to the period in which he lived.
He arranged thirty-five books ; but his death pre-
vented his completing the work. However, it was
at length finished by his disciples, and styled the
Talmud of Babylon.* This collection, like the
* It is so called from its being the production of the Babylonian
schools, as the Talmud of Jerusalem derives its name from its being
compiled for the Jews in Palestine. This consists of the Misua of
Judah the Saint, and the Gemara of Jochanan. The Talmud of
Babylon consists of the same Misna, with the Gemara of rabbi Asce.
On the subject of these Gemaras, a distinguished Jew has remarked,
that " being nothing more than a collection of sentiments, parables,
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 143
Talmud of Jerusalem, comprises the Misna, which
is the text, and is common to both ; and the Gemara
or commentary, which is called the completion.
The Jews entertain the highest veneration for this
work ;* a learned writer of their nation styles it, "a
complete system of all their learning, and a compre-
hensive rule of all the practical parts of their laws
and religion/'f
Rabbi Asce left a son called Huna, and two
celebrated disciples, who were to have finished the
Babylonian Talmud. But the work was retarded
by a violent persecution which raged in Persia
against the Jewish nation, and which is said to have
continued seventy-three years. The synagogues
were shut, the observation of the sabbath prohibited,
and the schools and chapels given to the Magi.
Huna, who was then the Jewish chief, and his two
disciples were imprisoned, and suffered death with
astonishing constancy. But the youthful part of the
community, being more attached to the pleasures of
life, were easily induced to apostatize from their reli-
gion ; and their example was followed by a general
defection in Israel. J
and legal determinations of the several great men of their schools at
different times, the two Gemaras may be considered as one, and the
Babylonish only a continuation of the Jerusalem. It is true, however,
says he, the former is that intended to be designated by the generic
expression of Talmud; but only because, as being later and more
complete than that of Jerusalem, it comprises the last." Adams' Reli-
gious 'JVorld displayed, vol. i. p. 33.
* It has even been said, that though they affirm the Scripture, the
Misna, and Gemara, to be equally of divine authority, they compare
the Scripture to water, the Misna to wine, and the Gemara to the
choicest wine. Bastiage, p. 168.
t Levi's Ceremonies of the Jews, p. 310. J Basnage, p. 562.
144: HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
The compilation of the Talmud was, however,
resumed by the learned men of the nation, and it is
generally supposed, that it was completed in the
sixth century. This work was received with high
applause by the Jews, who agreed that no addition
or diminution should be made to it for the future.
But a new order of doctors arose, called Sebureans
or Sceptics, who professed to doubt of every thing,
and opposed the infallibility which their brethren
attributed to the Talmud.*
After the Jews had lost their existence as a nation,
they were solicitous to preserve the purity and
integrity of their sacred books. For this purpose
a number of learned rabbles compiled a work, styled
the Masora, in which they first fixed the true
reading of the Hebrew text by vowels and accents ;
and, secondly, numbered not only the chapters and
sections, but even the verses, words, and letters of
the Old Testament. A late learned writer has styled
this work " the most stupendous monument in the
whole history of literature, of minute and perse-
vering labour/'f The Jews call the Masora " the
hedge, or fence of the law," because the enume-
ration of the verses, &c. is a mean of preserving it
from being altere<J or corrupted.
They assert that when God gave the law to Moses
on mount Sinai, he taught him the true reading,
which was handed down by oral tradition from age
to age, till it was committed to writing. Elias Le-
vita, a celebrated rabbi, who bestowed twenty years'
labour on explaining the Masora, makes the first
compilers of it the Jewish doctors of the famous
* Basnage, p. 562. i Butler's Horse Biblice, p. 57.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 145
school of Tiberias, about five hundred years after
Christ.*
The age in which the Masorites arose has, how-
ever, been much disputed. Some writers placed
their origin in the sixth century ; and others main-
tained, that they did not appear till the tenth. Bas-
nage asserts, that they were not a society, but a suc-
cession of men ; and that the Masora was the work
of many grammarians, who, without associating and
communicating their notions, composed this collec-
tion of criticisms on the Hebrew text.f
The sixth century commenced with a violent per-
secution of the Jews in the east, under Cavades,
a prince of a cruel disposition, who attempted to
compel all his subjects to embrace the Persian reli-
gion. The celebrated Meir, a learned rabbi, lived
at this time, and, exasperated at the severe treatment
of his brethren, declared war against the king of
Persia. At length, however, he was defeated and
put to death. The Persians then entered the city
in which Zeutra, the prince of the captivity, resided,
and having pillaged it, caused him and the president
of the council to be executed. [A. D. 522.] The
family of the prince escaped destruction by a preci-
pitate flight. Zeutra, his son, retired into Judea,
and was raised to an office of trust and honour by
his brethren in that country. J
Chosroes the Great, who succeeded Cavades,
treated the Jews with greater severity than his
predecessor. They endeavoured to obtain the favour
of this prince, by persuading him to break off his
* Jennings' Lect. vol. i. p. 401. t Basnage, p. 182.
+ Ibid. p. 564.
L
146 HISTORY OP THE JEWS.
negotiations for peace with the emperor Justinian,
which were then in great forwardness. For this
purpose they promised Chosroes, that, if he would
consent to continue the war, they would furnish him
with fifty thousand men, by whose assistance he
might be enabled to conquer Jerusalem,, one of the
richest cities in the world. The king, duped by
their flattering promises, broke off his treaty with
the emperor, and prepared to carry the project into
execution. He was, however, soon informed, that
the persons who were employed in the treacherous
design had been seized by order of government ; and
after making a full discovery of their plan and
abettors, had been put to death. But this intel-
ligence did not deter Chosroes from prosecuting the
war, which was conducted with great energy, and
many successful inroads were made into Syria and
Palestine. The Jews, however, participated in the
common calamities, and were treated with equal
severity with the other inhabitants of the conquered
countries. Their academies were shut; their love
of learning became extinguished \ the prince of the
captivity was obliged to remove into Judea, and the
eastern Jews were destitute of chiefs to preside over
them.*
A. D. 589.] When Hormisdas the Third as-
cended the throne, he restored their former privileges,
which they continued to enjoy during the reign of
this prince. The academy of Pundebita was opened
under the direction of the celebrated rabbi Chanan
Mehischa. A new order of doctors appeared, who
were called Gaons, (sublime, or excellent,) and de-
* Basnage, p. 565.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 147
stroyed the Sebureans, or Sceptics. These doctors
were constituted chiefs of the academies, were con-
sulted upon all difficult questions, and their decisions
were regarded as oracles by their brethren, who
considered them the ablest interpreters of the law.*
After Chosroes II. had murdered his father Hor-
misdas in order to obtain the throne, his son Varanes
rebelled against him, and had the address to engage
the Jews in his interest. They, however, paid
dear for their presumption ; and Varanes being re-
duced to subjection, they were regarded as a faithless
and implacable people, that excited the subjects
against their princes, and fomented sedition. Those
of Antioch were the first victims of Chosroes' resent-
ment ; many of whom perished by the sword ; others
were put to death by the most cruel torments ; and
those, who survived, subjected to the most abject
slavery.f
A. D. 613.] Chosroes, however, was afterwards
reconciled to the Jews, who appear to have rendered
him many signal and important services. They acted
in concert with this monarch during his invasion of
Palestine, and even furnished him with an army of
twenty thousand men. When, after the reduction of
Galilee, the Persian monarch made himself master of
Jerusalem,]; they, with furious bigotry, pillaged and
destroyed the Christian churches ; and the king
having delivered the Christian prisoners into their
hands, they satiated their implacable hatred against
* Basnage, p. 505. Modern Universal Hist. vol. xiii. p. 208.
t Basnage, p. 566. Mayor's Universal Hist. vol. xiii. p. 18.
^ Jerusalem was recovered from the Persians by the Greek emperor
Heraclius, and soon after taken by the Arabians. See the following
chapter.
L2
148 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
them, by putting ninety thousand of this unhappy
people to a cruel death.*
While Chosroes was besieging Constantinople,
and all the forces of Syria and Judea were employed
in defence of that city, the Jews conspired with
their brethren in Palestine to make an attempt to
conquer Tyre, and destroy its inhabitants. But
the Tyrians having obtained timely intelligence of
their design were prepared for the attack, and re-
pulsed them with great bravery. After this disap-
pointment, they dispersed themselves through the
country, and assaulted and burned many of the
Christian churches. They were, at length, van-
quished by the Tyrians, who sallied out of the city,
and made a terrible slaughter. f
Whilst the eastern Jews, in the sixth century,
sustained a series of persecutions in Persia, their
brethren in the west were cruelly oppressed, and
gradually stripped of their immunities and privileges.
The emperor Justinian, who assumed the preroga-
tive of deciding on all religious controversies, issued
an edict which prohibited their celebrating the
passover according to their own calculation, and
obliged them to observe it at the same time with the
Christian church. Soon after he forbade the magis-
trates to admit them to give evidence against the
Christians ; and deprived them of the privilege of
making wills, and bequeathing legacies. These
decrees were followed by another, still more oppres-
sive, which interdicted them from educating their
children in their own faith. Justinian also, at the*
request of the council of Carthage, deprived those of
* Basnagc, p. 566. t Basnage. Modern Univer. Hist.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 149
Africa of the exercise of their religion, and
commanded the prefect to convert their synagogues
into churches.*
A. D. 530.] The Jews were exasperated by
these severe edicts, and the general discontent and
indignation soon ripened into an open rebellion.
One Julian, who pretended to be the Messiah, had
the address to attract many of his brethren in Pales-
tine to his standard. After assuming the title of
conqueror, he armed his followers ; led them against
the Christians ; and they, being wholly unprepared
for an attack, were slaughtered in great numbers.
At length, however, Justinian sent troops against
the insurgents ; and, though they fought with des-
peration, they were soon entirely routed. The false
Messiah was taken, and immediately put to death ;
and thus the revolt was terminated. f
A. D. 555.] Twenty-five years after, the Jews
in Cesarea rebelled against the Roman government ;
and, notwithstanding the inveterate hatred which
subsisted between them and the Samaritans, they
united their forces against the Christians. The
insurgents attacked and demolished many of the
churches, and massacred large numbers of the
people, particularly the governor in his own palace.
Justinian, upon being apprised of the revolt, and
the cruelties which were perpetrated, confiscated
the property of the most affluent ; and the others,
who engaged in the rebellion, were beheaded or
banished. J
* Basnage, p. 576. Modern Univer. Hist. vol. xiii. p. 215,
t Ibid. t Basnage, p. 577.
150 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
The Jews joined the Goths* in Italy against Jus-
tinian and his general Belisarius. While this cele-
brated officer was engaged in the siege of Naples,
they defended the city with the most obstinate reso-
lution. When the citizens were about to capitulate,
they encouraged and persuaded them to hold out to
the last extremity. In consequence of their exer-
tions the siege was protracted, which occasioned the
destruction of many of the Roman soldiers. When
the city was taken, though Belisarius endeavoured to
inspire his troops with sentiments of clemency and
pity, the Jews, without any distinction of age, sex,
or rank, were cruelly put to death. Intimidated
by this dreadful severity, they remained peaceable
during the two subsequent reigns.
A. D. 602.] At length, under the reign of
Phocas, the Jews at Antioch, where they had
become populous and affluent, raised an insurrection
against the Christians, who defended themselves with
great resolution ; but not being sufficiently powerful
to repel their enemies, they became the victims of
their cruelty. Many were burnt in their houses ;
and bishop Anastasius, and several others, after
having endured the greatest indignities, were put to
death. The rebellion, however, after an arduous
conflict, was suppressed by a powerful body of
forces, which Phocas sent against them ; and the
barbarous conduct of the insurgents severely
punished, f
* The fidelity of the Jews to the Gothic kings cannot justly be
alleged against them, since they were then their subjects.
Basntige, p. 579.
f Basnage, p. 578.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 151
A. D. 606.] The Jews, at this period, notwith-
standing the edict of Adrian, had become numerous
in Cyprus. About four years after the insurrection
at Antioch, bishop Leontius, fearing that the island
would suffer similar calamities, resolved to use every
possible method to effect their conversion. His
endeavours proved so successful, if we may depend
upon his apology to be genuine, that the greater
part of them renounced Judaism, and were bap-
tized.* Many of their brethren, in other parts,
were about this time induced to profess the Christian
religion. A learned ecclesiastical historian, however,
remarks, that " it must be acknowledged, that of
these conversions the greater part were owing to
the liberality of Christian princes, rather than to the
force of argument, or love of truth. "f
* Banage. p. 579. t Mosheim's Ecclesiastical Hist. vol. ii. p. 98.
152 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
}(.\ >
CHAPTER IX.
Appearance of Mahomet. His behaviour to the Jews. They take
arms against him, are reduced, and compelled to become tributary.
Rapid conquests of the caliph Omar; he besieges and takes Jeru-
salem. The Jews rejoice at his success in Persia. They are fa-
voured by the first caliphs. -Those in Italy are protected by pope
Gregory the Great. They are severely treated by the emperor
Heracliusj who instigates other monarchs to persecute them.
A. D. 609.] MAHOMET, the famous Arabian
impostor, appeared in the early part of the seventh
century, and established a new religion, which, by
force of arms, made a rapid progress in the world.
Many of the Jews, after the destruction of their
country, had tied to Arabia; and the industrious
exiles, who aspired to liberty and power, obtained
possession of several towns and fortresses, and had
armies, and princes to command them. Their
number and respectability induced Mahomet at first
to treat them with great attention. He ordered his
followers when they prayed, to turn towards the
temple of Jerusalem ; and adopted many of their
opinions and customs, in order to engage them
in his interest.*
The Jews, dazzled by the splendour of his vic-
tories, began to regard him as the expected Messiah,
and some persons of distinction among them em-
braced his religion. However, they were, soon
after, much offended at his eating camel's flesh, which
is forbidden by the Mosaic law. But the fear of
appearing inconstant, or the hope of deriving ad-
vantage from the impostor, induced them to aid him
* Basnage, p. 566. Gibbon, vol. vi.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
153
in his design. The Arabian writers assert, that
this nation sent twelve of their doctors to assist him
in compiling the Koran.* But they afterwards
became his inveterate enemies; and their behaviour
gave rise to the most implacable hatred on his part.
His aversion to this unhappy people continued till
the last moment of his life ; and, in " the double
character of an apostle and a conqueror, his per-
secution extended to both worlds. "f In his Koran,
he reproaches them with betraying and murdering
the prophets, and styles them, " a people justly
cursed of God for their violation of his sabbath and
laws ; for their treatment of Jesus Christ, whom he
acknowledges to be a great prophet ; and for having
filled up the measure of their iniquity by rejecting
his own mission. "J
The Jewish tribe at Kainoka dwelt at Medina
under the protection of the city. Mahomet seized
the occasion of an accidental tumult, and summoned
them to embrace his religion, or contend with him
in battle. " Alas!" replied the trembling Jews,
tc we are ignorant of the use of arms; but we
persevere in the faith and worship of our fathers;
why wilt thou reduce us to the necessity of a just
defence." But as war was inevitable, Cajah, one
of the most distinguished persons of the Jewish
nation, who had uniformly opposed all the measures
of the impostor, appeared at the head of his country-
men.
In the third year of the Hegira.ll Mahomet be-
/ O ^ II
* Basnage, p. 566. t Gibbon, vol. -vi.
J Sale's Koran, vol. i. p. 35. ^ Basnage, p. 568.
i Hegira, is a term signifying the epocba, used by tbe Arabians
154 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
sieged the Jews in Hegiasa, and having obliged
them to surrender at discretion, drove them into
exile. Their wealth was confiscated,, and distributed
among his followers. After several engagements,
in which the impostor was victorious, Cajah attacked
him near Kaibar; and though this place was the seat
of the Jewish power in Arabia, this miserable people
were defeated with great slaughter. Their leader,
who with difficulty escaped, being resolved to try
the event of another engagement, was again com-
pletely routed; and suffered death with that con-
stancy which characterizes his nation. After the
termination of the unequal conflict, the Jews were
compelled to submit to the power of the conqueror,
and become tributary. Some time after the death
of the impostor, they were transplanted to Syria,
he having left it as his dying injunction, that one
and the true religion should alone be professed in
his native land of Arabia.*
In the caliphs, who succeeded Mahomet, were
united both the temporal and the spiritual power;
and their valour, being animated by the violent spirit
of fanaticism, was altogether irresistible. Omar,
the second caliph, was one of the most rapid con-
querors, who ever spread desolation over the face
of the earth. During the ten years of his reign,
he subdued Arabia, Syria, Mesopotamia, Persia,
and Egypt. With the Saracens under his command,
he invested Jerusalem, and after an obstinate siege,
and Turks, who begin their computation from the day that Mahomet
was compelled to make his escape from the city of Mecca, which took
place, July 16, A. D. 622, under the reigu of the emperor Heraclius.
* Gibbon, yol. vi.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 155
which lasted four months, the Christians, having
obtained an honourable capitulation, surrendered
the city. The conqueror would not allow them to
be deprived of their churches. But by his command,
the ground where Solomon's temple stood, was pre-
pared for the foundation of a mosque, which was
the first Mahometan place of worship erected in
Jerusalem.*
When Persia submitted to the victorious Saracens,
the Jews, who hoped for a favourable change in
their affairs, rejoiced in their success. Isdesgerdi
the Third, the last Persian monarch, had, according
to their annals, either begun, or carried on a bloody
persecution against them ; giving their synagogues
to the Magi, and causing their academies to be shut.
The rapid conquests of the enemies of their cruel
oppressors, who were either Pagans or Christians,
and the frequent destruction of the churches of the
latter, highly gratified their inclinations. They are
even accused of having ingratiated themselves with
the Saracens, by instigating them against the Chris-
tians. Those enthusiastic conquerors for some time
used their prosperity with moderation ; and though
the Jews often changed masters by the swift suc-
cession of monarchs, they only participated in the
* Basnage, p. 572. Jerusalem was transferred from the possession
of the Greek Christians, to the dominion of the Arabian Musselmans,
and continued in subjection to the caliphs, about four hundred
years. When Omar look the city, the inhabitants were allowed
the exercise of their religion; but they were prohibited from
building any new churches, either in the metropolis, or the adjacent
country; from riding upon saddles, or bearing any kind of arms.
They were obliged to dress in a different manner from the Maho-
metans, and subjected to pay tribute to their conquerors. Ocfcley'f
Saracen's Conquests, p. 258.
156 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
common calamities which attend great revolutions
in governments. They highly extol the humanity
of the first caliphs, who restored them to the free
exercise of their religion ; allowed the princes of the
captivity to enjoy great authority, and permitted
their academies to be opened, and placed in a
flourishing condition.*
A. D. 606.] A number of the Roman pontiffs
have been equally indulgent to the Jewish nation
with the first caliphs. In Italy, where this people
were numerous in the seventh century, they were
treated with moderation and kindness by pope
Gregory the Great. Their general conversion was
the object of his ardent desires, and earnest endea-
vours. In order to effect this benevolent design, he
wrote to his receiver in Sicily, to abate those who
professed the Christian religion a third part of the
revenues they were indebted to him. He also
warmly exhorted his clergy and flock to use the Jews
with candour and tenderness, alleging, that they
were one day to be recalled, and become a large
part of Christ's fold ; and that the proper method to
conduct them to the unity of the faith, was kind and
friendly treatment. te Violence," said he, " will dis-
gust those who might be allured by gentleness and
charity." He strongly expressed his abhorrence of
the persecution they suffered in different countries,
and condemned the zeal of some of the bishops
against them. He even reprehended the conduct of
a converted Jew, who, in order to ingratiate himself
with the Christians, set up a cross, and image of the
virgin, in a synagogue. Gregory ordered the cross
* Basil age, p. 573.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 357
and image to be removed, alleging, that since the
laws did not permit the Jews to build new syna-
gogues, they ought to be allowed the free enjoyment
of those they already possessed.* With the same
liberal spirit he condemned the conduct of the bishop
of Terracina, who had deprived them of a syna-
gogue in his diocese, which was permitted by the
laws ; and had expelled them from another place,
where they had retired in order to perform their
devotional exercises, f
This pontiff, however, who was frequently con-
sulted respecting the domestic affairs of the Jews,
disapproved of their purchasing Christian slaves,
and revived the laws which had been enacted against
this traffic. He also ordered, that all their Jewish
domestics, who professed the Christian religion, and
received baptism, should obtain their liberty. J
The cruel treatment which the Jews soon after
experienced from Heraclius, the Greek emperor,
formed a striking contrast to the clemency of the
Roman pontiff. This monarch hated the Hebrew
race on account of their religion, and his animosity
against them was increased by finding at Tiberias
one of the nation so rich as to be able to supply his
army and court with provisions. This man, elated
with his affluence, molested the Christians with trou-
blesome law suits, and malicious prosecutions. But,
being sensible that he had exposed himself to the
resentment of the emperor, he endeavoured to elude
* It appears that the former edicts of the emperor Theodosius
were still in force against the Jews, notwithstanding the clemency of
pope Gregory towards this people* Modern Univer. Hist. vol. xiii.
p. 220.
+ Basnage, p. 579. * Ibid.
158 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
his vengeance by professing the Christian religion.
This expedient, however, did not lessen the mo-
narch's aversion to the Jewish nation.*
Heraclius was still more exasperated against the
Jews, when, upon his consulting the diviners con-
cerning the fate of the empire, he received for
answer, that a circumcised nation would prove its
ruin. Considering how powerful and numerous the
Hebrews were in most parts of his dominions, and
that they still cherished the hope of being restored
to their native country, he believed them to be
the people intended by the prediction. The great
and frequent efforts they had made to recover their
liberty, and their cruel and sanguinary proceedings
against the Christians at different times, and in
various places, confirmed him in this belief; and
induced him to persecute them with the utmost seve-
rity. He banished them from Jerusalem, to which
they had once more gained access ;f and issued an
edict, prohibiting them from approaching within
three miles of the city. The emperor was not
satisfied with persecuting this unhappy people in his
own dominions ; but instigated other monarchs to
follow his example. J The calamities which they
suffered in Spain, Gaul, and other kingdoms, will be
related in the following chapter.
* Basnage, p. 580. According to the account of Mosheim, " the
emperor Heraclius, being incensed against this miserable people, by
the insinuations of the Christian doctors, persecuted them in a most
cruel manner, and ordered multitudes of them to be inhumanly dragged
into the Christian churches, in order to be baptized, by violence and
compulsion." Mosheims Ecclesiastical History, vol. ii- p. 152.
t Previous to the conquest of Jerusalem by the Saracens, which
has been mentioned in the preceding part of this chapter.
J Basnage, p. 58 1 .
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 159
CHAPTER X.
The Jews in Spain are cruelly persecuted by Sisebut, the Gothic king
of that country. Decrees of the councils of Toledo. Frequent
apostasy of the Jewish converts. The archbishop of Toledo writes
in order to convert them. They form a conspiracy against the
Spanish government. Severe laws are enacted against them. Of
the Jews in Gaul. They are expelled by king Dagobert, and by
Wamba, king of the Goths. They found an academy in Lunel.
THE Jews, who were transplanted to Spain by
the policy of Adrian, had become numerous in that
kingdom, and acquired wealth by their dexterity in
trade. Their affluence excited the avarice of their
masters ; and, as they had lost the use of arms, they
might be oppressed with impunity. The emperor
Heraclius, who had been engaged in war with
Sisebut., the Spanish monarch, made it one of the
principal articles of the peace, that the king should
compel them to receive baptism, or abandon the
kingdom. The religious bigotry of Sisebut induced
him readily to accede to this article ; and without
consulting any of his bishops, and even contrary to
their remonstrances, he imprisoned the most distin-
guished personages among this unhappy people.*
After having remained some time in confinement,
large numbers of Jews, in order to preserve their
wealth and lives, consented to be baptized. The
estates of the more obstinate were confiscated, and
their bodies tortured. Some found means to retire
into Gaul, where similar miseries awaited them.
They assert, however, that during the life of
Sisebut, they were not even allowed the privilege of
* Mariana's History of Spain.
160 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
preferring their religion to their country, and endea-
vouring to escape by a voluntary exile from the evils
they endured.*
A. D. 633.] The conduct of the king was
highly censured by Isidore, bishop of Seville, and
condemned by the clergy in Spain. In the fourth
council of Toledo, f in which Isidore presided, it
was declared unchristian and unlawful to use com-
pulsory measures in religion. The reasons assigned
were, that God hardens, and has compassion on
whom he pleases ; and that none can be saved with-
out their own free consent. This council, however,
ordained, that those whom persecution had induced
to receive baptism, should be compelled, for the
honour of the church, to persevere in conforming
to the external rites of the Christian religion. This
decree, which derogates from the liberal spirit exhi-
bited in the former, was enacted, because the
pretended converts relapsed into Judaism, whenever
the immediate influence of terror was withdrawn.];
A. D. 638.] Chintila, who succeeded Sisenand,
treated the Jews with the greatest rigour ; and
appeared to be totally regardless of the sacred rights
of conscience. The decree of this monarch, which
commanded all his subjects to profess the Christian
faith, was the signal of persecution and exile ; and
an edict was passed for their total expulsion. It
* Basnage, p. 581. History of Spain.
f This council was assembled by Sisenand, who having dethroned
the son of Sisebut, endeavoured to reconcile the minds of the people
to his government, by prevailing upon the clergy to give a religious
sanction to his proceedings. The council conformed to his views, and
instructed the Goths to unite under his government. Basnage, p. 581.
| Basnage, p. 5S2. History of Spain.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
161
appears probable, that the usurious advantage, which
they might derive from their wealth, augmented the
public hatred against them. Yet the Goths were
unwilling to deprive themselves of industrious men
over whom they might exercise lucrative oppression ;
and the Jews continued in Spain under the weight
of the civil and ecclesiastical laws.*
In order to engage the Spanish clergy to forward
his views, Chintila convened the fifth council of
Toledo. This assembly passed several decrees in
his favour, which the king caused to be confirmed
by another council, convoked the same year, and
at the same place. The divines, who composed
this assembly, highly commended his zeal against
the Jews ; and blessed God for having given them
such a wise and pious prince. They solemnly ra-
tified the edict he had enacted for the banishment
of this miserable people; and declared, that no
prince for the future should ascend the Spanish
throne, till he had taken an oath to observe all the
laws against them ; and he who violated this sacred
engagement was to be anathematized. f
These severe laws were punctually observed by
the succeeding monarchs. The Visigothic kings
enacted a law which completely authorized perse-
cution; and alleged in their vindication, that "since
the violent take the kingdom of heaven by force,
men ought to be stimulated to obtain this blessing."
* Basnage, p. 582. History of Spain.
+ Basnage observes, that the different decrees enacted in this, and
the preceding council, were owing to the death of Isidore of Seville.
This benevolent prelate, who was a strong advocate for mild treatment,
presided in the fourth council of Toledo, but died before the sixth.
Basnage, p. 582.
M
162 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
By this law it was ordained, that every Jew, who
refused to receive baptism, should suffer a severe
corporal punishment, be exiled from the kingdom,
and have all his goods confiscated.*
A. D. 653.] Multitudes of this persecuted people,
intimidated by the gloomy prospects before them,
were induced to conform externally to the national
faith. But as their conformity was only extorted by
terror, many were soon observed to apostatize. To
remedy this evil, a new council was convened. The
Jews, apprehending that the decrees of the assembly
would be the prelude of a violent persecution against
them, resolved to shelter themselves from the im-
pending calamity. For this purpose, the most dis-
tinguished personages of their nation met, and
wrote to the king in the name of their brethren
in Spain, declaring that, though they had till then
dissembled, they were now firmly resolved to become
sincere converts, and wholly conform to the laws of
the gospel. They 'assured his majesty, that they
would no longer observe their sabbath, circumcise
their children, or form any connexions by marriage
with those who were unbaptized ; and promised to
persecute any of their brethren, who should presume
to violate these engagements. They even consented.,
provided their lives might be spared, to be doomed
to perpetual slavery, and have all their effects con-
fiscated, f
The ample promises contained in this letter, ren-
dered their sincerity more suspected, and their
conduct more strictly observed. It was accordingly
* Modern Universal History, vol. xiii. History of Spain.
t Basnage, p. 582. Modern Universal History, vol. xiii. p. 223.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 163
discovered, that they still performed the Jewish rites,
and even ventured to attack the Christian religion.
The king, finding* the difficulty of effecting his
purpose by coercive measures, ordered Julian,
archbishop of Toledo, to write against them; and
this prelate, in 686, published a learned treatise,
in which he proves from the prophetic writings,
that Jesus of Nazareth is the Messiah.
The Gothic kings and bishops at length discovered,
that injuries would produce hatred, and that hatred
would find an opportunity of revenge. The Jews
exulted in the victories of the Mahometans, and
commenced a dangerous and hostile correspondence
with their brethren, who, under the administration
of Chintila, had sheltered themselves from perse-
cution in Africa. On receiving from them assurance
of support, and with the secret hope of more ef-
fectual succour from the Saracens, they fixed a day
to erect the standard of revolt.*
Before the appointed time arrived, their pre-
parations had alarmed, and their intentions been
betrayed to king Egica. This monarch complained
of the conspiracy to the council of Toledo, and
demanded the assistance and advice of the divines,
who composed the assembly. Upon deliberation
they resolved, that all the circumcised should be
declared perpetual slaves, that their estates should
be confiscated, and their children taken from them,
and educated in the Christian faith. f
If from Spain we turn to a neighbouring country,
we find the Jews still oppressed and persecuted.
* Basnage, p. 583. History of Spain. + Basaage.
M 2
164 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
As soon as the Romans* were driven out of Gaul,
and the Visigoths suppressed, several directions and
decrees were made respecting them, and one in
particular, under Childebert, [A. D. 540.] who
forbade them to appear in the streets of Paris from
Tuesday in the holy week to Easter Sunday. The
council of Orleans about the same time enacted
a similar decree, which renders it evident, that they
were dispersed in several parts of France, f They
were still more numerous in Languedoc. Ferreol,
bishop of Uzes, was expelled from his diocese, for
having treated them with too great familiarity and
kindness. His motive was, an ardent desire to effect
their conversion. After he had continued in exile
many years, and the king had restored him to his
bishopric, he fell into the other extreme, and ba-
nished the Jews.J
Avitus, bishop of Clermont, was distinguished by
his zeal for the conversion of this people, and
induced several persons among them to profess their
belief in Christianity. One of the new converts
entered the city in his white garment, which being
observed by a Jew, he threw a pot of oil of very
offensive odour upon him. This outrage irritated
the Christians to such a degree, that had not the
bishop interposed, the otfender would have been
* Gaul was shared by the Visigoths and Burgundians, when Clovis,
king of the Franks, defeated Syagrius, a Roman usurper in that pro-
vince, and established a new kingdom, to which he gave the name of
France, or the land of freemen. Russell's Modern Europe.
t The Jews who settled in Gaul at an early period, made but little
figure, and are only known by some edicts of Constantino, which
mention them in Belgic Gaul. They began to be noticed in the his-
tories of the country in the sixth century.
t Basuage, p. 583.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 165
immediately put to death. The humanity* of Avitus,
however, only delayed the effects of their resentment
till the succeeding festival. The people at that time
demolished their synagogue, and the Jews were
reduced to the alternative of professing Christianity,
or being exiled. The greater part of them chose to
conform to the established worship, and were bap-
tized.*
King Chilperic, who observed, that the Jews
in Paris were numerous and affluent, resolved to use
compulsory measures to induce them to abjure their
religion. As he led an immoral life he hoped, by his
zeal in attempting the conversion of an unbelieving
people, to make an atonement for his sins, and
secure the favour of heaven. He therefore com-
manded, that all who refused to receive baptism,
should be punished with the utmost rigour, f
A. D. 692.] They were treated with still greater
severity by king Dagobert, who was notorious for the
scandalous irregularity of his conduct. In order to
avoid public odium, to ingratiate himsdf with his
clergy and people, and gratify the emperor Hera-
clius.^; he banished from his kingdom upon pain of
death, all the Jews, who refused to profess the
Christian religion. Many who had fled from Spain
to escape persecution suffered a second exile. But
still more of them preferred dissimulation, and con-
sented to be baptized.
* Basnage, p. 584. t Ibid.
+ The emperor Heraclius, who had expelled the Jews from his
dominions, and caused them to be banished from Spain, sent ambas-
sadors to Dagobert to oblige him to imitate these examples.
Basnage, p. 584.
^ Modern Univer. Hist. vol. xiii. p. 226.
166 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
A. D. fi'JS.] Wamba, king of the Goths in
Languedoc, also exhibited a violent enmity against
this people ; and issued an edict which expelled them
from his dominions. But he experienced the most
determined opposition from the abbot Raymirus, and
the court of Toulouse, who united to protect this
persecuted race, and opposed the king's edict by
force of arms. The king entrusted count Paul, his
favourite, with the command of an army, which was
destined to act against the rebels. But, instead of
suppressing, he united with them, took Narbonne,
and caused himself to be crowned king. At length,
however, he was defeated, and condemned by
Wamba ; and his accomplices, especially the Jews,
felt the effects of this monarch's resentment, and
were expelled from Ihe kingdom.*
Notwithstanding the sufferings of the Jewish
nation in the seventh century, the academy which
they had founded at Lunel, a city in Languedoc,
began to flourish. In process of time it acquired
great celebrity, and was the place where some of
the most learned Jewish rabbies received their
education.
* Basnage, p. 584.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 167
CHAPTER XI.
Of the pretended conversion of the king of Chozar to Judaism.
State of the eastern Jews in the eighth and ninth centuries. They
are favoured by several of the caliphs, who were attached to literary
men. Edict of Iraan Jaaffar against them. Al-Wathek obliges
them to pay heavy taxes. Motavel condemns, them to wear a
disgraceful badge of distinction. State of the Jews under the
Grecian emperors. A false Messiah appears in Spain. Of their
state in France. Punishment inflicted upon them by the emperor
Charlemagne. They are highly favoured by Lewis, suruamed Debo-
nair; but their condition is less agreeable under Charles the Bald.
THE eighth century is celebrated by Jewish
writers for the conversion of Chozar, a Pagan prince,
to their belief. According to their accounts, he
became dissatisfied with the religion of his people
and progenitors ; and conversed on this subject with
philosophers, Christians, Mahometans, and Jews.
At length, a learned rabbi convinced him, that
Judaism was the only true religion, to which all
others were but as the shadow to the substance,
or the picture to the living original. Chozar there-
fore abjured his former tenets, and, after he was
initiated in the belief and ceremonies of the Jews,
employed himself in converting his subjects. He
sent for the most learned men of this nation from all
countries to instruct his people ; and from that time
the original Jews were held in high estimation. A
tabernacle was erected, similar to that of Moses ia
the wilderness ; to which they and the Chozrean
converts repaired to the Jewish worship. The king
became prosperous ; triumphed over his enemies,
168 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
and enlarged his dominions by new and considerable
^ conquests. Such is the account of Jewish writers ;
but notwithstanding 1 the degree of credit which they
have endeavoured to attach to the conversion of
Chozar, and of his subjects, the real existence of
that prince, and of his kingdom, has always been
much disputed.*
During the eighth., and part of the ninth century,
the eastern Jews under the dominion of the caliphs,
sustained their share in the calamities which resulted
from the civil wars among their conquerors. They,
however, enjoyed entire liberty of conscience under
the caliph Abdalmelech, and his two successors
Alwalid and Solyman. Their academies flourished;
and their doctors possessed all their ancient privi-
leges.
In the reign of Zeyd they suffered some oppres-
sions, which were caused more from the rapacious-
ness of his ministers, than the cruelty of the
monarch. But upon the dissolution of the govern-
ment of the Ommiades under Mervan, their con-
dition was ameliorated by the princes of the dynasty
of the Abbassides.f
A. D. 740.] The caliph Almansor, who was a
learned prince, patronised and encouraged literary
men, and invited a large number of them to his
court, without any regard to their particular reli-
gious opinions. Many Jews accepted the invitation
of this monarch, and took advantage of his liberality
to place their academies in a more flourishing condi-
* Basnage, p. 587. Modern Universal Hist. vol. xiii. p. 228.
t The fall of the Ommiades, and the establishment of the dynasty
of the Abbassides, took place about 750. Gibbon.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
tion than ever. They boast of the many famous
men who appeared among their nation at this period ;
among whom Rabbi Acha was distinguished for his
profound learning, and his voluminous treatise on
the precepts of the law, under the tide of Shealtoth,
or Questions. About this time rabbi Annanus
revived the sect of the Sadducees, which had been
almost extinct after the destruction of Jerusalem ;
but under him the denomination acquired new vigour,
and became formidable to that of the Pharisees.*
A. D. 760.] The Jews of Arabia and Persia
experienced the mortification of having an edict
issued against them by Iman Jaaffar, surnamed the
Just. Stimulated by zeal for his religion, he or-
dained, that those who embraced the Mahometan
faith should be sole heirs of the property of the
whole family. This decree, which was punctually
executed, induced many Jewish, and other children
to apostatize in order to obtain estates, to which
they were unable to claim any just title.
Almansor was succeeded by Mohadi, who obliged
the Jews either to embrace the Mahometan religion,
or wear a disgraceful badge of distinction. In the
reign of this prince, Hakem, an impostor, appeared,
and by pretended miracles gained many disciples.
This man, who is said to have been of Jewish origin,
asserted, that the divinity, which in former times
appeared in a human shape, now made his abode
in him, and that he was the visible image of the
* Some writers have styled Annanus the founder of the Caraites
but according to Basnage, and the authors of the Modern Universil
History, this denomination were of much earlier date ; and Annann
only revived the ect of the Sadducees.
170 HISTORY OP THE JEWS.
most high God. Mohadi sent forces against the
impostor, who besieged him in one of his fortresses.
Upon which he first poisoned his followers, and then
destroyed himself.*
A. D. 786 ] Aaron, the successor of Mohadi,
was distinguished for his love of literature, and
encouraged and patronized learned men of all reli-
gions, and of every profession. In particular he
highly favoured the Jews, who were dispersed in his
dominions, and chose one of their nation to send on
an embassy to Charlemagne, the emperor of the
west. He succeeded in his commission, and enjoyed
a distinguished reputation at the court of Aaron.
This caliph placed the academies of the eastern
Jews in a flourishing condition ; and they enjoyed
^profound tranquillity during his reign. f
A. D. 831.] Mamoun, the brother of Aaron,
was also attached to literature, and caused the most
valuable Jewish works to be translated into Arabic.
And though this instance of his liberality exasperated
his subjects, he continued to distinguish learned men
of all nations and religions. Mashalla, a celebrated
Jewish astronomer, was so highly esteemed at his
court, that he was styled the Phoenix of the age.
During the reign of Mamoun, the famous impostor
Moses appeared, who pretended that he was the
great lawgiver of the Jews, whom God had recently
raised from the dead.J
A. D. 841.] Al-Wathek, instead of imitating
the conduct of the most enlightened caliphs who
^receded him, became an implacable enemy to the
* Basoage, p. 591. Gibbon, vol. vii. p. 189.
t Basnage, p. 592. J Ibid. p. 594.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 171
Jews. He hated this people, because they refused
to receive the Koran as an authentic revelation ; and
the fraudulent practices of which they had been
guilty in the management of the finances, during
the reign of his predecessor, increased his enmity
against them. During his reign they were loaded
with heavy taxes, and obliged to pay large sums into
the treasury.*
A. D. 849.] Motarakei the successor of AI-
Wathek, treated the Jews with still greater severity.
He compelled them to wear a cord or sash round their
waists, as an invidious mark of distinction ; and
excluded them from all offices in the Divan, which it
appears they had till then enjoyed. He forbade
their riding on horses, and only permitted them to
use asses or mules with iron stirrups.
The edicts of this monarch not only extended
through his empire, but spread into the neigh-
bouring kingdoms ; and these marks of infamy, in
a greater or less degree, have subsisted ever since
in those countries which are subjected to the Turks ;
and also in other parts of Europe under Christian
kings. Many of Motarakel's successors treated this
degraded people with equal contempt. In the reign
of Mahomed, the last of the princes who succeeded
him, Achmet, the governor of Egypt, revolted, and
formed a new dy nasty. f
If we turn from the Mahometan to the Christian
monarchs, we find the Jews exposed to equal, if not
greater, vexations and persecutions. The empire in
* Basnage, p. 594.
+ Egypt was dismembered from the caliphate about the end of the
ninth century.
172 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
the west, in the eighth century, was greatly agitated
by the civil dissensions between the Iconoclasts and
the worshippers of images ; and the Jews were un-
justly accused of fomenting these dissensions. Leo
Isauricus, the Grecian emperor, commenced his
reign with the persecution of this people ; and com-
manded them to abjure their tenets, and embrace
Christianity under the severest penalties. They
saved their lives by dissimulation, and consented to
be baptized, and receive the communion ; but at the
same time expressed their internal aversion to the
religion they had recently professed, by washing
themselves in common water, and eating common
bread immediately after receiving the sacraments.
The patrons of images, notwithstanding the stre-
nuous exertions of the emperor, at length prevailed.
The Jews, who had pretended obedience to the
mandates of Leo, being suspected of insincerity,
were obliged to subscribe a new formulary, in which
they acknowledged themselves worshippers of the
cross, and holy images ; and prayed to God that he
would inflict upon them the leprosy of Gehazi, and
the fear of Cain, if they did not willingly conform
to the established religion.*
Nicephorus, who succeeded Leo about the com-
mencement of the ninth century, protected the Jews,
and permitted them to live quietly under his govern-
ment. They were still more favoured by his suc-
cessor Michael, who tolerated all religions; is said
to have imbibed something from each denomination ;
and entertained a peculiar regard for the Jews.f
* Fleury's Ecclesiastical History, vol.v. p. 43. Basnage, p. 569.
+ Modern Universal History, vol. xiii. p. 239.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 173
But little is known respecting the situation of this
people in Italy and Spain during the eighth and
ninth centuries. About the year 724, those who
resided in Spain involved themselves in a new cala-
mity by listening to the delusive promises of one of
their countrymen, named Serenus. This man, taking
advantage of the dissensions between France and
Spain, proclaimed himself the Messiah, and induced
multitudes to follow his standard towards Palestine,
where he engaged to establish his empire. The
wealth which this infatuated people left behind them
was seized by the government. Those, who did
not perish by the way, returned to Spain to lament
their blind credulity, and the losses they had sus-
tained.*
A. D. 763.] Languedoc, being at this time in
the possession of the Visigoths, (as well as part of
Spain,f) was infested with frequent incursions of
the Arabs. It is said they were in alliance with,
and even invited by the Jews, who engaged to assist
them in destroying the Christians. They are also
accused of requesting the aid of the Saracens to
emancipate themselves from the tyranny and oppres-
sion of the bishop of Toulouse. These Mahometan
invaders, after traversing Narbonne, penetrated as
far as Lyons, and laid waste the country with fire
and sword. Charlemagne, having afterwards com-
pletely defeated the Saracens and retaken Toulouse,
resolved to destroy the treacherous Jews, who had
encouraged the invasion, and occasioned so much
* Basnage, p. 597.
+ The Saracens, or Moors, bad invaded Spaio, and rednced a lar?r
part of that kingdom.
174 IIISTOIIY OF THE JEWS.
bloodshed. He was, however, prevailed upon to
commute their punishment, and only the principal
and most guilty suffered death. The others, who
inhabited the city, were condemned to receive a box
on the ear thrice a year at the gates of one of the
churches, which should be named by the bishop ;
and to pay a perpetual fine of thirteen pounds of
wax.*
Charlemagne, however, in some instances, treated
the Jews with gentleness and moderation. They
boasted of having the liberty of purchasing the
sacred utensils and rich furniture of the churches,
which the bishops and abbots, induced by luxury
and avarice, had exposed to sale. And though this
monarch enacted a severe law, prohibiting the clergy
from carrying on this scandalous traffick, he did not
exact any restitution from those of Hebrew origin,
or lay any restrictions upon their commerce. f
They were highly favoured by Lewis, surnamed
Debonair, whose chief physician, named Sedecias,
was one of the Jewish nation. This man had
acquired such an ascendancy over the monarch,
that the courtiers endeavoured to conciliate his
and his countrymen's friendship with the richest
presents. They had an easy access to the person
of their sovereign, who allowed them the liberty of
* This event, though related by many historians, is disputed by
Basnage, who admits only the truth of two facts, viz. that Toulouso
was besieged by the Saracens, and that the Jews in the city were ill
used and buffetted in the person of their syndic. " This," says he,
" was done out of hatred to the Jews, without their being guilty of
the imputed crime of betraying the city; and the story of their
treachery was invented, in order to authorize the punishment and the
infamy." Basnage, p. 598.
t Basnage, p. 598.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 175
erecting new synagogues, and granted them other
extensive privileges. Such powerful protection ren-
dered them haughty and insolent, and excited the
jealousy of the Christians.
Agobard, bishop of Lyons, not only prohibited them
from purchasing Christian slaves, but forbade them
to observe the sabbath, and carry on any commerce
with the Christians during Lent. They complained
of these edicts to the king, who sent three commis-
saries to Lyons to make inquiries into the bishop's
conduct; and, upon their report, the Jews were
immediately restored to their ancient privileges.
Agobard, being mortified and disappointed, formed
new accusations against them ; but they were re-
jected at court, as false and groundless.*
After the bishop found all his attempts frustrated,
he resolved to take a journey to court, to solicit
Lewis more effectually against the Jews. But the
king, surrounded by courtiers who hated the prelate,
and were attached to this people,, absolutely resisted
all his solicitations, and only granted him an audience
when he was about to depart. The protection the
outcasts of Israel found at the court of Lewis against
one of the most learned bishops of the age, rendered
them so popular, that it was said openly at court,
that the descendants of Abraham were entitled to
respect. Even some Christians observed Saturday
for the sabbath, and preferred attending the sermons
of the rabbies to those of the curates and monks,
who at this time were extremely ignorant. It is
even said, that a deacon named Paudo, quitted his
office in the church, and went over to the synago^ue.f
* Basnage, p. 599. Mod. Univ. Hist, vol.xiii. p. 241. t Ibid.
176 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
The Jews under Charles the Bald, were less flou-
rishing and popular, than they had been during the
reign of his predecessor. One of the French bishops,
named Remisius, ordered the clergy in his diocese,
to preach every Saturday in the synagogues. This
induced a number of Jewish parents to send their
children to other parts of the kingdom in order to
prevent their conversion. Remisius complained of
their conduct to the king, and persuaded him to
command the bishop of Aries, and other prelates, to
follow his example. The consequence was, that
many of the Jewish children were voluntarily bap-
tized. Soon after Charles was poisoned by Sedecias,
the Jewish physician, who was so famous in the
preceding reign ; and it was supposed he was in-
stigated to commit this crime by his countrymen,
who hated the king, because he favoured these
conversions. It was, however, discovered, that
many of the nobility corrupted Sedecias, and en-
gaged him to destroy the life of his sovereign.*
The Jews were also accused of favouring the
incursions of the Normans, which took place during
the reign of Charles ; and of treacherously betraying
Bourdeaux and other cities into the hands of these
invaders. They were still exposed to the ignomi-
nious sentence of being buffetted three times every
year at the church door. But this indignity, which
originated from a decree of Charlemagne, was not
executed on all the Jews, but confined to the syndic,
or head magistrate, who received this punishment
in the name of the rest. In remote cities they were
also liable to many insults from the populace. At
* Basnage, p. 699. Modern Universal HUtory, vol. xiii. p. 243.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 177
Beziers, in Languedoc, it was the custom to throw
stones upon them from Palm Sunday to the Tuesday
in Easter week. This indignity, however, was at
length redeemed by a tribute which they paid to the
bishop in this place.*
* Basnage, p. C92. Gregoire, p. 224.
N
178 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
CHAPTER XII.
Flourishing state of learning among the eastern Jews at the com-
mencement of the tenth century. Their tranquillity is interrupted
by internal divisions. Of their learned rabbies. The Jews in Egypt
are persecuted by the caliph Hakem, who introduces a new reli-
gion. They are expelled from the east. Some of the most learned
among them pass into Spain, and cultivate literature under the Sa-
racens. The Talmud is translated into the Arabic language. They
attempt to convert the Mahometans; and are persecuted by the
king of Grenada. King Ferdinand I. resolves to destroy them ;
but is prevented by the pope and bishops. The revolution caused
by the Moors in Africa extricates them from persecution. They
are favoured by Alphonso, and his grandson Peter. The Crusaders
massacre the Jews. Disputes arise among them respecting the
study of the sciences. Of the learned rabbies in Spain and France.
A. D. 927.] WHILE Christendom was involved
V in darkness and ignorance, the Saracens became the
/ patrons of philosophy in the east. The Jews, under
their dominion, imitated their example, and applied
to learning with assiduity and success.* New aca-
demies were erected in consequence of the rapid
increase of professors and pupils ; and those which
had subsisted for ages were placed in a flourishing
condition, under able preceptors. The Jews boast,
that the famous men who appeared among them at
this time, were superior to those of any preceding
"~age, since their dispersion. f
Their tranquillity was, however, soon interrupted
* In the ninth century the Jews began to make themselves ac-
quainted with the sciences of the Arabs. In particular tfiey excelled
in the study of medicine. From the beginning of the ninth to th
end of the thirteenth century, eminent schools of philosophy flourished
in the Saracen empire. Enfield's Philosophy, vol. ii. p. 234.
t Bainage, p. 601.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 179
by internal divisions. David, prince of the captivity,
a haughty and ambitious man, had, according to
the Jewish accounts, found means to deliver his
nation from the tribute which till then they were
compelled to pay to the caliphs. After having thus
augmented his authority, he reigned as absolutely
as an eastern monarch. In consequence of his ar-
rogant behaviour, frequent altercations took place
between him and the heads of the academies,* which
produced fatal divisions, and involved the Jews in
fresh difficulties.
A.D. 103?.] The nation at this time were nu-
merous and powerful, especially in the city of
Pheruty Shiboour. A new academy was founded
in this city, at the head of which was the famous
rabbi Sherira, under whom it flourished about thirty
years. He was a man of great learning, but a vio-
lent enemy to the Christians, particularly to the
monks; and on that account more highly respected
by his brethren. When arrived at an advanced age,
he was succeeded by his son Hay,f who obtained
such a distinguished reputation, that the Jews re-
sorted from all parts to attend his instructions; and
* The power of the heads of the academies was almost equal to
that of the princes. For the latter could not enact any laws except
they were sanctioned by the former. These chiefs have had frequent
insurrections against each other. The princes of the captivity and
heads of the academies were both elected by a majority of votes ;
and sometimes both these dignities were vested in the same person.
Basnage, p. 602.
t The Jews pretend that he was lineally descended from king David;
hence he bore the lion on his arms, as did all the kings of Judah,
agreeably to Jacob's prophecy concerning that tribe. But he acquired
still greater celebrity by various writing*, particularly the famous
cabbalistical work, styled, " The voice of God in power." Modern
Univertal Hittory, vol. xiii. p. 247.
180 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
styled him, " the most excellent of all the excellent."
He was placed at the head of two academies, and
elected prince of the captivity. He died in 1037,
aged sixty-nine years.*
The Jews, in the reign of the caliph Hakem,
suffered persecution for a short time in Egypt. The
object of this monarch was to abolish Islamism, and
establish a new religion, of which he should be the
head.f The large number of Pagans, who acceded
to his novel dogmas and pretensions, flattered his
vanity, and induced him to persecute the Christians
and Jews, who opposed and contemned his doctrines.
He obliged the latter to wear a disgraceful mark of
distinction ; commanded their synagogues to be shut ;
and compelled them to embrace his tenets. But
he soon changed his opinions, and permitted them
to return to their former religion.
A. D. 1039.] The caliphs of the house of the
Abbassides, who had always favoured the Jews,
having lost their authority, the sultan Gela Doullat,
who reigned by the name of Cajem, resolved to
extirpate this unhappy people. For this purpose he
shut up their academies ; banished their professors ;
and killed the prince of the captivity, with his family.
This persecution dispersed some of the nation into
the deserts of Arabia, while others sought an asylum
in the west. From the period in which the Jews
were expelled from the east, most authors date the
total extinction of the princes of the captivity ; but,
* Basnage, p. 602.
t He blended the religion of the Druses, with other tenets, which
he pretended to receive from the deity. Basnage, p. 605.
* Basnage, p. 605.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 181
if we may believe the Jewish travellers, Benjamin
de Tudela and rabbi Petachiah, who visited their
brethren in the twelfth century, they still found one
of these chiefs among the Israelites in Persia, who
boasted that he was lineally descended from the
prophet Samuel. If this account is true, it proves
that these princes were not all of the lineage of
David, as the Jews pretend. It is evident, however,
that they were seldom seen after the eleventh cen-
tury ; and preserved only an empty name without
authority.*
When the Jews were expelled from the east,
multitudes of the nation passed into Africa, and
from thence joined their brethren in Spain, who
were favoured by the caliphs. They had assisted
the Saracens in the conquest of this kingdom ; and
gratitude, as well as policy, induced the victors to
reward those to whose open or secret aid they were
so much indebted. An intimate connexion, there-
fore, took place between the disciples of Moses and
those of Mahomet, which was cemented by their
reciprocal hatred of the Christians ; and subsisted
till their common expulsion. f
Some of the most learned men among the Jews,
after their banishment from the east, found an asy-
lum in Spain, and were patronized by the Saracen
monarchs. This period, therefore, was one of the
most brilliant epochas of Jewish literature from the
time of the destruction of Jerusalem. Even in the
darkest ages of their history they cultivated their
language with assiduity, and were never destitute of
grammarians, or subtle interpreters of the scripture.
* Basnage, p. COS. + History of Spain.
182 HISTORY OP THE JEWS.
But, generally speaking, it was only during their
union with the Saracens in Spain,* or in the flou-
rishing ages of the caliphs of Bagdat, that they
ventured into general literature, and used in their
writings a foreign, and consequently (in their view)
a profane language.f
While the attention of the Christians and Ma-
hometans in Spain was occupied by (heir mutual
hostilities, the Jews enjoyed an interval of tranquil-
lity. Their academies were in a flourishing state
under the Saracen monarchs ; and they became
numerous and affluent. During this prosperous
era many learned doctors appeared among them,
whose erudition has been celebrated by Jewish
writers. fThe Talmud, however, was so little
known in Spain, that they were obliged to send
deputies to the Babylonian academies, to decide the
disputes which arose among them. Even the prayers
which they offered up on the grand expiation day,
and other national fasts, were composed by one of
the Babylonish rabbies.jj Hasheym II. the Saracen
monarch of Cordova, Who was a friend and patron
\ to the Israelites, commanded this celebrated work to
be translated into the Arabic language, in order
either to gratify his curiosity, or prevent their
frequent excursions to Bagdat, or Jerusalem, from
which it is said he apprehended fatal conse-
quences. J
The wars in Spain, which raged with violence
during the eleventh century, and the revolutions to
* The Saracens subdued Spain in the eighth century,
t Butler's Horae Biblicse. + Basnage, p. 606.
^ About the beginning of the eleventh century, Toledo, Valentia,
HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
which they gave rise, were in their commencement
beneficial to the Jews. Rabbi Samuel Levi, being
secretary and prime minister to the king of Grenada,
was by him appointed chief of their nation, and
exerted himself to the utmost to promote their
interest and honour. For this purpose he sent for
some of the most learned Jewish rabbies from
Babylon and Egypt, to whom he was a liberal bene-
factor. His countrymen had the satisfaction of
seeing his son succeed him in all his dignities.
[A. D. 1055.] Their joy, however, was damped
by his arrogant behaviour, which was very different
from that of his father, who in the zenith of his
prosperity was distinguished for humility and
moderation.*
The interval of tranquillity which the Jews en-
joyed, was, about the middle of the eleventh century,
disturbed by an unfortunate event. Joseph Hallevi,
a learned and zealous rabbi, assisted by the Arabic
version of the Talmud, endeavoured to convert the
Mahometans to the Jewish faith. The king of Gre-
nada, highly exasperated at this attempt against the
established religion, caused the principal offender to
be apprehended and executed. A violent persecution
of his nation immediately followed, and one hundred
thousand families experienced its destructive effects.
The severity of this monarch was more sensibly felt
after a series of prosperity, which had rendered
them affluent and powerful. They were appre-
hensive that the other sovereigns would follow his
Seville, and almost all the great cities in Spain, had their independent
kingdoms. RtuseFs Modern Europe, vol. i. p. ISO.
* Basnage, p. 607.
184 HISTOEY OF THE JEWS.
example. But the persecution was quickly sup-
pressed, and did not extend beyond the kingdom of
Grenada.*
The Jews were exposed to suffer still more severe
and cruel treatment under king Ferdinand. This
monarch, having declared war against the Saracens,
resolved to consecrate his enterprise by previously
/ extirpating all the Israelites in his kingdom. But
the Spanish prelates openly condemned and opposed
this measure ; and pope Alexander II. wrote a letter
to them, in which he highly commended their
opposition to Ferdinand's bloody design ; severely
reproved this monarch for his furious and unchristian
zeal ; and reminded him of the example of pope
Gregory the Great, who had strenuously opposed
similar persecution, and the demolishing of the
synagogues. The united remonstrances of the pope
and bishops delivered the Jews from the impending
evil.f
A. D. 1080.] The revolution, caused by the
Moors in Africa, more effectually extricated them at
this period from persecution. Alphonso, the suc-
cessor of Ferdinand, being extremely distressed by
the increasing power of the Saracens, found himself
obliged to befriend and caress the Jews, in order to
obtain from them personal and pecuniary assistance.
Accordingly he promoted them to great and lucrative
offices ; and even allowed them to be judges over
the Christians. Pope Gregory highly disapproved
of this last instance of the king's indulgence ; and
upbraided him with having exalted the synagogue
of Satan above the church of Christ." The reinon-
* Basnage, p. 607. + Ibid.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 185
strances of the Roman pontiff could not induce the
monarch to diminish those privileges, which he had
granted merely from interested motives.*
A. D, 1096.] Peter I. the grandson of Alphonso,
was equally regardless of the remonstrances of
Nicolas de Valeutia, who endeavoured to prejudice
the king against the Jews, by painting in strong
colours their hatred to the Christians ; and assuring
him, that they were his most dangerous and inve-
terate enemies. But this monarch was averse to
persecution ; and maintained that violence would
have no lasting, or beneficial effect. The moderation
of Peter could not, however, preserve this 'unhappy
people in several other parts of Spain from the fury
of the crusaders, f who massacred vast numbers of
* Basnage, p. 607.
t The crusades, or expeditions to recover the holy land from the
hands of the Mahometans, commenced about the year 1095. The
foundation of these expeditions was a superstitious veneration for those
places where our Saviour performed his miracles, and finished the
work of redemption. Peter the Hermit, a native of Amiens in
Picardy, had made the pilgrimage to Jerusalem, and being deeply
affected with the dangers to which the pilgrims were exposed, as well
as Ihe oppressions which the eastern Christians endured, formed the
bold design of leading into Asia, from the furthest extremities of the
west, armies sufficient to subdue that warlike nation, which then pos-
sessed the holy land. This fanatical monk ran from province to
province, with a crucifix, exciting princes and people to the holy war;
and wherever he came kindled the same enthusiastic ardour with
which he himself was animated. People of all ranks caught the
contagion ; not only the gallant nobles of the age with their martial
followers, but men in the more humble and pacific stations in life ;
ecclesiastics of every order, and even women and children engaged
with emulation in an undertaking which was deemed sacred and meri-
torious. If we may believe the concurring testimony of contemporary
authors, six millions of persons assumed the cross, which was the
badge that distinguished such as devoted themselves to this holy
warfare. Nor did the fumes of this enthusiastic zeal evaporate at
186 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
, them. Under the idea of procuring a blessing on
their expedition, they destroyed the descendants of
those, who crucified our Saviour.*
Notwithstanding all the persecutions the Jews
suffered in Spain during the eleventh century, many
rabbles appeared, who were distinguished for ability
and learning. Samuel Cophni, a native of Cordova,
published a commentary on the Pentateuch, the ma-
nuscript of which is still extant in the Vatican library.
Soon after him flourished the five Isaacs at nearly
the same period; one of whom, called Isaac Alphesi,
came from Africa to Spain. He was esteemed the
most learned man of his age ; and was chosen chief
of the captivity in this kingdom. The second of
the Isaacs was the son of Baruch, who derived his
origin from the ancient Baruch, and pretended, that
his family came to Spain as early as the reign of
Titus, and had subsisted there till this time. He
understood Latin, Greek, and Arabic ; and was so
profoundly versed in mathematics, that the king of
Grenada, who was a passionate admirer of this
science, sent for him to court in order to receive his
instructions. This monarch treated him with such
flattering distinction, that he continued to reside at
his court till his death, which took place 1007. The
other three Isaacs were also men of distinguished
ability and learn ing. f
once ; the phrensy was as lasting as it was extravagant Daring two
centuries Europe seems to have bad no object but to recover, or keep
possession of the holy land; and during this period vast armies conti-
nued to march to Palestine. Robertton't History of Charlet P.
vol. i. p. 22.
* Basnage, p. 608.
t Basnage, p. 609. Modern Uaiver. Hist. vol. xiii. p. 256.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 187
The number of famous rabbies, who appeared in
Spain during the eleventh and twelfth centuries,
gave rise to disputes respecting the utility of stu-
dying the sciences. Those who had acquired a taste
for literature ardently wished to make farther im-
provements. According to Enfield,* " the attention,
which was paid to the writings of Aristotle,f both
by Arabians and Christians, excited the emulation of
the Jews, who addicted themselves to the study of
the Peripatetic philosophy. This innovation, so
inconsistent with the reverence which they professed
to entertain for the law and traditions of their fathers,
was exceedingly displeasing to the zealous advocates
for Talmudic learning, who easily perceived, that as
the one gained ground, the other would decline."
The ancient curse denounced upon the Jew who
should instruct his son in Grecian learning was
revived. But rabbi Solomon-ben-Abraham, who
taught at Barcelona, mitigated the severity of this
decree, which he had not sufficient courage to abolish ;
and pronounced an anathema and sentence of
excommunication against all, who began to study
Greek before they were twenty years old. Rabbi
Mar, however, restored the Jewish students to the
entire liberty of learning the languages, as well as
the arts and sciences. J
In Prance, during the tenth and eleventh cen-
* Enfield's Philosophy, vol. ii. p. 204. -,
t To facilitate the study of Aristotle among the Jews, his writings
were translated from the Arabic to the Hebrew tongue- Several other
ancient works, particularly the Elements of Euclid, and the medical
writings of the Greeks, towards the close of the thirteenth century,
appeared in a Hebrew dress.
i Basnage, p. 610.
188 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
turies, only a few rabbies appeared, who were dis-
tinguished for ability and learning^ The most cele-
brated among them was rabbi Gersion, who flourished
in the eleventh century. Some suppose he was a
native of Germany ; however, he published his
book of constitutions in this kingdom. Though
a long time elapsed before this work met with the
approbation of the other Jewish doctors ; yet it
was received as a code of excellent laws about the
year 1204, and its author dignified with the title of
the " Light of the French Captivity."*
Jacob, the son of Jekar, one of Gersion's pupils,
was a great musician and casuist; and the succeeding
Jewish doctors followed his decisions with implicit
reverence. Rabbi Judah, another of his disciples,
also held a distinguished rank among the learned men
of his nation. He composed a treatise on the rights
of women ; and a work on the Jewish calculations of
time. According to his account their first epocha
was from their departure from Egypt ; they began
another date from the period in which they were first
governed by kings ; and a third from the time
Alexander the Great first entered Jerusalem, which
was observed till the tenth century, during which
period rabbi Sherira flourished, and obliged his
nation to date from the creation of the world. He
also published a number of sermons. Another of
Gersion's pupils, rabbi Moses Hardarsian, or the
preacher, acquired a distinguished reputation. He,
and rabbi Judah, introduced the custom of preaching
in the synagogues, which had been much neglected.
The former was the author of a commentary on
* Basnage, p. 610.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
J89
Genesis, which has often been quoted by Christians
against the Jews.*
Joseph-Ben-Gorian, known to his nation by the
name of Josippon, is supposed, by Basnage and
others, to have been a French rabbi of the eleventh
century. He endeavoured in his History of the
Jews, written in Hebrew, to pass for the famous
historian Josephus, and has succeeded with his
nation. f But the most learned Christian writers
reject this performance as spurious, on account of
the many interpolations, modern names, and con-
tradictions, which are found in this history.
* Basnage, p. 609.
t Priestley's Letters to the Jews, p. 4. David Levi asserts, that
the work called Josephoen Ben Gorian was written bj Josephus to the
Jews in Hebrew; and that the other history, to which his name is
prefixed, was written to the Romans in Greek. Lev?* Letters to
Priestley, p. 67.
190 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
CHAPTER XIIL
Of the Jews in Hungary during the eleventh century. Persecution of
this people in Germany and Bohemia. The Crusaders massacre
vast multitudes of them in their march through the cities of Ger-
many to the Holy Land. They arrive at Jerusalem, besiege and
take the city, and put all the Jews to death. Of the second crusade.
The Jews are massacred in most parts of Europe.
A.D. 1092.] DURING the latter part of the
eleventh century, St. Ladislaus, king of Hungary,
convened a synod, which prohibited the Jews from
marrying Christian women, or purchasing slaves
who had embraced this religion. Colo man, his son
and successor, also forbade their making use of
Christian slaves ; but he permitted them to buy and
cultivate lands within the jurisdiction of a bishop.
These laws clearly demonstrate, that they were
numerous and powerful in this kingdom.*
The number and power of the Jews had also
become great in Germany ; and they had erected
superb synagogues in most of the principal cities,
particularly at Treves, Cologne, Metz and Francfort.
They had passed from Franconia into Bohemia ; and
having in the eleventh century assisted the Christians
against the irruptions of the barbarians, were
allowed the privilege of a synagogue. They suf-
fered indeed severe persecutions in several parts of
these kingdoms ; and the fanaticism of the populace
frequently exposed them to destruction. A priest
named Gotescal, at the head of fifteen thousand ban-
ditti, declared war against them ; and being sup-
ported and encouraged by several monarchs, passed
* Basnage, p. 616.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 191
into Hungary, and committed the most horrid out-
rages upon this unhappy people. But at length it
being discovered, that he pillaged the Christians as
well as the Jews, he was surprised and slain with
the greatest part of his army.
Not long after, the landgrave of Lininghen
declared himself the persecutor of the Jews, and
committed several acts of violence against them. But
on his attempting to penetrate into Hungary, he
was surprised and defeated. The emperor Henry IV.
exerted himself in defence of this oppressed people ;
and ordered them to be reinstated in their abodes
and property. This occasioned fresh complaints
against them : and they were accused of having
exaggerated their losses, in order to enrich them-
selves by a more plentiful restitution.*
A. D. 1096.] Soon after, the Crusaders in-
volved them in the most terrible calamities they had
ever experienced since the reign of Adrian. These
expeditions awakened all the rage of their enemies
against them ; and ' ' their population seemed to have
increased only to furnish new victims." The cham-
pions of the cross, in their march through Germany
to the holy land, massacred all who refused to profess
the Christian religion. Fifteen hundred were burnt
at Strasburgh, thirteen hundred at Mayence ; and
the flames being communicated to the city, it was in
great danger of being reduced to ashes. -j- This
massacre was continued from the month of April till
July. According to the JewishJ historians, five
* Basuage, p. 616.
t Grcgoire on the Reformation of the Jews, p. 5.
t A. modern Jewish author has thus described the miseries his
192 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
thousand of their nation were either slaughtered or
drowned ; and the number of those, who preserved
their lives by dissimulation, was much more consi-
derable. They were so far from exaggerating, that
the Christian writers make the amount of those who
were destroyed vastly greater. The Batavian an-
nalists assert, that upwards of twelve thousand were
slain in their country ; and all agree, that the
number of those who perished in other parts of
Germany* was almost incredible. Many, in the
phrensy of despair, put a period to their own lives.
Even some women at Treves, seeing the Crusaders
approaching, killed their children, telling them,
te that it was much better to send them into Abraham's
bosom, than to abandon them to the Christian's."
Some of the men barricaded their houses, and preci-
pitating- themselves, their families, and wealth into
nation endured from the fury of the Crusaders : " When from his soli-
tar; retreat an enthusiastic hermit preached the crusades to the
nations of Europe, and a part of its inhabitants left their country to
moisten with their blood the plains of Palestine, the knell of promis-
cuous massacre tolled before the alarm-bell of war. Millions of Jews
were then murdered to glut the pious rage of the Crusaders. It was
hy tearing the entrails of their brethren that these warriors sought to
deserve the protection of Heaven. Skulls of men and bleeding hearts
were offered as holocausts on the altars of that God who has no
pleasure even in the blood of the innocent lamb; and ministers
of peace were thrown into a holy enthusiasm by these bloody
sacrifices. It is thus that Basil, Treves, Coblentz, and Cologne,
became human shambles." Appeal to the Justice of Kings and
Nations, by 31. Michael Berr.
* Metz is, perhaps, the only city in Germany where the Crusaders
did not imbrue their hands in the blood of the Jews. Lewis the
Young, on his departure for Palestine, assembled his army in this
place; and yet it is not said, that the Jews received any insult. The
silence of history in this respect amounts to a positive proof, if we
consider, that Metz theo had historians. Gregoire, p. 242.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
193
the rivers, or the flames, disappointed the malice, or
at least the avarice, of their implacable enemies.
Others, who were less obstinate, fled for refuge to
the palace of Egibert the bishop. This prelate
preached to them a sermon, by which they pretended
to be converted. But as soon as the influence of
terror was withdrawn, all except one resumed their
former religion.
During this period of darkness and fanaticism,
while the public outcry denounced vengeance against
an unbelieving race, it must gratify every benevolent
heart to catch a feeble voice in history whispering
consolation to tbejjufferers in Israel. Our pleasure
is increased when we discover this humanity among
the clergy, who have been often accused of insti-
gating the persecutions against them. > At Mayence
and Spires we find prelates sheltering them from the
fury of the Crusaders, receiving the fugitives to
their houses, and even causing some of their perse-
cutors to be executed. The bishop of Spires, in
particular, has been celebrated for his active inter-
ference in their behalf.*
A. D. 1099.] After murdering the Jews in the
cities through which they passed, the champions of
the cross advanced in order to invest Jerusalem,
which they regarded as the consummation of all
their labours. They took the cityf by assault, after
* Gregoire on the Reformation of the Jews, p. 5, 6.
t This great event took place on the fifth of July, in the last year
of the eleventh century. The Christian princes and nobles, after
choosing Godfrey of Bouillon king of Jerusalem, began to settle
themselves in their newly conquered countries. Some of them, how-
ever, returned to Europe, in order to enjoy at home the glory which
O
194 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
a siege of five weeks ; and impelled by a mixture of
military and religious rage, destroyed the inhabitants
without distinction of sex or age. Their fury rose
to such a height, that all the Jews, being the suc-
cessors of those who had crucified our Saviour, were
most inhumanly put to death.*
A. D. 1147.] The persecutions which the Jews
suffered from the Crusaders were not terminated after
the conquest of Jerusalem. Other expeditions were
undertaken in order to secure to the Christians the
possession of the holy land, to enlarge their con-
quests, and to recover the city after it was retaken
by the Mahometans. f The second crusade was
promoted by the exhortations of St. Bernard, and
supported by the emperor Conrad, and the French
king Lewis VII. The hermit Rodolphus, who was
commissioned to proclaim the holy war along the
banks of the Rhine, earnestly inculcated upon the
German princes the necessity of exterminating the
enemies of Christ within their own territories.
Other preachers followed his example ; and the
Jews, seized with consternation, retired to Nurem-
burg, and other cities, in which the emperor kindly
received and protected them. Many of the Chris-
tian bishops highly condemned the hermit's perse-
cuting doctrine. St. Bernard in particular severely
they had acquired by this popular enterprize. Hume's History of
England, vol. i. p. 232.
* Guthrie's History of the World, vol. vii. p. 66. Gibbon,
rol. zi. p. 65.
i From the time that Jerusalem was taken by the western Chris-
tians, that is, from July 5, 1099, to the end of the year 1162, the
city was governed by five Latin kings, and the church by eight patri-
archs. Jfarilie'i Travels
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 195
censured it ; and, in a letter to the archbishop of
MetZj advised to have the fiery zealot banished to
his solitude. Not contented, however, with writing
pathetic letters upon the subject, he repaired to
Germany, where he afforded an efficacious protection
to the Jews by the influence he derived from his
talents, learning, and virtues.*
The persecution kindled by the Crusaders was not
confined to Germany, but extended through the
greatest part of Europe. The public outcry was,
" Let us exterminate the descendants of those, who
crucified Jesus Christ ; and let the name of Israel
be no more remembered." But though vast multi-
tudes fell a sacrifice to the bigotry of the princes and
people, a still greater number, driven to despair by
the miseries they suffered, perished by suicide, f
While our attention is engaged, and our feelings
agitated in reviewing the terrible calamities which
the Jews were compelled to endure, we may be led
to inquire, What are the causes of the reciprocal
hatred which has subsisted between them and other
nations ? A celebrated author, who has deeply
interested himself to ameliorate the condition of this
persecuted nation, has given the following answer
to this query.
" The resistance of the Jews in their last war
against the Romans greatly incensed the latter, who
took every opportunity of inspiring all the people of
the empire with their prejudices. The Jews, driven
from their country, but continually elevated by the
imposture of false Messiahs, who added fuel to their
fanaticism, could not tamely submit to a foreign
* Basnage, p. 617. Gregoire, p. 6. t Basnage, p. 616.
02
196 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
yoke ; and they preserved, even to the seventh
century, a spirit of sedition, which excited hatred
against them.
<f Besides, people pardon each other least for
thinking differently in respect to religion ; and if
there be any religion capable of offending the vanity
of those, who are not followers of it, without doubt
it is that of the Jews. Its divine author gave it this
spirit with a view to raise a barrier between his
people and the corruption of those idolatrous nations,
by whom they were surrounded. Judaism is an
exclusive worship ; and though it imposes the obli-
gation of universal philanthropy, its singularity
tends to make other men be considered as odious and
profane. As it professes that there is only one God,
the Gentiles revolted against a dogma which sapped
the very foundation of Paganism ; besides they
never spoke of circumcision, the most ancient of all
rites, but with a smile of derision ; and the passage
from ridicule to contempt is immediate. It is a prin-
ciple in morals, that people do not hate what they
despise : but the misfortunes of the Jews have ren-
dered them an exception. Contempt consigned them
to disgrace, and fury to torture. The Christians,
beholding in them the authors of a Deicide, some-
times forgot the example of their Founder, who,
jwhen upon the cross, implored forgiveness for his
executioners. Mahomet at first shewed a great
respect for the Jews ; but this sentiment soon gave
place to fury. His Koran was filled with violent
declamation against men, enemies to his doctrine ;
and the Mussulmans, who argued with the sabre,
included the Jews in the proscription of all religions
HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
197
different from Islam ism. Length of time gave
strength to this animosity, which became hereditary,
because fathers took care to inspire it into their
children. Soon after, it was supposed that the Jews,
irritated, but too weak to oppose striking vengeance
to barbarous oppression, privately occasioned public
misfortunes ; and the vulgar adopting this idea
without examination, massacred them in the most
brutal manner. The Jews, forced to follow usu-
rious practices, when they became rich excited envy
by their opulence, which rendered them still more
odious. Such are the sources of the hatred which
the whole world have sworn against the Jewish
people, and of the persecution that has every where
followed them.
" The result of these events exhibits action and
re-action. The Jews of the same sect have always
been united together, because there was little dispro-
portion among them of rank and fortune, and very
little luxury. Their years of jubilee brought them
very near to the primitive equality, which civil insti-
tutions continually destroy ; and their misfortunes
have made this union closer, and strengthened its
ties. But, being banished, proscribed, and every
where abused, can they entertain any affection for
their tyrants ? They must indeed conceive an aver-
sion to all those who are leagued against them ; and
particularly to the Christians, whom they consider as
guilty intruders, for having eclipsed their religious
splendour."*
* The above extract is made from the English translation of
Gregoire's Essay on the Physical, Moral, and Political Reformation of
the Jews, p. 30 32.
198 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
CHAPTER XIV.
State of the Jews in various parts of the east in the twelfth century.
Of the princes of the captivity. The Israelites were numerous
in Egypt, but only a small number was found in Palestine. Of
those in the Turkish dominions, and in Italy, Germany, and
France. St. Bernard exerts his influence in their behalf. They are
favoured by pope Innocent II. and Alexander HI. They become
powerful in Spain during the reign of Alphonso VIII.
A.D. 1172.] BENJAMIN of Tudela, a city
in Navarre, affirms that he visited many regions
both in the east and west, in the twelfth century, for
the purpose of ascertaining the situation of the
Jewish people. He published an account of his
travels,* and gave a minute relation of whatever
was honourable and interesting to his nation. He
even invented new countries, and mentioned king-
doms and cities, which did not then exist. A learned
modern author, speaking of this work, and that of
rabbi Petachiah, who travelled about the same
period, observes, that " a wish to magnify the im-
portance of their brethren is discernible in the
writings of both ; and, for their extreme credulity,
both are justly censured. But, after every reason-
able deduction is made on these accounts from the
credibility of their narrative, much will still remain
to interest an intelligent and cautious reader, f
Benjamin informs us, that the Jews in the east, in
the twelfth century, enjoyed the peaceable exercise
of their religion, and possessed several considerable
* This work has been translated from the Hebrew into the French,
by J. P. Barratier.
+ Butler's Horae Biblicse.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 199
synagogues. Four thousand of his brethren inha-
bited Bassorah, an island on the Tigris. Seven
thousand resided at Almozal, answering to the an-
cient Nineveh. In this city our traveller found
Zaccheus, a prince descended from the house of
David, and a Jewish astronomer named Beren ai
Pherec, who officiated as a chaplain to Zin Aldin,*
a Mahometan king. Passing through Rehoboth, in
his way to Bagdat, he discovered three thousand
Jews ; and five hundred at Karchemish,, famed for
the defeat of Pharaoh Necho, and situate on the
banks of the Euphrates.f
The celebrated academy of Pundebita had lost
much of its original grandeur, and contained only a
few learned rabbies, who superintended about two
thousand of their brethren, part of whom applied
themselves to the study of the law. The academy
of Sora was also in a decayed condition ; and that
of Nahardea was only famed for a synagogue, which
its superstitious inhabitants had built of materials
conveyed from Jerusalem. The great men, who
formerly resided in the eastern countries, had fled
to the west ; and the Jewish academies declined in
consequence of their departure. But, though there
were but few learned rabbies in the east, the Jews,
according to our author's account, were still nume-
rous ; he informs us he found ten thousand of them
at Obkeray, which city he pretends was built by
king Jechoniah during the Babylonian captivity. J
* It may appear surprising, that a Jewish astronomer should be
chaplain to a Mahometan prince ; but many of the Jews were induced
to temporize, either through fear, or interested motives. Modern
Universal History, vol. xiii. p. 262.
t Basnage, p 6 19. J Ibid. p. 620.
200 HISTORV OF THE JEWS.
Benjamin arrived at Bagdat during the reign of
the caliph Mostanged, who highly favoured his
nation, and retained a number of Jews in his service.
This prince was well versed in the Hebrew language,
and had acquired some knowledge of the Mosaic
law. The city of Bagdat contained about one
thousand Jews, who possessed twenty-eight syna-
gogues. They were also allowed ten tribunals,
under the direction of ten eminent men of their
nation, who were chosen to transact their affairs.
These chiefs were, however, subordinate to the
prince of the captivity. Benjamin asserts, that the
person who then enjoyed this dignity was styled
Lord by the Jews, and by the Mahometans the son
of David, he being, according to our author, lineally
descended from that monarch. His authority ex-
tended over all his brethren in the dominions of the
caliph ; and from Syria to Hindostan. Our traveller
also affirmed, that this chief received regal honours ;
had an hundred guards to escort him when he visited
the caliph ; and that a herald marched before him,
crying, Prepare the way for the Lord, the son of
David. The Jewish people in the most remote
parts were, he says, obliged to receive their teachers
from him by the imposition of hands ; and he was
enabled to support his dignity by the large presents
and tribute which he received from his nation.*
The existence of a succession of these imaginary
potentates has been strenuously maintained by
Jewish authors. Their views were to aggrandize
the glory of their nation, and deprive Christians of
the force of the argument furnished by the prophecy
* Basnage, p. 620.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 201
/ of Jacob, concerning the termination of the Jewish
S polity and independence speedily after the coming
of the Messiah.*
Some of the most learned of the Jewish rabbies,
however, acknowledge, that the regal and judicial
power has been abolished. David Kimchi lamented
the calamities of his nation, foretold by the prophet
Hosea, and exclaimed, that " he saw in his time the
accomplishment of the oracle; and those days of
exile, in which there was neither prince or king of
the house of David ; but on the contrary, they were
subjected to other nations." Abarbanel also observes
that ie Isaiah speaks of a new calamity the Jews
were to suffer, viz. that they should have neither
kingdom, sovereignty, nor judicial sceptre." The
testimony of these eminent men clearly evinces,
tfiat the Israelites, deprived of jurisdiction in their
native country, possessed only the shadow of au-
thority in the east. Even Benjamin confesses, that
his nation was tributary, that the synagogues were
maintained by means of a patent given by the caliph,
when he was promoted to the regal dignity ; that
the prince of the captivity purchased his privileges
and grandeur ; and that he received his power from
this monarch by the imposition of hands. f
Leaving the province of Bagdat, our traveller
passed through Resen, where he found five thousand
* Gisborne on the Christian Religion.
i The persecution, which the Jews in the east suffered in the pre-
ceding century, renders it probable, that our author's account of the
grandeur of the prince of the captivity is greatly exaggerated. Yet
still he acknowledges, that his dignity was purchased by a tribute to
the caliph, and by large presents to his officers. Basnage, p. 20.
Modern Universal History, vol. xiii. p. 264.
302 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
of his brethren, who possessed a spacious synagogue.
In Hila, about five miles from ancient Babylon, he
discovered four synagogues, and ten thousand Jews.
Passing eastward, he arrived at the banks of the
river Chebar, where he found sixty synagogues.
He asserted, that the prophet Ezekiel was buried
on the banks of this river; that his tomb was pre-
served; and that both Jews and Persians resorted
to it as a place of devotion. In Cufa, once the me-
tropolis of the caliphs, he discovered nearly seven
thousand of his nation, who possessed only one sy-
nagogue.*
Our traveller found the Jews numerous in Egypt,
and computed thirty thousand of them in one city
upon the frontiers of Ethiopia. There were about
two thousand Israelites and two synagogues at Mis-
raim, at present Grand Cairo. The chief of all
the synagogues in Egypt resided in this city; ap-
pointed the Jewish doctors ; and supported the in-
terest of his nation. Several parts of the land of
Goshen were inhabited by Jews; two hundred were
found in one place, in another five hundred; and
nearly three thousand in the city of Goshen. About
the same number resided at Alexandria, and but
a few at Damietta.f
Our author found at Tyre about four hundred of
his nation, most of whom were employed in the
glass manufacture. There were, however, a few
learned men among them, who were well versed in
the Talmud. The Samaritans having abandoned
their ancient capital, some of them retired to Csesarea,
where he found about two hundred, and one hundred
* Basnage, p. 620. f Ibid.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 203
at Sichem, which had become the seat of their reli-
gion. They were extremely strict in solemnizing
their festivals, and offering their sacrifices on Mount
Gerizzim.*
In Jerusalem, the ancient capital of the Jewish
religion, Benjamin found only two hundred of his
nation, who all resided together, and made but a
mean figure in the metropolis. They were not nu-
merous in other cities of Judea ; in one of which
he found only two, in another twenty. Shunan con-
tained about three hundred. At Ascalon there were
five hundred and fifty three, Jews and Samaritans.
Upper Galilee contained a larger number; many of
the Israelites retired into this province after the de-
struction of Jerusalem, and founded the famous
academy of Tiberias. Yet he discovered only one
synagogue in this part of Judea. f
From Palestine our author passed into Greece,
and found two hundred Jews, who resided in and
about Mount Parnassus, and obtained a subsistence
by cultivating vegetables. There were three hun-
dred of this nation at Corinth, and two thousand at
Thebes, who were either dyers, or silk weavers.
There were a small number at Lepanto, Patras,
and other parts of the Turkish empire; but they
were neither numerous nor affluent. When Ben-
jamin arrived at Constantinople, he discovered about
two thousand of his nation, who resided in the
suburb called Galata, or Pera, where they had
formerly been settled by the emperor Theodosius.
They were all silk weavers, or merchants. There
were besides five hundred Caraites, who were sepa-
* Basnage, p. 622. t Ibid.
204 HISTORY OF THE JEW.
rated by a wall from the other Jews, in order to
prevent all intercourse between them. The rem-
nants of the nation in the Ottoman empire were
forbidden to ride on horses throughout the streets
of the cities ; and were hated and insulted both by
Turks and Greeks.*
Prom Constantinople our traveller passed into
Italy : and relates the dissensions, which then reigned
between the inhabitants of Genoa, Pisa, and other
republican cities. He observes, that the Jews were
few in these parts ; and that whatever party gained
the ascendancy, they were sure to be oppressed.
When he repaired to Rome, he found his brethren
more numerous ; among whom were several learned
doctors, particularly rabbi Jechiel, who was super-
intendant of the pope's finances. Capua was no less
famed for the number and learning of her doctors,
though the city contained only three hundred Jews.
Benjamin reckoned five hundred at Naples, two
hundred at Salerno. There were others settled at
Benevento, Ascoli, and Trani. The islands of Sicily
and Corsica also contained a considerable number
of Jews; particularly the former, where he dis-
covered about two hundred at Messina, and five
hundred at Palermo, f
Our traveller passed from Italy into Germany,
where he asserts, that he found his nation not only
more numerous and affluent,^ but also more learned,
devout, and hospitable to strangers. They lamented
* Basnagc, p. 624. + Modern Univer. Hist. vol. xiii. p. 274.
t Benjamin wrote an account of his travels about 1 1 70 ; in seventy
years, the Jews had recovered from the massacres of the Crusaders,
mentioned in the preceding chapter. Gibbon, vol. ii. p. 26.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 205
the desolation of their city and temple ; and earnestly
expected a glorious recall to their once happy
country. Those, however, who dwelt upon the
banks of the Rhine, were uneasy on account of the
long delay of the Messiah's appearance ; and Ben-
jamin confesses he was not able to console them
by what he related respecting the state of their
nation in the east.*
He concluded his tour with visiting the syna-
gogues in France, in some of which he found but
few Jews. Three hundred of his brethren resided
at Narbonne, under the direction of the famous
rabbi Calonymo, who had acquired great power and
wealth, and was said to have been lineally descended
from king David. In Montpelier there were many
Jews, as well as Turks and Greeks, who resorted
thither from foreign parts.
Lunel, a city in Languedoc, contained an academy,
in which the Jews studied the divine law with intensfe
application. Our author also discovered an assembly
at Paris, who were devoted to the study of the law,
and received those of their nation who repaired to
the city from foreign parts as brethren. f
It appears from the above account, and that of
rabbi Petachiah^J a native of Ratisbon, who visited
his nation at nearly the same period, that the Jews
were in a declining state in many countries. In
particular, their number was greatly diminished on
* Basnage, p. 624. f Ibid.
i Rabbi Fetachiah gives an account of some Jews he found in
Tartary, who did not observe the traditions of the fathers. Upon his
inquiring why they neglected the observance of these traditions, they
answered they had never beard of them. Jlfodern Universal History.
206 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
the banks of the Euphrates ; and in the ancient
cities where they were formerly computed to have
amounted to nine hundred thousand.
A. D. 1147.] St. Bernard, whose humanity to
the Jews has been noticed in the preceding chapter,
continued to repress the violence of their enemies.
He alleged, that it was necessary to tolerate them at
present, in order to effect their future conversion ;
and made use of his influence over pope Innocent
the Second, to inspire him with the same sentiments
of gentleness and forbearance. When this pontiff
made his grand entrance into Paris, they approached
him with profound respect, and presented him the
roll, or volume of their law. Upon receiving it
from their hands, he returned this answer, " I reve-
rence the law given by God to Moses, but condemn
your exposition of it, because you still expect the
Messiah, whom the catholic church believes to be
Christ, who liveth and reigneth with the Father, and
the Holy Ghost." His successor, Alexander III.
also favoured and protected the Jews, and prohibited
the people from insulting- them on their sabbaths,
festivals, or any other occasion. Under such power-
ful patronage, they became flourishing, affluent,
and learned in Rome, and several other cities in
Italy.*
A. D. 1 170.] The Jews were no less powerful
! in Spain during part of the twelfth century. One
of them, named Joseph, was prime minister to Al-
phonso VIII. and had a coach of state, and guards
to attend him. At length, however, he was expelled
from his office, by the treachery and intrigues of
*. Basnage, p. 634.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 207
Gonzales, one of his dependents, who, having' in-
curred the displeasure of his benefactor by his
criminal conduct, resolved to escape the punishment
he deserved, by effecting his ruin. Under pretence
of filling the monarch's coffers, this wretch prevailed
upon Alphonso to grant him eight of the principal
Jews. These he caused to be put to death, and
confiscated their effects. He iiext offered a much
larger sum for twenty more. But the king thought
it more honourable to seize their estates for de-
fraying his expences, than to deprive them both of
their lives and property. This unhappy people,
who rejoiced to be able to purchase their lives and
liberty upon any terms, voluntarily poured immense
sums into the treasury. Gonzales was soon after
imprisoned by the king, and his fall established their
tranquillity.*
Alphonso was afterwards induced to treat the
Jews with great indulgence, in consequence of his
passion for a beautiful young Jewess, named Rachel,
to whom he sacrificed his honour and interest. Her
countrymen, seizing the advantage, grew extremely
powerful and insolent, and the court and clergy
were offended at the haughtiness of their behaviour.
At length, the fury of their enemies rose to such an
height, that they caused the young Jewess to be
murdered. The nation, however, derived essential
benefit from this prosperous epoch, and became
numerous and affluent. Rabbi Eliakim, who was
highly esteemed in Spain, and composed his ritual of
all the ceremonies used in every synagogue, com-
monly styled, " The Ritual of the Universe," has
* Basnage, p. 635.
208 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
computed that there were twelve thousand Jews in
the city of Toledo. They were also in a flourishing
state at Andalusia, where great numbers applied to
the study of theology and the sciences. At length,
they divided themselves into three different sects, of
which Maimonides, who lived at this time, has given
an account. This division was regarded by him as
one of the fatal consequences of the abolition of the
Sanhedrin.*
* Basnage, p. 635.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 209
CHAPTER XV.
Of the learned men who flourished among the Jews during the twelfth
century. An account of the impostors who pretended to be the
Messiah, and of the calamities in which they involved their nation
during this period.
DURING the twelfth century many celebrated
Jewish rabbles appeared, whose abilities and learn-
ing did honour to their nation ; and whose writings
have furnished assistance towards understanding the
Old Testament. They often, however, instead of
explaining the literal sense, eagerly searched after
mystical and allegorical interpretations ; and gave a
tedious and minute detail of the ceremonies, which
had caused them to relinquish the spirit of their
law.*
Nathan Ben Jechiel is ranked among the great
men, who appeared in the twelfth century. He was
the author of a work called Harak, in which he
\jexplained all the terms in the Talmud in so copious
a manner, that he has exhausted the subject. He
was chief of the Jewish academy at Rome; and
died in that city in the year llOG.f
Abraham Ben Ezra, one of the greatest men of
his age and nation, was born at Toledo in Spain,
and styled by the Jews, the wise, great and admi-
rable doctor. He travelled for the purpose of
acquiring knowledge ; and far excelled his brethren
in sacred and profane literature. A learned Italian
writer); asserts, that " he was an able philosopher,
p. 625. + Ibid.
De Roisie's Hebrew Biography. Enfield's Philosophy.
P
210 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
physician, astronomer, mathematician, grammarian,
and poet; and, that he was so well versed in
Hebrew, Chaldaic, Arabic, and other languages,
that he composed in them all with great facility."
His method of explaining the scriptures differed
rom the other rabbies ; for instead of seeking after
mystic interpretations, he generally adhered to the
literal meaning ; and gave such proofs of his genius
and good sense, that the Christians prefer him to the
other Jewish expositors. His most celebrated work
is, "Commentaries on the Old Testament."* He
died at Rhodes, 1174, in the seventy-fifth year of
his age.f
Moses Maimonides, who was eminently distin-
guished among the learned men of this age, was
born of an illustrious family at Cordova in Spain, in
the year 1131. He boasted of being descended
from the house of David, as did many of the
Spanish Jews. He made such a rapid progress in
science and literature, that his countrymen styled
him the " eagle of doctors ;" and asserted that " of
all their nation none ever so nearly approached to
the wisdom and learning of their great founder and
lawgiver as Moses the son of Maimon." At length,
however, the superiority of his genius, and the vast
fund of knowledge which he acquired, excited
the envy and jealousy of the Jews. Perhaps also
his connexion with Averroes, a celebrated Arabian
philosopher, who was one of his preceptors, might
* He also wrote various theological, grammatical, mathematical,
and astrological works, many of which remain in ancient libraries,
not yet edited.
t Basnage, p. 626.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
have led him to adopt obnoxious opinions. His
writings, particularly his Moreh Nevochim, or reso-
lution of doubtful questions, soon raised him many
opponents. The design of this work was to explain
the meaning of several difficult and obscure words,
phrases, metaphors, parables, allegories, &c. in
scripture. It was written for the benefit of those
who were in doubt whether they should interpret
such passages according to the letter, or rather figu-
ratively and metaphorically. It was asserted by many
at this time, that the Mosaic rites and statutes had
no foundation in reason ; but were ordained by God
upon a principle purely arbitrary.* /On the other
side, Maimonides argued, that the Mosaic dispensa-
tion in general was instituted with a wisdom worthy
of its divine author, and explained the causes and
reasons of each particular branch of it.) But he
exhibited less respect for the decisions of the Talmud,
than the other Jewish doctors who preceded him.
Those of his nation who were most attached to these
fables were highly offended. Rabbi Solomon, then
chief of the synagogues at Montpelier, persuaded
the doctors who studied under him to engage in
defence of the Talmud. Accordingly they not only
opposed the doctrine of Maimonides, but endea-
voured to blast his reputation. They burnt his
works, and excommunicated those who read them,
and addicted themselves to the study of philo-
sophy, f
The rabbies of Narbonne, with the great David
Kimchi at their head, exerted all their eloquence in
* Basnage, p. 627. Biographical Dictionary,
t Basnage, p. 627. Modern Universal Hist. vol. xiii. p. 287.
P 2
HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
defence of Maimonides, and excommunicated their
brethren at Montpelier. This contention lasted
forty years, and called forth the abilities of the
learned men on both sides of the question. The
schism to which this dispute gave rise was abolished
in 1232.
Maimonides, finding- his residence in Spain trou-
blesome and hazardous, removed to Egypt, and
settled at Cairo. His knowledge of the healing art
induced the sultan of Egypt to choose him for his
physician ;, and he employed his credit at court in
protecting his nation. He also founded an academy
at Alexandria for their benefit, and gained many
pupils from various countries. They were, however,
soon dispersed by persecution. Some assert, that
this great man died in Egypt 1201 ; others, that
his death took place in Palestine 1205.*
This learned Jew was not only master of many
eastern languages, which was a singular accomplish-
ment in his time, but was well versed in the Greek
tongue, and had read the works of the Grecian phi-
losophers, whom he frequently quotes. He was
celebrated for his knowledge of the arts and sciences,
as well as languages ; was eminently distinguished as
a physician ; and in Talmudic learning excelled all
his cotemporaries.f His writings are too numerous
to be particularly mentioned.];
Solomon Ben Isaac Jarchi is ranked among the
illustrious rabbies of the twelfth century. He was
* Basnage, p. 037. i Enfield's Philosophy, vol. ii. p. 205.
* He was the author of twenty-five noted works, besides some
others of less importance. Modern Universal History, vol. xiii.
p. 211.
HISTORY OP THE JEWS. 213
born 110$, at Troyes in Champagne, in France.
Having 1 acquired a large fund of Jewish learning, he
travelled through Germany, Italy, Greece, Jerusa-
lem, Palestine and Egypt, where he had an inter-
view with Maimonides. Prom Egypt he passed to
Persia, and thence to Tartary and Muscovy. After
his return to Europe, he visited all the academies,
and disputed against the professors, upon any ques-
tions proposed by them. He was well versed in
physic and astronomy, and master of several lan-
guages besides the Hebrew. He wrote Commenta-
ries on the Pentateuch, and some of the Prophets ;
also on the Gemara, which procured him the title of
Prince of Commentators. He died at Troyes,
11SO.*
The family of the Kimchis has been eminently
distinguished in the annals of Jewish literature.
Joseph Kimchi was a man of great learning, but a
violent enemy to the Christians, whom he inveighed
against in his writings. David Kimchi, his son,
one of the most zealous defenders of Maimonides,
flourished in Spain at the end of the twelfth/ and at
the commencement of the thirteenth century. This
celebrated rabbi far excelled his father in ability and
learning, and had not imbibed such strong preju-
dices against the Christians. His writings have been
held in such high estimation by his nation, that they
supposed it impossible to attain to any eminence in
letters and theology without studying them. He
composed a grammar and dictionary of the Hebrew
language, by which he acquired the reputation of
excelling all the Jews who preceded him in gram-
* Basnage, p. 657. General Biographical Dictionary.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
matical knowledge. He also was the author of a
Commentary on the Psalms., and other books of the
Old Testament. Part of this work has been
translated into Latin, and inserted in the Bibles of
Venice and Basil. Moses Kimchi, his brother, was
also distinguished for his learning ; and has written
a treatise, styled the Garden of Delight, the
manuscript of which was preserved in the Vatican
library.*
Three celebrated rabbies, named Levi, or Halevi,
appeared during the twelfth century. Abraham
Halevi was a learned cabbalistical Jew, who, having
placed himself at the head of the traditional party,
violently attacked the Caraites ; but being inferior to
them in point of argument, he had resource to
Alphonso VII. for whom he had performed signal
services, and who rewarded him by commanding his
opponents to be silent.f
Juda Levi was the author of the Cosri, a pole-
mical treatise on religion, especially the Jewish ; and
a pathetic elegy, in which he deplored the destruc-
tion of Jerusalem.];
Another learned rabbi, named Judas Halevi, was
born at Cologne ; and after many conferences with
the Christians became a convert, and was baptized
by the name of Herman. After he embraced Chris-
tianity, he entered among the regular canons of
St. Augustine.
Some learned Jewish women appeared during the
* Basnage, p. G30. t Ibid.
$ Thi elegy has been translated by Mr. Bing, and inserted in a note
of Gregoire's work on the Reformation of the Jews, p. 280.
*, Basnage, p. 630.
HISTORY OP THE JEWS. 215
twelfth century. The rabbi Petachiah, who visited
the synagogues of his nation at that period, has
asserted, that the daughter of the prince of the
captivity was so well versed in the law and Talmud,,
that many resorted to her for instruction, and that
she read lectures through the lattice of her window,
in order to be heard without being seen by her
pupils.
It appears from the Jewish annals, that some of
the nation have been raised to the highest offices in
the courts of princes. Others have acquired applause
at the head of armies ; in particular, the celebrated
don Solomon, a Portuguese Jew, who was as much
distinguished for his knowledge in philosophy, as
for his skill in the military department. His merit
raised him, in 1190, to the dignity of field-master-
general ; and he discharged the duties of his office
with such fidelity, that he soon obtained the
command of the whole army. The envy and jea-
lousy of the grandees was at length excited by his
valour and success. But he subdued their enmity
by his remarkable humility and moderation.*
In the twelfth century several learned Jews re-
nounced their religion. For instance, Samuel Ben
Jehudah, or, as he is commonly called, Asmouil,
deserted the synagogue, and professed the Maho-
metan faith. In order to prove the sincerity of hk
conversion, in 1174 he wrote a book against his
nation, in which he charges them with having altered
the law of Moses. This accusation was received
with such applause by the Mahometans, that they
forbade the quoting or translating any part of
* Basnage, p. 630.
216 HISTOltY OF THE JEWS.
the Pentateuch according to the Jewish or Christian
copies.*
One of the Christian converts received the name
of Peter Alphonso at his baptism. After he deserted
the synagogue, he wrote dialogues against the Jews,
and was appointed physician to Alphonso VII. king
of Castile and Leon. He died in the year HOS.f
It is indeed surprising, that the learned rabbies of
the twelfth century did not sufficiently enlighten
their nation as to prevent their being frequently
duped by impostors. But the number of those who
appeared in this age was greater than in any pre-
ceding or subsequent century. In 1137, a false
Christ arose in France, and engaged his followers to
hold unlawful assemblies. In consequence of the
impostor's crimes, the government caused many of
the synagogues to be demolished. But at length he
and a large number of his followers were appre-
hended and put to death. J
The following year the Persians were disturbed
by a Jew, who called himself the Messiah; and
collected a formidable army of his nation. The
Persian monarch hired him to disband his soldiers ;
but when the stipulated sum was paid, the king
finding himself out of danger, compelled the dis-
armed Jews to reimburse him the money, and
caused the impostor to be beheaded.
In 1157, another false Messiah appeared in
Spain. He was a native of Cordova, and was
supported in his imposture by one of the greatest
rabbies in that city, who had previously written a
* Basnage, p. 630. t Modern Univer. Hist, vol.xiii. p. 291.
t Jortin's Remarks, vol. ii. p. 304. S Basnage, p. 632.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 21?
book to prove the near approach of his manifes-
tation by the stars. The majority of the most
intelligent Jews regarded him as insane ; but the
great body of this infatuated people believed in
him, and many were ruined by their blind credu-
lity.*
Ten years after, another impostor declared that
the Messiah would manifest himself in the course of
a year. This person appeared in the kingdom of
Fez, and involved the Jews,, who were dispersed
through the country , in a new persecution.
The same year an Arabian Jew assumed the title
of the Messiah, and pretended to work miracles,
and gained many followers. But at length he was
apprehended, and brought before the Arabian king.
When he was questioned by the monarch, what had
induced him to act this imposture, he boldly replied,
that he was indeed a prophet sent from God. The
king then asked him, what miracle he could perform
to confirm his mission ? Cut off my head, said he,
and I will return to life again, f The monarch took
him at his word, promising to believe in him, if his
prediction was fulfilled. After his death his deluded
followers cherished the expectation, that though he
did not immediately rise from the dead, he would
at length reanimate their hopes by his appearance.
But they were compelled to give up the idea, and
were severely fined and punished for their blind
credulity. J
* Basnage, p. 635. Jortin's Remarks, vol.ii. p. 304.
+ This is supposed to have been an artifice of the impostor, who
preferred a speedy death to the cruel and lingering torture to which
he would otherwise have been exposed.
t Basnage, p. 63?.
5218 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
Some time after, a Jew who dwelt beyond the
Euphrates, called himself the Messiah, and drew
vast multitudes after him. He founded his preten-
sions on his having been a leper, and being wonder-
fully healed in one night of this obstinate disease.
The Jewish doctors soon persuaded him and his
followers, that this supposed miracle was not a suf-
ficient evidence of his mission. The populace
became ashamed of their blind credulity ; but, as
they had taken arms in his cause, a fresh persecution
was raised against them. One of their writers
informs us, that, exhausted with their sufferings on
his account, ten thousand of this miserable people
renounced their religion ; which has rendered the
memory of this impostor odious to the whole
nation.* .dm
In the year 1174, another pretended Messiah
arose in Persia. This impostor seduced multitudes
of the common people, and involved his nation in
a new and severe persecution.
A Jew, named David Almusser, appeared in
Moravia, in the year 1196, who set up for the
Messiah, and boasted that he possessed the power of
rendering himself invisible whenever he pleased.
Vast multitudes followed him, and were deceived by
his artifice. In order to prevent the ill consequences
of his popularity, the king promised him his
life on condition that he would surrender himself.
He complied ; but the prince caused him to be im-
prisoned. He had the address, however, to escape ;
and for some time eluded all pursuit. At length the
king summoned the Jews to deliver him up ; and, in
* Basnage, p. 632.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
order to avoid a fresh persecution, they complied.
He was put to death, and a heavy fine imposed upon
his nation.*
David Alroi, or El-David, was the most famous
impostor, who appeared during the twelfth century.
He was a native of Almaria, which city contained
about one thousand Jews, who paid tribute to the
king of Persia. In the year 1199 he assumed the
title of the Messiah ; and being a man of learning,
and well versed in all the arts of deception, he
attracted many followers. After he had deluded the
populace by his pretended miracles, he prevailed
upon them to arm themselves in his cause. The
Persian king, alarmed at the rapid progress of the
insurgents, commanded the impostor to repair to
court, promising, that if he proved himself the
Messiah, he would acknowledge him as a king, sent
from heaven. El-David, contrary to expectation,
obeyed the summons, and assured the king that he
was really the Messiah. Upon which he was ordered
to be imprisoned till he could prove his mission by
extricating himself by a miracle. He had the
address to escape, and though the king despatched
messengers in search of the impostor, they were
unable to find and apprehend him. But at length,
upon a promise of receiving ten thousand crowns,
his father-in-law consented to betray and put him to
death. Vast numbers who had been deluded by him
were cruelly slaughtered, f
After giving an account of the false Messiahs who
appeared among the Jews, Dr. Jortin remarks, " It
* Basuage, p. 632. Jortin's Remark*, vol. ii. p. 304.
t Basnage, p. 633.
220
HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
may seem strange that they should have rejected
Christ, who gave them so many proofs of his mission,
and yet should follow every impostor who pretended
to be the Messiah, without offering any sufficient or
even plausible evidence of it. The reason is plain ;
our Saviour, by not setting up a temporal kingdom,
dashed all their worldly views at once ; but the
claimers of the title of Messiah began with promises
of delivering them from their enemies, and restoring
to them their country, and their lost liberties."*
* Jortin's Remarks, -vol. ii. p. 319.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
CHAPTER XVI.
Of the Jews in England. William the Conqueror brings a colony of
them into the kingdom. They are favoured by William Rufus.
Henry II. grants them new cemeteries in London. They are mas-
sacred at the coronation of Richard I. Their sufferings from the
Crusaders. Five hundred perish by suicide in York Castle. Of
the cruel oppression they suffered under king John. They are also
oppressed by Henry III. They are accused of adulterating the
coin ; two hundred and eighty are executed for that crime in
London. They are expelled from England by Edward I.
IT is difficult to ascertain at what period the Jews
first settled in England. But it appears that there
were considerable numbers established in the king-
dom before the conquest.* William the Conqueror
brought a large colony of this nation from Rouen in
Normandy for a stipulated sum of money, which
they presented him. After he had introduced them,
he assigned them a place to inhabit, and carry on
commerce. It appears by an ancient law, mentioned
by Sir Henry Spelman, that they were mere vassals
to the king, and could not dispose of their persons
or property without his consent.
During the feudal ages, the Jews appear to have
been the most opulent, polished, and literary
* Basnage asserts, that the English Jews were banished from the
kingdom in the beginning of the eleventh century. But does not
mention on what account, or under what monarch the expulsion took
place.
Dr. Tovey, the author of a work called Anglia Judaica, who has
taken great pains to search after the antiquities of the Hebrew nation
in England, contends that the existence of Jews in the kingdom, was
coeval with Julius Caesar, and says nothing of any banishment of
them prior to that of Edward I. Adams' Religious World Displayed,
vol. i. p. 11.
222 HISTORY Of THE JEWS.
% portion of the laity. They were the only bankers,
j or, as the vulgar termed them, the usurers of the
times. They conducted what then existed of
foreign trade ; and often visited the civilized south
/ of Europe. They wrought most of the gold and
\ silver ornaments for churches.
William Rufus, who was an irreligious prince,
highly favoured this singular people ; and not only
permitted, but encouraged them to enter into solemn
contests with his bishops concerning the true faith.
It is said, that he sent for some learned Christian
divines and rabbies, and ordered them fairly to
dispute the question of their religion in his pre-
sence; assuring them he was perfectly indifferent
between them, and that he would embrace that
doctrine which upon comparison, appeared to be
supported by the most solid arguments. Accord-
ingly, it is related, that there was a public meeting
of the chief leaders on both sides in London, where
the Jews opposed the Christians with so much
energy, that the bishops and clergy were not without
some solicitude how the dispute might terminate.
No other class of men were at this time sufficiently
enlightened to engage with the priesthood. Some
young Jews were even so imprudent as to value
themselves upon their infidelity. It has been asserted,
that they became so powerful and opulent towards
the conclusion of the reign of William Rufus, that
m
they not only held public disputes, but endeavoured
by pecuniary bribes and other allurements to induce
the poor to embrace their religion.*
* Hume's History of England, vol. i. p. 189. Molloy De Jure
Maritime, p. 400.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
223
A. D. 1177.] Henry II. has been highly cen-
sured by monkish writers for tolerating and pro-
tecting the Jews. They were so numerous in his
reign, that, possessing only one burying-ground in
the city of London, they petitioned the king to allow
them some new cemeteries. This request was
granted ; and places to inter their dead were as-
signed them on the outside of every city where they
dwelt. In this reign one Joshua, a Jew, furnished
the rebels in Ireland with large sums of money ; and
their opulence had rendered them so presumptuous
as to ridicule the higher dignitaries of the church.
We may in part attribute to them the spirit which
dictated the constitutions of Clarendon.* In 1188,
the parliament at Northampton proposed to assess
them at 60,000, and the Christians at 70,000,
towards the projected war. The Jews must, there-
fore, have been vastly rich, or the parliament ex-
tremely tyrannical. But this nation, from their
first residence in England, were always considered
as vassals to the crown, who might be pillaged
according to the caprice of the reigning sove-
reign, f
,A. D. 1189.] When Richard I. ascended the
throne, this people brought large presents in order
to secure the royal protection. Many having
hastened from remote parts of England to West-
minster, the court and populace imagined they had
* Decrees enacted by the council of Clarendon, which Henry II.
convened in order to check the usurpations of the pope and clergy.
Hume, vol. i.
t Monthly Magazine and British Register, 1796. Molloy de Jure
Maritime.
224 HISTORY OF THE JEWS*
conspired to bewitch the king,* and an edict was
issued to prevent their presence at the coronation.
But considerable numbers, whose curiosity was
greater than their prudence, fancied they might
pass unobserved among the crowd, and ventured to
insinuate themselves into the abbey. Upon being
discovered, they fled in great consternation ; but the
people pursued them and murdered several.f
A rumour spread rapidly through the city, that
the king, in honour of the festival, had given orders
for the massacre of the Jews : a command so agree-
able was instantly executed on all who fell into the
hands of the* populace. Those who remained at
home were exposed to equal danger ; the people
moved by rapacity and zeal broke into their houses,
which they plundered, after having murdered the
owners. Where the Jews barricaded their doors
and defended themselves with vigour, the rabble set
fire to the houses, and made way through the flames
to exercise their pillage and violence. The usual
licentiousness of London, which the sovereign power
with difficulty restrained, broke out with fury, and
continued these outrages. The inhabitants of the
other cities of England, hearing of the slaughter of
this unhappy people in the metropolis, imitated the
example ; and, though the government published a
proclamation the day after the coronation, in order
to suppress the fury of the populace, the persecution
was continued the greater part of the year. J
* A superstitious idea that the Jews were most of them conjurors
was prevalent during the dark ages. Basnage, p. 638.
t Hume's History of England. Smollet's History of England.
t Hume's History of England.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 225
This miserable race suffered a still more severe
persecution, when Richard I. impelled more by the
love of glory than by superstition, engaged in the
crusades.* They had furnished him with vast sums
towards the expedition ; but this did not satisfy the
people, whose zeal against an unbelieving race was
heightened by the holy war ; and who complained
of the conduct as well as the faith of the Jews.
The prejudices of the age had made the lending of
money on interest pass by the invidious name of
usury; yet the necessity of the practice had still
continued it, and the greater part of this dealing
fell every where into the hands of the Jews, who,
being already infamous on account of their religion,
had no honour to lose. They were therefore apt to
exercise a profession odious in itself, by every kind
of rigour, and even sometimes by rapine and ex-
tortion. The industry and frugality of this nation,
had put them in possession of all the ready money
which the idleness and profusion, common to the
English and other European nations, enabled them
to lend at an exorbitant and unequal interest. f
Those who were preparing for the holy war, felt
indignant that the enemies of Christ should abound
* This was the third crusade. Saladin, the sultan of Egypt and
Syria, had taken the city of Jerusalem from the Christians, and
placed on its walls the banners of Mahomet. This incident rekindled
with fresh fury, the zeal of the military adventurers among the
Christians.
+ Hume, vol. i. p. 135. The Jews took this extravagant interest
with the dreadful prospect of murder before their eyes, and a cer-
tainty of paying a large portion of it to the king. It is, therefore,
natural to suppose, that a people who were exposed to such cruelties
and insults, and had so uncertain an enjoyment of their riches, would
carry usury to the utmost extremity. JUacphenon on Commerce,
Q
226 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
in wealth, while they, who supposed themselves his
peculiar friends and favourites, should be obliged to
deprive their families of necessaries in order to defray
the expenses of the crusades. Hence they persuaded
themselves it would be a meritorious act to destroy
the descendants of those, who crucified our Saviour,
and apply their wealth to this holy enterprize.
Though the king at his departure had left orders
that they should not be molested; yet as soon as he
quitted the kingdom their fury broke out anew.
They destroyed many of these wretched people at
Norwich, Stamford, aiid other places, and seized
upon their property. The murderers took shipping
as soon as possible, and fled to Jerusalem, not so
much as one of them being detained by the magis-
trates, or any further inquiry made respecting their
injustice and cruelty.*
A still more horrid transaction took place at York,
where the Jews were great usurers ; and where,
as they lived in a splendid manner, their opulence
excited envy, and increased the hatred against them.
The populace in this city assembled to inflict the
same barbarities upon them, which their countrymen
had suffered in London, and other places. Upon
which, the principal persons among this people
applied to the -governor of York Castle, and pre-
vailed upon him to grant them an asylum. The
place was sufficiently strong for their defence. But
a suspicion arising, that the governor, who frequently
went out into the city, had combined with their
enemies to destroy them, they one day refused him
entrance. He complained to the sheriff, and to the
* Monthly Magazine and British Register, 1796.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
heads of the violent party who were deeply in debt
to the Jews, and was ordered to attack the castle.
The sheriff, however, repented of, and revoked
the order, and the superior citizens refused their
aid. But, as the fury of the populace could be
appeased only by murder and robbery, an attack
was made.* When the Jews found that they could
not hold out any longer, and their offers of pur-
chasing their lives with money were rejected, they
took the horrid resolution of destroying themselves,
one of the most desperate among them exclaiming
in despair, that " it was better to die courageously
for the law, than to fall into the hands of the Chris-
tians." Accordingly, after setting fire to the towers
of the castle, and destroying their wives and children,
they put a period to their own lives. Five hundred
perished at this time. A few who surrendered in
hopes of mercy, were murdered by the populace, f
Immediately after this dreadful catastrophe, those
who were indebted to the Jews, repaired to the
cathedral where the bonds were deposited, com-
pelled the officer to deliver the obligations, and
discharged their debts by burning them in the
* A late writer asserts, that the leader of the rabble who attacked
the castle was a canon regular, whose zeal was so fervent, that he
stood by them in his surplice, which he considered as a coat of mail,
and reiteratedly exclaimed, " Destroy the enemies of Jesus." This
spiritual laconism invigorated the arm of men, who perhaps wanted
no other stimulative than the hopes of obtaining the immense pro-
perty of the besieged. The same author also asserts, that a venerable
rabbi, who was highly esteemed among his brethren, first proposed
to them to perish by suicide, in order to elude the tortures which
they expected would be inflicted upon them if they fell into the hands
of their enemies. Curiosities of Literature, vol. ii. p. 427.
t Basuage, p. 638. Anderson, vol. i. p. 224. Macpherson, vol. i.
p. 83.
228 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
church, with great solemnity. They also entered
and plundered the desolate houses which belonged
to the Jews. The king, incensed at this insult to
his authority, ordered the bishop of Ely, at that
time chief justice of the realm, to make severe ex-
amples of the guilty. But before he arrived in York-
shire, the principal offenders had fled into Scotland,
and the city of London. Imputing what had hap-
pened to the ungoverned fury of the multitude, the
prelate contented himself with depriving the high
sheriff and governor of their offices, and levying fines
upon the most opulent of the inhabitants.*
A. D. 1199.] The cruel persecutions which the
Jews suffered during the reign of Richard, had in-
duced many of the wealthiest among them to leave
the kingdom. The consequent diminution of the
revenue was so sensibly felt, that John, upon his
accession to the throne, used various arts to allure
them to return. He granted them, upon receiving
a large sum of money, a charter which confirmed
all their ancient privileges ; and allowed them to hold
land, to build synagogues, and name a high priest
by the title of Presbyter Judaeorum.f Many of
this oppressed people returned, and were afterwards
more cruelly plundered than ever. Their exorbitant
* Basnage, p. 688. Smollet's History of England, vol. ii. p. 227.
When the king employed Granville the justiciary to inquire into
the authors of these crimes, the guilt was found to involve so many
of the most considerable citizens, that it was deemed more prudent
to drop the prosecution, and very few suffered the punishment due to
this enormity. Hume's History of England, vol. i. p. 351.
t By the canon law no Jews could erect a synagogue; for if they
attempted to build these places of worship they might be seized by
the crown. Matthew Paris'* History of England. JVacpher$on 0n
Commerce.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 229
usury, united with the religious prejudices of the
age, had rendered them so odious to the people, that
they were continually demanding their expulsion,
or rather extermination. But the English kings
found a more advantageous way of punishing them
by heavy fines. This procedure proved to the Jews
that their extortions would not only be tolerated, but
encouraged, if they were well paid for. This com-
pelled them to rise in their demands upon those who
applied to them for the use of money. And thus
a system of usurious oppression was at the same time
prohibited by law, and sanctioned by the practice
of the sovereigns, who used them as their instru-
ments to fleece the people in order to fill their own
coffers.*
A. D. 1210.] King John, regardless of the pri-
vileges which the Jews had purchased from him in
the beginning of his reign, ordered the whole of
them, women as well as men, to be imprisoned and
tormented till they should pay 66,000 marks. The
ransom required from a wealthy Jew of Bristol,
was 10,000 marks of silver; and on his refusing to
pay that ruinous fine, he ordered one of his teeth
to be extracted every day, to which the unhappy
* The kings even went so far as to claim the whole property of the
Jews. They were to reside only in such places as they assigned them,
so that their officers might on all occasions find them and their fami-
lies. They were not suffered to remove without special license. They
were banished, executed, and subjected to fines and ransoms whenever
the kings thought proper, and were sold or mortgaged to those who
would advance money on their assignment. They were always obliged
to wear a disgraceful mark of distinction on their garments. The
revenue arising from their wealth was so great, that there was a par-
ticular office established for the management of it, called the fix-
chequer of the Jews. Molloy de Jure Maritime, p. 407, 4o
HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
man submitted seven days, and on the eighth agreed
to satisfy the king's rapacity. Isaac, a Jew of Nor-
wich, became bound to pay 10,000 marks. It is
asserted by some historians,* that the king, not
satisfied with the vast sums extorted from this mi-
serable people, confiscated all their property, and
expelled them from the kingdom. It appears, how-
ever, that they soon returned.
A. D. 1216.] Henry III. liberated such Jews
as were in prison, and ordered them to be protected
against the cruelty of the Crusaders.f In 1233, this
monarch founded a seminary, where Jewish converts
might be supported without labour or usury. This
induced many of the nation to profess Christianity ;
and the house continued till after their expulsion
from England. J
Upon a petition of the inhabitants of Newcastle,
the king granted them the inhospitable privilege,
that no Jew should reside among them. During
this reign, the archbishop of Canterbury, and the
bishops of Lincoln and Norwich, in order to expel
the Jews for want of sustenance, published injunc-
tions through their respective dioceses, that no Chris-
tian should presume to sell them any provisions
under pain of excommunication. The prior of
Dunstable, however, about the same period, granted
to several Jews liberty to reside within his domains,
* Matthew Paris. Macpherson, vol. i. p. 376.
t The Jews were so deeply alarmed at the persecution which their
brethren in France, Spain, and Germany, suffered at this time from
the Crusaders, that they purchased an edict from the king to preserve
them from similar outrages. Basnagc, p. 678.
$ Basnage, p. 679.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
in consideration of the annual payment of two silver
spoons.*
A. D. 1235.] The Jews of Norwich were ac-
cused of having stolen a Christian child and kept
him a year, that they might circumcise and crucify
him at the ensuing passover; but being detected
previously to that period, they suffered a severe pu-
nishment. In London they were also accused of
murder, f and, after enduring various vexations and
torments, were deprived of a third part of all their
estates. This, however, did not satisfy the insa-
tiable king, who soon after renewed his extortions.
This wretched people were accused of coining false
money, and counterfeiting the prince's seal ; and
under these pretences were loaded with enormous
taxes. In 1241, 20,000 marks were exacted from
them. Two years after, a Jew, named Aaron, of
York, was compelled to pay four gold and four
thousand silver marks. Seven years after, the same
man was accused of forgery, and condemned to pay
four thousand marks of gold and fourteen thousand
of silver. The high penalty imposed upon him,
which it seems he was thought able to pay, may be
deemed by some rather a presumption of his in-
nocence than of his guilt. J
A. D. 1254.] New supplies were demanded
* Monthly Magazine, 1796.
i It appears probable, that most, if not all the accusations of this
kind were made against the Jews, to give a better pretence for ex-
torting their money ; for, according to Basnage, those of London were
accused of murder, on their refusal to pay the great sums the king
demanded. The least surmise, made upon the slightest foundation,
obtained credit among their enemies, who sought their destruction.
J Hume's History of England.
232 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
from the Jews for carrying on the Spanish war.
Irritated to the highest degree by this oppression,
they requested permission to depart from England
for some more propitious and friendly country.*
But this they were refused, and compelled to pay
part of the contribution. The following year the
king renewed these extortions. He represented,
that notwithstanding the taxes he had raised, he still
continued poor and involved in debt ; and declared,
that " he must have money from any hand, from any
quarter, or by any means." He then demanded
eight thousand marks of the Jews, and, upon
their pleading insolvency, sold them to his brother
Richard for that sura. It was expected he would
demand a rigorous payment of the debt ; but he
compassionated their situation, and was convinced
of their poverty and inability.
A. D. 1262.] The hatred of the people against
the Hebrew nation had, during the reign of Henry,
arrived at such a height, that, when the barons
appeared in arms against the king, they endeavoured
to attach the citizens of London to their interest by
massacreing seven hundred of this devoted race.
An attempt, which was made by one of the nation
to oblige a Christian to pay an enormous interest for
a loan of money, is said to have afforded a pretence
* Elias, a London Jew, undertook to plead for his brethren before
the council ; and made a pathetic speech, representing the impos-
sibility of their paying the sum demanded. Several instances are re-
lated by Basnage of the Jews bribing their judges to be favourable to
them. In particular, John Lunel, though in the ecclesiastical line,
was accused of receiving large sums from many Jews for his pro-
tecting them at the bar, and diminishing their taxes. Page 679.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 233
for this barbarous act.* They first plundered their
houses, and burnt their new synagogue to the
ground, f It was however rebuilt ; but in 1270
taken from them by the king and given to the friars
penitents, who had complained that " they were not
able to make the body of Christ in quiet for the great
howlings the Jews made during their worship."];
A. D. 1276.] In the third year of the reign of
Edward I. a law passed the commons concerning
Judaism, which seemed to promise this unhappy
people a qualified security. The apparent design of
it was to introduce a regularity in the revenue ex-
acted from them, which had hitherto consisted of
arbitrary taxes levied upon them by the king. This
statute prohibited the usury of the Jews, but allowed
them to purchase houses and lands. No Christian
was, however, permitted to lodge in their dwellings ;
and every Jew above seven years of age was obliged
to wear a peculiar mark of two cables joined upon
his upper garment.
* Macpherson on Commerce.
t This synagogue was built during the time the Jews were
most favoured by king Henry; and surpassed in magnificence the
Christian churches. After this synagogue was seized by the king,
it was dedicated to the blessed virgin. M. Paris'* Hist, of England,
p. 393.
i The learned author of Anglia Judaica observes, " that the friars
were situated in Old Jewry, and having but a small dark chapel
belonging to their friary, thought the Jews' fine synagogue which
stood next to it, more convenient for them, and therefore begged it
of the king, and furnished him with that reason for it." David Levi'i
Letters to Priestley, p. 6.
^ Among other curious particulars contained in this statute, with
regard to the terms on which the Jews were tolerated in England, by
the second section, " the good Christians were not to take above half
their substance." Obnervations an the Statute*, p. 180.
r - !-<.-. .
HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
A. D. 1287.] King Edward, however, whose
prejudices against this unhappy people were in-
creased by his expedition into the holy land, treated
them with great rigour. He forbade their selling or
assigning their debts without his license. He
ordered all their repositories throughout the kingdom
to be searched, and established an inquisition to take
cognizance of those who neglected to wear the dis-
tinguishing badges. The oppression and misery
under which they continually groaned appear to
have rendered them regardless of character ; and
the frequent extortion of vast sums from them*
seems to have made them imagine every method jus-
tifiable, which they could take to indemnify them-
selves. They were accused of adulterating the
coin, circulating counterfeit money, and making
fraudulent exchanges. In consequence of their
guilt, and the outcry raised against them, all the
Jews in England were imprisoned on one day, and
two hundred and eighty executed in London, besides
vast numbers in other parts of the kingdom. Their
houses and lands, as well as the goods of multitudes,
were sold and confiscated. The king, lest it should
be suspected that the riches of the sufferers were the
chief part of their guilt, ordered a moiety of the
money raised by these confiscations to be set apart,
and bestowed upon such as were willing to be con-
verted to Christianity. But resentment was more
prevalent with them than any temptation from their
* It was computed, that the Jews paid the crown in the space of
seven years, viz. from the fiftieth year of Henry III. to the second
year of Edward I. no less than four hundred and twenty thousand
pounds, or two hundred and sixty thousand pounds of our modern
money. Anderson on Commerce, vol. i. p. 322.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 235
poverty ; and very few could be induced by inte-
rest to embrace the religion of their persecutors.*
A. D. 1290.] About this time king Edward,
prompted by his zeal and rapacity., ordered the Jews
to be banished from the kingdom, and never to
return, upon pain of death. He seized at once
their whole property, and allowed them only money
sufficient to bear their expences into foreign coun-
tries, where new persecutions and extortions awaited
them.f But the seamen of the cinque ports
despoiled most of them of this small pittance, and
even threw some hundreds of this miserable people
into the sea. The king inflicted a capital punish-
ment upon the perpetrators of this crime. The
number of those who were expelled amountecTto
sjxj;een^thpjisaiid five hundred and eleven. Edward
had previously banished them from his territories in
France. After this expulsion, the Jews never ap-
peared again in a body in England during three
hundred and fifty years. J
* Basnage, p. 680. Macpherson, vol. i. p. 438. Hume, vol. it.
p. 4.
t The clergy were so well pleased with the banishment of the
Jews, that they granted a tenth of their benefices to the king ; and
afterwards joined with the nobility in obliging him with a fifteenth of
their temporalities, to make some amends for the loss he sustained by
the expulsion of a people, from whom his predecessors had exacted
considerable subsidies in the emergency of affairs. Smollet, vol. i.
p. 140.
Anderson on Commerce, vol. i. p. 322. Macpherson. vol. i,
p. 450. Henry's History of Britain, vol. iv. p. 46.
236 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
CHAPTER XVII.
State of the Jews in France. They are expelled the kingdom by
Philip Augustus. They are severely persecuted under the reign of
Lewis IX. who at length banishes them from his dominions. Severe
laws enacted against them by the duke of Brittany, and the
councils of Lyons and Vienne. The Jews are recalled by Philip
the Bold. They are banished by Philip the Fair, and recalled
by Lewis XI. Irruption of the shepherds, and their cruelty. The
Jews are accused of causing the rivers, wells, &c. to be poisoned.
The terrible punishment they suffered for this supposed crime.
They are banished by Philip the Tall. They invent bills of ex-
change. They are recalled by John II. They are accused of
various crimes, and cruelly treated during the reign of Charles VI.
They are finally expelled the French dominions.
WHILE the Jews in England were enduring all
kinds of oppression and misery, their brethren in
Prance were subjected to similar sufferings and per-
secution. About the year 1182, King Philip, sur-
named the August,, under pretence of piety and zeal
for the honour of God, banished them from his do-
minions,* and confiscated their estates. They were
permitted to retain only what could be collected from
the sale of their furniture ; for which they found it
difficult to obtain purchasers. It is even said, that
they were robbed of the small sums they were ena-
bled to raise, and reduced to the greatest misery,
and that many fell victims to these tyrannical pro-
ceedings. Soon after, however, the king ordered
them to be recalled ; and upon finding that this
measure excited the resentment of the Zealots, he
* The murder of a youth named Richard, was laid to their charge,
and served as a pretence for expelling them from France. Picart
p. 173.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 237
excused himself by alleging-, that his object was to
extort money from them to defray the expences of
the crusade.*
A. D. 1218.] After the Jews were resettled in
the kingdom, they resumed their former usurious
practices, and accumulated wealth, with which they
purchased lands.f The king at first connived at
their extortions, because they had bought his pro-
tection ; but, upon the remonstrance of his people,,
new laws were enacted to remedy this evil.
A. D. 1230.] Lewis IX. surnamed the Saint,
in the beginning of his reign called a council at
Melun ; in which a new law was enacted, expressly
prohibiting all his subjects from borrowing any
money of the Jews. It appears from various edicts,
that the effects of all this unhappy people who were
settled in the kingdom belonged to the barons,
within whose territories they had fixed their resi-
dence. They were forbidden by the law to change
their abode without the permission of their lord,
who was empowered to follow and claim them as
fugitive slaves even in the royal domain. It also
appears that they were regarded as an object of
traffic, and transferred with the land from one
proprietor to another, and sometimes sold separately,
their value being estimated according to their talents
* Basnage, p. 636.
t During the reign of Philip Augustus, the Jews were in some
measure the property of the lord in whose territories they resided ;
but servitude did not always prevent them from becoming the pos-
sessors of land. We even find that in France they were the owners
of vast domains ; yet it may be readily perceived that it was a matter
of no great difficulty to deprive these of their wealth, who were
not masters of their own persons. Gregoire, p. 10.
23b HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
and industry. If a Jew became a convert to Chris-
tianity, the whole of his property was confiscated to
the use of his lord.* The passion for extorting
wealth from this miserable race was so vehement,
" that a conversion was considered as a bankruptcy,
and even paradise did not possess the right of
asylum."t
Saint Lewis not only sanctioned and confirmed,
but even extended these oppressive laws. He or-
dered the Jews to be severely fined if they neglected
to wear a distinguishing and disgraceful badge on
their garments, and prohibited them from having
any intercourse with the Christians. During his
reign, when a Jew appeared in evidence against a
Christian, he was compelled to swear by the ten
names of God ; and his oath was accompanied with
a thousand imprecations upon his own head, if he
deviated from the truth. The person who admi-
nistered the oath thus addressed him, " May the
Lord God send you a continual fever or ague, if
you are guilty of perjury ; may he destroy you
in his anger, you, and your family, and your
effects ; may the sword and death, fear and inqui-
* This singular custom of confiscating all the goods of the Jews
who embraced Christianity, was first introduced into France ; and is
known only by the law which suppressed it, given at Basvilie, 1392.
- Thus by a strange and impious inconsistency, this wretched people at
>, one time incurred a severe penalty by renouncing Judaism ; at
*+\ another epoch, those in the same country, who refused to profess
I Christianity, were ordered to be burnt. The practice of confiscating
/ the property of those Jews who professed Christianity began under
i the feudal government, and was continued in most parts of Europe
x_tH the end of the fourteenth century. Mimtesquieu't Works. French
Encyclopedia.
+ Essay on Public Happiness, vol. ii. p. 427.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 239
etude, pursue you on all sides ; may the earth
swallow you up like Dathan and Abiram ; may
all the sins of your parents, and all the male-
dictions contained in the law of Moses fall on your
head." To this dreadful imprecation the Jews were
to answer three times, " So be it."*
A. D. 1288.] The most signal calamity which
the Jews suffered during the reign of St. Lewis was
a persecution raised against them by the Parisians,
on acount, as was pretended, of their sacrificing
some Christian children on Good Friday, and of
using their blood at the solemnity of the passover.
For this imputed act of murder and impiety, they
were cruelly slaughtered in the metropolis. The
persecution was also extended to Brie, Touraine,
Anjou, Poitou, and Maine ; in which places up-
wards of two thousand five hundred Jews^ who
refused to embrace Christianity, were put to death
by the most cruel tortures. Their sufferings would
probably have been prolonged, had not pope Gre-
gory IX. interposed, and written to St. Lewis,
requesting him to allow them liberty of conscience.
During the king's imprisonment in the holylandf
a crusade was formed in his kingdom of simple shep-
herds, whose professed object was to march thither
and release him. They grounded their chimerical
design upon revelations, and pretended they had the
gift of working miracles. The enthusiastic fury
spread till their army amounted to an hundred thou-
sand men, who marched to Bourges, plundered the
* Gifford's History of France, vol. i. p. 436, 437 450.
t St. Lewis was at the head of the sixth and seventh crusades in
1248 and 1870.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
Jews, and seized all their books in order to commit
them to the flames. At length, however, they were
subdued, and many of them put to death.*
The following- year a conference was held in the
presence of Blanche, the queen regent, during
St. Lewis's absence, between rabbi Jechiel, a learned
cabbalist, and Nicholas Donim, a celebrated Jewish
convert. The French authors assert, that Jechiel,
baffled and mortified by the powerful arguments of
his opponent, retired in disgust to Jerusalem. While
the king was under confinement in the holy land, he
sent an edict to France to expel the Jews from his
dominions, which was punctually executed by the
queen regent.
A. D. 1239.] The Israelites being numerous and
great usurers in Brittany, the nobility and merchants
united in a complaint against them to John le Roux,
the duke. An act was passed which declared, that
at the request of the bishops, abbots, barons, and
vassals in Brittany, all the Jews should be for ever
banished from that province. By this law all their
debtors were exonerated, and their effects ordered
to be retained; and those who had recently killed
a Jew were forbidden to be disturbed. The king
of France was to be requested to expel this hated
race, and confiscate their property. The duke en-
gaged for himself and his successors, for the present
and future to support this law; and, if he violated
it, he authorized the bishops to excommunicate him,
and confiscate his lands in their dioceses without
regard to any privileges. f
* Basnage, p. 672. t Ibid. p. 671. Gregoire, p. 248.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
241
A. D. 1240.] The celebrated council of Lyons
passed also a decree enjoining all Christian princes
who had Jews in their dominions, under penalty of
excommunication, to compel them to refund to the
Crusaders all the money they had obtained by usury.
This oppressed people were also prohibited from
demanding any debts due to them from the Crusaders
till their death or return.
The council of Vienna, held in the same century,
defended the Christians against the exorbitant usury
of the Jewish nation. This people, however, not-
withstanding these decrees and precautions, in some
provinces of France, particularly in Languedoc,
were raised to the magistracy,* and in most parts
of the kingdom kept Christian slaves.
A. D. 1275.] Philip the Bold, the successor of
St. Lewis, was induced to recal the Jews in order
to promote commerce, effect the circulation of money,
and improve his exhausted finances. They became
powerful and affluent under the reign of this prince.
In 1290, Edward king of England, banished this
people from Gascony, and his other dominions in
France, f
A. D. 1300.] The example of the English mo-
narch was followed by Philip the Fair, who published
an edict by which all the Jews who refused to profess
Christianity were expelled the kingdom, never to
return upon pain of death. It is allowed, that this
* The city of Montpelier in particular had been frequently ia
danger of seeing a Jew at the head of the magistracy ; upon which
account, William IV. lord of it, found himself obliged to forbid it
by his last will, as his grandfather had done about fifty years before.
Modern Universal History, vol. xiii. p. Sit.
t Hume's History of England.
R
242 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
unhappy people were sacrificed to the king's extreme
avarice,* for he seized upon all their wealth, and
only allowed them money to defray their expenses
to the frontiers. Many perished by the way with
fatigue and want, and those who survived retired
into Germany. Hence the Jews of that country
supposed themselves of French extraction. .Among
those who escaped exile by receiving baptism^ many
relapsecTand returned to J udais m .
The conversion of the celebrated Nicolas de Lyra,
however, appears to have been sincere. He wrote
a learned treatise against his nation, and spent the
remainder of his life in the explanation of the scrip-
tures. Most of the proselytes think themselves
obliged to give a testimony of their faith by writing
against their deserted brethren; but he is said to
have adduced more cogent arguments against them
than any Jewish convert before him. He studied
some time in the university of Paris, and then en-
tered into the Franciscan order. He died at his
convent at Verneuil in the year 1340. f
A. D. 1314.] The same avarice which caused
Philip to expel the Jews from France, induced Lewis
the Tenth, the succeeding monarch, to recal them.
He expected by this measure to recruit his finances,
and thus be enabled to reduce the Flemings to sub-
jection. The condition of their return was paying
a very heavy tax; and the time of their remaining
in the kingdom limited to twelve years. During
this period they were at liberty to engage in trade,
or support themselves by labour. They were allowed
* Basnage, p. 674.
t Modem Universal History, rol. xiii. p. 32 1 .
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 243
to collect their old debts, two thirds of which the
king claimed for himself. They were also permitted
to purchase synagogues, burying-places, and their
books, except the Talmud. But they were BOW
obliged, as before, to wear a particular mark of
distinction. They were prohibited from lending
money on usurious interest, written obligation, or,
in short, any thing but pledges. They were like-
wise forbidden to dispute on religion either in public
or private.*
A. D. 1320.] In the reign of Philip V. surnamed
the Tall, the shepherds and other inhabitants of the
country left their flocks and farms, and asserted, that
they were going to Jerusalem for the relief of the
holy land. With no other weapons than a pilgrim's
staff they marched in great bodies, which were in-
creased by the junction of the populace, which they
met on their way. Their leaders were two profligate
priests, who pretended to work miracles, and thus
imposed upon the credulity of the people. They
ravaged several of the southern provinces, broke
open the prison doors, and enlisted all the criminals
they found into their society. By these means they
made themselves masters of several cities, and com-
mitted the vilest outrages and cruelties; but more
particularly against the Jews. This miserable race,
left to the choice of death or baptism, collected their
most valuable effects, and fled before this tumultuous
rabble. A considerable number of them having
taken refuge in the royal castle of Verdun, in the
diocese of Toulouse, were there besieged by the
shepherds. They defended themselves with vigour
* Basnage, p. 674.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
and desperation ; and, finding* their arms fail, began
to throw their children over the walls in hopes to
excite the compassion of their enemies ; but in
vain.*
The shepherds set fire to the fortress, and expected
to satiate their rage with the slaughter of the be-
sieged. But the Jews perceiving there was no
means of escape, to avoid falling into the hands of
the enemy, requested one of their brethren, a young
man of great strength, to put them all to death.
The wretch accepted the fatal commission, and after
he had massacred five hundred he presented himself
>^ to the besiegers with a few children, whose lives he
had spared, and demanded baptism. His request,
however, was rejected, and he received the punish-
ment due to his barbarity. At length a great
number of the shepherds were apprehended and
executed at different places, particularly at Tou-
louse, where they had massacred all the Jews in the
city.f
A. D. 1330.] This miserable people were ten
years after involved in another calamity, pretended
to have been occasioned by their having suffered
themselves to be bribed by the Saracen king of Gre-
nada, to procure the poisoning of all the rivers,
wells, and reservoirs of water. A leper having de-
posed, that he was hired hy a certain rich Jew to
effect this purpose, the people in several provinces,
without waiting for the necessary formality, attacked
the Jews, and put them to the most cruel death.
Some, driven to despair, perished by suicide. At
* Basnage, p. 675. Gifford.
+ Basnage, p. 664. Gifford, vol. i. p. 539.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 345
Paris, however, none but those who were supposed
guilty were destroyed. The rich were imprisoned
till they would discover their treasures, the greatest
part of which the king seized for his own use, and
expelled this devoted race from his dominions.*
After the Jews were banished the kingdom by
Philip the Tall, they took refuge in Lombardy, and
gave to the foreign merchants bills of exchange,
drawn upon those to whom they entrusted their
effects at parting, and those bills were accepted.
Thus te commerce was seen to arise from the bosom
of vexation and despair." f It was reserved for an \
oppressed people to invent a method, by which
merchants in regions the most remote from each /
other could procure the value of their commodities /
without the inconvenience of transporting gold or I
silver. In this way the Jews often eluded the vio- J^
lence and rapacity of their enemies ; the richest
among them frequently having none but invisible
effects, which they could convey imperceptibly
wherever they pleased. Thus they accelerated their
return ; for though the princes were willing to banish
their persons, they wished to retain their wealth. J
A. D. 1360.] In the reign of John II. the Jews
endeavoured to procure their recall. During the
king's captivity they had made several proposals
* Basnage, p. 675. Giffbrd, vol. i. p. 139, vol. ii. p. 206.
t Montesquieu's Works, vol. ii. p. 60.
J French Encyclo. Gregoire's Observations nouvelles sur les Juifs.
^ King John was taken prisoner in 1356 by the celebrated prince
of Wales, surnamed the Black Prince, sou of Edward HI. of England.
The French king had agreed to pay three millions of gold crowns for
his ransom. The first payment was to be 600,000 crowns ; and a*
France could not then furnish the money, they were obliged to recall
246 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
to the regent, who evinced a disposition to grant
them a favour which they offered to purchase at a
very high price. Soon after his release John pub-
lished a declaration, by which he permitted them to
return and remain in the kingdom twenty years.
Besides the sum which they advanced for this privi-
lege, every master of a family paid twelve florins of
gold on his entrance into, and six florins yearly for
the liberty of residing in France. A general poll
tax was also levied upon them of one florin per
head. The king strictly prohibited their exorbitant
usury, and permitted them only to take moderate
interest.*
During the reign of Charles VI. the Jews were
accused of murdering a new convert, and other
crimes, f for which some were executed, others
scourged, and fines levied upon the synagogues.
These severities induced many to assume the mask
of Christianity. | The people, however, in 1380,
insisted upon their expulsion, and assembled as it is
said at the instigation of certain noblemen, who had
borrowed large sums of this persecuted race, who
though generally considered as the outcasts of so-
ciety, exerted their industry with success in the
acquisition of wealth. The houses of the public
receivers, most of whom were Jews in Lombardy,
were broke open ; the chests in which the money
the Jews, and sell them the liberty of trading in France. Anderson,
vol.i. p. 45'2-
* Gifford, vol. ii. p. 269. Basnage, p. 676.
t Charles VI. during his reign, becoming deranged in his intellect,
it was suspected that the Jews deprived him of his reason. Gregoire,
p. 22.
i Basnage, p. 676.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
24?
was deposited were seized,, and their contents emp-
tied into the streets ; while the registers, bonds, and
all other securities for money lent, were destroyed.
In one street alone thirty houses were pillaged, and
all the furniture, clothes, plate, and jewels, became
the prey of the populace. The Jews endeavoured
to preserve their lives by flight, but most of them
were intercepted and massacred ; while the few who
escaped, took refuge iu the dungeons of the Chatelet.
The women in despair attempted to follow their
husbands with their children in their arms ; but the
mob forced their children from them, and carried
them to be baptized.*
The government was too weak to inflict on the
insurgents the punishment which their crimes
deserved. The Jews, however, were re-established
in their habitations ; and an order was issued by the
council for every one to restore, under pain of
death, whatever he had taken from them ; but the
order was treated with contempt. These miserable
objects of oppression, after being despoiled of their
property, were exposed to prosecutions from those
who had left pledges in their hands ; but an ordi-
nance was passed to exempt them from the conse-
quences, on taking an oath, that the property which
was the object of the action had been taken from
them during the tumult, f
A. D. 1394.] In the reign of Charles VI. a
council, which was held on the 17th of September,,
passed an act for the final expulsion of the Jews
from France. The provost was ordered to super-
intend the execution of the edict, and take an inven-
* Gifford, vol. ii. p. 269. + Ibid.
248 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
tory of all the effects which could be found in their
houses at the time of their departure. They were
obliged to leave the kingdom in November ; and
from this last exile they begin the date of their
years. The greater part of this persecuted people
retired into Germany. In the city of Metz in Lor-
raine they preserved their ancient privileges,* the
city being at the time of their expulsion a free town
in the imperial territories. After it was annexed to
the French dominions, the king of France continued
to tolerate the Jews who were settled there, and for
a long period it was the only place in the kingdom
where they enjoyed a privileged abode, f
Respecting the repeated accusations brought
against the Jews, of crucifying Christian children,
poisoning the rivers, &c. a late author observes, " In
the dark periods of the middle agesj the Jews,
punished but in the most dreadful manner for real
crimes, suffered oftener for crimes merely chimerical.
The relations of their sacrificing Christian children
are given by Christian historians. But even grant-
ing, that rage, madness, or a desire of revenge, may
* The Jews were established at Metz as early as the year 888,
since at that epoch Gorabert the dean brought some complaints
against them. Sigebcrt de Gemblours taught in this city in the
twelfth century with such success, that they eagerly resorted to hear
his instructions. Gregoire on the Reformation of the Jews, p. 283.
t Basnage, p. 676. Clifford, vol. ii. p. 344.
* The middle age, as it is called, is considered as terminating at
the taking of Constantinople in the fifteenth century. Its commence-
ment is not so well fixed by historians, some carrying it back even to
the reign of Constantine, and some only to the division of the empire
under Theodosius. The middle age contains a period of about one
thousand years. The term dark age is sometimes used to express the
ninth, tenth, and eleventh centuries, which were the most barbarous
portions of this dark period.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 24$
have induced some fanatics to commit these excesses,
are we to consider the whole nation as culpable ?
" The poisoning of fountains by bundles of
herbs, or noxious mixtures, forms an accusation
much more absurd ; for in order to commit crimes,
people must be actuated by some motives, and the
hopes of success. But what success could the Jews
expect in poisoning the springs, which were con-
stantly renewed, and from which they themselves
daily drew water. Ask the physicians, if, at a time
when chemistry was only in its infancy, a poison
was known sufficiently active to produce that effect.
Can we allow ourselves to be persuade'd, that the
Jews, who were so much interested in living upon
good terms with other nations, should attempt crimes, /
the execution of which was evidently impossible ;
and which they must naturally expect would provoke
new persecutions?"*
It ought, however, to be remembered, that the
cruelty of professed Christians to the Jews in the
dark ages is no argument against the truth of that
sacred religion, the genuine spirit of which breathes
" peace on earth and good will to men." This
spirit was exemplified in the primitive Christians, the
apostles, and martyrs, and more especially in their
Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who prayed for
his persecutors, saying, " Father, forgive them,, for
they know not what they do."f
* Gregoire on the Reformation of the Jews, p. 26. According
to Basnage most of these accusations against the Jews were the
reports of their inveterate enemies, who continually sought their de-
struction, p. 044.
t See Letters of certain Jews to Voltaire.
250 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
CHAPTER XVIII.
The Jews in Spain are persecuted by the bishop of Toledo. They are
massacred by the Crusaders. Raymond de Penneforte attempts to
convert them. They are favoured by Alphonso X. and James I.
king of Arragon. They are deluded by an impostor, who predicted
the appearance of the Messiah. Irruption of the shepherds. The
pestilence spreads from their army. The Jews are accused of poi-
soning the rivers. They are favoured by Alphonso XL- Their
enemies conspire to destroy them. Fresh insurrections at Toledo.
Many Jews perish by suicide. Of the persecutions they suffered
at Castile and Arragon in the latter part of the fourteenth century.
Pope Benedict appoints a conference between them and the Chris-
tians. A large number of Jews profess Christianity. Of the pre-
tended conversions by Vincent Ferrier. Cruelty of the inquisition.
They are banished from Spain. Terrible distress of the refugees.
They are received into, and soon after expelled from Portugal.
A. D. 1209.] THE sufferings of the Jews in
Spain, were equally severe with those of their bre-
thren in England and France. At the commence-
ment of the thirteenth century, the bishop of Toledo
perceiving them to increase in number and wealth
excited the populace against them, and., putting
himself at their head, entered and plundered their
houses and synagogues. He endeavoured to vin-
dicate his conduct by accusing the Hebrews of having
betrayed the city when it was besieged by the Moors ;
but the silence of impartial historians exculpated
them from the charge.*
A. D. 1212.] The Crusaders, who soon after
assembled near Toledo, completed the work of de-
struction which the bigoted prelate had begun. They
prescribed no limits to their cruelty, but made such
* Basnage, p. 659.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
havock and carnage among this miserable people,
that Abarbanel, a celebrated Jewish writer, con-
sidered this as one of the most severe and bloody
persecutions which his nation ever suffered, and that
it caused a gTeater number to abandon Spain than
Moses conducted out of Egypt. The Spanish nobles
endeavoured to interpose their authority, and to
suppress these cruelties. But Ferdinand, who then
possessed the sovereign power, and wished to in-
gratiate himself with the populace by the extirpation
of the Albigenses and other sects, encouraged and
promoted the persecution.*
A. D. 1250.] During the reign of James I.
king of Arragon, who was distinguished for his zeal
for Christianity, great efforts were made to convert
the Jews. Raymond de Penneforte,f general of
the Dominicans, confessor to the king and minister
to the pope, used energetic measures to effect this
purpose. He had already, by his reputation and
address, suppressed the violence of the populace
against this unhappy people; and persuaded the
king that mildness and instruction were the most
effectual means to induce them to embrace Chris-
tianity. Agreeably to his benevolent plan, several
of the Dominican friars were chosen to learn the
Hebrew and Arabic languages, and directed to apply
themselves assiduously to the study of the scriptures,
that they might be enabled to dispute with the Jewish
rabbies in order to convince them of their errors.
The attempts made to convert the Jews were, how-
ever, in general unsuccessful; though they highly
* Basnage, p. 670.
t Raymond was canonized by pope Clement Till.
252 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
esteemed Raymond for his singular humanity and
moderation.*
A. D. 1255.] Alphonso X. king of Castile, and
a celebrated astronomer, encouraged and promoted
learned men of all religious denominations. By his
order Judali de Toledo translated and improved the
astronomical works of Avicenna, a learned Arabic
writer. Isaac, the son of Cid, and other rabbies,
assisted him in compiling certain astronomical tables,
which bear the name of the king, and do honour to
his memory.f
Alphonso rewarded them with royal munificence,
and became so generous a patron to the nation, that
the jealousy of the Zealots was excited, and they
formed new plots and accusations against them. Three
villains of the city of Orsana, in Andalusia, threw the
dead body of a man into the house of a Jew, and
accused him of the murder. This improbable as-
sertion gained credit, and awakened the popular
fury and hatred against them. A great number of
Jews were inhumanly put to death, and others fled
for refuge to the houses of their Christian acquaint-
ance. The inhabitants of Palma also rose, and
destroyed many of this unhappy people. Upon this
* Raymond Martin, another Dominican, wrote a treatise against
the Jews, called " Pugio Fidei," or the " Poniard of Faith." This
work is considered as a learned and powerful defence of the Christian
religion against the arguments of the Jews. Another monk, named
Paul, of the same order, held a conference in the palace of the king
with Moses Nachmanides, a famous cabbalistical Jew. Both sides
claimed the victory. Paul obtained an edict from king Ferdinand,
enjoining the Jews to open their houses and synagogues to him,
and to furnish him with all their Hebrew books whenever he came to
dispute with them. Basnage, p. 660.
t Modern Universal History, vol. xiii. p. 304.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 253
they sent a deputation to court to obtain the sup-
pression of a massacre which was so likely to prove
general. Their enemies also sent deputies on their
part, who arrived first at court, and accused them.
Joseph, however, who was at the head of the depu-
tation, and chief of the Jewish council, was so elo-
quent in pleading his cause before the Spanish
monarch, that his countrymen were acquitted of the
pretended murder.*
Many learned men appeared among the Jews
daring the time that they enjoyed the favour of the
king Alphonso. In this number, Meir Mithridos,
a native of Toledo, was eminently distinguished.
He was the author of a famous cabbalistical work,
and a volume of letters against Nachmanides and
Maimonides, and educated many pupils who became
the boast of the Jewish nation.
Nor was it only at the court of Castile that learned
rabbies appeared and were respected. James I.
king of Arragon, was so far from adopting the pre-
judices against them, that he applied to them for
moral and religious instruction.f For, though the
Jewish people were hated and despised by the
populace, and by the ignorant among the clergy,
they were at this time admired and encouraged by
the great and learned.
A. D. 1258.] Their happiness was, however, soon
after disturbed by a celebrated impostor named Ze-
chariah, who formed the design of deceiving all the
* Basnage, p. 663.
+ The king, it is said, expressed an approbation of some parts of
the Jewish prayer books. The clergy in this age applied themselves
rather to controversy than devotion. Modern Universal History.
vol. xiii. p. 307.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
synagogues in Spain. He pretended, that by his
knowledge of the prophecies he had discovered the
exact time of the appearance of the Messiah, which
he predicted to be just at hand. This impostor even
foretold ttje very day on which this mighty deliverer
was to appear, who should gather together his elect
people, subdue their enemies, and replace them in
their ancient inheritance. Deceived by this pro-
phecy and expectation of the Messiah, the Jews
prepared themselves for the event by fasting and
prayer, and at the time appointed repaired to the
synagogues clothed in white. But discovering the
imposture, they became ashamed of their blind cre-
dulity, and were exposed to the insults and derision
of their enemies.*
A. D. 1320.] But the most terrible calamity
which they suffered during this period was by the
body of shepherds who had committed such fatal
ravages in France. Having become numerous and
powerful they entered Spain, and carried fire and
sword into several provinces. The Jews, in parti-
cular, were the victims of their rapacity and cruelty.
Many preserved their lives by surrendering their
property and renouncing their religion. Those
who could not be induced to make these sacrifices
were instantly and inhumanly put to death.f
The pestilence which arose in the army of the
shepherds, and extended through the neighbouring
countries, was productive of new evils to this un-
happy people. The desolation occasioned by this
destructive scourge, was attributed to their malice
* Basnage, p. 664. Modern Universal History, TO!, xiii.
t Basnage, p. 604.
HISTORT OF THE JEWS. 255
against the Christians. They were accused of
having bribed the peasants of Mesura to poison the
rivers, and of having furnished them with poison for
that purpose. This absurd allegation* gained cre-
dit, and caused great numbers of Jews tg be impri-
soned and tried. After a long confinement, how-
ever, they acquitted themselves of the crimes laid to
their charge. But the king, who was unwilling to
confess and condemn the injustice of his conduct,
pretended that he detained them in prison in order
to effect their conversion ; and caused fifteen thou-
sand who refused to receive baptism to be put to a
cruel death.
A. D. 1333.] Alphonso XI. king of Castile,
was the friend and protector of the Jews, being
principally directed in his affairs by Joseph, one of
the nation, whom he had appointed intendant of his
finances. This monarch was, however, prevailed
upon by his mutinous and discontented subjects to
pass a decree against them, on account of a pre-
tended indignity offered to the sacrament by a
Jewish boy. The clamour of the populace was so
violent, that a council was convened to deliberate
whether they should be put to death or banished.
The latter measure being preferred, they were com-
manded to abandon the kingdom in three months.
Happily for them, the prince royal obtained a
revisal of the process, by which it appeared, that a
young Christian had inadvertently committed the
supposed crime. On this deposition, the king
* The inventors of this palpable calumny were those who owed
money to the Jews, and who wished to be delivered from their em-
barrassment without paying it. Gregoire, p. 28.
256 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
recalled his edict. The acquittal of the Jews highly
mortified and exasperated their enemies, who as-
serted, that the Christian had been bribed to give an
evidence in their favour. In another city many of the
nation werf put to death for the pretended offence.*
A. D. 1349.] Soon after, a fresh insurrection
against the Jews broke out in Toledo, and their
terror and desperation on this occasion baffles all
description. One of them, perceiving the Zealots
breaking into the house in order to massacre all they
found, in a phrenzy of rage and despair killed his
relations who had taken refuge with him, and then
destroyed himself in order to avoid falling into the
hands of his enemies, f
A. D. J396.] In the reign of Henry III. of
Castile, Martin, archdeacon of Astigi, by vehe-
mently preaching against the Jews through the
streets of Seville and Cordova, exasperated the
populace to such a degree, that they massacred
them in both places. The persecution spread to
Toledo, Valencia, and Barcelona, where some were
plundered, others murdered, while the most artful
professed Christianity in order to escape such acts of
violence. The populous synagogues of Seville and
Cordova became almost deserted. These wretched
fugitives, who had fled to Andalusia and other pro-
vinces, were put to death by the inhabitants. King
John, the son and successor of Henry, treated the
Jews with equal cruelty. During his reign, many
perished by being deprived of the necessaries of life,
and those who survived were compelled to wear a
disgraceful mark of distinction. J
* Basnage, p. 665. + Basuajje, p. 667. + Ibid.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 25?
The situation of the Jews in Arragon was not
much more eligible than that of their brethren in
Castile. That kingdom was involved in civil and
intestine wars, which could only be supported by
large imposts. The heaviest taxes were levied upon
a people who had been so long the miserable objects
of oppression. But though they were exposed to
continual vexations and persecutions, several learned
men, during the fourteenth century, appeared among
those in Spain. In particular, two physicians* of
the Castilian king acquired great celebrity. One of
these famous men, named Meir Algudes, was chief
of all the synagogues in Spain. He translated
Aristotle's Ethics, and flourished till the year
1405. f
A. D. 1412. ] At the commencement of the fif-
teenth century, the antipope Benedict XIII. who
was then in Arragon, distinguished himself by his
zeal for the conversion of the Jews. To efifect this
purpose, he summoned the most celebrated rabbies
in Spain to attend a conference which he appointed
for religious discussions between them and the Chris-
tians. Jerome de Sancta Fide, who had deserted
the synagogue and embraced Christianity, persuaded
the pope to take this step, by assuring him that he
could convince his countrymen, by passages out of
the Talmud, that Jesus Christ was the Messiah.
This convert was not only the chief promoter, but
the principal conductor of the dispute. Rabbi Vidal
* The learned Dr. Friend in his History of Medicine asserts, that
the Jews were the princes of that science in Europe during the
middle ages. Gregoire, p. 218.
t Basnage, p. 680.
258 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
was chosen to defend the Jewish religion. The
Jews at this time expressed unusual respect for the
pope, who entertained them with politeness, and
defrayed their expences.* But they treated Jerome
with great asperity, their minds being exceedingly
embittered against him, both for deserting the syna-
gogue, and involving them in a dispute from which
they apprehended fatal consequences, f
The tenour and result of this famous conference
is variously related by Christian and Jewish histo-
rians. The latter, however, confess that they
bribed several bishops to persuade Benedict to break
off the dispute, from an apprehension that it would
exasperate their enemies against them. But the
pope insisted upon Jerome's performing his engage-
ment ; and four or five thousand Jews were con-
verted upon reading his relation of the conference,
which he presented to this pontiff. The high
celebrity of this performance induced Joseph Albo, J
J a Spanish rabbi, to compile his articles of faith, in
N order to confirm the wavering minds of his brethren.
1 He pretended, that a belief of the future coming of
/ the Messiah was not necessary to salvation ; and
( censured Mai mon ides, without naming him, for
\ having made this an essential part of his creed. He
* They, it is said, even carried their impious flattery so far as to
apply to him the words of David's petition to God ; " Shew us thy
mercy, O Lord, and grant us thy salvation." Basnage, p. 680.
t Basnage, p. 680. Modern Univer. Hist. vol. xiii.
This rabbi, finding the arguments which were adduced to prove
that the Messiah was come made a great impression upon the Jews,
maintained, that a belief of his coming was out an essential article
of faith, and wished to have it expunged from the creed of Maime-
nides. Basnage, p. 344.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 259
reduced the fundamental dogmas of the Jewish
faith to three, viz. the existence of God, the law of
Moses, and future rewards and punishments.*
A. D. 1413.] The following year Benedict XIII.
published his constitution against the Talmud,, and
the usury of the Jews. But, as he was deposed
soon after, all his ordinances were revoked; and it
does not appear that his plans were followed by
Martin of Florence his successor.
A. D. 1413.] Vincent Perrier, who has been
canonized for his miracles and zeal for converting
the Jews, appeared at this time. The Christians
compute, that the number whom he induced to
abandon their religion amounted to twenty-five thou-
sand. According to the Jewish accounts still more
deserted the synagogues. But whatever was their
number, it appears that the greatest part of them
renounced their former religion, merely to avoid
severe and cruel treatment. They secretly circum-
cised their children, observed the passover, and
neglected none of the Jewish rites and ceremonies. f
The dissimulation of the pretended converts did
not long pass unnoticed by the clergy, who ac-
quainted Ferdinand, the Spanish monarch, and the
pope Sixtus IV. with their conduct. Exasperated
* Addison's Present State of the Jews, p. 17.
t Basnage, p. 689. Modern Universal History, vol. xiii. p. 347.
A small number of Jews were, however, esteemed sincere converts;
among whom Solomon, the son of Levi, was included. Having read
a work of Thomas Aquinas, he embraced Christianity, and took the
name of Paul of Burgos. Soon after his baptism he was raised to
the bishopric of that city, which was his native place, and afterward*
to the patriarchate of Aquileia. He left a SOD who succeeded him in
the bishopric, and wrote a history of Spain. Basnage, p. 690.
260 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
at (he affront offered to the Christian religion, the
tribunal of the inquisition* was directed to pay close
attention to the behaviour of these delinquents ; and
all Christian princes were exhorted to assist in
bringing them to condign punishment. This de-
cree, which was published in most parts of Spain,
filled the Jews with such consternation, that seven-
teen thousand immediately returned to the church,
and submitted themselves to whatever censure or
penance should be inflicted. Two thousand of this
miserable people, part of whom confessed that Jesus
Christ was the true Messiah, were put to death.
Many were sentenced to a long imprisonment, and,
after regaining their liberty, were ordered to wear
two red crosses on their upper garments, in ac-
knowledgment that they had deserved the flames.
Nor were the sacred repositories of the dead spared ;
human bodies were disinterred and burned ; their
property was confiscated, and their children were
declared incapable of succeeding to the possessions
of their parents. Notwithstanding the watchfulness
of the inquisition, many found means to emigrate;
others -were more careful to conceal their dissimu-
* The court of the inquisition was introduced into Spain in the
fifteenth century by Ferdinand and Isabella ; and was principally
intended to prevent the relapse of the Jews and Moors, who had
been, or pretended to be, converted to the faith of the church of
Rome. Torquemade, a Dominican, confessor to queen Isabella, pre.
tended that the dissimulation of the Jews would greatly injure the
cause of religion. The queen listened with respectful deference to
her confessor, and at length gained over the king to consent to the
establishment of this barbarous tribunal. Its jurisdiction extended
over all who in their practice or opinions differed from the established
church. Walton's History of the Reign of Philip II. vol. ii.
p. 134, 135.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 261
lation ; and some endeavoured to be better instructed
previously to their professing Christianity.*
A. D. 1445.] The populace" still continued to
oppress and insult this unhappy people, and at-
tributed all the public calamities to the obstinacy of
the recusant, or the hypocrisy of the conforming
Jews. At this time an insurrection of the inha-
bitants of Toledo took place, on account of a
pretended infringement on their privileges. The
resentment of a mutinous people was principally
levelled against the Jews, whose houses they plun-
dered, and murdered all who opposed them. After
the tumult subsided, laws were enacted which ex-
cluded the new converts from all offices of trust and
honour.
The Spanish clergy, however, took them under
their protection. The dean of the cathedral church
in the city particularly exerted all his eloquence in
their favour, and endeavoured to interest- the
feelings of the people by representing, that many
illustrious families, who had intermarriedf with the
converted Jews, would be deprived of all their em-
ployments by the execution of these laws. All his
efforts would have proved ineffectual, had not pope
Nicolas I. published a bull, by which he excom-
municated all who were for excluding the Jewish
or Pagan proselytes from any civil or ecclesiastical
preferment. This decree of the sovereign pontiff
* Basnage, p. f.91. Modern Univer. Hist.
t A number of the Grandees, who had nothing left but their titles,
had married into Jewish families in order to repair the losses they
had sustained by their prodigality. Voltaire's fforks, vol. Hi.
p. 33.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
was so displeasing to the Spanish nation, that he
was obliged to issue a second bull to confirm it; and
Mariana is almost the only Spanish writer who has
given it a place in his history.*
A. D. 1492.] Soon after Ferdinand and Isabella
had completed their reduction of the Moors, they
issued an edict, commanding the Jews either to
embrace Christianity, or quit the kingdom in four
months. The people were at the same time pro-
hibited, under the severest penalties, from affording
provisions or any other assistance to those who should
be found in Spain after this period. Their attach-
ment to the law of Moses was superior to every other
consideration; and the Spanish historians affirm.,
that eight hundred thousand persons abandoned
the kingdom pursuant to this decree. The Jewish
writers make the number two hundred thousand
families ; which, reckoning only five to each family,
must have amounted to a million of souls, f
The reputation which the celebrated rabbi Isaac
Abarbanel enjoyed at court, could not prevent his
being included among the exiles. J He was born at
Lisbon, 1437, of an ancient family, who boasted
a lineal descent from king David. His parents took
* Mariana's History of Spain. Basnage, p. 691. t Ibid.
* Rabbi Isaac Karo was another learned exile. He retired first to
Portugal, and thence to Jerusalem. He lived a perfect recluse in this
city, and devoted himself to study. He composed a Commentary on
the Pentateuch, partly cabbalistical and partly literal. Modern
Universal History.
^ He founded his pretensions on the testimony of Isaac AbenGeath,
who says io one of his commentaries on the scriptures, that at the
time of the destruction of the first temple, two families of the race
of David went into Spain ; one of whom settled at Lucena, the other
at Seville; and that from the latter Abarbanel was descended. After
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 263
great care of his education, and, as he possessed
distinguished abilities, he made a rapid progress in
the sciences, especially sacred literature. But his
ambition to figure at court induced him to turn his
chief attention to politics, finance, and commerce.
During the reign of Alphonso V. king of Portugal,
he was chosen one of his privy council, and filled
his station with dignity and splendour till the death
of this monarch. But being discarded in the reign
of his successor, who hated the Jews, he fled to
Castile. He was graciously received by Ferdinand
and Isabella, and advanced to preferments, which
he enjoyed until his countrymen were expelled from
Spain. He exerted himself to the utmost to save
himself and his nation from this fatal stroke. But
finding all his efforts useless, he embarked for Naples,
and arrived there with his family in 1493. Being
educated a courtier, he ingratiated himself with Fer-
dinand, king of Naples; and both that sovereign
and Alphonso his successor protected and employed
him. He died at Venice, 1508, in the seventy-first
year of his age, and was interred at Padua. Several
of the Venetian nobles, and all the Jews, attended his
funeral. He published many learned works,* par-
ticularly a commentary on Exodus, Deuteronomy,
Kings, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and other books of the
Old Testament^
the example of his father he assumed the title of Don, the usual
custom among the nobles of Spain. Boissi Dissertations Critiques
pour servir a Vhisloire des Juifs.
* Basnage, p. 692. De Ilossic's Hebrew Biography.
f He applied himself to study with indefatigable ardour, and was
held in such high estimation among the Jews, that some did not he-
sitate to pronounce him superior to Maimonides. They agree, that
2()4 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
The sufferings of the Jewish emigrants who em-
barked for other countries were inexpressible and
almost inconceivable. Some of the vessels took fire,
and the miserable objects of oppression perished in
the names. Others were so heavily laden that they
sunk, and many were drowned. Great numbers
were shipwrecked on foreign coasts, and perished
with cold and hunger. One of the Spanish pilots
formed the resolution of murdering all the Jews in
his vessel, in order, as he pretended, to revenge the
death of Christ, whom their ancestors had crucified.
They represented to him that Christ, tf who died
for the redemption of mankind, did not desire the
death but the salvation of the sinner." The sailor
in consequence of this pathetic remonstrance gave
up the design of murdering them ; but caused them
to be stripped naked, and set down on the next
shore, where part of them perished with hunger;
others were destroyed by lions who came out of
a neighbouring cavern. The remainder were saved
by the humanity of a master of a vessel, who took
them in upon seeing their miserable condition.*
The pestilence also destroyed many of these un-
fortunate exiles; and, to complete their calamities,
those who reached the city of Fez in Africa, were
refused admittance by the merciless inhabitants, and
died for want of the necessaries of life. When those
who sailed for Italy arrived at Genoa, they found the
city afflicted by a famine, which had greatly raised
to a mind clear and penetrating he added a lively and fertile imagina-
tion, which was exhibited in his easy and copious elocution. Dis-
sertations Critiques, fife.
* Basnage, p. 693.
HISTORY OP THE JEWS. 265
the price of provisions. The inhabitants, seeing
them macerated by sufferings, and destitute of
money to purchase food, met them with the cross
in one hand and bread in the other ; and refused to
give sustenance to any who would not previously
consent to adore the cross. Many of this wretched
people,, who had the courage to abandon their coun-
try and riches for their religion., were unable to resist
this second temptation.*
The tyrannical manner, in which the bigotry and
avarice of king Ferdinand had induced him to treat
the Jews, was highly condemned by all judicious
Christians. This unhappy race, upon the first
notice of their intended expulsion, had found means
to elude the vigilant rapacity of the monarch, and
convey the richest of their effects into the countries
where they intended to retire. In consequence of
which, the wealth acquired by their expulsion was
not so considerable as the king expected. The
Spanish nobility complained that their cities and
towns were disinhabited. The senate of Venice
and the parliament of Paris expressed their astonish-
ment at the banishment of a nation, whose address
in pecuniary negociation was so useful to the public. f
Though pope Alexander VI. dignified the Spanish
monarch with the title of Catholic, yet he readily
received the exiles into his own dominions, and
treated them with great kindness and humanity.^
' .
* Basnage, p. 692.
i The expulsion of the Jews gave a violent check to the commerce
of Spain, which was almost entirely in their hands. Bigland't f^iew
of ihe World.
Basnage, p. 69;).
266 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
Many of the Jews sought a nearer asylum in Por-
tugal. John II. * the sovereign of that kingdom,
had formerly sent some of this nation f to make dis-
coveries on the coasts of the Red Sea; and they
brought him exact and faithful accounts. They had
assisted the Portuguese adventurers in the discovery
of the East Indies. Notwithstanding these impor-
tant services, the king consented to receive them
only on condition that each one should pay him
eight golden ducats, and quit his dominions at a
limited time, or forfeit his liberty. On his part he
engaged, when the time fixed for their departure
arrived, to furnish vessels to transport them to any
place where they chose to retire. The king was
desirous of fulfilling his engagement; but his orders
were disregarded, and the fugitives, who were about
to leave Portugal, were treated in such a barbarous
manner by the seamen, that many chose to remain
in the kingdom and be sold as slaves, rather than
expose themselves to the perils and hardships of
a new voyage. J
Emanuel, his successor, appeared at first to com-
miserate their sufferings, and restored to them their
liberty. Their peace, however, was of short du-
ration ; and the king reluctantly sacrificed them to
an alliance which he contracted with the daughter
of Ferdinand and Isabella. The queen having de-
clared, that ct she would not acknowledge a son-in-
law who permitted the enemies of God to remain in
* In the reign of John I. the Jews had their synagogues and rabbles
in Portugal.
t Murphy's Travels! n Portugal, p. 223.
i Basnage, p. 694. Murphy's Travels in Portugal, p. 224.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 267
his dominions/' he issued an edict which expelled
them from Portugal, and fixed a day on which those
who remained should be deprived of their liberty.
When the appointed time arrived, the king was
greatly affected with the idea of expelling such mul-
titudes of people ; and resolved at least to effect the
conversion of their children. He had engaged that
ships should be provided for their emigration at
three principal ports ; but he issued a proclamation
forbidding them to embark any where but at Lisbon.
When they arrived at this city, he ordered all the
children under fourteen years of age to be forcibly*
taken from their parents, in order to be educated in
the Christian faith. The execution of this barba-
rous command was attended with the most affecting
circumstances. Many of the wretched parents, in
a phrenzy of rage and despair, first killed their
children, and then destroyed themselves. The king
had invented so many delays to retard the departure
of these unfortunate exiles, that many remained in
the kingdom, and were sold as slaves. Overwhelmed
with these complicated afflictions, at length they
consented to assume the mask of Christianity, and
recovered their liberty and children. The sincerity
of these pretended converts was, however, greatly
suspected, and the least discovery of their predilection
for the Mosaic religion exposed them to the cruelties
of the merciless inquisition.*
* Murphy's Travels in Portugal, p. 6901
268 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
CHAPTER XIX.
The Jews in Germany are accused of various crimes. They endeavour
to hinder the conversion of a young man of their nation at Frank-
fort. Part of the city is burned, and a number of Jews destroyed.
Accusation against those of Haguenau. They are massacred at
Bavaria and Bern. Of several learned nibbles. The Jews nourish
at Lithuania in the thirteenth century. Decrees enacted against
them in the council of Vienna. A regulation made at Augsburg
respecting the oaths to be administered to them. Disputes between
the Rabbinists and Caraites. Raind Fleisch excites the people in
various parts of Germany to massacre the Jews. They are pro-
tected by the bishop of Spires. They are murdered by the Flagel-
lants. Persecution against them on pretence of their poisoning
the rivers. Cruelties practised against those of Bohemia. They
are accused again of poisoning the rivers, and banished the empire.
They are persecuted in various parts during the thirteenth century.
A. D. 1222.] THE Jews have been more fre-
quently accused of enormous crimes in Germany
than in any other part of Europe. When the Per-
sians and Tartars made incursions into this country,
they were charged with favouring and assisting these
enterprizes, in hopes of being delivered from the
persecutions which they suffered from the Christians.
They were., probably, more justly accused the same
year of opposing the conversion of a young man of
their nation at Frankfort who was desirous of re-
ceiving baptism.* The people were incensed at
this opposition, and arms were seized on both sides.
Several Christians lost their lives; and about one
hundred an^ eighty Jews perished by the sword, or
the fire they had kindled. One half of the city was
consumed; and the most prudent among them were
* Basnage, p. 682.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 269
induced to profess Christianity, to avoid being sacri-
ficed to the resentment of the multitude.*
A. D. 1241.] The Jews in Germany were fre-
quently accused of murdering Christian children at
their passover. The first instance which occurs
was at Haguenau in Lower Alsatia, where three of
them were found dead in a Jewish house. Com-
plaint was made to the emperor Frederic II. who,
not being inclined to believe the report, coldly
replied, " that since the children were dead, they
must be buried/' This instance of his incredulity
exasperated the people ; but as they were unable to
prove the alleged crime, the Jews, upon paying a
considerable sum, obtained a favourable judgment
from the emperor. f
A. D. 1286.] About this time those of Munich
in Bavaria suffered a severe calamity. An old
woman having confessed that she sold them a child^
whom they murdered, the people, without waiting
the event of a trial, put to death all of this miserable
race whom they could find. The town officers,
after attempting in vain to suppress the tumult,
advised the Jews to retire into their synagogue,
which was a strong stone building. They complied ;
but notwithstanding great efforts were made by the
duke and the officers to appease and disperse the
multitude, they were all burned and destroyed in
it.;}; An accusation of a similar nature was brought
* The fervour of the Jews is singularly inclined to fanaticism; and
they are highly incensed when one of their members abjures his reli-
gion. This is in consequence of a principle imputed to Maimonides,
that those who abandon Judaism ought to be persecuted to hell
Gregoire, p. 84.
+ Bagnage, p. 683. + Ibid.
270 HISTORY OP THE JEWS.
against those of Wurtzburg and Bern, where they
were massacred in the same manner.
Notwithstanding these persecutions, the Jews in
Germany boast of the learned rabbles who appeared
in the thirteenth century, particularly Baruc and
Eliezer de Germeciman, both of whom were famous
cabbalists ; and the latter wrote a celebrated treatise,
called, " The Mantle of the Lord." Meir de Rot-
temburgh was also distinguished for his learning,
and became the judge and chief doctor of his
German brethren.*
The Jews nourished in Lithuania during the thir-
teenth century. King Boleslaus granted them
liberty of conscience and other privileges, which
they preserved under his successors. Their pros-
perity excited the envy of the populace, who
endeavoured to disturb their peace, and blast their
reputation. It was observed in the council of
Vienna, which was convened in 1267, that they
were become so numerous and powerful that the
income of the clergy was considerably diminished.
It was, therefore, ordained that they should reim-
burse them, in proportion to what they might have
considered themselves entitled, had their families
been Christian. The council also enacted, that they
should be compelled to demolish the new and superb
synagogues which they had erected, and be con-
tented with their former places of worship. These
decrees, however, proved abortive ; for the German
princes and nobles protected those who refused to
obey ; and even obliged their officers to afford shelter
to the unhappy victims who implored their assistance.
* Basnage, p. 684.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
The clergy were, therefore, necessitated to pursue
more violent measures, and excommunicated all who
favoured and defended the Jews.*
A new regulation was made at Augsburg upon
observing that they did not consider it a crime to
violate their oaths. Previously to this time they
had been compelled to swear by the saints, by the
blessed Mary, or even by the Son of God. But,
as they made no scruple to violate these oaths, they
were obliged to swear by the name of God, and the
law of Moses. Yet they supposed even these
solemn engagements were annulled on the great day
of expiation ; and could, therefore, be of force for
only one year. It is also said, that a number of
their casuists authorize deception, equivocation,
mental restriction, and hypocrisy, f According to a
concession of the Talmud, it is lawful to dissemble
for the sake of peace. J
A. D. 1285.] About this time the disputes be-
tween the Rabbinists and Caraites were conducted
with great violence. Aaron Cohen, a rabbi of great
learning, who was the head of the latter sect, wrote
a treatise to expose the absurdities of the Talmud.
He explained their articles of faith, and styled his
work, " The Tree of Life/' because he supposed
a belief of their dogmas necessary in order to attain
eternal salvation. Though he acknowledged a re-
surrection, he confined it only to the true believers
of the house of Israel. But notwithstanding his
attempt to lessen the attachment which the Caraites
* Basnage, p. 684. Modern Univer. Hist. vol. xiii. p. 337.
t Gregoire, p. SI. J Modern Univer. Hist. vol. xiii. p. 338.
, The Rabbinists arc modern Pharisees.
272 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
began to discover to tradition,, rabbi Nissi, another
famous doctor of this sect, was obliged at the
earnest request of his pupils, to explain the Misna.
Even Aaron was at length induced to give an alle-
gorical explication of several passages of scripture.
But though this relaxation in the tenets of their
opponents gratified the Rabbinists,* the hatred
between the two sects continued with unabated
violence, f
A. D. 1264.] During the contest between Adol-
phus of Nassau and Albert of Austria, each of
whom had been elected emperor, a fanatical peasant,
named Raind Fleisch, taking advantage of the wars
which raged in Germany, commenced an itinerant
preacher in the Upper Palatinate, Franconia, and
other provinces. He pretended that God had sent
him to exterminate the Jews ; and, in order to exas-
perate the people against them, asserted that they
had stolen a consecrated host. The credulous mul-
titude, without further enquiry, immediately seized
upon those in Nuremberg, Rottemberg, and several
other towns in Franconia and Bavaria, and put
them to death. Others chose rather to destroy them-
selves, with their wives, children, and effects, than
to be thrown into the flames by their enemies.
Albert would gladly have suppressed this barbarous
massacre ; but he was afraid that Raind Fleisch, who
was regarded as a messenger from God, would
* Basnage, p. 085.
t The hatred between these sects is carried so far, that the Rab-
binists assert, that if a Caraite and a Christian happen to be in danger
of drowning together, they ought to make a bridge of the body of
the Caraite, in order to save the Christian. Gregoirc, p. 86.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 213
persuade the people to favour and join his com-
petitor. The persecution was at length stopped,
and the city of Nuremberg laid under a heavy fine,
besides being half consumed by the fire which the
miserable Jews had set to their houses.*
A. D. 1339.] The council, which pope Cle-
ment V. convened at Vienna against the Templars,
condemned the usury of the Jews, and decreed that
those who favoured them should be considered as
heretics. This edict involved them in vexatious
lawsuits and other misfortunes. They were, how-
ever, in some measure, relieved by Menicho, bishop
of Spires, who forbade them to be molested on that
account in his dominions ; and alleged, that the
law could not concern them, seeing the church does
not judge those that are without. A few years
after, Lewis I. king of Hungary, banished them
from all his dominions. f
A. D. 1349.] The Flagellants, who arose in
the fourteenth century, and derived their name
from the cruel scourges which they inflicted upon
their own persons, supposed that murdering the
enemies of Christ would render their penance more
acceptable. J Accordingly they plundered and
burnt the Jews at Spires, Strasburg, and Thu-
ringen. But, after committing some outrages at
* Basnage, p. 685. Modern Univer. Hist. vol. xiii. p. 340.
+ Basnage, p. 686.
It has been asserted, that before these fanatics began their
penance, they read their commission with an audible voice, which
was comprised in a letter sent to them by the Almighty himself, and
delivered to them by an angel, with express cominand to scourge
themselves and massacre the Jews. Picarfs Religious Ceremonies ef
the Jems, p. 172.
T
274 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
Frankfort, they agreed to an accommodation. A
Jew named Cicogne, whose family was numerous in
that city, being dissatisfied with the compromise,
threw fire into the town house, which consumed the
building, and all the records preserved in it. The
flames spread to the cathedral, which was reduced
to ashes. This crime was severely punished ; for
not only the incendiary, but all his brethren in
Frankfort, a few excepted who retired into Bohe-
mia, were put to death.*
In the course of the same year the Jews were
accused of poisoning the rivers, wells, and reser-
voirs of water. They were suspected of this crime
upon no other foundation, than that they had
escaped the common mortality which took place in
most parts of Europe. A suspicion being sufficient
to condemn them, a new massacre ensued in several
provinces of Germany, in which some were burned,
and others cruelly slaughtered. Those of Metz,
however, resolved to defend themselves ; and having
seized about two hundred unarmed Christians, put
them to death in a barbarous manner. The in-
censed populace collected, furiously attacked, and
killed twelve thousand Jews. They next set fire to
their houses, which spread and raged so vehemently,
that the great bell and glass in the cathedral church
were melted down. The persecution of this miser-
able people extended over all Germany. In the
imperial cities all their houses were demolished, and
castles and towers built with the materials, f
Robert, the reigning count Palatine, and his
ministers, endeavoured in vain to suppress the
* Basnage, p. 686. t Ibid.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 275
tumult and afford an asylum to an injured race,
whose innocence was acknowledged by honest men.
But they were opposed by some of the nobility ;
and the populace accused them of accepting bribes
to defend the enemies of Christ. All the Jewish
inhabitants of Ulm, together with their property
and effects, were burned ; their wretched brethren
who survived in those parts were without friends or
a place of refuge, the princes not daring, at so
critical a time, to interpose in their behalf.
At Lithuania, however, they met with more
equitable treatment. Casimire the Great, being
enamoured with a beautiful Jewess, named Esther,
had, at her request, granted them several consi-
derable privileges.*
A. D. 1391.] Those Jews who had fled for
refuge to Bohemia, were not better treated than
their brethren in Germany. Winceslaus,f the
emperor and king of Bohemia, squally discharged
the cities and nobility from the debts they owed to
these miserable objects of persecution. The people,
therefore, considering them abandoned by tha4,
prince, attacked them at Gotha, and a terrible car-
nage ensued. The Jews of Spires, without distinc-
tion of age or sex, were all put to death, except
a few children, who were hurried to the font to be
baptized. As a pretence for this cruelty, they were
accused of insulting a priest as he was carrying the
sacrament to a sick person. The citizens of Prague,
* Basnage, p. 686.
+ This prince, having rendered himself odious to his people by his
intemperance and other vices, sought to regain their favour by his
severity to the Jews.
T 2
276 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
irritated at seeing them celebrate their passover,
chose that time to burn their synagogue, and those
who there engaged in devotional exercises. This
inhuman deed was executed without any opposition,
and not one of them escaped.*
Soon after, they were again accused of poisoning
the rivers and springs, and punished for this pre-
tended crime. The persecution was not confined to
Germany, but extended to Italy, Provence, and
other parts. The Jewish historians assert, that the
emperor was convinced of their innocence, and
represented to his council, that it was impossible for
them to be guilty of this offence, as the rivers and
springs, which have a free and unrestrained course,
cannot be contaminated by poison. But the people
were so highly exasperated against this miserable
race, that, in order to preserve them from more
dreadful calamities, the emperor was under the ne-
cessity of issuing an edict, enjoining them to depart
the country, or receive baptism. [A. D. 1400.]
The Jews assert, that few at this time were induced
to apostatize, or, as they expressed it, " to forsake
the glory of their God."f
Great numbers of the Jews had settled in Thu-
ringia and Misnia. But, at the commencement of
the fifteenth century, the landgraves exacted vast
sums for affording them an asylum. Upon their
refusal to pay an enormous tax, they were arrested
and imprisoned, and obliged to give up a large part
of their wealth in order to regain their liberty. J
,, ,:;^t .-,; .-,?*"
* Basnage, p. 687.
t Modern Universal History, vol. xiii. p. 343.
J Basnage, p. 687.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 277
A. D. 1434.] About this period, the council of
Basil commanded the prelates, in all the places where
there were Jews, to appoint learned divines to
preach to them, and obliged them, under the
severest penalties, to attend the sermons. At the
same time, the Christians were prohibited from
having any social intercourse with them, or em-
ploying them as servants, nurses, farmers, or phy-
sicians. They were not permitted to reside in
houses near any church, or in the inside of any
city. This degraded people were also compelled to
wear a particular habit; and condemned to lose all
the sums they lent on sacred books, crosses, and the
ornaments of churches.*
Twenty years after, Lewis X. duke of Bavaria,
banished them from his dominions, without re-
garding his own interest, or the remonstrances of
his friends. He also confiscated all their effects, and
erected public edifices in the places where they had
inhabited. f
A. D. 1492.] The princes of Mecklenburgh
also treated this wretched people with extreme
rigour. They were accused of offering an indig-
nity to a consecrated host, which they purchased of
a priest ; for this crime thirty Jews, together with
the priest, were put to a cruel death. Seven years
after, [A, D. 1499.] those of Nuremburg, who were
numerous and affluent, were banished from the city.
The citizens charged them with various offences, in
order to palliate their severity. But the principal
cause appears to have been their wealth, and
* Jortin's Remarks on Ecclesiastical History.
t Basnag-c, p. 729.
278 HISTOHY OF THE JEWS.
the usurious practices to which they were ad-
dicted.*
Their expulsion was probably accelerated by the
appearance of an impostor, named David Leimlein.
Though he had' not the temerity to declare himself
the Messiah, he confidently affirmed, that the
mighty conqueror would appear in 1500. He styled
himself chief of the army of Israel, and went to
Lisbon and persuaded a young convert to return to
Judaism, and act in concert with him. He gave
him the name of Solomon Malcho, and exhorted
him to diligently read the rabbinical writings. His
pupil made such a rapid progress in his studies,
that the Italian Jews affirmed his sermons were
dictated by some angel. Not contented with preach-
ing, he compiled several curious treatises, which
increased his reputation. Meantime David distin-
guished himself by his long fasting, being some-
times six days without taking any food, and thus
attracted public notice and admiration. The credu-
lous Jews were hence induced to demolish their
ovens, expecting the^ following year to eat unlea-
vened bread in Jerusalem. While they were
preparing for the voyage, David, perceiving that he
had set too short a time for their pretended deli-
verance, declared, that " the sins of the nation
had retarded the coming of the Messiah." This
caused the infatuated people to appoint a solemn
fast, in order to appease the anger of God, and
hasten the appearance of their long expected de-
li verer.f
At length, Malcho, who declared himself the
* Basnage, p. 729. t Ibid.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS* 279
precursor of the Messiah, was so imprudent as to
desire an audience of Charles V. then at Mantua.
He was admitted ; but that monarch caused him to
be arrested and put to a cruel death.*
* Leimlein was sent prisoner to Spain, and died there a few days
after his confinement. Yet such was the infatuation of the Italian
Jews, that a long time elapsed before they would believe but that he
was still alive in this kingdom. Modern Universal History, vol. xiii.
p. 393.
280 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
CHAPTER XX.
The Jews are protected by the Roman pontiffs during the thirteenth
and fourteenth centuries. They are numerous in Naples. They
are massacred in Trani. They build a magnificent synagogue in
Bologna in the fifteenth century. The Jews are persecuted by pope
John III. Massacre of those in Trent. Alexander VI. favours and
protects the Jews. Those refugees, who seek an asylum in Naples,
are persecuted by the inquisitors. Paul HI. is partial to the Jewish
nation.
WHILE the other European nations oppressed
and persecuted the wretched fugitives of Israel, the
Roman pontiffs, with a small exception, treated
them with lenity, defended them against their per-
secutors, and often checked the mistaken zeal of
those who sought to convert them by force.* In-
stances of their kindness and humanity towards the
Jewish nation occur in various parts of the fore-
going history. As early as the seventh century
they were protected by pope Gregory the Great.
In the eleventh, Alexander II. condemned the per-
secuting spirit of king Ferdinand, and endeavoured
to defend them against the rage of the Crusaders.
At a later period, Gregory IX. a zealous promoter
of the holy war, observing that the Crusaders in
many places began their expedition with massacres
of the Jews, not only loudly reprehended them,
but took all proper methods for preventing such
barbarity. He also interposed in their favour when
the inhabitants of Haguenau accused them of mur-
dering Christian children. He wrote a letter to
O
Lewis IX. to stop the persecution which was raised
* Butler's Horae Biblicae, p. 88.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 281
ngainst them during the reign of that monarch.
Two other letters of his,, addressed to all Christians,
pass a severe censure upon those, who, under the
cloak of religion, concealed their avarice in order to
harass the Jews ; and he there enjoined them to
imitate the example of his predecessors, who had
declared themselves their defenders. Many of the
nation were indebted for their lives to his toleration,
not only in his own dominions, but in England,
France, and Spain. In 1247, Innocent IV. wrote
to vindicate them from the crimes* which were laid
to their charge ; and said, that they were more
miserable under Christian princes, than their ances-
tors had been under Pharaoh/'f
In Naples the Jewish people were become nu-
merous and affluent, particularly in the capital and
the city of Trani. The king, in order to reward
them for some important services, treated them with
great indulgence, and at his death recommended
them to the States. Bat these, instead of allowing:
o
them the full enjoyment of their religion, endea-
voured to effect their conversion. The Jews,
apprehending a persecution, offered to embrace
Christianity upon condition of being permitted to
marry into the richest and noblest families in the
kingdom. To their great surprise these terms were
accepted, and they were obliged to accede to their
own proposal. Those, however, who could not
* The edicts of so many pontiffs to destroy the effects of the
calumnies against the Jews render it highly probable, that these
reports were not founded on sufficient evidence. JVote to JMosheim'*
History, vol. vi. p. 220.
f Basnage, p. 668. Butler's florae Biblicae, p. 88.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
form advantageous connexions, soon relapsed into
Judaism. A monk of Trani, resolved to punish
them for their dissimulation ; and, to effect this
purpose, concealed a cross in a heap of earth, and
charged a Jew of the city with the fact. Exaspe-
rated at this supposed crime, the people rose, and a
massacre immediately followed. The tumult ex-
tended to Naples, where the Jews would have been
put to death had not the nobility interposed, and
concealed the most wealthy, and consequently the
most obnoxious, in their houses. Pope Alexander
the Fourth also sent to Naples to exert his authority
in their favour.*
Clement V. who at the commencement of the
fourteenth century had removed the papal seat to
Avignon, exerted himself to save the Jews from
the persecution of the shepherds. He excommuni-
cated them ; but the anathemas of the church made
little impression on that furious people. This
pontiff not only protected the Jews, but afforded
them the means of instruction, and ordered that
every university should have professors to teach
Hebrew, and men whose education rendered them
capable of disputing with and convincing the Jews
of their errors. f
John XXII. his successor, was for pursuing a
different method; and supposed the most probable
way of effecting their conversion was to burn all the
copies of the Talmud. Several of the bishops
having asserted, that they had seen some of this
nation ridiculing the Catholics as they carried the
cross in procession, the pope was prevailed upon to
* Basnage, p. 669. + Ibid.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 283
issue an edict which expelled them from all the terri-
tories of the church. In order to avoid the im-
pending evil, they applied to Robert, king of
Naples and Sicily, who, being a friend and favourite
of the pontiff, persuaded him, upon their presenting
him with a large sum of money, to revoke his edict.
Clement VI. treated the Jews with singular kind-
ness and humanity. When they were put to death
in various parts of the kingdom upon pretence of
poisoning the rivers, he exerted himself to the
utmost to suppress the popular fury. He also
preserved them from the cruelty of the inquisition ,
which raged with unrelenting fury against the Albi-
genses. Under his protection they even maintained
a friendly correspondence with some of the members
of this bloody tribunal. They presented Emerio,
who compiled the directory of the inquisition, a
Bible that they pretended was written by Ezra,
which the Dominicans have preserved with great
veneration. While they were massacred without
mercy in every part of Europe, Avignon became
their asylum ; and Clement VI. their friend and
protector, omitted nothing that could tend to soften
the lot of the persecuted, and disarm the fury of
their persecutors. *
A. D. 1394.] The Jews were numerous and
powerful at Bologna during the fourteenth century.
They had there built the most magnificent syna-
gogue in Italy, and established an academy. Boni-
face IX. did not oppose their erecting this syna-
gogue, which, by its size and beauty, excited the
attention and admiration of travellers.
* Basnage, p. 670. Gregoire, p. 8.
284 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
A. D. 1412.] Though the Jews were generally
favoured and protected by the popes, yet, at the
commencement of the fifteenth century, John
the Twenty-third issued several edicts against them.
He not only raised a persecution in his own domi-
nions, but encouraged and stimulated the Spanish
government to massacre this unhappy people. Soon
after, however,, Nicolas II. being raised to the
pontificate, treated them with great indulgence.
He preserved those in his own dominions from the
inquisition ; and sent letters into Spain to prevent
their being obliged to abjure their own religion.*
A. D. 1472.] They had not long enjoyed the
patronage of this pontiff before a new persecution
was raised against them. Sextus IV. had been
prevailed upon to canonize one Simon, who, as was
pretended, had been murdered two hundred years
before by the Jews in Trent. The public hatred
being thus revived, the populace, in the bishopric
of Trent and in the city of Venice, plundered and
massacred the circumcised. The doge and senate
were obliged to interpose their authority to suppress
the slaughter ; but the magistrates of Trent, being
less equitable, expelled the Jews from the city.
A. D. 1492.] After the Catholics in Spain and
Portugal had banished the Jews, the Italians re-
ceived them with open arms. Pope Alexander VI.
not only relieved the wants of the unhappy fugitives,
but enjoined their brethren at Rome, who had
treated them with great neglect, to afford them
every assistance in their power for establishing
themselves in his dominions. He allowed them the
* Basnage, p. 721.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 285
same privileges as their brethren had formerly en-
joyed ; and endeavoured to procure them the free
and unrestrained exercise of their religion in all the
other states of Italy.*
It is said, that when the Portuguese exiles came
to Italy, the university of Jews at Rome offered the
pope a thousand ducats on condition of his refusing
those of Spain permission to settle in his territories.
But Alexander rejected their offer with disdain, and
reproved them for their barbarity towards their
brethren. He also decreed, that they should be
banished from his dominions, and the Spanish Jews
received in their place ; and they were obliged to
pay a vast sum before they could obtain a revocation
of this order.f
The favourable disposition of pope Alexander
towards the Jewish nation., induced many of them
from various parts to seek an asylum in his terri-
tories. Among others, whom the pontiff's kindness
invited to Rome, was the learned rabbi Jochanan, a
German, who had been settled at Constantinople,
and who was celebrated for his knowledge in the
mysteries of the cabbala.J
Part of the Spanish and Portuguese exiles sought
an asylum in Naples. But they were exposed to
the unrelenting cruelty of the inquisitors in that
kingdom, and suffered such terrible oppressions,
that the people rebelled. The viceroy was induced
to expel them, in order to be delivered from the
* Basnage, p. 722.
t This curious fact is handed down to posterity by Jewish writers.
Rossi's Hebrew Biography.
t Basnage, p. 722.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
tyranny of these merciless men. He alleged, that
" as the ancient inhabitants were sound in the faith,
there was not any farther need of this bloody tri-
bunal." Charles V. soon after [A. D. 1534.] au-
thorized his viceroy's conduct, by refusing to tolerate
them either in Naples or Sicily. This severity,
however, did not deter one Ricci, a converted Jew,
from dedicating to that monarch a celebrated trea-
tise on what he styled " Celestial Agriculture." He
was a physician in Germany and a profound cabba-
list, who attempted to prove the mysteries of Chris-
tianity from that science.*
A. D. 1539.] Paul HI, was so indulgent to the
Jews, and they became so numerous and powerful
during his pontificate, that cardinal Sadolet in-
'veighed against him on account of his partial
fondness for an unbelieving race. He asserted,
that this pontiff was kinder to them than to the
Christians ; and that none could be raised to civil or
ecclesiastical dignities but through their favour and
interest ; while at the same time he persecuted the
Protestants. Though the cardinal's remonstrance
did not produce all the effect that was desired, yet
it caused a redress of the most flagrant abuses.
They were, however, sometimes persecuted in
Rome ; yet, it must be admitted, that there is no
country in the world in which less Jewish blood has
been spilled, and in which the rites of humanity
have been more respected with regard to their
nation, than in the ecclesiastical state. f
A learned writer has thus accounted for the kind-
* Basnage, p, 723.
t Basnage, p. 722. Letters of certain Jews to Voltaire, p. 41.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 287
ness of the Roman pontiffs to the Jews. l( The
court of Rome excelled all other courts in policy,
craft, and worldly wisdom. It saw the folly of
expelling and distressing the Jews ; it knew the use
that was to be made of an industrious people, skilful
in commerce, and in the management of the reve-
nues ; who had no particular dislike to papal autho-
rity, and no disposition to assist heretics, schismatics,
or reformers, and had not credit sufficient to make
proselytes to their own religion."*
The persecution of the Jews during the middle
ages, which has been related in the five preceding
chapters, exhibits in such a striking manner the
exact accomplishment of the famous prophecy of
Moses, Deut xxviii. that this chapter appears to be
a correct miniature picture of the leading features
in their history, drawn by the pencil of inspiration.
The reflecting and devout must feel an augmented
veneration for the sacred scriptures, while they turn
their attention to the complete agreement of the
prophecies, and the events which fulfil them ; and
scepticism and infidelity be confounded by seeing the
history of succeeding ages so accurately delineated,
and contemplating, in the fate of this suffering
people, a <( striking phenomenon, incomprehensible
to human reason."
Among other awful denunciations against the
Jewish nation, which we have seen fully accom-
plished in the course of this history, Moses declares,
ff Thou shait only be oppressed and spoiled ever-
more." Numerous instances occur of the cruel op-
pressions and pillages this devoted race have suffered
* Jortin's Remarks on Ecclesiastical History, vol. ii.
288 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
in England, France, Germany, and Spain. In the
east, as well as in Europe, they have been continu-
ally subjected to heavy fines and impositions. How
often in different countries have they been forced to
redeem their lives by vast sums extorted from them !
Did sovereigns want pecuniary assistance to carry
on their wars, the Jews were compelled to give up
their riches. A massacre was generally the prelude
to a plunder, as we have seen in various parts of
Europe. When banished from England in the
reign of Edward I. their estates, which were confis-
cated, brought immense sums to the crown. When
Philip Augustus expelled them from France, he
confiscated their estates ; yet he soon after recalled
this oppressed people in order to fleece them again.
They have " every where paid for liberty to exist,
and have scarcely obtained that of breathing an
impure air."
The great lawgiver of the Hebrew nation also
declares, " Thy sons and thy daughters shall be
taken from thee, and given to another people."
How exactly has this prophecy been fulfilled in
several countries, especially in Spain and Portugal.
In the former of these kingdoms the council of
Toledo decreed, that the children of the Jews should
be taken from them, and educated in the Christian
faith ; in the latter, when this miserable people were
expelled, all under fourteen years of age were for-
cibly detained, in order to be baptized. In the
frenzy and despair of the wretched parents at
parting with their children, we contemplate the
accomplishment of another prophetic denunciation :
" Thou shalt be mad for the sight of thine eyes,
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 289
which thou shalt see." Accordingly we find that
some of them, driven to madness, put a period to
their own lives ; and others, sacrificing nature to
their religion, destroyed their tender offspring. In-
stances of their madness and desperation frequently
occur in the preceding chapters in England, when
the Jews in York Castle killed themselves, their
wives, and children ; in France, when they were
assaulted by the shepherds, and destroyed their
children ; in Spain, when a number perished by
suicide at the insurrection of Toledo ; and in Ger-
many, when persecuted for the pretended crime of
stealing a consecrated host, they destroyed them-
selves, their wives, children, and effects.
After mentioning the oppression and barbarous
cruelty the Jews were compelled to endure, and the
madness consequent upon their extreme sufferings,
Moses declares, " Thou shalt become an astonish-
ment, a proverb, and a by- word among all nations,
whither the Lord shall lead thee." How exactly
has this prophecy been fulfilled upon this unhappy
race, who have been consigned to infamy ever since
their dispersion ! " Is not the pretended avarice,
usury, and hard-heartedness of a Jew become pro-
verbial ?"* In various countries of the east, as
well as in Europe, they have been subjected to invi-
dious, humiliating, and disgraceful distinctions, and
condemned to wear exteriorly the badges of their
abject state ; and every where exposed to the insults
of the vilest populace. They have been treated as
of a different species ; and in several parts of
* See David Levi's Defence of the Old Testament in a series of
tetters to Thomas Paine
U
290 H1STORV OF THE JEWS.
Europe, subjected to the same toil with those
animals which by their religious principles they
abhor.* Pagans, Christians, and Mahometans
have agreed in abusing, vilifying, and persecuting
the Jews.
The sacred writer proceeds in delineating the
horrid outline of their miseries, and declares, " The
Lord will make thy plagues wonderful, even great
plagues, and of long continuance/' The calamities
they have endured were indeed the greatest which
the world ever witnessed. Ever since the destruc-
tion of Jerusalem they have been outcasts from
society, subsisting amidst contempt and persecution.
For near eighteen centuries, the nations of the
earth have been treading under foot the remains of
Israel. What nation ever suffered so much, and
yet continued so long ? The chief diversity in
their condition has arisen from the various kinds of
miseries to which they have been subjected. In
Christendom they have been despised, calumniated,
oppressed, banished, executed, and burned. The
tyranny exercised against them has been as capri-
cious as it was cruel. In France they have been at
one time compelled to assume the mask of Christi-
anity to save themselves from a cruel death ; at
another epoch the estates of those who renounced
Judaism were confiscated. At one period, they
have been banished through superstition ; at ano-
ther, recalled through avarice. An animated writer
of their own nation has observed, " It seems as if
they were allowed to survive the destruction of their
country, only to see the most odious and calumnious
* Gregoire on the Reformation of the Jews, p. 52.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
291
imputations laid to their charge, to stand as the
constant object of the grossest and most shocking
injustice, as a mark for the insulting finger of scorn,
as a sport to the most inveterate hatred. It seems
as if their doom was incessantly to suit all the dark
and bloody purposes, which can be suggested by
human malignity, supported by ignorance and
fanaticism."* *
* M. Michael Berr's Appeal to the Justice of Kings and Nations,
published at Straslmrg, 1801.
292 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
CHAPTER XXI.
State of the Jews in the east. They suffer from the invasion of the
Tartars. -Those in the Grecian empire enjoy an interval of tran-
quillity. Of their state in Media and Persia.- Agreement made
between Shah Abbas I. and the Jews in the latter of those kingdoms.
A general massacre of them takes place during the reign of Shah
Abbas II. Of those in Schiraz and other parts of Persia. Of the
learned men in the academy of Sapheta. Dissimulation of a pre-
tended convert to Christianity. State of the nation in the Ottoman
empire.
THE number and power of the eastern Jews
were greatly diminished in the thirteenth century.
Nasser Ledinillah, caliph of Bagdat, being a zeal-
ous Mahometan, and extremely avaricious, became
jealous of a people who exerted their abilities with
success in the acquisition of wealth, and who re-
ceived every pretended Messiah with alacrity and
joy. He therefore soon raised a persecution against
them, and compelled them all to adopt the Maho-
metan religion, or leave the Babylonian territories.
Some departed into different parts, while others dis-
sembled in order to avoid exile.*
Palestine was greatly depopulated by the wars
which raged between the Christians and Saracens,
and the government of the cities was frequently
changed. The Jews, however, had still syna-
gogues and learned rabbies in their native country.
Moses Nachmanides, one of the greatest cabbalis-
tical writers which the age produced, left Gironna,
the place of his birth, retired to Judea, and erected
a synagogue. On account of his profound know-
* Basnage, p. 655.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 293
ledge of the law, he was styled the father of
wisdom ; and a sermon he preached before the
king of Castile, " on the excellence of the law/'
rendered him equally famous for his eloquence. His
writings are various, but chiefly of the cabbalistical
kind.*
During the thirteenth century several learned
rabbies appeared in other parts of the east. In
particular Aaron Cohen, a Caraite, who practised
physic at Constantinople, 1294. He was the author
of a commentary on the Pentateuch and other parts
of scripture, and a work styled the " Perfection of
Beauty." Aaron the son of Eliab, another Caraite,
appeared about fifty years after. He attacked Aben
Ezra, and other traditionalists, with great energy
and force of argument, in a work entitled, " The
Crown of the Law," which is a literal comment on
the Pentateuch, f
A. D. 1291.] The Jews in the vicinity of Baby-
lon, and in other parts of the east, suffered greatly
from the invasion of the Tartars ; but at length
they enjoyed an interval of tranquillity under Jehan
Argun, by means of a Jewish physician named
Saadeddoulat, whom that prince raised to the office
of his chief minister. Being learned and of po-
lished manners, he acquired great influence at
court ; and exerted himself to the utmost to promote
the welfare of his brethren, who derived important
advantages from his interposition in their favour.
Their prosperity, however, was soon interrupted
by the death of this monarch ; and the Jewish
* Basnage, p. 655. Modern Universal History, vol. xiii. p. 339.
+ Biographical Dictionary, vol. i. p. 8.
294 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
physician, who had exasperated the Mahometans by
his partiality to his nation, was charged with having
poisoned his benefactor, and on the accusation con-
demned to suffer death. The populace soon after
massacred vast numbers of his countrymen, in order
to revenge the real or pretended injuries they had
suffered from them during the life of Argun.*
It is probable, that the Jews in the Grecian
empire were generally allowed the exercise of their
religion during the fourteenth and fifteenth cen-
turies ; for the Greek writers of those periods
severely reproach the Latins for compelling them to
be baptized and assume the mask of Christianity. f
A. D. 1500.] During the wars and rapid con-
quests of Tamerlane, the Jews in Media and Persia
were not only attenuated and impoverished, but
their academies, learning, and learned men had
totally disappeared. They had scarcely recovered
from these disasters when they were involved in new
calamities. They were numerous in Media when
Ishmael Sophi, chief of the family of the Persian
kings, commenced his conquests ; and, astonished
at his rapid and wonderful success, they began to
consider him as the true Messiah. In this opinion
they were confirmed by his declaring himself a
prophet sent by God to reform the Mahometan
religion. But Ishmael exhibited a peculiar aversion
to the Jews, despised their flattery, rejected their
bomage, and treated them with greater severity
than any of his subjects.^;
At the commencement of the reign of Shah
* Basnage, p. 659. Modern Universal History, vol. xiii.
* Basnage, p. 658. J Ibid.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 295
Abbas,, the kingdom of Persia was greatly depo-
pulated. This monarch was hence induced to
confer important privileges on all strangers who
would settle in the kingdom. Multitudes of people
repaired from the neighbouring parts, in particular
vast numbers of Jews. Their dexterity in pecu-
niary negociations, and success in engrossing the
commerce of the country, having excited the envy
and jealousy of the other inhabitants, they com-
plained to the king. This monarch was appre-
hensive, that severity to them would deter others
from settling in and induce foreigners to retire from
his dominions. But having found a fortunate
pretence for persecuting them by the authority of
the Koran, he resolved to compel them to embrace
Mahometanism, or suffer death. The Mufti hu-
manely interposed, and prevented the execution of
his cruel design. It was resolved, however, to
summon the principal Jewish doctors before the
Sophi's tribunal.*
Shah Abbas strictly examined them respecting the
abolition of their sacrifices, and other ceremonies at
the appearance of Jesus Christ, whom Mahomet
had succeeded. The rabbies, astonished at those
interrogatories, declared that they expected a Mes-
siah, and could not receive him whom their ancestors
had crucified. Abbas was exasperated at this
answer, since the Koran mentions Christ with vene-
ration. " Why will you not believe in Christ,"
says he, " since I believe in him ?" He afterwards
asked them, " What they thought of Mahomet ?'
This demand intimidated and confounded them, and
* Basnage, p. 697.
296 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
sensible of the danger of discovering their opinion
of the impostor, they answered, that c< Moses was
the great prophet, and the only one whom they ought
to follow ; but that they did not absolutely reject
Mahomet, because he was the son of Abraham by
Ishmael." They then had recourse to prayers and
entreaties for mercy ; and to protestations, that
their object in settling in Persia was to serve the
king with fidelity and zeal.*
Abbas severely reproved them for adducing their
expectation of a Messiah, as an excuse for their
obstinate incredulity. " But," said he, " to remove
this vain pretence, fix a time for his appearance, I
will tolerate you till the accomplishment of this
period. Yet, if the Messiah, who has delayed his
coming for so many ages, deceive you once more,
it is just you should embrace the Mahometan faith,
or be deprived of your property, your children, and
lives." He allowed them some time to prepare an
answer. After mature deliberation they informed
the king, that their great deliverer would appear in
seventy years from the day on which they had been
summoned before his tribunal. Their object was to
elude the threatened punishment, expecting that
neither the monarch nor themselves could survive till
this period was terminated. Abbas, who was ex-
tremely avaricious, extorted vast sums for granting
an oppressed people this interval of tranquillity.
He engaged, it is said, on his part, that if the
Messiah appeared within seventy years, all Persia
was to profess Judaism. If not, the Jews were to
embrace the Mahometan religion, or consent to
* Basnage, p. 697. Modern Universal History.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 297
their utter destruction in all the Sophi's dominions.
After the agreement was registered and signed by
both parties, they were taxed at two millions of
gold.*
Many years elapsed after the death of Abbas
before this contract was discovered, during which
the Persians were disturbed by continual wars with
the Turks. Amurat IV. who in 1638 subdued
Bagdat, found great numbers of Jews in that city ;
but though he violated his engagement, and mas-
sacred the Persians, he spared the Israelites, under
the idea that they might render him essential
service. f
A. D. 1666.] It is related, that Shah Abbas II.
who enjoyed a peaceable reign, in searching the
registers of the palace found the treaty which his
predecessor had made with the Jews. A great
council was convened on this occasion, in which
it was unanimously resolved, that this wretched
people should be exterminated without delay.
Accordingly an order was issued to Persians and
strangers, to massacre them without regard of
sex, age, or condition. Those only were excepted
who should profess the Mahometan religion. This
persecution commenced at Ispahan, the capital of
the kingdom, extended with equal severity to the
several provinces inhabited by wealthy Jews, and
for three years they were pursued with fury, and
* Basnage disputes the truth of the account of Shah Ahbas's en-
tering into this agreement with the Jews, though related by many
historians. It is, however, agreed by all, that they were violently
persecuted by this monarch, as well as by Shah Abbas II. Basnage' t
History, p. 698.
t Basnage, p. G98.
298 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
massacred without intermission or pity. A few,
however, found means to escape into the Turkish
dominions., others into India, and many preserved
their lives by abjuring their religion.* It was,
however, at length observed, that the pretended
converts secretly practised the Jewish rites, and the
king, finding that compulsory measures could not
effect a change in their minds, permitted them to
retain their former religious principles. They were
obliged annually to pay a large sum of money to the
sovereign, and to wear a disgraceful badge of dis-
tinction, f
The Jews were numerous at Schiraz, where the
Persians had a more famous academy than at Is-
pahan. They pretended to be descended from the
tribe of Levi. A still larger number resided at Lar,
the metropolis of one of the Persian provinces, and
had a quarter assigned them between the city and
castle. They extended themselves on the coast of
Ormus, in order to procure some part of the Indian
trade, which was once conducted by their brethren,
who were formerly numerous in those parts. J
A. D. 1638.] Bagdat, once the residence of the
princes of the captivity, was much reduced after it
* Modern Universal History, vol. xiii. p. 369.
t Basnage, p. 699. Gregoire, p. 16.
After the king of Portugal expelled the Jews from his kingdom,
he suffered them to live at Goa and other places, and exercise their
religion. But in 1639 they were deluded by a pretended Messiah,
whose fame extended to Portugal. Some of the Jewish converts in
that kingdom, elated with the prospect of a deliverer, betrayed their
secret attachment to the religion of their ancestors. Upon which
the inquisition compelled all in the eastern parts, who were subject to
the king of Portugal, either to suffer exile or profess Christianity.
Modern Univer. Hist. vol. xiii. p. 3fi5.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 299
was taken by Amurat IV. A large proportion of
the inhabitants were Jews, who possessed a syna-
gogue, and enjoyed the unrestrained exercise of
their religion. They were, however, hated and
despised by the Persians.*
The Jewish historians inform us, that those of
their nation in Armenia were charged with having
killed a Christian ; and the murder being confessed
by the accused, many of this miserable people were
crucified, and others burned. Three days after,
the Christian appeared ; the accusation was disco-
vered to have been invented through malice, and
the confession extorted by torture. Complaint
being made to Solomon II. the Armenian magistrates
were forbidden to take cognizance of similar cri-
minal cases in future, and they were ordered to
bring them before the tribunal of the sultan. f
The Jews, since their dispersion, have never
been numerous in Palestine, but have seen their
ancient and beloved country successively possessed
by Pagans, Christians, and Turks. It has indeed
been frequently visited by Jewish, as well as
Christian devotees. But few have fixed their abodes
in a province, where they found it difficult to
acquire wealth, and even procure a tolerable sub-
sistence.
Sapheta in Galilee was the most populous and
celebrated city which the Jews possessed in Pa-
lestine. Those who inhabited it were treated with
more kindness than in any other part of the Ottoman
empire. They have had many learned rabbies and
professors, who have presided in the academy in
* Basnage, p. 699. t Gregoire, p. 18. Basnage, p. 703.
300 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
this city, to which they sent their children to be in-
structed in the Hebrew language ; for it was their
opinion, that it could no where else be taught with
equal purity. This academy succeeded that of
Tiberias, and acquired a similar reputation.*
The most celebrated cabbalist who has appeared
since Simeon Jochaides, taught in this seat of
learning. He was born at Cordova in Spain, hence
he acquired the name of Moses Cordova. He left
a cabbalistical work, entitled " The Garden of
Pomegranates."f
Dominic of Jerusalem taught for a considerable
time in the same academy. After he had completed
his studies and lectures on the Talmud, he applied
himself to the theory and practice of medicine, and
acquired such celebrity, that the sultan invited him
to Constantinople to be his physician. At length,
he embraced the Christian religion, and afterwards
translated the New Testament into Hebrew, and at
the same time answered some objections of the rab-
bies against Stephen's martyrdom. {
But those who have been most celebrated in the
academy were, the learned Moses Trani and Joseph
Karo, who presided in it about the middle of the
sixteenth century. The former was a native of
Trani, and taught with such success, that he was
styled by his brethren, " the light of Israel," " the
Sinaite of Mount Sinai, and the rooter up of
Mountains/' because he solved the difficulties in the
* It appears that this academy was not erected till after the twelfth
century, since Benjamin de Tudela does not mention it in his
trayels.
+ Basnage, p. 783. Modern Univer. Hist. vol. xiii. p. 395.
i Basnage, p. 703.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 301
law. He wrote a body of Jewish laws, in which he
distinguished between those which were written by
Moses, those which have been transmitted by oral
tradition, and those which are only founded on the
decisions of the doctors. Joseph Karo was a native
of Spain, from whence he retired into Galilee. He
wrote so well on the rights of the Jewish nation,
that he was styled " the prodigy of the world."*
Besides the abovementioned doctors who were
foreigners, there were other celebrated rabbies, who
were born and educated at Sapheta ;f among
whom Moses Alsheh and Samuel Ozida were emi-
nently distinguished. The former acquired great
reputation by his eloquent sermons and his learned
commentaries upon some parts of the law. All the
titles of his works are metaphorical. One is called
" The Rose of Sharon," and others have similar titles.
Ozida was also a celebrated preacher, and wrote a
commentary on the Lamentations of Jeremiah,
which he called " The Bread of Tears."
The number of Israelites in Jerusalem was much
smaller than in Sapheta. In 1665, an instance of
profound dissimulation took place in this city. A
Jew, who was induced from interested motives to
desert the synagogue, so eminently distinguished
himself among the Christians, that they promoted
* Basnage, p. 700.
t The famous Judah Jona was born at Sapheta ; but after he com-
pleted his studies, he travelled to Amsterdam, and from thence to
Hamburg, and the Jews in this city chose him for their judge. Soon
after he removed to Poland, and embraced the Christian religion.
He at length settled at Rome, where he taught the Hebrew language
to Bartolocci, an Italian monk, and the author of the " Bibliotheca
Rabbinica," a learned work in four folio volumes. Judah died in
1668. Modern Univer. Hftt.
302 HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
him successively to all the orders of the clergy , and
at length exalted him to the dignity of patriarch of
Jerusalem. Being a man of boundless ambition,
he repaired to Constantinople to obtain that see,
which was vacant. He was there seized with a dan-
gerous distemper, and perceiving death approaching,
he called many Grecian bishops and a large number
of his Hebrew brethren, to whom he solemnly
declared, that " he had always believed the Jewish
religion, and renounced the bishopric of Jerusalem
to die in his old profession." Those who heard
him lay aside the mask of Christianity were filled
with astonishment and consternation.*
The Jews have long been numerous in other
parts of the Ottoman empire, particularly at Con-
stantinople ; they inhabited a suburb in Galata,
which was called the Jewry in the time of the Cru-
saders. Though hated and despised by the Turks,
they rendered themselves so useful by their skill in
pecuniary transactions, that they carried on the
greatest part of the commerce of the country, and
Christians as well as Turks employed a Jewish
broker in all their negociations. Among other pri-
vileges they obtained that of selling wine ; and it
was supposed that which they prepared was of the
purest kind, because they are prohibited by their
law from making any mixture, f
Michsez, a Jew, was accused of having per-
suaded Selim II. to attempt the conquest of Cyprus.
In consequence of which, after the reduction of the
island, his nation obtained greater privileges than
* Basnage, p. 701. Modern Universal Hist. vol. xiii. p. 373.
t Basnage. p. 718. Oregoire, p. 184.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 303
the Christians, and became numerous and affluent.
The sultan made choice of a Jew named Solomon
Rophe, to negotiate a peace with the republic of
Venice, and soon after granted them the privilege of
establishing a printing-office at Constantinople and
Salonichi. By this means copies of the law, which
had become scarce in the east, were universally dis-
persed, and, in consequence of their being more
assiduously studied, several eminent rabbies and
heads of synagogues left the place of their birth to
settle in these cities.*
In particular, Solomon, the son of Japhe, came
from Germany to reside in Constantinople, where he
explained the Jerusalem Talmud, and printed a
comment on the Pentateuch, and several other
works. Rabbi Gedaliah, another learned doctor,
who boasted that he was descended from king David,
left Lisbon to settle in that metropolis as a phy-
sician, and teach the laws and ceremonies of his
nation. He was appointed head of the synagogue,
and assiduously laboured to reconcile the Caraites and
Talmudists. But both parties proved so obstinate,
that his labours were ineffectual. He, however, de-
rived the advantage of publishing several other
works, as well as his own treatise of Seven Eyes,
alluding to the vision of Zechariah.f
Many of the Jews settled at Lepanto, Corinth,
and other cities in Greece. But, in consequence of
the desolate state of the country, and the heavy
taxes which they were compelled to pay to the Porte,
they have been generally in indigent circumstances.
Their condition was more eligible at Thessalonica
* Basnage, p. 719. t Ibid.
#04 HISTORY OP THE JEWS.
(now Salonichi) where they have been settled ever
since the time of St. Paul. They for ages have
possessed a considerable academy, and in later times
a printing-office has been established. In this city
Moses Abelda published several of his works, the
most celebrated of which were, his mystical expo-
sition of the Pentateuch, and a moral treatise on
the miseries of human life, called the " Vale of
Tears." The design of this performance was to
comfort his nation under their calamitous dispersion.
Joseph, the son of Sen, also published a treatise
" on the use of the Gemara " in this city. The
famous impostor Zabathai Tzevi chose Salonichi as
the theatre whereon to act his part, imagining, that,
if he could impose on the doctors in this academy,
it ^vould be easy to delude his more ignorant
brethren. An account of his success among his
infatuated nation will be given in the following
chapter.
HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 305
CHAPTER XXII.
The Jews frequently duped by impostors. An account of Zabathai
Tzevi, a false Messiah. Of bis precursor Nathan Levi. Of his
success in different cities. He repairs to Constantinople, and is
imprisoned by the sultan's orders. Of the great attention which
was paid him in prison. He is summoned to appear before the
sultaii, and professes the Mahometan religion.
IN the foregoing- chapters we have seen the Jews
during sixteen centuries obstinately persisting in
rejecting the true Messiah, and frequently duped by
impostors who assumed this character. This infa-
tuation continued unabated, notwithstanding the
repeated disappointments which often involved this
miserable people in terrible calamities.
A. D. 1666.] The Jewish nation entertained
sanguine expectations that some wonderful event
would take place during this year, and false reports
were eagerly circulated. It was said, that great
multitudes marched from unknown parts to the
remote desarts of Arabia, and were supposed to be
the ten tribes of Israel who have been dispersed for
many ages ; that a ship was arrived in the north
part of Scotland with sails and cordage of silk ;
that the mariners spoke nothing but Hebrew, and
that on the sails was this motto, " The twelve tribes
of Israel." These accounts excited the enthusiasm
of the credulous people, and prepared their minds
to receive an impostor.*
At this period Zabathai Tzcvi proclaimed himself
* According to the predictions of some Christian writers, who
commented upon the Apocalypse, some wonderful eyent was to take
place ia 1666 respecting the Jews. Turkish History, p. 174,
X
HISTORY OF THE JEWS.
the Messiah and de 
