CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY GIFT FROM
Alfred C. Barnes
The original of this book is in the Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text.
http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924029308503
CONTAINING THE HISTORY OF ABOUT FORTY YEARS, VIZ. FROM 175 TO 135 BEFORE CHRIST.
WITH NOTES AND ILLUSTRATIONS, BY
HENRY COTTON, D.C.L.
ARCHDEACON OF CASHEL,
AND DECEASED STUDENT AT CHRIST CHURCH, OXFORD
OXFORD, AT THE UNIVERSITY PRESS. MDCCCXXXII.
TO
THE PROVOST, FELLOWS AND SCHOLARS, VAN TRINITY COLLEGE, DUBLIN, TO WHOSE VALUABLE LIBRARY I HAD THE MOST GENEROUS ACCESS, THE PRESENT PUBLICATION IS ENGRAVED, IN TESTIMONY OF RESPECT AND REGARD.
THE
SECOND BOOK
OF
MACCABEES:
CONTAINING
THE HISTORY OF ABOUT FORTY YEARS, VIZ. FROM 175 TO 135 BEFORE CHRIST
CHAPTER VIII.
B.C.161
Judas makes a league with the Romans.
Now Judas had heard of the fame of the Romans, that they were mighty in power, and such as would lovingly accept all who joined themselves unto them, and make a league of amity with all who came unto them; and that they were men of great valour. It was told him also of their wars and noble acts which they had done among the Galatians a, and how they had conquered them,
them, and brought them under tribute. And what they had done in the country of Spain for the winning of the mines of the silver and gold which is there: and that by their policy and patience they had conquered all the place, (though it were very far from them,) and the kings also who came against them from the uttermost part of the earth, till they had discomfited them, and given them a great overthrow, so that the rest did give them tribute every year. Besides this, how they had discomfited in battle Philip, and Perseus king of the Citims b, with others who lifted themselves against them, and had overcome them. How also Antiochus c the great king of Asia, who came against them in battle, having an hundred and twenty elephants, with horsemen and chariots, and a very great army, was discomfited by them; and how they took him alive, and covenanted that he, and such as reigned after him, should pay a great tribute, and give hostages, and an appointed sum d. And the country of India, and Media e and Lydia, and of the goodliest countries,
which they took from him and gave to king Eumenes f: moreover, how the Grecians g had determined to come and destroy them; and that they, having knowledge thereof, sent against them a certain captain, and fighting with them slew many of them, and carried away captives their wives and their children, and spoiled them, and took possession of their lands, and pulled down their strong holds, and brought them to be their servants unto this day. It was told him besides, how they destroyed and brought under their dominion all other kingdoms and isles, which at any time resisted them: but with their friends and such as relied upon them, they kept amity and that they had conquered kingdoms both far and nigh, insomuch that all who heard of their name were afraid of them: also, that whom they chose to help, and that they should reign, those and whom again they would, they displace reign; and that they were greatly exalted: yet for all this, none of them wore a crown, or was clothed in purple to walk proudly in it: moreover, how they had made for themselves a senate-house, wherein three hundred and twenty h men sat in council daily, consulting always for the people, to the end they
might be well ordered: and that they committed their government to one man i every year, who ruled over all their country; and that all were obedient to that one, and that there was neither envy nor emulation amongst them. And Judas chose Eupoleraus the son of John, the son of Accos, and Jason, the son of Eleazar, and sent them to Rome, to make a league of amity and confederacy with them; and to intreat them, that they would take the yoke from them for they saw that the kingdom of the Grecians did oppress Israel with servitude. They went therefore to Rome, (which was a very great journey,) and came into the senate, where they spoke, and said, ” Judas Maccabaeus and his brethren, ” and the people of the Jews, have sent us unto ” you, to make a confederacy and peace with you, ” and that we might be registered your con ” federates and friends.” So that matter pleased k the Romans well. And this is the copy of the epistle which the senate wrote back again, in tables of brass, and sent to Jerusalem, that there they might have by them a memorial of peace and confederacy: ” Good success be to the Romans and to the people of the Jews, by sea and by land forever: the sword also and the enemy be far from them.
” If there come first any war upon the Romans, or any of their confederates throughout all their dominion, the people of the Jews shall help them, as the time shall be appointed them, with all their heart. Neither shall they give anything unto those who make war upon them, or aid them with victuals, weapons, money, or ships, as it hath seemed good unto the Romans; but they shall keep their covenants without taking anything therefore. In the same manner also if a war come first upon the nation of the Jews, the Romans shall help them with all their heart, according as the time shall be appointed them. Neither shall victuals be given to those who take part against them, or weapons, or money, or ships, as it hath seemed good to the Romans but they shall keep their covenants, and that” without deceit. According to these articles did the Romans make a covenant with the people of the Jews. Howbeit, if hereafter the one party or the other shall think meet to add or diminish anything, they may do it at their pleasures ; and whatsoever they shall add or take away, shall be ratified. And as touching the evils which Demetrius doeth to the Jews, we have written unto him, saying, wherefore hast thou made thy yoke heavy upon our friends and confederates the Jews? If therefore they complain any more against thee, we will do ” them justice, and fight with thee by sea and by land.”
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