act of justice, to which he is the more entitled, as he seldom, if ever, speaks decisively, without adducing his reasons. It remains only to account for an apparent anachronism in the following Preface, by admonishing the reader, that the Historical Geography of the Old and New Testaments were originally distinct and separate publications; and that the Geography of the New Testament was first published by the Author. PREFA C E. IN N the sacred Scriptures there are distinguishable these two general parts, a Doctrinal and an Historical. By the Doctrinal part are understood those instructions, which teach us what we are to believe and practise, in order to our eternal salvation. By the Historical part is meant the account given us of transactions and events; either in reference to nations, especially that of the Jews; or in reference to single persons, as Abraham, David, &c. but above all, our Lord and Saviour JESUS CHRIST, the author and finisher of our faith. Heb. xii. 2. Of these two parts of Scripture, the Doctrinal, being of infinitely the highest concern, requires therefore our far greatest study and application. However this hinders not, but that we may, and very commendably too, spend some time and thoughts on the Historical part of Scripture; it being but reasonable to think, that what the wisdom of God has judged fit to make part of his word, we may judge fit to make part of our study. This being certain in general, it will easily be granted, that amongst all the historical passages of Scripture, circumstances appertaining to the history of our blessed Saviour challenge the first place in our studious thoughts and inquiries. And as Geography is acknowledged to be one eye of History in general, so nothing can more conduce to illustrate the history of our Lord, than giving as it were a plan of those places which made up the scene, whereon the particulars of his holy and unspotted life were transacted; especially if the geographical description be ranged after an historical method, or according to the series of time, wherein the places were visited by our blessed Lord. This is the design and method of the a first Part of this work, which therefore cannot be reasonably disliked, whatever the performance may be. Though even this, I hope, carries nothing in it, but what is very excusable by a 'reader of candour, and not unapprehensive of the nature of the subject.. In describing the ancient state and condition of places, as they were in the times of our Saviour, I have chiefly followed (where I could) Josephus, the celebrated Jewish Historian, as being beyond dispute the best qualified author to inform us therewith; forasmuch as he lived in the first century, and was not only a native of the Holy Land, but also a great commander or general in it. * See the Advertisement prefixed to this edition. But judging it might be not less (if not more) acceptable to the genius of the age, I have inserted also the best account we have of the present state and condition of places mentioned in the Gospels, and lying within the Holy Land. This I have taken chiefly from the late reverend and ingenious Mr. Maundrell, then Chaplain to the factory at Aleppo, in his Journey from Aleppo to Jerusalem, A. D. 1697. This worthy person appears by his writings to have been so well qualified for a work of this nature, that it is much to be regretted, that he had not the opportunity of taking a survey of all the parts of the Holy Land, but especially of the Sea of Galilee, and the country round it. Sure I am, it is much to be wished, that this might be done by some other worthy person belonging to the forementioned factory, and no less qualified for such an undertaking. It is obvious of what great use this might be, for the clearing some passages in the Gospels, which relate to our Saviour's journeyings about the Sea of Galilee. I need not enlarge on the great use that maps are of to the better understanding of all sorts of geographical treatises. For which reason, I have added to this first Part a map, shewing the places mentioned in the four Gospels, and lying chiefly within the Holy Land: as I have also added another map to the other part of this work, shewing such places as are mentioned in the other books of the New Testament, and lay chiefly without the Holy Land. So that in one of these two maps is to be found any X place mentioned or referred to in the whole New Testament. It is here to be further remarked, that I have not contented myself with giving a bare geographical account of places; but have also taken notice of such famous persons, or actions, or other circumstances, as the places are memorable for in history, or at least deserve our present observation. And this I have done to the end that this work might be useful in more respects than one; and not only more useful, but also more pleasant and entertaining to the reader. On this historical account, as also by reason of the historical method I have made use of both in this and the other Part, I have given to this work the name of an Historical Geography of the New Testa ment. I have purposely avoided, as much as I could, all critical disquisitions, this work being chiefly designed for the service of such as are not wont to find any great pleasure in criticisms, at least, of this nature; and are not much skilled in any other but their native English tongue. For which last reason, I have likewise made use of the English translation of Josephus by Sir Roger L'Estrange, where I have had occasion to cite any passage out of the said Jewish Historian. As Geography is esteemed one eye of History, so Chronology is no less justly esteemed the other; and |