Part 9
He strengthens this opinion, that in the Isle St. _Michael_, which belongs to the _Azores_, the _Spaniards_ found Sepulchres under ground, with very ancient Hebrew letters, which _Genebrardus_ hath Printed, _in lib._ _1. chro._ _p._ 159. From whence we gather, that in that inscription there is a mistake of the letter (T.) so that the sense of it is, _How perfect is God. Sehalbin is dead. Know God._ Unlesse you will have them to be proper Names, and to signifie him that is dead, and his Father, in which sense for (M) you must read (B) and then the sense will be, _Meetabel seal, the Son of Matadel_; such names ending in (el) are common in Scripture, as _Raphael_, _Immanuel_, and the like. Let it suffice him who is pleased with neither of those conjectures, that _Hebrew_ Letters were found there. And though that Island is remote from the _West-Indies_, yet it might be by accident that they might put in thither.
_SECT. 5._
That seemes to be to the purpose which _Garcillassos de la Voga_ saith in his Comment. on _Peru_, _lib._ 3. _c._ 1. _That in_ Tiahuanacu _a Province of_ Collai, _among other Antiquities, this is worthy of memory_, (_being scituated at the Lake which the_ Spaniards _call Chutuytu_) _That among the great buildings which are there, one was to be seene of a very great pile, which hath a Court 15. fathoms broad; a wall that compasseth it, 2 furlongs high; on one side of the Court is a Chamber 45 foot long, and 22 broad; and the Court, the Wall, the Pavement, the Chamber, the Roofe of it, the entrance, the posts of the 2 gates of the Chamber, and of the entrance, are made only of one stone; the three sides of the Wall are an ell thick; the_ Indians say, _that that House is dedicated to the Maker of the World_. I conjecture that building to be a Synagogue, built by the _Israelites_; for the Authors who writ about the _Indies_, tell us, that the _Indians_ never use Iron, or Iron weapons. Also the _Indians_ were Idolaters, and therefore it could not be that they should build an house to God. _P. Acosta in lib._ 6. _Ind. histor._ _c._ 14. mentions such buildings as are in that place; and he reports that he measured a stone which was 38. foot long, 18 foot broad, and sixe foot thick. _Petrus Cieza_ in his first part of his Chronicles of _Peru_, _c._ 87. relates, That in the City _Guamanga_, which is scituated by the river _Vinaque_, there is a vast building, which because then it seemed almost ruined by time, it therefore had lasted many yeares. He asking the neighbouring _Indians_, Who built that great Pile? He learnt, that it was made by a people (who were bearded, and white as the _Spaniards_) who came thither a long time before (and staid some time after) the _Indians_ raigned there; and the _Indians_ said, that they had received it from their Fathers by Tradition. The same _Cieza_, _cap._ 10. 5. of the Antiquity of _Tiguanac_, saith, that what the _Indians_ boast to be very ancient, can by no meanes be compared with that Ancient building, and other things. From all which you may well gather, that the first Inhabitants of that place were the _Israelites_ of the ten Tribes, because they were white, and bearded.
_SECT. 6._
To this opinion adde an argument taken from what Logicians call _a simili_; for he that will compare the Lawes and Customes of the _Indians_ and _Hebrewes_ together, shall finde them agree in many things; whence you may easily gather, That the _Indians_ borrowed those of the _Hebrewes_ (who lived among them) before, or after they went to the unknowne Mountaines. The _Indians_ of _Jucatan_, and the _Acuzainitenses_ doe circumcise themselves. The _Totones_ of _New Spaine_, and _Mexicans_ (as _Roman_ and _Gomaza_ in the generall History of the _Indians_ testifie) rend their garments, if there happen any sudden misfortune or the death of any. _Gregorius Gracias in Monarchia Ingasonum_, an Isle of _Peru_, saith, that _Guainacapacus_ hearing that his sonne _Atagualpa_ fled for feare of the Army of his enemy, he rent his garments. The _Mexicans_, and _Totones_, or the _Totonacazenses_ kept continually fire upon their Altars, as God commands in _Leviticus_. Those of _Peru_ doe the same, in their Temples dedicated to the Sun. The _Nicaraguazenses_ doe forbid their women who were lately brought a bed, to enter their Temples, till they are purified. The inhabitants of _Hispaniola_ thinke those doe sin, who lye with a woman a little after her childe-birth. And the _Indians_ of _new Spaine_ doe severely punish Sodomie. Many of the _Indians_ doe bury their dead on the Mountaines; which also is the _Jewish_ custome; and _Garcias_ saith, the name _Chanan_ is found in those Countries. You may wonder at this, that the _Indians_ doe every fifty yeares celebrate a Jubilee, with great pomp, in _Mexico_, the Metropolis of the whole Province. Also that on the Sabbath day all are bound to be present in the Temple, to performe their Sacrifices, and Ceremonies. They also were divorced from their wives, if they were not honest. The _Indians_ of _Peru_, _New-Spaine_, and _Guatemala_ did marry the Widdowes of their dead Brethren. May not you judge from these things, that the _Jewes_ lived in those places, and that the _Gentiles_ learned such things of them? Adde also to what hath been said, that the knowledge which the _Indians_ had, of the Creation of the world, and of the universall Flood, they borrowed from the _Israelites_.
_SECT. 7._
The fourth ground of this opinion is, that the _Indians_ are of a browne colour, and without beards; but in the new world, white, and bearded men were found, who had never commerce with the _Spaniards_; and whom you cannot affirme to be any other than _Israelites_; because also as they could never be overcome, so shall they never be fully knowne, as appeares by what followes. _Petrus Simon_ a _Franciscan_, in his History of finding out the firme Land, saith, that in the reigne of _Charles_ the fifth, he commanded one called _Philippus de Utre_ thither, to discover, and plant those Countries; that he found them unknowne toward the North of _America_ about five degrees, in the Province of _Omeguas_, which is neare the Province of _Venezuela_, and now is called _Garracas_. And he having learned of their neighbours, the greatnesse of that people both in wealth, and in war, he determined to war upon them. Who when they had marched a good way, at last found a rich City, full of people, and faire buildings; and not farre off two Husband-men tilling the ground; whom they would have made Prisoners, that they might be their interpreters. But when they saw themselves set on, they fled apace towards the City; but _Philippus d’Utre_ and his Souldiers followed them hard on Horse-back, and had almost taken them; whereupon the Husband-men stood still, and with their Speares wounded _Philip_ in the breast, piercing through his Brest-plate made of wooll to keep off Arrowes. He wondering at the dexterity of that people, judged it a wiser course, not to make war upon that Province, and people so expert in warre, and who dared to resist armed men. Therefore he retreated with his Company. And to this day none goe to that people, neither is it knowne which way to goe to them. It is probable that they are _Israelites_ whom God preserves in that place against the day of redemption. _Alonsus de Erzilla_ testifies the same thing, in 2. part. _Sua Araucaniæ._ _Cant._ 27. where describing those places, he thus speakes in Spanish.
_Some Countries there, so populous are seen, As one continued City; which have been Never as yet discovered; but unknowne To other Nations; have laine hid alone; Not found by forreigne sword, nor forreigne trade Doe either seeke, nor suffer to be made, But unacquainted live, till God shall please To manifest his secrets: shew us these._
_SECT. 8._
_Ioannes Castilianus Vicarius_ living in the City _Pampelona_ of _Nova Granada_ in _Peru_, saith, that when _Gonzalus Pisarrus_ had revolted from his people, he sent some to search out new Countries of the _Indians_ who lived East-ward, whose number could never be knowne, because that (as some say) their Country is above two thousand miles in length, if you compute from the head of the river _Maragnon_, which runs neare _Andes_ of _Cusco_, unto the place where it runs into the Sea, where therefore the River began to be navigable, _Petrus d’Orsna_ being a Captaine, went by water, and his Souldiers with him, in Vessels called Canows; which when they were too small for the force of the streame, he built Brigandines, on the banke of the River _Guariaga_, which washing the Province _Chachapoyas_, runs into _Maragnon_. He was scarce gone aboard his Brigandines, when one of his own Souldiers named _Aquirre_, a stout man, killed him, who by common consent succeeded the slaine. When they had gone a little way, they found a plaine without a mountaine, where many houses stood on each side of the banke of _Maragnon_, being built by the _Indians_. They still went on for forty eight houres together, and saw nothing but tall, and white houses, which they feared to goe into, because the Inhabitants were numerous, and because they heard the noyse of Hammers; for which cause they thought the Inhabitants to be Gold-smiths. They went on still, and now sayled in the North Sea, but alwayes neare to the shoare of the Province of _Margareta_, where _Aquirre_ was catcht by the Inhabitants and hanged; for they heard that he had killed his Captaine _Petrus de Orsua_.
_SECT. 9._
_Caspar Bergarensis_ (whom I have oft spoke with) went from the City _Laxa_, which is in the Province of _Quiti_ in _Peru_, and accompanied the Colonell _Don Diego Vaca de la Vega_ going to seeke a new Country.
In the yeare 1622. they came to the Province _Jarguasongo_, which had been discovered by Captaine _Salines_; and they passed the Mountaines _Cordilleræ_, where the River _Maragnon_ is not above a stones cast over. In the Province of the _Inde Mainenses_ they built a City, whose name was St. _Franciscus de Borja_, at _Esquilache_. In his company were one hundred _Spaniards_ in Canows. Having conquered those _Indians_, and compelling them to sweare fealty to the King of _Spaine_; the Colonell being instructed by the _Mainenses_, went to other places, after he had put a Garrison into his new City. Having sailed fifty leagues in the River (he found some Cottages of the _Indians_ which there hid themselves) by favour of many Rivers which there run into _Maragnon_. When they had sayled into the River _Guariaga_, where _Petrus de Orsua_ had built his Brigandines, and was killed by _Aquirre_; they asked the _Indians_ whom they had taken (who were called _Guariaga_, from the Rivers name) what people doe live on the Rivers side? they told the Colonell, that five dayes journey off, there live men of tall stature, comely in presence, and have as great beards as the _Spaniards_ have, valiant, and warlike, who are not skilled in Canowes, though the rest of the _Indians_ use no other; he presently returned the same way he came.
_SECT. 10._
In _Farnambuc_ about forty yeares since, eight _Tabaiares_ had a minde to looke out new Countries, and to see whether the Land that was beyond, and unknowne, were inhabited. They having spent foure moneths in travelling Westward, they came to mountaines, to whose top they got with difficulty, and found a plaine which a pleasant river doth compasse, by whose banke side dwelt a people who loved commerce, they were white, and bearded; and this five of the _Tabaires_ (for three perished by the way, and only five returned) told to the _Brasilians_ after nine moneths.
_SECT. 11._
In our time, under King _Philip_ the third, Captaine _Ferdinades de Queiros_ being returned out of _India_ (where he had spent most of his life) to _Rome_, he shewed a Table of Lands yet undiscovered. From thence he went to _Madrid_, and five ships were given him by the Governour of _Panama_ (to whom he was sent) to perfect his designe. He began his journey, and was scarcely entred the South Sea, but he found Land, which he called, _The Isle of Solomon_, and _Hierusalem_, for reasons which he told me. He in his course of sayling alwayes kept close to the shoare of those Islands; he saw those Islanders of a browne colour, and took many; others dwelt in greater Islands, and more fruitfull; these were white, and wore long garments of silk; and the Pilot being bid to bring his Ship neare the shoare, he split his Ship upon a Rock, (and the Islanders running greedily to the sight) which being sunke, the Captaine went thence, looking for the firme Land, which he found to be forty degrees beyond; and he went three hundred miles neare the shoare; and when he perceived the Country to be inhabited by the smoke which he saw, and would put into a Port on the side of the River, there ran to him many white men, of yellow haire, tall like Giants, richly cloathed, and of long beards. But one of the Vessels being wracked in the Havens mouth, he was forced to put out to Sea; whereupon the Islanders sent two Chaloffi of a browne colour, (as the inhabitants were of the first Island) with sheep, and other provisions, and fruits, but desiring, and threatning them, if they did not depart: The Captaine brought those Chaloffi into _Spaine_, from whom the _Spaniards_ could learne nothing but by signes; and instead of answers, (when they were asked) would shew their beards, as if such those were, who were their Lords, and had sent them, and if they were asked about Religion, they would hold up their fingers to Heaven, implying, that they worshipped but one God. A little while after, they dyed in _Spaine_. The Captaine returned to _Panama_, having left his two Ships which were wracked; and when the Governour sued him, by meanes of the Senators, who are over the _Indian_ affaires, he was dismissed, and returned with his Ships into _Spaine_, where he abode two yeares before his matters were dispatched. But the King created him Marquesse of the Countries found out by him, and commanded to give him a good Army, where-with to compasse his designes. But he scarce got to _Panama_, when he dyed, not without suspition of being poysoned by the Governour.
_SECT. 12._
That which I am about to tell, shall serve for a proofe of that which I said of the _West-Indians_. A Dutch Mariner told me, that not long since he was with his ship in _America_, seven degrees towards the North between _Maragnon_, and great _Para_, and he put into an Harbour in a pleasant River, where he found some _Indians_ who understood _Spanish_, of whom he bought Meats, and Dywood; after he had stayed there six moneths, he understood that that River extended eighteen leagues towards the _Carybes Indians_, as far as the ship could goe; and that the River is divided there into three branches, and they sayling two months on the left hand, there met them white men, and bearded, well bred, well cloathed, and abounding with gold and silver; they dwelt in Cities enclosed with wals, and full of people; and that some _Indians_ of _Oronoch_ went thither, and brought home much gold, silver, and many precious stones, Which he having understood, sent thither some Sea-men; but the _Indian_ dyed by the way, who was their guide, and so they did not proceed, but stayed there two months, and trucked with the _Indians_ who were sixty leagues from Sea. That Province is called _Jisbia_, and is subject to _Zealand_; they have no commerce with the _Spaniards_, and the inhabitants travell securely every way. I heard that story by accident from that _Dutch_ Master of the Ship; whence some of us guessing them to be _Israelites_, had purposed to send him againe to enquire more fully. But he dyed suddenly the last yeare, whence it seemes that God doth not permit that those purposes should take any effect till the end of dayes.
_SECT. 13._
Yet I give more credit to our _Montezinus_, being a _Portingal_, and a _Jew_ of our Order; borne in a City of _Portingal_, called _Villefleur_, of honest and known Parents, a man about forty yeares old, honest, and not ambitious. He went to the _Indies_, where he was put into the Inquisition, as the successor of many who were borne in _Portingal_, and descended from them, whom the King of _Portingal_, _Don Manuel_ forced to turne Christians: (_O wicked, and unjust action_, saith _Osorius_; and a little after, _This was done neither according to Law, nor Religion_,) and yet to this day they privately keep their Religion, which they had changed, being forced thereto. He being freed from the Inquisition, very diligently sought out these things, and oft spoke with those men, and then was not quiet till he came hither, and had told us that good newes. He endured much in that journey, and was driven to great want, so that no house would give him food, or give him money for his worke. I my selfe was well acquainted with him for six months together that he lived here; and sometimes I made him take an Oath in the presence of honest men, that what he had told, was true. Then he went to _Farnambuc_, where two yeares after he dyed, taking the same Oath at his death. Which if it be so, why should not I beleeve a man that was vertuous, and having all that which men call gaine. And who knowes but that shortly the truth of that Prognostick may appeare, which our _Montezinus_ learned from the _Mohanes_; answerable to that which _Jacobus Verus_ an Astrologer of _Prague_ writ after the apparition of the Comet in _Ann._ 1618. and dedicated to his Highnesse the Prince _Palatine_, where he thus discourseth: The Comet going towards the South, doth intimate that the Cities and Provinces which God doth threaten, are those of the _West-Indies_, which shall revolt from the King of _Spaine_, who will finde that losse greater then he imagined, not that the _Indians_ rebell against him of themselves, but that they are provoked to it being stirred up by others. Neither did the Comet only fore-tell that, but the eclipse of the Sun, which was in that Country the yeare before. Thus far the Astrologer. Our ancient Rabbins say, though we doe not beleeve the Astrologers in all things, yet we doe not wholly reject them, who sometimes tell truth.
_SECT. 14._
Thus farre of the _West-Indies_, of which _Isaiah_ may be understood (because it lyes in the midst of the Sea, and also hath many Islands) in _Isa._ 60.9. _The isles shall waite for me, and the ships of Tarshish first, to bring their Sons from far, their silver and their gold with them_, Jer. 31.10. _Heare the Word of the Lord O ye Nations, and declare it in the isles afar off, and say, He that scattereth Israel will gather him_, Psal. 97.1. _The Lord reigneth, let the earth rejoyce, and the multitude of isles be glad._ Where part of the ten Tribes doe dwell unknown to this day.
_SECT. 15._
You must know that all the ten Tribes were not carried away at the same time. _Pul_ the King of _Assyria_ (as I shew in the second part of my Reconciler) conquered, and carried away the Tribes of _Reuben_, _Gad_, and halfe _Manasseh_, in the reigne of _Peka_, as you may see in _1 Chron._ 5.26. and _Josephus in li._ 9. _c._ 11. _Tiglahpileser_ eight yeares after took _Ijon_, _Abel-beth-maachah_, _Hazor-Gilead_, _Galilee_, all the land of _Naphtali_, and he carryed away all the Captives into _Assyria_, in _2 King._ 15.29. At last _Shalmaneser_ King of _Assyria_, nine yeares after, in the reign of _Hoshea_ the Son of _Elah_, besieged _Samaria_ three yeares; which being taken, he carried away. _Hoshea_, with the rest of the Tribes, in _2 King._ 17.6. Of those three times the Prophet _Isaiah_ speakes, _Isa._ 9.1. saying, the first captivity was gentle, if you compare it with the last, which was grievous, and unsufferable, when the Kingdome and Monarchy of _Israel_ ceased.
_SECT. 16._