reading the Lessons Preaching and Prayer either aloud by the Bishop or in common by the Deacons giving notice Ibid. Hymns of the Church Just Mart. Hymns proving the Divinity of Christ Euseb Hymns of Nepos Idem Hymns of St. Ambrose S. Hilary Prudentius generally used Te Deum attributed by Arch-Bishop Vsher to S. Nicclius Bishop of Triers A. D. 535. or of Lyons 567. Gloria Patri used anciently in the Eastern Church Basil in the Gallican Churches at the end of every Psalm Cassian at Rome mostly after the Responsoria Walafr Strab. Singing in Ambrose's time taken into use at Millain and the Western Churches upon occasion of a Persecution under Justina Valentinian's Mother Augustine commends Athanasius his plain distinct singing like reading Mahometan The Mahometans have several ways of praising God viz. by Singing Musick Dancing c. according to the different Sects which are among them but the most pleasant is that of the Dervises with Flutes Drums Dances Vocal-musick reading of the Alcoran and exposition of it Concerning which see afterwards in the Chapter of Saints See more in the Practical Part in the Chap. of Praising God Ancient Heathen Observe 1. The Matter and Contents Callimachas writing a Hymn to the praise of Apollo begins thus None so skilful an Artist as the famous Apollo He 's skill'd in Song and skill'd in Archery A Prophet He and great Physician too He Mortals taught to build Apollo loves Architecture c. Orpheus observes the same method viz. 1. Declaring the Vertues of the Gods 2. Praying that they may be brave and happy and give a blessed end to their Banquets 2. The Form They had three Stanzaes or parts 1. Strophe sung in turning from the East to the West 2. Antistrophe in returning from the West to the East 3. Epode Sung while they stood before the Altar for they used to Dance in this manner whilst they Sung the Hymns about the Altar 3. The time Alway when the Persians Sacrificed a Magus Sung a Hymn The Arabian Priests were bound to spend their time in singing Hymns and rehearsing the Acts of their Gods Rosse N. Plato l. de leg adviseth that whatsoever Hymns or Prayers the Poets composed they should first shew them to the Priests lest they should ask evil things for good Greg. Naz. saith Julian the Apostate in imitation of the Christians did appoint among the Heathens 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Form of Prayer to be said in parts Modern Heathen Among the Samodies the Priest in his Divine Service doth not Sing but Howl and that so long till he become like a Mad-man and then falls down as if he were dead but riseth again orders five Deer to be Sacrificed and then thrusts a Sword half way into his belly still singing or howling rather c. Rosse Among the Indians Old and Modern dancing to the Idols is accounted part of divine Worship Idem In Goa when they Sow Mow go to Sea and when the Women lye in and when they return from Sea they feast their Idols with Musick and other Solemnities 14 days together Idem In Narsinga their Idol is carried yearly in Procession with Virgins and Musick going before Idem In Florida they worship the Sun and Moon with dances and songs howling feasting and cutting of their Skins Diabolical Profane wanton Songs which vitiate and corrupt the minds of men Chrysostom in Ps 117. calls them 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Delrius in his Magic Disquis makes mention of Multae Jubilationes Saltationes commessationes compotationes et ludi in honorem ipsius praesidentis Beelzebub l. 5. Sec. 16. Mr. Glanvil tells us 1. At going to meeting they go singing Thout tout a tout throughout and about 2. At their Feasting the Devil plays on a Cittern or Pipe 3. At parting the word is A Boy merry meet merry part 4. In their Return they cry Rentum Tormentum Doctor Dee in his Actions with Spirits used frequent Thanksgivings for instance when by the help of one of his Spirits he had found three of his Books which had been burnt the 10th of April before I fell saith he upon my Knees with great thanks-yielding to the God Almighty Act. with Spirits p. 418. 3. Sacrifices Jewish THE Oblations of the Jews according to Purchas his Relations and Theol. Discov of Asia c. were 1. Sacrifices 1. Burnt-Offerings Consumed by the perpetual fire upon the Altar being that which God miraculously sent down from Heaven to consume Aaron's Sacrifice Nadab and Abihu were stricken with a revenging fire from God for using other Vide Lev. 1. 2. Meat-Offerings Made of fine flour without Honey or Leaven and with Oil and Incense on the Altar or Frying-pan or Oven or Caldron Lev. 2. part whereof was sacred to the Lord by fire part for the Priests 3. Peace-Offerings The Fat and Kidneys whereof were to be burnt the Fat and Blood being universally forbidden them to eat the breast and right shoulder was the Priests The rest went to the Sacrificer to be caten the first or second day or the third day burnt with Fire Lev. 3 7. 4. Sin-offerings viz. for sins of Ignorance of the Priest Prince People c. vide Lev. 4 6. 5. Trespass-Offerings viz. in case of contempt when the sin was done willingly Lev. 6. To these were adjoyned Prayers and Praises with musical instruments and voices 6. Offerings of Consecration proper to the Priests vide Lev. 6.10 7. Of Purification as of a Woman after Child-birth Lev. 12. or a Leper Lev. 13 14. or for unclean issues of Men and Women c. 15. 8. Of Expiation on that Feast-day so called Lev. 16. Add to these 1. The Lights 2. Incense every morning and evening on a golden Altar whereto the Priests only had access with such perfume as is prescribed Exod. 30. 2. Gifts 1. According to the Law 1. First-Fruits of Man of Beasts of the Earth 2. Tithes to the Levites to the Priests the Temple a 3d. year's Tenth 2. By Vow 3. Of Free-will Now the Jews content themselves with reading the Precepts concerning Sacrifices comforting themselves with Hos 14.3 Ancient Christian Cyprian severely chides a rich Widow of his time who came to the Sacrament without giving any thing to the poor man's box did partake of others Offerings not giving any thing of her own de Oper. Eleemos Concerning the Oblations of the Primitive Christians we may observe 1. That Bread and Wine was ordinarily Offered every Lord's Day by all the men and Women Carranz in Sum. Dec. Fabia Pa. 2. That the Offerings of them who did not Communicate were not to be accepted Id. Sum. Eliber Conc. c. 28. 3. That none were to receive these Offerings but the Bishop or his Substitute upon pain of being Anathematized Conc. Gangr c. 8. 4. That the Oblations were to be distributed by the Bishop according to the Necessity of the Faithful Carrauz Sum. Decr. Vrban Pap. 12. qu. Res Eccl. 5. That of the Oblations of the
the God of Sheperds Averruncus who kept Corn from smut Agonius Priapus Proteus Aeolus Momus Hebe Carmenta c. Mali Genii Furiae Parcae 3. Ridiculous things Birds Beasts Fishes Serpents Elements Plants the Devil himself nay St. Hierom saith the Pelusiani worshiped Crepitum Ventris and the Egyptians Priapum or Penem 4. The Vnknown God to whom they built an Altar at Athens lest whilst they gathered so many Gods together they should leave out any Varro computed to the number of 30000 Gods In Scripture are mentioned 1. The Golden Calf i. e. The Egyptians Apis. 2. Teraphim i. e. Talismanical Engines 3. Moloch The Amonites Saturn 4. Baal i. e. The chief Idol viz. of Phoenicia 5. Adramelech and Anamelech of Sepharvaim 6. Ashâ—troth the Sidonians Moon or Queen of Heaven Jer. 7.44 7. Dagon the Philistines Jupiter 8. Succoth Benoth the Babylonians Venus 9. Nergal a Fire which the Persian Magi kept in honour of the Sun continually 10. Rimmon the chief Idol of Damascus 11. Nebo a God of the Chaldeans 12. Amisa Nisroch Nibchaz Thamuz Modern Heathen In China a Three-Headed Idol Some call him Chin-hoan In Guinea and the East-Indies they greet the New-Moon with horrible roarings and strange Gestures of Adoration Also they worship a Bird called Pittoie spotted as with Stars and crying like a Bull. Also the Devil The Chingulaes in Ceilon worship at this day 1. Ossa Polla maupt Dio the Creator of Heaven and Earth 2. Buddou the Saviour of Souls who went to Heaven from Pico Adam a high Mount where they shew the print of his foot 3. Gerehah i. e. the Planets Nine in Number reckoning the Dragon's Head and Tail 4. Devils In the North of Lapland they worship the Sun Moon and Devils and whatsoever they see first at break of day c. In Indolstan the Bramins describe their God with a thousand Hands Eyes and Feet The Hindoes believe God to be Omnipotent that he can cause Rain Thunder c. That he needs not to be prayed to Many Indians a Cow Apis Some Elephants Horses c. The great Prophets of the Hindoes are Peremael and Westnon viz. Bremaw Breman Ram Permiver Of the Chinese Confucius Of the Persees Zortoose Zoroaster In Persia are still Guehers who worship the Fire some call them Gaurs The Bannians use a tripartite Thread hung about their Neck to denote the Trinity Sir Th. Herbert Diabolical The Magicians Witches Conjurers c. worship the Devil professedly who appears to them often in divers Shapes viz. 1. Of a black Man c. 2. A black Dog 3. A Cat. 4. A Rat. 5. A Hedg-hog 6. A black Toad 7. A Fly c. as may be seen in the several stories related by Glanvil c. 8. In shape of a Goat Delrius 9. Sometimes in disguise of an Angel of Light as in the case of Dr. Dee under divers feigned Names as Madisni Vriel Gabriel c. Dr. Dee's Actions with Spirits I love you said one of the Spirits to Dr. d ee now you talk of God ibid. 2. Places of Divine Worship Jewish 1. THeir own Houses Hills and Groves Gen. 22.2 2. A Tabernacle which was 1. Moveable 2. Temporary to signifie the Church Militant 3. A Temple fixt and permanent to signifie the Church Triumphant wherein consider 1. It s Site viz. 1. On Mount Sion 2. On Mount Moriah 3. On Mount Calvary in opposition to the dark Groves of the Heathens 2. Consider its parts First the Atrium or Court 1. Of the Priests where was 1. The brazen Altar 2. Lavers to wash the Priests Sacrifices 2. Of the People or outward Court or Solomon's Porch built about with Porches for rainy Weather This was after Solomon's time divided into 1. The Mens Court Here was an Ascent with steps where the Songs of degrees were sung 2. The Womens Court here was the Corban inscribed with 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the initial Letters of Prov. 21.14 or the like 2. The Sanctuary where was 1. The Incense Altar in the middle sprinkled once yearly by the High Priest 2. The Tables with the twelve Leaves and Candlesticks 3. The Holy of Holies wherein consider 1. The Contents 1. The Pot of Manna 2. Aaron's Rod. 3. The Tables of the Testament 2. The Cover the Propitiatory or Mercy-seat overlaid with Gold at each end whereon stood a golden Cherub with Wings stretched out from between which as from an Oracle God gave Answers 4. Synagogues Parish-Churches Here was Praying and Preaching Men apart from Women 480 in Jerusalem Some add Prosâ—uchae Christian 1. Houses upper Rooms Acts 1.13 Acts 2.46 1 Cor. 11.18 20. Sometimes Woods and Forrests and Caves for 200 years or more Vid. Origin contra Cels l. 4. Arnob. l. 3. 2. Temples wherin consider 1. The Form oblong like a Ship Const Apost 2. The Situation Eastward generally Tertul. 3. The Parts 1. Vestibulum 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Porch adorned sometimes with Cloisters Cisterns Fountains of Water Marble Pillars for Penitents 2. Narthex the lower part next the great Door 3. Navis 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 here stood the Ambo or Pulpit where the Scriptures were Read or Preached Also Pastophoria the Pews 4. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The Chancel separated from the body of the Church by Rails cancelli only for those who were in Holy Orders Only at C. P. the Emperors were permited to enter there to offer and so back again Here were 1. the Altar anciently of wood 2. the Bishop's Chair or Throne at the upper end 3. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the presbyters seats on each side the Throne 5. Adjoyning to the Chancel on each side were 1. Diaconicon the Sacresty or vestry for vessels and garments 2. Prothesis where preparation was made for the Sacraments and the offerings laid up Note The Abyssins Temples are dark as the Jewish Synagogues for devotion Absis was the upper part of the Quire where penitents by immposition of hands were absolved Note 1. The Temples were at first plain afterwards peace and plenty coming in more cost was bestowed 2. No Images in the Temples for 400 years at least The Council of Illiberis forbad pictures in the Church And Epiphanius finding a picture in the Church of Anablatha rent it and gave it away for a winding sheet 3. The Altar was placed commonly at the East end but at Antioch VVestward say some Others that it was in the midst of the Church divided with rails from the rest called Presbyterium because appointed chiefly for the Priests drawn with curtains at certain times of the Divine service Bishop Jewel out of Chrysost August Euseb Mahometan Mosches or Meldgid called also Dgemii for the most part four square but larger in length then breadth with three Balls and an Half Moon on the Tower The Parts 1. A Portico 2. A Minaret or Tower by the side with a Balcony all round on the Top. 3. The Body very plain with 4 bare walls Only a Niche on the South wall
Nature they wash their Hands c. To this end they have commonly near the Mosques Baths for the Gousl and Fountains for the Abdest The manner thus 1. They look toward Mecha and wash the Hands three times 2. The Mouth and Teeth three times 3. The Nose three times 4. The Face three times 5. The Arms to the Elbow 6. The Head rub'd from the Brow to the Poll. 7. The Ears within and without 8. The Feet three times In washing they are to say Bismillah i. e. in the Name of the Great God and praise to God the God of the Mussulman Faith M. de Thevenot Ancient Heathen 1. Men were thus purged after they had touched a dead Body or entred into an unclean Place before admitted to the Altar They sprinkled their Head with a wet Olive or Laurel dipt in Water and Salt and made prayers to the God Spargit ipse suos Lauro rorante Capillos Incipit solita fundere voce preces Ovid. l. 5. Sometimes they used Sulphur and Fire made of Pine-wood to perfume the Person Place or Vessel c. When any sacrificed for his own purgation after a wickedness committed a Pig was slain and his Hands washed in the Blood In these Lustrations they used 1. A Trine Aspersion 2. Looking towards the East 2. Fields of Fruit when purged the Hostia was carried three times about the Field Terque novas circum foelix eat Hostia fruges Virg. l. 6. 3. Sacrifices were washed with Water and Salt Modern Heathen An incredible concourse of People come from all parts of the Indies in Pilgrimage to Chrysobacra in the Province of Halabras to visit the Pagods kept there very carefully but before they approach that place which they look upon to be holy they throw themselves stark naked into the River Ganges to be purified supposing that Adam and Eve were created there M. de Thevenot Trav. l. 3. c. 39. This in order to prepare themselves for some Feasts ibid. In the Province of Telinga the Idolaters use frequent washings Men Women and Children go to the river as soon as they are out of Bed the Rich have water brought to them When Women lose their Husbands they are brought thither by their Friends and they who are brought to Bed use the same custom as soon almost as they are delivered idem When they are come out of the water a Bramen dawbs their Forehead with a composition of Saffron and white Saunders They must never eat unless they be washed The Bannyans wash oft to purifie themselves from sin Sir Tho. Herbert At Tanasseri also sometimes 100000 Indians go naked into Ganges and bowing their Bodies with their Hands throw the water aloft as an offering to the Sun Sir Tho. Herbert Diabolical The Witches at their meetings use to anoint themselves with Oyl which the Devil brings them 5. Teaching Instruction c. Jewish MOSES hath of old such as preach him being read in their Synagogues every Sabbath day Act. 15.26 Esdras appointed that the people should meet three times in the Week to be taught the Law viz. the Sabbath Mondays and Thursdays and three days the rather say some because in the Desart of Sur the people wandred three days without water i. e. say they without the Law Ancient Christian Justin Martyr saith that the word was read and preached for the space of an hour every Sabbath day at one meeting Apolog. Tertullian saith there was not any holy meeting wherein they were not fed with Divine Sermons and if the Pastor were sick or necessarily hindred the Deacon read a Homily Mayer Ch. Cat. 1. The Primitive Christians at their Assemblies read the Scripture St. Clements's Epistle to the Corinthians Hermas's Pastor the Writings of St. Ephrem c. The Quantum Arbitrary according to their opportunity c. 2. Upon the Scripture read before the President of the Assembly with the Presbyters gave expositions and exhortations to the people Then after the Gospel read let the Presbyters one by one exhort the people not all at once and after all the Bishop as is fit for the Master to do Const App. Greg. Nyssen excuseth his brevity because of the discourses made before They had moreover Sermons in the Afternoon Chysostom in a Homily on this very subject 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Hom. 10. ad Pop. Antioch commends them that came to Church after Dinner in greater numbers to hear the Divine Laws St. Basil St. Augustine c. frequently refer to those Sermons which they had preached in the Mornings In Antioch it was usual for a good part of the year to have Sermons every day Chrysost Origen every day and as it were extempore made Sermons to the People Casaubon His Sermons were lively but short seldom exceeding an hour J. H. in the Life of Orig. The Abyssins have neither Preaching nor Hymns but only Liturgies and Homilies and several Portions of Scripture read Ludolph Yet for the younger sort they have Catechizing Idem The Muscovites no not their Monks and Priests cannot give any reason of their belief because they have not the word of God preached unto them And therefore the Patriarch suffers them not to dispute of Religion nor enquire into that of Forreigners D. of Holstein's Emb. Trav. Those who are to profess the Muscovite Religion are sent for six weeks into a Monastery where the Monks Instruct them and teach them their Prayers the manner of Honouring the Saints of doing reverence to the Images and making the signs of the Cross Idem The Protopope of Morum with others were deposed and Banish'd for offering to preach Mahometan Mahometans when they teach publickly hold a drawn Sword in their hand Mutewakelus a Mahomet Emperour Prayed and Preached before the People Muhtadis Billa sate Preaching to the people every Monday and Thursday having a Book always before him Hotting ex Elmas On Friday nine a Clock the Imam preacheth in a pulpit two hours together either declaring the Miracles of Mahomet or exalting the Faith of the Mahomcians or rehearsing fabulous Tales to terrify the bad or inveighing against the Blasphemers of Mahomet Christ and the Saints exhorting to Alms saying over the Commandments of the Law Sa. Purchas Ancient Heathen A great number of youths assemble to the Druids for the Cause of Discipline who are in great honour with them Caes de bel Gal. being moved by such rewards viz. privileges of the Druids and of their own accord many come together into this Discipline and are sent by their Neighbours and Parents there they are said to learn a certain number of Verses Some stay twenty years in the Discipline Idem The Antient Theologues amongst the Egyptians instructed their Scholars in like manner Towerson Modern Heathen In Madagascar I saw one who was certainly their Priest getting up a Tree and speaking to the people for above half an hour but not one of us understanding their Language I know not what discourse he made to them nor yet what
for it Rosse Tho the Jews in Barbary are not forbid the reading of the Bible yet the Vulgar upon pain of Excommunication must acquiesce in the sense of the Masters this was told as a Secret by R. Aaron ben Netas Dr. Addison The Pentateuch is divided into 52 Sections that so it may be read over in a year See more in Mr. Rosse Swearing by God is a sussicient cause of Excommunication with the Modern Jews Dr. Addison Christians Nazianzen severely chides his dear Friend Greg. Nyssen that rejecting the Holy Scripture the most excellent Writing in the World which he was wont to read both privately and publickly he had given himself to the study of forreign and profane Authors Dr. Cave Augustine Conf. l. 3. c. 5. l. 7. c. 21. complains that at his first reading of the Sacred Scriptures he despised them for the simplicity of their stile not comparable to the Eloquence of Tully but afterwards being unsatisfied with Tully and Plato greedily set upon S. Paul's Epistles and thereupon became inflamed with a Love of Divine Studies yet in the reading of Cicero he was not pleased because he could not find the name of Christ there Blesilla a devout Widow weak and sickly was never found without a Bible in her hand Hieron Olympia Fulvia Morata born at Ferrara in a Letter to the young Princess of that place she saith after getting out from the Idolatry of her own Countrey c. It may seem incredible to you what a change the Lord then made upon my Spirit that former aversion I had to read the Scripture was then turned to have it as my greatest delight and pleasure in the World c. Anonym Chrysostome having Preach'd many Sermons against Swearing at Antioch the people being weary ask'd him when he would leave Preaching To whom he Answered when you leave Swearing Would you have the Plaister taken away before the wound be Cured Ancient Heathens Pythagoras if he be the Author in his Golden Verses and Isocrates c. advise us to revere or be afraid of an Oath Mahometans Mahomet the great promising to his Soldiers the Spoil of Constantinople swore by the Turks great Oath By the Immortal God and by the 400 Probhets by Mahomet by his Father's Soul by his own Children and by the Sword wherewith he was girt Knolles Persians The Persians are mightily addicted to ill Language and Cursing but they never Blaspheme God for is they should hear one Swear or with themselves at the Devil they would cry out in astonishment is not that fellow a fool to give himself to the Devil and renounce Paradise All their Oaths are Ser-azire-sha by the King 's beloved Head or Erva Pigumbir by the Spirit of the Prophet I remember once at Galata walking with some of the French Embassadors Servants we saw two Turks at Cuffs In the end after 1000 curses on one side the other replied no more than this I wish thy Soul may have no more repose in Paradise than the Hat of a French-man hath in this world alluding to our putting them off so often M. Tavernier l. 5. c. 14. Armenians At Egmiasin the Arch-bishop took the Book wherein he had read the Gospel and gave it the Patriarch Bishops and all the people to kiss On the one side of the Cover of that Book are two Relicks Enchased which are cover'd with Crystal M. Tavernier l. 1. c. 3. Persians The Duke of Holstein's Embassador in his Persian Travels tells us Whilst I was viewing one of their Schools or Colleges one of the Regents who read publick Lectures perceiving that I had caused to be Engraven on a Cane which I had for a walking-staff in Arabick Bismi Alla rahman rachim i. e. In the Name of the Merciful God which shews Mercy he desired me to bestow it on him promising to give me a better but finding some difficulty he cut out the word Alla God and put it in a clean paper saying the name of God should not be on a staff thrust in the dirt Muscovites Tho in their quarrels they seldom break out into horrid Oaths and Imprecations yet upon Trivial occasions especially in their dealings they stick not to swear at every word and have incessantly in their mouths their Po Chrestum by Christ making the sign of the Cross at the same time Perjury is severely punish'd first cruelly whipt then banish'd D. of Holstein's Emb. Trav. Amonst the Tartars when a person is dangerously ill the Moullah comes with the Alcoran which he opens and shuts three times and lays it to his Face and upon recovery 't is attributed to the Alcoran M. Taver Mahometans The Mahometans never mention the Name of Christ but with high Reverence and Respect In naming the name of God they must bow and add Most high blessed mighty c. Of Mahomet they must add May God augment his Graces Of other Messengers God is satisfied with them Of Other Doctors May the mercy of God rest upon them The great Mogul himself would speak most respectfully of our Blessed Saviour Christ saith my Author If the Mahometans find a bit of Paper in the the way they take it up and put it in some place of a Wall because the Name of God is or may be written in it So that the holes of the walls are always to be seen stuck full of them for the same reason they use no Paper when they go to ease themselves Yet for all this Reverence they swear by the Name of God at every turn and speak not three words without an Vllah i. e. by God M. de Thevenot A sight it is no less strange than ridiculous to behold the Honour they do unto the Camel at his return unto Constantinople which carried their Alcoran amongst a Caravan of many thousand Pilgrims towards Mecha crowding about him as led through the streets some pulling off his Hairs and preserving them as Relicks some kissing others with his Sweat besmearing their Eyes and Faces and at last cutting him into little gobbets and giving thereof to eat to their Friends and Families Sandy's Trav. l. 2. Modern Heathens The Bramins forbear Swearing and Blasphemy Sir Th. Herb. The Japanese's hate Calumniators Swearers and Gamesters Mandelslo The Gaurs when they put any one to their Oaths Swear them before their Sacred Fire for which they have a very great Veneration M. Tavernier Reverence to God's Name Swearing c. Jews THE Jews permit not their Children to use the name of God till seven years old that they may retain a greater Veneration for that Holy and Reverend name and therefore the first Salutations of Children are plainly May you have a good day I wish you a good Sabbath c. Dr. Addison The Esseans account every word they speak of as much force as if they had bound it with an Oath and they shun Oaths worse than Perjury for they account him a Liar who needs to call God to Witness Joseph de Bell. Jud. l. 2.
then all the rest by reason of the innumerable number of Nations which are cherished within the bowels of so large a Continent Job Ludolph Hist. of Ethiop chap. 16. I went to a Church at Bitchka where the minister prayed and preached and tho there were a very good linguist with me who spake Sclavonian German Turkish Vulgar Greek and Italian yet could he make nothing of it or find any affinity in it with any other language he knew A specimen hereof is set down by Megiserus of the Lords prayer in that language Mi attyanck by vagy as meniegbe megh Szentel Tesseck az te newed c. Quaere whether this were not the Jazygian In the like manner we were confounded with the Language of Albania on the North of Epirus and West of Macedonia Dr. Brown's Travels Graces at Meat Jews THat Graces or Benedictions were used at meat among the Jews is plain from 1 Sam. 9.13 where it is said That the people did not eat until he came because he was to bless the Sacrifice And also from the Example of our Saviour Christ Mat. 14.19 He blessed and brake c. Mat. 26.26 Mar. 6.41 Luke 9.16 c. Besides the Essaeans before they eat always give Thanks and no Man may eat any Meat till this Prayer be made unto God likewise when dinner is ended they pray again for both before and after they give Thanks to God the Giver of all Joseph of the Wars of the Jews Book 2. Chap. 7. Christians If you please I will rehearse to you a Hymn which S. Chrysostom sets out with wonderful Praises in a certain Homily not disdaining also to interpret it Bessed God who feedest me from my Youth who gives Meat to all Flesh fill our Hearts with Joy and Gladness that having plentifully what is sufficient we may abound in every good Work thro' Jesus Christ our Lord to whom with thee and the Holy Ghost be Glory Honour and Empire for ever Erasm Conviv Religios A Grace after Meat Glory be to thee O Lord Glory to thee O Holy One Glory to thee O King because thou hast given us Meat fill us with Joy and Gladness in the Holy Ghost that we may be found acceptable in thy Sight and not be ashamed when thou shalt render to every one according to their Works Amen Erasmus in Relig. Conv. ex Chrys in Matt. Hom. 56. Thou that givest Food to all Flesh grant that we may receive this Food with thy Blessing thou Lord hast said that if we drink any thing that is deadly if we call upon thy Name it shall not hurt us Thou therefore who art Lord of all Power and Glory turn away all evil and malignant quality from our Food and what-ever Pernicious Influence it may have upon us Dr. Cave out of Tertullian In Switzerland the Children are obliged to rehearse the Lord's Prayer before and after Meat Conrad Werndly The French Protestants bless their Meat in the Name of the Father Son and Holy Ghost Abissines They always read Prayers both before and after Meals a thing that some of our Courtiers are in a manner ashamed of who will hardly tarry to hear a short Grace Here in Abissinia you shall have the whole Psalter repeated at their great Feasts without any incovenience to the Guests for he whose office it is distributes to every one a part The King and they that are accustomed to it know their proper time the larger Psalms are divided among more the short ones to only one and thus by several the whole Psalter is read as it were in a Moment for the Psalter is made use of by all neither have they any other Book for daily Prayer Job Ludolph l. 2. c. 12. Armenians They were all the Dishes set down upon the Ground before the Patriarch who then prayed and gave thanks Mons Tavernier l. 1. c. 3. Mahometans They say always before Meat their Bismillah i. e. In the Name of God After Meat They give thanks by a Handillah i. e. God be praised and afterwards they wash their Hands M. de Thevenot Eat nothing which hath not before been blessed Purchas out of the Alcoran Heathens In Guinea and the East-Indies at their Eating they Consecrate their first bit and draught to their Fetisso wherewith they besprinkle it View of the Engl. Acquis in Guinea and the East-Indies The old Heathens when their Mensae Secundae were brought in had their Boni Eventûs i. e. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 poculum a Cup by way of Sacrifice or Oblation to their good Genius Pontanus and Dr. Holyday out of Camerarius So in the beginning they had their Libatio Persians We sat at dinner viz. at the King of Persia's Court about an hour and a half and then the Cloth being taken away there was warm Water brought to wash their Hands which done the Lord Chamberlain cried aloud Suffre Hakine Scahe douletine Kasiler Kuwetine Alla Dielum i.e. Make us thankful for this repast prosper the King's Affairs give his Souldiers and Servants Courage this we pray thee O God whereto all the rest answer their Alla Alla. Grace being thus said they rose up and went out of the room one after another without speaking a word according to the custom of the Country Our Mehemander came also to tell us that we might withdraw when we pleased as we immediately did making a low reverence to the King Duke of Holstein 's Embassad Trav. into Muscovy c. p. 204. Malabar The King of Calecut eats no Meat till it be first offered by his Priest to the Idol Rosse Virginia The Pagans in Virgina instead of saying Grace at Meat used to fling the first bit into the Fire Idem By West-Virginia and Florida when they eat drink or sacrifice they used to throw up into the Air towards the Sun their Idol some part of their Food Idem The like is reported of New Spain Chinese The Chinese burn Amber at the end of their Feasts by way of Incense Tavernier par 2. l. 3. The Indians drink of the Water of Ganges out of Devotion at the end of their Feasts accounting it sacred Idem par 2. l. 3. c. 14. Tunquin The Tuquinese wash their Hands their Mouths their Face before they sit down Tavernier's Collect of Relations c. Ancient Heathens By way of Appendix to what was said before It was usual for both Ancient Greeks and Romans at every Feast to make their Libations or Offerrings to their Gods as Lovers to Venus Soldiers to Mars c. and also to Men especially such as they were obliged by Princes c. So in the times of Augustus his Preferments it was decreed by the Senate That the People should usually swear by his Genius and in all their Banquets should sacrifice for his Safety Alsted Encyclop l. 16. p. 2173. Lutherans Amongst the Lutherans the Woman of the House doth ordinarily say Grace instead of the Men. Dr. Brown 's Trav. p. 169. Magicians and Witches Mr.
believe in no other Law and neither add to nor diminish from it 3. For the Distoor or Pope Besides the two former Tables he must 1. Not touch any thing Profane without washing after 2. Do every thing for himself with is own Hands as Cooking Sewing c. 3. Receive the tenth of what the Laity pos 4. Avoid Vain-Glory and exercise Acts of Charity 5. His House must adjoyn to the Church that he may go and come and be oft there without being taken notice of 6. Wash more frequently and use purer Food and refrain his Wife's company during her Pollution 7. Be well skilled in Judicial and Natural Phillosophy as well as in the Zertoost of Religion the three several parts of the Zundavastaw 8. Use a moderate Diet. 9. Fear none but God 10. Tell every Man his Offences 11. In Visions distinguish betwixt Good and Counterfeit and give right Judgment 12. When God in Mercy communicates his Goodness to him by nightly Visions to admire his Mercy and keep them secret 13. That the Pyree be ever kindled till Fire destroy the Universe and that he pray over it Sir Tho. Herbert Ancient Heathens The Twelve Tables of the Greeks and Romans 1. Of Religion 1. Approach the Gods chastly use Piety lay aside Riches c. Opes amovento 2. Let no body have any Gods by himself nor introduce New and strange Gods without publick consent c. 3. Let things sacred and private remain always so 4. Let nothing controverted be assigned to sacred use 5. Let him that is disobedient forfeit his Head 6. Have no Controversies upon Holy-days c. 7. Observe the Customs of the Family and Countrey 8. Keep the Temples built by thy Fathers have Groves in the Fields and Seats for thy Houshold Gods 9. Account him a Parricide that shall steal any thing sacred c. 10. Let the Divine Punishment of Perjury be destruction Humane Disgrace 11. Perform thy Vows devoutly 12. Let no one destroy Sepulchres nor bring in strangers 2. Of Laws and Magistrates 1. Let The Safety of the Commonwealth be the Supreme Law 2. What the people shall command last let that be ratified 3. Let Senators have the same Right with men of Valour Champions 4. Encroach upon no ones Privileges 3. Pass Sentence of Death upon no Roman Citizen but in the greatest Court Let Sun-set be the last Season 7. Let Governments be just and modest Obedience paid to them c. 3. Of Judgments 4. Of Private Power 5. Of Marriages 6. Of Homicides 7. Of the Administration of Affairs 8. Of Bearing Witness 9. 'T is uncertain of what 10. Of Sanctuary-Laws 11. and 12. are unknown also See more in Alsted Encyclop p. 1982 c. Tunquinese Chacabout a certain Hermit and Founder of a certain Sect in Tunquin and followed by the most part of the meaner people hath enjoyned his followers to observe 10 Commandments 1. That they shall not kill 2. Nor Steal 3. Nor defile their Bodies 4. Nor Ly. 5. Nor be unfaithful in their words 6. That they shall restrain their inordinate Desires 7. Do Injury to no Man 8. Nor be great Talkers 9. Nor give way to their Anger 10. That they shall labour to their utmost to get knowledge Tavernier's Collect. I might here present my Reader with more Creeds and Commands but these I think are enough to satisfie the curiosity of moderate Inquirers Burials Jews THE ancient Jews had their Sepulchres in thier Gardens 2 Kin. 21.18 Matt. 27.60 The Barbary Jews at this day in their Burials use this Order 1. They wash the Corps of the poorer sort in common VVater of the Rich in VVater of Roses Orange-Flowers c. 2. They put it in a Shirt Drawers a Stripe of Linnen white Sheet and Coffin 3. The Corps is carried by four to the place of Burial in this order first the Priests next the Relations next the Invited Neighbours 4. As they go they all sing the 49th Psalm Hear this all ye People c. and if it last not to the Grave they begin it again 5. At the Grave ten Rabbies or old Jews say over some parcels of Divine Service 6. The Relations stir not abroad for a week after unless upon some extraordinary business and then without Shoes Neighbours come to the House to pray with them 7. Their mourning Habit is a black Gantphe the same Cloaths they wore when the Party died Dr. Addison 8. Their common Epitaph is Let his Soul be in the bundle of Life with the rest of the Just Amen Amen Selah Rosse Ancient Heathens In the Funerals of the Ancients there were these following Officers 1. Libitinarii such as had the oversight of all things necessary 2. Pollinctores who had the Office of anointing the dead Bodies 3. Custodes Cadaverum who attended the Dead till they were carried to the Funeral Fire 4. Vespillones of Sandapilarii such as commonly carried out by Night the meaner sort and they were cloathed commonly in white 5. Designatores such as did marshal every Man according to his place 6. Praeficae Women-Mourners that went before the Corps singing a doleful Song to invite others to Sorrow which was called Naenia as some would have it from the noise which is made in weeping 7. Vstores such as burnt the Bodies of the Dead Among the Romans burying in the Earth was first used then Burning till A.C. 200. Trumpets used at the Funerals of the Rich. Pipes at poorer Funerals The Order of Burials was thus 1. The Body was wash'd and anointed the Rich with costly Oyntments such as Amomum yielded which was a Shrub growing in Armenia and the Eastern parts from the use of which in enbalming the Dead some think the word Mummy is deriv'd 2. The Body was decently covered and laid upon a Bier and placed ready to be carried forth 3. A Coronet of Flowers was set upon it 4. Wax-Candles also were carried before it to the Funeral Fire 5. In the Funerals of Honourable Persons there went before the Corps in order many Chariots according to the number of Progenitors such as were famous and on each Chariot a Bed with an Image of one of them 6. Before all these went the Lictores carrying the Fasces the Rod and Axe with such Ornaments as belong'd to the Office of the Person deceas'd 7. To preserve the Ashes and Bones from mixing with the Ashes of the Wood with which it was burnt they wrapt the Body in a Sheet made of a kind of Flax called Asbestinum which is of that nature that it is not consumed but is only cleansed by the Fire 8. They gather the Ashes and Bones and put them in Pitchers or Pots Vrnae Vessels of four Gallons and a half a piece made sometimes of Earth and sometimes of Brass 9. They placed the Vrns of the better sort in stately Vaults belonging to great Families 10. The time of the Funeral was the Eighth day for Burning and the Ninth for Burying 11. The Fire Bustum was