The history of all religions in the world, from the creation down to this present time in two parts : the first containing their theory, and the other relating to their practices ... : to which is added, a table of heresies : as also a geographical map, shewing in what countrey each religion is practised ... / by William Turner ...

11. Persons making up the Body of the Assembly.

Jewish.

1. PRiests, who had a Court by themselves, where was the brasen Altar and Laver, called, Atri∣um Sacerdotum.

2. People.

1. Proselytes,

• 1. Foedoris, of the Covenant, who submitted to the whole Mosaical Pedagogy, called by the Rabbins 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• 2. Portae, of the gate, Deut, 14.21. who were tied only to Noah's seven Commandements; these dwelt among the Jews, whence called, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 incola. Such was Naaman the Syrian, the Eunuch, Cornelius, and those Act. 2.5. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

2. Unclean, viz. by legal Pollutions; who (together with Strangers had a Court by them∣selves in Herod's Temple, parted from the rest by a Stone-wall bearing this Inscription, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

3. Excommunicated by Niddui, viz. put out of the Synagogue, for they were allowed to be at Divine Service.

Note, Where ten Israelites are met together, there ought to be a Synagogue. A Proverb.

4. The clean Communicants,

• 1. Men. in the outward Court, called otherwise Solomon's Porch;
• 2. Women. in the outward Court, called otherwise Solomon's Porch; in the midst of it was a brasen Scaffold for the King, 2 Cor. 6.13. it went round about the Tem∣ple, divided perhaps in Jehoshaphat's time into the Mens and Womens Court, between which was an ascent of fifteen degrees.

Ancient Christian.

• 1. Clergy.
• 2. People.

1. Catechumens.

1. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, i. e. more perfect, well nigh ready for Baptism. These stayed to the very last end of the first Service.

2. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, who stood amongst the Hea∣rers, and departed after the Lessons; accounted yet as Heathens, yet instructed in the Rudiments of Religion. Note,

• 1. They were shy of imparting Myste∣ries (or, as Basil, Dogmata,) to them; and this especially to make them eagerly desire the Privi∣leges of the Faithful; for this was part of the Form used in publick Service. Let us pray, that the most gracious and merciful God would hear the Prayers of the Faithful. Chrysos. Hom. 2. c. 1. ad. Cor.
• 2. At first they were instructed privately at Home, by Persons deputed on purpose; then in the Congregation, where they were present at some part of Divine Service, especially Sermons.
• 3. The Time for Catechising was diffe∣rent; the Apostolical Constitutions appoint three years ordinarily.

2. Penitents.

• 1. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Such as wept and lamen∣ted, as Candidates to be received into the Order of Penitents: They stood usually in a squalid and mournful Habit in the Church-Porch, begging the Prayers of the Faithful.
• 2. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, who stood in the upper end of the Narthex, heard the Scriptures, and depar∣ted with the Catechumens.
• 3. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, The Prostrate, who stood next the Pulpit, (or Reading-Pew) and after Ser∣vice ended, fell down before the Bishop, who, to∣gether with the Congregation, falling down, and making Confession on their behalf, raised them up, and laid his hands upon them, and they depar∣ted with the Catechumens.
• 4. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Such as stayed with the Con∣gregation, and joined in Prayer and Singing, but not in the Sacrament.

—Yet they were afterward Advanced to be

3. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Faithful Communicants, who had been Baptized, Confirmed, and admitted to the Lord's Supper, having approved themselves by the long train of a stricct and pious Life.

Mahometan.

Only Men; for they permit not Women to en∣ter the Mosques, lest they should distract Men from their Devotion.

And besides, They do not believe that Women go to Heaven; and hardly account them rational Creatures.

Yet in some Mosques they have Apartments by themselves, with a, kind of Pannels of Plaister (as high as the Cieling) with holes through. M. de Thevenot.

Every Busurman is bound to resort to Prayers five times daily, except he have some lawful im∣pediment; and if not, yet at one to be well wash∣ed;

to which purpose they have innumerable Bathes in Turkey. Purchas.

Only the chief sort, on the Week-days, the Poor being excused; not so on Fridays. Id.

The Women enter not the Mosques, but on Fri∣days, at Nine a Clock, or at Easter; and then in a Terass apart, where they may see, and not be seen; except the Wives and Mothers of the Chief of the place.

They abide there 'till Mid-night, continually Praying, with strange Motions, and strong Cries. Idem.

Ancient Heathen.

Let not a Woman enter into the publick Tem∣ples, who hath been caught with an Adulterer. Demosth. Orat. contra Neeram.

Hither likewise may be referred the Remark made before, viz. That all Irreligious and Pro∣phane Persons were driven away with a, Procul este, profani, &c.

Modern Heathen.

Among the Modern Heathens, though it be dif∣ficult to give a particular Account, because of their multitude and variety; yet it is easie to con∣clude, That their Assemblies are made up of their respective Priests, and Officers, and People.

In Mexico, and Peru, are Priests, Officers, Boys and Virgins, trained up for the Service of the Tem∣ple, and living upon the Revenues of the Temple, and these in some places many in number, toge∣ther with the common People. Purchas out of Acosta, &c.

Amongst these, some are under Instruction, some Penitents, some Confessors, (Men and Women Confessors) &c. Idem.

Diabolical.

The Witches Tried at Salem in New-England, 1692. affirmed, That they form themselves into Assemblies, much after the manner of the Congre∣gational Churches, consisting of Officers and Peo∣ple, &c. Cotton Mather.