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 ...

14. Times of Publick Worship, Two Yearly;

1. In Nisan, March, &c.

Jewish.

1. PRincipal;

1. The Passover, which began Nisan the 14th, and ended the 21st. Consider,

1. The Preparation.

1. Taking a Lamb out of the Flock (Abib the 10th,) if Sheep or Goats, for each House one; The Lamb,

• 1. A Male.
• 2. Of the first Year.
• 3. Without blemish.

2. Cleansing the House and Vessels from Leaven two or three days before.

3. Searching after Leaven with a Candle in all the Rooms, &c.

4. Burning and Cursing the Leaven.

{inverted ⁂} Note. Eating of Leaven in any of the seven days, was punished with cutting off from Israel.

2. The Celebration;

• 1. Slaying the Lamb in the Evening, be∣tween one and two a Clock.
• 2. Offering it between two and three.
• 3. The Company between ten, and twenty, meeting together, and roasting it.

• 4. Blessing the Cup and Bread.
• 5. Dividing among the Guests.
• 6. Eating it with, 1. bitter Herbs, and those Herbs, 2. dipt in Sauce; and all 3. without Leaven; using also, 4. in the posture of Travellers, standing first, afterwards lying, or leaning.
• 7. To a Child (asking, what means this Ser∣vice?) Answering at large, by way of Declaration or Annunciation. Vid. Exod. 12.26. Also Godw. Antiq.
• 8. Washing the Feet of the Guests.
• 9. Sprinkling the Door-posts wich the Blood.
• 10. Eating all the Lamb, breaking no Bones.
• 11. On the Second Day, Offering a sheaf of the First-Fruits of Harvest, Lev. 23.10. for 'till then, they might not reap.

• 1. The Lamb was killed in the Court of the Tem∣ple.
• 2. Was eaten in their own Houses in Jerusalem.
• 3. The First and Last Days were Holy Convo∣cations.
• 4. Only the Circumcised might eat.

Ancient Christion and Muscovite.

1. Principal.

1. Easter; wherein Observe,

• 1. The Antiquity. From the first Ages. The Muscovites keep it now, and call it Wellikoi∣den.
• 2. The Time of keeping it.

1. The Asiatic Churches, on the first day of the first Month, which always began with the Appearance of the Moon, mostly answering to our March, the Day of the Jewish Passover. Thus did the Churches of Asia the less, called Quarto∣decimans; because they kept Easter on the 14th. day, after the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 of the Moon.

Pleading the Example of the Apostles, particu∣larly S. John, Polycarp, &c.

Polycrates pleaded the Example of S. Philip.

2. The Western Churches, on the Lord's Day, following the Jewish Passeover; Pleading likewise Apostolical Tradition.

The Procedure of the Controversie this.

• 1. The Bishop of Rome would impose their Custom on the East.
• 2. Polycarp comes to Rome, to confer with Anicetus about it, who agreed not, yet part fairly.
• 3. Pope Victor renewed the Quarrel, threatening to Excommunicate the Eastern Churches.
• 4. Irenaeus, and others of his Party, re∣proved the Pope for it.
• 5. The Asian Churches went on, 'till Constantine Summoning the Council of Nice, which Ordained, That it should be kept universally on the Lord's Day.

3. The Preparation, The Eve, or Vigils of Easter, was kept with Pomp, Watchings, mul∣titudes of lighted Torches in Churches, and pri∣vate Houses, so as to turn Night into Day, as a Fore-runner of that Great Light, The Sun of Righ∣teousness. Nazianz.

4. The Celebration of the Day it self.

It was spent in Works of Mercy and Charity to the Poor.

Constantine used to arise early this Day to bestow rich Gifts all over his Empire.

His Successors—released Prisoners. &c.

It was called, The Holy and Famous Passeover, Queen of Days, Festival of Festivals. Naz.

Mar. 25. Blagauescenia Priziste bogorodice; or, the Annunciation of our Lady: a Feast of the Muscovites. D. of Holst. Emb. Trav.

Mahometan.

Persian-Azar. Thirty One Days.

N. The Turkish Year consists of 354 Days, di∣vided into 12 Months.

Their several Months begin at the several Moons.

The Turks have their Easter too, which they call Biram. Vid. postea.

The Feast of Neurous, i.e. New-years-day, is kept in March, when the Sun enters Aries; (so at Azmer, in the East-Indies) with Ornaments in the Palace, much Pomp, a Fair in the Seraglio, by Ladies of the Court, Feasting, Dancing of Quin∣chenies, (Women and Maids of a Caste of that Name, having no other Profession but Dancing;) Presents from, and to the King, & M. de Thev.

Turk's Chaabanai, Twenty Nine Days.

My Author accounts this also as a Feast of the Heathens in the E. Indies.

And so also in Persia say others, who call it Nauras

Ancient Heathen.

Mar. 27. Quinquatria. Minervas Birth-Day. Now the Salary (Minerval) was paid to the Ma∣sters. It lasted 5 Days.

On the last Day, (Mar. 23.) was the Tubilu∣strum, a Lustration of the Sacred Trumpets.

25. Hilaria. Matris Deûm festa.

28. Megalesia.

Modern Heathen.

The Chinese keep their New-Years-Day in March, every Man striving to exceed others in the Fancy of their Pageants, and adorning their Doors with Paper-Arches and Images, all Night with Lanthorns and Lights. Sin Th. Herb.

Neurous, New-Years-Day, a Feast in the East-Indies. M. de Thev.

In Tunquin, every beginning of the Year, they celebrate the Memory of those, who in their life∣time have done any noble Action; reckoning in that number those that have been so hardy as to Rebel against their Princes: and this with a very great Solemnity. Tavernier.

When the Moon is at the full in March, the In∣dian Idolaters keep a Solemn Festival for their I∣dol, which is in form of a Serpent, for nine days; every Morning worshipping the Idol, and the Maids dancing about it for an hour, to the noise of Flutes and Drums; after which they eat and drink, and are merry till the Evening, when they worship and dance about their Idol again. M. Tavernier.

2. In Ijar, April and May.

Jewish.

10. A Fast. Eli, the High-Priest, dies, with both his Sons; the Ark is taken. Scaliger. 23d. Day of Ijar was ordained a Festival for the expiation of the Tower of Jerusalem, by Simon Mac. 1 Mac. 13. Simon takes Gaza. Scal.

28. A Fast. Samuel, the Prophet, dieth, and is lamented by all the People. Scal.

Ancient Christian.

Apr. 10. Palm-Sunday, which the Muscovites celebrate with a Procession, to represent out Savi∣our's entrance into Jerusalem; Thus it was A. C. 1636.

1. The great Duke and Patriarch set out first.

2. Many Priests followed in Copes and Surpli∣ces, with Crosses, Banners, and Images upon long Poles; some singing, others casting Incense among the People.

3. Goses, (the Duke's Merchants) Clerks, Secre∣taries, Nobility and Gentry, with Palms in their Hands, &c.

4. The great Duke, with his Crown on his Head, Supported by the Two Principal Counsel∣lors of State, led the Patriarch's Horse, covered with Cloth, and made to represent an Ass.

5. The Patriarch rode upon him, being him∣self attired, with a round white Cap on his head, of Sattin, beset with rich Pearls, and about it a very rich Crown; a Cross of Diamonds in his right hand, wherewith he bless'd the People, who received his Benediction with bowing of their heads, and making Crosses.

6. About fifty little Boys, most clad in red, put off their Cassocks, and scattered them along the way: Others had pieces of Colth about an Ell square, of all Colours, which they laid on the ground, for the Great Duke and Patriarch to pass over.

This is the same all over Muscovy. D. of Holst. Ambassador's Travels.

Apr. 17. was their Easter-Day, 1636. Cele∣brated,

• 1. With selling and sending Eggs of all colours to one another.
• 2. Killing each other at Meeting, with these words, Christos wos Chrest, i.e. Christ is risen; the Answer is, Wosten wos Chrest, i.e. He is Risen indeed.

• 3. Devotions at Church.
• 4. Feasting, Drunkenness, &c. Id.

See afterwards under the Title of the Feasts of the Greck Church.

Wasnescenia Christova, Ascension-Day, a Feast of the Muscovites also.

Mahometan.

Persian Onzon, Thirty Days.

This Month is called, Ramadan, as being the Month of Lent; which they begin the first day the Moon appears, which they watch for upon Hills at Night.

Upon notice, Ramadan is proclaimed all the Town over by publick Proclamation, and firing a Gun.

All the Minarets are set round with Lamps eve∣ry Night.

Days are turned into Nights, and Nights into Days; for all day long they sleep, and at Night walk the Streets to Coffee-houses and Revels.

In the Day they may not eat, drink, smoak Tobacco, nor touch their Wives, till the Moon appear again at Night; which the Muezims, calling to Prayers, tell them from the tops of the Mina∣rets.

The Ramadan falls back every year eleven days.

Some observe this very strictly, some not at all.

The Punishment for drinking Wine in the Ra∣madan, is, to have scolding Lead poured down the Throat; and it hath been sometimes done. M. de Thevenot.

Turks-Romezan, Thirty Days.

Ramazan the 21st. is the feast of the death of Aly, on which day they go in Procession through

the Town, with Standard, Horses lead, Trophies, a black Coffin, &c. Prayers, &c. Idem.

The Priest in blew Habit (the Persians Mourn∣ing) reads for two hours, and curses them that killed Haly, and the People answer with Sobs and a doleful Voice, &c. D. of Holst. Emb.

Ancient Heathen.

Apr. 1. Veneris Sacrum, with Flowers and Myrtle.

Thargelia—to Apollo and Diana.

5. Megalesia,—to the Mother of the Gods.

9. Cerealia. People run up and down, with lighted Torches in their Hand, in remembrance of Ceres, running up and down the World to seek her Daughter Proserpina.

15. Fordicidia, vel Fordicalia, de Forda Bove.

18. Equiria in Circ. Max.—and the burning of Foxes.

21. Palilia. Agonia altera.

23. Vinalia priora—to Jove and Venus.

25. Rubigalia—lest the Corn should be smutted. (hiRogation Week.)

26. Latinae Feriae.

27. Apaturia— to Venus, which lasted three days.

28. Floralia— which lasted three days. The Rites used, very obscene and infamous, running naked, &c. The Whores called together by a Trumpet.

30. Larentalia.

May 9. Lemuria,— three days, kept by Night. At this time they flung Beans about the Houses, to drive away the Goblins.

Moderh Heathen.

Petusahan on the 26th of Sheruar or April, a Festival of the Persees, kept in Commemoration of some monthly Benefit. Sir Th. Herb.

In May the Feast of Vitzliputzli was observed in New Spain, with carrying the Image of the Idol richly adorned in Procession, with Musick, and many Ceremonies, and Sacrisicing of Men. Rosse.

In thie Month also, in the same Country, was kept the Feast of Penance and Pardon, in which a Captive was sacrificed. Rosse.

This is a kind of Lent, celebrated thus; The Priest came out with a Flute of Earth, sounding it towards East, West, North, and South, putting his Finger in the Air, then taking up the Earth, and eating it; all that were present doing the same; weeping, falling flat on the ground, invo∣cating the Darkness and Winds not to forsake them, or else to take away their Lives: Thieves, Murderers, and Adulterers being in great dread, while the Flute sounded, which lasted ten days, attended with eating Earth, praying every day to God, the Creator, the Sun, &c. with Sighs, Groans, and Tears, Procession, Offerings, &c. Purchas.

3. In Sivan, May and June.

Jewish.

2. PEntecost, or the Feast of Weeks. Consider,

1. The Time, viz. the 50th day after the Passover, their Harvest being bounded with these two Feasts.

Note, The next Sabbath after the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 (the second day) of the Passover, was called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the second 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c.

2. The Celebration. At this Feast they offer∣ed two Wave-loaves, as an Eucharist for their Harvest finished.

3. The Name; The Hebrews call it Sche∣bungoth.

Now they keep two Holy-days at Pentecost, be∣cause they know not which is the true day. They produce their Law twice, and by five Men they read so much as concerns that Festivity. They strow their Houses, Streets, Synagogues, with green Boughs, and wear green Garlands, to shew that all Places about Mount Sinai were green, when they received the Law; they eat that day white Meats of Milk, to shew the whiteness and sweetness of the Law. They make a Cake or Pye, having seven Cakes in one, to signifie the seven Heavens into which GOD ascended from Mount Sinai. Rosse.

23. A Fast. They left off to bring the First∣born, and First-fruits to Jerusalem in the days of Jeroboam the Son of Nebat. Scalig.

25. A Fast. Rabban Simeon, Son of Gamaliel, R. Ismael, R. Hanania the second, is slain by the High-Priests. Idem.

27. A Fast. R. Hanina, Son of Tardion, is burnt, together with the Book of the Law.

Ancient Christian.

Whitsunday. Observe,

1. The Occasion, or End, viz. The descent of the Holy Ghost.

2. The Time. Fifty days after Easter.

3. The Antiquity. V. Act. 2. & 20. v. 16. 'Tis mentioned by Irenaeus, V. Just. M. Qu. 115. by Tertullian, de Idol. c. 14.

4. The Name; so called from the Light of the Holy Ghost, &c. Also from the white Garments given to the Baptized on this day, (this day and Easter being the stated times for Baptism) in to∣ken of the purity of Life they engaged in, worn

till next Sunday, (the Octave, called Dominica in Albis.)

Note. Pentecost signifies sometime the whole fifty days between Easter and Whitsunday, all which time was allowed for Baptism.

5. The Works and Offices; Baptism, Reading over the Acts of the Apostles, Prayers standing, Fasting forbidden all the fifty days. Dr. Cave's Primitive Christianity.

Chiestuie Swetaga Ducha; Pentecost, or sending of the Holy Ghost, a Feast of the Muscovites also; who observe,

The Feast of the Trinity the next day after.

Mahometan.

Persian-Ajar, Thirty one days.

Biram, or Easter, immediately succeeds the Ramadan. viz. The great Bairam, which lasts three days, beginning with the first appearance of this Moon.

In it they forgive all their Enemies, thinking they have made a bad Easter, if they keep any Malice in their Heart.

It is the greatest Festival the Turks have; cele∣brated with Swings in the Street, to toss Peo∣ple in the Air; with Vocal and Instrumental Mu∣sick.

When they meet any of their Acquaintance in the Streets, they kiss, and wish mutually a good Easter.

Ancient Heathen.

May 15. Mercatorum dies Festus.

21. Agonia. Now, as some say.

23. Vulcani feriae. Vulcan's High-Priest per∣formed divine Service to Maia.

Jun. 1. Marti Sacr.

Jun. 3. Bellonae Sacr.

Jun. 7. Piscatorii Ludi.

Modern Heathen.

From May 9. till May 19. in Acosta's time, was kept the Feast of Tezcalipuca, called Tozcolt, in Mexico; of which before.

Yatrum, a Feast of the Persees, kept on the 26th of Mahar, or May.

4. In Tamuz, June and July.

Jewish.

17. A Fast. The Tables of the Law broken. This day the Jews account unlucky, not only because of the Tables being broken, but the Siege begun upon this day by Nebuchadnezzar.

The three whole Weeks following, viz. in the Dog-days, the Jews abstain from Flesh and Wine, and undertake no hard Work. Alsted.

Epistemon burns the Book of the Law, put his Statue in the Temple. Cessat 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Scaliger.

This Fast of Moses's breaking the two Tables; the loss of their daily Sacrifice; Setting up Idola∣try in the Temple; The second Siege of the City, (on the 17th of Thamuz, our June) lasts till the 10th of Ab, and is kept with a strict Idleness. Dr. Addison.

See more on the fifth day of Ab.

They avoid all great Business on these days, and School-masters will not beat their Scholars. Rosse.

Ancient Christian.

Because the Ancient Christians observed so few Holy-days, rather than leave this Section quite vacant, I shall set down some Remarks and Cen∣sures of Eminent Persons, made upon the Abuses of Festivals in these latter Ages

The Sixth General Council of Constantinople or∣dained, That the whole Week, after the Day of our Saviour's Resurrection, should be thus Cele∣brated.

—Christians must go constantly to Church, re∣joycing in CHRIST with Psalms, and Hymns, and Spiritual Songs; and give their minds to the reading of Divine Scriptures, and chearfully en∣joy the Holy Mysteries: For so (saith the Canon) we shall rejoyce, and rise together with CHRIST. But by no means let there be any Horse-Races, or Publick Shews, on the aforesaid days. Conc. Con. 6. Gen. Can. 66.

Card. Bellarmine, in one of his Sermons, deli∣vers himself to this purpose.

I cannot verily (good Hearers) explain by Words, with how great grief of mind I behold, in how perverse and diabolical manner Holy-days are celebrated in this our Age; how far perverse Men have obscured and defiled their Picus Insti∣tution, with their corrupt manners, may be un∣derstood by this, That to Strangers, and those who are ignorant what manner of Festivals these are, from those things which they may see every where done, they may seem to be not the Feasts of God, but of the Devil, and even the Bacche∣nalian Revels themselves. Yea, verily, when, I Pray, are more Sins committed, than on Holy∣days? When are there more Sumptuous Feasts kept? When more Lascivious Songs heard?

When Bowling-Allies and Taverns more frequen∣ted? When are there more execrable kinds of Plays, Scurrilities and Fooleries? When are there more Dances, in most places, to the Sound of the Harp and Lute, than on these Days?

Mahometan.

Persian-Harizon, 30 Days.

On the Feast of St. John Baptist, in Fez, they make Bone-fires. Rosse.

July 16. A. C. 622. was the time of Maho∣met's Flight, and the Hagyra, or Epoche, of the Mahometans.

Ancient Heathen.

Jun. 20. Summani Sact. ad Circ. max.

25. Crowned Ships carried Banquets over Ty∣ber.

Jul. 1. Migrationes ex adibus in alienns aedes.

Jul. 9. Ancillarum festum.

Jul. 11. Ludi Apollinares.

5. In Ali, July and August.

Jewish.

1. A Fast. Aaron, the High-Priest, died. Sca∣liger.

5. On the fifth of Ab, the Jews sit on the ground, read Jeremiah's Lamentations, bewail the loss of Jerusalem, and for ten days live severely, abstaining from all Delights. Dr. Addison.

Ninth day of the fifth Month, was a Fast held in respect of the City and Temple burnt; first by Nebuchadnezzar, secondly, by Titus, on the same day; which the Jews do yet observe with a strict Penance, going bare-foot, sitting naked on the ground, reading some sad History of the Bible, and the Lamentations of Jeremiah three times o∣ver. Sam. Purchas. Also it was decreed, That the Fathers should not enter into the Land of Ju∣dea. The same Author out of Scaliger.

From the first to the tenth Day, they abstain from Flesh, Wine, Shaving, Bathing, Marrying, Pleading, and all Delights. Ross.

18. A Fast. The Evening Light was put out in the Days of Ahaz. Scal.

Ancient Christian.

The same Cardinal, in the procedure of his Dis∣course, goes on.

—Who knows not that Holy-days are after the same manner as Churches, Chalices, and Priest's Garments, Consecrated and Dedicated to GOD, and to be spent in no other than Holy Works? Which of you, if you should see any one enter in∣to the Church with incredible boldness, and use the Consecrated Garments, instead of Prophane, the Temple for a Tavern, the Altar for a Table, the Corporals, or Altar-Clothes, for a Table-Cloth or Napkins, eating in the Sacred Patines, and drink∣ing in the Chailces; which of us would not trem∣ble? Who would not cry out? And now we behold the most Solemn, the most Famous, the most Sacred Holy-days, — which should be spent in Prayers, Meditations, reading holy Things, in Hymns, and Psalms, &c. to be prophaned with Sacrilegious Dances, Morises, Caperings, Feast∣ings, Drinking Matches, Uncleanness, Scurrilities; and yet no Body trembles, no Man is moved, no

Man wonders. O Immortal GOD! What part hath Righteousness with Unrighteousness? What Fellowship hath Light with Darkness? GOD with Belial? What hath the merriment of the Flesh, to do with the gladness of the Spirit? What the Solemnities of GOD with the Feasts of Bacchus and his Crew? What! Those Days wherein we ought to please GOD most; shall we on them more provoke Him to anger with our wickedness! On those days in which the Spi∣rit is to be fed and recreated; shall we in them more overwhelm him with Wine and Unclean∣ness? &c. What a madness is this! What infer∣nal Furies affright us out of our wits? Bellarm. Conc. 6.3.19.

Mahometan.

Persian. Temouze, Thirty one Days.

Zoulidge 10. Bairam Adgi, or little Easter, for the Pilgrims of Mecha.

Ancient Heathen.

Jul. 25. In this Month, red Dogs were Sacri∣ficed to the Canicula.

Jul. 28. Neptunalia.

Aug. 1. Boedromia.

Aug. 13. Dianae Sacr.

The Servants (Men and Maids) Holiday.

In Elul, August, September.

Jewish.

17. A Fast. The Spies that brought an ill Re∣port upon the Land, died.

22. Xylophoria. On this Day it was the custom for every one to carry Wood to the Temple, to maintain the Fire at the Altar. Purchas, out of Josephus, de Bell. Jud. l. 2. c. 17.

Ancient Christian.

Sept. 1. The Muscovites celebrate the first Day of their New-Year, deriving their Epoche from the Creation of the World, which they believe to be in Autumn: accounting it to the Year (1692. of CHRIST) 7200. Years from the Creation, ac∣cording to the Opinion of the Greek and Eastern Church. Voyages and Trav. of the D. of Holst. Amb. p. 14.

Their Procession on this Day consisted of above 20000 Persons, viz. the Patriarch, 400 Priests, all in pontifical Habit, carrying many Banners, Ima∣ges, and old Books open, coming out of one Church, and the Great Duke, his Chancellors, Knez and Bojares out of another place: The Pa∣triarch with a Mitre on his head, and a golden Cross in his hand, beset with Diamonds, gives it the Great Duke to kiss; which done, the Patri∣arch Blesses him, and all the People, wishing them all Prosperity in the New Year. Idem.

Sep. 8. The Feast of the Nativity of the Bles∣sed Mother of GOD, kept by the Muscovites.

Sept. 6. The Manifestation of CHRIST on the Mount.

Sept. 13. The Assumption of the Mother of GOD.

Both Feasts of the Muscovites.

Mahometan.

Persian. Ab. Thirty One Days.

Maharrim, the first day (which my Author makes to answer to July 15th.) is Aaschoor, or the Feast of the death of Imam Hussia, a mourn∣ful Festival, and lasting 10 days; in which time they wear black, no Man shaves, go not to the Bagnio's, debauch not, abstain from their Wives: during these 10 days the Gates of Paradise are o∣pen for Mahometans, who die then. M. de Thev.

The People black all their Bodies, go naked a∣bout the Streets, crying Hussein, Hocen, Hocen, Hussein, 'till they foam at the Mouths, &c. Ta∣vernier.

Turkish First Month, Muharrem ai, Thir∣ty Days.

The Ramjam of the Mahometans, or Lent, be∣gins the first New Moon of September, and conti∣nues that whole Moon, viz. 30 days.

The last day of their Lent they consecrate to a day of mourning for their deceased Friends.

See in the Month Remezan before.

The next day after Lent, they go to the Mosquits, to hear some part of the Alcoran. Vide Fasting.

Ancient Heathen.

• Aug. 17. Portunalia.
• 18. Consualia.
• 20. Vinalia secunda.

• 21. Vinal. Rustica.
• Mysteria Magn.
• 23. Vulcanalia in Circ. Flam.
• 25. Opiconsivae.
• 27. Volturnalia, sive Vortumnalia. v. Oct.
• 28. Harpocratis Fest.
• 29. Volcanalia.
• Sept. 15. Ludi. V. KL. qui Romani & Magni.

Modern Heathen.

Medearum, a Feast of the persees, kept on the 16th. of Deh or August.

7. In Tisri, or Ethanim, Sep∣tember, October.

Jewish.

TIsri 1. The Feast of Trumpets, Lev. 23.23. Numb. 29.1, 2, 3. in Civil Account New-Years-day.

1. This was New Moon, and Feast of Trum∣pets.

2. They offered Sacrifices for the Feast, for the New Moon, and the daily Sacrifices.

3. They blew Trumpets from Morning 'till Night, Psal. 81.3. Either.

• 1. To make New-Years-Day more remarkable; or in remembrance,
• 2. Of the Ram Sacrificed for Isaac; or,
• 3. The giving the Law on M. Sinai; or,
• 4. The Resurrection.

10. The Day of Atonement, Lev. 23.27. Jeju∣nium

Kipparim, the Jews long day. On this day the High-Priest enter'd into the Holy of Holies, and,

• 1. Offered for himself a young Bullock, for a Sin-Offering, and a Ram for a Burnt-Offering, washing himself with Water. See Book the 2d. Confession.
• 2. Took of the Congregation two He-Goats, letting one of them escape into the Wilderness; disburthening the Sins of the People on him; Sa∣crificing the other, together with a Ram.

15. The Feast of Tabernacles, Schenopegia, which lasted seven days, Leviticus 23.48. On these Days,

• 1. They made Booths, and lived in them, in Streets, or the tops of Houses, with Citron, Palm, Myrtle, Willow.
• 2. Every Man carried a load of Boughs in the Morning, which load was called Hosanna.
• 3. On the next day they compassed the Altar 7 times, with Palm-Boughs in their hands, in re∣membrance of the overthrow of Jericho, crying out Hosanna. Hence Dies Palmarum.
• 4. They Offered 70 Bullocks of these 7 Days; 13 on the Ist. &c. to signifie the di∣minution of the 70. 12 on the 2d. &c. to signifie the di∣minution of the 70. 11 on the 3d. &c. to signifie the di∣minution of the 70. Nations, 'till the Messiah subdued them.
• 5. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or Dies Palmarum, or Hosanna Rabba, was the seventh day of the Feast, on which 1. They read the last Section of the Law, and be∣gan the first, left they should seem glad, that it was ended.

2. They brought store of Water from the River Shiloah to the Priest, who with Wine poured it on the Altar, and sang Isa. 12.3. With Joy shall ye draw Water out of the Wells of Salvation. Vid. John 7.38.

23. Gaudium Legis, or Festivitas Legalis, a Feast in remembrance of the Law, when the last Section is read, and at the same time the Law is begun again; that the Devil (say they) may not tell GOD, That Israel is weary of the Law. Dr. Addison.

Ancient Christian.

Sep. 14. Ʋzemirna wozdui senja Chresta, or the Exaltation of the Cross, a Festival of the Musco∣vites.

Bishop Latimer, in a Sermon of his to the Cler∣gy, delivers himself in this manner.

"Do ye see nothing in our Holy-days? of the which very few were made at first, and they to set forth Goodness, Vertue and Honesty. But sithence, there is neither mean nor measure, in making new Holy-days: As who say, This one thing is serving GOD, to make this Law that no Man may work. But what do the People on these Holy-days? See you nothing, Brethren? If you see not, GOD seeth: GOD seeth all the whole Holy-days to be spent miserably in Drunkenness, Glossing, Strife, Envy, Dancing, Diceing, Idle∣ness, and Gluttony. Thus Men serve the Devil; for GOD is not thus served; albeit ye say ye serve GOD. —The Devil hath more Service done unto him in one Holy-day, than on many Working-days. —Rich Men flow in delicates; —the Poor may not work, unless they will be cited, and brought before our Officials. Were it not the Of∣fice of good Prelates to consult upon these Mat∣ters? —Ye shall see, my Brethren, you shall see once, what will come of this winking.

Mahometan.

Persian Eiloul, 30 Days.

Some time after the Feast of Hussein and Hocen, the Persians celebrate the Feast of the Camel, in re∣membrance of Abraham's Sacrifice; for they say it was a Camel, and not a Ram, which was sent to reprieve Ishamel (not Isaac). Tavernier.

Turkish Sepher ai, 29 Days.

Sept. 20. i. e. Forty Days after Aaschour in a Feast called Serten, i. e. dead body; because, say they, the Head of Hussia being cut off, was of it self-joined to the body 40 days after: kept with great rejoycing, Alms, not shaving the head from the first of Aa∣schour (by some) till this of Serte. M. de Theu.

Ancient Heathen.

Sept. 30. Epulum Minervae.

Meditrinalia,

On this day they tasted the first New Wine.

Octob. 1. Pyanepsia, seu Panopsia Apoll

10. Oschophoria, i. e. Ramalia, Feasts at A∣thens, instituted by Theseus, when he returned Mour∣ning from Creet, upon Intelligence of the decease of his Father Aegeus, in which the Noblest Youths car∣ried Vine-branches into Minerva's Temple.

Jewish.

8. In Marchesuan. October, November.

7. A Fast. They plucked out the Eyes of Zede∣kiah, &c.

Ancient Christian.

I came my self (saith the aforesaid Bishop) to a place, sending word over night to the Town, the I would preach next day (a Holy-day); When I came, the door was fast locked: I tarried there half an hour, or more; at last the Key was found, and one told me, "Sir, this is a busie day with us, we cannot hear you; 'tis Robin Hood's Day: the Parish are gone abroad to gather for Robin Hood. My Ro∣chet was fain to give place to Robin Hood's men, a Traitor and Thief! Bp. Latimer's Serm.

Cardinal Pool, in his Platform of Reformation, (A. 1555.) here in England, requires the Bishops to preach every Sunday or Holyday. Dr. Burnet's Hist. of the Reformation.

The Council of Trent requires Arch-Presbyters, Parish-Ministers, and all that had Cure of Souls, ei∣ther by themselves, or if hindered by any lawful impediment, by others (fit persons) to feed the peo∣ple committed to their charge with wholsom words according to their own and their Capacity upon Holy-days, and Solemn Festivals, &c. Decr. Sess. 4. Conc. Trid.

A second Head of Cardinal Pool's Reformation was, For the putting away of all FeAsting in the Festivities of the Dedication of Churches. Dr. Burnet's Hist. of the Reformation.

Mahometan.

Persian-Techrion el-avel, 31. days.

10th day of Rebiulewel is kept the Feast of Omar Reschdgiade, in honour of an Illustrious Miller. M. de Thev.

12th day of this Moon Mahomet's Birth-day is celebrated, by lighting Lamps round the Mina∣rets.

Turkish-Rebiulewel ai. 30. Days.

In the morning the Grand Seignior goes to the New Mosque, where he causeth Sweet Meats and Sherbet to be brought from the Seraglio, and af∣ter Prayers, all eat and drink of them. M. de Thev.

On this day the Poets make Sonnets in the praise of Mahomet, which they rehearse publickly, and are rewarded accordingly; and Boys (in Fez) carry Wax Torches to School, which they light before day, and let them burn till Sun-rising, all this while singing Mahomet's Praise. Candles are on this day presented to the King, of incredible height and bigness, who that night hears all the Law read. Ross.

Ancient Heathen.

• Oct. 28. Mysteria minora.
• 29. Libero Sacr.
• Nov. 1. Jovis Epulum.
• ...Anthesteria, seu
• ...Bacchanalia.

Sr. Thomas Herbert in his Travels in the E. In∣dies thought he found some remainders of this Festival in Casta, as he guess'd by the dress, mimic frisks, and nightly pastimes the women practice. There they covered themselves with skins, adorn'd their heads had tresses with Ivy, in one hand hold∣ing a leav'd Javelin, and Cymbals of brass or Tim∣brels in the other, attended by many boys and girls, rambling like distracted people up and down, and striving to rend the air with their continual clamours. Sr. Tho. Herbert.

Modern Heathen.

Homespet amadum, a feast on the 30 of Spin∣dumu'd or Octob.

Jewish.

9. In Chisleu; November, December.

Chisleu. 25. The feast of Dedication, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, in remembrance of the Dedication of the Altar, (appointed by Judas Macchabeus.) as also of their deliverance from Antiochus and his Idolatry.

Vid. 1. Macc. 4.59. Joh. 10.22.

It lasted seven days.

28. A fast. Jehojakim burnt the Roll, which Baruch wrote from the mouth of Jeremy. Scal.

Ancient Christian.

Nov. 21. Vedenia priziste bogorodice, or the ob∣lation of the Blessed mother of God. A Festival of the Muscovites.

Mr. Hales of Eaton, in one of his Sermons, com∣plains we bring the Church and Kitchin together; for when we celebrate the memorial of any Saint, Apostle, Martyr, do we not call this solemnity their Feast, and accordingly solemnize it with ex∣cess of cheer? Stultum est nimia Saturitate honorare velle Martyrem. Hierom. The Ancient Ethnics were wont to celebrate their 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, feasts of Sobriety and fasting in the honour of their Drun∣ken God Bacchus; upon the like fancy Christians appoint Feasts in the honour of Temperate Saints. The Church of Rome to this, lap the relicks and ash∣es of Saints in silk and costly stuff, and shrine them in silver and gold; whereas when the Saints themselves were on Earth, and their bodies living Temples of the Holy Ghost, they would have thought themselves much wronged, if any such costly ornaments should have been employed about them. We think, that God and the Saints are like us, and taken with such things as please us.

Machiavel, in the life of Castruccio Castracano, a Gentleman of Luca, tells, that he delighted much in often feasting; and being reproved, answered, If feasting were not a good thing, men would not honour God and the Saints so much with it. Lo, here the natural consequences of Church-Feasts! It is an Apology for Luxury—

—It was a Custom in the Church in sundry pla∣ces, for all young and old, upon the Vigils of the Martyrs, to come together by Night, and meet in Church-yards; and Eat and Drink on the Tombs of the Martyrs. Vigilantius reproved it; and just∣ly, for nox, vinum, Mulier, &c. Night, Wine and Women, &c. This put S. Hierom into a fit of Cho∣ler; by common consent this Custom was laid down.

Mahometan.

Persian Techrion-el ilani, 30 Days.

26 of this Moon at Night, Mahomet's Ascension to Heaven from the Alboraoh, is celebrated as a great Festival.

Turkish Rebiul ahhir ai, 29 Days.

Ancient Heathen.

• Nov. 15. Ludi Plebei.
• 24. Brumalia.
• Dec. 1. Fortunae muliebris fest.
• 3. Posidonia.
• 5. Faunalia.
• 11. Alcyonii dies.
• 14. Brumalia & Ambrosia.

Modern Heathen.

Medusan, a Festival of the Persees, kept on the 11th of Adebese, or December. This, as all the o∣ther is kept in memory of the Creation, or monthly benefits. Sir Tho. Herb.

10. In Tebeth; December, January.

Jewish.

8. A Fast. The Law was written in Greek in the days of K. Ptolomy. Darkness for 3 days over the world. Scal.

4. Fast; for turning the Bible out of holy Hebrew into profane Greek. Dr. Addison.

9. Our Masters have not written the Cause why this Day was marked for a Fast. Scal.

10. A Fast. Jerusalem was besieged by the King of Babylon. Idem, and Dr. Addison.

Ancient Christian.

Dec. 25. Rosostua Christoua, the Nativity of Christ, a Feast of the Muscovites.

Epiphany, Christmas-day, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Naz. Orat. 38, Observe,

1. The Time. In January, on Epiphany-day, pro∣bably in the East. Clem. Alex. saith, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. So Lydiat. in Emend. Temp.

Upon Advice from the West-Churches, they changed it to Dec. 25.

S. Chrysostome Serm. 31. Tom. 5. saith, it was not above 10 years, since in that Ghurch (Antioch) it began to be kept on that day, and offers several reasons to prove that to be the day.

S. Ambrose Serm. 13. Length of nights had possessed the whole day, had not the coming of Christ shined gloriously in the very shortness of days, &c.

S. August. Our Lord was born on the eighth of the Calends of January, when the days begin to lengthen. Aug. in Psal. 132. et de Trin. l. 3. c. 5.

So Orosius on the 8th of the Kal. of Jan. Oros. l. 7. c. 2.

S. Bernard. Christ was born in the winter. Bern. in Nat. Dom. Ser. 3. So Nicephorus, Hist. Eccl. l. 1. c. 12. Chemnitius, Genebrard.

So the Arabian, Persian, and Syriac Churches. Mr. Greg. Notes and Obs. Soaliger, H. Broughton, Jacob Capella, Alsted, say Sept. or Octob.

2. The Antiquity: In the 2d Century 'tis menti∣oned by Theophilus Bishop of Caesarca.

Next, by the Decretal Epistles: but those suspect∣ed.

Next, by Nicephorus, H. Eccl. l. 7. c. 6. Who tells of Dioclesian burning a whole Church of Christians assembled to celebrate that Festival.

Dr. Brown in his Travels saith, the Festi∣vity of Christmas is observed at Vienna, much af∣ter the same manner, ceremonies, and solemnity, as in Italy. p. 152.

Jan. 6. Epiphany, properly so called, from the appearance,

• 1. Of the star.
• 2. The Trinity at Christ's baptism.
• 3. The Divinity at Cana.

Jan. 6. Bose Jaulenia, or Chreschenia, Epiphany: A Festival of the Muscovites.

At Vienna the old Custom of chusing K. and Qu. was observed: Count Lesly happened to be King, the Emperor laid the Cloth, and the Em∣press filled out wine, &c. Dr. Brown's Trav. p. 152.

Mahometan.

Persian Ranon el-avel, 31 days.

On Christmas-Eve, in Fez they eat Sallads of green Herbs. Rosse.

Turkish-Dgiamazil ewel, 30 days.

Ancient Heathen.

Dec. 17. Saturnalia, proper to men: lasting 3 days. To which were added Sigillaria, to make up 7 days.

At this Festival they had Feasts, Dancing, filthy Sonsg, New-years-gifts (Strenas.) The Heads of Slaves were covered with a Pileus, as a Symbol of Liberty; and attended by their Masters.

Dec. 19. Opalia & Saturnalia.

The Druids at the End of the Year Offered Oke-branches to Jupiter, crying, Come to the Oke-branch∣es, the New Year.

Dec. 21. Angeronalia, Angeronae Deae. Macrob. Herculi & Cereri de Mulso. Idem.

22. Feriae Laribus dicatae. Compitalia. Ludi La∣ribus.

23. Feriae Jovis. Larentinalia. Plut. Var. Ovid.

24. Juvenalis dies, Octavus Saturn. additus. Suet. unde & Juvenales ludi.

Jan. 1. Jani & Junonis.

Gamelia Junoni.

8. Sacrificium Jani.

9. Agonalia.

11. Carmentalia, a Feast dedicated to Evander's Mother, Solemnized with the recital of Prophetic Verses.

12. Compitalia, Solemnized in Streets and High∣ways, where the Heads of Poppies and Onions were Offered up to the Lares, instead of Infants,

which had been Offered before, till prohibited by Junius Brutus.

Modern Heathen.

The Saxons called December Giuli, from the Conversion of the Sun, and encrease of the Days, from Giul, a Wheel, in Gothic: And in the old Runic Fasti, their Feast was signified by a wheel; which lasted 12 days, whereon they Feasted, and sent Presents one to another, and offered Sacrifice to the Sun, to express their Joy for the Return of the Sun. Dr. Stillingfleet.

11. In Sebat, January, February.

Jewish.

5. A Fast. The Elders dye that were the E∣quals of Joshua the Son of Nun. Scal.

23. A Fast. All the Israelites gathered together against Benjamin; because of the Harlot and Idol of Micha. Scal.

Ancient Christian.

Sr. Matthew Hale had for many years a particu∣lar Devotion for Christmas day; and after he had received the Sacrament, and been in the perform∣ance of the publick worship of that day, he com∣monly wrote a Copy of verses on the honour of his Saviour, as a fit expression of the joy he felt in his Soul at the return of that glorious Anniversary. There are seventeen of those Copies printed, which he writ on several Christmas days. Dr. Burnet, in his life.

Feb. 1. Ignatius Bishop and Martyr. A Popish Festival.

Feb. 2. Stratenia Gospoda Boga, Candlemas-Day, a Feast of the Muscovites, Papists, Protestants, &c.

With the Papists, upon this day is a Procession in memory of that procession which Joseph and Mary made to the Temple: This Feast was instituted in

the time of Justinian, upon a great mortality which then happen'd, and Candles this day are carried with great solemnity, to shew that our light should shine before men; that Christ, who was this day presented in the Temple, is the true light of the world; and that like wise Virgins, where∣of Mary was the chief, we should have our lamps ready.

Feb. 10. William Confessor.

Mahometan.

Persian Kanon elsahi, 31.

Feb. Turkish Dgiamazil ahhir, 29 Days.

Ancient Heathen.

Jan. 13. Tibicines habitu muliebri Ʋrbemlustra∣bant. Plut.

Jan. 15. Carmentalia relata, et Porrime et Post∣verte.

Jan. 24. Circa hoo tempus, Sementinae Feriae, non state quidem, sed indictae.

29. Equiria in Campo Martio.

31. Sacra deis Penat. qui Patrii et Ʋrbani dicti sunt.

Feb. 1. Lucaria.

Elaphobolia

Diane sacra, a cervis dicta.

Feb. 13. Fauni festum et Jovis.

15. Lupercalia, the solemnities of Pan; where∣in,

1. A dog and two goats were offered.

2. Two Noblemen's Sons were to have their foreheads dipped in milk and dried up with wool.

3. The youths must laugh, and cutting thongs out of the goat-skins, must run naked through the streets (their privities only covered) and strike all they meet; especially young wives, to help con∣cepcion and safe Travel.

12. In Adar; Febuary, March.

Jewish.

7. A Fast. Moses our master died, who rests in peace. Scal.

9. A Fast. The School of Sammai and the School of Hillel began to contend amongst them∣selves. Idem.

13. A Festival. Nicanor is slain. Scal.

Adar. 14 and 15. Purim, or the Feast of Lots. Esth. 9.21.

Instituted by Mordecai, in remembrance of the Jews deliverance from Haman, before whom lots were cast daily for destruction of them.

On these two days, they read the book of Hesther, and at the mention of Haman beat with fists and hammers upon the benches and boards. Otherwise they spend the time in Bacchanal riots and excess: for (as Dr. Addison tells us) they have a rule, that at this time they should drink, till they cannot distinguish between-Cursed be Haman, and Blessed be Mordecai, which are ex∣pressions in the service of the day.

Ancient Christian.

Mar. 1. S. David's Feast is celebrated espe∣cially by the Inhabitants of Wales, whose Tutelar Saint he is reputed to be, and accordingly is put in the Popish Kalendar.

Mar. 7. Tho. Aquinas, a St. of the Roman Ca∣tholics.

Mar. 12. S. Gregory the Great. Pa. Rom.

Mar. 17. S. Patric Bishop celebrated in the Popish Church.

Mahometans.

Persian Chaabat 28. or 29.

4th. Day of this Moon, they have prayers in their Mosches till mid-night: and then return home and feast.

This Festival is because of the Lent, which comes two months after.

Turkish Redgeb ai. 30. d.

Mar. 1. Called by the Persians Scheual, the Persians solemnize a feast which they call Chumme∣hater, in memory of Haly's taking possession of the estate of his Cousin and Father in-law Mahomet.

Mar. 3. Another called Tzar Schembesur, i. e. the 4th sad Sabbath, because, say the Persians, 'tis an unlucky day: on this day they shut their shops, work not, put away no money, lest they should do nothing else all the year after, swear not, nor make any debauches.

Ancient Heathens.

Feb. 18. Quirinaliorum Stultorum Feriae.

Fornacalia indicta deae Fornacali.

Sacra Feralia, diis Manibus.

19. Deae Mutae.

20. Charistia, i. e. Sacra Cognatorum, when Relations met, and bestowed gifts mutually.

21. Terminalia.

27. Equiria in Campo Mart.

Mar. 1. Matronalia, or the Womens Saturnals; foemineae Calendae, The day on which anciently the Sabine Dames decided the Battle between their parents and husbands. On this day the more dainty women sat at home in great chairs richly adorned, receiving gifts, &c.

In Romulus's time the year began on Mar. 1.

14. Equiria altera, apud Tyberim, vel si aquis increverit, in Caelio Monte.

Annae Perennae. Parricidium, viz. Jul. Caesaris.

Modern Heathens.

Houly, a Feast at full Moon in February, kept in the E. Indies (in Caboul) with great devotion, the Pagods filled with people, who come to pray, and make their oblations there, cloathed in red, visiting their friends in Masquerade, dancing by companies in the streets to the sound of Trumpets; those of the same tribe eat together, and at night make bonefires; ended with a child shooting ar∣rows to the figure of a Giant, to destroy him; i. e. a Giant killed by Crutchman (God.) M. de Thev.

Meduserum A feast of the Persees kept the 15 of Fez'e or February, in memory of some monthly benefit.

Jewish.

1. The Sabbatical year, every Seventh year. To signify that they and theirs were the Lord's.

1. On this year they did not till the ground.

2. They discharged their Debtors, and relea∣sed the Debts.

And this to teach them,

1. To depend on Providence.

2. To mind them of Adam's fruitful Paradise.

3. To mind them of the Everlasting Sabbath, peradventure to commence from the 7000th Year.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Eliae. dict. ex Talm.

2. Jubilee, from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Ram's Horn, or Trum∣pet, Josh. 6.4. or Jubal, Gen. 4.21. Every Forty Ninth Year.

On this Feast,

They, 1. Restored Lands to the first owners.

2. Released Servants.

3. Preserved the Tribes distinct.

4. It served for computation.

5. They were put in mind of our Spiritual Jubilee under Christ, by whom we are restored to our Land of Canaan, and released of our Servitude, and this signified too by the sound of the Gospel. Zach. 9.14.

As in the Babylonish Captivity; so in the Dis∣persion since Christ, they keep no Jubilee. Rosse.

3. Liver, without ceasing, denoted by the Fire continually burning upon the Altar. Lev. 6.12. And again, Holiness becomes thine House for ever. And again, Pray without ceasing.

Ancient Christian.

In imitation of the Jewish, Pope Bonifiace 8th, instituted A. C. 1300. the Popish Jubilee to be observed every 100dth year: which Clement 6th, abridged to every 50th. year.

Ancient Heathen.

Amongst the Greeks.

1. Olympia; Games, instituted by Hercules in Hon∣our of Jupiter, celebrated every Fifth year, or 50th Month, by

• 1. Running. Five Exercises.
• 2. Leaping. Five Exercises.
• 3. Quoiting. Five Exercises.
• 4. Wrestling. Five Exercises.
• 5. Hurling. Five Exercises.

The Conquerors reward was a Crown, with the Branch of an Olive Tree.

Amongst the Romans.

2. Lustrum, The Purgation of the City by Sa∣crifice every fifth year; at which time the Censors went out of their Office, and the Fee-Farm Rents were paid; and then they Sacrificed a Sow, a Sheep, and a Bull in the Field of Mars, to attone the Gods, and purge the City.

3. Ludi Seculares, called also Tarentini, from a place in Rome: Celebrated every 100th year, last∣ing three days, in honour of Diana and Apollo. The Young Virgins and Men were wont at this time to sing Hymns (Poeanas) to Apollo. D' Assigny.

The Fire of the Vestal Nuns, among the Greeks first, and afterward the Romans, seems derived from the Mosaic Institution.

The old Africans also, whose chief Gods were the Sun and Fire, kept Fire continually burning on their Altars. Rosse.

Modern Heathen.

Tozcolt, a kind of Jubilee in Mexico, in Ho∣nour of Tezcalipuca, kept in Mexico, when there was given full Indulgence and Pardon of Sins. In this day they did Sacrifice a Captive, which re∣sembled the Idol. Purchas.

Every Twelfth Year, in the City of Quilecare, (in Malabar) is a Jubilee kept to the Honour of their Idol, in which the King of that place, on a Scaffold, covered with Silk, before the People, washes himself Prayeth, and having cut off his Nose, Ears, Lips, &c. at last cuts his own Throat, as a Sacrifice to his Idol. His Successor is bound to be present, and to act the same Tragedy on him∣self next Jubilee. Rosse.

The Pyree of the Persees in the E. Indies.

In Persia they had many Pyree (or God-Fires) not made of common Combustibles, as Wood, Straw, Coals, &c. nor blown by any Bellows, &c. but kindled with Lightning, or a Burning-glass, &c. Some to this day remaining above 1000 years (as some say) unextinguish'd. Sir T. Herb.