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 ...

16. The Rule of Worship.

Jewish.

1. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

• ...Moses,
• The Prophets,
• The Psalms.
• H. Scripture,
• ...Hammi-kra.
• Reading.

2. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. viz.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, A Secondary Law, consisting in Traditions for many Years unwritten, or dispersed without Order, till after our Saviour's time, and then by Rabbi Juda reduced to Aphorisins, which afterwards became of great Authority with all the Jews. The Book is called Mischna, i. e. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: Its parts are as followeth.

• 1. Zeraim, of Fruits and Seeds, &c.
• 2. Moed, of Fasts.
• 3. Naschim, of Women, Divorces, Diseases.
• 4. Nezikim, of Losses.
• 5. Kodaschim, of Sacrifices and sacred things.
• 6. Tahoroth, of Purifications. Hotting.

Their Religion is contained in the Old Testa∣ment and Talmud. M. de Theven. For, say they, Moses was not with God on M. Sinai 40 Days and 40 Nights, to keep Geese. Purchas.

Canons also were made by the Sanhedrim, and varied in several Generations, about the Times of Morning and Evening Service, the Number of Pray∣ers to be said daily (which at last grew to be 18), &c. Dr. Lightfoot.

To study and read the Bible is a Vertue and not a Vertue; i. e. a small Vertue; but to learn their mischna, or Talmud-Text, is a Vertue worthy Reward; and to learn Gemaram (the Comple∣ment of the Talmud) is a Vertue so great, that none can be greater. Purchas ex Tract. Banamaziah.

Ancient Christian.

1. H. Scripture. Our pious Fathers fetcht their Weapons against the Hereticks out of no other Ar∣mory than the Scripture: Augustine against Patili∣anus the Donatist saith, Let not these words be heard among us, I say, or you say; but let us ra∣ther say, Thus saith the Lord: Jerome saith, what∣ever things are asserted as delivered from the Apo∣stles, without Scripture-Testimony, are smitten with the Sword of God: Ambrose to Gratian the Emperour, Let the Scriptures be asked, saith he; Let the Apostles be asked; Let the Prophets be asked; Let Christ be asked. Jewel's Apol.

I adore the fullness of Scripture; Let Hermogenes's School shew that it is writ; if not writ, let him be afraid. Tertul.

2. Traditions.

Of which Tertullian speaks in these words:

I will begin with Baptism, where coming to the Water, we testify before the President, That we re∣nounce the Devil, his Pomps and his Angels; then are we thrice dipt, answering somewhat more than Christ commanded in his Gospel: The Sacrament of the Eucharist, which our Lord instituted after

Supper, we partake of in our meetings before the Day arise; we think it wickedness to fast, or to pray kneeling on the Lord's Day; we kneel not from Easter till Whitsuntide••: Whensoever we go forth, or come in, or whatsoever we are conversant about, we sign our foreheads with the sign of the Cross: And if you do require a Law of Scripture, for these Observations, you will find none: Tradi∣tion will be alledged as the Author, and Custome the confirmer of them. de Coron. Mil. c. 3.4.

Vincentius Lirinensis saith, he many a time, and with much industry and attention, enquired of Ho∣ly and Learned Men, how he might, by a certain general and regular way, discern the Truth from Falshood, &c. and he always received this kind of Answer: First, by the Authority of the Divine Law; and, secondly, by Tradition of the Catholick Church: Because, saith he, tho the Scripture be perfect, and more than sufficient for all things, yet by reason of its heighth, it is diversly interpreted: Let us endeavour to hold that which hath been be∣lieved every where, always, by all. Vin. Lirin. Commonit c. 1, and 3.

Mahometan.

Mahomet distinguisheth the Law into,

1. Written, viz. The Alcoran, so called from Al, this, and Koran, Reading, of 124, Azoaras, or chapters.

On the Cover of which they write, Let none touch this, but he that is clean.

Their Liturgy is in the Arabian Tongue, not un∣derstood by many of the common people.

The Priests never touch their Alcoran without an Expression of much outward Reverence.

So the people at seeing or hearing of it read, shew much attention, affection and reverence.

The Alcoran written in Heaven, and sent in the month Ramadan.

They lift it to their heads, before they read it.

It hath no method, or order in it.

2. Unwritten, viz. the Suna, or Assonna, Tradi∣tions, whereof Bochari hath published 7275 Titles or Apothegms.

Most of the Mahometans do firmly believe them all, called therefore Populus Sunae.

N. B. They receive the Decalogue of Moses, and cause it to be observed by all. M. de Theven.

Ancient Heathen.

1. Written.

The Romans had the Books of Sibylla Cumana, kept by a College of 8 Pontiffs, with a Chief, whose Office it was to regulate all the Ceremonies, relating to the Worship of the Gods. Galtruch.

What Rites of Sacrifices and Worship were to be observed, were not only diligently prescribed in the Laws of Sacrifices, but by the Oracle of Apollo enjoyned to be observed with much Accuracy. Nat. Com.

2. Unwritten.

The Druids of Gaul held it not lawful to com∣mit their Verses (of which they had a great num∣ber, containing the mysteries of their Discipline) to writing, Caesar. Comment.

Modern Heathen.

1. The Hindoes, or Indians, call the book of their Law, Shest••r, (or the book of their written word) which hath been transcribed in all ages, ever since the first delivery of it, (not long after the Crea∣tion, as they say) by thee Bramins, out of the which they deliver Precepts unto the people: Viz.

• 1. Thou shalt not kill any living creature, &c.
• 2. To observe times of fasting, and hours of watching.

• 3. About Festivals, &c.
• 4. To take their food moderately, &c.
• 5. Help the poor as far as possible.
• 6. Not to tell false Tales.
• 7. Not to steal.
• 8. Not to defraud.
• 9. Not to oppress.

2. The Persees, in their book of Religion, have these Precepts; the book called Zundawastau:

1. To have shame and fear ever with th••••.

2. To consider, whether what they take in hand be good or bad, commanded or forbidden.

3. To keep their Eyes and hearts from coveting what is another's, and their hands from hurting any one.

4. To have a care always to speak the Truth.

5. To be known only in their own businesses, and not to enquire into, and to busie themselves in o∣ther mens matters.

6. Not to entertain any other Law, besides what they have delivered to them from their Prophets. M. de Thevenot.

3. The Indian Bramins call the books of their Re∣ligion Bets; which are four in number, which they say God sent to them; and that they are the Keep∣ers. M. de Thev.

The Gaurs have a large Book in three parts, re∣lating to Salvation, Dreams, and Physick, in a language which themselves scarce understand, but by the help of other Books. M. Tavernier, l. 4.

Diabolical.

The Devil is very cunning, a notable Politician. S. Paul knew him so, and therefore uses many words to set out his Frauds. His Interest and Sub∣tility are the only Rules he goes by: And he At∣tacks all persons, he hath to deal with, according to their Genius. Exempl. g. Balaam a false Pro∣phet, by Apparitions; Dr. Dee a Mathematician, by Magical Devices; our Saviour, by sacred Scripture;

the obstinate Jews, by a false Messiah (a Barcocab.) Enthusiastical Persons, by Revelations, Dreams, Fancies; Learned Men, by Curiosities; the Reli∣gious, by Superstitions, &c.