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 ...

17. The manner of calling As∣semblies.

Jewish.

THE Jews Sounded Trumpets formerly.

Also they rung the great Bell Migrepha.

Now, about five in the Afternoon, the Door-Keeper of the Synagogue knocks at their Doors with a Hammer, warning them to repair to Eve∣ning Prayer. Rosse.

Ancient Christian.

At first, certainly, the Christians by agreement among themselves, appointed the Day and Hour before-hand, and conveyed the notice thereof by word of Mouth.

Pancirollus refers the Invention of Bells to Pau∣linus, Bishop of Nola, about the Year of Christ 400. But he rather changed the use of them to re∣ligious purposes. Dr. Holid. on Juv.

In Cyprus the Greeks are called to Church in the Morning, by one or two a Clock, by the striking on their Door with a Hammer; the Clerk utter∣ing these words; Christians go to Church. Taver. l. 2. c. 2 p. 81.

The Musccvites have no Bells in Steeples, but in a certain Engine or Machine near the Church, in the Church-Yard; and are for the most part so

small, that few of them are 150, or 200 pound weight. They toll them at beginning of Service, and at the elevation of the Chalice. The Rope being fasten'd not to the Bell, but the Clapper, they easily Chime many together.

The Abyssines have no Bells of Brass, or mix'd Metal; but a kind of hollow Vessels made of Wood, Stone, or Iron, more for noise than delight to the Ear. Job Ludolph. Salmuth, &c.

They have two great Bells in the Convent of Niamoni, in the Isle of Chio. The Turks allowing them to Christians no where else: —There are lit∣tle ones in every Village. M. de Thev.

I passed by a Church in Ispahan, where hearing a great noise, I went into it; the noise was made by striking with a great Stick upon a Deal-Board, that was hung up, which the Armenians are forced to make use of instead of Bells; the Persians not permitting them to make use of any. D. of Holst. Amb. Trav. p. 208.

Mahometan.

The Mahometans are called to Church five times a day by a Cryer, by a Cryer, bauling aloud Alla, Allah, Allahu.

The Turks call Etchmeasin in Persia, (the Seat of one of the Armenian-Patriarchs) the Church with Bells; for they are used here, and no where else in Turkey, except in Moldavia, Valachia, Mount A∣thos.

The Muczim goes up to a Minaret at every Mosque, and stopping his Ears with his Fingers, he sings, and cries these words with all his force, Allah ekbar, &c. i. e.

God is great, God is great, —is great, —great; shew that there is but one God, shew that Mahomet is his Prophet, come and present your selves to the Mercy of God, and ask Forgiveness of your Sins: God is great! God is great! God is great! God is great! There is no other God, but God.

M. de Thev.

This they do five times a day, and on Friday six.

The Faquirs, or poor Mahometan-Voluntiers, the have many Disciples, call them together, when they assemble, by the Sound of a Horn, or the Beat of a Drum. M. Tavernier, Par. 2. l. 2. c. 2.

Ancient Heathen.

The Persians did call an Assembly before Day∣light, saith Strabo, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, with the sound of a Bell. l. 15.

The Priestesses of Bona-Dea at Rome, were cal∣led to the Service by a Horn.

Upon the Festival of Dame Flora, the Rabble, and idle Strumpets were called together by the sound of a Trumpet.

Modern Heathen.

In Pegu, the Talapoi Summon the People to Church, by sounding a brass Bason. Pacquet broke open, Vol. 2.

In Mexico, they awaked the People to Service with a Trumpet.

The Bannyans are called to their Idolatrous De∣votions, to their Pagods under their Trees, with the sound of a little Bell. Sir Tho. Herb.

In some parts of Java, particularly Bantam, they use Drums instead of Bells, which they beat with a Bar as big as a Weaver's Beam; and sometimes brass Basons. Mandelslo.

In Siam, their Pagods have Steeples and Bells. Tavernier.

Upon tolling of the Bells they rise to Prayers, about 4 it. the Morning, which they repeat again toward Evening. Idem.

In Tunquin also, they have Bells. Idem.

In Gilolo and Amboyna, they bring their Daemon, or Nito, to a conference, by the sound of a little Tabor (called Typha) and with lighted Candles, and Words of Conjuration. Pacquet broke open. Vol. 2.

Diabolical.

In Amboyna, to have conference with the Devil, whom they call Nito, they assemble to the num∣ber of 20 or 30, and call upon him with the beat of a little Drum, consecrated to this use, which they call Typha, Mandelslo.

In New-England, 1692. at Salem, one G. B. was reported by some of the Witnesses, for Sum∣moning other Witches to a Sacrament, with the sound of a Trumpet; who failed not from all Quarters to go towards the appointed place of Meeting, soon after the Sound. Cotton Mather, in his Wonders of the Invisible World.