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 ...

Ancient Heathens.

That Oracles were in great request among the old Pagans is notorious, as well as Divination and Prediction. Concerning all which observe.

1. Of Oracles. That they were not only giv∣en to those that made inquiry, and propounded a Question. The answer was made by the Priest of the place, who lay hid in some Cavity, and upon pretence of inspiration, with some odd praeludium of noise or tone, with respect to their own hu∣mours, or the will of their Prince, they made their answers; not without much ambiguity and imposture. The most antient were that of Jupiter Hammon in Libya, and of Dodona in Greece: Af∣terwards we read of the Oracle of Pythia and Delphos, as the most Eminent; The Prophornium, that of Amphiareus, the Branchidae in Milesia, and the Sabaeum in Phocis, &c. They were much En∣riched with Presents.

2. Of Divination, that there were several Kinds thereof, as inspection into the Intrals of Beasts; observation made upon the feeding of

Birds, and the Flight of the Fowls in the Air, &c.

3. Prediction, sometimes by Priests, some∣times by Sibylls.