Such is the general plan of the present work, but it is necessary we should say something more concerning. its extensive nature.

All the religions of the various nations in the world, are here displayed in a plain, easy, concise manner; and while the author has adhered to truth, he has not suffered himself to be biased by any party prejudices, in favour of any particular opinions; for in delineating these important subjects, he has sometimes found things simple in their own nature, and really praise worthy, which, at the same time, were joined with such rites of human invention as disgrace the memory of those who invented them. While he relates the follies of many of his fellow creatures, he does it in pity; not doubting, but had he lived in those countries, and in those ages, he might have been an idolater himself.

At this time, when people in general are engaged in the most laudable of all pursuits, that of religiousinvestigation and free inquiry after truth, nothing it is presumed can be more acceptable to the public than this impartial HISTORY of the Religious CEREMONIES and CUSTOMS of all NATIONS, on the most liberal and extensive plan. This volume will exhibit a particular account of the diversities of opinions that have prevailed respecting the Object of Divine worship in every part of the world, and of the sects and parties which have been formed in consequence of those opinions from the beginning of time to the present Æra. The Ceremonies and Customs of the Idolatrous Nations will be pointed out, the gradual growth of Idolatry, and the absurd and superstitious notions, which by degrees have been introduced amongst the various Savage and Barbarian Countries.

The Jewish and Christian Churches are also noticed in a very particular manner; and the most satisfactory account given of the various denominations of Religion in America and Europe, particularly in these Kingdoms. The gradual increase of the Papal power and influence is traced; together with the policy, interest, and government of the Roman Pontiffs; and a view of the Prophecies relating to them, and the different opinions: of the Learned concerning those prophecies.

There is no other Book in our Language, nor indeed in any other, on an enlarged plan; for blending Instruction with Entertainment, this work will lead mankind to set a proper value on the great truths of the Protestant Religion; and it is hoped the Author's sincere endeavours to diffuse useful knowledge amongst all ranks of people, will meet with general approbation and applause.

In writing concerning the Ancient Jews, he has taken the whole of his materials from what we find recorded in the sacred Scriptures, confirming these accounts by the testimony of Josephus; and with respect to the Modern Jews, he has consulted the liturgy used in the public Synagogues, and availed himself. of the confession cf faith which they daily repeat.

The Religious Rites and Ceremonies of the Ancient Heathens have been taken from the best authors extant; and much assistance has been given to the writer by some of the greatest men in the present age, particularly those who have made such subjects their favourite study. In writing of the heathen rites and ceremonies, we meet with many things which seem to have a resemblance to the Old Testament dispensation; such as Sacrifices, the Observations of Days, Months, Sabbaths, and New Moons, but still the difference is great. All the Rites and Ceremonies used by the Jews, as prescribed by the law of Moses, were calculated to make them a peculiar people from all others in the world; and it is remarkable, that although they often plurged themfelves into the grossest idolatry, yet many of them adhered to the worship of the true God, and even laid down their lives rather than blaspheme his name. The

The accounts of the Religious Ceremonies and Customs of the Chinese, the Japanese, the Persians, the inhabitants of the Coast of Guinea, the Druids, the Laplanders, the Hottentots, and the Savages in America, &c. &c. will afford much matter of entertainment for the reader, who perhaps never attended to these things before.

In the account of the Religious Ceremonies of the Greek Church, the author has been assisted by materials communicated to him by a gentleman lately deceased, who resided many years as Consul for his late Majesty in the Levant; at Smyrna, Alleppo, Constantinople, and Alexandria; and in this part of the work, some curious particulars have been taken notice of which other historians have entirely neglected.

The origin of the Rites and Ceremonies of the Church of Rome, their progress from time to time, and a view of them as they appear at present, have been carefully attended to; and the reader will find a comparison drawn between them and genuine Christianity. The fame care has been attended to in giving an account of the Rites and Ceremonies used by the different denominations of Protestants in Europe; and as the author. resided some years on the Continent, so he considers himself as master of the subject; having been prefent at most of their public assemblies, where he made himself acquainted not only with their Tenets, but also with their Ceremonies; which must serve to throw a considerable light on this part of the work.

In speaking of the different denominations and sectaries in these nations, he has joined candour and truth in such a manner, that the most rigid cannot find fault, nor will the libertine have reason to exult over what he may consider as enthusiasm and weakness. Diversity of tempers, and a variety of circumstances which human prudence could not foresee, have often rendered men enemies to each other, while it was their duty to act as disciples of the blessed Jesus, and where they thought their brethren were deceived, or in any manner led into an error, to draw a veil over their weakness, and exhort them to a proper use of the apostolical injunction, viz. "Prove all things, and hold that which is good." Although convinced of the importance of the subject, the author cannot expect the approbation of all, however he may have exerted his utmost endeavours to deserve it. But there are many men who delight in acquiring knowledge, who seek wisdom in humility, and would desire to be an ornament to their age and country. And there are many young people who have not had an opportunity of attending to these things, but wish to receive information concerning matters of so much importance. By persons of such benevolent sentiments, the following work will be well received; a careful perusal of it will lead them to consider the great difference between all the Heathen religions and those of the Jews and Chrisians. As for Mahometanism, it is a compound of many heresies, first embraced by enthusiasts, and then propagated by force. There are many other Religious Rites and Ceremonies, which will be taken notice of in the courfe of this work, such as the Armenians, the Bramins, the Banians, and the Ethiopians; which last was com municated to the author by one of the most extraordinary persons of the present age. Throughout the whole, a strict attention has been paid to Chronology; a science which but few are acquainted with, although it is well known, that without it, we can never understand history.

Upon the whole, there is little doubt but this arduous undertaking will merit the thanks of that generous public, for whose benefit it was undertaken; and the author, who has no mercenary views, will, at least, receive the thanks of his fellow subjects. Consistent with human nature, he is anxious for the public applause, but not at the expence of truth; many years have been spent in bringing this work to a state of perfection; and with respect to all the various Religions in the world, it will be found an useful family library, necessary to be perused by all ranks of people, of great service to youth in general, and such as No. 1.

B.

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the man of learning may read without deviating from the dignity of his character in the literary world. The author has excluded from the whole every thing disgustful in controversy, representing men and things as they really are; and drawing a veil over the frailties of human nature, he has modestly pointed out the improprieties and errors of the prejudiced.

It is remarkable, that although we have fome useful and valuable books published in numbers, and some of these on Religon, yet this is the first ever attempted on an enlarged and liberal plan. And the author doubts not but from the perusal of this work, the rising generation will be agreeably instructed, and the man of experience entertained.

WILLIAM HURD.

A NEW UNIVERSAL HISTORY

OF THE RELIGIOUS

RITES, CEREMONIES, AND CUSTOMS

OF THE WHOLE WORLD; OR,

A GENERAL VIEW OF ALL RELIGIONS.

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The History of the Patriarchial Religion, and that of the Ancient Jews.

AVING taken notice of the general plan of our work in the preface, we think it unnecessary to say any thing more by way of introduction, but will immediately begin with the Patriarchial Religion, which may be divided into two parts; first, respecting it's state before the deluge; secondly, with regard to its situation from the time of Noah till the calling of Abraham. With respect to the first, we must be directed by what we find in the sacred history; for we have no other authorities, besides some traditions of the heathens, which are so much blended with fable that no confidence ought to be placed in them. To love God without consciousness of sin, was the business of our first parents in a state of innocence, when there was no fault to deplore; but no sooner did sin take place in the world, in consequence of their disobedience, than every thing was changed, and the earth was cursed for their guilt. Dreadful, however, as that curse was, God did not forget the works of his hands; he looked in compassion on those who had offended, and he pointed out a remedy, in promising, that in time, a most glorious person, who, according to the flesh, was to descend from Adam, should make an atonement for the sins of a guilty world. Although the sacred scriptures do not point out all the particulars of the promise, yet there can be no doubt but God had told our first parents, that the seed of the woman, the promised Messiah, was to offer himself up a sacrifice for the sins of his people. It is, therefore, from the fall of man that we must date the origin of sacrifices; which were enjoined

to point out the great sacrifice which was to be made on Mount Calvary, for the sins of a guilty world.

That such was the practice during the life of Adam, will appear evident to any one who peruses the account of Cain and Abel, (Ġen. iv.) for sacrifices are there mentioned as the principal part of religion. It is true, the form and manner in which they were offered up is not mentioned; nor does it appear that any thing of a particular nature was required. Cain, as a person who cultivated the ground, brought, as an offering, the fruits of the earth: And Abel, who was a shepherd, presented to the Lord some of the best lambs of his flock: they came, however, with different dispositions; the one was accepted, the other rejected. The temples for these sacrifices, in those early ages, were the world at large, and the canopy of heaven was the roof which covered them. The altars were no more than clods of earth, or turf, laid up in heaps; for architecture was then little known. When the sacrifice was laid upon the altar, if it was approved of by the Divine Being, he sent down a miraculous fire to consume it; and this was considered as a mark of approbation, and acceptance. Fire pointed out the sufferings of the Divine Redeemer, who was endure, in his own person, all the wrath of God for sin; and the consuming of the sacrifice, that he was to make a complete and final atonement. That this was the practice during the remainder of the Antediluvian world, cannot be doubted; for we are told that Noah, after the deluge had subsided, built an altar to the Lord; which was no more than what

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