A new universal history of the religious rites, ceremonies, and customs of the whole world
: or, a complete and impartial view of all the religions in the various nations of the universe. Both Antient and Modern, from the Creation down to the present Time. Containing, besides many other Curious, Instructive and Entertaining Particulars, a full and authentic Account of the Rise and Progress, including the antient and present State of Religion amongst the Jews, Egyptians, Carthagenians, Druids, Bramins, Assyrians, Babylonians, Medes, Persians, Chinese, Japanese, Africans, and all the other Idolatrous and Pagan Nations, Mahometans, Greeks, Christians, Romish Church, with the various Orders of her Communion, &c. &c. Together with a very particular History of the Protestant or Reformed Churches, and of all the Sects and Denominations in Great-Britain and Ireland, and the Colonies abroad, viz. the Church of England, -Scotland, Lutherans, Moravians, Dissenters, Presbyterians, Calvinists, Arminians, Independents, Baptists, Arians, Socinians, Quakers, Nonjurors, Sandimanians, Antinomians, &c. Comprehending also a genuine and circumstantial Description of all the most material lesser Sects, Parties, Heresies, and Religious Opinions, since the first Promulgation of Christianity; and likewise the Ecclesiastical Laws and History concerning every Religion. To which are added the most important Transactions of Church Councils, Assemblies, Synods, &c. &c. I. An Account of those Persons by whom the various Modes of Worship were established, and the Means used in propagating them. II. The most satisfactory Information concerning their Tenets, Creeds, Sentiments and Doctrines, with respect to religious, moral and civil Obligations. III. The Causes which promoted their Prevalence in the World; the Methods taken for their Support; and the Reasons why many of them have sunk into Obscurity. IV. Their general Consequences and Effects in operating on the Minds and Conduct of Men. V. The Ceramonies and Discipline in their different Temples, Cathedrals, Churches, Mosques, Sanctuaries, and other Places of Worship. VI. Their Forms, Ceremonies and Customs in Marriage, Births, Funerals, &c. Vii. A Display of the several Sacrifices, and the Dresses of the Priests and Religious Orders; with an Account of the early Attachment of Mankind to Idolatry. Viii. An exact Summary of the different Objects of Adoration, Deities and Idols; Times and Places of religious Observance, Fasts and Festivals; with a Survey of the Utensils employed at Altars, in Divine Offices, &c. and whatever else is worthy of Notice respecting the origin or present State of every sacred Institution. The Whole being the Result of many Years study, and comprising not only all that is valuable on the Subject of Religion, but also a Variety of new and interesting Matter relative to the Manners and Customs of all Nations, not to be found in any other Work. Designed to Form a Complete Family Library. Including The Whole Body of Divinity, According to the different religious Usages in every Part of the known World. Calculated for Christians of all Denominations; And illustrated by Quotations from the most celebrated Authors. By William Hurd, D.D. Embellished with a set of numerous folio copper-plates, more elegantly designed and engraved than any usually given with periodical Publications. Messrs. Walker, Collyer, Taylor, &c. have united their successful Endeavours in finishing them in the highest Taste: And to make the Whole as superb and masterly as possible, a great number of Ornamental Borders are added by an eminent Hand