THE ORIGIN, MANNERS, CUSTOMS, AND RELIGION OF THE DIFFERENT
NATIONS, AND PEOPLE, OF ANTIQUITY; WITH A CLEAR AND
CONCISE EXPOSITION, OF THE USAGES, AND OPINIONS
COMMON AMONGST THEM; AND, IN PARTICULAR,

OF THEIR RELIGIOUS RITES, CEREMONIES,

AND SUPERSTITIONS:

A GREAT VARIETY OF OTHER USEFUL AND HIGHLY INTERESTING
MATTER, WELL WORTHY THE PERUSAL OF ALL TRUE

LOVERS OF HISTORICAL RESEARCH.

TRANSLATED FROM THE ORIGINAL FRENCH MANU-
SCRIPTS OF MONSR. L'ABBÉ BAZIN.

When an old error has taken deep root, policy uses it, as a bit, which
the vulgar have put into their mouths, until some other superstition comes
and supersedes it; of which, policy will make the same use, as it did of
the first error.-Page 306.

LONDON:

THOMAS NORTH, 62, PATERNOSTER-ROW.

PREFACE

BY THE TRANSLATOR.

My object in translating the following most excellent work, has been to forward the cause of truth and simplicity; and to dispel the mists and delusions, which hang over the human mind, on a perusal of the records of antiquity. I have been careful to adhere, as strictly as possible, to the language and sentiments of the learned author. The task was one which required no ordinary exertions, but I have been constantly animated by the reflection, that, to free the minds of men from superstition and enthusiasm, to correct error, to inform ignorance, to detect fraud, to combat priestcraft, and to rally false zeal, and false devotion, was certainly the noblest work, the sublimest task, a man could be engaged in; and I cannot refrain from expressing a firm belief, that a careful perusal of, and an attentive research into, the facts and incidents related in the following pages, will produce those noble results in the minds of every dispassionate and reflecting individual, who is alone anxious to promote the cause,