Vol. II L MifcelUnea Curiofa. 401 



with the Religion and Pradice of the An- 

 cients, among whom the DU Manes were the 

 Tutelary Gods of the Country, and D. M. 

 at the head of an Infcription, argues the 

 Moles, the Sepulclire^ the Monument, 

 was in the primary intention made for and 

 dedicated to the SouL Upon the fame Max- 

 ims, in Foreign expeditions, when a Hero 

 died or was kiU'd, as the Body was liable to 

 a quick corruption, and for that Realbn un-^ 

 fit to be tranfported entire, they fell on the 

 expedient of Burning, in order to bring home 

 the Afhes, to oblige the Aianes to follow^ 

 that fo the Country might not be deprived 

 of the Benefit of its tutelage. This I hum- 

 bly conceive was the Original of Burning, 

 which by Degrees became more and more 

 nniverfal, till at laft the Pomp and Magni- 

 ficence of it reconcifd it to all that were able 

 to go to the length of the expence. 



As for the prejudice of the Silence of the 

 Ancient Authors in this matter, 'tis eafily* 

 removed, and to be regreted at the fame tim^| 

 that the Authors of all Ages, too much neg- ^ 

 led the cuftoms of their own time. Writing 

 for the fatisfaftion of their Cotemporaries, 

 they think it impertinent to Trouble theni 

 with the Account of what tliey fee Tranfaft^.; 

 ed every Day. By this means the Ancient' 

 Cuiioms, with the Time, and Reafons of theiir 

 difufe, are loft with Refpeft to us, , and ours ! 

 with the fame Circumftances may come to be ^ 

 lb with relation to PoftcritVv As the Ati** 

 thors are pleased to adopt them for their ■ 

 Chiidrea, one wouM wonder greater care 1^' 

 l^t t^kennot to entail vifible' occafiQ|is 'c^f 



