[1] Strype's Stowe, vol. ii. p. 47, edit. 1755.

S.I.B.

* * * * *



HISTORY AND ANTIQUITY OF WILLS.

(_For the Mirror._)

According to Blackstone, wills are of high antiquity. We find them
among the ancient Hebrews; not to mention what Eusebius and others
have related of Noah's testament, made in writing, and witnessed under
his seal, by which he disposed of the whole world. A more authentic
instance of the early use of testaments occurs in the sacred writings,
(Genesis, chap. xlviii.) in which Jacob bequeaths to his son Joseph, a
portion of his inheritance, double to that of his brethren.

The Grecian practice concerning wills (says Potter) was not the same
in all places; some states permitted men to dispose of their estates,
others wholly deprived them of that privilege. We are told by
Plutarch, that Solon is much commended for his law concerning wills;
for before his time no man was allowed to make any, but all the wealth
of deceased persons belonged to their families; but he permitted them
to bestow it on whom they pleased, esteeming friendship a stronger tie
than kindred, and affection than necessity, and thus put every man's
estate in the disposal of the possessor; yet he allowed not all sorts