Pansebeia, or, A view of all religions in the world with the severall church-governments from the creation, to these times : also, a discovery of all known heresies in all ages and places, and choice observations and reflections throughout the whole / by Alexander Ross.

The Contents of the third Section.

Of the old African Religion. 2. The Religion and Church Discipline of Fez. 3. Of Morocco. 4. Of Guinea. 5. Of the ancient African Aethiopians. 6, Of the modern Abis∣sins. 7. Of the lower Aethiopians. 8. Of Angola and Congo. 9. Of the northern neighbours of Congo. 10. Of the African Islands. 11. The Religion of America. 12. Of Virginia. 13. Of Florida. 14. Of the Religions by west Virginia, and Florida 15. Of New Spain and Mexi∣co. 16. Idolaters, their cruelty and cost in their barbarous sacrifices. 17. Of the Americans, their superstitious fear, and tyranny thereof. 18. Of Jucatan, and the parts adjoy∣ning. 19. Of the southern Americans. 20. Of Paria and Guiana. 21. Of Brasil. 22. Of Peru. 23. Of Hispani∣ola.

SECT. III. (Book 3)

Quest. WHat was the Religion of the old Africans?

A. Their chief gods were the Sun and Fire,* 1.1 to which they erected Temples, and kept the Fire continually burning on Altars to that purpose. The Planets were the Numidian and Lybian gods. From Gentilisme they were converted to Judaism, then to Christianity, and at last to Mahu∣metanisme. We read that Matthias the Apostle preach∣ed in Aethiopia, and Simon another Apostle in Maurita∣nia; about the time of Constantine Christianity was ge∣nerally received in the hither and lesser Africa; and was by the Goths infected with Arianisme, which made way for Mahumetanism. The Poeni, or Phonicians and Carthoginians, whilest Gentiles, offered men sacrifices to

Saturn, & in their supplications they put infants in the arms of Saturns brazen image made hot with fire, and so were burned to death. At Tunis neer the Lake ••itonia Miuerva taught the use of Oyle, and invented the Art of Spinning; therefore she was worshipped as a goddesse. Venus was a great deity in Phoenicia, Iuno in Carthage. At this day they are Mahumetans, whose Religion consisteth most in washing and frequenting of the Mosques. See Alexander ab Alexandro, Ih. Leo, S••idas and others.

Q. What is the Religion and Church Discipline of Fez?

A. They are at this day Mahumetans in their pro∣session,* 1.2 and in their Devotion no ways sparing; for there are in the City of Temples and Chappels about 700: whereof some are garnished with many pillars and Fountains of Marble. Each Temple hath one Priest to say Service, and look to his Churches revenue, which he bestoweth upon the Church-Officers; name∣ly, the Porters, Cryers, and the Lamp-lighters; these are night Officers; but for the day Cryers, who from their Steeples call the people to prayers, these have no pay, but onely are freed from tenths and all other pay∣ments. In the great Church, which is about a mile and halfe in compasse, and hath 31 great gates, (the roofe whereof is upheld with twenty Arches in breadth, and 38 in length) are lighted every night 900 Lamps; some of the grea••est are of brasse, with sockets for 1500 Lamps. About the walls are divers Pulpits for their Readers, who begin their Lectures shortly after break of day in the Summer: they read after Sun-set, Mahu∣mets Law, and Moral Philosophie are read: then to the winter Lectures are allowed large revenues, books and Candles. The Priest of this Temple taketh charge of the Orphans mony, and of the poor, to whom he deal∣eth Corn and mony every Holy-day. This Temple hath a treasurer, and under him eight Notaries, and six Clarks, twenty 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for the husbandry, twenty Lime∣kills, and twenty Brick-kills, for repairing of the Temple, the Reven••es of which are 200 Ducatsaday. O••••er Temples of the City are hence furnished when they want. Here are two stately Colledges for por∣fessors of divers Sciences, and divers Hospitals for

strangers, and the ••ick with all accommodations. Their Marriages are performed in the Church. They have great feasting at the circumcision of the males. They observe divers Feastivals, at some of which the youth do with Cudgels and other weapons knok down one another, so that many murthers are committed. They make Bone-fires on the Feast of St Iohn Baptist, and on Christmasse••Even eat Sallades of green Hearbs. On Mahumets birth-day, the Poets make Sonnets in his praise, which they reherse publiquely, and are rewarded accordingly. In Fez are 200 Grammer-Schools; the youth are bound in seven yeers to learn the Alcoran by heart. On Mahumets birth-day every boy carrieth a wax torch to school, which they light before day, and let them burn till Sun-rising, all this while singing Mahumets praise. Candles are presented to the King that day, of incredible heigth and bignesse, who that night heareth all the Law read. By Mahuments Law Soothsayers are inprisoned, and yet here are many of that profession. There are here divers Sects of Mahu∣metans, some like our Anabaptists, condeming all lear∣ning, and trusting to Enthusiasmes; others who think by their fasting and good works, that they are so holy and perfect, that they cannot sin. There be some who hold all Religions to be true, because every one takes that to be God which he worships, and they teach that the Heaven with the Planets, Stars, and Elements are one God. They have also their Hermits. By their Dis∣cipline, Women may not enter their Mosques, because of their often pollutions, and for that Eve first sinned. The day after a child is born, the Priest is sent for to pray. The child is washed by the women, who name it, and then it is circumcised; but somtimes the circum∣cision is put off for divers yeers. They are very strict in their fastings, not tasting any thing, though they should faint, till the Stars appear: the Mufti, or High-Priest sits with the King every day in judgment, except the Friday, then the King sits alone. See 〈…〉〈…〉, &c.

Q. What are their times of Prayer?* 1.3

A. Two hours afore day, then they pray for the day. 2. Two hours after day, then they give thanks for the day. 3. At Noon, then they give thanks for that halfe

the day is past. 4. At four in the afternoon, then they pray that the Sun may well set on them. 5. At twi∣light they give thanks after their daily labours. 6. They pray-two hours after twi-light, and then they desire a good night; thus they pray six times in 24. hours, and so devout they are, that when they hear the Sexton from their Steeples cry to prayer before day, then may no man touch his wife, but prepare to prayer, by washing, or other devotion, either at Church or in his own house; after this his prayer, the Talby or Priest sits down and resolves for half an hour all doubts that are moved in matters of their Law. He is counted profane, and disabled from being witnesse, who prayeth not six times a day. See Purchas in his Pilgrimage.

Q. What is the Religion of Morocco?

A. The same is there professed that is in Fez,* 1.4 but they are not altogether so devout in Morocco, as in Fez; for they have not that number of magnificent Temples, Colledges, Hospitals, and Schools; yet some they have, especially one Temple very large and stately, in Morocco, with a magnificent Steeple of incredible hight: they have also their Hermites and other Religious men▪ in all these they come short of Fez, by reason they are often molested by the incursions of the Arabians. They here also among them, as in Fez, multitudes of Jews, who ••••cked over thither when they were driven out of Spain by Ferdinand, and out of Portugal by King 〈◊〉〈◊〉 There be also among them many Christians, but in miserable captivity and slavery; whereas the Turks elsewhere in spiritual affairs subject themselves to the Caliph of Cairo; these African kingdoms ac∣knowledge onely their subjection to the Caliph of Bagda•• or Babylon. The Turks of Morocco and Fez, think they merit Heaven if they kill many Christians; therefore they run with as great alacrity to war a∣gainst Christians, as to a wedding, beleeving if they die in that war▪ they shall immediatly possesse Para∣dise which is indeed the generall belif of all Turks▪ See Les Estats du Monde, Boterus, Leo, &c.

Q. What Religon is professed in Guinea?

A. Gentilism; for they adore strawen rings instead of God;* 1.5 Of whom they speak blasphemously, calling

him evill; and black, and the Author of their miseries: And that they are no wayes beholding to him for what they enjoy, but to their own industry. They put with∣in their Rings Wheat, Water, and Oyle, for their god to feed upon. Such Rings are worn by many as pre∣servatives against danger. Their Priests use to preach to them on festival dayes, and after Sermon to besprinkle the infants with Water, in which a Newt doth swim. They consecrate to their Idol the first bit and draught of their meat and drink. But I believe, this black god they rail against, is the devill, whom their cunning Priests represent to that ignorant people in some black and ugly shape; Sometimes of a black dog. If they paint themselves with Chalke, they think they do good service to their God. When he is angry with them, they use to bribe the Priest with gold; so fishermen use to do, when they have no successe at sea. The Priest with his wives walks in Procession, knocking his breast and clapping his hands, then hanging some boughs from the trees on their necks, and playing on a Timbrel, the Priest flings Wheat into the sea, to appease the angry God. They have certain trees in great venera∣tion, consulting with them, as with Oracles, using di∣vers foolish ceremonies. They worship a certain bird, which hath feathers like stars, and a voice like a Bull. The Tunie is a sacred fish with them, and not to be touched. So are the mountains, whose tops they daily feed, or the Priests rather, with meat and drink. When one dieth, the Priest makes gods of straw to ac∣company the dead in the other world, wine and good cheere are sent with him, and servants, with his wives; if he be the King, these are slain to wait upon the King, and their heads advanced upon Poles round about the grave. They hold it a sin to spit on the ground. The Tuesday is their Sabbath. They use circumcision and some other Turkish ceremonies. See G. Arthus Dantis∣eanus, Mercator, Bertius, &c.

Q. Of What Religion were the African Ethiopians antiently?

A. Gentiles;* 1.6 for they worshipped some immortall gods, as the Sun, Moon, and the World; some mortal, as Iupiter, Pan, Hercules; But some of them who dwelt neer and under the line, did not worship, but curse the

Sun still when he rose, because his excessive heat offended them. When their Queen went to Solomon, she being instructed by him in the knowledge of the true God, upon her return planted the Jewish Religion in her country; but the Eunuch of Queen Candace be∣ing baptized by Philip, brought home with him the Christian Faith, which hitherto they have retained. See Diodorus, Boemus, Strabo, Sardus, Damianus a Goes, &c.

Q. What Religion do these Aethiopians, or Abyssins professe?

A. Christianity;* 1.7 yet Gentilisme is retained in some part of Prestor-Iohns ample Dominions. The Christians circumcise both male and female on the eighth day, in memory of Christs circumcision. The males are bap∣tized fourty days after, and the females eighty. They abstain from certain meats, and use some Mosaical Ce∣remonies. They are very rigid in their Fastings, they begin their Lent ten days before ours, some Fryers eat no bread all the Lent, some not in a whole year; but are contented with Herbs, without Salt or Oyl: They keep a fast of three days after Candlemasse, in memory of Ninevehs repentance. Some Fryers all that time eat nothing, and some Nurses give their Children suck but once a day. He that marrieth three wives is excom∣municated. Queen Candace after her conversion con∣secrated the two magnificent Temples of the Sun, and Moon, to the Holy Ghost and the Crosse. Afterward these two Temples were given to the Monkish Knights of Saint Anthonies Order, with two large Monasteries. The Abyssins in their Liturgy mention the three first ge∣neral Councils, but not that of Chalcedon, because they are Eutychians, or Jacobltes. Their Patriarch is onely a Monk of Saint Anthonies order, and so is the Patriarch of Alexandria, by whom the Aethiopian is consecrated, and is in subjection to the Sea of Alexandria. They ob∣serve here both Saturday and Sunday with equal devo∣tion. In the Eucharist the Priest administers leavened bread, except on the Thursday before Easter; for then it is unleavened, because that day Christ instituted the Supper. An•• the Deacon gives the Wine in a Spoon. They receive all standing, and in the Church onely▪ all

that day after they must not spit till Sun set. They give the Eucharist to Infants immediately after Baptisme. They believe traduction of Soules. They are careful to confesse their sins to the Priest, and still after confessi∣on receive the Eucharist. The Patriarch onely excom∣municates, and none but murtherers usually. Inferiour Priests and Monks labour for their maintenance, but the Bishops, Deanes, and Prebends, have large reve∣nues and benefices. They permit their Clergy to marry once, and have pictures in their Churches, but not ima∣ges. Betwixt Easter and Whitsuntide, they eat flesh on Fridays. Every Epiphanie day, they baptize them∣selves in Lakes or Rivers. So do the Muscovites in me∣mory of Christs baptisme the same day. They use no Confirmation, nor Extream Unction. See Damianus a Goes, Alvarez in his Aethiopian History, and o∣thers.

Q. What is the Religion of the lower Aethiopians?

A. These were not known to the Antients,* 1.8 but they are found by Navigators to be for the most part Gen∣tiles, though divers Moors live among them; Yet some of them worship but one God. They superstitiously ob∣serve divers days of the Moon. They feast the dead with bread and boyled flesh. They punish witchcraft, theft, and adultery with death. They may marry as many wives as they please, but the first is the chief, and the rest are her servants. They pray to the dead in white garments. In Monomotapa and some other places there∣abouts, the Jesuites have converted divers to Christia∣nity; many whereof are fallen back again to Genti∣lisme. See E••anuel Acosta of the Eastern affaires, and Boterus, &c.

Q. What is the Religion of Angola and Congo?

A. In Angola they are all heathens.* 1.9 In the midst of their towns they worship wooden Idols resembling Negroes, at whose feet are heaps of Elephants teeth, on which are set up the skulls of their enemies killed in the wars. They believe they are never sick but when their Idol is angry with them, therefore they please him by pouring at his feet the Wine of Palmes. They use to wash and paint and new cloath their dead, and bury with him meat, drink, and some of his goods, at whose

grave they shed the blood of Goats. They are much addicted to divination by birds; and their Priests are in such esteem, that they think life and death, plenty and famine are in their power. In the Kingdome of Cong•• they worship some monstrous creatures in stead of God.* 1.10 But they were converted to Christianity by the Portugal, Anno 1490. At the City of Banza, afterward called Saint Saviours, was erected a Cathedral Church for the Bishop, who was there received by the King in great magnificence. This Church had 28. Canon Resi∣dents. All their Idols of beasts, birds, trees, and herbs, with their conjuring characters were burned. Divers Religious persons and Jesuits were sent from Portugal thither to erect Schools and Colledges for Divinity and the Arts. See Purchas, Lopez, Maffaeus, Osorius of the acts of Emanuel.

Q. What Religion do the northern neighbours of Congo professe?

A. In Loango under the Line,* 1.11 they worship idols and are circumcised. Every trades-man appeaseth his god with such things as belong to his trade; the husband∣man with corn, the weaver with cloath, &c. At the death of their friends they kill Goats, to the honour of their idols, and make divers feasts in memorial of the dead. They will rather dye then touch any meat which is prohibited by their Priests. At Kenga the Sea-Port of Loango, there is an idol kept by an old Woman, which is once a year honoured with great solemnity and feast∣ing. There is another idol at Morumba thirty leagues northward, where boys are sworn to serve this God, and are initiated with hard diet, ten days silence, ab∣stinence from certain meats, and a cut in their shoulder, the blood of which is sprinkled at the Idols feet. Their trials of life and death▪ are in the presence of this Idol. At Anzichi, they are circumcised, worship the Sun and Moon, and each man his particular Idol. In some of these neighbouring countries the people are man-eaters, and worship the Devil, to whom when they offer sacri∣fice, they continue from morning till night, using char∣ming Vociferations, dancing and piping. See Lopez, Bar∣ros, and others.

Q. Of what Religion are the Islands about Africa?

A. In some of them are Mahumetans, in some Chri∣stians,* 1.12 but in most Heathens. In Socotera an Island neer the mouth of the Red Sea, whence we have our best Aloes, they are Iacobites, and are governed by their A∣buna or Priest. They much reverence the Crosse. They have Altars in their Churches, which they enter not, but stand in the Porch. In Madagascar or the great Island of Saint Laurence, there are many Mahumetans upon the coast, but more Idolaters within the Land, who acknowledge one Creator, and are circumcised: but use neither to pray nor keep holy day. They punish adultery and theft with death. In the Isle of Saint Thomas, under the Line, are Christians and Moors. In divers Islands are no people at all. In the Canaries are Christians; before they were idolaters and had ma∣ny wives, whom they first prostituted to their Magi∣strates; and this uncivil civility they used to strangers instead of hospitality. They bury the dead by setting them upright against a wall, with a staff in their hand; and if he was a great man, a vessel of milk by him. Madera is also possessed by Christians, and so be the o∣ther Islands on this hither part of the African coast. see Ortelius, Mercater, and other Geographers.

Q. What Religion was professed among the Americans?

A. Before the Spaniards came thither,* 1.13 they were all Pagans; who as they were distinguished into divers Nations, so they worshipped divers gods, after divers manners; but they did generally acknowledge the Sun and Moon, for the chief gods. In Canada they worship∣ped the Devil, before the French came thither, and in most places there as yet, they worship him; who when he is offended with them, flings dust in their eyes. The men marry two or three wives, who after the death of their husbands never marry againe, but go still after in black, and besmear their faces with coal dust and grease; they do first expose their daughters to any that will lie with them, and then give them in marriage. They believe that after death their soules ascend into the Stars, and go down with them under the Horizon into a Paradise of pleasure. They believe also that god stuck a multitude of arrows in the beginning into the ground, and of these sprung up men and women. They

have divers ridiculous opinions of God, as that he once drank much Tobacco, and then gave the pipe to their Governour, with a command that he should keep it carefully, and in so doing he should want nothing; but he lost the Pipe, and so fell into want and misery. Such senselesse conceits have these people, who as they are savage in their carriage, so in their understandings they are little better then beasts. They use to sing the De∣vils praises, to dance about fires, which they make to his honour, and leap over them. They bemoan the dead a great while, and bring presents to the grave. Many of these ignorant souls were converted to Christ by the industry of the Jesuites, Anno 1637. and 1638. See Father Pauls relation of new France. See also Cham∣plain and Iaques Cartier, &c.

Q. What is the Religion of Virginia?

A. Before the English planted Christianity there, they worshipped the Devil,* 1.14 and many idols, as yet they doe in many places there. They beleeve many Gods, but one principally who made the rest; and that all crea∣tures were made of water, and the Woman before the Man, who by the help of one of the gods, conceived and bore children. They are all Anthropomorphites, giving to their gods the forms of men, whom they wor∣ship with praying, singing, and offerings. They hold the soules immortality, rewards and punishments after this life, the one in heaven, the other in a burning pit toward the west. The Priests are distinguished from other people by garments of skins, and their hair cut like a comb on their crowns. They carry their gods about with them, and ask counsel of them. Much of their devotion consisteth in howling and dancing about fires, with rattles of Gourd or Pompian rindes in their hands, beating the ground with stones, and offering of Tobacco, Deer suet, and blood on their stone Altars. They undertake no matters of consequence without advice of their Priests, the chief whereof is adorned with Feathers and Weasels tails, and his face painted as ugly as the devils. They bury their Kings (after their bodies ate burned and dryed) in white skins, within arches of mats with their wealth at their feet, and by the body is placed the devils Image. The Women

expresse their sorrow with black paint and yellings for twenty four hours. None but the King and Priest may enter these houses, where the Images of Devils and their Kings are kept. Instead of saying Grace at meat, they fling the first bit into the fire; and when they will appease a storm, they cast Tobacco into the water. Sometimes they sacrifice children to the devil. But of these passages, See Hackluit, and Purchas out of him.

Q. What is the Religion of Florida?

A. Their chiefe deities are the Sun,* 1.15 and Moon, which they honour with dances and songs. Once a yeere they offer to the Sun a Harts hid stuffed with herbs, hanging Garlands of fruits about his horns, so presenting this gift towards the east, they pray the Sun to make their land produce the same fruits again. But to their Kings, they use to Sacrifice their first-born males. Much of their devotion like the rest of barbar∣ous Salvages consisteth in singing, dancing, howling, feasting, and cutting of their own skins. Adultery in the woman is punished with whipping. In some parts of this Country the next of kin is permitted to cut the adulteresses throat, and the woman to cut the adulter∣ers. In some parts also of this Country they worship the devil; who when he appears and complains of thirst, humane blood is shed to quench his thirst. When a King is buried, the cup wherein he used to drink, is still set upon his grave, and round about the same are stuck many arrows; the people weep and Fast three days together, the neighbour Kings his friends cu•• off half their hair. Women are hired, who for six moneths howl for him three times a day. This honour the King and Priest have, that they are buried in their houses, and burned with their houses and goods. See Benzo, Morgares, Hackluit, &c.

Q. Of what Religion are the Nations of west Virginia and Florida?

A▪ Few of them are yet known,* 1.16 but such as by Navi∣gation are found upon the Sea-coasts, and some Islands conquered by the Spaniards, are worshippers of the Sun, and Water: because the Sun by his heat, and the Water by its moisture produce all things; therefore

when they eat; drink, or Sacrifice, they use to throw up in the ayre towards the Sun, some part of their food. The Spaniards took advantage of this Superstition, and made these people believe they were messengers sent thither to them from the Sun; whereupon they submitted, holding it impious to reject the Messengers, which their chief God had sent them. They worship also here Idols, and in some places the devil, and ob∣serve the same superstitious Ceremonies in the burial of their dead, that their neighbours do. See Hackluit.

Q. What was the Religion of New-Spain?

A. They were grosse and bloody Idolaters before the Spaniards brought them to the knowledge of Christ,* 1.17 who requires of his Disciples no other Sacrifice but that of a contrite heart; he having shed his own blood, that we might spare the shedding of ours. These wretched Americans acknowledged one chief God, yet they worshipped many: Principally the Sun, to whom they offered the heart of the Sacrifice; even of men: nei∣ther did they eat or drink, or smell to a flower, till they had cast up in the ayre to the Sun some portion of their meat and drink, and some leaves of their flowers. At Mexico they worshipped many Idols, but three principally: The first was called Vitziliputzli, placed in an azure-coloured Chair, with Snakes-heads at each corner. On his head were rich plumes of Feathers with gold; in his left hand was a white Target, in his right a Staffe; at his sides he had four darts. Perhaps by this Image they represented the nature of God; by his blew Chair they might signifie heaven his seat, by the Snakes-heads, his wisdome; by the feathers and gold, his glory; by the Target, pro∣tection; by the Staffe, direction; and by the four arrows, his power, extending over the four parts of the world: East, West, South, and North; or else, which is more likely, they represented the Sun by this Idol, whose aboad is in the azure skie, and his arrows or beams are extended to the 4. quarters of the world: the feathers may signifie his lightness; and the gold, his glory; his target and staff may shew that the Suns heat is both defensive and offensive. Near to this Idol stood a Pill••r of lesse work and beauty, on which was another

Idol, called T••aloc; perhaps by this they meant the Moon. They had a third Idol, of black stone, with four darts in his right hand, looking angerly; this they worshipped as the god of Repentance; this Idol, with the others, was richly adorned with gold any jewels. In Cholula they worshipped the god of wealth or mer∣chandising; they had also an Idol of Paste, or Dough, which was consecrated and made every year, to which rich presents were brought▪ and stuck in the paste. They made gods also of their chief Captives, to whom they gave divine Honors, for 6. somtimes for 12 months, praying and sacrificing to him, and carrying him in procession; but at last the Priests kill him; the Chief Priest pulls out his heart, offers it smoaking to the Sun; then is he opened, cut in pieces, and eaten. They a∣dored many other gods and goddesses with many heathenish Superstitio••s. Of which see Ioseph Acosta in his History of the Indies, Gomara, Peter Martyr of Millan, &c.

Out of this discourse we may see what crueltie is used among Idolaters in their barbarous sacrifices;* 1.18 how la∣vish also they are of their gold, silver, and jewels, with which they adorne their Idols; this hath bin alwayes the Devils pollicie, by outward splendor and wealth to draw ignorant and covetovs minded people to fol∣low idolatrie; for such a bewitching qualitie there is in the splendor of gold, silver, and stones, that both the eyes and hearts of men are drawn after them; to this purpose Lactantius l. 2. instit. auri, gemmarum et eboris pulchritudo ac nit••r perstringit oculos: nec ullam religionem putant ubi illa fulserint; itaque sub obtentu deorum, avaritia et cupiditas colitur; the beauty of Gold, Iewels, and Eborie, doe so dazell mens eyes, and cap∣tivat•• their hearts, that they think there is no Religion, wher•• these shine not; therefore under pretence of worsh ••ing gods, covetousnesse and desire is worship∣ed. He••ce Idolatrie may be truly called covetous∣ness•• this by the Apostle is called Idolatrie. Not without cause then did God forbid the Israelits to make to themselves gods of gold and silver, as knowing what force these metalls have to draw mens mindes after them. And indeed some of the wise Gentiles

themselves laughed at the vanities of those who be∣stowed so much gold on their Idols; autum Vasa Numae, Saturniaque impulit ••ra, saith Persius,* 1.19 the gods were better worshipped in Numas earthen vessells, then they were afterward in gold; and he that offereth to God a sincere heart, is more accepted then he that bestowes on Iupiter a golden beard; dicite pontifices, in sacro quid facit aurum; and yet the excess of gold and silver in their Statues and Temples is stupendious; as Lipsius sheweth de magnit. urb. Romae. and the Romans were come to that hight of superstition, that they thought a Bull was not a fit sacrifice to their gods, if his hornes had not been gilded, or his forehead adorned with plates of gold: see Virgil: Et statuam ante aras auratâ fronte iuvencum. and Livie l. 5. sheweth that to Apollo was sacrificed, not onely an ox with gilded hornes, but also caprae albae auratae, white goates with hornes gilded, and Val. Flac. l. 3. Arg. speaketh of lectas auratâ fronte bidentes of sheep with gilded hornes. And long a∣fore the Romans, this golden superstition was used, as may be seen in Homer Iliad. 3. where Nestor promiseth to sacrifice to Minerva an ox 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, powring gold about his hornes. Ioseph Acosta relates in his History of America, what magnificent Temples and rich Images of gold and precious stones the Indi∣ans dedicated to their Idols. Against all such vanities Arnobius in his Book against the Gentiles disputeth elegantly, shewing that God is not taken with such toyes as Temples, Altars, and sacrifices; but cultus verus in pectore est, his true worship consisteth in the breast, and as our Saviour saith, neither in the Temple of Samaria, nor of Ierusalem, but in spirit and truth.

Quin damus id superis de magna quod dare lance Non possit magni Messalae lippa propago; Compositum jus, fasque animo, sanctosque recessus Mentis, & incoctum generoso pectus honesto! Haec cedo ut admoveam templis, & farre litabo.

An honest upright sincere and sanctified heart saith Persius, is above all the Temples and sacrifices in the world.

Q. What Priests had they at Mexico, and hat Sacri∣fices?

A. Besides their inferiour Priests,* 1.20 they had one chief, whose habit was a Crown of rich Feathers on his head, Pendants of Gold, with green stones at his ears, and under his Lip an Azure stone; his office was to receive the body of the dead King at the Temple door, with a mournful song, to open the breast of the sacrificed man, to pull out his heart, to offer it to the Sun, and then to sting it to the idol, to which the man was sacri∣ficed. The inferiour Priests in the interim holding the legs, arms, and head of the Sacrificed wretch, whilst his heart was taking out. They used also to ••••ay of the skins of men, and cloath some therewith, who went a∣bout dancing, and forcing people to offer them presents, or else they would strike them over the face, with the bloody corner of the skin. The Priests office also was to burn incense before their idols every morning, noon∣tide, evening, and at midnight, for then with Trum∣pets and Cornets they sounded a long time, which done, they burned the Incense in Censers with much reverence, and then they beat themselves and draw blood with sharp bodkins. They did preach also on some festival days to the people. The revenues of the Priests were great; the Temples in state, magnificence, and wealth, exceeded ou••s. The Priests were all an∣nointed, and wore their hair long, for they never cut it. They did sometimes annoint themselves with an Unguent made of venemous beasts, which made them without fear, and armed them with cruelty. They painted their skins black. They washed the new born Children, and let them blood in their ears; they per∣formed marriages by asking the parties mutual consent, and tying together a corner of the womans vaile, with a corner of the mans gown, and so brought them to the Bridegrooms house, causing the Bride to goe seven times about the hearth. They buried the dead either in their Gardens, or on Mountains; sometimes they burned the body; and if he was a great man; they killed his Chaplain, and his Officers to attend him, burying also wealth with him, that he might not want in the other world. The Priest used to attire himself in these

great Funerals, like a Devil with many mouths, and glasse eyes, and with his staff stirred and mingled the ashes. When the King died, the Priests were to sing his Elogies, and to sacrifice two hundred persons to serve him. Adultery was punished with death, and so was dishonesty in their Nuns and Monks, of which there were two great Cloysters at Mexico. But who will see these particulars handled at large, let them read Ioseph Acosta, and Lopez de Gomara.

Q. Had the Americans any knowledge of Christian Religion▪

A. Concerning Christ they knew nothing;* 1.21 some smal knowledge they had of a supream God, whom they called Mirococha, and of the creation; of the immorta∣lity of souls, of a life after this, wherein are punishments and rewards; and some of them as Lerius witnesseth, beleeve the resurrection of the flesh, and if we will be∣leeve Acosta, they have some knowledge of the Trinity, which they worship under the picture of the Sun with three heads; they have some tradition likewise of No∣ahs flood, and that all mankind was drowned, except six persons, who saved themselves in a cave; some in Brasil beleeve all were drowned except their progen••∣tors, who were preserved to propagate mankind. The Indians also report that the Sun hid himselfe in a cer∣tain Lake within an Island, during the time of the De∣luge, and so was preserved; this is not unlike the Po∣etical fiction of Diana and Apollo, how they were begot in the Isle Ortygia, called afterward from their first ap∣pearance Delos; by this intimating that after the flood, by reason of thick foggs and mists arising out of the moist earth, the Sun and Moon were not seen in many days; but these vapours being spent, and the earth dry, the Moon was first seen, and then in some few hours afterward, the Sun. The tradition which they have of the flood, cannot be that of Ogyges King of Attica, which happened about six hundred years after Noahs flood, and which drowned only the country about Athens and Achaia in Peloponesus; nor was it that of Deucalion, which happened in the 82. year of his age, about two hundred and fifty years after the former, and seven hun∣dred eighty two years after Noahs flood; for this drow¦ned

only Thessaly, and some part of Italy, of which the Americans could have no knowledge; seeing many pla∣ces neerer never heard of these floods, it is most likely then, that their tradition was grounded on Noahs flood; for as Noahs posterity peopled all the world, so they dispersed the memory of this flood, wherever they planted; for we finde this deluge, nor onely mention∣ed by Moses, but also by Berosus, Alexander Polyhistor, Abydenus the Historian, as he is cited by Eusebius, Plato in Timaeo; Plutarch writing of Deucalions flood, spea∣keth of the Dove sent out of the Ark, which relates to Noahs flood; and Ovid describing the same flood, writes according to the Mosaical description of the first and universal deluge; whereas that of Deucalion was but of a particular country; So Lucian de Dea Syria, writes of Deucalions flood, as if he had read the sixth and se∣venth chapters of Genesis, of Noahs flood; for he shew∣eth how all flesh had corrupted their wayes upon the earth, how all their works were 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, works of injustice and violence; how the rain fell, the foun∣tains of the great deep were opened, the waters so pre∣vailed, that all flesh died, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. He shew∣eth also how he was preserved with his wife and chil∣dren in a great Ark; and how of all the beasts that live on the earth, two and two entred into the Ark, &c. and lastly, how he built an Altar after his deliverance. This description is directly of Noahs flood, not of Deu∣calions; besides Mela, Solinus, and Pliny write that Ioppe the maritime town of Syria was of great antiquity, as being built before the flood; which cannot be meant of Ogyges or Deucalions flood, which were onely in some places of Greece, and went not so far as Syria; neither was it any great antiquity, for Ioppe to be built before these floods; for many Cities besides this were built before; therefore doubtlesse is meant Noahs floood. Lastly, Iosephus saith that Omnes barbaricae historiae Scrip∣tores, all the Barbarian historians have mentioned this flood.

Q. VVhat festival dayes were observed in New Spain?

A. Every twentieth day which was the last day of their moneth,* 1.22 was holy, and then were men Sacrificed. At the first appearance of green corn, children were sa∣crificed,

so when the corn was a foot above the ground, and again when it was two foot high, holy days were kept, & children butchered. In some of their feasts they sacrificed a woman, and with her skin covered a man, who danced about the streers two days together. In one of their feasts which the Mexicans kept in their 〈◊〉〈◊〉 upon the Lake, a boy and a girle were drowned to keep company with the gods of the Lake. In May they kept the feast of Vitziliputzli, in which his Image made of paste, richly adorned, was carried by the maidens attired in white, on their shoulders to the court, and thence by the young men to the stairs of the Temple, and thence to the top with Musick, much adoration, vain ceremonies, and wicked sacrificing of men were u∣sed that day. In May also was kept the Feast of Pennance and Pardon, in which a captive was sacrificed. After much profane adoration, the people took up earth and eat it, desiring pardon for their sins, and bringing rich presents to their Idol, and whipping themselves on the shoulders. Much meat is presented that day to the Idols, and then to the Priests, who five days before had eat but one meal a day. The Merchants had their pe∣culiar god, and festival day, in which they sacrificed a man, after they had given him for nine days divine ho∣nours. His heart they offered about midnight to the Moon, perhaps because she is mistresse of the waters, on which Merchants use to traffick; or because they are more beholding to her light in the night then others are. Concerning these festivals, their Schools and Seminaries, their belief of the Souls immortality, of their rewards and punishments, of their nine severall places appointed for them, See Acosta, Gomara, and P. Martyr in his Decads.

Q. What was the Religion of Jucatan and the parts ad∣joyning?

A. In Iucatan they were Circumcised,* 1.23 and yet grosse Idolaters, but curious work-men in carving and ador∣ning their Images. They had in their houses Images made like Beares, which they worshipped as their hous∣hold gods, with singing, and Incense. In hollow Images, they caused boyes to answer the peoples pe∣titions, as if God had spoke to them. When they

wanted rain, or were in any danger, they had their Pro∣cessions, and Pilgrimages to these Idols. In Nicuragua, they worshipped the Sun, and divers Idols. All their Priests except Confessors, married. The ordering of the Sacrifices and their numbers, depended meerly on the Priests, who used to go about the captives three times singing mornfully, and then with their flint knives suddenly open their Breasts. They divide the body thus; the Prelate hath his Heart, the King his hands and feet, the taker his Buttocks, and the people the rest. The heads are set on trees, under which they Sacrifice men and children. They have their Idolatrous Processions, in which for the honour of their Idol, they wound themselves, and for the desire of future happinesse, they offer themselves chearfully for Sacrifices. Whilst the Priest annoints the cheeks and the mouth of the Idol with blood, the others sing, and the people pray. The Priest makes marriges, by joyning the little fingers of the Bridegroome and Bride neer a fire; but the Lords are permitted for honours ••ake, first to corrupt the Br••de. The Adulterer is beaten, and the Adulteresse is divorced. He that forceth a Virgin is a slave, except he pay her Dowrie. But if a slave force his Masters daughter, they are both buried alive. See Benzo, P. Martyr, and Gomara.

Q. What was the Religion of the Southern Americans?

A. They generally worship the Sun and Moon,* 1.24 with divers Idols, and the devill in divers shapes; they be∣lieve the Souls immortality. Their Priests are their Physitians, and therefore in great esteem, and exceed∣ing rich, for they have all the goods of him whom they cure. When they go to wars, they carry their gods with them, of whom they ask Counsel of all affairs; and then they keep Lent for two moneths. They punish in some places theft and murther with the losse of Eares and Nose; in other parts, with death. These faults in the Nobility are punished with the losse of their hair onely. In some places they hold it a part of their devotion, to offer their daughters to be defloured by their Priests. When it thunders and lightens, they say the Sun is angry with them. When there is an Eclipse, they Fast, the married Women scratch their

Faces, and pluck their hairs; the Maidens draw blood with sharp fish bones. When the Moon is Eclipsed, they say the Sun is angry with her. When a Comet is seen, they beat drums and hollo, thinking by this to drive it away. They use to consult with and invocate the Devil. The Priests learn Physick and Magick when they are young, being two yeers shut up in Woods; all that time they keep their Cells, see no women, nor eat flesh. They are taught by their Masters in the night. The dead are buried either at home, or being dried at the fire are hanged up. The bones at last are burned; and the Skull presented to the Wife to be kept by her as a relique. In their Lent fasts they abstain from Women and Salt. See P. Martyr, Gomara, Linschoten, Cieza, &c.

Q. Of what Religion are the people of Paria, Guiana, and along the River Debaiba, or St. Iohn?

A Hereabout they be very zealous in worshipping of the Devil,* 1.25 and Idols, to whom they sacrifice men, and then eat them. When their gods are angry, they macerate themselves with fasting. Their Priests are stoned or burned, if they marry against their vow of Chastity. They believe rewards and punishments after this life. The spot in the Moon they hold to be a man imprisoned there for Incest with his Sister. They feed yearly the departed souls with Maiz and Wine. They held the souls of great men onely, and such as were buried with them, immortal. Their great mens Funeral Pomps are celebrated yearly with much la∣mentation, drinking, and bestial ceremonies, both men and women casting aside all modesty. He that will know more of this stuff, let him read the forenamed Authors.

Q. What is the Religion of Brasil?

A. They acknowledge the immortalitie of the foul,* 1.26 and believe that there are rewards and punishments after this life. For they hope that if they kill and sacrifice many of their enemies, they shall be carried beyond the Mountains into pleasant Gardens, there to dance and rejoyce with their fore-fathers. They stand in much fear of the Devil, who is still vexing of ••••em, therefore they chiefly worship him; and when

they go abroad, they commonly carry fire with them, as their defence against the Devil, who they think is afraid of fire. They have their solemn Festivals, which they celebrate with dancing, howling, and tatling. The Husband hath power to kill the adulterous Wife. Their marriages are without any ceremonies. They bury their dead upright in a pit with their goods. The Husband playes the Midwife to the woman, washeth, painteth, and nameth the child by the name of some wild Beast; they have some knowledge of Noahs flood: of these passages see Masscus, Lerius, Stadius, &c.

Q. What Religion did the people of Peru professe?

A. Their chief god was Wiracocha,* 1.27 by whom they understood the maker of all things; next to him they worshipped the Sun, and the Thunder after him: The images of these three they never touched with their bare hands; they worshipped also the Stars, Earth, Sea, Rainbow, Rivers, Fountains, and Trees. They adored also wild Beasts, that they might not hurt them, and in sign of their devotion, when they travelled they left in the cross ways, and dangerous places, old shoes, feathers, and if they had nothing else, stones. They worshipped the Sun by pulling off the hairs from their Eye-brows; when they fear, they touch the earth, and look up to the Sun. They worshipped also the dead bodies of their Emperors, and indeed every thing they either affected or feared. They have some glim∣ring knowledge of the beginning of the world, of Noahs flood, and they believe the end of the world, which still they fear when the Sun is Eclipsed, which they think to be the Moons Husband; they held their Priests in such esteem, that no great matter was undertaken by Prince or people without their advice. None had ac∣cesse to the Idols but they, and then only when they are cloathed in white, and prostrate on the ground. In sacrificing they abstained from women, and some out of zeal would put out their own eyes. They used to consult with the Devil, to whom they sacrificed men, and dedicated boyes in their Temples for Sodomy. They had also their Temples richly adorned with Gold and Silver, and their Monasteries for Priests and Sorcerers. Their Nuns were so strictly kept, that it was death to

be deflowred; after fourteen years of age they were taken out of the Monastery, either to serve the Idols, and such must be Virgins still, or else to serve as Wives and Concubines to the Ingua or Emperor. They are very frequent and strict in their confessions, and cheer∣fully undertake what pennance is injoyned them. But the Ingua confesseth onely to the Sun; after confession they all wash in baths, leaving their sins in the water. They used to sacrifice Vegetables, Animals, and men, chiefly Children, for the health or prosperity of their Ingua, and for victory in War; in some places they eat their men-sacrifices, in others they onely dried and pre∣served them in Silver Coffins; they anoint with blood the faces of their Idols and doors of their Temples or rather slaughter houses. See Acosta, Cieza, Gomara &c.

Q. What festival days did the Peruvians observe?

A. They had Feasts and sacrifices every moneth of the year,* 1.28 in which were offered multitudes of sheep of different colours, which they burned. The Ingua's Children were dedicated in these Feasts, their ears were pierced, then they were wiped, and their faces a∣nointed with blood, in sign that they should be true Knights to their Ingua. In Cusco during this moneth and feast, no stranger might remain; but at the end there∣of, they were admitted, and had a morsell of bread presented to each man, that they should by eating thereof testifie their fidelity to the Ingua. In the second moneth which is our Ianuary (for in Decem∣ber, in which the Sunne returnes from Capricorne was their first moneth) they flung the ashes of their sacrifices into the river, following the same sixe leagues, and praying the River to carry that present to Viracocha; in three following months they offered one hundred sheep. In the sixth they offered one hundred sheep more, and made a feast for their Maiz. In the seventh they sacrificed to the Sun. In the eighth and ninth moneths, two hun∣dred sheep were offered. In the tenth, one hundred sheep more, and to the honour of the Moon burned torches, washed themselves, and then were drunk four days together. In the eleventh moneth they offered one hundred sheep, and upon a black sheep poured

much Chica or Wine of Maiz, to procure rain. In the twelfth moneth they sacrificed one hundred sheep and kept a feast. They have also their fasts which continue in mourning and sad processions two days, and the two days after are spent in feasting, dancing, and drin∣king. See Ios. Acosta.

Q What was their belief of the departed souls?

A. That they wander up and down,* 1.29 and suffer hun∣ger, thirst, and cold; therefore they carry them meat, drink and cloathes. They used also to put gold, and silver in their mouths, hands, and bosomes; much treasure hath been digged out of graves. But they be∣lieved that the souls of good men were at rest in glory. The bodies were honoured after death, sacrifices were offered to them, and cloaths. The best beloved Wife was slain and attendants of all sorts. To the Ingua's Ghost young children were sacrificed, and if the Fa∣ther was sick, many times the Son was slain, thinking this murther would satisfie death for the Father. Of these and their other impious Ceremonies, see Acosta▪ By these horrible murthers committed among the poor Americans,* 1.30 we may see what a cruel and barbarous tyrant superstitious fear is, and what wretched slaves they are, who are captivated by this tyrant, far more savage then Mezentius, Phalaris, Busyris, or any other tyrannical butcher that ever was; for there is no ty∣rant so powerfull, or barbarous, but may be avoided by flying from him to remote places, but who can fly from that superstitious fear, which a man doth carry continually about him; Quid terras alio calentes Sole mu∣tamus? patria quis exulse quoque fugit? a man may fly from his country, saith Horace, but not from himselfe; this tyrant haunts the superstitious wretch continually, as the evil Spirit did Saul. Againe, no tyrant can ty∣rannize over a man longer then he lives; death sets e∣very slave at liberty; but this tyrant leaves not his slave in death, but with the terrors of future torments in hell, doth vex his soul when it is departing hence; Curae non ipsa in morte relinquunt; there is no slave so wretched and miserable, no pain so great, no captivity so unpleasing, no chaines so heavy, no prison so loath∣some, which in sleep are not forgotten; for then the

slave is at liberty, the pain is eased, the chaines are light, and the darkest dungeon, is then a beautiful Pal∣lace; but this Deisedemonia, as the Greeks call it, this superstitious fear will not permit its captivated slave to rest or take any quiet, but affrights him in his sleep with horrid dreams, and hideous phancies, so that sleep which should be his comfort and ease, becomes his tor∣menter. Besides, Temples and Altars, which use to be Sanctuaries for Delinquents, are no ease or sanctuary at all to the superstitious sinner; any servant might be defended from his Master by laying hold of the Altar; but no Altar, no Temple, no Sacrifice can priviledge the superstitious soul, who is still jealous and fearfull of his cruel gods; and what wonder is it, if we con∣sider the nature of those insatiable devils, whom they worship, who are never satisfied with the blood of beasts, men, women, and children, but are still thirsting after more, with the horse-leech; if these be the gods which the Gentiles serve, surely as Plutarch saith, they had been in no worse condition if the Typhones, and Gi∣ants had overthrown these gods; for they could not have been mo••e cruel, nor have exacted more bloody victimes. And doubtlesse as the same Plutarch saith, these poor wretches do not love their gods, but rather hate them, because they still fear some hurt and mis∣chiefe from them; therefore as some men flatter and give rich presents to tyrants, not because they love them (for indeed they hate them) but that they may not re∣ceive hurt by them; so deale superstitious men with their gods. And in truth Plutarch is not altogether mistaken, when he makes Superstition worse then A∣theisme; for the Atheists hold there is no god, but the Superstitious honour such fordid, base, and cruel gods, that it were far better there were no gods: then such; for it is lesse impiety to say there is no god, then to give his sacred name and honour to such wicked, greedy, barbarous, and blood sucking devils. I had rather (saith he) men should say there is no Plutarch, then that they should say Plutarch is an inconstant, fickle, cholerick, a revengefull, and cruel man. And so he concludes that superstition is the cause of Atheisme and impiety; because men looking upon the ridiculous

gestures, impurity, cruelty, injustice, madnesse, unde∣cency, and all kind of villany perpetrated in their Tem∣ples concluded, it were better have no gods, then such abominable Deities. But see Plutarch himselfe in his book of superstition.

Q. What was the Religion of Hispaniola?

A. They worshipped the Sun and Moon,* 1.31 which they say at first shined out of a Cave; and their tradition is, that out of two Caves came mankinde; the biggest men out of the greatest Cave, and the least men out of the lesser Cave. They worship also divers Idols with ugly shapes, by which the Devil useth to speak to them; these they call Zaemes, to which they kept divers festi∣vals. In these they had their publiqu▪ dances, with the musick of shells tyed about their armes, thighs, and legs. The King sits drumming when the people pre∣sent themselves, having their skins painted with divers colours of herbs. When they sacrifice, they use with a sacred hook thrust down their throat, to turn up their stomack. Then they sit down in a ring, crosse-legged, and wri-necked about the Idol, praying their sacrifice might be accepted. In some places the women dance about their Idols, and sing the praises of their ancient Kings; then both Sexes on their knees offer cakes, which the Priests cut and give to every one a piece, this each man keeps as a holy relique all the year against dangers. If any fall sick, the Priests impute this to their neglect in the Idols service, therefore exhort them to build a Chapp••, or dedicate a Grove to their god. They think the Ghosts of the dead walk, who assault such as are fearful, and vanish from them who are not afraid. Their several Rites are like those of the other Pagan Countries. See P. Martyr.

Out of what I have written concerning the Idolatry of Asia,* 1.32 Africa, and America, we may conclude with Tertullian lib. de Idolat. that every sin by what name soever it be called, or of whatsoever quality it is, may be comprehended in the sin of Idolatry, Idololatriae crimi∣ne expungitur, to use his own phraise, that is, every sin is made up and attains to its perfection and consumina∣tion in idolatry; so that as he sheweth in that book▪ there is no such murtherer as the Idolater, who not

onely destroyeth the bodies of men and beasts to please his Idol, but likewise murthereth his own soule: there is no such Adulterer as he, who not only goeth a who∣ring after false gods, but also adulterates the truth; for every false god is adultery; there is no such thief as he, for not only much robbery and oppression is committed to maintain false worship and idolatry, as Arnobius in∣stanceth in the Romans, who to maintain the worship of their gods, did rob all other gods and nations, and with their triumphant gold (Persius calls it aurum ova∣tum) adorn their images; but besides this theft, the Idolater robs God of his right and honour, giving it to such as are not gods. I will not speak of the unclean∣nesse, drunkennesse, wantonnesse, and other sins which accompany this master sin, which Tertullian calls Princi∣pale crimen generis humani, summus saeculi reatus, &c. devo∣r••t••rium salutis; the main wickednesse of mankind, the chief guilt of the world, the devourer or destroyer of mans happinesse and salvation; therefore he will not have any Christian to paint, or make graven images to be worshipped, affirming that it is flatly against the law of God, and likewise against their vow in baptism to forsake the Devil and his Angels; how do they for∣sake him, if they make him? if they make it their trade to live by him, how have they renounced him? can they deny with their tongue, what they confesse with their hand? destroy that with their words, which they build up with their deeds; confesse one God, and make many; preach the true God, and yet make false gods? If any say that he worships none, though he makes them, Tertullian will answer him, that he who makes false gods, doth really worship them, not with incense and sacrifice, but with his wit, sweat, industry, and skill, which he impends on the making of them; he is more then their Priest; for without him they could have no Priest. How can a Christian put forth that hand to touch the body of our Lord, by which he hath made a body for the Devil? And as it is Idolatry saith he, to carve, or paint Idols, so it is, any ways to adorne them, to build houses or temples for them, so that all such Artificers are guilty of idolatry; so are ju∣dicial Astrologers, who call the stars by the names of

Idols, and take upon them to foretell future contingen∣cies by them; so are School-Masters, who teach the Genealogies and Fables of these false gods; this seve∣rity indeed was needful in the beginning of the Gospel, when Gentilisme was to be suppressed, that way might be made for Christianity; but now Pagan idolatry be∣ing quite extinguished among us, there is no danger in reading, or teaching of Heathen Authors. He condem∣neth also Merchants that bring home and sell incense or any thing else whereby idols are worshipped. So he will not have Christians to be present at the solemni∣ties, shews, or festivals of idols, nor to give any coun∣tenance to them, or to wink and connive at them, or to call them gods, or to swear by them, for that is to take the name of the true God in vain; nay, he will not per∣mit Christians to light candles, or set up bayes in their doors, which upon solemn days was an honour due to the Emperour, because this ceremony had some resemblance with Gentile idolatry.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Africans, their Religion.
• * 1.2

  Fez, the Reli∣gion and Church discipline there∣of.
• * 1.3

  Their times of prayer.
• * 1.4

  Morocco, its Religion.
• * 1.5

  Guinea, its Religion.
• * 1.6

  Aethiopians of Africa, their ancient Religi∣on.
• * 1.7

  Their Religion at this day.
• * 1.8

  The lower Aethiopians, their Religion.
• * 1.9

  Angola its Religion.
• * 1.10

  Congo, its re∣ligion.
• * 1.11

  The Religion its Northern Neighbours.
• * 1.12

  African Islands, their religions.
• * 1.13

  America, the Religion there∣of.
• * 1.14

  Virginia, its Religion.
• * 1.15

  Florida, its Religion.
• * 1.16

  Religions of the nations by west Virginia, and Florida.
• * 1.17

  New Spain, it•• Religion.
• * 1.18

  Idolaters, their cruelty and cost in their barba∣rous sacrifices.
• * 1.19

  Persius, his notable saying.
• * 1.20

  Mexico its Priests and Sa∣crifices.
• * 1.21

  Americans ac∣knowledge a Supreme God, a Trinity, the immortality of souls, a life after this, and have some tradition of Noahs flood.
• * 1.22

  New Spain, its festival days.
• * 1.23

  Jucatan, its re∣ligion, and parts adjoyning.
• * 1.24

  Southern America, the Religion thereof.
• * 1.25

  Paria, Guiana, and Debaiba, their Religions.
• * 1.26

  Brasil, its Re∣ligion▪
• * 1.27

  Peru, its Reli∣gion.
• * 1.28

  Peruviant, their Festival days.
• * 1.29

  Peruvians their Belief of the departed souls.
• * 1.30

  Americans, their superstiti∣ous feare aud Tyranny thereof.
• * 1.31

  Hispaniola, its Religion.
• * 1.32

  Idolatry further condemned.