INHABITANTS OF TERU. 



257 



tended their dominions, augmented the number of the adorers 

 of the sun : and if they deposited in their temple the idols of 

 the subjugated provinces, it was not to bestow on them the 

 adoration of which they had deprived them, but to keep them 

 as hostages, or pledges of the fidelity of their new vassals*. 



Whatever might have been the interest which the Yncas 

 had, in promoting a worship so useful and profitable to them- 

 selves, since their diadem was secured to them by the sacred 

 bonds of religion and whatever the scrupulous care with 

 which they endeavoured to maintain that worship ; one of 

 them, observing the planet of day to revolve perpetually, was 

 constrained to acknowledge, that this continued agitation was 

 peculiar to a creature, and clearly indicated that thb planet 

 itself was dependent on a Supreme Cause by which it was en- 

 tirely governed. Inspired by these sublime ideas, which were 

 manifested to his unshackled reason, he confessed the omni- 

 potence of that Cause, bestowing on it the attribute of Pa- 

 chacamac \. 



Amid the thick gloom of paganism, that celestial light 

 which illumines mortals at their birth §, could not shine with 

 greater lustre. But as, notwithstanding a Socrates may from 



* Notwithstanding this general custom, the Ynca Huayna consulted the idol 

 R'ltnac, or the Speaker, from whose name, corrupted by time, that of Lima is de- 

 rived. 



t The Indians being persuaded that the Yncas were the immediate descendants 

 of the sun, regarded them as gods ; insomuch, that the smallest offence which could 

 be offered them, was construed into a most sacrilegious outrage. 



X The Omnipotent, to whom a temple was eredted in the valley of Lurin. 



§ That was the true light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the 

 world. — 6V. John^ chap. i. v. 9. 



L 1 time 



