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Religion of the Ceylonese. 
left to support their temples and themselves by their own dex- 
terity, and in this task they are very successful. As all sorts 
of diseases are accounted immediate indications of the divine 
wrath, the priest and the temple are the constant remedies. 
Hence all the religious resorts are daily crowded with diseased 
votaries, who expect by the prayers which they offer up to 
appease the incensed gods. Nor do they ever neglect to en- 
force their prayers by a gift, which they devoutly deposit on 
the altar. The priest presents it with all due ceremony to the 
god ; and, after its purpose is thus served, very prudently con- 
verts it to his own use. It is a rule with their priests never 
to quit the temple till replaced by some of their own order; 
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and by this means the offerings of the devotees are punctually 
received, while another party of the priests are making a tour 
of the country in search of casual contributions. 
The time of sickness is of course the season when the priests 
expect their principal harvest. Besides other offerings, it is usual 
for a Ceylonese, when he is apprehensive of danger from his 
illness, to devote a cock to the devil or evil spirit who, he 
imagines, torments him. The animal is then left at home to 
fatten till the Jaddese or priest finds it convenient to dedicate 
him at the Covel or temple. When any particular festival or 
sacrifice is intended, it is usual to see the priest going from 
village to village to collect the dedicated cocks for the occasion; 
and he often procures several dozens at a time. 
The days appointed for attendance on the places of religious 
rvorship are the Wednesday and Saturday of every week: the 
sick however flock daily to them. There are several particular 
festivals held in honour of their gods, and with a view to con- 
ciliate their favour. In the month of June or July at the new 
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