390 
THE MYSTEEIES. 
and imperfect views of theology which might thus be 
received, would only tend to develope the forms of 
polytheistic paganism, which we observe now to obtain 
among so many African races. If their oppressors 
thus openly worshipped deified animals, can wo wonder 
at finding the barbarous negro following such 
example 1 How far then at the present day, do we 
notice the operation of that same religion, at places 
the most remote from the centre of its first propa- 
gation 1 
Take the whole Inta race, the Krus, the Edeeyahs, 
and the large family of Ibus, with their offshoots, the 
people of Bonny, Calabar, and Oamcroons, and among 
all we find a graduated priesthood*, secondary 
only in name to the kings or chiefs, by whom they 
are entrusted with almost every office of importance 
or wealth; who, in common with their subjects, look 
to these juju men to avert the wrath of the deities 
or propitiate their favour; — who place the most 
implicit confidence in their powers of good or evil, 
and who imagine they can communicate directly with 
the great Spirit. 
Among the Egyptian hierarchy not only were 
there certain secret rituals at each stage of advance- 
ment in the sacred office, but there existed a separate 
order of observances — the mysteries — of which Sir 
* Next to the kingj the priests held the first rank, and from them 
them were chosen his confidential and responsible advisers.” — Wil- 
kinson’s 1st Series, vol. i., p, 257. 
