THE ISLAND OF CEYLON. 
199 
where we give free scope to the imagination, and allow our- 
selves the liberty of altering terms at pleasure. The religion 
of the Ceylonese appears to me to be founded on a different 
system of idolatry from that practised among the Hindoos. 
A variety of ideas indeed seem to be borrowed from the 
latter ; and with these a large mixture of Mahometanism is 
very perceptible. In one point they agree with both, as 
well as with Christians, in acknowledging one Supreme 
Being who made and governs all things. They differ how- 
ever as widely from the Mahometans and rigid Hindoos in 
another respect ; for although they are unable to conquer 
their original superstitions, they entertain the highest rever- 
ence for the Christian religion ; and some of the Cinglese 
have been converted without being hardly censured by 
others for their apostacy. It gives us a striking proof of 
the wonderful confusion of their ideas with regard to religion, 
when we find that the same people who adore one Supreme 
Being more powerful than all others, should at the same 
time offer up their devotions to devils, animals, and the 
very productions of the earth. 
Besides the one Supreme Being, who is worshipped as 
the Creator and Ruler of heaven and earth, the Ceylonese 
have a number of inferior deities besides tormenting demons. 
The inferior deities who watch over them for good are 
supposed to be the souls of good men ; while the demons 
are looked upon as the spirits of the wicked ; and both are 
supposed to act by the permission of the Supreme Being. 
