548 
ACCOUNT OF SULU. 
state, for a bechar of tlie Sultan with him only, is of force, though 
one, with all the Datos without his assent, is not: he is the chief 
agent in displacing a Sultan, nor can the election of a new one 
take place without his ratification :■ so that the popular is an integral 
part of the Sulu constitution. 
Panglima is a term of military honour, resembling our knight¬ 
hood, obtained by some valiant atchievement, and bestowed by 
the Sultan ; but it is also an office of more general use, the chiefs 
of the several districts being so stiled, and have almost an absolute 
authority. The Panglimas of Sulu are, as it were, aid de camps 
to Julian Pallawan , they are a few in number, that dignity not 
being prostituted like modern Knighthood. 
CHAPTER II. 
Their religion and places of worship 
The religion of Sulu being Mahometan admits no description in 
this work; but their places of worship claim our notice, not by 
their inward decoration, which is excluded equally from all; nor 
by their outward magnificence, which is remarkable enough in 
the Mogul empire, and other Mahometan countries; but from the 
meanness of them ; for they are in fact nothing more than thatched 
sheds, open all round. It seems a point warranted by experience, 
that religion is but little attended to, wherever the 5 temples are 
mean. Whether this be an evidence of the little influence of the 
priest, or of the small veneration of the people to the Deity, I 
shall not presume to decide; but it may be observed, that most of 
the Sulus are very ignorant of the religion they profess; though 
many are inclined to make the pilgrimage, had they a conveniency 
to do it, and however homely their places of worship may be, they 
are not without visitants, who, it would seem, by their vociferous 
declamation, intend to rouze a slumbering epicurean divinity. But 
the general behaviour would incline one to think, they imagine, 
“ He, who made the Eye, is blind; for no where is to be met 
more frequent instances of destroying his image! It is to be hoped, 
the influence of religion may have a good effect on their minds ; 
and though, perhaps, as Christians, we ought to wish them of 
our persuasion; as politicians and men, we must be better pleased, 
to see them of any, than of no religious profession, though the 
introduction of Arts, Sciences, and Literature, may be necessary 
to modulate them effectually. 
Their church government at the capital is composed of a Tuan 
Cady, who is supreme in civil, as well as canon, law, and resides 
at Matanda ; one Imaum ; four llatibs , or lecturers, and four 
Villals , or cryers, to the public Masguid, or Mosque. Other 
small Mosques in different quarters of the town, called Langal, 
have an Imaum , but no lecturers, or cryers. 
