IDOLS. 
353 
CHAP. XIV. 
Description of Polynesian idols—Human sacrifices—An- 
thropophagism—Islands in which it prevails—Motives 
and circumstances under which it is practised—Tradi¬ 
tion of its existence in Sir Charles Sanded Island— 
Extensive prevalence of Sorcery and Divination—Views 
of the natives on the subject of Satanic influence—De¬ 
mons—Imprecations—Modes of incantation — Horrid 
and fatal effects supposed to result from sorcery—Impo- 
tency of enchantment on Europeans—Native remedies 
for sorcery — Native oracles — Buaatapena—Means of 
inspiration—Effects on the priest inspired—Manner of 
delivering the responses—Circumstances at Rurutu and 
Huahine—Intercourse between the priest and the god— 
Augury by the death of victims—Augury by the stars 
and clouds—Divination for the detection of theft. 
The system of idolatry, which prevailed among; 
a people separated from the majority of their 
species by trackless oceans, and possessing 
the means, not only of subsistence but of com¬ 
fort, in an unusual degree, presents a most 
affecting exhibition of imbecility, absurdity, and 
degradation. Whether we consider its influence 
over the individual, the family, or the nation, 
through the whole period of life—its oppressive 
exactions, its frequent and foolish rites, its mur¬ 
derous sacrifices, the engines of its power, and the 
objects of its homage and its dread—it is impossi¬ 
ble to contemplate it without augmented thank¬ 
fulness for the blessings of revelation, and in- 
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