REMAINS OF IDOLATRY. 313 
gods formerly supposed to preside over volcanoes 
had existed only in their imagination. The fearful 
apprehensions which they had been accustomed to 
associate with every idea of Pele and her com¬ 
panions, have in a great measure subsided, and 
the oppressive power of her priests and priestesses 
is consequently diminished. There are, however, 
many who remain in constant dread of her dis¬ 
pleasure, and who pay the most submissive and 
unhesitating obedience to the requisitions of her 
priests. This is no more than was to be expected, 
particularly in this part of the island, where the 
people are far removed from the means of instruc¬ 
tion, the example and influence of the principal 
chiefs, and more enlightened part of the popula¬ 
tion ; and it appears matter of surprise, that, in 
the course of three years only, so many should 
have relinquished their superstitious notions re¬ 
specting the deities of the volcanoes, when we 
consider their ignorance and their early impres¬ 
sions, and recollect, that, while resting at night, 
perhaps on a bed of lava, they are occasionally 
startled from their midnight slumbers by the un¬ 
dulating earthquake, and are daily reminded of 
the dreadful power of this imaginary goddess “ by 
almost every object that meets their view, from 
the cliffs which are washed by the waves of the 
sea, even to the lofty craters, her ancient seat 
above the clouds, and amid perpetual snow.” 
Until this morning, however, none of the ser¬ 
vants of Pele had ever publicly opposed her pre¬ 
tended right, to that homage and obedience which 
it was our object to invite them to render to Jeho¬ 
vah alone; and though it was encouraging to 
notice, that, by many of the people present, the 
pretensions of Oani were disregarded, it was ex- 
