tended their dominions, augmented the number of the adorers of the sun: and if they deposited in their temple the idols of the subjugated provinces, it was not to bestow on them the adoration of which they had deprived them, but to keep them as hostages, or pledges of the fidelity of their new vassals.[1]
Whatever might have been the interest which the Yncas had, in promoting a worship so useful and profitable to themselves, since their diadem was secured to them by the sacred bonds of religion;[2] and whatever the scrupulous care with which they endeavoured to maintain that worship; one of them, observing the planet of day to revolve perpetually, was constrained to acknowledge, that this continued agitation was peculiar to a creature, and clearly indicated that the planet itself was dependent on a Supreme Cause by which it was entirely governed. Inspired by these sublime ideas, which were manifested to his unshackled reason, he confessed the omnipotence of that Cause, bestowing on it the attribute of Pachacamac.[3]
Amid the thick gloom of paganism, that celestial light which illumines mortals at their birth,[4] could not shine with greater lustre. But as, notwithstanding a Socrates may from
- ↑ Notwithstanding this general custom, the Ynca Huayna consulted the idol Rimac, or the Speaker, from whose name, corrupted by time, that of Lima is derived.
- ↑ The Indians being persuaded that the Yncas were the immediate descendants of the sun, regarded them as gods; insomuch, that the smallest offence which could be offered them, was construed into a most sacrilegious outrage.
- ↑ The Omnipotent, to whom a temple was erected in the valley of Lurin.
- ↑ That was the true light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.—St. John, chap. i. v. 9.
