Their manner of religion was to adore, some the sky, and others the moon; or their now deceased ancestors; or the mountains or woods in which they believed their ancestors to dwell, accompanied by certain deities, enjoying perpetual tranquillity.  They regarded it as certain that those who had been most valiant and tyrannical in this life were deified, and also that there was eternal punishment for some.  Others, finally, reverenced most ugly idols made of stone or wood, which they called divatas.  There were different kinds of such idols:  some being destined for war, and others for sickness, sowing, and such objects.  They were rendered furious by thunder, and defied the deity whom they supposed to have sent it; they called out loudly to it, and if that did not suffice, they took arms against it.

It is said that the ridiculous Alcoran of the Mahometans had penetrated even to that land from the Orient, having been taken there by certain zealots of that infamous sect, who were trying to extend it.  However their efforts and false preaching availed them little; for the inhabitants of those islands were very much given to intoxication, and very fond of eating flesh forbidden by that false law.  Consequently, that error took root in very few of them.

They had no certain days established throughout the year for their sacrifices, but made them as time and opportunity offered.  They were punctual in offering these when they were going to fight.  War was their universal inclination, because of their bestial and ferocious appetite to rob and to go on raids, committing depredations on the neighboring islands, and making slaves of all the people who came to their hands.  They also offered sacrifices in sickness, the beginnings of their sowings, the building of their houses, and for other necessities.  The duties of priest were exercised indifferently by both men and women, called baylanes.  They made use of superstitions, lots, witchery, and other ceremonies.

The method of their ceremonies was as follows.  Those who were to be present were summoned, handsomely dressed and adorned, by the sound of certain harsh bells (or, rather, unmusical cattle-bells) to the house where it seemed best—­for they had no assigned temple—­which was adorned with herbs and flowers.  While they were waiting for all to gather, those who first came began certain songs, alternating between men and women, in time to the sound of a small drum.  The victim was already prepared.  It was either a hog or some captive, whose hands and feet they tied as if he were a young sheep.  All the invited ones having arrived, the priest or priestess began their barbarous function by going into a private retreat beforehand, where he made six conjurations; and, after the devil had entered his body, he left the retreat with infernal fury to explain the oracle which all were awaiting.  Then the priest, taking a small lance in his hand, danced about the sacrifice to the music of certain