Page:History of the Indian Archipelago Vol 2.djvu/317

 STATE OF CHRISTIANITY, &C. 27S The Christian religion, as a prevailing worship, can only be said to exist in the Spice Islands and the Philippines. In the latter, the converted na- tives are nominally Catholics, and in the former nominally Protestants. To describe the particular modifications of re- ligious practice induced by local superstitions, would be equally impossible and unprofitable. Valentyn as- sures us that the Christianity of some of the tribes of the Moluccas, consisted in having a little baptismal water sprinkled upon them, and being able to answer by rote half a dozen common questions, which they did not understand. They were Christians one day, and Mahomedans equally sincere another. This gen- tleman, a clergyman of the reformed church, argued with the chiefs of one place on the necessity of taking some active means for extirpating certain iieathenish practices. His arguments produced no influence on the minds of the chiefs, who were convinced of the utility of the practices in ques- tion. '* If," said they, " for example, in a trial, the evidence is so equally balanced that we are at a loss to decide, and pass no sentence, the people will murder each other. To avert this, we must pronounce in favour of him who can continue long* est under water, ^' ^ ^ This is the most usual form, among the Indian islanders, of appealing to the judgment of God, — Valentyn; Deel J^ yoL. n, js r