Page:Pictures of life in Mexico Vol 2.djvu/194

170 manner, the sides of the covering terminating in the wings of a vulture. Both the idol and the accessories forming its dress, were painted to represent natural colours, which greatly enhanced the impressive and terrific effect it was designed to have upon its worshippers.

The ancient city of Mexico could boast of eight large temples of splendid workmanship and great wealth; and those of a smaller size are said to have amounted to two thousand, and were dedicated to as many idols, of different kinds. The public streets were named after the various tutelar deities; and calamities and diseases of opposite natures had each their specified altars, at which the afflicted were directed to prostrate themselves with tortures and penances.

The religious and social institutions of the ancient Mexicans were thus founded in fear and horror; and to abolish atrocities such as those alluded to, in any country, by benevolent missions and intercommunications, must ever be regarded a blessing and a privilege.