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30 Chapter Section the First. Narrative of various departures by the Cherokee from what is considered as their earliest and orthodox system of faith and worship.

The variations in the religious system of the Cherokee appear to have been of very ancient date; but to have consisted in the objects more than in the outward cere- -monies of worship; and there does not appear in any instance to have been adoration paid among them, to images: On the contrary, it is asserted that an idolater of an image would always have been laughed at as a fool. We proceed to notice some of the principal imaginations upon this subject into which the natives are represented as having wandered. Some said that a number of beings were engaged in creating all things. The Sun was made first. The intention of the Creators was to have people live always. But the Sun, when he passed over, told them there was not land enough and that people had better die. At length, the daughter of the Sun, being with them, was bitten by a Snake and died.