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4 210 The Cherokees, as far back as this history can be traced, have been divided into, at least two sects. That which embraced the great body of the people and gave a stamp to their national character was evidently idolatrous. Its adherents say that certain beings, more than two, (being connected with the plural and not the dual number) came down and formed, the world. They then created the sun and moon, and constituted them lords of all this lower creation. They then returned to their place above, known only to themselves, where they remain in entire rest, paying no attention to this world. The sun then proceeded and completed the work of creation, formed the man and woman, caused the trees plants fruit &c. to grow, and continues to order watch over and preserve everything on earth. These Indians worship the sun and moon and many of the stars. They also have divine homage to many birds- to beasts and creeping things. They also worship the fire about like the Eastern Magians.

The other sect embracing but few, comparatively, say that there ever existed Three Beings above, always together, and of the same mind. The Names of these Beings are as follows, viz.     First. U ha lo te ga, Head of all power, or literally, Great beyond expression. Second. A ta no ti   United. Or rather The place of uniting. Suppose two persons agree to meet and form a spiritual] friendship, the place where they meet is called A  ta no ti. Third. Usqo hu la. The meaning of this cannot now be fully determined. That is, I have not been able as yet to get it explained. Usqo li, would signify the bowels, just below the breast. And as the term bowels is frequently used in scripture to designate the affections of the heart (see Cant. 5:4), it is probable that the above word is designed to express kind or affections. These Three, it is said, are always one in sentiment and action, & will always continue the same. They created all things, were acquainted with all, and present every where, and governed all things. When these called any person, that person must die in just the same way They thought but to have him die. 
These Three are said to sit on three white seats above; and all prayers are to be directed to them. They have messengers, or angels who come to this world and attend to the affairs of men. 
The difference between this sect and the former seems to have consisted only in the objects of worship, and not in ^ outward forms & ceremonies. These, in general, were the same, as none had images.  At first all creatures and objects were innocent and harmless. Even snakes had no poison; and such weeds as are now most noxious, were at first created harmless.