492 Mr.S. Davis on the Religious and Social 



would certainly take no concern in the affair. The common people, it is 

 true, would at first be under some astonishment at so great an innovation in 

 the principles of their religion, made by those themselves who are the ex- 

 pounders and guardians of it ; but they would soon be pacified when they 

 found it productive of no injurious eflTects on society, but that, on the con- 

 trary, instead of the irregularities and licentiousness which must in the 

 present case be continually practised, they would obtain settlements for 

 their daughters and female relations, and profitable connexions for them- 

 selves. They would also be relieved from an unequal share of the concern 

 of prolonging the race, which from time immemorial has been imposed as 

 a drudgery on the lower classes of Zeen Caabs and husbandmen. Or, 

 should they on such an occasion be refractory, the principal stores of arms 

 are in the possession of the gylongs, who, assembled, would compose a nu- 

 merous body, not less able in their strength, and animated by the peculiar 

 nature of their cause to more arduous exertions. The women would un- 

 doubtedly incline to favour that party whose object it was to retrieve them 

 from the degraded condition they now unjustly suffer, and to raise them to 

 a rank in society which they merit, and which in some other countries they 

 possess ; and from a state of filth and misery to make them partners in such 

 comfort, conveniences, and happiness as the country affords. The greater 

 part of tlie Gylongs lodged in the castle of Tacissudon are of an age and 

 constitution which would induce one to think might easily be engaged in 

 such a project, but when asked concerning this unpleasant part of their 

 condition, they reply that it is impossible for any one who wears the red 

 dress (the habit of the order) to find it irksome, or to feel the incon- 

 venience supposed. Their religion in other respects seems less debased by 

 superstitions, and ridiculous rites and ceremonies, and has the excellent 

 quality of being tolerant in its sentiments of other principles and forms of 

 woi-ship. A flvquire of any cast or nation who enters the country is treated 

 with respect, and they admit of proselytes, but are not anxious for their 

 conversion, thinking with the Hindoos that the various roads to heaven, 

 pointed out by other modes of faith, are equally practicable with their own ; 

 that is, by a due conformity to the manner of exterior worship prescribed, 

 and a strict discharge of the moral duties. The Rajah, pointing to the 

 images and pictures of the deities that adorned his room, asked if we used 

 such things, and being answered in the negative, said it did not signify, 

 since it was the same Being w-e all adored. 



