286 on religious controversy. Dec. tg: 
for his goodnefs in sending them the true religion 5 
ot to religion, for the benefits it confers upon the 
state. Our negligence in’this respect, is one of the 
fruits of our extreme idea of liberty, and one of its 
most injurious effects. 
I fhall be happy to hear from you, and to receive 
your remarks, or your farther commands. 
Iam, reverend Dr, your most Sheen humble 
L STH. 
servant, 5S 
CONCERXING THE. NATURE AND: CHARACTER OF RE= 
LIGIOUS CON FROVERSY. 
For the Bee. 
We are informed by Mr Anguetil de Perron, that 
about seventy years ago, there arose among the Parsis 
of the region of Surat in India, two sects, which op- 
posed each other with the most furious zeal. One. 
of these sects was called the ancient believers, by, 4 
phrase tantamount to catholics; the other, the re-- 
formers, anid the schism comnienced on the follow- 
ing occasion : 
There came from Kirman a Destour, Mobed* of 
great abilities, whose name was Djamasp, and who 
was sent to compose these differences which had ari- 
sen among the Parsis concerning the Penom, 2 piece. 
of linen about nine inches square, which the Parsis,. 
at certain times, placed upon the middle of their 
noses, so that it hung down and. covered their 
mouths: 
* The Destoxr Moted is he who unites the qualifications:of a. priest and 
a deacon, and is learned in the canon law of Hindostan, 
