140 HINDOO CUSTOMS. 



In fact, we cannot ourselves look back for cen- 

 turies on the costumes of our ancestors without 

 smiling at the folly of those who adopted them ; 

 whereas, their customs and dress have always 

 remained the same, and in consequence of its 

 simplicity, a deformed person is seldom seen 

 amongst them. 



Zealous Christians may blame me for dis- 

 approving of our interfering with their religion 

 with the view of converting them to Christianity ; 

 but I believe there are very few who have been 

 long in India who do not on that point agree with 

 me; and also think with me, that the natives 

 known by the appellation of Kalla Feringees 

 (black Christians) are the worst race of people 

 inhabiting that part of the world. 



It is, however, the duty of every Christian who 

 has it in his power, mildly to dissuade Hindoo 

 widows from burning themselves parents from 

 destroying their offspring, and others from in- 

 flicting on themselves horrid penances and self 

 destruction ; but I hope no coercive measures will 

 be resorted to, even for this, being well convinced 

 that it will have an effect directly opposite to the 

 one intended. 



