ADVERTISEMENT. xi 



a rib from his fide, has long been matter of ridicule 

 for the fons of infidelity ; as have many other parts 

 of the Pentateuch. But whatever opinion may be 

 entertained of Menu and his laws, it muft be re- 

 membered that they are revered as the word of 

 God by many millions of Hindus who compoie 

 feveral great nations, who are of vaft importance 

 to the political and commercial interefts of Europe, 

 whofe well directed induftry would add largely to 

 the wealth of Great Britiaii, and who afk no 

 greater compenfation than protection for their per- 

 fons and property, juftice ii.. their temporal con- 

 cerns, indulgence to their old religion, and the be* 

 nefit of thofe laws, which they hold facred, and 

 which alone they can under! tand, 



<5 



ASIATIC 



