484 ON' THE VEDAS, 



In all these branches of Indian literature, while 

 periisino: or consulting the works of various au- 

 tliors, I liave found perpetual references to the 

 V^das, and have frequently verified the quotations. 

 On this ground I defend the authentic text of the 

 Indian scripture, as it is now extant; and although 

 the passages which I have so verified are few, 

 ronijjarcd with the great volume of the Vedas, yet 

 I have sufficient grounds to argue, that no skill, 

 in the nefarious arts of forgery and falsification, 

 could be equal to tlje arduous task of fabricating 

 large works, to agree with the very numerous ci- 

 tations, pervading thousands of volumes, com- 

 posed on diverse subjects, in every branch of lite- 

 rature, and dispersed through the various nations 

 of Hindus inhabiting Hindustan, and the Dtkhin. 



If any part of what is now received as the Vedo, 

 cannot stand the test of such a comparison, it may 

 be rejected, as at least doubtful, if not certainly 

 !^purious. Even such parts as cannot be fully con- 

 firmed by a strict scrutiny, must be either re- 

 ceived with caution, or be set aside as question- 

 able. I shall point out parts of the fourth Veda, 

 whicli I consider to be in this predicament. But, 

 with the exceptions now indicated, the various 

 portions of the Vedas, which have been examined, 

 are as yet free from such suspicion ; and, until 

 they are impeached by more than vague assertion, 

 have every title to be admitted as genuiie copies of 

 books, which (however little deserving of it) have 

 been long held in reverence by the Hindus. 



I am apprised that tbis opinion will find oppo- 



^^r .^'PEKE, anion:; oilier fragments collected l»y the late Capt. 

 HoAEE, and puichaaed at the sale of that gentieiuan's library. 



