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as the quantity of food and raiment distributed to the guests, as 1 

 have often experienced, both among Hindoos and Mahomedans, 

 especially in the marked distinction, in number and fineness of 

 texture, in the shawls, muslin, and keemcobs, presented on pub- 

 lic visits at a durbar. This distinction points out the different 

 degrees of honour and respect due to the visitors. In the article 

 of dress it seems to have more meaning than in that of food; at 

 least so far as respects quantity; although even there, we must 

 not form too hasty a conclusion. In richness and expense, the 

 dishes placed before a great man may be far superior, and more 

 acceptable to his palate ; but in quantity, from various causes, he 

 would perhaps consume less than a poor one. If we attend to the 

 general economy of an Asiatic entertainment, we shall find that 

 all is well done ; no fragments remain; nothing is lost. 



Our Saviour, illustrating a spiritual subject, says, a certain 

 man made a great supper, and invited many suitable guests: on 

 neglecting the invitation, the host sent his servant to tell them that 

 his oxen and fatlings were killed, and every thing ready for their 

 entertainment. "When, after a second call, they all sent an ex- 

 cuse, the master of the house ordered his servants to go out 

 quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and to bring in the 

 poor and the maimed, the halt and the blind; and to go into the 

 high-ways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that his 

 house might be filled. This is certainly very unlike the manners 

 and customs of modern Europe: when we examine those of Asia 

 in ancient and modern times, we shall find it literally fulfilled ; 

 the hospitality of the present day exactly resembles that of the 

 remotest antiquity. 



