OF THE HINDUS. 3 



consider themselves, and even each other, as orthodox members of the Hindu 

 community. 



To the Internal incongruities of the system, which did not affect its in- 

 tegral existence, others were, in time, superadded, that threatened to dissolve 

 or destroy the whole : of this nature was the exclusive adoration of the old 

 deities, or of new forms of them ; and even it may be presumed, the introduc- 

 tion of new divinities. In all these respects, the Purdnas and Tantras were 

 especially instrumental, and they not only taught their followers to assert the 

 unapproachable superiority of the gods they worshipped, but inspired them 

 with feelings* of animosity towards those who presumed to dispute that supre° 



* Thus in the Bhagavat. 



Those who profess the worship of Bhava, (Siva,) and those who follow their doctrines, are 

 Jieretics and enemies of the sacred Sdstras, — Again. 



Those desirous of final emancipation, abandoning the hideous gods of the devils, pursue their 

 devotions, calm, blameless, and being parts of Narayana. 

 The Padma Purdna is more personal towards Vishnu. 



From even looking at Vishnu, the wrath of Siva is kindled, and from his wrath, we fall assured- 

 ly into a hon-Ible hell; let not, therefore, the name of Vishnu ever be pronounced. The same work 

 is, however, cited by the Vaishnavas, for a very opposite doctrine. 



He who abandons Vasudeva and worships any other god, is like the fool, who being thirsty, 



