36 



auctions of the philosopliy of the east, are all in strict unison 

 with each other, and exclude the idea that there is between 

 them any line of separation. 



This state of envelopement, or intimate union, seems, 

 therefore, to be the condition under which the existence of 

 man is given in Asia. This condition has stamped one pe- 

 culiar feature upon this primitive era in our history — and 

 tbat is mental inaction, profound repose, a destitution of well 

 directed physical effort. To these the local peculiarities of 

 Asia strongly conduce. Its centre is one immense continu- 

 ous plateau of elevated land. The intense heat at the south 

 divests the human frame of its energy, and the mental and 

 moral fabric, of its power. The events brought down to us 

 by history have mostly transpired within the temperate zones. 

 In Asia there is, strictly speaking, no actual temperate zone. 

 The regions of fire and frost there border upon each other. 

 At the foot of the Himaleh you are scorched by a torrid sun. 

 Ascend their steep acclivities, and you stand on the immense 

 plateau of central Asia, directly within the sphere and in- 

 fluence of the northern "polar sanctuaries." 



Many of the institutions of Asia, particularly of the south- 

 ern part, come in aid of those local peculiarities. The insti- 

 tution of the castes of India effectually destroys all motive for 



The religion and morality of India both lead to the same 

 general inaction. Here, as elsewhere, in these departments 

 as in every other, we find every thing harmonizing with 

 every thing. The same spirit pervading every institution, 

 and breathing its influences, for good or ill, into every de- 

 partment. What is its religion? A deformed theology, 

 absorbing every thing into itself ; allowing man no part 

 to perform but that of a mere machine, and leaving it in- 

 different, in the great system of things, whether even that 

 part be or be not performed by him. Religion is the pre- 

 dominating element of the east. What is its morality > That 

 also inspires repose. It teaches man if action be necessary, 

 to act as though he acted not ; to act with a profound indiffer- 



