S74 
SUMATRA. 
kind bear to each other fo flrong a refemblance, in the general outline 
and complexion of their fentiments and actions , and more efpecially of 
thofe which are ufually termed important, that to exhibit fuch alone 
would marJc jio diftin<^ion. The moft prominent features in the de- 
lineation of any fiibjc^t, are not found the moft charafteriftic. The 
fpirit of ambition in men who aim at fovereign power, or of political 
jcaloii fy in thofe who already poffefs it, are obferved to have produced 
the fame effc^s, in all countries, and in all ages ; and confequently 
afford no criterion of the genius and ui^nn^rc of a particular people. 
This muft be fought for rather in the lefs obvious occurrences of private 
and domeftlc life ; and will better appear in the focial cuftoms of an ob- 
fcure village, than in the fplendid ceremonies and arbitrary inftitutions 
of a powerful court. The former are the fettled refuk of long preva- 
lent ideas and habitual prejudices ; the latter have their origin and 
temporary exiftence, in the caprice of individuals, who, if ignorant, 
headftrong and flagitious, make the moft refpedied cuftoms of their 
people, the fport of a momentary pafTion ; or if wife and benevolently 
inclined, borrow their maxims of government and civil regulations, 
from the moft enlightened amongft other nations, and thus, whilft they 
improve the condition of their fubjc^fts, dcftroy the peculiarity and ge- 
nuinenefs of their charadter. 
i would by no means be underftood to contend that the hiflory of 
fuch tranfadtions is without Its propriety and ufe. Man muft be exhibited 
in every point of view ; and in every light we behold it, the fubjedt 
will be interefting. But I would fuggeft, that when he is found in his 
lead fophifticatcd ftate, even though that Ihould be in the rudeft fcene 
©f uncultivated nature, the pidhjre of his manners docs not then claim 
* an inferior degree of attention. 
I have vainly wiihed that my performance could be rendered accept- 
able to all defcriptions of readers ; but as that is chimerical, I fhall ef- 
tcem myfelf happy if I meet the approbation, or even the indulgence, 
of the Hko'aiy whom I would perfuade myfelf are not the few. Genu- 
inenefs, and a rigid adherence to truth, fo far as it has been pofBble for 
a ihort' 
