SEEKS. bib 
l|Elhe Asiatic Researches, Mr. Williams gives an am iahle account of 
the Seehs.,-. ^ ... , " ' 
‘‘The Seeks,” he says, are a sect distinguished both froiu theMus- 
sulnjans and the worshippers of Brahma. Our author asked leave to 
enter into their chapel. They said it was a place of worship open to 
all rnen, but intimated that he should take off his shoes. He was then 
politely conducted into the hall, and seated upon a carpet in the 
midst of the assembly. The whole building forms a square of about 
forty feet. The hall is in the centre, divided from four other apart- 
ments by wooden arches upon wooden pillars. The w'alls above the 
arches are hung with European looking-glasses in gilt frames, and 
with pictures : on the left hand is the chancel, which is furnished 
with an altar covered with cloth of gold. About it were several flower- 
pots and rose-water bottles, and three urns to receive charity. On 
a low desk, near the altar, stood a great book, of folio size, from 
which some j>ortions were daily read in the divine service. At noon, 
the congregation arranged themselves upon the carpet. The great 
book and desk were brought from the altar, and placed on the oppo- 
site extremity. An old silver-haired man kneeled down before the 
desk, with his face towards the altar, and by him sat a man with a 
drum, and two or three with cymbals. The book was now opened, and 
the old man began to chant to the tune of the instruments, and at 
the conclusion of every verse most of the congregation joined chorus 
in a response, with countenances exhibiting joy. Their tones were 
not harsh, the tune was quick, and Mr. Wilkins learned that the sub- 
ject was a hymn in praise of the unity, omnipresence, and omnipotency 
of the Deity, 
■ ‘ The hymn being concluded, the whole company got up, and presented 
their faces, with joined hands, towards the altar, in the attitude of 
prayer. The prayer was a sort of litany, pronounced by a young man 
in a loud and distinct voice ; the people joining, at certain periods, in 
a general response. The prayer was followed by a short blessing 
from the old man, and an invitation to the assembly to partake of a 
friendly feast. A share was offered to Mr. Wilkins. It was a kind 
of sweetmeat composed of sugar and fiow'er, mixed up with clarified 
butter. They were next served with a few sugar-plums : thus ended 
the feast artd ceremony, 
“ The founder of this sect was Naneck Sah, who lived about four 
hundred years ago, and left behind him a book composed by himself 
inverse, containing the doctrines he had established ; this book teaches 
that there is but one God, filling all space, and pervading all matter, 
and that there will be a day of retribution, when virtue will be 
rewarded, and vice punished. It forbids murder, theft, and other 
crimes, and inculcates the practice of all the virtues, but particularly 
a universal philanthropy, and hospitality to strangers and travellers. 
It not only commands universal toleration, but forbids disputes with 
those of another persuasion. If any shew a sincere inclination to be 
admitted among them, any five or more Seeks being assembled in any 
place, even on the highway, they send to the first shop where sweet- 
meats are sold, and procure a very small quantity of a particular kind 
called batasa, which having diluted in pure water, they sprinkle some 
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