50 
EARLY FAITHS 
a separate and lasting repository of the true knowledge of the 
Divine Being, his moral laws, and universal providence. 
The Persians themselves intimate the regular and quick pro¬ 
gress of this debasement from the original faith, inculcated by 
their prophet, king Kaiomurs. First, it was corrupted by the 
introduction of fire-worship, under Houshung, the immediate 
descendant of the foregoing monarch ; and, secondly, it was ren¬ 
dered altogether idolatrous by the introduction of images, the 
invention of Tahamurs, the father of the renowned Jemsheed, 
to whom the founding of Persepolis is attributed. From 
Laban’s household-gods being the first actual notice of idolatry 
mentioned in the Scriptures, we may venture to presume on it 
as an argument that idolatry really did originate in the countries 
east of the Euphrates ; and it seems the more likely, when we 
consider that both Pharaoh and Abimelech, the sovereigns of 
Egypt and Palestine during the sojournings of Abraham, ac¬ 
knowledge with pious deference the judgments of the true God. 
Hence we may conclude, that since the stream of mankind 
flowed from the east to the west, principles and opinions would 
follow in the same direction ; and that when idolatry prevailed 
at Babylon and Tackt-i-Jemsheed, it would soon spread itself to 
the colonies of Egypt; and thence over Canaan, Grecia, and the 
western world. The worst consequences of these perversions 
in theology do not appear to have shewn themselves in the usual 
demoralizing effects on the Persian empire, till after the death 
of Cyrus; when, probably, his conquest over the eminently 
voluptuous Babylonians, introduced their luxurious customs into 
the Spartan halls of ancient Iran, and polluted the more polished 
courts of Media with a subtle code, which transformed treachery 
into wisdom, and made sensual pleasures the occupation and 
