History of the Parsis : including their manners, customs, religion and present position : with coloured and other illustrations : in two volumes

INTRODUCTION. xxili

for realising the weight of misfortune, or a largehearted disregard of selfish considerations, it is certain that the annals of charity contain no more striking examples of generosity than those furnished by Parsi benefactors. It is open to any one to say that the virtue has been carried to a fault, and that many Parsis who stand high as public benefactors, and whose names are commemorated in noble institutions, have reduced themselves and their families to straitened circumstances. Whatever may be thought of this as a matter of prudence, there can be no hesitation in saying that it is an unusual and remarkable evidence of benevolence. The Parsis have been charitable on what, in the eyes of European millionaires, would be only small means. They have not made their donations out of a large and assured income. They have freely given of their capital to any cause that enlisted their sympathies, or that seemed caleulated either to benefit suffering humanity, or to reveal their loyalty to the English Government.

Another point about Parsi benevolence, and one which distinguishes it from every other of Oriental origin, is that it has not been restricted to its own community. All its own charitable and educational requirements have been provided for, and then the sreatest zeal and readiness have been displayed in relieving distress wherever it presented itself. The other peoples of India have their benevolent tend-