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

CHAP. Ill] LOROASTER’S SPEECH. 153

lent religion he accepted from him the excellent rites and doctrines.” Zoroaster was at first disbelieved and persecuted by the courtiers of Gushtasp ; but he, haying established his claim as a divine prophet and convinced the king and his court by performing several miracles, was taken into favour.

From the celebrated speech of the Prophet, preserved in the thirtieth chapter of the Yasna, it appears that he propagated his new religion, not by force and persecution, but by persuasion and argument. Before a mighty gathering of men and women assembled from the most distant parts he announced his mission, addressing them thus:—“TI will now tell you who are assembled here the wise sayings of Mazda, the praises of Ahura, and the hymns of the good spirit, the sublime truth which I see rising out of these flames. You shall therefore hearken to the soul of nature. Contemplate the beams of fire with a most pious mind! Every one, both men and women, ought to-day to choose his creed. Ye ouspring of renowned ancestors, awake to agree with us.’

Gushtasp not only himself embraced the religion of Zoroaster, but used all his influence to spread it among other kings and the wise men of the world. The king’s prime minister, Frashaoshtra, and J amaspa, the two most learned men of the age, were among the first disciples of the Prophet. These two illustrious personages traversed different parts of Iran as the