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

194 HISTORY OF THE PARSIS. [CHAP. Iv.

who created heaven and earth, endows the trees with sap, gives life to embryos in the womb, etc.”

Lastly, as to the moral philosophy taught by Zoroaster. The whole moral foundation of the sacred or religious works of the Parsis is, as it were, built upon three important injunctions, which pervade the Parsi Scriptures, and are pithily expressed by three significant terms used in the Avesta, viz. Humata, Hukhta, and Hvarshta, which mean purity of thought, purity of speech, and purity of action. These represent the teaching of the Parsi religion, and on them the whole structure of the Zend-Avesta is raised.

A perusal of these works will show that they inculcate those sublime doctrines and sound precepts of morality which command the respect of every civilised nation on earth. Lyil actions are placed in their proper ieht and condemned, whereas the practice of every virtue is enjoined, highly extolled and sanctioned by reward in this as well as in the next world. The Zend-Avesta insists in emphatic terms that virtue alone is happiness in this world, and that its path is the path of peace. Virtue is a garment of honour, while wickedness is represented as a robe of shame. The most acceptable sacrifices to God are good actions, while intentions, as well as deeds, must be good to be acceptable to Him. The best court of equity is a clear conscience. Truth is laid down as

the basis of all excellence; untruth is punishable as