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

294 AISTORYV OF THE PARSTS. [CHAP. VI.

to sow disaffection in the public mind towards the Government. Half a century of education and increased intercourse with Europeans and a better understanding of the labours of the missionaries have brought about a wonderful change in these views of the Parsis. They now regard their movements with perfect indifference, and many of them would nowadays say it is better to have the company of a good Christian than that of a bad Parsi. They perfectly understand and sincerely believe that the Government itself does not entertain the slightest idea of interfering with the religion of any of its subjects, and that if any Parsi forsakes his religion it is his own act. They would not even blame the missionary who, they are willing to beeve, is acting conscientiously and in the service of his great Master.

The late lamented Dr. Wilson was probably the best-hated European in India at the time the two Parsi lads were converted, but during the last few years of his life no European, whatever may have been his rank, was more honoured or esteemed than that venerable missionary. On his death the orief in the Parsi community was not less marked than among Christians, a fact which speaks volumes in favour of the Parsi spirit of toleration and liberality of thought and of appreciation of virtues in the professors of a creed other than their own.