Indian Recreations (Volume 1 ) (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1804. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... SECT. XVIII. RESEMBLANCE BETWEEN THE JEWISH AND HINDOO RITES Calcutta, Dec. 1798. That there should be a resemblance in the laws and usages of nations in a similar state of improvement, is what we are led to expect equally by history, and common reflection. The singular coincidence between many of the Hindoo customs and those of the Jews recurs too frequently, and with too close a resemblance to have arisen solely from this cause. If men originally sprung from one common stock, and we are told that they did; their primitive institutions, would migrate along with every tribe at its removal from the parent country. The farther, therefore, that men are traced, and the nearer you approach to the original stock, the greater similiarity must be Vol. I. L found found in their customs. The Hindoo scriptures and our own, are the most ancient records yet known: the laws in each code are in some cases exactly the fame; and in many they are similar: were other records still more ancient to be discovered 'tis possible that these would display a still stronger resemblance, till we at last arrived at the history of one primary and individual people. The doctrine of the transmigration seems to have been embraced by the disciples of Moses, and of Menu; and as this was considered as a state of expiation, the prayers of a man's posterity were believed to operate in behalf of their suffering ancestor, and to render his purification more expeditious and lesspainful. Hence the custom of adopting a child was practised, with a view to this very end perhaps, in both countries. The duty of leaving a son is so sacred and indispensible among the Hindoos, that a second and even a third wife is allowed, if there was no child by the first *. Polygamy was practised by the Jews, and also concu...