The conception of such a charity tells not only of a
generous heart, but of far-reaching intelligence, while the energy and
perseverance of both father and son in carrying on, year after year,
so vast a system of benefactions, challenge our warmest admiration.
The name of the late Sir Jamsetjee stood for more than a score of
years at the very head of the list of merchant-princes and ship-owners
in Bombay, where he was born, and where his ancestors for many
generations resided. He came of an old and wealthy family, who trace
their genealogy back to the Parsee exodus of the eighth century; and
it is said that the "sacred fire" has never once during all that time
burned out upon their altar. Sir Jamsetjee himself, though probably
faithful in the observance of the actual requirements of his creed,
was assuredly less strict than the majority, and being a man of large
intellect, cultivated mind and great independence of character, he did
not hesitate to borrow from other nations any customs, institutions or
inventions that might tend to the improvement of his own people.
His stately mansion was built and furnished in European style; his
children, even his daughters, were carefully educated in foreign as
well as native lore; and his own associations were with refined and
cultivated people, without any regard to their nation or creed. It was
while visiting at his house, in familiar intercourse with his family,
and with other Parsees of similar position, that I gleaned many
items of interest concerning the history and practices of the
Fire-worshipers.
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