[Illustration: BURNING OF WIDOWS]
I observed that the rite of suttee is riveted in the affections of this
people. The following communications from two of the native princes who
lately consented to put a stop to this rite, will show you that this is
the case. The rajah of Oorcha declares, that "no subject of his state
shall in future be permitted to become a suttee, though according to the
Shasters, it is no doubt very meritorious for a widow to die of grief
for the death of her husband." The rajah of Sumpthem says, "The practice
of suttee is so very old, and has been countenanced and encouraged by
the wise men of so many generations that I have never thought myself
justified in interposing to prevent it; but my anxiety to meet the
wishes of the governor-general in this and in all things, is so great,
that I have waived all other considerations, and forbidden suttee."
If the British were to lose their power in India, the suttee would
immediately be reestablished. Power has put it down, but power alone
will never root it out of the affections of the people. Nothing but the
Gospel can do this. O that Christians would think of this, and hasten,
yea, with great haste, to send this blessed Gospel to them.
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