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

CHAP, V1] Dk. WILSON. 293

ever been to be reckoned loyal and peaceable subjects of the British Government. As further evidence of the spirit of tolerance general among the Parsis, it will not be out of place here to mention that when Parsis were first converted to Christianity the event was viewed with great alarm and consternation, and their religious instincts were greatly injured, though they always kept themselves within bounds. Dr. Wilson and the Christian missionaries were considered “devils in human shape,” who had come to Bombay to desecrate the hearths of families, to import misery and unhappiness among the people, and generally

complained of, particularly of those which have appeared in the Bombay Gazette, in order, as we believe, to prejudice the mind of Government and the European members of the community against us during the trial of the question which we regard as of vital importance to our best interests.

“Tn vindication of our character so shamefully assailed, and to point out to Government who are the real disturbers of the public peace, it is our intention to make this letter as public as the accusations themselyes have been.”

To the above letter the Parsis received the following reply from the Secretary to Government :—

“Tn reply I am directed to assure you that Government will neyer form its judgment either regarding public bodies or individuals from the unsupported representations or statements published in the public prints.

“T am directed at the same time to convey to you the satisfaction which Government has derived from receiving the assurances of your desire and endeavour (especially those of you who are the Justices of the Peace) under the present excitement of the Parsi community that the public peace shall not be disturbed, of which the best indication will be that no assembling together takes place on the oceasion, but that the matter is left to be decided by the tribunal to which it has been appealed.”