DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.9550#0149
The physical powers of men are limited, and when
viewed comparitively, sink into insignificance ; while'
in the same ratio, his moral faculties rise in our est-
imation, as embracing a wide sphere of action, and
possessing a capability of almost boundless improve-
ment. If the short duration of human life be contrasted
with the great age of the universe, and the limited extent
of bodily 'strength with the many objects to which
there is a necessity of applying it, we must necessrily
be disposed to entertain but a very humble opinion
of our own nature; and nothing perhaps is so well
calculated to restore our self-complacency as the con-
templation of our more extensive moral powers, together
with the highly beneficial objects which the appropriate
exercise of them may produce.
On the other hand, sorrow and remorse can scarcely
fail, sooner or later, to be the portion of him
who is conscious of having neglected opportunities of
rendering benefit to his fellow-creatures. From con-
siderations like these it has been that I (although born
a Brahmin, and instructed in my youth in all the
principles of that sect), being thoroughly convinced of
the lamentable errors of my countrymen, have been
stimulated to employ every means in my power to
improve their minds, and lead them to the knowledge
of a purer sytem of morality. Living constantly am-
ongst Hindoos of different sects and professions, I
viewed comparitively, sink into insignificance ; while'
in the same ratio, his moral faculties rise in our est-
imation, as embracing a wide sphere of action, and
possessing a capability of almost boundless improve-
ment. If the short duration of human life be contrasted
with the great age of the universe, and the limited extent
of bodily 'strength with the many objects to which
there is a necessity of applying it, we must necessrily
be disposed to entertain but a very humble opinion
of our own nature; and nothing perhaps is so well
calculated to restore our self-complacency as the con-
templation of our more extensive moral powers, together
with the highly beneficial objects which the appropriate
exercise of them may produce.
On the other hand, sorrow and remorse can scarcely
fail, sooner or later, to be the portion of him
who is conscious of having neglected opportunities of
rendering benefit to his fellow-creatures. From con-
siderations like these it has been that I (although born
a Brahmin, and instructed in my youth in all the
principles of that sect), being thoroughly convinced of
the lamentable errors of my countrymen, have been
stimulated to employ every means in my power to
improve their minds, and lead them to the knowledge
of a purer sytem of morality. Living constantly am-
ongst Hindoos of different sects and professions, I