Meer Hassan Ali, B.: Observations on the Mussulmauns of India: descriptive of their manners, customs, habits, and religious opinions ; made during a twelve years residence in their immediate Society (Band 1) (London, 1832)

MAHUMUD'S PARTING CHARGE. 123

when he should be called by " the hand of
death;" and in the most public manner gave
charge of his flock to Ali, not long before that
event occurred. Mahumud's speech to Ali on
that occasion is much reverenced by the Sheah
sect;—it has been translated for me by my
husband, and is as follows:—

" You, my son, will suffer many persecutions
in the cause of religion; many will be the ob-
structions to your preaching, for I see they are
not all as obedient and faithful as yourself.
Usurpers of the authority, delegated to you, will
arise, whose views are not pure and holy as
your own; but let my admonitions dwell on
your mind, remember my advice without swerv-
ing. The religion I have laboured to teach, is,
as yet, but as the buds shooting forth from the
tree ; tender as they are, the rude blasts of
dissension may scatter them to the winds, and
leave the parent tree without a leaf:—but suf-
fered to push forth its produce quietly, the
hand of Time will ripen and bring to perfection
that which has been the business of my awaken-
ed life to cultivate. Never, my son, suffer
your sword to be unsheathed in the justice of