Page:Journal of the Straits Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society (IA journalofstrait121878roya).pdf/36

 emigrant, and a servant to a foreign master, I should reply that that is another strange mark of difference between him and the peasant of the Peninsula, whom it is very difficult to persuade either to leave his house, or to become a servant. I think it is important that these differences between the several Malayan races should be more clearly noted than they have been hitherto.

Then again in the matter of Religion there is the same want of accurate observation. Nearly all Malays are Mohamedans, and people seem to consider that when they have said that, they have said all that need be said on the subject, and that they have told you all there is to be told. But there are Mohamedans and Mohamedans; and I expect there is as much difference in the ideas of Religion held by a Mussulman of the West and an average Malay, as between those held by Mr. Spurgeon and the Pope of Rome. There could hardly be a more interesting study, than that of the special developments of Islam that are to be met with among the Malay race, both as to religious belief and moral practice. I remember that some years ago at Malacca, I was much interested in listening to a Malay relating to me the traditions of the Patriarchs, which had come down through many generations of Malays, having, doubtless, originated from Arab sources. It was quite evident, in many cases, that the narrative had in course of time assumed a distinctly local form and colouring. I intended to have made a collection of such traditions, but my removal to Singapore interrupted the study, and I have never had leisure or opportunity to return to it.

A careful study of the religious opinions and practices of the people would be not interesting only, but directly useful. Useful of course to the Missionary, as shewing him what ground he has in common with the man whose spiritual life he hopes to benefit, what are the real errors to be eradicated, and the real defects in faith and morals that have to be supplied. And useful to the governing class too, as discovering the true character and nature of the people to be governed, for as Carlyle say's, "A man's religion is the chief fact with regard to him; a man's or a nation of men's." And he goes on to explain: "By religion I do not mean the Church-creed which he professes, the articles of faith which he will sign, and, in words or otherwise, assert; not this wholly; in many cases not this at all, * * * * * But the thing a man does practically believe; the thing a man does practically lay to heart concerning his vital relations to this mysterious universe, and his