d with threats and tortures the
prophetic books of Zoroaster; and this obscure remnant of the Magians is
spared by the moderation or contempt of their present sovereigns. [206]

[Footnote 198: The Zend or Pazend, the bible of the Ghebers, is reckoned
by themselves, or at least by the Mahometans, among the ten books which
Abraham received from heaven; and their religion is honorably styled
the religion of Abraham, (D'Herblot, Bibliot. Orient. p. 701; Hyde, de
Religione veterum Persarum, c, iii. p. 27, 28, &c.) I much fear that we
do not possess any pure and free description of the system of Zoroaster.
[1981] Dr. Prideaux (Connection, vol. i. p. 300, octavo) adopts the
opinion, that he had been the slave and scholar of some Jewish prophet
in the captivity of Babylon. Perhaps the Persians, who have been the
masters of the Jews, would assert the honor, a poor honor, of being
their masters.]

[Footnote 1981: Whatever the real age of the Zendavesta, published by
Anquetil du Perron, whether of the time of Ardeschir Babeghan, according
to Mr. Erskine, or of much higher antiquity, it may be considered, I
conceive, both a "pure and a free," though imperfect, description of
Zoroastrianism; particularly with the illustrations of the original
translator, and of the German Kleuker--M.]

[Footnote 199: The Arabian Nights, a faithful and amusing picture of the
Oriental world, represent in the most odious colors of the Magians, or
worshippers of fire, to whom they attribute the annual sacrifice of a
Mussulman. The religion of Zoroaster has not the least affinity with
that of the Hindoos, yet they are often confounded by the Mahometans;
and the sword of Timour was sharpened by this mistake, (Hist. de Timour
Bec, par Cherefeddin Ali Yezdi, l. v.)]

[Footnote 200: Vie de Mahomet, par Gagnier, (tom. iii. p. 114, 115.)]

[Footnote 201: Hae tres sectae, Judaei, Christiani, et qui inter
Persas Magorum institutis addicti sunt, populi libri dicuntur, (Reland,
Dissertat. tom. iii. p. 15.) The caliph Al Mamun confirms this honorable
distinction in favor of the three sects, with the vague and equivocal
religion of the Sabaeans, under which the ancient polytheists of Charrae
were allowed to shelter their idolatrous worship, (Hottinger, Hist.
Orient p. 167, 168.)]

[Footnote 202: This singular story is related by D'Herbelot, (Bibliot.
Orient. p 448, 449,) on the faith of Khondemir, and by Mirchond himself,
(Hist priorum Regum Persarum, &c., p.