II. THE INSTITUTES OF MENU.
"The Code of Menu," or "Institutes of Menu," constitutes another sacred book of the Hindoos. The Rev. Mr. Allen says of it: "It is a code of religious and civil laws, and makes a part of the Hindoo Scriptures." It is in many respects similar to the Vedas, and is almost equal to it in age; and, like the Vedas, it is a standard of faith and a guide for moral action. Hindoos call it Menu Darma Shastra, "the ordinances of God." "As these ordinances, or divine laws," says Mr. Allen, "profess to be of divine origin, kings have no authority to change them. Their duty was to administer their governments according to their teachings." All classes of people were required to live up to them. "In these respects," says Mr. Allen (p. 366), "they resemble the laws given by Moses, and contained in the Old Testament." These Institutes treat on the subject of creation, the doctrine of future rewards and punishments, and also define many of the duties of life.