________________
VI. the Shastras on the subject. On account of this ignorance, the Reformers could not hitherto hope to obtain a fair hearing for themselves from the people, when orthodox opposition was thought to be so strongly backed by the Rishis. They were thus often obliged in discussion to shift their grounds, at other times to retreat, or what was tantamount to it, because the people would not understand them when appealing to the merits of the question itself rather than citing the old authorities in its favour. They had hitherto not possessed themselves of the key to the Shastra arsenal of texts. That key has however been reached at, and the artillery of sacred texts is with them, it is to be hoped therefore that now at least there will be more decisive alacrity in action. It is only a question of time now, when reform is so favourably circumstanced, and the bright day of hope and liberty to the widow, a victim of modern priestly cunning, cannot be very distant. One resolute pull, and the bonds of centuries will be shattered into harmless toys.
