acknowledged weight and credibility. Had he formed a new plan, comprising the unity of the Deity, probably we should not have heard of him at this day, otherwise than as the Leader of an obscure sect; but he had materials at hand far superior to what Lycurgus or others possessed, and penetration and sagacity to employ them in the way best calculated to promote his wicked and ambitious designs. The claims of Christianity and Judaism were recognised to a far greater extent than mere superstition ever influenced; he chose higher ground therefore, and wielded weapons more formidable than had ever been tried by mortal hands before: by transfusing a certain portion of Christianity into the Koran, he cast, as it were, a vivifying principle into the otherwise dull, inert mass, giving it a plausibility and consistence, sufficient to pass at a dark, benighted period, before printing was discovered, while knowledge was

9

at a low ebb, and access to sources of imformation difficult. The aid thus obtained proved a passport and introduction into many places where some knowledge of Christianity and Judaism had previously entered. The natural discernment of Mohammed comprehended the full effect and superior efficacy of such a plan, and, in addition to the superstition of his countrymen, he enlisted the most powerful auxiliaries that could be employed in any cause. By this deep and politic mode of procedure, he laid the foundation of a dominion, composed indeed of heterogeneous materials, but kept together by the power of the sword, and likely to continue so, till the superior force of truth, slow yet sure in its progress, should overthrow and reduce the motley fabric to its original insignificance.

This religion is indebted for its continuance from its being so closely interwoven. with the state, that they must stand or fall

"

together, from the ignorance in which the Moslems are kept, from the difficulties opposed to discussion, and the severities practised on those who renounce the errors of Islamism. But however second causes operated, so that at length the great apostasy acquired "a local habitation and a name,' and now rears its presumptuous front to hea ven, as if in the attitude of stern defiance, we may be allowed here to acknowledge the finger of Omnipotence, working by the use of the means, allowing them to effect their legitimate objects, but overruling and restraining them within suitable boundaries. The Christian regards Mohammedanism as a branch of Anti-Christ, of which it clearly possesses the marks and properties: he considers its predominance as a judicial infliction by reason of transgression, and agreeably with prophecy", the righteous recom

a Dan. viii. 12.

F

pence of unthankfulness, and abuse of mercies and privileges. Hence this illusion of Satan was permitted, like a scorpion, to sting those who had not the name of God written on their foreheads, or sincerity in their hearts. The Eastern provinces of the empire were afflicted 150 years by this scourge, till the peninsula of Arabia began to withdraw its allegiance from the Caliphs.

Whilst the degeneracy of the Eastern Church was thus punished by means of these avengers, other wonderful events in Providence were receiving accomplishment. Ishmael, according to prophecy, was to become a great nation *, from whose lineage Mohammed boasted his descent, so that the prediction may be regarded as verified in him. This abomination also, according to many expositors, was pointed out to the prophet Daniel', under the similitude of the little

e Gen. xxi. 13.

f Dan. vii. 8.

horn, which sprung up among the horns of the great and terrible beast of the Roman Empire, destroying three of them, viz. the Asiatics, Grecians, and Egyptians, with eyes indicative of craft and vigilance, and with a mouth speaking great things, no doubt, in reference to its arrogance and blasphemy. "I considered the horns," says Daniel," and behold there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by their roots, and behold in this horn were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking great things." The prophet proceeds", "I would fain know the truth of that horn, that had eyes and a mouth that spake very great things, whose look was more stout than his fellows."

A further description is given", "Out of them came forth a little horn, which waxed

* Dan. vii. 19, 20.

h Ibid. viii. 9, 10, &c.