Page:Christianity in China, Tartary, and Thibet Volume I.djvu/277

265 REPLY OF NASSIR TO IIOULAGOU. 265 " We have made ourselves acquainted with the con- tents of the letter of your Highness the Sultan (may God give you grace to find the true way, and to know the truth), informing us that you were created in the wrath of God, and are cast against those who have merited his anger ; that you are affected by no tears or complaints, and that God has taken pity out of your hearts. That is one of your great vices ; such is the character of devils, and not of sovereigns ! This spon- taneous avowal disgraces you. Oh ! Infidels, I will not adore ivhat you adore* You are accursed in all books of revelation, you have been painted with the most abominable features, you have been pointed at by all celestial apostles, and we have known you since you were created. You are Infidels, as you yourself sus- pect, and is not the curse of God upon Infidels ? f You say that we profess heresies, that we have broken our faith, that we have given ourselves up to rebellion and impiety. He who does not care for any consequences reminds us of our principles ! It is as if Pharaoh had undertaken to praise God, he who denied the true faith! " We are the true believers ; to us no transgression can be imputed, and we give cause for no suspicion. To us was the Koran sent from heaven, and the God whom we adore is eternal. We believe firmly in the revealed word, and we know how it ought to be inter- preted; but assuredly for you was fire created, to consume your skin. " When the heavens shall be rent, and the stars shall be dispersed, and the seas shall mingle their waters, and
 * Coran, chap. xix. ver. 41. f Ibid. chap. ii. ver. 89.