Page:Early Christianity in Arabia.djvu/191

Rh by this pretended miracle, perhaps before determined in his mind, deserted the service of Persia, accepted the proffered grace, and became the convert and subject of the ruler of Mecca, and brought with him the greater part of the people of Yaman. The power of the prophet was increased by the conversion of the mondar of Hirah, who also deserted the Khosroës, and afterwards distinguished himself by his bravery in the cause of Islam against the Persians. About the same time he was joined, though reluctantly, by Howadah ibn Ali, the Christian king of Yemama.

The dissensions among the Christians greatly assisted the designs of their enemies. The greater part of the Arabs had been separated from the Roman interest by the persecution of their Monophysite pastors. The faith of Heraclius leaned towards his Jacobite subjects, and he was accused of being a Monothelite, and of having drawn upon himself the judgment of heaven for his heretical opinions; yet most of them preferred seeking protection from the new power which had risen in Arabia, to being