Page:History of Mahomet, that grand impostor.pdf/12

 of God; the first of which he did accordingly in his being implacable, i e. in the state of a person who cannot sin; the second, in working those miracles which none but a divine power could effect; and, the third, in that he knew the secrets of men’s hearts, and foretold things to come. In like manner, Solomon was sent to manifest the Wisdom, the Glory, and the Majesty of God; and Moses, to show his Providence and his clemency; none of whom having a power to force men to believe, miracles were necessary to convince them of the truth of their missions: but Mahomet, say they, was a prophet sent principally to manifest the fortitude of God by the power of the sword; which alone being sufficient to compel men to the faith, he wrought no miracles, as not wanting their assistance to accomplish the will of heaven. Hence it hath become the universal doctrine of the Mahometans, that their religion is to be propagate by the sword, and all the faithful (Mahometans) are bound to fight in its defence.

In the eighth year of his pretended mission, his party growing formidable at Mecca, the citizens passed a decree, whereby they directly forbade every one to follow him for the future. This prohibition did him no prejudice during the life of his uncle; but he dying two years after, and the chief government of the city falling into the hand of one who violently opposed Mahomet, all his enemies laid bold of this advantage to renew their opposition against him; which they did with such success, that they soon put a stop to the progress of his imposture at Mecca, and he was also deserted by many of his disciples.

Mahomet’s aim all along was to have gained such a party at Mecca, as to have made himself master