Page:History of Mahomet, that grand impostor.pdf/22

 for any one in the least to oppose or contradict his doctrine; commanding all his faithful disciples to arm themselves and to fight for it, rather than to dispute about it, and he commanded that they should spare none that did not embrace it, or submit to pay a tribute for the redemption of their lives, or indulgence in their infidelity. And accordingly in most Mahometan countries, to this very day, the inhabitants of a different persuasion pay a certain tax or duty for being tolerate in the exercise of their religion.

The first enterprizes of Mahomet, after his taking up the sword, look more like so many robberies than warlike expeditions; much less are they confident with his specious pretence of fighting for the cause of God. He began by ordering one of his uncles with a party of thirty horse, to intercept and plunder the caravan of Mecca, that was on the road in their return from Syria. This officer accordingly posted himself in a wood, near which they were to pass, but on their approach, finding them guarded by three hundred men sent from Mecca for that purpose, he thought it most prudent to let them alone, and return to Medina. Several other expeditions of the same kind were undertaken the same year, and with much about the same success.

The next year, (A. D. 623) Mahomet marched in person with three hundred and twenty men to attack a rich caravan travelling from Mecca towards Syria, with a vast deal of money and merchandise; but coming up with them, he found them guarded by a convoy of a thousand men, whereupon a fierce battle ensued. The victory, which