Page:The Mohammedan system of theology (IA mohammedansyste00neal).pdf/104

 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