Page:The Mohammedan system of theology (IA mohammedansyste00neal).pdf/213

 they have come down to us, in the main, pure and uncorrupted?

The first question will be easily disposed of: few, if any, will be found hardy enough, in opposition to the mass of evidence which can be produced, to controvert the existence of such writings; but, as the admission of an adversary may be deemed conclusive, and Mohammed concedes the point; our attention is particularly required to the second question, whether they have been transmitted to us, in the main, pure and uncorrupted? Mohammed and his followers reply in the negative, we have powerful reasons for embracing the contrary opinion.

First, then, it may be premised, there was a violent motive for Mohammed's endeavouring to impeach the integrity of the sacred text, because in proportion to the benefit which his cause might have derived from testimony there borne in his favour, so much the