Page:The Mohammedan system of theology (IA mohammedansyste00neal).pdf/254

 sincerity and ardour of affection which reason dictates is his due: the unfailing monitor in the human breast not only accuses of individual transgression,—but on reference to the world around him the truth is written in characters too plain to be mistaken: if there be any argument in history, the history of nations is but a confirmation of the fall. The Scriptures coincide with reason and experience, and proclaim every where, that "all have sinned." The sacred page declares, that Adam was made the federal head or representative of the human race: the Almighty imposed on him a law to try his obedience, which, had he observed, he and all his posterity would have been happy; but, by transgressing it, he fell and entailed misery and death upon himself and descendants. The covenant was, "Do this and live, transgress this and die:" now Adam having broken the covenant, and become, as before observed, subject to death,