Page:The Mohammedan system of theology (IA mohammedansyste00neal).pdf/255

 entence was passed accordingly on him, yet even then (so merciful was Heaven) intimation was given of the victorious seed of the woman who should, in after times, destroy the devil, and reconcile man with God.

Natural religion is of no use in these inquiries, and reason is perfectly silent: judging from analogy, we see vice suffering its deserved penalties: the man who by excesses has injured his health, bears the effects of his sin in bodily infirmities, and perhaps in premature dissolution. Waste and prodigality conduct to misery and ruin, however sincere and genuine may be repentance; and in the decisions of men, where flagitious crimes are concerned, offences against the state, the property and lives of individuals, are visited with extremest severity: the offender, though penetrated with remorse and contrition, is left to the justice of the laws: a system of retribution prevails, and the demands of justice must