Page:The Mohammedan system of theology (IA mohammedansyste00neal).pdf/271

 as regards society collectively, its operation is injurious, being calculated for tyranny and slavery rather than a just and rational freedom. Pride and contempt of other nations spring naturally from the constitution of Mohammedanism, and interminable war with unbelievers.

The Christian religion has benefited mankind by diffusing more widely the spirit of benevolence; under its mild influence, slavery and persecution are gradually receding in Christian states. The asperities between rival countries are mitigated: though they have not yet turned their spears into plough-shares or their swords into pruning-hooks, yet it may be reasonably anticipated, in proportion as the spirit of Christianity becomes more and more influential in the world, that there will be a diminution of the evils of this scourge, until prophecy shall be fulfilled, and the nations learn war no more.

History and experience concur in establish-