Page:The Mohammedan system of theology (IA mohammedansyste00neal).pdf/52

 anticipated various impediments in his attempt to stem the torrent of conflicting opinions and interests. Whether enthusiasm or hypocrisy predominated in the commencement of his career is a question that admits of no easy solution, and must be left to that unerring Judge, to whom all hearts are open, and from whom no secrets are hid; thus much may be observed, that the diligence, zeal, and address, with which he prosecuted his enterprise, and pursued it through all its details, at Mecca, would have done credit to a better cause.

As John, the Baptist, prepared for his important office as Precursor of the Messiah, in the solitude of a desert, so Mohammed affected an almost total seclusion from the world, in a cave at Mount Hara, near Mecca, where he boasted of celestial revelations through the medium of the Angel Gabriel. The outlines of his plan were here formed,