Page:The Mohammedan system of theology (IA mohammedansyste00neal).pdf/60

 command from God to admonish his near relations, and at an entertainment expressly given for the purpose, he explicitly announced his mission, and invited them, in glowing language, to participate in the promised blessings: his overtures were treated with ridicule, and indignantly rejected; the youthful Ali alone remaining firm to the Prophet. Abu-Taleb remonstrated with them on the dangers which they incurred by such conduct; but enthusiasm, such as theirs, was impervious ta reason or argument: the venerable man, notwithstanding, being still solicitous for their safety, protected them by his influence, when he could no longer benefit them by admonition. The Koreish, from enmity to the Prophet, persecuted his followers, but this ended in the usual method, of rather strengthening than impeding the cause: the work of proselytism gradually advanced, and the number of con-