Page:The Mohammedan system of theology (IA mohammedansyste00neal).pdf/74

 of the greater privileges of believers under his dispensation, such gross inconsistency must ever form an insuperable objection to his prophetical character. His public proceedings are directly opposed to his former declarations. The gentle and patient teacher and admonisher at Mecca, he who for thirteen years had opposed the dissentients there with meek endurance, now renounces his former principles, and grasps the sword which was henceforth considered as the key of Paradise! Conversion or tribute was the alternative allowed the Christians and Jews; whilst the Pagans had no choice between conversion and death!

Mohammed had discovered at Mecca, after the most unremitting exertion, the slow progress of Proselytism from preaching only: to encounter perpetual opposition, to have that opposition renewed in various modes and different quarters, without ability to