Page:The Mohammedan system of theology (IA mohammedansyste00neal).pdf/91

 may be exposed by remarking, that Buddhism or Paganism, under various forms, has unfortunately the greatest numerical ascendancy, and by parity of reason is entitled to the same distinction, which is absurd. Christianity and Islamism may indeed be considered as nearly equal in point of numbers, but their character, doctrines, evidences, and the means by which they attained their present height, are essentially different, as will appear by instituting a comparison between the two systems.

The world was Pagan, except the Jews, when Christianity preferred her claims, and challenged exclusive homage and respect; and the principle of Revelation was not so generally acknowledged. There was a firm, unyielding inflexibility in the religion of Jesus, adverse to its early reception, or extensive dissemination. No favour was conceded to any other mode of worship, but annihilation