Page:The Mohammedan system of theology (IA mohammedansyste00neal).pdf/97

 tiny into its evidence, and the attacks made on it were successfully repelled by those excellent apologies and masterly defences which have been transmitted to our days, and may still be read with pleasure and edification. The learning and piety of its professors have for successive generations been signally displayed in every branch of argument, and its beneficial influence on society has been so well attested, that we may safely augur its future triumphs and eventual ascendancy.

A decided contrast to all this appears in the religion of Mohammed! The claims of revelation had been extensively allowed: preceding dispensations had smoothed many difficulties in the way of his attempt. Various concessions were made to render his religion palatable, And to what did he invite his followers? To newness of heart and life? To the practice of self-denial? The sacrifice of interest and case? No: in these respects