Elizabeth. Mother, what does Koran mean?

Mother. Koran, is an Arabic word, which means the same as the Hebrew word translated Scripture. It properly signifies the reading, or that which ought to be read. It is sometimes called Alkoran, which is called The Koran: for Al means the, in Arabic. It contains one hundred and fourteen chapters which are divided into But there is no appearance of design or method in the arrangement. The different parts are thrown together without any order; and one verse has often no connection with the one which goes before, or which follows it.

verses.

Caroline. Is Mohammed's Bible any thing like ours, mother?

Mother. Mohammed, in the Koran, gives the account of the creation of the world; of the fall of Adam; the flood; the deliverance of Noah; the call of Abraham; the stories of Isaac and Ishmael; of Jacob and the Patriarchs; and of the Jews, as God's chosen people; nearly as they are related in the Old Testament. He also gives an account of the promise of Christ, with many of the prophecies respecting him. He relates the circumstances of the appearance of Christ on

earth, and of John the Baptist, his forerunner; of Christ's miracles; of his persecution and rejection by his own countrymen; his condemnation to the death of the cross; and his going up bodily into heaven. He admits also that he acts there as Mediator and Intercessor between God and man, and that he will come to judge the world at the last day. But, like some of the ancient heretics,* he denies that Jesus Christ really suffered.-He says that God took him to himself, and he suffered

only in appearance. However, these leading facts and doctrines of the Bible, are mixed up with extravagant falsehood and childish and ridiculous nonsense.

Samuel. I thought the Arabs were heathen, before Mohammed's time, how did he know any thing about the Bible?

Mother. It is supposed that Mohammed was assisted in the composition of the Koran, by a monk, who belonged to one of the numerous sects of heretics which, at that time, overran the church. The scriptural facts and doctrines. were probably taken directly from the Bible.

*See History of the First Church, p. 170.

The extravagant stories and idle tales, which are introduced into the Koran, were probably made up from the traditions of the Arabs and Jews, and the Apochryphal or false books of Scripture which were in circulation among the heretical Christians. Mohammed has also borrowed many moral precepts from the Bible.

Elizabeth. Well, mother, you told us that Mohammed began to preach to the people of Mecca. Did he meet with any better success than he had done with his relations?

Mother. No. He reproved them for their idolatry, perverseness, and obstinacy; and they were enraged, and treated him with contempt. Some called him a magician and a sorcerer; others, a silly retailer of old fables; and others still, a liar and an imposter. These railings, he answered with new pretended revelations, threatning them with terrible judgments for their obstinacy.

QUESTIONS.

How did Mohammed make known his mission ?What is the meaning of Vizier and Vicegerent? How were his relations affected with his preaching? What did Ali say? How did Mohammed like what he said?

How does the spirit of Mohammed appear when compared What did he do, when he What were

with the spirit of Christ?

found his relations would not believe him? Mohammed's two leading doctrines? What other doctrines do his followers believe? At what did Mohammed aim, in his two leading doctrines? What are all his doctrines calculated to do? Can we merit any thing by obedience to God? Can you describe Mohammed's heaven? What preparation does Mohammed require of his followers, before they can go to his heaven? What was the grand secret of Mohammed's success? Can you give a description of Mohammed's hell? Can you tell how those feel who repent and believe in Christ? Can you gain the favor of God by crying? Is there any merit in prayers and tears? What did Mohammed pretend about the object of his mission? What evidence

have we that the Bible has not been altered since it was written? How did Mohammed give his pretended new revelation? How long was he in making the Koran ?— How was Mohammed's preaching received by the people of Mecca?

CONVERSATION V.

Mohammed continues to preach with zeal,-the Koreish persecute his followers, they flee,-Abu Taleb protects Mohammed,-Mohammed retires from Mecca,— Returns and preaches to the pilgrims,-Gains many converts, Story of his night journey.

Samuel. Mother, will you tell us more about Mohammed? What did he do, when he found neither his relations nor the people of Mecca would listen to him?

He

Mother. Notwithstanding all the scoffs and sneers of his countrymen, Mohammed persevered with a zeal worthy of a better cause. preached in public assemblies, in the marketplaces, and in the streets. He laid before the people all the allurements of his imaginary Paradise, and threatened them with the dreadful torments of hell. Nor was he content with preaching publicly. He used all the arts of persuasion in private. He applied himself, in the most insinuating manner, to all classes of people. He sought to please the poor, by cultiva