As one grand object continually aimed at by the compiler of the ensuing pages has been to exhibit the Arabian prophet as a signal instrument in the hands of Providence, and to put the whole system of his imposture, with its causes, accompaniments, and effects, where it properly belongs, into the great scheme of the Divine administration of the world, it is hoped that the prophetic investigations of this subject in the Appendix will not be overlooked. The writer is disposed to lay a peculiar, perhaps an unreasonable, stress of estimation upon this portion of the work. Not that he deems the interpretation proposed as infallible, but he is in hopes that this essay towards a right explication may contribute somewhat to inspire a more general interest in this province of scriptural elucidation, and thus to pave the way for the eventual correction of the errors of this and every preceding exposition. No one who admits the truth of revelation but will acknowledge that events, which are so overruled in the providence of God as to revolutionize a great portion of the civilized and Christian world, are important enough to claim a place in the prophetic developements of futurity; and if predicted, these predictions, when accomplished, are worthy of being explained. Otherwise, we willingly and culpably forego one of the main arguments in favour of the truth and divinity of the inspired oracles. '

National Descent of the Arabs-Proved to be from Ishmael, Son of
Abraham

.......

25

CHAPTER II.

Birth and Parentage of Mohammed-Loses his Parents in early Child-
hood-Is placed under the Care of his Uncle Abu Taleb-Goes into
Syria on a trading Expedition with his Uncle at the Age of thirteen--
Enters the Service of Cadijah, a Widow of Mecca, whom he afterward
marries..
32

CHAPTER III.

Mohammed forms the Design of palming a new Religion upon the
World-Difficult to account for this Determination-Considerations
suggested-Retires to the Cave of Hera-Announces to Cadijah the
Visits of Gabriel with a Portion of the Koran-She becomes a Convert
-His slow Progress in gaining Proselytes-Curious Coincidence 45

CHAPTER IV.

The Prophet announces his Mission among his Kindred of the Koreish
-Meets with a harsh Repulse-Begins to declare it in Public-View
of his fundamental Doctrines-His Pretensions respecting the Koran
-The disdainful Rejection of his Message by his fellow-citizens-
His consequent Denunciations against them.....

B

56

CHAPTER V.

Mohammed not discouraged by Opposition-The Burden of his Preaching
-Description of Paradise-Error to suppose Women excluded-Of
Hell-Gains some Followers-Challenged to work a Miracle-His
Reply-The Koran the grand Miracle of his Religion-Judicial Ob-
duracy charged upon the Unbelievers........

CHAPTER VI.

..........

68

The Koreish exasperated and alarmed by Mohammed's growing Success
-Commence Persecution-Some of his Followers seek safety in
Flight-New Converts-The Koreish form a League against him-Abu
Taleb and Cadijah die-He makes a temporary Retreat from Mecca-
Returns and preaches with increased Zeal-Some of the Pilgrims
from Medina converted

83

CHAPTER VII.

The Prophet pretends to have had a Night-journey through the Seven
Heavens-Description of the memorable Night by an Arabic writer-
Account of the Journey-His probable Motives in feigning such an
extravagant Fiction

89

CHAPTER VIII.

An Embassy sent to the Prophet from Medina-Enters into a League
with them--Sends thither a Missionary-Another Deputation sent to
proffer him an Asylum in that City-His Enemies renew their Perse-
cutions-Determines to fly to Medina--Incidents on the Way-Makes
a solemn Entry into the City-Apostate Christians supposed to have
joined in tendering him the Invitation.....
101

CHAPTER IX.

......

The prophet now raised to a high Pitch of Dignity-Builds a Mosque
--A Change in the Tone of his Revelations-The Faithful now com-
manded to fight for the true Religion-His first warlike Attempt
unsuccessful-The Failure compensated in the Second-Account of
the Battle of Beder-This Victory much boasted of-Difficulties in the
Division of the Spoil-Caab, a Jew, assassinated at the Instance of
the Prophet..

109

CHAPTER X.

Mohammed alters the Kebla-Many of his Followers greatly offended
thereby-Mohammedan Institution of Prayer-Appoints the Fast of
Ramadan-Account of this Ordinance

CHAPTER XI.

119

The Koreish undertake a new Expedition against the Prophet-The
Battle of Ohod-Mohammed and his Army entirely defeated-His Fol-
lowers murmur-The Prophet's poor Devices to retrieve the Disgrace
incurred in this Action-Resolves it mainly into the Doctrine of Pre-
destination-Wine and Games of Chance forbidden--Sophyan, son of
Caled, slain-War of the Ditch .........

CHAPTER XII.

126

The Jews the special Objects of Mohammed's Enmity-Several Tribes
of them reduced to Subjection-Undertakes a Pilgrimage to Mecca-
The Meccans conclude a Truce with him of ten Years-His Power
and Authority greatly increased-Has a Pulpit constructed for his
Mosque-Goes against Chaibar, a City of the Arab Jews-Besieges
and takes the City, but is poisoned at an Entertainment by a young
Woman-Is still able to prosecute his Victories
135

CHAPTER XIII.

............

Mohammed alleges a Breach of Faith on the Part of the Meccans, and
marches an Army against them-The City surrendered to the Con-
queror-Abu Sophyan and Al Abbas, the Prophet's Uncle, declare
themselves Converts-Mecca declared to be Holy Ground-The neigh-
bouring Tribes collect an Army of four thousand Men to arrest the
growing Power of the Prophet-The Confederates entirely overthrown
-A rival Prophet arises in the Person of Moseilama-Is crushed by
Caled....
..... 142

CHAPTER XIV.

The Religion of the Prophet firmly established-The principal Countries
subjected by him-The effects of the Poison make alarming Inroads
upon his Constitution-Perceives his End approaching-Preaches for
the last Time in Public-His last Illness and Death-The Moslems
scarcely persuaded that their Prophet was dead-Tumult appeased
by Abubeker-The Prophet buried at Medina-The Story of the
hanging Coffin false
150

.....

CHAPTER XV.

Reflections upon the extraordinary Career of Mohammed-Description
of his Person-General View and Estimate of his Character.... 156

CHAPTER XVI.

Account of the Prophet's Wives-Cadijah-Ayesha-Hafsa-Zeinab-
Safya-His Concubines Singular Precepts in the Koran respecting
the Wives of Mohammed-His comparative Treatment of Jews and
Christians-Predictions of the Prophet alleged by Mohammedans to
be contained in the sacred Scriptures.

167

APPENDIX A.-Inspired Prophecies respecting Mohammed and Moham-
medanism considered....

181

APPENDIX B.-The Caaba, and the Pilgrimage to Mecca.......... 210