A Manual of Church History, Vol 2 Classic Reprint

Excerpt from A Manual of Church History, Vol. 2

Abul Kasem Mohammed was born in 569, or 570, at Mecca in Arabia, Of the race Of Ishmael, Of the tribe Of Koreishites, and of the family Of Hashem, to'wth belonged by inher itance the care Of the Kaaba, the common Arabic sanctuary at Mecca. Stirred, in the midst of Sabaeism and other forms of idolatry, by the reminiscences and relics of the Old primi tive monotheism, he became acquainted with the scriptures Of the Old and New Testaments, and, at first, his passion ate mind and nature seem to have been somewhat influenced by them. He was content, in the beginning Of his career, with being regarded as the teacher and prophet Of the poly theistic Arabic tribes, whose idol-worship he Opposed. Elated by his success, and the enthusiasm he had awakened, he soon enlarged his pretensions, and commenced a violent Opposition to both Jews and Christians. Denuding the truths which he had borrowed from both Judaism and Chris tianity, of their distinguishing characteristics, and aided, perhaps, by demoniacal arts,2 in convincing his followers of his supernatural Office and mission, he shrank not from adopting the great idea Of Christianity, that all nations are to become one flock, under one shepherd. And since spirit ual weapons were wanting for the realization Of his plan, he substituted those of the flesh, and became the founder Of the only religion in the world that has been extended by such instrumentalities.

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