leaders attempted to dismount, the caliph removed their scruples by a declaration that those who rode and those who walked, in the service of religion, were equally meritorious. His instruc- tions[1] to the chiefs of the Syrian army were inspired by the warlike fanaticism which advances to seize, and affects to despise, the objects of earthly ambition. " Remember," said the suc- cessor of the prophet, " that you are always in the presence of God, on the verge of death, in the assurance of judgment, and the hope of paradise. Avoid injustice and oppression ; consult with your brethren, and study to preserve the love and confidence of your troops. When you fight the battles of the Lord, acquit yourselves like men, without turning your backs ; but let not your victory be stained with the blood of women or children. Destroy no palm-trees, nor burn any fields of corn. Cut down no fruit-trees, nor do any mischief to cattle, only such as you kill to eat. When you make any covenant or article, stand to it, and be as good as your word. As you go on, you will find some re- ligious persons who live retired in monasteries, and propose to themselves to serve God that way : let them alone, and neither kill them nor destroy their monasteries.[2] And you will find another sort of people that belong to the synagogue of Satan, who have shaven crowns; [3] be sure you cleave their skulls, and give them no quarter, till they either turn Mahometans or pay tribute." All profane or frivolous conversation, all dangerous recollection of ancient quarrels was severely prohibited among the Arabs ; in the tumult of a camp, the exercises of religion were assiduously practised ; and the intervals of action were em- ployed in prayer, meditation, and the study of the Koran. The abuse, or even the use, of wine was chastised by fourscore strokes on the soles of the feet ; and in the fervour of their primitive
- ↑ The instructions, &c. of the Syrian war are described by Al Wakidi and Ockley, torn. i. p. 22-27, &c. In the sequel it is necessary to contract, and needless to quote, their circumstantial narrative. My obligations to others shall be noticed.
- ↑ Notwithstanding this precept, M. Pauw (Recherches sur les Egyptiens, torn, ii. p. 192, edit. Lausanne) represents the Bedoweens as the implacable enemies of the Christian monks. For my own part, I am more inclined to suspect the avarice of the Arabian robbers, and the prejudices of the German philosopher.
- ↑ Even in the seventh century the monks were generally laymen ; they wore their hair long and dishevelled, and shaved their heads when they were ordained priests. The circular tonsure was sacred and mysterious ; it was the crown of thorns ; but it was likewise a royal diadem, and every priest was a king, &c. (Thomassin, Discipline de I'Eglise, tom. i. p. 721-758, especially p. 737, 738). [Weil translates the last words of Abu Bekr's speech very differently: "If you meet men who have their crowns shaven and the rest of their hair in long tresses, touch them only with the flat of the sword and go on your way in God's name. God ward you in war and plague," i. 10.]
