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the superstition of worshiping the saints, and Mary the mother of Jesus. Thus the idolatry which is offensive to us both, arose from the superstition which Mohammed adopted from the Christians, and encouraged in his followers.
If the Christians thus believed, said Havilah, whence came their belief?
Not from their Lord, nor from his Apostles; but from certain philosophers, who mingled some superstitions of the pagans concerning the soul with the purer religion of Christ. — By the Gospel we know that there is life after death. But how life is renewed, and where and when men shall receive their lot of good or evil, God has given it unto no man to reveal.
Havilah replied, Unto no man indeed has it been given to reveal when the day of resurrection shall be; nor is it known even to the angels[1]. Our Prophet asked of Gabriel concerning it; and even he who writes down the decrees of God had not beea told this secret.
This also did Mohammed learn from the Christians, replied Eber, for it is written in their Scriptures how Jesus said, 'Of that day
- ↑ Prelim. Dissert. page 79.
