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commandments by the Prophets, and promises by the Apostles, and the words of life by Christ.
And by Mohammed his greatest prophet, added Havilah: but his friend answered not.
If there be but one God, said Havilah after a while, there can be but one truth, and this the Prophet taught. Thus he said, There is but one true faith[1], — that faith is given to men as it pleaseth God: sometimes in the law of the Jews, and sometimes in the Scriptures of the Christians; and above all, in the words of the Book. It was this truth which was given to Adam when the angels worshiped him, and to Abraham when he received the promise, and to Moses when he gave the law, and to Solomon when he sanctified the temple, and to Jesus when he taught the people, and to Mohammed when he received the Book. This truth cannot be changed, however the worship of men may change. — Thus taught the Prophet.
And thus do I believe, replied his friend. The worship of Adam was not as that of Moses, neither was the prayer of Solomon like that of Mary the mother of Jesus; yet was there one truth in the bosom of them all. — What is this great truth?
- ↑ Preliminary Dissertation to Sale's Koran, p. 63, 4to.
