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May that time abide where it shall never again be heard of; and that command be hidden in the bosom of God for ever! exclaimed Havilah. — Yet think not I despise the faith of the Christians, as they despise mine, or as some of the Faithful despise it: I have learned from my friend that there is much in it which is pure, and gentle, and just, if the wisdom of our Prophet were but added to it.
If Mohammed, said Eber, had known as much of the Gospel of Christ as my friend Havilah, he would not have added to it his own imaginations.
Havilah waited in surprise for what his friend should say.
Mohammed has often used the name of Christ, and related many things of him, some true and some which we call false. He also gathered from him some of his doctrines, and some sayings concerning repentance for sins, and submission to the will of the Father: but of many things he was ignorant, because he knew not the true Scriptures in their purity; and many things were falsely told him by Christians who had corrupted the faith. For this I blame him not; but by this I know that, though a wise
