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his nephew and being as before of great influence in the land, preserved him from the assaults of his enemies, Abu-Taleb himself was not a follower of the false doctrine, but his extreme regard for his nephew made him protect him as long as he lived. By degrees many Chiefs and men of distinction embraced the faith of Islam, till at length the party became so dangerous in Mecca, that in the eighth year of his pretended mission he became so formidable an enemy, that the citizens of Mecca passed a decree for his expulsion, and wished the death of one whose faith afterwards they supported with steadiness and valour.

Mahomet after having stirred up the enmity of the populace of Mecca against him, began to think concerning his own safety. His uncle Abbas resided at Tayef, a small town at the distance of sixty miles from Mecca; Abbas being an influential man in the state, Mahomet could not have sought a better protector, but after a short stay in Tayef, we find him after having published his religion there (without much effect) returning to Mecca with the resolution to become a Sovereign or die in his cause. On his return to his native city, his wife Cadiga having died, about this period, we find him married to three other wives, Ayesha, and Sewda, and Hapsha,

which shews the artful cunning of the prophet to obtain more power, as they were all daughters of men possessing great influence in the country. It may be right here to observe that Mahomet was an enemy to Polygamy, the custom before being as many wives as convenient, but he reduced the number to four legitimate wives.

During the twelve years which had elapsed since he had declared himself a prophet in the cave of Mount Hera, he had many visions, the most remarkable of which is his celebrated journey to Heaven. This famous story is related differently by all, some say when the vision appeared to him, that he was lying with his beloved wife Ayesha; others that it appeared to him while in the open air between two hills near Mecca. It is needless to insert this romantic affair here, as it is generally well known. This story having been told of course was received as an absurdity, even by a barbarous people like the Arabs; but the extravagant fiction with its heavens of gold, and silver, and the precious stones, would have a great effect upon them, for it is a general observation of writers that in uncivilized nations nothing has such an effect on the inhabitants,as glaring descriptions and lively colours. The design of Mahomet in relating this impos

ture of his journey to heaven, perhaps, was to prepare them for the wonderful Book he was about to produce, viz. the Alcoran. This story seems to have stirred up the people to such a degree, that they became more than ever afraid of his remaining in Mecca, as many of his disciples had revolted. But by this he gained rather than lost. He was determined to the last, although my adversaries" said he "should set the sun on their right hand and the moon on their left in league against me, yet will I not relinquish my enterprise."

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He now left for Yatreb, a city lying 270 miles north west from Mecca, which was inhabited then the one part by Jews, and the other by heretical Christians,

POLYPHILUS.

Saturday, February 17, 1844.

No. 22.

An Essay on the Life and Character of Mahomet.

(Continued.)

On his arrival at Yathreb, we find him settled in the house of one of the Chief men of a party, for we are informed that there began a dissension among the Jews and Christians previous to his leaving Mecca for Yathreb; one of the dissenting parties came over to the side of Mahomet, which was favourable to him, and not unlike the conquest of Britain by the Saxons, Mahomet promoted his own interest under the pretence of forwarding that of the party. At Yathreb we find he erected a mosque for the exercise of the new religion. The flight from Mecca to Yathreb, (the ancient name for Medina) commences the Mussulman Era called Hegira or flight, July 16th A.D. 622. Up to the flight we have observed that the city of his birth has been opposed to his doctrine; and we now find him at Medina where he remained. On settling at Medina he married his daughter Fatima to his cousin Ali, she was his only child by Cadiga his first wife. The whole of Medina now quickly embraced the faith of Ma

homed; having now a powerful body of adherents," he determined to revenge the supposed injustice conferred on him in his native city" so he instantly declares war against the inhabitants of Mecca, the city in which young Mahomet had been cherished by his mother Amena; little she must have thought when observing the young babe as it sat on her knee that one day he should be the enemy of his native city. Now he advances to it, fired by the torch of ambition. The babe that slumbered but a few years ago in his cradle is now become a warrior, he advances to the city, but is refused admission by the Koreish. We now find him having recourse to arms, neither side gaining a victory, he concluded a truce with the citizens of Mecca for 10 years. The conditions were that all within Mecca should have the liberty to join the standard of Mahomet, (if they thought proper,) and on the contrary all those that wished to leave the religion of Islam, might resume their original paganism.

The increase of power is wonderful; but not so much when we consider that people at that period, rude and uncivilized, would sacrifice any hope of eternal welfare to present happiness.

Having now obtained free access to the City of Mecca, his followers at Medina commenced by

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