Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1834 edition. Excerpt: ...scruples, they were overcome by the promise of liberty; and the grateful domestic recognised with joy the divinity of a master from whom he expected and obtained his freedom. The next and most important of his conversions was that of Abdallah, surnamed Abu Beker, an opulent citizen of Mecca. He was a most zealous Mussulman; and, being a person of great authority among the Koreish, he prevailed on five of the principal men in the city, --Othman, Abdalrahman, Saad, Zobeir, and Telha, --to join the standard of the Prophet. These six individuals were his chief associates, --his main instruments in disseminating his religion, --the partners of his victories, --and some of them his successors on the throne. Three years were thus spent in devotional intrigue and the secret process of discipleship, during which the shades of mystery were allowed to conceal from the world his doctrines and his crafty designs. But the time had now arrived when he could rely with confidence on the attachment of his new proselytes. Immediately the angel commanded him to make known his sacred vocation, and to exhort his friends and neighbours in particular to forsake their errors, if they hoped to escape the vengeance of an offended Deity. The obedient Apostle, accordingly, directed Ali to prepare an entertainment, --a lamb and a bowl of milk, --to which forty guests of the race of Hashem were invited. After some interruption Mohammed addressed the astonished assembly: --" Friends, I this day offer you what no other person in all Arabia can offer, --the most valuable of gifts, --the treasures of this world and of that which is to come. God has enjoined me to call you to his service. Who among you will be my vizier, to share with me the burden and the toils of th
