e not only individuals, but tribes and districts,
which, either from custom or preference, voluntarily restrict the
license given them in the Koran; while the natural influence of the
family, even in Moslem countries, has an antiseptic tendency that often
itself tends greatly to neutralize the evil.[66] Nor am I seeking to
institute any contrast between the morals at large of Moslem countries
and the rest of the world. If Christian nations are (as with shame it
must be confessed) in some strata of society immoral, it is in the teeth
of their divine law. And the restrictions of that law are calculated,
and in the early days of Christianity did tend, in point of fact, _to
deter men_ devoted to the indulgences of the flesh from embracing the
faith.[67] The religion of Mohammed, on the other hand, gives direct
sanction to the sexual indulgences we have been speaking of. Thus it
panders to the lower instincts of humanity and makes its spread the
easier. In direct opposition to the precepts of Christianity it "makes
provision for the flesh to fulfill the lusts thereof." Hence Islam has
been well called by its own votaries the _Easy Way_. Once more, to quote
Al Kindy:

Thou invitest me (says our apologist to his friend) into the "Easy
way of faith and practice." Alas, alas! for our Saviour in the
Gospel telleth us, "When ye have done all that ye are commanded,
say, We are unprofitable servants; we have but done that which was
commanded us." Where then is our merit? The same Lord Jesus saith,
"How strait is the road which leadeth unto life, and how few they
be that walk therein! How wide the gate that leadeth to
destruction, and how many there be that go in thereat!" Different
this, my friend, from the comforts of thy wide and easy gate, and
the facilities for enjoying, as thou wouldst have me, the pleasures
offered by thy faith in wives and damsels![68]

FOOTNOTES:

[a] A.D. 623.

[b] A.D. 630.

[c] A.D. 632.

[d] A.D. 635.

II.

WHY THE SPREAD OF ISLAM WAS STAYED.

[Sidenote: Islam stationary in area, and in civilization retrograde.]
Having thus traced the rapid early spread of Islam to its proper source,
I proceed to the remaining topics, namely, the causes which have checked
its further extension, and those likewise which have depressed the
followers of this religion in the scale of civilization. I shall take
the former first--just remarking here,