nation: but now a preacher
is come unto them, it hath only increased in them _their_ aversion _from
the truth, their_ arrogance in the earth, and _their_ contriving of
evil; but the contrivance of evil shall only encompass the authors
thereof. Do they expect any other than the punishment awarded against
the _unbelievers_ of former times? For thou shalt not find any change in
the ordinance of GOD; neither shalt thou find any variation in the
ordinance of GOD. Have they not gone through the earth, and seen what
hath been the end of those who were before them; although they were more
mighty in strength than they? GOD is not to be frustrated by anything
either in heaven or on earth; for he is wise _and_ powerful. If GOD
should punish men according to what they deserve, he would not leave on
the back of _the earth_ so much as a beast; but he respiteth them to a
determined time; and when their time shall come, verily GOD will regard
his servants.

CHAPTER LV.: INTITLED "THE MERCIFUL." REVEALED AT MECCA

In the name of the most merciful GOD. The Merciful hath taught _his
servant_ the Koran. He created man: he hath taught him distinct speech.
The sun and the moon _run their courses_ according to a certain rule:
and the vegetables which creep on the ground, and the trees submit _to
his disposition_. He also raised the heaven; and he appointed the
balance, that ye should not transgress in respect to the balance:
wherefore observe a just weight; and diminish not the balance. And the
earth hath he prepared for living creatures: therein _are various_
fruits, and palm-trees bearing sheaths of flowers; and grain having
chaff, and leaves. Which, therefore, of your LORD'S benefits will ye
ungratefully deny? He created man of dried clay like an earthen vessel:
but he created the genii of fire clear from smoke. Which, therefore, of
your LORD'S benefits will ye ungratefully deny? _He is_ the LORD of the
east, and the LORD of the west. Which, therefore, of your LORD'S
benefits will ye ungratefully deny? He hath let loose the two seas, that
they meet each another: between them _is placed_ a bar which they cannot
pass. Which, therefore, of your LORD'S benefits will ye ungratefully
deny? From them are taken forth unions and lesser pearls. Which,
therefore, of your LORD'S benefits will ye ungratefully deny? His also
_are_ the ships, carrying their sails aloft in the sea like mountains.
Which, therefore, of your LORD'S benefits will ye ungrat