stead of changing the course of nature, why not rather change
opinions? Why murder and terrify men, instead of instructing and
correcting them?

"O credulous, but opinionated mortals! none of us know what was done
yesterday, what is doing to-day even under our eyes; and we swear to
what was done two thousand years ago!

"Oh, the weakness and yet the pride of men! The laws of nature
are unchangeable and profound--our minds are full of illusion and
frivolity--and yet we would comprehend every thing--determine every
thing! Forgetting that it is easier for the whole human race to be in
error, than to change the nature of the smallest atom."

"Well, then," said one of the doctors, "let us lay aside the evidence
of fact, since it is uncertain; let us come to argument--to the proofs
inherent in the doctrine."

Then came forward, with a look of confidence, an Iman of the law of
Mahomet; and, having advanced into the circle, turned towards Mecca, and
recited with great fervor his confession of faith. "Praise be to God,"
said he, with a solemn and imposing voice, "the light shines with full
evidence, and the truth has no need of examination." Then, showing the
Koran, he exclaimed: "Here is the light of truth in its proper essence.
There is no doubt in this book. It conducts with safety him who walks
in darkness, and who receives without discussion the divine word which
descended on the prophet, to save the simple and confound the wise.
God has established Mahomet his minister on earth; he has given him the
world, that he may subdue with the sword whoever shall refuse to receive
his law. Infidels dispute, and will not believe; their obduracy comes
from God, who has hardened their hearts to deliver them to dreadful
punishments."*

* This passage contains the sense and nearly the very words
of the first chapter of the Koran; and the reader will
observe in general, that, in the pictures that follow, the
writer has endeavored to give as accurately as possible the
letter and spirit of the opinions of each party.

At these words a violent murmur arose on all sides, and silenced the
speaker. "Who is this man," cried all the groups, "who thus insults
us without a cause? What right has he to impose his creed on us as
conqueror and tyrant? Has not God endowed us, as well as him, with eyes,
understanding, and reason? And have we not an equal right to use them,
in choosing what to believe and what to reject? If