pread
both in Europe and Asia, and even in the enlightened country of China.
You say yourselves that God has rejected the Jews; and, as a proof, you
quote the fact that the Jews are humiliated and their faith does not
spread. Confess then the truth of Mohammedanism, for it is triumphant
and spreads far and wide. None will be saved but the followers of
Mohammed, God's latest prophet; and of them, only the followers of Omar,
and not of Ali, for the latter are false to the faith."

To this the Persian theologian, who was of the sect of Ali, wished
to reply; but by this time a great dispute had arisen among all the
strangers of different faiths and creeds present. There were Abyssinian
Christians, Llamas from Thibet, Ismailians and Fireworshippers. They all
argued about the nature of God, and how He should be worshipped. Each
of them asserted that in his country alone was the true God known and
rightly worshipped.

Every one argued and shouted, except a Chinaman, a student of Confucius,
who sat quietly in one corner of the coffee-house, not joining in the
dispute. He sat there drinking tea and listening to what the others
said, but did not speak himself.

The Turk noticed him sitting there, and appealed to him, saying:

"You can confirm what I say, my good Chinaman. You hold your peace,
but if you spoke I know you would uphold my opinion. Traders from
your country, who come to me for assistance, tell me that though
many religions have been introduced into China, you Chinese consider
Mohammedanism the best of all, and adopt it willingly. Confirm, then, my
words, and tell us your opinion of the true God and of His prophet."

"Yes, yes," said the rest, turning to the Chinaman, "let us hear what
you think on the subject."

The Chinaman, the student of Confucius, closed his eyes, and thought a
while. Then he opened them again, and drawing his hands out of the wide
sleeves of his garment, and folding them on his breast, he spoke as
follows, in a calm and quiet voice.

Sirs, it seems to me that it is chiefly pride that prevents men agreeing
with one another on matters of faith. If you care to listen to me, I
will tell you a story which will explain this by an example.

I came here from China on an English steamer which had been round the
world. We stopped for fresh water, and landed on the east coast of the
island of Sumatra. It was midday, and some of us, having landed, sat in
the shade of some cocoanut palms by the seas