But the moral precepts of the law of Moses, unexpanded by the spiritual comments of the prophets and the Gospel, would be a very imperfect measure of the moral theory of Mahometanism. If, in its lower features, it symbolizes, as we have seen, with the carnal ordinances of the law; in its better part, it copies, with equal exactness, after the more perfect morality of later revelations. In its views and definitions of the three great duties, towards God, our neighbour, and ourselves, the Koran assuredly contains several precepts and principles of action, breathing far more of the spirit of the Gospel, than of the letter of the Jewish law. The parallel of the Koran with the New Testament, the obvious result, throughout, of direct plagiarism, or studied imitation, belongs, more appropriately, to a future place. * For the present, we will look rather to Mahometan tradition; whose comments and expositions may be best calculated to show, how far the lights which the Koran originally borrowed from Christianity, subsequently entered into the constitution of Mahometanism, and became incorporated with its spirit. The moral spirit of Mahometanism, in its unadulterated strength, is to be found in an au See section viii. thentic tradition, contemporary with Mahomet himself, and second in authority only to that of the Koran; the proverbs or sentences of the Caliph Ali Ebn Abu Taleb. * From this primitive source, I shall deduce in brief series, and by select examples, the Mahometan notions of the several duties to God, our neighbour, and ourselves; leaving it with the reader to verify the manifest parallel with the corresponding doctrines of the Gospel. To begin with the duty to God, is but to follow the lead of Mahomet's kinsman and successor, in a fundamental maxim of his sentences; namely, that piety is the source of morals." The following are among the aphorisms of Ali.t "Sententiæ Ali Ebn Abi Talebi, Arabice et Latine. Oxonii, 1806." For this valuable edition, the fruits of the learned labours of Cornelius Van Waenen, the oriental student is indebted to the liberality of the Curators of the Clarendon Press. From the same spirit, seconded by the eminent attainments in oriental literature of Dr. Nichol, the present Regius Professor of Hebrew, much, we may safely anticipate, will be done, towards bringing to light the MS. treasures of the Bodleian library, and worthily honouring the memory of Archbishop Laud. In the original, the Proverbs of Ali are divided after the model of the 119th Psalm, into heads or topics corresponding with the letters of the Arabic alphabet; each sentence beginning with the letter of the head under which it occurs. The selection here submitted is arranged differently; the sentences being distributed in a moral order: an arrangement essential to the object proposed in the text. PIETY AND TRUST IN GOD. The fear of God maketh the heart clean. Fear God, and thou shalt be safe from all other fear. Tears flowing from the fear of the most high God, are a refreshment to the eyes. Happy is the man who confideth in God. There is a dignity above price, that of them who place their confidence in God. The worship of God, causeth the face of the pious man to shine. The word of God, is the medicine of the heart. Prayer, in the night-watches, is the light of the pious soul. Illuminate thy sepulchre, with nightly prayers. By the remembrance of God, mercy is drawn down from heaven. The remembrance of God, is light to the mind, and rest in the heart. The remembrance of God, is the creed of the faithful. The remembrance of God, rouseth sloth, and enlighteneth darkness. The remembrance of God, healeth the sick mind; And driveth away diseases and miseries. The remembrance of God is the food of the heart; The remembrance of God enlighteneth the eyes; And softeneth down the thoughts of the mind. The night-watch is the spring-time of the friends of God; And the rich harvest of the blessed. * For the allusion here intended, see Boulainvilliers, Vie de Mahomed, p. 94. Submit thyself unto God, and he will exalt thee; Our health should be consecrated to the study of the will of God; Our strength, to strenuous exertion in the way of God. Cleave the waves of misery, in the ships of salvation. PATIENCE. Patience in adversity, is among the treasures of faith. Patience in adversity, and thankfulness in prosperity, together constitute religion. How many obstacles are removed by patience! How many are sad, whose sadness tends towards joy eternal ! How many are joyful, whose joy tends to everlasting sadness! LOVE OF THE WORLD. How shall he find leisure for the concerns of another life, Whose heart is occupied in the things of this world? The love of the world is the fountain of all sin. He is made partaker of a transporting joy, Who hath withdrawn from the allurements of the world. The food of the world is poison; And its furniture corruption. Take heed to thyself of the love of the world; For it is the furnace of all sin, And the sink of all wretchedness. Sell thy worldly for eternal goods, The world is like a day that is past, and a watch that is over. It behoves thee to bestow thy labour on another life; Be ye of the number of the sons of another life; CHARITY. They are the best riches, that are expended in pious uses. Riches are increased, by the bountiful bestowal of alms. The liberality of the poor man renders him illustrious; The avarice of the rich man renders him vile. The silver sequin of the poor man is brighter in the sight of God, Than the golden dinar of the rich. He doubly gives, who gives with a cheerful countenance. Do good to the evil-doer, and thou shalt prevail over him. Seat thyself beside the poor, thou wilt augment the value of thy bounty. The best part of alms is their concealment. Alms given in secret is the multiplier of wealth. Expend from that which will not remain with thee, To procure that which shall never leave thee. Be abundant in bestowing benefits; And multiply largely thy beneficence: |