males among
their chief ornaments. These institutions
copied eventually in Italy - progress of reviving know-
ledge also promoted by distinguished women. Christian-
ity primitive source of the two great restorations of learn-
ing. Mahometan aids tributary transitory. Saracenic
learning initiatory-Christian, perfective. The covenant
of Ishmael still essential to developement of that of Isaac.
Connection of the twofold restoration of knowledge with
influences of religious belief- summary of confirmative
evidences. Merits and defects of Greek philosophy.
Mental revolution consequent on influx of northern tribes
into West. Office discharged by Arabs. Great fabric
of European intellect rests on ground-work laid by Christ-
ianity. Past services of Mahometanism-its prospective
services. Fulfilment of Abrahamic covenants - re-union
of Isaac and Ishmael as civilizers of world.
Nature and amount of general argument. Series of cumu-
lative evidences. Heads of induction recapitulated. Its
fundamental principle necessarily supposes a final spiritual
consummation. Mahometan superstition the middle term
between truth and error. Obstructions to diffusion of
Christianity among barbarous nations existence of evi-
denced by facts. Action of Mahometanism upon barbarian
population of Asia-upon negro tribes of central Africa-its
inherent aptitude for proselytism of uncivilized heathen.
This view of the subject presents a sphere for Islamism, suit-
able to the covenant of Ishmael consistent with the ho-
nour of God-with the analogy of Providence. Brings near
to the Gospel a portion of the heathen world apparently un-
approachable by a higher system. Uses of Arabic tongue.
Golius. Mercy of God secretly preparing a way for re-
storation of the East-for universal diffusion of the Gospel.
Past uses of Mahometanism its prospective spiritual
uses. Eventual conversion of Mahometan nations anti-
cipated by Mussulmans themselves. Work once begun