Things seen in Palestine . bitterly disappointed to findthat baptism did not make him free of the 163 Things Seen in Palestine British Consulate, as well as of the MissionChapel. We hear much, and correctlyenough, about the great extension of theMoslem faith, which is making converts invarious countries of Africa, Asia, America,and even of Europe. In many nations,however, this does not necessarily involveany complexity of religious conviction ; theMuhammedan creed is simple: There isno God but God, and Muhammed is Hisprophet. If, as is also alleged, Muham-medanism has been specially adapted to
Things seen in Palestine . bitterly disappointed to findthat baptism did not make him free of the 163 Things Seen in Palestine British Consulate, as well as of the MissionChapel. We hear much, and correctlyenough, about the great extension of theMoslem faith, which is making converts invarious countries of Africa, Asia, America,and even of Europe. In many nations,however, this does not necessarily involveany complexity of religious conviction ; theMuhammedan creed is simple: There isno God but God, and Muhammed is Hisprophet. If, as is also alleged, Muham-medanism has been specially adapted tothe peoples by whom it has been in moderntimes embraced, such adaptations have beenin things commercial and social, rather thanreligious. The Muhammedan is devout, at least, inexternals; the depth and sincerity of hisreligion probably varies with the individual,as among those of other creeds. In thestreets, the shops, the Government offices,you may see men kneeling at the hourof prayer, regardless of witnesses. I have 164. o 6. The Religious Life known a lawyer—even a tax gatherer—inthe middle of a business interview, take outhis watch, and select a long or short cigar-ette, even cut one in half, according to theamount of time at his disposal before thehour of prayer. When the moment camehe would politely say, Excuse me,1 throwhis overcoat down on the floor, kneel withhis face to the south—towards Mecca—make his devotions, and resume the busi-ness in hand with as matter-of-course anair as an English clerk who has interrupteda conversation to speak at the least they are not ashamed of theirreligion. Public places, such as Courts of Law, theBaths, and Philanthropical Institutions areadorned with religious sentiments adaptedto the purpose of the building. The senti-ments of the Koran, upon which the laws arefounded, are often of great ethical beauty;and if we add that the Muhammedan doesnot always live up to his religion, we may 167 Things Seen in Palestine eq
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