Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1842-12-02
TuE CiMLl.-ngII ER rRUrlIET.

Mahomct born MrccD. IL The year oOJ aiief
Christ. lis father belonged TO princely tribe in the
naiion ana va. Il wealthy aud powerful man. The
Mosema reported, ana believe 10 tbs day, tnat, an
hour or two alter mia buh, he mlfac u!cusly spoke,
and said "Gud is great, There is no other God -
and am his prophet" A! the age cf two year, his
father died, and at'fou his mother also died, and he
yas leI under tie Of his grandfather, who died
two years Afterwards His uncle, chieiain in the
land then took charge Of lie wang Mahclnel, and
educated him for efchant, ana Is suppose taught
him 80 read and write; but tbs afterwards denied,
probably that story Of having received the Koran
from Heaven might appear tnofc wonderful. At the
age Of thirteen he went into Syria wnh his uncle in
cara mercantile expedition and from tie fact
Of his having probably assisted in driving the canels,
was afterwards Eiiginatzed with the title Of the "Ca.
mel driving Prophet, which bis enemies long made
use ct.
Soon after this period he became acquainted with an
apos,a,e monk from whom it is supposed he obtained
las ::.st notions in regard TO his divine mission
The monk far 10 tell the multitude 10 look
gu, for that young man. when he ifst laid his eyes
h;m, he distinctly saw cloud encirciinr his head,
probably similar 10 The ring halo with which painters
have srrounded the head Of cur Saviour and some OF
Tic prophets. Indeed has been said that similar
circumstance true OF ADAM upon whom this mark
was placed TO distinguish him from the lover orders o!
creation.
Between the ages Of fourteen and twenty Mahome,
servYd his country as young soldier and q, the OF
and property of wealthy widow Of Damascus, in
which situation he remained three years, when, il
seems he became the lord and of the lady her
SELF she being forty, and he only twenty eight. By
this marriage he had eight childrea bnt notwi,hstand.
ing this the difference between his age and that of his
WIFE, ard the Of his vast properly, he is said 10
have cssscd lis wife among the fcur perfect
lie earth.
For Two years he lived a generous and hospilable
r.an aid an afiucnt and respected merchant, after
which he gradually became possessed Of The idea that
he had been commissioned TO preach truths 10
the wcrd.
Whether he was religious enthusiast, and by deep
thought and serious attention to the subject had gradu
ally persuaded himself of The reality Of his profession,
or Watcher he preached simply to impose npon others
for the sake of glory and Nth, difficult, matter 10
decide, bu, it is generally believed 10 have been com
bnation Of both.
He had for time been in the frequent habit Of
retiring from the noise and busile OF li;e 10 cave,
where is said, he passed much Of his time in prayer,
meditation and fasting.
he soon told his wife that vision had been pre-.
sented 10 him in his e,remsn-lhat the angel Gabriel
had sppeaed before him and reclaimed, "Oh Mehonet.
thou ar. the Prophet Of Gcd, and am the angel Ga.
brie!" At ar.t his wife strenuous 10 her derisions
and dennnciaions, bat afterwards was persuaded TO
place faith 10 ths Ls,y Mission Of he: husband. His