Polynesian. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu], Hawaii) 1844-1864, 1861-10-05
No. %.

Euoiuy cIdtes OF SumaLra, thence TO Java, TO
Borneo, TO the Aaly Peninsula, to Mindano, to the
Sulu Group; and to all points where the true
Malay IS dominant; because the Malays were the
first disciples and ever after the most active
propagandists OF the new faith. The Malays were
the best fitted to spread the work being an active
maritime, trading race. They spread Islamism
throughout Malaysia so that this faith became
the one OF the governing races and is now the
faith of all the princes and chiefs and Mahome-
tansm may be said to be in some measure the state
religion Of Malaysia.
This work of proselyting began in the fourteenth
century, and was actively progressing during the
close of the fifteenth and at the commencement of
the sixteenth centuries, when the Portuguese ar
rived in Malaysia. The Portuguese priests and
the Mahometan imaums in some instances, pre-
sented themselves together at the same Malaysian
Court, to urge the claims, promises, and preten-
slons OF their creeds; and in the discussions that
ensued the preaching of the disciples of the Koran
prevailed over the uphOlders Of the Cross, with
the single exception Of Francis Xavier, the most
notable OF Christian missionaries, whose abors in
Malaysia, shall discuss as l progress with my
subject. Thus Islamism prevailed and not by the
sword, as 1t had elsewhere 4; but by the power of
persuasion, by benefeent works, and by the most
Palpable evidences, that its apostles sought the
well-belng OF the people they went to teaeh-and
that they labored for their improvement, and the
preservation and development of their national
life. This rational and tolerant method of propa-
eating the doctrines of the Koran, has produced
corresponding tolerance and laxity in THAR OBJ
servance In this region, not experienced in any
other Mahometan country. The Malay Mahom-
etan is the most liberal of religionists to sucfan
extent is he so, that he is charged with having
vely little religion whatever. He is indeed no
bigOt yet he has much reverence but it is rev.
erence only for visible authority, power, or be-
nefcence. The Malay has also plenty of imagina-
eNnr1. ha, - l.. "A
could never accept a Juggernaut credulity. He
never would see any thing in idol but its in
trlnsic value, as metal, wood, or stone. He is
the most practical of brown races and more
so, than many white ones.
had some encounter with Malay Siahometan-
ism in Sumatra, and shall mention some instances
to illustrate my statements in relation to it. Ny
curiosity had been excited by the outward appear
ance of a mosque near Palembang in Sumatra
and desired to see it inside, and above all the
manner OF worship there celebrated. was ac-
quainted with many of the frequeDters of this
temDle,-wth chieftains who lived on the borders
of the Musi but being impressed in mind with
the rigor of Mahometans, in respect to the exclu-
sion of unbelievers from their places of worship, I
had never ventured to ask permission to enter |
sauntered around the mosque one day, observing
some curious inlaid work on the walls, of por-
celain, and was surveying the isolated minaret.
approached the broad flight Of stone steps leading
up to the vestibnle. / ventured to put nv foot
on the lowest step; and tried to get glimpssof
the interior, through partially closed doorway.
a doorkeeper approached me. | ventured to ex-
press my desire to enter. My brother, the
stranger; )" said the Malay guardian very court
eously, 4" spts on the name of the great prophet
of God" I" Not so; - | replied. ssMahomet,
may his name ever shine on the mountain tops
was a great teacher of Gods children in Arabia;
but l am from land, where Christ is called the
great teacher and Mahomet has declared in the
Koran that He was most holy" Ny speaking
called forth several from the interior of the build
ing-some knew me. They had q parley about
my wish to enter. After brief talk, chief
proposed to me these conditions. might enter
this mosque, if | would take off my shoes and
would join in the chorus of praise to Allah, the
Almighty Father and if | would not mention the
name of Christ need not acknowledge the claims
of Mahomet. This seemed fair and honorable
compromise, to which agreed; and then entered
did not see much, when within, in respect to
worship, to distinguish the congregation from an
orthodox Christian meeting. There were some
vague and extrayagant assumptions in respect to
the attributes and purposes of Allah some still
more extravagant assumptions in respect to the
mission of Mahomet meant. as felt, for my par
ticuar instruction and edihcation /; and then there
were some long prayers almost as long as highly
civilized composition and finally there was what
worship, some singing: not like the imposing
orchestral strains of a cathedral, nor like evan
gelical' choral melody, nor the heavy drone and
twang of the conventicle but wild Malay wall;
full-toned, though monotoned chant, strong,
Wild impassioned and as the full volume of cho-
rus broke forth. joined, singing" Praise unto
Allah the Father Of all, the Almighty, the All
Giver. the All Wise, the Merciful, the Loving
kind :" and in such chorus we might all join, all
around the earth; black, white and brown; all
harmonious brothers children of one ALI Father.
On many occasions | was questioned by Malay
Mahometans concerning the worship of my land.
was not then much versed in the distinctive mer-
its, or claims, of the creeds Of Christendom. I
had not perused a page Of scholastic divinity.
had not considered any articles of faith. had
not recognized subscribed to any creed at all.
was indeed without a religion; and how should
speak of the worship Of my land? | knew not
what to tell them; /; and if had been able, would
have felt reluctant to tell them about the hundred
and more worships of America. all springing
from one alleged source of inspiration-the Bible,
the book of the enlightened, rich, powerful white
man. Was this book, they asked, the source of
the white mans power; even as the Koran had
been the inspiration that led TO the dominion OF
the Arabs I said that the Bible did not teach
dominion by force, as had been taught by the dis
ciples of the Koran in Arabia Mahomet's sword
was of steel; it destroyed life; it rusted, and
gone; but Chrlst's sword was spirit clothed IN
words, which probed to the heart to let in
life and this sword had not rusted, but bright
and keen for evermore. The Bible was this sword;
or rather it was many bundle Of weapons for
there the sword of faith welded by Abraham;
the sword of patience by job the sword of chastity
by Joseph and above all the sword of love BY
Christ. These we're powers to win the souls of
men with a sway to endure forever. The dominion
of the Koran was passing away; but the Bible,
fbar nlrtk Of fha axka
its power in every land. Many white men, 1 told
them, had the words Of the Bible, but not the
spirit; and hence there were many quarrels and
divisions about words. The true worshippers
sought the spirit but those who were false and
divided beld 70 the letter and the book They