354 
TRAVELS IN AFRICA 
the negroes, but particularly the chiefs, have lost 
the little of honesty or natural feeling which they 
before possessed. The doctrines of Mohame- 
danism are at right angles with those of Chris- 
tianity, or if the doctrines be not so widely dif- 
ferent, it is unquestionable that their influence 
produces the most melancholy and opposite re- 
sults. Mohamedanism may direct the perform- 
ance of moral duties, its theology may be wise 
and its ethics sound ; but no abstract rules, how- 
ever good or salutary, can operate upon the be- 
lievers, while the interests of its ministers are at 
open war with them. In truth, we need not re- 
cur to Africa nor Mohamedanism to illustrate 
the truth of this position, for experience much 
nearer home has, while even these sheets are 
at the press, too forcibly proved it. Whatever 
then the written code of Mohamedanism may 
teach, I have invariably discovered that in prac- 
tice, it countenances, if it does not actually ge- 
nerate, cunning, treachery, and an unquench- 
able thirst of litigation and revenge. It pro- 
duces no good but from the meanest sense of 
fear, and its very profession is of itself considered 
as sufficient absolution from every atrocity com- 
mitted to increase its disciples. But in Africa 
its pernicious tendency is still more exemplified 
than in those quarter^ where it has so long 
flourished with the rankest luxuriance. 
t 
