djusting their
chronology, and making the necessary calculations for their calendar.
Intercourse with the Chinese made the Mohammedans desirous of effecting
their conversion, the means adopted for which were both wise and
humane. Deserted children were taken under their protection, and
educated in Islamism; while in other ways they sought to commend
themselves to confidence, and their religion to respect, by alleviating
the wretchedness induced by a cruel superstition. The Mohammedans of
China seem to partake of the mild and quiet character of the
inhabitants generally, and are therefore tolerated; though there have
been some exceptions to this encomium. About sixty years ago they were
instrumental in promoting an unsuccessful rebellion, and the Emperor
Kien Long, after suppressing it, ordered one hundred thousand of them
to be put to death.

Persia, from an early period, has been almost entirely a Mohammedan
country. On its conquest by the Saracens, the religion of Zoroaster,
which had till then prevailed, was nearly abolished. Those who
persevered in retaining it were obliged to flee to the mountains or to
the western parts {286} of India, where their old forms of worship
still linger. In the disputes which ensued on the death of Mohammed
concerning the caliphate, the Persians espoused the cause of Ali, the
Prophet's son-in-law, and to his memory they are still attached. "May
this arrow go to the heart of Omar," is a frequent expression among
them in drawing a bow; and not long since, when Mr. Malcolm, during his
travels in Persia, was praising Omar, the antagonist of Ali, as the
greatest of the caliphs, a Persian, overcome by the justice of his
observations, yet still adhering to his rooted prejudices, replied,
"This is all very true, but he was a dog after all."

Here Mohammedanism exists in a less rigorous form than in Turkey. Its
ceremonies are observed by those who are little disposed to practice
its moral code: they say their prayers at the appointed season, and
make a show of devotion to prevent their being suspected of irreligion;
but the people generally are little concerned about the pilgrimage to
Mecca, and other matters on which, in the Koran, much stress is laid.
They choose rather to resort to the tomb of Ali, and to that of his son
Hosein, whose name is reverenced among them with a feeling approaching
to adoration.

In Africa, Mohammedanism has very widely prevailed. Algiers, Tunis,
Tripoli