is still possible that some minor discrepancies may be found in the order here
observed, but this will not affect the value of the collection; because the
passages extend over every stage of the Prophet's mission, and give evidence of
an unchanging opinion regarding the Jewish and Christian Scriptures, throughout
the whole period.
A considerable portion of the Corân is occupied with narratives of events
recorded also in the Scriptures of the Jews and Christians. Such narratives show
very frequently a close correspondence, sometimes even in the words and the cast
and turn of expression, with corresponding passages in the Bible. Many instances
of this similarity will be found in the accounts of the fall of Adam and Eve; in
the narratives of Noah and the Deluge; of Abraham, Sarah, and Isaac; of Lot, and
the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah; in the histories of Moses and of Joseph;
of Zacharias, and of John the Baptist; and of Jesus Christ, including his
annunciation, his conception by the Virgin Mary, and his birth. From such
correspondence an argument might have been drawn to show at how many points the
Bible is supported by the Corân. But this subject has not been touched upon.
The argument is complete without any reference to these coincidences, which the
thoughtful Mussulman will no doubt follow out for himself, by a careful
comparison of the Corân with the Holy Scriptures.
There is another class of passages which, though falling directly within the
object of this compilation, it is not necessary to quote in detail, but only to
