“We pray on all sides,” answered I, “for God is everywhere.”
“That opinion I entirely approve,” said he: “but you must have precepts as well as prayers.”
I repeated the ten commandments given by God to his prophet Moses, which he appeared to know, and continued his inquiries.
“And Jesus Christ,—in what light do you consider him?”
“As the Incarnate Word of God.”
“But he was crucified?”
“As the Divine Word, he could not die; but as man, he suffered for the sins of the wicked.”
“That is marvellous. And the sacred book which God inspired through Jesus Christ, is it revered among you?—do you exactly conform to its doctrine?”
“We preserve it with the greatest reverence, and in all things obey its injunctions.”
“The Turks,” said he, “have made a god of their prophet, and pray over his tomb like idolaters. Cursed be those who ascribe to the Creator an equal! may the sabre exterminate them!”