"As a reformer, Mohammed did indeed advance his people to a Islam.certain point, but as a prophet he left them fixed immovably at that point for all time to come. As there can be no return, so neither can there be any progress. The tree is of artificial planting. Instead of containing within itself the germ of growth and adaptation to the various requirements of time, and clime, and circumstance, expanding with the genial sunshine and the rain from heaven, it remains the same forced and stunted thing as when first planted twelve centuries ago."[81]
Such is Islam. Now what is Christianity? Christianity compared by Christ to the works of nature.Listen to the prophetic words of the Founder himself, who compares it to the works of nature:
"So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;
"And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.Mark iv, 26-28.
"For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself: first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear."
And again:
"Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God, or with what comparison shall we compare it?
"It is like a grain of mustard-seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all seeds that be in the earth;Mark iv, 30-32.
"But when it is sown, it groweth up and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches, so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it."
Which is nature, and which is art, let Islam the work of man; Christianity the work of God.the reader judge. Which bears the impress of man's hand, and which that of Him who "is wonderful in counsel, and excellent in working?"