The National Intelligencer And Washington Advertiser

[Salem Register.]
MAHOMETAN CREED.

A catechism has lately been printed at Constantinople, for the instruction of children, educated in the Mahometan religion. It forms a copious commentary on the tenets of Islamism. The principal articles to which the young Mussulman is required to give his assent, are comprised in the following declarations:

I believe in the books which have been delivered from Heaven to the prophets. In this manner was the Koran given to Mahomet, the Pentateuch to Moses, the Psalter to David, and the Gospel to Jesus.

I believe in the Prophets, and the miracles which they performed. Adam was the first Prophet, and Mahomet the last.

I believe that, for the space of fifty thousand years, the righteous shall repose under the shade of the terrestrial paradise; and that the wicked shall be exposed naked to the burning rays of the sun.

I believe in the bridge Sirat, which passes over the bottomless pit of Hell. It is as fine as a hair, and as sharp as a razor. All must pass over it, and the wicked shall be thrown off.

I believe in the water pools of Paradise. Each of the Prophets has, in Paradise, a basin for his own use; the water is whiter than milk, and sweeter than honey. On the ridges of the pools are vessels to drink out of, and they are bordered with pearls.

I believe in Heaven and Hell. The inhabitants of the former know no want, and the Houris who attend them, are never afflicted with sickness. The air of Paradise is musk, the tents are silk, and the cement gold. The damned are, on the contrary, tormented with fire, and by voracious and poisonous animals.