power of the Moslems, and to smooth the way for a future successful invasion of the empire.

Some practical consequences of an immediate character, resulting from the expedition to Tabuk, were a treaty with Yohanna, the ruler of a small Christian principality at Aila, or Akaba, on the Red Sea, who went to Tabuk and agreed to pay a capitation tax, in return for the promise of friendship and protection; as also similar treaties, concluded with the petty Jewish communities of Makna, Jarba, and Azruh, in adjoining localities. Of greater importance was the despatch of Khalid from Tabuk, with a force of 420 chosen horsemen, against the oasis of Duma, where Okaidir, a Christian prince, ruled. He was taken prisoner, with his suite, whilst out hunting wild cows, and had to surrender his town and fortress, with all its arms, 400 mail-suits, and 2800 camels, to the hands of the exacting captor. He was brought to Medina, where he was induced to accept the conquering prophet's religion, in return for a treaty of amity, confirming him in the government of Duma.

On his return home from what proved to be the last expedition which he commanded in person, Mohammed showed his displeasure to 'the hypocrites' who had abstained from accompanying him. They were compelled to make a humble apology, and the mosque, which they had erected near Medina, and where they used to assemble together, was utterly demolished and levelled with the ground. Several men from amongst the professed Moslems who were not suspected of hypocrisy, and had yet remained at home, were put under a sort of ban, all the believers being prohibited from speaking to them, or having any dealings with them, for many weeks. Thus it becomes apparent that, even during the Prophet's lifetime, his followers were induced to keep and act together, more by fear and self-interest, than by purely religious and conscientious motives.

(15 .) The Arab power of resistance being broken by the rapid extension of Mohammed's triumphs, so many tribes are induced by fear and self-interest to send special Deputies to Medina, offering their submission to Islam, that the 9th year after the Flight is styled ' The Year of the Deputations.'

When once Mecca, with its temple and sacred territory, had passed into Mohammed's possession, and the far-famed Koreish were enlisted under his banner, the most powerful influence existing in Arabia, from being exercised against him, as heretofore, was turned in his favour and contributed most effectually to the rapid extension of his dominion over the whole land. The national sanctuary of the Kaaba was now the local centre of Islam, and the annual pilgrimage to it, from every quarter, could not, therefore, but enhance the fame and power of its Prophet. The triumphant and ever-increasing hosts, whom he guided by his sovereign will, no longer met in Arabia with any truly formidable obstacle to their incessant advance. On the contrary, Arab tribes, from far and near, acutely appreciating the new situation, sent deputations, of their own accord, to arrange terms of friendship with the irresistible prophet and to share in the manifest advantages of belonging to the politico-religious organisation of his followers. So it came to pass that, before his death, all Arabia was virtually under his sway, and he could collect his hosts of emulating warriors, with the reasonable hope of proving a match for the weakened forces of the long-contending empires of Rome and Persia. After the battle of Honein, the advance of Islam to universal domination in Arabia had, in reality, become either a mere military promenade, or an easy triumph of diplomatic negotiation over parties, who clearly saw it to be their worldly interest to embrace the offered religion.

About two years before Mohammed's death, deputations began to be sent from every part of Arabia, offering submission and the profession of Islam. They soon became so frequent that the 9th year of the Hegira, from spring 630 to spring 631, is distinguished by Mohammedan historians as 'The Year of the Deputations.' Ibn Ishak, in a passage