In a nocturnal dream he was carried by Gabriel from Mecca to Jerusalem, and thence in succession through the six heavens.

Into the seventh the angel feared to intrude and Mohammed alone passed into the dread cloud that forever enshrouds the Almighty.

"A shiver thrilled his heart as he felt upon his shoulder the touch of the cold hand of God." His public ministrations met with much resistance and little success at first.

Expelled from Mecca by the upholders of the prevalent idolatry, he sought refuge in Medina, a town in which there were many Jews and Nestorians; the latter at once became proselytes to his faith.

He had already been compelled to send his daughter and others of his disciples to Abyssinia, the king of which was a Nestorian Christian.