Note 148
The Diploma securitatis Ailensibus is
attested by Ahmed Ben Joseph, and the author Libri
Splendorum, (Gagnier, Not. ad Abulfe dam, p. 125;) but
Abulfeda himself, as well as Elmacin, (Hist. Saracen. p.
11,) though he owns Mahomet's regard for the Christians, (p
13,) only mentions peace and tribute. In the year 1630,
Sionita published at Paris the text and version of Mahomet's
patent in favor of the Christians; which was admitted and
reprobated by the opposite taste of Salmasius and Grotius,
(Bayle, MAHOMET, Rem. Aa.) Hottinger doubts of its
authenticity, (Hist. Orient. p. 237;) Renaudot urges the
consent of the Mohametans, (Hist. Patriarch. Alex. p. 169;)
but Mosheim (Hist. Eccles. p. 244) shows the futility of
their opinion and inclines to believe it spurious. Yet
Abulpharagius quotes the impostor's treaty with the
Nestorian patriarch, (Asseman. Bibliot. Orient. tom. ii. p.
418;) but Abulpharagius was primate of the Jacobites.
The History Of The Decline And
Fall Of The Roman Empire
—Fall In The East
—Chapter 50