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NATIVE BIOGRAPHIES

years before the creation; and it performed in the heavens the duties of circuit and obeisance for a long space of time. Then formed into a substance, it was divided into ten portions, viz. the throne, the tablet of decrees, the sun, moon, etc.; and, last of all, the SPIRIT of MOHAMMED. This spirit spent 70,000 years in adoration around the throne of God, and 5000 upon the footstool. Gabriel and other angels then descending, obtained, by order of the Lord, a small portion of our earth; and the earth, hearing the name of Mohammed, split asunder and produced from the Prophet's grave a white fragment like camphor. Wrought up with aromatics, it became the essence of Mohammed's being, and was carried round the world by Gabriel, who sounded the glad tidings to all creation, "This is the earth of the beloved of the Lord of all worlds, the intercessor for the guilty," etc. Long before the creation of Adam, the precious emblem remained suspended like a lamp or sparkling star from the highest heavens. It was, in fact, the "Faith" which, according to the Coran, was offered to all creatures; but shunned by all. Rash man alone accepted the responsibility. The "Light of Mohammed" thus given to man, beamed forth from the forehead of Adam. It descended from generation to generation, through a favoured chain, and at last shone in the brow of Abdallah, the Prophet's father.

The prodigies related of Abdallah may be imagined from the extravagancies of such a narrative. At times a brilliant lustre encircled everything around him: the earth saluted him as "The Light of Mohammed"; at his approach the withered trees revived, and again drooped as he departed; idol demons entreated him not to come near for their destruction; while his grandfather, Abdal Muttalib, prophesied, saying, "Hail, Abdallah! From thy loins shall be begotten the lord of the prophets," etc. Then follows the transfer of this light to Amina, Mohammed's mother. The night of Mohammed's conception was marked by prodigies in heaven and in earth: 200 damsels of the Coreish died of envy: the din of the angels' joy was heard even on earth: Gabriel affixed a green crescent to the Kaaba, etc. At last comes the birth of Mohammed, and pious Mohammedans are stirred up by hymns and prayers to rejoice and to bless the Prophet. The