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.
