things might recognise the glories of Mohammed, and know that in him every excellency of previous prophets centred,— the vicegerency of Adam, the beauty of Joseph, the grace of Jesus, etc.

Safia, Mohammed's aunt, was present at his birth, and testifies to six memorable incidents. First, the new-born child performed obeisance, and prayed with a slow and distinct voice, "Oh Lord, pardon my people, pardon my people!" Second, in clear and eloquent tones, he repeated the Creed, "I bear witness that there is no God but the Lord alone, and that I am his apostle." Third, the light of Mohammed obscured the lamp. Fourth, she was about to wash the babe, when a voice from the unseen world said, "Oh Safia, trouble not thyself, I have sent forth the blessed Mohammed washed and pure. Fifth, he was born circumcised and with his navel cut. Sixth, on his holy back the seal of prophecy was visible in letters of light, more resplendent than the morning star, viz. "There is no god but the Lord," etc. Three persons, brilliant as the sun, appeared from heaven. One held a silver goblet; the second an emerald tray; the third a silver towel; they washed him seven times, then blessed and saluted him with a glorious address as the Prince of mankind.

Abdal Muttalib was, at the time, in the Kaaba, where a number of prodigies and voices from the holy temple apprised him of the wonderful event. He instantly repaired to Amina, and finding that the light had departed from her, insisted on seeing his grandchild. She informed him that its invisible guardians had ordered that no one should see it for three days. Abdal Muttalib thereupon fell into a rage, and threatened to kill either himself or her. She was about to produce the child, when one with a drawn sword stepped between, and exclaimed, that no mortal should set eyes upon the babe, until all the favoured angels had visited him. Abdal Muttalib was affrighted, and let the sword drop from his hands. All the kings of the earth were struck with dumbness, and remained inarticulate for a day and a night: the vault of Kesra was rent; fourteen of its battlements fell to the ground, etc.

After much of this description, there succeeds in great detail