to them that fight for the law of God neverthelesse they do it not to them and flie them desire they not that God should pardon them He is neither gentle nor pitifull but towards True-belivers They that accuse of immodesty women chast innocent and faithfull shall be accursed in this world and shall suffer great torments at the day when their tongues their hands and their feet shall testifie ageinst them at the same time shall God pay to them what shall be due unto them without injustice and they shall know that God is truth it selfe The wicked women shall speak as the wicked men and the wicked men as the wicked women The good women shall speak as the good men and the good men as the good women the good are innocent of the imposture of the wicked they shall injoy the grace of God and the treasures of Paradse Oh ye that are True-beleivers enter not into anothers house without permission if ye salute them that dwell there ye shâ—ll do well peradventure ye wil be mindfull if ye find none of the house enter not without permission if they speak to you to returne ye shall return it is better then to stay at the door God beholdeth all that ye do ye shal not offend God to enter into houses inhabited if ye have affairs there God knoweth all your intentions Speak unto the true-believers that they contain their sight that they be chast that they do good and that God knowes all their action Speak unto the True-beleiving women that they retain their fight and that they be chast that they suffer nothing of their beauty to be seen but what ought to be seen that they cover their bosome and their vissage that they permit them not to be seene but by their husbands their Children the Children of their husbands their brothers their nephewâ— their sisters their women their daughters maid-servants and slaves by their domestiques that are not capable of marriage by children that regard not the beauty of Women and that they move not their feete to shew they are well shod Implore pardon of God peradventure ye shall be happy many maidens of your owne Religion the daughters of the righteous or your slaves if they be poor God shall enrich them with his grace he is most liberall and omniscient Such as have not means to marry shall live chastly untill God hath given them means Such as have desire to marry their slaves shall have power to passe a contract of marriage if they know them to be wise and shall give them part of the wealth that God hath bestowed on them despise not your wives that are chast to commit whoredom if ye desire good in this world if yee contemne them God shall be to them propitious and mercifull we have sent to you these precepts clear and intelligible like to them that were taught your Predeâ—essours to be preached to the righteous God illuminateth the heaven and the Earth as the Lamp that is in the Lanthorn of of Chrystall fed with oyl of the blessed Olive It seemeth to be a Star full of light which goeth neither to the West nor the East and yeildeth brightness upon brightness God guideth by his light whom it pleaseth him he teacheth his people parables and is omniscient â—e permitteth you to praise him in your houses there to be mindfull of his name and to exalt him evening and morning Oh ye men your affairs ought not to hinder your remembrance of his divine Majesty to make your prayers at the time appointed neither to pay Tithes Fear the day when the hearts of men shall be perplexed and their fight troubled when God shall reward and chastise every one after his works and shall augment his grace upon the good he enricheth with his innumerable benefits whom to him seemeth good The good works of the wicked are like to mists in a spacious plâ—in they seem to be water when afar off and being appreacheâ— nothing is to be there found They shall finde before God the book wherein is written whatsoever they have don he shall punish them according to their demâ—rits he is exact to keep accompt Their actions are moreover like to the darkness that is in the bottom of the sea that is covered with wave upon wave obscurity and darknesse upon one another he that is in this darknesse cannot see his hand he that shall not be illuminated by God shaâ—l not see a jot Seest thou not that whatsoever is in Heaven and Earth exalteth the glory of God The Birds extend their wings before him to praise him he heareth the prayers of all his creatures and understandeth the prayses that they give him he knoweth all that they do he is King of Heaven and Earth the refuge of all the world Soest thou not how he assembleth the clouds how he placâ—th them one upon another considerest thou not how the rain falleth through their pores and that God causeth fresh water to descend from the mountains He hath given it to whom seemeth good to him he causeth the brightnes of lightning to approach men which blindeth their sight overwhelmeth the day with night These things are signes of his omnipotency to them that consider them He created of a little water all sorts of living Creatures some creep upon the Earth others walk upon two feet others upon four he created what pleased hiâ— he is omnipotent Certainly he hath sent a law clear intelligible to conduct into the right way whom it shall seeme good to him The Infidels say We beleive in God his Prophet nevertheles a party among them abandon his Law and believe not in his divine Majesty when they are called before God and before the Prophet to judge their differences many among them refuse to come if they come it is with contempt They are greatly afflicted at heart do they fear that God and his Prophet will do them injustice On the contrary they themselves are unjust When the True-beleivers are called before God and the Prophet to be judged they sâ—â— We have heard obeyyed they are not ignorant Thâ—se that shall obey God and his Prophet shall be blessâ—d Many swear to fight gallantly for the Faith when they shall be commanded to march against the enemy say unto them Swear not your obedience to the Prophet shal be prefâ—rred to your Oaths God knoweth whatsoever ye do say unto them Obey God and his Prophet if they be disobedient they shall bear their burden ye shall bear your own if ye obey ye shall follow the right way The Prophet is obliged only to preach intelligibly God promised to the True beleivers that shal do good works that they shall live long up-upon eâ—rth as he promised to them that were before them that they might establish the Law that he gave them he shall change their fear into assurance he shal deliver them from terror that they may adore him alone without companion He that is
fear God thou concealest in thy mind a design whiâ—â— God shal discover thou fearest the people but it is thy 〈◊〉 to fear God alone When Zeid did repudiat his wife we â—â—ryed thee to her to the end their might remain no error â—mong the True-belelevers when they shall repudiate thâ— wives they shal observe in repudiating them what God haâ— ordained The Prophet sins not in doing what God haâ— permitted the law of God was in this maner observed by 〈◊〉 predecessors the command of his divine Maj. is execuâ—â—â— without delay Such as preach the word of God his Apostâ—â— and Prophets fear none but his Divine Majesty it suffice them that they are in his protection Mahomet is not yoâ— father He is not the father of Zeid to espouse the wife which he put away he is the Apostle of God and the last of all the Prâ—phets God knoweth all things there shall not come anâ—ther Prophet after him Oh ye that beleive in Goâ— thiâ— frequently on his divine Majesty praise him morning anâ— evening he shall give you his mercy the Angels imploâ— pardon that he may deliver from darkness he is mercifâ—â— to true beleivers the Angels shall salute them on his behaâ—â— at the day of Judgment See Tefsianf Joâ—hir he hath prepared for them an exceeding great reward Oh Prophet we have sent thee to be witnesse of thâ— deportments of the People and as a light to conduct them into the right way proclaim to the True-beleivers thaâ— they shall receive of thy Lord an exceeding great grace obey not Infidels nor the wicked fear not their malice and trust in God thou oughtest to be satisfyed that God protecteth thee O ye that beleive it is not lawfull for you to abuse your Wives if you repudiate them before ye have â—nown them deal well with them and dismisse them with â—ildnesse and civility O Prophet we permit thee to know â—he women to whom thou hast given dowry the women-â—laves which God hath given thee the daughters of thine Vncles and of thine Aunts that have abandoned with â—hee the company of the wicked and the true beleiving wife that shall be given thee if thou wilt marry her that she be not the wife of a true-beleiver We know what wâ— have commanded true beleivers touching their wives and their slaves we have instructed thee therein to the end thou offend not God he is gracious and merciful to such as obey him Thou shalt retain whom of thy wives thou shalt desire to retain and shalt repudiate such as thou shalt desire to repudiate and shalt lye with them that shall please thee it is better that thou repudiate without offending God then to see them male contented and sad they shall be contented with the good that thou shalt do to them in divorcing them God knoweth what is in your hearts he is Omniscient and most merciful Mahomet had nine wives It is not lawfull for thee to know other women then thine own it is not lawful for thee to exchange them although the beaty of others please thee except thy slaves See Gelaldin God regardeth all O yâ—â—hat beleive I enter not into the houses of the prophet withouâ— permission except at the hour of repast that by chance without design if ye are invited enter with freedome when ye shall have taken your repast depart out of the house and tarry not to discourse one with another this molesteth the Prophet he is ashamed to bid you be gone but God is not ashamed to tell you the truth The wives of the prophet shal have the face coverd when ye speak shall unto them this better resented of purity both in them and in you You ought not to importune the Prophet of God neither to know his wives this would be a most enormous sin if ye conceal any design or discover it know that God knoweth all They shall not offend God in suffering themselvs to be seen of their fathers their children their brethren their nephews their maid servants their she-slaves they shall fear God he seeth all God and the angels * Bless thâ— Prophet pray for the Prophet O ye that beleive See Gelaldin pray for the Prophet and obey him He that shall displeâ— God and his Prophet shall be accursed in this world anâ— shall feel rigorous pains in the other such as do injurâ— without reason to those men and women that believe iâ— God commit an exceeding great sin O Prophet speaâ— to thy wives and thy daughters and the wives of true-believers that they cover themselves with vailes they shaâ—â— be more honored and shall receive no displeasure God iâ— gracious and mercifull If the wicked the whoremongers and those of Medina that are weak in their faith quit noâ— their impiety I will give thâ—e absolute power over them few among them will respect thee but take thou them and slay them wheresoever thou shalt meet them God so commanded those that were before thee thou shalt finde no alteration in the Law of God The people will enquire of thee when shall be the day of Iudgment Say unto them that God alone knoweth it and that thou knowest not if it shall bâ— very speedily but that God hath prepared for Infidells an exceeding great fire wherein they shall burn eternally hey shall finde no protection they shall be cast headlong into the fire and shall say would to God we had obeyed his divine Majesty and the Prophet his Apostle they shall say Lord we obeyed our Masters and Superiors they seduced us from the right way Lord chastise them doubly and give them thy curse O ye that believe be not like them that displeased Moses he was innocent of the crimes that they laid upon him he was inspired of God fear God and speak with civility your works shall be acceptable to him and he shall pardon your sins He that shall obey God and his Apostle shall be happy fidelity and obedience are pleasing to him in heaven and in earth and upon the mountains Such as depart far from him as did Adam do injury to themselves and are ignorant he shall chastise those men and women that shall be disobedient and impious he will give his grace to those men and women that shall believe in his Law he is gracious and mercifull to them that obey him CHAP. XXXIV The Chapter of * Saba is a Province of Liemen Saba containing fifty four Verses written at Mecca IN the Name of God gracious and merciful See Gelaldin Praised be God whatsoever is in heaven in the earth appertaineth to him praise is due unto him he is most wise and Omniscient he knoweth whatsoever entreth into the earth and cometh out of it whatsoever ascendeth to heaven descendeth he is gracious and mercifull to his creatures the wicked demand if they shall see the day of judgment Say unto them yes and that thy Lord knoweth the time he knoweth what
ten pair of wings came to him by night as he was in bed with his wife Aijssa told him God had sent for him he going down with this Angell found at his door an Heterogeneous beast called Elborach halfe Asse halfe Mule but much swifter then either for it would go as far at one step as the most quick-sighted could see this Beast or believer of the Alcoran would not let Mahomet mount him unlesse he would first promise to pray for him which the charitable Prophet did and was in the twinkling of an eye brought by him to Jerusalem where the Angel Gabriel tyed the Beast with his girdle to a rock and taking Mahomet on his shoulders carried him to heaven-gate They knocked and the Porter understanding Mahomet to be there instantly opened and bade him welcome In this first Heaven he saw Angels of divers and monstrous shapes some composed of fire and snow others of fire alone every of them diversly shaped among the rest one with the head of a Cock whose feet touched one Heaven and head another each Heaven being distant from the other a voyage of five hundred years and when he crowes which is his language he moves the Cocks of the earth to crow This Angell recommended him to another he to a third and so one to another until he came to the Heaven where God kept his residence God curteously received him asked him how his people did how they entertained his Law and familiarly laid his hand upon his shoulder which was so cold that it pierced to the marrow of his back-bone God had soon done with him only telling him how often his people should make their prayers which were so many that as he was returning in the fourth Heaven Moses advised him to go back to God and entreat him that fewer prayers might serve his turne for his people were not able to make so many which he did and after many returnes brought the number to five This done he went back to his Elborach which in a moment brought him to his house in Mecca where he went to bed again to his wife she not once dreaming her husband would leave heaven for her company or thinking he had been there all this he performed in the tenth part of a night The Turks at this day fondly believe this as a truth but the Arabians of his time requiring him to do as much in their view he unwilling to take again so long a journey replyed Praised be God I am man and an Apostle He had other slights which in sight of the people by Art or Sorcery he performed and they stupidly believed and entertained as miracles as a Pigeon being by him taught to come and pick a pease out of his eare he told them it was the holy Ghost that came to tell him what God would have him do so an Oxe brought him a Chapter of the Alcoran upon his hornes in a full assembly He likewise perswaded them that being at dinner at the house of one that pretended to be his friend who had an intent to poison him or he at least was so informed a shoulder of mutton served in to the table fore-warned him that he should not eat of it and though many were present none but he heard or understood the language of the mutton and yet he permitted one of his deerest friends to eat of it and die impoisoned Such and many of the like nature were his miracles As the bowing of trees shaken by some sudden gust of wind the howling of Wolves and braying of Asses which is their language desiring Mahomet to pray for them and he Prophetically understanding as religiously performed His custome was often to inculcate into the ears of his Auditors that God gave him commission to fulfill his own desires in all things and to that purpose introduceth God speaking to him To thee O Prophet It is permitted to lie with all women that are given thee or thou dost purchase thy Aunts and kindred and all good women that freely desire thy company and this is lawfull for thee alone His issue was one only Son called Casfim who died before him and many daughters Fatione the eldest in high esteem at this day among the Arabians and honoured as the royall root of Aben Alabecy was wife to Haly. Zeineb the second was married to Osmen after son to Mahuvias and perhaps to both successively for they both succeeded in the Empire of Arabia to her is attributed the originall of the other family of Aben Humeia Imiaultim and Naphisse are diversly mentioned by the most faithful Historians some delivering them as his daughters others as his neer kindred On the Seal which he used were ingraven these words Mahomet Messenger of God Heaven ordained him to be a scourge for the punishment of Christians who in multitudes at that time had forsaken the truth to follow the Sects and Heresies of the Arrians Donatists Nestorians and others The day of his death was no lesse prodigious then the course of his life a Comet resembling a sword appearing at high noon pointing from South to North when it was behold the space of thirty daies which that age interpreted to portend the fatall rising and spendor of the Arabian Empire FINIS A needfull Caveat or Admonition for them who desire to know what use may be made of or if there be danger in reading the Alcoran By Alexander Ross. GOod Reader the great Arabian Imposter now at last after a thousand years is by the way of France arrived in England and his Alcoran or Gallimaufry of Errors a brat as deformed as the Parent and as full of heresies as his scald-head was of scurffe hath learned to speak English I suppose this piece is exposed by the Translator to the publike view no otherwise then some Monster brought out of Africa for people to gaze not to dote upon and as the sight of a Monster or mishapen creature should induce the beholder to praise God who hath not made him such so should the reading of this Alcoran excite us both to blesse Gods goodnesse towards us in this land who injoy the glorious light of the Gospell and behold the truth in the beauty of holinesse as also to admire Gods judgements who suffers so many Countreyes to be blinded and inslaved with this mishapen issue of Mahomets braine being brought forth by the help of no other midwifry then of a Jew and a Nestorian making use of a tame Pigeon which he had taught to pick corn out of his ears instead of the Holy Ghost and causing silly people to believe that in his falling sicknesse to which he was much subject he had conference with the Angell Gabriel I know the publishing of the Alcoran may be to some dangerous and scandalous dangerous to the reader scandalous to the higher powers who notwithstanding have cleared themselves by disliking the publishing and questioning the publishers thereof but for the danger I will deliver in these ensuing
Temples and Hospitals and are obliged to give to the poore the first day of the year the tithe of what they have gained during the preceding yeare They believe that after being well washt saying some prayer appropriate to that Ceremony they have also the soul purified from all filthiness and sinne which is the cause that they wash and bathe often especially before they pray They have no Sacrament but Circumcision they cause their children to be circumcised at the age of seven or eight years and when they can pronounce these words La â—â—â—a illâ— aâ—ha Mehemet rasoul allha that is There is but one God Mahomet is his Prophet and Apostle this is their profession of Faith nevertheless there is no mention of Circumcision in all the Alcoran they say they observe it in imitation of Abraham whose Law is recommended to them by Mahomet they believe that the Alcoran was brought to him at severall times by the Angel Gabriel in the City of Mecca and that of Medina because the Jews and Christians had altered the holy Scriptures and the Law of God They are permitted to have four wives married at the same time and as many Concubines as they are able to maintain They can put away their wives when they think fit paying them what they promised them in contract of marriage and marry again at their pleasure but the women are bound to tarry untill they are assured that they aâ—â—â—â—ith childe before they marry again and their 〈◊〉 â—â—â—re obliged to keep and take the care of the 〈◊〉 The children which they have by their slaves 〈◊〉 â—â—â—â—rently esteemed with those of their wives and are aâ— held as legitimate They have Temples Colledges and Hospitalls well revenued they have covents of Religious that live exemplarily obey their Superiours without contradiction and dance after the sound of Flutes and other instruments when they make their prayers They have moreover another sort of Religious Vagabonds through the world clothed like fools of that Country they often go naked and cut their skin in many places are held to be holy persons and live by alms which are never refused them both the one and the other sort of Religious are called Dervis they are known by their habit and can retire and marry when they please They deny Jesus Christ to be God or the Son of God neither believe they in the holy Trinity they say that Jesus Christ was a great Prophet born of the Virgin Mary a Virgin both before and after her delivery that he was conceived by divine inspiration or by a divine breath without a father as Adam was created without a mother that he was not crucified that God took him into heaven and that he shall come again on earth at the end of the world to confirm the Law of Mahomet they likewise affirm that the Jews thinking to crucifie Jesus Christ crucified a man among them that resembled him They pray to God for the Dead they invoke their Saints A great question among Mahometans of whom they have a large Legend nevertheless they believe not Purgatory and many among them imagine that the soul and body remain together in the grave until the day of Judgment They have Mecca and Medina that are two Cities of Arabia in great veneration because Mahomet was born at Mecca and buried at Medina they make thither great pilgrimages and believe that Land to be Holy They bear likewise singular respect to the City of 〈◊〉 for that it hath been the Birth-place and haâ—â—◠〈◊〉 â—f many Prophets They use no Clocks at the hour of theâ—â—â—â—â—rs their Priests ascend the highest part of the Tower that is in a corner of the Temple and with a loud voyce call the people to prayer singing prayers composed for that purpose WE the Consuls Governors Protectors and Defenders of the Priviledges Freedoms and Liberties of the City of Marseillis do certifie and attest to all to whom it shall appertain that Mr. Andrew du Ryer Lord of Malezair Gentleman in Ordinary of the Kings Chamber and heretofore Consul to his Majesty in Aegypt hath executed the charge for the said Consulship like a man of honesty and honour no complaint having been made at any time or his administration or deportment during the time of his abode there and that he exercised that office Neither was any complaint ever made of the said Mr. du Ryer during the time he sojourned at Constantinople for the service of his Majesty but all the Captains and Officers of Merchant Vessels and of others that negotiated in the same parts received of him all favour as in matters that concerned them as in affairs that did relate to the service of his Majesty and the advantage of his Subjects traffique in testimony of which Wee have drawn and signed these presents and have put and affixed to them the Seal and accustomed Arms of this City At Marseillis the 12. day of Feb. 1633. De Bourgogne Consul I. Savornin Consul Meinardet Consul By the said Consuls Boet. To Mr. DU RYER Lord of Malezair Gentleman in Ordinary of the Kings Chamber at Constantinople SIR HAving heard by the report of many Merchants of this City the good offices that you have daily performed towards them of our Nation and particularly our fellow Citizens who all unanimously much commend your assection and singular care to protect and defend them We thought our duty to return you by these lines a thousand thanks and that the more affection for that your curtesie and not their merits carried you to all those good offices of which they and we shall ever keep a perpetuall memory to render you any acknowledgement when occasion shall be offered and give you a testimony by our services that you have not cast your seed upon barren ground In the mean time Sir we beseech you be pleased to continue to us the honour of your friendship and effects of your favour as we shall desire in all emergent occasion to testifie that we are really Sir Your most affectionate Servant the Consuls Governors of the City of Marseillis Monthouliau Francis Nappolon Du Pont. From Marseillis this 24. of August 1632. A Translation of the Command of the grand Seignior concerning Mr. Malezair ILlustrious and Excellent Commanders refuge of the great Triumphant Eminent Glorious and Honourable Lords endued with the speciall graces of God Bashaws or Vice-Roys Beyes or Governors that are upon the roads of our most August Port to the Realm of France God perpetuate your glory just Judges of the Nusulmans Minerals of Vertue and Knowledge that are upon the road of our most August Port to the Realm of France God increase your vertues Honorable and trusty Governors Captains of Frontires and Castles Captains and Patrons of Galleys and Vessels Customers that are upon the road of our most August Port to the Realm of France God augment your Honours and glory When this most August command shall come to you know that the Lord of
unto them you shall assist with your goods your father and mother your allies Orphans the poore and pilgrims God will understand all the good you shall doe Fighting is enjoyned you although it bee against your will it may chance that you will shunne that which is profitable to you and likewise love what is pernicious to you God knoweth what you know not They shall aske of thee if they shall fight in the month of Mharam say unto them great battels shalt happen in this month that shall shut up to the people the way of the Law of God and impieâ—ies that shall hinder the multitude to goe to Mecca To drive the people from Mecca is an exceeding great sinne Sedition is worse then murther The wicked shall not cease to fight you untill they have if they can accomplish â—t mislead you from your Religion His good works among you that shall quit his Law and die an Infidell shall be vaine in this world and himselfe be confined in the fire of Hell Such as belâ—eve in God that separate themselves from the impious that abandon their houses for the service of his Divine Majestie and that fight for the Faith hope for his mercy he is gracious and mercifull They will enquire of thee concerning wine and games of hazard say unto them that it is in them a very great sin and yet of utility to men but the evill that they cause is much greater then the profit they reape They will demand what they ought to expend in â—ood works say unto them what shall remaine to you your â—wne affaires being done So God teacheth you his Comâ—andements peradventure you will call to mind the things â—f earth and of heaven They will enquire concerning Orâ—hans say unto them if their substance bee intermingled â—ith your owne doe them no wrong they are your breâ—â—ren in God he knoweth them that doe good and those â—â—t doe evill if it had pleased him he had detained much â—ore from you for he is Omnipotent and just Marry not â—omen that believe in many gods untill they believe in one â—le God a Slave that is a true believer is of more vaâ—â—e then a free Infidell notwithstanding she is beautifull â—fidels shall be summoned to hell fire and God calleth â—en to Paradise and to his mercy through his meere â—od pleasure and declareth to them his Commandements â—haps they will remember them They will enquire of â—ee concerning the monthly terms of women answer â—â—at they are uncleane separate your selves from your â—ives when they are menstruous and come not nigh them â—â—till they bee purified when they shall be cleane apâ—roach them according to what God hath commanded â—e loveth them that repent of their errors that are cleane â—d purified your wives are your tillage goe to your tilâ—ge at your pleasure and doe good for your souls you â—all one day find it feare God and preach his Commanâ—â—ments to the true believers Your Religion doth not perâ—it you to sweare by God in vaine and oftentimes to â—â—stifie your selves God understandeth and knoweth all â—ings he will not regard what you shall speake at ranâ—ome that shall not bee hurtfull to any but he will see â—hat it shall be in your heart He will be gracious and merâ—ifull to such as shall sweare not to touch their wives the â—ace of foure months if they returne to them he is graâ—ious and mercifull but if they desire to repudiate them â—e understandeth and knoweth all things Women diâ—orced shall tarry untill their Termes be past foure times â—efore they marry againe it is not permitted them to conâ—eale what God hath created in their wombe if they beâ—ieve in his divine Majesty and the day of Iudgement if they flie from their husbands they shall be brought agaâ—â— to them which is a thing reasonable They ought to â—nour them and their husbands likewise ought to honoâ—â— them but the husbands have a degree of advantage aboâ—â— them God is Omnipotent and most wife in what he 〈◊〉 dameth Divorce the first and second time ought to bâ— performed with mildnesse courtesie and good deeds is not lawfull for you to take any thing from your wives what you have given them if you both feare a disability not satisfying the Commandements of God but if yâ—â— both feare to transgresse the bounds prescribed by Goâ— you shall doe well to accord together such are the coâ—mandements of his divine Majesty such as transgresse thâ— are exceedingly too blame He that shall have repudiated wife thrice shall not resume her untill she hath been mâ—ryed to another that hath divorced her then they may 〈◊〉 turne to each other and marry againe without Sinne they thinke themselves able to continue within the lâ—â— prescribed by God which he manifesteth to the wise â— prudent When you shall repudiate your wives appoâ— them the time they must tarry before they againe maâ— take them with civility and modestie and in the like mâ—ner dismisse them give them presents according to your â—bilities and take them not to abuse nor torment theâ— they that doe this offend their owne Souls Mocke noâ— the Commandements of God Remember his favours 〈◊〉 how he hath taught you Scripture knowledge and 〈◊〉 mysteries of his law Feare God and know that he â—â—derstandeth all your actions When you repudiate yâ—â—â— wives appoint them the time they ought to tarry beâ—â—â—â— they marry againe and hinder them not to marry acâ—â—â—ding to the Commandements of God These things preached to them among you that believe in God and the day of Iudgement it is requisite so to make useâ— them God knoweth what you know not The woman 〈◊〉 give suck to their children two yeares entire if they fire to accomplish the time appointed to suckle them 〈◊〉 father shall nourish and cloath the wife and his childrâ—â— according to his faculties expend not but according the measure of your goods the father and mother shall not necessitate themselves for their children the heire shall performe what is above ordained he shall entertaine his father and mother according to his abilities See Gelaldin if the parents desire to weane their children before two years be expired they may do it without offending God if they both agree to it If you cause your children to be nursed by other women then your own wives God will not be offended in giving them their sallary according to reason and honesty feare God and know that he seeth what ever you doe Widdows shall tarry foure months and ten nights after the death of their husbands before they marry againe this time being accomplished they shall doe what shall seeme good to them according to reason and honesty God knoweth all your actions You will not offend God in speaking a word in secret to women that you research in marriage although you conceale in your mind your designe to espouse them he understandeth what ever you thinke of them know them not secretly untill you have pronounced the words
rest in the other world where they shall be severely chastâ—sed I increase the wealth of Infidels to augment their pain they shall in the â—nd feele grievous torments God will not leave the faithfull in the state that you are in he will one day separate â—he good from the evill he doth not teach you what is to â—ome he for that effect chuseth among the Prophets whom he seeth good Believe therefore in God and his Prophets if you believe in God fear to offend him you shall be rewarded Believe that such as are too sparing â—nd avaritious of the wealth that God hath given them do well on the contrary they do very ill what they spare without reason shall strangle them at the day of Iudgement The inheritance of heaven and earth is Gods he knoweth all things Certainly God heard the speech of them that said God is poor and we are rich hee hath said I will write what they have spoken and keep an exâ—ct account of the murther they have unjustly committed on the persons of the Prophets I will say to them at the day of Iudgement taste of the torments of hell fire which you have deserved God doth not lead into darknesse them that worship him There be that say God hath commanded us not to believe the Prophets untill their sacrifice be consumed by fire say to them there came to you Prophets heretofore with miracles that you demanded you had not slain them had you been righteous if they bely thee know they belyed the Prophets that were before thee that came with miracles the Psalter and the book of light Every man shall taste of death and your reward shall be payed at the day of Iudgement he that shall depart from the fire of hell and enter into Paradise shal be happy The wealth of this world is but matter of Pride that you may be tried in your riches and persons Hearken not to the Iews and Christians that have known the written Law before you neither to them that belieâ— in many gods they offend God through their blasphemie if you have patience and fear God you shall make a verâ— good resolution God hath accepted the speech of the that know his written Law when they promised him 〈◊〉 preach to the people his Commandements and not coâ—ceal them neverthelesse they have contemned them aâ— changed them for profit of little value and have gainâ— nothing but misery think not that such as rejoyce of thâ— evill they have done and affect to be commended 〈◊〉 what they have not done have escaped the punishmeâ— of their crimes they shall certainly suffer great torment The kingdome of heaven and of earth is Gods he is Oâ—nipotent the Creation of heaven and earth the diffâ—rence of day and night are evident signs of his Omnipâ—tencie to such as have judgement Such as have remember God standing sitting or lying down and considerâ— the creation of Heaven and Earth have said Lord the hast not created these things in vain blessed be thâ— Name deliver us from the torments of hell fire thou wâ— render miserable him that thou shalt thither precipitatâ— and the wicked shall be deprived of protection at the daâ— of Iudgement Lord we have heard them that say believe in your Lord we believe in thy unity pardon oâ— faults blot out our sins and give us grace to die in thâ— number of the just bestow on us what thou hast proâ—â—sed by the Prophets and suffer us not to be miserable aâ— the day of Iudgement thou dost not contradict whâ— thou dost promâ—se The Lord heard them and said 〈◊〉 them I will not suffer your works to be lost as well 〈◊〉 men as of women I will blot out the sins of them thaâ— went out of Mecca to separate themselves from the wiâ—ked I will cover the offenses of them that forsook theiâ— houses that assembled to fight for the Faith and weâ— flain I will open to them the gate of Paradise wherein flow many rivers to recompence their good woorks There is with God great reward envie not the Infidels whoâ— thou shalt see posiesse a little wealth in the earth hell is prepared to be their habitation and such as fear Goâ— shall dwell eternally in gardens wherein run many rivers with all manner of content God is a great rewarder of the iust Among them that know the written Law there be that believe in God in what was afore time taught you and in what was preached to them surely they obey God and forsake not his Law They shall receive a great reward from God he is exact in his account O ye that are true believers be patient in your adversities persevere to doe well fight for the Faith feare God and you shall be happy CHAP. IV. The chapter of women containing one hundred and seventy Verses written at Medina IN the name of God gracious and mercifull Kitab el tenoir O ye people feare your Lord that created you of one sole person and created his wife of his rib of whom issued many men and women Feare God by whom you sweare and say the belly * The ancient Arabians swore by by the name of God and the belly of their wives because they feared their sterility of your wives God exactly observeth your actions Give unto orphans what appertaineth to them and render not evill for good devoure not their substance it is a very great sin If you feare to doe injury to Orphans feare also to doe wrong to women marry those that please you two three or foure if you apprehend you shall not be able to entertaine them equally marry but one or the slaves that you shall have acquired this is most necessary to the end you offend not God Give to women their dowry with a good will if they give to you any thing that is pleasing to you receive it with affection and civility Bestow not on fools the wealth that God hath given you for subsistance assist Orphans give to them the garments that shall be necessary for them and entertaine them honestly instruct them untill they have attained to years of discretion and are capable of marriage if you believe they demeane themselves wisely restore to them their faculties and devoure them not unjustly before they be of age He that shall be rich shall abstain from their goods and he that is poore shall take with honesty according to the pains he shall undergoe for them when you make to them restitution of their goods take witnesse of your action God loveth good accounts The children shall have a good part of what their father and mother and parents left after their decease of little or of much there appertaineth to them a portion prefixed and limitted When they divide their goods the kindred shall have care of the poore and Orphans doe good to them and honestly entertaine them Such as feare to leave after them a weak progeny of little children ought to feare to wrong Orphans they
must feare God and courteously entertaine them Those that unjustly devoure their substance swallow fire into their bowels and shall burne in a great fire God recommendeth to you your children the son shall have as much as two daughters if there be more then two daughters they shall have two thirds of the succession of the dead if there be but one See Bedaci she shall have the moity and her kindred a sixth part of what shall be left by the dead if there be no children and the kindred be heires the mother of the dead shall have a third if there be brethren the mother shall have a sixth after satisfaction of the legacies contained in the Testament and of debts You understand not to whom it is most requisite to doe good to your children or to your father and mother give them their portion ordained of God The moity of what their wives shall leave belongeth to you if they have no children if they have you shall have the fourth part of what they shall leave after payment of the legacies and debts they shall have the fourth of your succession if you have no children if you have they shall have the eighth portion If a man of woman be the heires of each other and have neither father nor mother nor children and have a brother or sister each of them shall have a sixth part of the succession if they be more they shall share the third after payment of legacies and debts without fraud following what God hath ordained he knoweth all your actions and is prudent in what he ordaineth it is so ordained by his divine Maiesty He that shall obey him and his Prophet shall enter into Paradise where many rivers flow and shall dwell in eternall felicity he that shall disobey God and his Prophet shall be cast head-long nto the fire of hell where he shall suffer ignominious torments If your wives commit adultery take four witnesses of their fault that be of your Religion if they bear witness keep them prisoners in your houses untill death or untill God shall otherwise ordaine punish whoremongers concubines and adulterers if they repent of their fault doe them no harme God is gracious and mercifull to them that repent Conversion dependeth on God he is mercifull to them that commit sin ignorantly and speedily repent he is Omniscient and most wise Paâ—don is not for them that doe wickedly to the very houre of their death we have prepared great torments for them that shall die impious O ye that believe in God! it is not lawfull for you to inherit what is your wives by force take not violently away what you have given them unlesse they be surprized in manifest adultery see them with civility if you have an avertion from them it may chance that you hate a thing wherein God hath placed much good but if you desire to repudiate your wives to take others and that you have given them any thing take not any thing that appertaineth to them Wil you take their wealth with a lie and a manifest sin How shall you take it since you have approached each other and that you have promised to use them civilly Marry not the wives of your fathers what is past was incest abomination and a wicked way Your Mothers are forbidden you your Daughters Sisters Aunts Neices your Nurses and your foster-sisters the mothers of your wives the daughters that your wives have had by other husbands of whom you shall have a particular care The daughters of women that you shall have knowne are also forbidden you if you have not knowne them it will be no sin the wives of your sons are likewise prohibited and two sisters for what is past God is gracious and mercifull Married wives are likewise forbidden you except the women slaves that you shall have acquired God hath so commanded you except what is above forbidden it is lawfull for you to marry at your pleasure If you desire women for money and neither commit concubinage nor adultery give them their salary for which you shall agree so you shall not offend God he is omniscient and most wise He that shall not be able to espouse women of free-condition shall marry such women or maids that are slaves as shall please him God knoweth the faith of the one and other Marry your wives with the permission of their parents and give them their dowry with honesty If women of free-condition that have committed neither concubinage nor adultery secretly nor publikely flie into second nuptials and come to commit adultery they shall be doubly punished more then the daughters of Love See Gelaldin The marriage of slaves is for them that fear whordom If you abstain from marrying them you shall not do amiss God is gracious and mercifull he is willing to teach you his Law and direct you in the way of them that preceded you he is gracious and mercifull to his people Such as follow the appetite of the wicked decline extreamly from the Truth God willeth that his Law be Light unto you for that man was created weak O you that believe in God devour not your substance among you with ufury but if you traffique be peaceable in your affairs slay not one another God is mercifull to them that obey him He that disobeyeth through malice and iniustice shall burn in the fire of Hell it is an easie thing to God to punish them If you depart from mortal sins I will cover your faults and cause you to enter into Paradise covet not through envie what God hath given to your neighbor men and women shall have the wealth they have gained beg Grace of God he knoweth all things Give to your associates what appertaineth to them We have ordained a portion prefixt to the one and the other in the succession of your Father Mother and Kindred God seeth all The men shall have authority over the women they shall have them in their keeping they shall have in their power the wealth that God shall give them and shall have care of what shall be convenient to be expended for them Discreet and obedient wives observe in the absence of their husbands the Commandements of God make remonstrances to them that shall be disobedient and remove them from your Bed chastise them If they obey you seek not occasion to abuse them uniustly God is most high and most mighty If you fear there may happen some difference between a man and his wife send to them some of their Kindred to put an end to their quarrel and reconcile them God wil give his peace to them he is omniscient Worship God and say not that he hath a companion equall to him do good to your Father and Mother your Kindred Orphans the Poor your Neighbors Pilgrims your Friends and your Slaves God loveth not the proud We have prepared rigorous torments for them that are avaricious that recommend avarice to the people that conceal the Graces that
not surprise you they are your declared Enemies when thou shalt be neare them and shalt appoint the true believers to make their prayers keep about thee a partie of them for a guard while the residue make their prayers having finished their Orisons they shall doe as the first take armes and keep a guard during the time their companions shall make their prayers the Infidels desire that you quit your armes to surprize you you shall not doe amisse to quit them if raine trouble you or you be sick but continue alwayes upon your guard God hath prepared for Infidels ignominious torments Having finished your prayers Remember God standing sitting or lying downe and pray when you shall be in a place of safety prayer is commanded the faithfull in a prefixed and appointed time Bee not negligent to pursue the Infidels if you suffer they shall suffer 〈◊〉 you but you hope for that which they must not hope for God knoweth all their actions hee is most prudent 〈◊〉 all his works We have sent to thee the most true Book the end thou mayst iudge the differences that are amoâ—â— the people as thy Lord hath instructed thee Contend 〈◊〉 with Traitors and aske pardon of God he is gracious aâ—â— mercifull Dispute not with those that betray their soulâ— God loveth not treacherous sinners they conceale theâ—selves from the world he is with them when they hide their hearts such things as are displeasing to him 〈◊〉 knoweth all their actions O yee you dispute for the in this world who shall dispute for them against God 〈◊〉 the day of Iudgement who shall that day be their prâ—tector He that shall implore pardon of God have offended him shall finde him gracious and merciful who doth evill shall find evill God is Omniscient aâ—â— most wise Gelaldin saith a great and little sin He that committeth a venial or a mortal sin aâ—â— would excuse himself committeth evidently a mortall sin Many of them had endeavoured to seduce thee hadst thâ—â— not been directed by the grace and mercy of God Bâ—â— they seduce only their own souls and shall do thee 〈◊〉 harme God hath sent to thee the Book that containeâ— his Commandements he hath taught thee what thou diâ— not understand and his grace is eminently upon thee there is no good in the multiplicity of their secrets or diâ—course except in such as command alms honesty aâ—â— peace among the people with desire to please God theâ— shall recive from his divine Maiesty a great reward 〈◊〉 that shall contradict the Prophet having had knowledâ—â— of the right way and shall follow other paths then that 〈◊〉 the true believers shall relapse into his impiety I wiâ—â— cause him to burn in the fire of hell where is the habitatioâ— of the wicked God pardoneth not them that say he haâ— companions except this he pardons all things as he seeâ— good he that affirmeth that God hath a companioâ— greatly erreth and is estranged from the truth If they invoke other then God they invoke Idols the devill obstinate and cursed of God when he said to him thou wiâ—â— not give me power over them that worship thee but I will seduce them from the right way I will prolong their wicked life to retard their conversion I will cause them to cut off the * The ancient Arabians cut off the ear of any beast and gave him liberty through their country for expiation of their sins ears of beasts they shall disobey thy commendements and they shall envie thy creatures He that demandeth succours of the devill is in manifest perdition he will promise to men long life and retard their repentance but he promiseth them but a vain glory hell is the dwelling place of such men out of which they shall find no issue Such as shall believe in God and do good works shall dwell eternally in Paradise where flow many rivers God is most true in what he promiseth who is more then God in his words Your lies and the lies of them that know the written Law do him no harm See Gelaldin be that shall do ill shall be punished and shall find no protector he that shall do well See Kitab el tenoir and shall believe in the Law of God shall enter into Paradise and shall have no iniustice done to him what better law is there then to resigne thy self to God and to be an honest man Follow the Law of Abraham God chose Abraham to love him whatsoever is in heaven and in earth belongeth to his divine Maiesty he knoweth all things They will question thee concerning women say to them God teacheth you in that what you were taught in the Scripture touching Orphans and women give to them what is appointed by the Law and desire not to espouse them only to possess their wealth God teacheth you likewise to give to Orphans what appertaineth to them and not to iniure them he will understand your good actions If a woman fear to be illentreated by her husband and that he will divorce her they shall do well mutually to accord for peace is exceeding good If you be too obstinate and cannot agree together if you do good to your wives in divorcing them and feare to wrong them God will take notice of your actions If you believe you cannot keep equality and iustice among your wives although you apply your selves to it Incline not altogether to your own appetites and leave not your wife as a thing left in toleration If you live in a good accord and fear to injure them God will be mercifull to you If they separate themselves conformably to the precepts of the Law God will enrich them with his protection he is bountifull and wise and whatever is in Heaven and Earth obeyeth him We have recommended to you the fear of God as we have heretofore to them that had knowledge of the written Law If you be impious know that whatever is in Heaven and Earth is Gods he hath no need of his creatures must be exalted it sufficeth thee he is thy protector If he will he can cause you to perish and put other creatures in your place for he is Omnipotent He that loveth the good things of the Earth shall find in God all the wealth of this world and of the other he understandeth and seeth all things Oh you that believe be true in your testimonies notwithstanding it be against your selves against your Father and Mother and against your kindred and consider the rich no more then the poore God is the protector of the one and the other follow not your appetites to favour the rich more then the poore pervert not the Truth be not scâ—â—pulous to testifie what you know God knoweth all your actions Oh ye that believe in God! and his Prophet and the Book that was sent before him know he that blasphemeth against his divine Majestie against his Angels the Scripture the Prophets and life eternall greatly erreth and departeth
expect it with perseverance Then did we deliver him from their malice and all the true believers that were with him and destroyed those Infidels by reason of their impiety Wee sent Salhe to Temod and his people he said to them Oh ye people worship but one God he shall shew you a miracle in this * The Turks believe that Salhe through Gods permission metamorphosed a rock into a Camel Camel suffer it to feed on the Earth and do to it no harm left you be chastised Remember how God left you on the Earth after Aad he gave you to dwell in the vallies in the plaines and mountaines Remember God and pollute not the Earth any more Their Captains who were proud demanded of the poore if they believed that Salhe was indeed the Messenger of God they answered We believe in his words and in his doctrine Then said those proud men We abjure what ye believe we condemne him and they slew the Camel of Salhe in derision disobeyed the Commandements of God and said Oh Salhe Let us now see the punishment that thou didst preach if thou art of the Prophets at the same time an Earthquake with thunder surprized them and they remained dead as carkasses in their houses Salhe forsook them and said Oh ye people I declared to you the will of God with fidelity but ye detest them that affect you and give you good counsels Remember thou how Lot spake to the people saying Will you daily defile your selves with whoredome and with a filthinesse that was never yet seen in the world by any your Predecessours Will you love men better then women will you love sin rather then piety They said Let us expell Lot and his family from our Citie for that they will not contaminate themselves with us but God delivered him out of their hands and those of his house except his wife who continued with them that were punished We caused a raine to fall upon them that destroyed all of them Consider the end of the wicked We sent Chaib to the Country of Madian hee said Oh ye people worship one God alone weigh with good weights measure with good measure and retaine nothing from your Neighbour Possesse not the high wayes to give terrour to the people Neither divert True-believers from the Law of God Remember that you were but a small handfull of men and he caused you to multiply consider the end of the wicked If any among you embrace the faith and others contemne it have patience untill God judge your differences there is no better judge then he Their Teachers said Oh Chaib wee will banish thee from Madian thee and those that are of thy faith if thou art of our Religion he answered should I not abhorre your Religion I should blaspheme against God who hath delivered me I will follow it if it please God hee knoweth all things I recommend my selfe wholly to the will of his divine Majesty Lord judge our controversie thou art the best Judge of the world Then said their Teachers to the people if you follow Chaib you are damned not long after an Earth-quake and Thunder surprized them and in the morning they were found dead in their houses such as belyed Chaib found no safety in their habitations they were wretched hee abandoned them and said Oh ye people I have preached to you the will of God with fidelity I will no longer afflict my selfe with the malice of the wicked Wee infflicted sicknesse and poverty on them that disobeyed the Prophets whom we sent to the Inhabitants of Madian peradventure they will be converted Wee proved them through diseases and health and gratified them in many occurrences yet they said our fathers were afflicted with sicknesse and povertie we shall be as they but we chastised them for their sinne when they least considered it Had the Inhabitants of Mecca had our feare before their eyes and obeyed our Commandements we had opened to them the blessing of Heaven and Earth wee will punish them because they are impious Some there be that shall be afflicted in the night when they sleep and others that shall be tormented by day when they sport and recreate themselves they believed God to be a deceiver and are damned God guideth into the right way True-believers and makes them Heire of the Earth after their parents had he so pleased he might have destroyed all the world he might have hardened the hearts of the people and no man had harkned to his word I recount what things befell that * To Mecca City many Prophets have been sent to its Inhabitants and wrought many miracles yet would they not relinquiâ—h their former impietie thus have we hardned the hearts of Infidels they violated their promises and wee found most of them to be wicked and disobedient We sent Moses to Pharaoh and his people he to them shewed miracles which through their malice they contemned but consider the end of those wicked men Moses said unto Pharaoh I am a messenger sent from God the God of the Universe when I speak of God I deliver the Truth I am come through his command to tell thee thou must dismisse with me the Children of Israel and no longer detaine them in thy dominions Pharaoh said if thou commest from God and art true in thy sayings let us see some miracles then he cast upon the ground his staffe which was changed into a Serpent shewed his hand that appeared exceeding white to the eyes of the Spectators The Doctors of Pharaoh said this man is a Magician he would have us to abandon our Country what is your opinion detain him prisoner and his brother and send into your Cities to assemble Magicians The Magicians of Pharaoh appearing before him they said Gelaldin saith Moses his hand was â—owne what shall be our reward if we shall be victorious He replyed to them you shall be well rewarded and shall be of them that approach my person They said oh Moses wilt thou first cast down thy staffe on the ground or shall we ours Moses bad them cast down theirs which they did enchanting the eyes of the spectators and terrifying them with an extraordinary enchantment God inspired Moses to cast down his Rod which devoured the staves of the other and the Truth appeared above falshood and above the vanity of their actions they were vanquished to their confusion forsook their magick and prostrating themselves on the earth uttered these words We believe in the Lord of the Universe the Lord of Moses and of Aaron Pharaoh said to them Ye believe in the God of Moses without my permission this is a deceit invented by you to drive the people out of my Dominions but you shall soon know the punishment that I will lay upon you I will cut off your feete and hands and command you to be crucified They answered We recommend our selves wholly to the will of God whatsoever is thy revenge on us thou shalt not hinder
attend the issue we will attend it with you whatsoever is in heaven and in earth appertains to God all men shall be assembled before him worship him resign your selves to his Will he knoweth whatsoever the people doth CHAP. XII The Chapter of Joseph containing an hundred and thirteene Verses written at Mecca IN the Name of God gracious and mercifull I am the mercifull God These signes are the signes of the Booke which distinguisheth good from evill We have caused to discend from heaven the Alcoran written in the Arabique tongue peradventure yee will learne it I deliver unto thee in the Alcoran one of the best things that I have inspired into thee Thou were before the comming thereof in the number of the ignorant Remember thou that Joseph said to his father My father I saw in a dreame eleven Stars the Sunne and the Moone I saw them adoring me My sonne said his father discover not thy dreame to thy brothers they will conspire against thee the devill is an open enemy to men thou shalt be elected of the Lord in this world he shall teach thee the explication of Dreams he shall accomplish his grace upon thee and upon the lineage of Jacob as he did accomplish it upon thy fathers Abraham and Isaac the Lord knoweth all things and is most wise The History of Ioseph shall serve for example to posterity remember thou how his brothers said our father loveth our brother Ioseph more then all us together he is in an exceeding great error let us kill Ioseph and cast him into some secret place remote from us his absence will render the face of our father more gentle towards us after his death we will be converted One of them said you shall not doe well to kill him but cast him into the well some passengers will take him and carry him into an unknowne Countrie They said to their Father Father wherefore doest thou not send Ioseph into the Fields with us Wee will bee very carâ—full hee shall sport and recreate himselfe I feare said hee that yee will neglect to pâ—eserve him dost thou feare said they that a wolf should devoure him in our presence and that we want strength to defend him In the morning they led him with them and cast him into a Well We inspired him to prophesie to them what should befall them for the mischief they acted but they wanted knowledge to comprehend it they in the evening returned to their fathers house with eyes full of dissembled teares and said unto him father we sported and ran who should run the best Ioseph remained with our baggage a wolf came that devoured him thou wilt not believe us although we speak the truth then they shewed him his shirt which they had sprinkled with blood it is you that hath done it said he you shall answer it before God he is my protector and was patient without lamenting There past that day * The Levantins well a Caravan a number of persons travelling together a Caravan near to that Well who desiring to draw water to drink let downe a bucket on which Ioseph took hold to get out they gave him cloathes led him away secretly and sold him at a good rate for ready money they would not kill him in which they were honest men He that bought him in Egypt commanded his wife to have care of him that he might one day be usefull for their service and be to them instead of a son Thus did we establish Ioseph in the country of Egypt and taught him the exposition of dreams thy Lord is Omnipotent but few men know him when Ioseph came to the age of manhood we gave him knowledge and prudence thus doe we reward the righteous His Masters wife became amorous of his beauty she one day shut him into her chamber and solicited him with love God defend me said he to betray my Master and be unchaste he was in the number of the righteous and fled to the door his Mistrisse ran after him and to stay him tore his shirt through the back she met her husband behind the door to whom she said what other thing doth he merit who would dishonour thine house then to be imprisoned and severely chastised Lord said Ioseph she sollicited me that infant which is in the cradle and of thy parentage shall be witnesse Then the infant in the cradle said if Iosephs shirt be torne before she hath spoken truth and Ioseph is a lyar if the shirt be rent behind Iosepâ— hath delivered the truth and she a lye then her husband bâ—held Iosephs shirt torne behind and knew that it was extreame malice and said to Ioseph take heed to thy self and beware this act be not divulged doe thou speaking to his wife implore pardon for thy fault thou art truly guilty The women of the City said among themselves that the rich mans wife was amorous of his Slave and that she had sollicited his love and had erred from the right way which she understanding made them an exceeding fair feast and caused Ioseph to enter the Parlour where they sate while they carved their meat they were so surprised and entangled with Iosephs beauty that they instead of carving their meat cut their fingers O God! said they this is not a man but an Angel then said she unto them behold him whom I loved with so much passion she another time importuned him to satisfie her desire and perceiving that he would not condescend to her will menaced him with the prison and to make him miserable O God! said Ioseph I had rather be a prisoner then do what she desireth deliver me from her malice defend me from inclining to her lubricity and from being in the number of the wicked his Lord heard his prayer he understandeth and knoweth all things This woman seeing Iosephs resolution judged it requisite to imprison him for some time he was put prisoner with two men one of which told him that he had dreamed that he prest grapes to make wine the other said that he dream'd that he caried bread upon his head which the birds did eat they demanded of him the interpretation of their dreams because he seemed to them to be a good man he said to them before ye break fast I wil interpret your dreams I wil first tell you what God hath taught me and how I quit abandon the law of Infidels embrace the Law of our fathers Abraham Isaac and Iacob we ought not worship many gods such as believe in the unity of God are endued with his grace but few men give him thanks O Prisoners who hath more power Idols or one sole God who is omnipotent The gods which ye adore are but Idols whom ye and your fathers call by such a name as seemeth good to you ye have no reason to worship them God doth not enjoyn you thâ—s he commandeth you to worship him alone this is the right way but the greatest part of the world
of this are ignorant O prisoners the one of you shall give wine to drink to his Master the other shall be hanged the birds shall feed on his head the interpretation that ye have required shall be accomplished He besought him that should be saved to remember him when he should be neer to his Master but the devill caused him to lose the remembrance of Ioseph who remained prisoner the space of nine years At that time the King of Egypt saw in a dream seven fat kine which seven lean kine devoured and seven green eares of corn with seven drie eares of which he required the interpretation of his Doctors they answered that the dream was very obscure and that they knew not the interpretation the prisoner that had been set at liberty said that he would forthwith give the interpretation of the dream remembred Ioseph and calling him unto him said O righteous man explain unto us what is the signification of seven fat kine devoured by seven leane and seven green eares of corn and as many dry peradventure I shall return to the King and his people and they shall understand the interpretation of this dream Ioseph said to him yee shall sow the earth seven years following which shall abound in fruits preserve your Harvest in the ears and take only what shall be necessary for life after this there shall come seven years barren and unfruitfull in which the people shall suffer much The King of Egypt having learned the interpretation of this dream commanded to call Ioseph the Messenger said unto him O Ioseph return to thy Master and require of him the meaning of the women who did cut their fingers he hath knowledge of their malice hath caused them to assemble and demanded of them what was their designe when they solicited thee with love they answered they knew no sinne in thee and his wife confessed the truth saying she had importuned thee but that thou art a very just man Ioseph answered by this it appears that I am no traitor to my Master in his absence God guideth not traitors I will not say I am a man without sin the spirit of man inclineth to evill except such to whom God hath given his particular grace he is gracious and mercifull to whom seemeth good to him The King having talked with Joseph entred him into the number of his domesticks and made him superintendent of his * All the revenues of the Crown revenews because he knew him to be a man of spirit faithfull and thrifty We by our speciall grace establish Joseph in the Country of Egypt where he did what seemeth good to him I deprive not the righteous of their reward on earth the recompence of the other world is yet greater for them that believe in my Law and have my fear before their eyes The brethren of Joseph returned to buy corn he said to them when ye shall come again bring with you your yong brother by the father you shall find I will make you good measure and lodge well my guests if you bring him not there shall be no corn for you approach not this kingdom without him They answered Lord his father loveth him exceedingly nevertheless we shall endeavour to perform what thou enjoynest us he commanded his servants to put their money for corn in the bottoms of his brethrens sacks perhaps said he they will return or acknowledge this favour when they shall come into their Country When they arrived at their father they said Father there is no more corn for us if our young brother go not with us if he go thither we shall have good measure and we will be carefull of him You will be carefull said he as you were heretofore of your brother Joseph God wil defend him better then you he the merciful of the mercifull When they poured forth their corn they found their money at the bottomes of their sacks and said our father what shall we desire more our money is restored to us and we have bread for our family permit that our brother go with us we shall have better measure that is a small thing to the King of Egypt I will not send him with you unlesse ye all sweare before God to bring him back again if there be no great impediment They swore to fulfill his will then said he I take God to be witness of your oath O my sons enter not all together into the City but go in at severall gates to the end the people may not be jealous of you God commandeth what to him â—eemeth good I rely on him all true believers ought to â—esign themselves to his divine will they entred the Ciâ—y as their father enjoyned them to content him beâ—ng arrived before Joseph he took his little brother by the hand and said to him trouble not thy self for what shall become of thy brethren having filled their sacks he causad a Cup adorned with precious stones to be put into the sack of his little brother caused it to be given out that they of the Caravan had stolne the Kings Cup and sent men after them to search those strangers protested they saw it not and that they came not into Egypt to steal that they were sureties for each other and that he who had stolne it deserved punishment The Cup was found in the sack of his young brother he caused him to be apprehended and accused them all of theft Lord said they his father is old he will be extreamly afflicted for his absence take one of us in his place thou shalt in the end find us to be honest men God forbid said he that I should detain other then him who was found guilty of theft that would be injustice finding themselves out of hope to free their brother they saved themselves in a secret place remote from the City where the eldest said to his brethren you know the oath we took at our departure and how heretofore we intreated Joseph I will not go out of Egypt without my fathers permission God is most just he shall dispose of me and my brother as shall please him return to your father and say unto him thy son was taken in theft we saw him and endeavoured to our power to deliver him they of the Caravan shall be witnesses Jacob said at their return they were the cause of that accident that did not displease you and he took patience saying God perhaps will favour my sons to return in health he knoweth in what condition I am he is most prudent in what he ordaineth He retired from among his sons extreamly afflicted and bewayled the losse of his son Joseph had his eyes continually covered with tears and he bore in his heart great sorrow His sons said unto him Doâ— thou yet remember Ioseph to adde to thy grief and hasten thine end I am said he extreamly desolate I leave all to the will of God he hath taught me what ye know not My sonnes return into
God gracious and mercifull Oh Prophet fear God and obey not unbelievers God knoweth all things and is most prudent in what he ordaineth observe what thy Lord hath taught thee he knoweth the actions of men recommend thy selfe to God it ought to suffice thee that he protecteth thee He hath not given two hearts unto men he hath not enjoyned us to call your wives your mothers those which you call your Children are not all your Children ye speak it only with the mouth but God alwayes speaketh the truth and guideth men into the way of salvation Call your neighbour by the name of his father this action shall be acceptable to God provided that ye have no evill desigâ—â—â—◠〈◊〉 the heart is ye know not his name call him your brothe◠〈◊〉 God or Sir God is gracious and mercifull The Prophet is obeyed of them that believe in God and honour his wives as their Mothers Kinsmen are heirs of each other it is so appointed by his divine Majesty to the Believers that went out of Mecca to follow the Prophet It is ordained in Scripture to do good to your parents Remember thou that we received the promise of the Prophets of thee of Noah of Abraham of Moses and of Jesus the Sonne of Mary to worship but one God we received a strong promise An accompt shall be required of their actions and the wicked shall feel the rigour of infinite paines Oh ye that believe in God! remember his favour towards you when ye were charged by troups of Enemies he sent against them an impetuous winde and troups invisible to your eyes to fight them he seeth all that ye do those invisible troups came from the East and from the West from above and below when your sight was troubled and your hearts failed you because of the great number of your Enemies ye had already conceived a very bad opinion of the Law of God then were the True-believes tried they trembled with fear The wicked and such as were weak in their faith said that whatsoever God and his Prophet had promised them was but abuse vanity Remember thou how a party of them said to the Inhabitants of the Territory of Medina there is no safety for you with Mahomet return into your houses Remember thou how many among them required dismission and said that their houses were forsaken Their houses were not forsaken but they had a design to flye had they returned to their houses they had on all sides perswaded them to follow impiety they should not there have made long abode because the before had promised God not to fly he would have required an accompt of their promises Say unto them flight shall be to you unprofitable if ye fly death for that ye ought no longer to continue in the world Say unto them who is able to protect you against GOD when he shall resolve to destroy you take none other protector but him he knoweth them that were disswaded to go to the â—eâ—ell to spare their Wealth and Persons They cast 〈◊〉 upon thee when they are surprized with fear they turn their eyes into the head as a man that dyeth and when they are delivered from fear they traduce thee because of their extream avarice Such men believe not in God he rendreth all their works unfruitfull it is a thing easie to his divine Majesty The Troups of the Infidels believed they were invincible and when they saw the troups of the True believers they desired to flye The Infidels desired to draw the Arabians to their party and have intelligence to know in what condition you are had they bin of your party few of them had bin slain the adhering to the Prophet of God serveth to you as a Cittadell it serveth as a Bulwark to them that apprehend the day of Judgment and think often on his divine Majesty When the believers said behold what God and his Prophet promised us they are sincere in their promises the sight of their enemies encreased their faith and zeale towards God and his Prophet There be persons among the True-believers who have performed what they promised to God many of them are dead in obedience to the Commandments of his divine Majesty others attend the same thing swarve not from wâ—at they have promised God shall recompense them for their zeal and chastise the Infidels or pardon them if it so please him he is gracious and merciful God shall destroy the unbelievers with their wrath against the believers he protecteth True-believers incombats he is strong and omnipotent The Iews descended from their Fortress to give aid to the Infidels but God cast fear into their hearts a party of them were slain and the rest taken slaves they by their death made you heirs of their lands their houses their riches and fortresses which you were not able to conquer God is omnipotent Oh Prophet if thy wives be too ambitious of the wealth of the earth and of garments too sumptuous Call them Say unto them that thou wilt deal well with them wilt repudiate them wiâ—h mildnesse and civility If they love God and his Prophet if they are vertuous his divine Majesty will give them an exceeding great reward Oh ye wives of the Prophet such of you as shall be unchaste shall be punished doubtly more then other women this is a thing easie to God such among you as shall obey God and his Prophet and shall do good works shall be rewarded more then other women an exceeding great reward is prepared for you Oh ye wives of the Prophet ye are not like other women of the world fear God and believe not in the discourse of such as have design to seduce you speak with civility abide in your houses go not forth to make your beauty appear and to make a shew as did the ignorant of old pray to God with affection give almes obey God and his Prophet God will deliver you from his wrath and will purifie you be mindful of the â—aw that is taught you in your houses he is mercifull to them that honour him he knoweth all the actions of the Prophet he hath promised his mercy and an exceeding great reward to those Men and Women that shall obey his Commandments Those men and women that believe in his unity that resign themselves to his divine pleasure that are patient and humble thâ— speak the truth that fast give alms are chast and 〈◊〉 men and women that observe his law ought not to coutrâ— his actions neither those of his Prophet nor say that thâ— could do better theâ— they if they would endeavour it 〈◊〉 that disobeyeth God and his Prophet erreth from the rigâ—â— way Remember what thou didst say to him whom Gâ—â— favoured Mahomet was amorous of Zeid his slaves wife he caused him to repudiate her to marry her because of her beauty to receive him into his Law and whom thâ— didst gratifie with liberty that saidst divorce not thy wiâ—â— and