The rarities of Turkey, gathered by one that was sold seven times a slave in the Turkish Empire, and now exposed to view for the benefit of his native countrey:.

Miracles done by Mahomet at Mecha, which, they say, he still doth in these times.

I Know not whether I should call them Miracles, or rather Mon∣strous toyes, written in their book called Mehemedine, wherein they are perswaded, that when Mecha was a building, GOD, by the prayers of Mahomet, commanded divers moun∣tains to bring their stone to the Fa∣brick of that Church, every Hill his tenth: and when divers Moun∣tains had brought their portions, and Mecha built and perfectly com∣pleated, a certain Hill called Ara∣phat, and some other more remote, coming thither with their tenths somewhat too late, and finding Me∣cha built, and no use of their stones,

they began most bitterly to weep; which when Mahomet perceived Hills so distressed, and understood the cause, he said unto them, Be of good cheer, weep not, but store your tenths up in a place which I shall shew you; and whosoever shall not pray upon your stones, his pilgrimage shall be un∣profitable and unaccepted. And after so doing, Mahomet struck the stones with his foot, and there issued out Water, not useful to drink; and imposed a name, and called it, A water of purification, whereof every Pilgrim carrieth at his return, some portions thereof in vessels; and whenever any die, the vestures wherewith the body is to be co∣vered, are sprinkled with this water, for remission of their sins. And they further affirm, That no man can come to Mecha, whose visit is not known to Mahomet, who reveals the persons to the Keepers there (all Eunuchs:) and if a Pilgrim come,

a Ravisher, or wicked Man, a Chri∣stian, or any of Religion different from theirs; these said Keepers for∣bid him entrance into Mecha. But the body of Mahomet is not there, as some affirm, but onely an imagi∣nary form in the Wall of the Church, expressing the lineament of a body, which is often kissed; and so they return home again. Such lying follies, for miracles, these Infidels are possessed with, concerning Mahomet; and divers others, so ridiculous, as I omit for modesties sake: yet must advise the Reader, if he please, to interro∣gate any Turk therein, and he will finde I have spoke nothing but meer Truth.