Mahometan

WHile we lay at Guam we took up a Reſolution of going to Mindanao, one of the Philippine Iſlands, being told by the Frier and others, that it was exceedingly well ſtored with Proviſions; that the Natives were Mahometans, and that they had formerly a Commerce with the Spaniards; but that now they were at wars with them.

Moreover, the modern argument in favour of the supernatural origin of the Christian religion, drawn from its suitableness to our needs and its divine response to our aspirations, must be admitted by every candid person resorting to it to be of exactly equal force in the mouth of a Mahometan or a fire-worshipper or an astrolater.

The devout Mahometans charge the Sofis with atheism; while the latter not only deny the accusation, but pretend to hold intercourse with God: they assemble at night, and perform the exercises of turning round, jumping and shouting, till they drop down from weakness and exhaustion.

The Klings of Western India are a numerous body of Mahometans, and, with many Arabs, are petty merchants and shopkeepers.