Page:Christianity in China, Tartary, and Thibet Volume I.djvu/392

380 beyond the sea, we wish it to be known to your Royal Excellency, that we hope and finally believe that con- cord and peace will in a short time (by God's help) succeed to all the divisions and quarrels which have arisen in different parts."

In a second letter, dated on the last day of November 1307, Edward writes to the King of the Tartars : — " We would very willingly use all our endeavours to extirpate the abominable sect of Mahomet, if the distance of the places and other difficulties did not prevent us ; for the present time is favourable to such a design. If we are well informed, the very books of this abominable sect themselves foretell its approaching destruction. Con- tinue then your laudable design, and complete what you have undertaken for the extermination of this horrid sect.

" Some priests, honest and learned men, are coming to your court, with the intention (by God's help) of converting your people to the Catholic faith, out of which none can be saved ; of instructing them in this religion, and exhorting them to make war on the detest- able sect of Mahomet ; those who are coming are the venerable brother William, of the order of the Preachers, Bishop of Lidd, with his venerable suite, whom we re- commend to you, begging you to give them a good reception."

This letter is an evident proof that the messenger of Kharbende had not only allowed Edward to be ignorant that his master was a Mussulman, but that he had also grossly imposed on the King of England, in soliciting