“This proceeds, without all question,” added the Mahometan, “from some enormous sin, but what it is, I know not:  and whatsoever reflections I can make, I am not able to find what has drawn upon us so dreadful a misfortune.”  “There is nothing more clear,” replied Xavier; “God, who detests the prayer of infidels, has permitted a worship to moulder away, which is displeasing to him; and gives you thence to understand, that he condemns your sect.”  The Saracen was not satisfied with this reason, nor with any other argument which Xavier used against the Alcoran.  While they were thus disputing, a Caciz, or doctor of the law, joined company with them, having made the same complaint concerning the mosques, how little they were frequented, and how cold was grown the devotion of the people.  “I have taken my measures,” said he, “and if in two years Mahomet comes not in person to visit the congregations of the faithful, who acknowledge him for God’s true prophet, I will certainly look out for some other religion.”  Xavier took pity on the folly of the Caciz, and endeavoured all he could to convert him at that instant from Mahometanism; but he could not prevail upon an obstinate mind, blinded with the opinion of its own reason; and therefore the father acquiesced in the decrees of that Providence, which has fixed the times and revolutions for the conversion of infidels and sinners.

Having left Melinda, where they continued but few days, and still coasting Africa, they cast anchor at Socotora, which is beyond Cape Guardafu, and over against the Strait of Mecca.  The Moors of that country call it the Isle of Amazons; and the reason they allege is, because it is governed by women.  The inhabitants believe their isle to be the earthly paradise; which notwithstanding, there is scarcely to be found in all the world, a spot of ground less deserving that glorious title.  The air is in a perpetual sultry heat, the soil is dry and barren, and, excepting only for the aoes which is there produced, and is indeed the best which grows in those eastern parts, even the name of Socotora would not be mentioned.  It is not certainly known what religion they profess, so monstrous is their belief.  They hold from the Saracens the worship of Mahomet, from the Jews the use of circumcision and sacrifices, and yet give themselves the name of Christians.  The males bear the name of some or other of the apostles, the most part of the women are called Mary, and yet they have no knowledge of baptism.  They adore the cross, and hang it in little about their necks.  They chiefly venerate St Thomas; and it is an ancient tradition amongst them, that this holy apostle, in going to the Indies, was cast by a tempest on their coast; that being come ashore, he preached Jesus Christ to those of Socotora; and that from the wreck of that ship which brought him thither, they built a chapel in the middle of their island.