For the _Mahometans_, as they partake with all Religions in something, so they imitate the _Jew_ in this. For in their observed gestures, they hold a regard unto _Mecha_ and _Medina Talnabi_, two Cities in _Arabia fælix_, where their Prophet was born and buried; whither they perform their pilgrimages: and from whence they expect he should return again. And therefore they direct their faces unto these parts, which unto the _Mahometans_ of _Barbary_ and _Egypt_ lie East, and are in some point thereof unto many other parts of _Turkie_. Wherein notwithstanding there is no Oriental respect; for with the same devotion on the other side they regard these parts toward the West, and so with variety wheresover they are seated, conforming unto the ground of their conception.
Fourthly, Whereas in the ordering of the Camp of _Israel_, the East quarter is appointed unto the noblest Tribe, that is the Tribe of _Judah_, according to the command of God [SN: _Num. 3._], in the East-side toward the rising of the Sun shall the Standard of the Tribe of _Judah_ pitch: it doth not peculiarly extol that point. For herein the East is not to be taken strictly, but as it signifieth or implieth the foremost place; for _Judah_ had the Van, and many Countries through which they passed were seated Easterly unto them. Thus much is implied by the Original, and expressed by Translations which strictly conform thereto: So _Tremelius_, _Castra habentium ab anteriore parte Orientem versus, vexillum esto castrorum Judæ_; so hath _R. Solomon Jarchi_ expounded it, the foremost or before, is the East quarter, and the West is called behind. And upon this interpretation may all be salved that is alleageable against it. For if the Tribe of _Judah_ were to pitch before the Tabernacle at the East, and yet to march first, as is commanded, _Numb._ 10. there must ensue a disorder in the Camp, nor could they conveniently observe the execution thereof: For when they set out from _Mount Sinah_ where the Command was delivered, they made Northward unto _Rithmah_; from _Rissah_ unto _Eziongaber_ about fourteen stations they marched South: From _Almon Diblathaim_ through the mountains of _Yabarim_ and plains of _Moab_ towards _Jordan_ the face of their march was West: So that if _Judah_ were strictly to pitch in the East of the Tabernacle, every night he encamped in the Rear: and if (as some conceive) the whole Camp could not be less than twelve miles long, it had been preposterous for him to have marched foremost; or set out first who was most remote from the place to be approached.