ercise, and the same settled measure of
meat and drink that is allotted them, and that such as is abundantly
sufficient for them.

6. And truly, as for other things, they do nothing but according to the
injunctions of their curators; only these two things are done among them
at everyone's own free-will, which are to assist those that want it,
and to show mercy; for they are permitted of their own accord to afford
succor to such as deserve it, when they stand in need of it, and to
bestow food on those that are in distress; but they cannot give any
thing to their kindred without the curators. They dispense their anger
after a just manner, and restrain their passion. They are eminent for
fidelity, and are the ministers of peace; whatsoever they say also is
firmer than an oath; but swearing is avoided by them, and they esteem
it worse than perjury [4] for they say that he who cannot be believed
without [swearing by] God is already condemned. They also take great
pains in studying the writings of the ancients, and choose out of them
what is most for the advantage of their soul and body; and they inquire
after such roots and medicinal stones as may cure their distempers.

7. But now if any one hath a mind to come over to their sect, he is not
immediately admitted, but he is prescribed the same method of living
which they use for a year, while he continues excluded'; and they give
him also a small hatchet, and the fore-mentioned girdle, and the white
garment. And when he hath given evidence, during that time, that he can
observe their continence, he approaches nearer to their way of living,
and is made a partaker of the waters of purification; yet is he not
even now admitted to live with them; for after this demonstration of his
fortitude, his temper is tried two more years; and if he appear to be
worthy, they then admit him into their society. And before he is allowed
to touch their common food, he is obliged to take tremendous oaths,
that, in the first place, he will exercise piety towards God, and then
that he will observe justice towards men, and that he will do no harm to
any one, either of his own accord, or by the command of others; that he
will always hate the wicked, and be assistant to the righteous; that
he will ever show fidelity to all men, and especially to those
in authority, because no one obtains the government without God's
assistance; and that if he be in authority, he will at no time whatever
abuse his aut