Their Studies
They display an extraordinary interest in the writings of the ancients, singling out in particular those which make for the welfare of soul and body; through these they make investigations into medicinal roots[1] and the properties of stones,[2] useful in the treatment of diseases.[3]
Admission to the Order. The Novice's Probation and Oath
A candidate anxious to join their sect is not immediately admitted. For one year, during which he remains outside the fraternity, they prescribe for him their own rule of life, presenting him with a small hatchet, the fore-*mentioned loin-cloth and white raiment. Having given proof of his continence during this probationary period, he is brought into closer touch with the rule and is allowed to share the purer kind of holy water, but is not yet received into the life of the community. For, after this exhibition of endurance, his character is tested for two years more, and only then, if found worthy, is he enrolled in the society.
But, before he may touch the common food, he is made to swear tremendous oaths[4]:—first that he will practise piety towards God,[5] next that he will observe justice towards men; that he will wrong none whether of his own mind or under another's orders; that he will for ever hate the unjust and fight the battle of the just; that he will for ever keep faith with all men, especially with
- ↑ Or "roots that act as charms."
- ↑ i. e. probably, charms or amulets.
- ↑ On this paragraph see Lightfoot, Colossians,^8 p. 89 f. note. Lightfoot, connecting the passage with Ant. VIII. 2. 5, § (6) above, regards the "writings" as Solomonian books and the Essenes as primarily dealers in charms, rather than physicians.
- ↑ The inconsistency of this with the attitude of the sect towards swearing as recorded in a previous paragraph is remarkable.
- ↑ Lit. "the Divinity."
