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| Precepts of Elchasai.
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Chapter
XI.—Precepts of Elchasai.
But in very many other respects he talks folly,
inculcating the use of these sentences also for those afflicted with
consumption, and that they should be dipped in cold water forty
times during seven days; and he prescribes similar treatment for
those possessed of devils. Oh inimitable wisdom and incantations
gorged with powers!1022
| 1022 Miller
suggests the singular number (δυνάμεως). | Who will not be astonished at such
and such force of words? But since we have stated that they also
bring into requisition astrological deceit, we shall prove this
from their own formularies; for Elchasai speaks thus:
“There exist wicked stars of impiety. This declaration has
been now made by us, O ye pious ones and disciples:
beware of the power of the days of the sovereignty of these
stars, and engage not in the commencement of any undertaking
during the ruling days of these. And baptize not man or
woman during the days of the power of these stars, when the
moon, (emerging) from among them, courses the sky, and travels
along with them. Beware of the very day up to that on which
the moon passes out from these stars, and then baptize
and enter on every beginning of your works. But, moreover, honour
the day of the Sabbath, since that day is one of those during which
prevails (the power) of these stars. Take care, however,
not to commence your works the third day from a Sabbath,
since when three years of the reign of the emperor Trojan are
again completed from the time that he subjected the Parthians to his
own sway,—when, I say, three years have been completed,
war rages between the impious angels of the northern constellations;
and on this account all kingdoms of impiety are in a state of
confusion.”E.C.F. INDEX & SEARCH
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