﻿^Q ON SIN'GHALA, OR CEYLOX, 



and the two minillcrs of flate. The perfon intended 

 for orders, being previoully examined, and deemed, 

 in every ref'peft, fit to fill the character of prieft, is 

 introduced into this alTembly, and then afked, if will- 

 ing to conform to the different duties required of him; 

 and whether he defires ardently to enter into holy 

 orders. On anfwering in the affirmative, he is ftrip- 

 ped of the clothes he wore at entering; and receives, 

 from the hands of two priefts, the robes belonging to 

 his new chara61er. He is before this vefted with in- 

 ferior rank and powers, which can be granted by the 

 generality of Temples; but before this council only, 

 can he be made a pried, or TerrunaJJeh. He muft be 

 perfe61 in all his limbs, and not under twenty years 

 of age; in addition to which, good condu6l and learn- 

 ing are the only requifites for priefthood. A pried is 

 bound to celibacy : but when any one wilhes no 

 longer to continue in orders, he has it at his option 

 to refign, at a meeting of the prieds of his didricl, 

 which takes place monthly, either at the new or full 

 moon; fometimcs at both. Quitting orders in this 

 manner is not deemed a difgrace; but to be difmiffed 

 for improper conduft, is looked upon as the greatefl 

 of all ignominy. Various are the modes by which 

 tiiey incur guilt: among fuch, the killing, even a 

 fly; connexion, or a widi for fuch, with women; 

 any ufe of drong liquor; theft, of the mod harmlefs 

 kind, or a lie, may be principally noted. They can 

 eat once or twice a day, according to the promife 

 made at ordaining: it is neceffary, however, that their 

 meals fiiould be between fun rife and ii o'clock A. 

 M. After the latter hour no pried can eat, but may 

 drink. The prieds of Bhooddha live upon charity, 

 and by their law, are allowed to eat of every fpeeies 

 of food oifered to them in that way. Was a pried, 

 however, to enter a houie, and a fowl to be killed 

 purpofely for him, then would he be culpable: for 

 the law of Bhooddha forbids the killing of any ani- 

 mal. The Bhooddhists of Ceylni never eat of beef; 

 but the prohibition, if fuch may be deemed the caufe, 



pertains 



