29 



now interrogated the candidate as was commanded us, demanding 

 of him all that was necessary to be asked ; therefore, that he may- 

 be ordained, will thf chief teacher learned in the sacred writings and 

 the other priests consent?" Then the chief teacher, for himself and 

 the rest, says ; " Good, very well." The candidate still standing 

 as before, the chief teacher says : Let two rhahdns conduct him 

 hither." Two rhahdns then g*o and bring the candidate to the rest 

 of the assemblage ; and he having made a proper obeisance, sits 

 down along with them. 



The readers then instruct him to say to the chief teacher : " My 

 Lord, may health, freedom from misfortune, eternal youth, and im- 

 mortality be my portion. According to the law uttered by him 

 who has no equal, according to it will I act. I will keep my body 

 and my mind humble ; and will humble myself regarding meat, 

 drink, and resting place. 1 will conform to the law spoken by the 

 divinity ; therefore, from exceeding friendship, mercifully grant me 

 permission, I beseech you, to be admitted a priest." 



This he is to speak three times ; after which the chief teacher 

 and the readers shall ask him : " Oh, candidate, who art .wishing 

 to become a priest, as even now you have entreated, do you feel 

 yourself competent to abide by what is contained in the sacred 

 writings ?" — A. I will abide by them. 



Then the chief teacher says to the rest of the priests : What 

 think you, will this person abide by the law, as he has now pro- 

 fessed ?" Then the priests answer : " There are other questions 

 to be put to him." The chief teacher then says ; " Let the three 

 readers put them." They say to him : '* You profess that you will 

 be governed by the rules of the everlasting law ; let us interrogate 

 you digdAw.'' —'Answer . Ask, and 1 will answer truly. 



They then repeat the former questions, and in addition, ask : 

 *' Are you hard of hearing?" — A. 1 am not. 



Q. Are you an absent (or forgetful) person ?—il. lam not. 



Q. Are you perfect in the five bodily qualities ?(22)—il. I am. 



(He is questioned altogether three times, that there may be no 

 omission or mistake.) 



The candidate then petitions the chief teacher: Oh, my lord,, 

 who art well acquainted with the sacred writings, and who art of 

 advanced age ; now have I for the thu'd time reverently and ac- 

 cording to the truth replied to you, in all that you have demanded 

 of me ; therefore, oh my lord of venerable years, and ye three read- 

 ers, and all ye other priests, ye ar e witnesses of all that has been 



