[151] מרבה עבדים מרבה גזל Marbe gnabadim. Marbe gezel, Pirke Aboth. cap. 1.
2. The Pythagoreans shunned pleasures.[152] So did the Essenes:[153] to this belongeth their avoiding of oyl, which, if any touched unawares, they wiped it off presently.
[152] Justin. lib. 20.
[153] Joseph. de bello Judaic. lib. 2. c. 12.
3. The Pythagoreans garments were white:[154] So were the Essenes white also,[155] modest, not costly: when once they put on a suit, they never changed it till it was torn, or worn out.
[154] Suid. It. Ælian. de varia hist. l. 18. cap. 32.
[155] Joseph. de bello Judaic. lib. 2. cap. 12.
4. The Pythagoreans forbade Oaths.[156] So did the Essenes;[157] they thought him a noted lyar, who could not be believed without an oath.
[156] Laert. in vita Pythagoræ.
[157] Philo Judæus.