_Asâl_, and the other _Salâman_, who meeting with this Sect, embrac'd it
heartily, and oblig'd themselves to the punctual Observance of all its
Ordinances, and the daily Exercise of what was practis'd in it; and to
this end they enter'd into a League of Friendship with each other. Now
among other Passages contain'd in the Law of that Sect, they sometimes
made enquiry into these Words, wherein it treats of the Description of
the most High and Glorious God, and. his Angels, and the Resurrection,
and the Rewards and Punishments of a future State. Now _Asâl_ us'd to
make a deeper Search into the inside of Things, and was more inclin'd to
study Mystical Meanings and Interpretations. But as for his Friend
_Salâman_, he kept close to the literal Sense, and never troubled
himself with such Interpretations, but refrain'd from such curious
Examination and Speculation of things. However, notwithstanding this
Difference, they both were constant in performing those Ceremonies
requir'd, and in calling themselves to an account, and in opposing their
Affections.

§ 100. Now there were in this Law some Passages which seem'd to exhort
Men to Retirement and a solitary Life, intimating that Happiness and
Salvation were to be attain'd by it; and others which seem'd to
encourage Men to Conversation, and the embracing Human Society. _Asâl_
gave himself up wholly to Retirement, and those Expressions which
favour'd it were of most weight with him, because he was naturally
inclin'd to Contemplation, and searching into the Meanings of Things;
and his greatest hope was, that he should best attain his End by a
solitary Life. _Salâman,_ on the other side, applied himself to
Conversation, and those Sayings of the Law which tended that way, went
the farthest with him; because he had a natural Aversion to
Contemplation, and nice sifting of things. And he thought that
Conversation did drive away evil Thoughts, and banish'd that Diversity