Full resolution (JPEG) - On this page / på denna sida - XV. Later Sects
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Hence all other means of getting a living are rejected. To lend
out money on interest, to receive a salary for fulfilling social
duties, or to trade for gain is wrong. None of these
occupations are found among them; all labour for the most part at
agricultural work. They are very industrious, and set a notable
example to the surrounding Orthodox population in all respects.
In selling their products they never take advantage of
competitive conditions to secure the highest possible price, but charge
what, in their opinion, they are really worth.
They both own and cultivate their land in common. Their
houses are also common property, and are mostly built in
groups of five or six, with no fences between. Sometimes
two or more families form one household, so that they have
associated homes in the fullest sense.
All the produce of the land they divide into four parts: one is
reserved for seed; a second is stored up to guard against famine;
a third is for home consumption; and the fourth for sale. The
income of the community is distributed accordingto the wants of
each family; all are expected to work, and all are amply provided
for. Besides looking after those within their community, they
give as much help as possible to those outside—“because all
men are brothers.” If they lend out money, they receive no
interest, and they never sue any one for debt nor for wrong
done. In fact they carry out in practice the motto often heard
upon the lips of would-be socialists in England—“From each
according to ability, to each according to need.”
When differences arise between them, they are settled
by the community in the common meeting. No
documents are kept and no rules followed. “Conscience” is the
sole arbiter, and so strong is the collective conscience that all
abide by its decision. These meetings, where all matters of
common interest are discussed and decided, have a strong
“family” character, and mostly end with a common social
meal.
There are, besides, “meetings of the fathers”; that is, of
the most prominent members of the different communities,
which are united in an association. Here are discussed matters
affecting the entire body, such as the needs of weaker
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