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 _Asal_ 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
_Salaman_, 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.

Sec. 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. _Asal_
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. _Salaman,_ 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
of Opinions which offer'd themselves to his Mind, and kept him from the
Suggestions of evil Thoughts. In short, their Disagreement in this
particular, was the occasion of their parting.

Sec. 101. Now _Asal_ had heard of that Island, in which we have told you
that _Hai Ebn Yokdhan_ had his Breeding. He knew also its Fertility and
Conveniences, and the healthful Temper of the Air, so that it would
afford him such a commodious Retirement as he had in his Wishes. Thither
he resolv'd to go, and withdraw himself from all manner of Conversation,
the remaining part of his Days. So he took what Substance he had, and
with part of it he hir'd a Ship to convey him thither, the rest he
distributed among the poor people, and took his leave of his Friend
_Salaman_, and went aboard. The Mariners transported him to t