In 1824, a large community of these Christians were found by a celebrated French traveller settled on the banks of the river Moskwa. They numbered several thousand, and wore the Armenian costume, which people they strongly resembled in manners and customs. He gives as their peculiarities that they accounted as no better than fable whatever was preached without Scripture proof, and affirm that the traditions of the church are no better than the traditions of the Pharisees. They look upon a church built of stone as no better than any other building; neither do they believe that God dwells there. They say that to suppose that God is found in churches, monasteries, and oratories, any more than in any other place, is limiting the divine majesty. Their prayers and sermons are extempore. Their ministers, like themselves, are generally mechanics or labourers; nor is there any difference of rank among them. They admit all the sacraments instituted by Christ, but none others. They regard the ten commandments as moral and immutable, and, moreover, are conscientious observers of the old Sabbath, or Saturday. "I was told," continues the same author, "that these people were very numerous in many parts of Russia; and that their missionaries could travel all over the empire, and pass every night with their brethren. They were known to each other by a secret sign, and all their houses are distinguished by a private mark, known only to the initiated. In consequence of their extreme caution that none but members of their churches should be present at their assemblies, they have been accused of many horrid and abominable practices,—such as drinking the blood of a child, and the indulgence of licentiousness,—their accusers not considering that the only security for their safety is in their avoidance of public notoriety." All testimonials concur in stating that their numbers are considerable, but that, through fear of a recurrence of persecution, they courted obscurity; being content with the humblest stations, and only seeking to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. "Of the sect called Sabbaton, who reside in Russia," says Voltaire, "some say one thing and some another. It is evident, however," he continues, "that they originated from the Vaudois, who fled before the Crusaders into Germany, Bohemia, and Poland, and thence into the imperial territories. They pay great attention to the Bible, and but little to the priests, for which reason, probably, they have been so hated by the latter." Again, he observes, "that it is quite impossible to ascertain their numbers, or the proceedings of their meetings, since, through fear of persecution, they keep both entirely secret." A Russian historian testifies to the same. "I have no means of determining the numbers of the sect denominated Sabbaton, as they have been estimated by various authorities at from 10,000 to 100,000. It is certain, however,