It is clear that such a religious society, founded solely on the expectation of the kingdom of God, must be in itself very incomplete. The first Christian generation lived almost entirely upon expectations and dreams. On the eve of seeing the world come to an end, they regarded as useless everything which only served to prolong it. Possession of property was interdicted.[1] Everything which attaches man to earth, everything which draws him aside from heaven, was to be avoided. Although several of the disciples were married, there was to be no more marriage on becoming a member of the sect.[2] The celibate was greatly preferred; even in marriage continence was recommended.[3] At one time the master seems to approve of those who should mutilate themselves in prospect of the kingdom of God.[4] In this he was consistent with his principle--"If thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee; it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee; it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell-fire."[5] The cessation of generation was often considered as the sign and condition of the kingdom of God.[6] [Footnote 1: Luke xiv. 33; _Acts_ iv. 32, and following, v. 1-11.] [Footnote 2: Matt. xix. 10, and following; Luke xviii. 29, and following.] [Footnote 3: This is the constant doctrine of Paul. Comp. _Rev._ xiv. 4.] [Footnote 4: Matt. xix. 12.] [Footnote 5: Matt. xviii. 8, 9. Cf. Talmud of Babylon, _Niddah_, 13 _b_.] [Footnote 6: Matt. xxii. 30; Mark xii. 25; Luke xx. 35; Ebionite Gospel, entitled "Of the Egyptians," in Clem. of Alex., _Strom._ iii. 9, 13, and Clem. Rom., Epist. ii. 12.]