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The Munichccs. Sect. H. 311
CtriidcMiir, or Khomlcinir, with only some few variations. As
J ly tie's book is not very coiunion, 1 have transcribed liis
M'ords at the bottom of the page.
1 think it may be best to make here a few remarks, omitting
others, which might be n)entioned, and possibly may be
remembered at another time.
1. The eastern authors, (jiioted in Hyde's and Iferbelot's
collections, are not ancient, but rather modern : for they are
either Mahometans, or christians of late times.
2. The eastern writers declare Mani to have been a chris-
tian. It seems to be implied in Khondemir's account, as it
stands in Herbelot : but it is plainly intimated at the beginning
of his article in Hyde: and Sharistani, cited by Hyde,
says that^ Mani received the prophecy or religion of Jesus,
but not that of Moses.
3. The eastern M-riters agree with the Greeks in representing-
Mani as an impostor, or one that pretended to prophesy
and inspiration.
4. If these writers are to be relied upon, Mani improved
his skill in painting for gaining, or supporting the reputation
of his being- a prophet, or some extraordinary person. This
is more than once taken notice of^' by Hyde, who likewise
speaks particularly'' of the painted, finely-figured book of
his Revelations, called Ertengh.
5. According to the eastern, as well as the Greek writers,
Mani was put to death by a king of Persia ; so Khondemir,
before transcribed; and' so likewise Sharistani; but the
Persian and Arabian authors make Mani's death owing- to
his zeal for religious principles, or the disturbances occa-
vocant, affirmans se eas a ccelo accepisse : unde plurimi ei fidem adhibuere.
Deinde in Persidem festinans Regem Behrem ad snam religionem invitavit.
Et quidem Rex fiiit ex primis qui ejus dictis fidem adhibuit. Et cum asseclae
ejus multi evaderent, Magorum doctoribus praecipit, ut cum eo disputarent.
At tandem omnes qui seivitio ejus addicti erant, Regis Behrem jussu occisi
sunt, et fervor ejus ignis hoc modo extinctus. Hyde de Rel. V. Pers. cap. 21.
p. 282, 283. ^ Ille amplexus est religionem inter
Magismum et christianismum, asserens prophetiam Clirieti, sed non asserens
prophetiam Mosis. Apud Ilvde, p. 282.
8 Orientales aiunt quod ex pictoriae artis, qua excellebat, superbia elatus,
se prophelani vendiluvit. ib. p. 282.
'' Utcuncjue tamen fuerit, impius iste Mani, cum esset professione pictor,
impiorum suoram dogmatum librum,ut speciosior appareret ocuUs,eteo nomine
multo gratior esset, eleganter qua ])otuit pinxit, et varii generis picturis ornavit
et decoravit, et Persice ilhim \ocavit Ertengh, vel abbreviate Tengh ibi
inteUigendum est Manctis E\angelium pictum, scu Ertengh sc. picturarum
liber, in quo doginata sua et revelationes scripsit. ib. p. 281, 282.
' Shahristani in libro de Religionibus Orientis de eo refert : Mani apparuit
tempore Shabur iWii Ardeshir, ct occidit eiuii Behram fiUus Ilormuz filii
Shabur. ib. p. 282.