The Misnah denounced death against those who abandoned the foundation. The judgment of zeal is explained by, Marsham (Canon. Chron. p. 161, 162, edit. fol London, 1672) and Basnage (Hist. des Juifs, tom. viii. p. 120). Constantine made a law to protect Christian converts from Judaism. Cod. Theod. l. xvi. tit. viii. leg. 1. Godefroy, tom. vi. p. 215.