ABSTRACT
The interval from 1565 to 1592 is said to have been the golden era of the Hutterites. Social control is actuated by customs and mores developed over a long period of time, rather than by formal rules of behaviour. It is through tradition dictated by a common faith that the colonies are bound together. These customs constitute an uncodified set of controls. Men and women of various religious convictions can be attracted only by the possibility of achieving a well-rounded enjoyment of life. That such enjoyment is possible, independent of religious creeds, has been amply demonstrated by the co-operative settlements of Palestine. Honoured guests also dine at the home of the spiritual leader. Only in spiritual matters is there a kind of over-all authority. Co-operative living afforded each member a chance to develop his special abilities and thus provided the community with gifted leadership.
