[178] Joseph. l. 13. c. 19.
[179] Joseph. l. 13. c. 9.
[180] Philo. lib. quod omnis probus, p. 678.
[181] Vide Chemnit. exem. conc. Trident. part. quart. pag. 120.
We formerly observed two sorts of Essenes; Practicks and Theoricks: both agreed in their Aphorisms, or Ordinances; but in certain circumstances they differed.
1. The Practicks dwelt in the Cities; The Theoricks shunned the Cities, and dwelt in Gardens, and solitary Villages.
2. The Practicks spent the day in manual Crafts, keeping of Sheep, looking to Bees, tilling of Ground, &c. they were τεχνίται, Artificers. The Theoricks spent the day in meditation, and prayers, whence they were by a kind of excellency, by Philo termed, ἱκέται, Supplicantes.
3. The Practicks had every day their dinner and supper allowed them; the Theoricks only their supper.
The Practicks had for their Commons every one his dish of Water-gruel, and bread; The Theoricks only bread, and salt: if any were of a more delicate palate then other, to him it was permitted to eat Hyssop; their drink for both, was common water.
Some are of Opinion, that these Theoricks were Christian Monks; but the countary appeareth, for these reasons: