of Essene
Source: Webster's dictionaryAccording to Josephus, the Essenes had settled "not in one city" but "in large numbers in every town". Source: Internet
A little later, Josephus gave a detailed account of the Essenes in The Jewish War (c. Source: Internet
He argued that the Essenes and Pharisees argued that God's providence orders all human events, but the Pharisees still maintained that people are able to choose between right and wrong. Source: Internet
Josephus identified the Essenes as one of the three major Jewish sects of that period. Source: Internet
Josephus the Jewish historian writes, "The Essenes also, as we call a sect of ours…live the same kind of life as do those whom the Greeks call Pythagoreans…" " William Whiston, trans. Source: Internet
Many of the Essene groups appear to have been celibate, but Josephus speaks also of another "order of Essenes" that observed the practice of being engaged for three years and then becoming married. Source: Internet