Note 83 — THE ESSENES.

In 1821, appeared in Berlin, Bellermann’s valuable little volume on the Essenes and Therapeutae.83 The author with characteristic German industry and perseverance, brought together in this monograph the ancient documents on the Essenes. His critical acumen, however, is not commensurate to his industry, and while his little volume will deservedly continue to be a useful manual for the student who wishes to acquaint himself with what Philo, Pliny, Josephus, Solinus, Porphyry, Epiphanius and Eusebius said upon this subject, it is to be questioned whether Bellermann’s conclusions will be shared by many. He is of opinion that “the Essenes and Baithusians are the same both in name and doctrine,” and that “the Essenes have four other names in history besides their proper name, viz.:—they are called, 1, Therapeutae by the Greek Alexandrians. 2. Hiketeans by Philo, in the superscription to the Treatise on contemplative life. 3. Ossenes or Ossens, by Epiphanius. And 4, Baithusians in the Talmud, and by several Rabbins. As this notion, which has been advanced by De Rossi three centuries and a half ago, has already been refuted, it would be needless to repeat the arguments here.