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[162]
But then as to the two other orders at first mentioned, the Pharisees
are those who are esteemed most skillful in the exact explication of their
laws, and introduce the first sect. These ascribe all to fate [or providence],
and to God, and yet allow, that to act what is right, or the contrary,
is principally in the power of men, although fate does co-operate in every
action. They say that all souls are incorruptible, but that the souls of
good men only are removed into other bodies, - but that the souls of bad
men are subject to eternal punishment. But the Sadducees are those that
compose the second order, and take away fate entirely, and suppose that
God is not concerned in our doing or not doing what is evil; and they say,
that to act what is good, or what is evil, is at men's own choice, and
that the one or the other belongs so to every one, that they may act as
they please. They also take away the belief of the immortal duration of
the soul, and the punishments and rewards in Hades. Moreover, the Pharisees
are friendly to one another, and are for the exercise of concord, and regard
for the public; but the behavior of the Sadducees one towards another is
in some degree wild, and their conversation with those that are of their
own party is as barbarous as if they were strangers to them. And this is
what I had to say concerning the philosophic sects among the Jews.
1
1 THE DEATH OF SALOME. THE CITIES WHICH HEROD AND PHILIP BUILT. PILATE OCCASIONS DISTURBANCES. TIBERIUS PUTS AGRIPPA INTO BONDS BUT CAIUS FREES HIM FROM THEM, AND MAKES HIM KING. HEROD ANTIPAS IS BANISHED.
Flavius Josephus. The Works of Flavius Josephus. Translated by. William Whiston, A.M. Auburn and Buffalo. John E. Beardsley. 1895.
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