at the time when Christianity came into existence, and within Christianity speedily came to exercise a potent and most unhappy influence. In spite of the fact that asceticism ran directly counter to the whole genius and habit of Judaism, it appears certain that among the Jews there were those who indulged in the speculations out of which ascetic practices were developed. In the Epistle to the Colossians the apostle is evidently concerned with controverting teachings which stood in connection with ascetic doctrines of conduct.
Bishop Lightfoot traces the origin of these doctrines to a Jewish source, and regards the Essenes as the original representatives of the asceticism which has worked such havoc in the Church. He gives the following account of the Essene attitude towards marriage:
