7. So, then, a
widow is not only marked off by bodily abstinence, but is distinguished
by virtue, to whom I do not give commandments, but the Apostle. I
am not the only person to do them honour, but the Doctor of the
Gentiles did so first, when he said: “Honour widows that
are widows indeed. But if any widow have children or nephews, let
her first learn to govern her own house, and to requite her
parents.” 1 Tim. v. 3, 4. Whence we
observe that each inclination of affection ought to exist in a widow,
to love her children and to do her duty to her parents. So when
discharging her duty to her parents she is teaching her children, and
is rewarded herself by her own compliance with duty, in that what she
performs for others benefits herself.