180. From whence, then, Cicero and
Panætius, or even Aristotle, got these ideas is perfectly
clear. For though living before these two, Job had said:
“I delivered the poor out of the hand of the strong, and I aided
the fatherless for whom there was no helper. Let the blessing of
him that was ready to perish come upon me.” Job xxix. 12, 13. Was not he most brave in that he
bore so nobly the attacks of the devil, and overcame him with the
powers of his mind? Cf. Job i.
12, w. i. 22, and Job ii. 6, w. ii. 10. Nor have we
cause to doubt the fortitude of him to whom the Lord said:
“Gird up thy loins like a man. Put on loftiness and
power. Humble every one that doeth wrong.” Job xl. 2, 5, 6 [LXX.]. The Apostle
also says: “Ye have a strong
consolation.” Heb. vi. 18. He, then,
is brave who finds consolation in any grief.