3. The study of inspired Scripture is the
chief way of finding our duty, for in it we find both instruction about
conduct and the lives of blessed men, delivered in writing, as some
breathing images of godly living, for the imitation of their good
works. Hence, in whatever respect each one feels himself
deficient, devoting himself to this imitation, he finds, as from some
dispensary, the due medicine for his ailment. He who is enamoured
of chastity dwells upon the history of Joseph, and from him learns
chaste actions, finding him not only possessed of self-command over
pleasure, but virtuously-minded in habit. He is taught endurance
by Job [who, Clause omitted
by Newman. not only when the
circumstances of life began to turn against him, and in one moment he
was plunged from wealth into penury, and from being the father of fair
children into childlessness, remained the same, keeping the disposition
of his soul all through uncrushed, but was not even stirred to anger
against the friends who came to comfort him, and trampled on him, and
aggravated his troubles.] Or should he be enquiring how to be at
once meek and great-hearted, hearty against sin, meek towards men, he
will find David noble in warlike exploits, meek and unruffled as
regards revenge on enemies. Such, too, was Moses rising up with
great heart upon sinners against God, but with meek soul bearing their
evil-speaking against himself. [Thus, Omitted by
Newman.
generally, as painters, when they are painting from other pictures,
constantly look at the model, and do their best to transfer its
lineaments to their own work, so too must he who is desirous of
rendering himself perfect in all branches of excellency, keep his eyes
turned to the lives of the saints as though to living and moving
statues, and make their virtue his own by imitation.