3. And what is the teaching of the fact that at that time when the whole human race was afflicted by famine and Elias was sent to the widow? 1 [3] Kings xvii. 9. And see how for each is reserved her own special grace. An angel is sent to the Virgin, S. Luke i. 26, 27. a prophet to the widow. Notice, farther, that in one case it is Gabriel, in the other Elisha. The most excellent chiefs of the number of angels and prophets are seen to be chosen. But there is no praise simply in widowhood, unless there be added the virtues of widowhood. For, indeed, there were many widows, but one is preferred to all, in which fact it is not so much that others are called back from their pursuit as that they are stimulated by the example of virtue.