Chapter XLVI.
A twofold division of what is seemly is given.
Next it is shown that what is according to nature is virtuous, and what
is otherwise must be looked on as shameful. This division is
explained by examples.
231.
Seemliness
,
therefore, which stands conspicuous has a twofold division.
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For there is what we may call a
general seemliness, which is diffused through all that is virtuous, and
is seen, as one may say, in the whole body. It is also
individual, and shows itself clearly in some particular part. The
first has a consistent form and the perfection of what is virtuous
harmonizing in every action. For all its life is consistent with
itself, and there is no discrepancy in anything. The other is
concerned when there is any special action done in a virtuous course of
life.
232. At the same time let us note that it is
seemly to live in accordance with nature, and to pass our time in
accordance with it, and that whatever is contrary to nature is
shameful. For the Apostle asks: “Is it comely that a
woman pray unto God uncovered; doth not nature itself teach you that if
a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him? For it is contrary
to nature.” And again he says: “If a woman have
long hair, it is a glory unto her.”
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It is according to nature, since
her hair is given her for a veil, for it is a natural veil. Thus
nature arranges for us both character and
appearance, and we ought to observe her
directions. Would that we could guard her innocence, and not
change what we have received by our wickedness!
233. We have that general seemliness; for
God made the beauty of this world. We have it also in its parts;
for when God made the light, and marked off the day from the night,
when He made heaven, and separated land and seas, when He set the sun
and moon and stars to shine on the earth, He approved of them all one
by one. Therefore this comeliness, which shone forth in each
single part of the world, was resplendent in the whole, as the Book of
Wisdom shows, saying: “I existed, in whom He rejoiced when
He was glad at the completion of the world.”
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Likewise also in the building up of
the human body each single member is pleasing, but the right adjustment
of the members all together delights us far more. For thus they
seem to be united and fitted in one harmonious
whole.
327
Cic.
de
Off.
I. 27, § 96.
328
1 Cor. xi. 13, 14
.
329
Prov. viii 30, 31
[LXX.].