preëminent in virtue was Timothy, that his youth was no impediment to his promotion; therefore he writes, “Let no man despise thy youth” (1 Tim. iv. 12, and v. 2.); and again, “The younger women as sisters.”1085 For where there is virtue, all other things are superflu- ous, and there can be no impediment. Therefore when the Apostle discourses of Bishops, among the many things he requires of them, he makes no particular mention of age. And if he speaks of a Bishop “being the husband of one wife,” and “having his children in subjec- tion” (1 Tim. iii. 2, 4.), this is not said, as if it were necessary he should have a wife and 408 children; but that if any should happen from a secular life to be advanced to that office, they might be such as knew how to preside over their household and children, and all others committed to them. For if a man were both secular and deficient in these points, how should he be1086 intrusted with the care of the Church? 3. But why, you will say, does he address an Epistle to a disciple already appointed to the office of a Teacher? Ought he not to have been made perfect for his office, before he was sent? Yes; but the instruction which he needed was not that which was suited to a disciple, but that which was proper for a Teacher. You will perceive him therefore through the whole Epistle adapting his instructions to a Teacher. Thus at the very beginning he does not say, “Do not attend to those who teach otherwise,” but, “Charge them that they teach no other doctrine.” (1 Tim. i. 3.) 1085 Some copies omit the latter quotation. 1086 So Sav. Ben. have been. 702 Argument.