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| Chapter XI. A third element which tends to gain any one's confidence is shown to have been conspicuous in Moses, Daniel, and Joseph.
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Chapter XI.
A third element which tends to gain any one’s
confidence is shown to have been conspicuous in Moses, Daniel, and
Joseph.
56. But a third
point seems also to have been noted in the case of those who were
thought worthy of admiration467
| 467 Cic. de
Off. II. 10, § 36. | after the example
of Joseph, Solomon, and Daniel. For what shall I say of Moses
whose advice all Israel always waited for,468
whose life caused them to trust in his prudence and increased their
esteem for him? Who would not trust to the counsel of Moses, to
whom the elders reserved for decision whatever they thought beyond
their understanding and powers?
57. Who would refuse the counsel of Daniel,
of whom God Himself said: “Who is wiser than
Daniel?”469
How can men
doubt about the minds of those to whom God has given such grace?
By the counsel of Moses wars were brought to an end, and for his
merit’s sake food came from heaven and drink from the
rock.
58. How pure must have been the soul of
Daniel to soften the character of barbarians and to tame the
lions!470
| 470 Dragon v. 39" id="iv.i.iii.xi-p8.1">Bel and the Dragon v. 39. | What temperance was his, what
self-restraint in soul and body! Not unworthily did he become an
object of admiration to all, when—and all men do admire
this,—though enjoying royal friendships, he sought not for gold,
nor counted the honour given him as more precious than his faith.
For he was willing to endure danger for the law of God rather than to
be turned from his purpose in order to gain the favour of
men.
59. And what, again, shall I say of the
chastity and justice of Joseph, whom I had almost passed by, whereby on
the one hand he rejected the allurements of his mistress and refused
rewards, on the other he mocked at death, repressed his fear, and chose
a prison? Who would not consider him a fit person to give advice
in a private case, whose fruitful spirit and fertile mind enriched the
barrenness of the time with the wealth of his counsels and
heart?471
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