Heroic Virtue in the Old Testament
The heroic examples of virtue in the Old Testament — Joseph's chastity, Susanna's courage, David's faith, the Maccabees' fortitude — surpassing even the most celebrated pagan heroes. Joseph fled the soliciting mistress; Susanna was a braver champion of chastity than Lucretia; David's courage against Goliath surpassed the Horatii.
Preface and Praise of Sacred Scripture
-
II. The Richness of the Old Testament
— Joseph's chastity surpasses Alexander's continence: seized by the soliciting mistress, he fled, leaving his cloak, willing to endure prison to preserve chastity.
"Who would not rather praise Joseph, already seized in private by the soliciting mistress, fleeing and leaving his cloak behind, and willingly throwing himself into every danger of prison, reputation, and life, to preserve his chastity?"
-
II. The Richness of the Old Testament
— Susanna as a braver champion of chastity and life than Lucretia.
"we celebrate Susanna, a far braver champion of chastity as well as of life and reputation"
-
II. The Richness of the Old Testament
— David's courage in single combat against Goliath surpasses the Horatii's cunning victory.
"Who would not rather praise the courage and strength of David, who in single combat struck down with a sling that tower of flesh and bone, Goliath"
-
II. The Richness of the Old Testament
— Samson, Gideon, David, Saul, the Maccabees, and Joshua surpassed Roman commanders; for them sun, moon, and stars fought as soldiers.
"how much greater were Samson, Gideon, David, Saul, the Maccabees, and Joshua, who, endowed not with human but heavenly strength... for whom the sun, moon, and stars obeyed as soldiers"