17. Let us therefore set
before our eyes three widows, each having one of the things, the
whole of which were in her: let us suppose one who had had one
husband, in whose case is wanting both so great length of
widowhood, in that she hath lived long with her husband, and so
great zeal of piety, in that she doth not so serve with fasts and
prayers: a second, who after the very short life of her former
husband, had quickly lost a second also, and is now long time a
widow, but yet herself also doth not so set herself to the most
religious service of fasts and prayers: a third, who not only hath
had two husbands, but also hath lived long with each of them
singly, or with one of them, and being left a widow at a
later period of life, wherein indeed, in case she had wished to
marry, she might also conceive sons, hath taken upon her widowed
continence; but is more intent on God, more careful to do always
the things that please Him, day and night, like Anna, serving by
prayers and fasts. If a question be raised, which of these is to be
preferred in deserts, who but must see that in this contest the
palm must be given to the greater and, more glowing piety? So also
if three others be set, in each of whom are two of those three, but
one of the three in each wanting, who can doubt that they will be
the better, who shall have in a more excellent manner in their two
goods pious humility, in order that there may be lofty
piety?