/u,»j sXarrov eruv g^xovra) The genitive here does not depend on the comparative, for in that case it would have been written sXarruv,1 but on ^pa ; sXarrov (for xara sXarrov, as Lat. summum, minimum, for ad summum, ad minimum, at most, at least) is used adverbially. So Plato, rdXavra oux eXarrov sKarov (at least a hundred talents ; literally, a hundred talents— not less). — STM l&xovra, of sixty years) The antithesis is in ver. 11. Even virgins of this age might be reckoned among widows. But the apostle would by no means praise those who would thrust their younger daughters into monasteries, where they may remain from their youth up to their death. — svog, of one) i.e. who has been lawfully married, or has had one husband, or one and after wards a second.
10. "Epyoig xaXo%, good works) These are presently enumerated, among which is also this species, Kavri Ipyy ayaGp svaKoXovfeTv, where aya6b$ is more than xaXoj. — erexwrf>6<pir)<f6v) if she have rightly brought up children, either her own, or those of others, for the benefit of the Church. — s^svodo^ffsv, lodged strangers) that she may be worthy of being publicly compensated by the Church for the benefits which she has conferred on its members. — irodas 'ivt-^tv, has washed the feet) A Synecdoche of the part, for every kind of humble offices. — QXiSo/t'&voig, the straitened [the afflicted^) with poverty.' — 2 IsnjxoXoudjjtfg, has followed up) It is the part of ministers and men to take the lead in good works, Tit. iii. 8, 14 (vpottraffQat, not as Engl. Vers. to maintain, but to take the lead in good works) ; of women to follow up, by assisting so far as they are able. The glosses in Pricaeus are,
1 A widow having attained the age of sixty years — not less. — ED.
2 IloiVTi ipya dyaDa, every goed work) Wherever any good springs forth, either near or at a distance, it is a sacred duty for us to go to its support. If it was the duty of widows, who subsequently were glad to enjoy the as sistance of others, how much more does it become men, and those, too, appointed to offices? Many pay attention to their sons perhaps, their relatives, neighbours, or countrymen. But, indeed, they consider it altogether alien to them (an uncalled for act) to bestow anything on persons unknown and on strangers ; or if any case occur seeming to be rather unconnected with them, or a little more remote, to attempt anything in its behalf ; 1 Sam. xxv. 10. Whoever has attempted a good work will experience the truth of this. — V. g.