Tobias — Book front (modern spelling)

The Argument of the Book of Tobie

Besides the testimonies of Councels and Fathers¹ before mentioned, S. Cyprian, de Oratione Dominica alleging this book (cap. 11.) saith: Divine Scripture instructeth us, that prayer is good with fasting and alms. S. Ambrose (li. de Tobia, c. 1.) calleth this book by the common name of Scripture, saying: he will briefly gather the virtues of Tobie, which the Scripture in historical manner layeth forth at large. Where he also calleth this history Prophetical, and Tobie a Prophet. And lib. 3. offic. cap. 14. alleageth this book as he doth other holy scriptures, to prove that the Virtues of God's servants far excel the Moral Philosophers. S. Chrysostom bo. 15. ad Heb alleageth² Tobias, as scripture denouncing curse to contemners. S. Augustin made a special sermon of Tobias, as he did of Job, which is the 226. sermon de tempore S. Gregorie parte. 3. pastor. curæ admon. 11. alleageth it as holy scripture. And Venerable Beda expoundeth this³ whole book mystically, as he doth other holy scriptures S. Ierom translated it out of the Chaldee language⁴, wherein it was written, judging it more meet to displease the Pharisaical Jews, who reject it, then not to satisfy the will of holy Bishops, urging to have it. Epist. ad Chromat. & Heliodorum. to. 3.

The author is Uncertain:⁵ but S. Athanasius (in Synopsi) reporteth the contents at large. And S. Augustin (li. quest. ex utroque testamento q. 119.) delivereth both the contents, and cause of writing it, briefly thus. The servant of God, holy Tobias is given to us after the law, for an example, that we might know how to practise the things, which we read. And if temptations come upon us, not to depart from the fear of God, nor expect help from any other then from him. It may be divided into three parts.⁶ The first four chapters shew the holy and sincere manner of life of old Tobias. The eight following relate the affairs of young Tobias, accompanied and directed by the Angel Raphael. In the two last chapters, they praise God. And old Tobias prophecieth better state of the commonwealth.