Woodford.
"_Vanitatem observare_" (Vol. ix., pp. 247. 311.).--The quotation of
R. H. G. is no more to be found in the Canons of Laodicea than in those of
Ancyra. Indeed the passage has more the appearance of a recommendation,
certainly excellent, than of any grave decree of a council. It can hardly
be supposed to bear any other meaning than that Christian females ought not
to _indulge vanity_, or take occasion to be vain of their works in wool,
spun or woven; but to refer all their talent to the Almighty, who gives to
them the skill and ability to work. Here is evidently an allusion to the
skill and wisdom given to Beseleel and Ooliab:
"Both of them hath he instructed with wisdom, to do ... tapestry and
embroidery in blue and purple, {386} and scarlet twice dyed, and fine
linen, and to weave all things, and to invent all things."--Exod. xxxv.
35.
And Christian women are reminded that all their skill in such work is the
gift of God. The learned Benedictine Rupertus has a comment upon this
passage of Exodus, so apposite that its substance may appropriately
conclude this Note:
"Disce hinc, artes omnes, etiam mechanicas, esse dona Dei, saltem
naturalia, neque in iis ut suis, suaque industria inventis aut partis,
_homini gloriandum esse_ (q. d. vanitatem observare), sed illas Deo
adscribendas, ab eoque petendas, et in ejus obsequium expendendas
esse."