There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge [are] a precious jewel.
Ver. 15. There is gold and a multitude of rubies.] Quintilian defines an orator, Vir bonus dicendi peritus: A good man, that can deliver himself in good language. Such a master of speech a was St Paul, who was therefore by those heathen Lystrians called Mercury, because he was the chief speaker. Act 14:12 Such afore him was the prophet Isaiah, and our Saviour Christ, who "spake as never man spoke," his enemies themselves being judges. Such after him was Chrysostom, Basil, Nazianzen, famous for their holy eloquence. So were Mr Rogers and Mr Bradford, martyrs; in whom it was hard to say whether there were more force of eloquence and utterance in preaching, or more holiness of life and conversation, saith Mr Foxe. b Now if Darius, could say that he preferred one Zopyrus before ten Babylons: and if, when one desired to see Alexander's treasures and his jewels, he bade his servants show him not αργυριου ταλαντα, but τους φιλους, not his talents of silver, and such other precious things, but his friends; c what an invaluable price think we doth the King of heaven set upon such learned scribes, as do out of the good treasure of their hearts throw forth good things for the use of many! d
a ηγουμενος του λογου .
b Acts and Mon., fol. 1782.
c Justin., lib i.
d Liban., Exemplar. Progym. Chri., i.