THE ARGUMENT
BESIDES the testimonies of Councils and Fathers before mentioned, S. Cyprian, de Oratione Dominica alleging this book (cap. 12.) 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. allegeth this Book as he doth other holy Scriptures, to prove that the virtues of God’s servants far excel the Moral Philosophers. S. Chrysostom ho. 15. ad Heb. allegeth Tobias as Scripture, denouncing curse to contemners. [cap. 13.] S. Augustin made a special sermon of Tobias, as he did of Job, which is the 226th sermon de tempore. Gregory parte 3. pastor. curae admon. 21. allegeth it as holy Scripture. And Venerable Beda expoundeth this whole Book mystically, as he doth other holy Scripture. [Tomo 4. et in 1. Reg. 10.] S. Jerom translated it out of the Chaldee language, wherein it was written, judging it more meet to displease the Pharisaical Jews, who reject it, than not to satisfy the will of holy Bishops, urging to have it. Epist. ad Chromat. & Heliodorum. to. 3.
The author is uncertain: 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 tentations come upon us, not to depart from the fear of God, nor expect help from any other than from him. It may be divided into three parts. The first four chapters show the holy and sincere manner of life of old Tobias. The eight following relate the journey and affairs of young Tobias, accompanied and directed by the Angel Raphael. In the two last chapters they praise God. And old Tobias prophesieth better state of the commonwealth.