EXAMPLE, is taken in good and bad part; God will make thee an Example among all the nations. Thou shalt be an Example of his severity and rigour. Job says, that he is the example, the by-word of the publick; that he is produced as an example of misery and misfortune. Joseph was unwilling to accuse the Blessed Virgin, and make her an Example of publick vengeance. Cum nollet eam traducere: he was unwilling to bring her honour in question. The Greek implies, he was not inclined to make an Example of her, by any publick and exemplary punishment.
Example is likewise used for a pattern of virtue: May Ruth be an Example of virtue Ruth iv. 11.in thine house. Old Eleazar suffered martyrdom, and left a great Example of courage and virtue to both young and old. 2 Macc. vi. 31. John xiii. 15. 1 Tim. iv. 12.Our Saviour says, he has given us an Example of humility, that we should imitate him. And St. Paul requires Timothy to be an Example to the faithful.