EXAMPLE (6g z-5.m'p'1).
(1) The rendering in the A. V. of several Greek words: (t) In Matt. i:19, par-ad-igue-mat id zo to show alongside the public), is to expose to infamy; (2) Digh-mah (Ecykta, Jude 7) and hoofrodigue-mah ( inr6Set-iiaa John xiiot 5; Heb. iv it 1, viii:5; ix:23; James v:to; 2 Pet. ii:6) mean a specimen, an exhibit, with the idea of imitation; (3)1loop-og-ram-mos' (inroypawhas, an underwriting, I l'et. ii:21) is a copy for imita tion; (4) Too -pas (r6Tos, scar, t Cor. x:16) is some thing struck, and so a dic, resemblance. (Nlc. & Str. Bib. Cyc.; Barnes' Bib. Diet.) (2) Example in a moral sense is either taken for a type, instance, or precedent for our ad monition, that we may be cautioned against the faults or crimes which others have committed, by the bad consequences which have ensued from them; or example is taken for a pattern for our imitation, or a model for us to copy after.
That good examples have a peculiar power above mere precepts to dispose us to the practice of virtue and holiness, may appear by consider ing: "(1) That they most clearly express to us the nature of our duties in their subjects and sensible effects. General precepts form abstract ideas of virtue, but in examples, virtues arc most visible in all their circumstances. (2) Precepts
instruct us in what things are our duty, but ex amples assure us that they are possible. (3) Ex amples, by secret and lively incentive, urge us to imitation. We are touched in another manner by the visible practice of good men, which re proaches our defects and obliges us to the same zeal, which laws, though wise and good, will not effect." (3) The life of Jesus Christ forms the most beautiful example the Christian can imitate. Un like all others, it was absolutely perfect and uni form, and every way accommodated to• our pres ent state. In him we behold all light without a shade, all beauty without a spot, all the purity of the law, and the excellency of the gospel. Here we see piety without superstition and mor ality without ostentation humility without mean ness, and fortitude without temerity; patience without apathy, and compassion without weak ness; zeal without rashness, and beneficence with out prodigality. The obligation we are under to imitate this example arises from duty, rela tionship, engagement, interest and gratitude. (See article JEsus CuritsT.)