Tradition
St. Augustine
Christian Doctrine
Book III › Chapter 13
Same Subject, Continued
21. Whatever, then, is in accordance with the habits of those with whom we are either compelled by necessity, or undertake as a matter of duty, to spend this life, is to be turned by good and great men to some prudent or benevolent end, either directly, as is our duty, or figuratively, as is allowable to prophets.
Source: Christian Doctrine (New Advent)