Persecution and Greatness

One of our English writers on the Bible, thus spake of the old prophets:

"With respect to the Hebrew prophets, whose inspired writings still continue to instruct mankind, it may, says Mr. Gray, be affirmed, that in the long and illustrious succession from Moses to Malachi, not one appears, who was not entitled to considerable reverence by the display of great and extraordinary virtues.-Employed in the exalted office of teaching and reforming mankind, they appear to have been animated with a becoming and correspondent zeal. The most intemperate princes were sometimes compelled unwillingly to hear and to obey their directions, though often so incensed

by their rebuke, as to resent it by the severest persecutions. Then it was, that the prophets evinced the integrity of their characters, by zealously encountering oppression, hatred, and death, in the cause of religion. Then it was, that they firmly supported trial of cruel mockings and scourging; yea, moreover, of bonds and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn [sawed] asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about, destitute, afflicted, tormented."

(->) All true prophets have been received and treated by the world alike from Abel to Joseph.