Some were burnt. Two women had their infants tied or hanged to their breasts, and were thus led in derision round about the city, and finally cast headlong over the walls. Mark, why? Because they adhered steadfastly to the law of God, and had circumcised their children. Thus also Eleazar, an aged man of ninety, was slain by Antiochus. Why? Because of his unfeigned steadfastness in refusing to eat swine’s flesh, or to pretend to eat it. Again, also a pious mother and seven steadfast sons were by King Antiochus roasted in red-hot pans, with the skin of their heads pulled off, and their tongues cut out. 2 Macc. 7. Why? Mark, because they would in no wise eat swine’s flesh contrary to the law, because it was forbidden. And similar instances in the Old Testament.
In the New Testament, also, we find instances of a like character.
In the first place, the holy forerunner of Christ, John the Baptist, was beheaded by Herod. That good man; why did he kill him? Mark, because he reproved Herod for an improper and shameful liaison. The good Christ Jesus was also hated by the world, because he testified of its evil works. Yea, without guilt or cause worthy of death, Pontius Pilate the judge, through the hatred of the Jews, delivered him up, and put him to death. The holy apostles, also, were frequently apprehended, scourged, and forbidden to preach in the name of Jesus, by the council of the priests. Why? In order that the name, doctrine and church of Jesus should not spread and increase.
Stephen, a deacon, and pious witness of Jesus, was stoned by the stiff-necked. Why? Because they could not resist his spirit, wisdom, and doctrine. The church at Jerusalem, in the beginning, was dispersed and scattered abroad throughout the land of Judea, by the Jews. And Saul, the persecutor, went hither and thither with letters and authority to apprehend and vex any whom he should find of this way or persuasion, in order to hinder the doctrine, faith and way of Christ. And, yet, to be brief, some were vexed by Herod; he killed James with the sword, and seeing that it pleased the people, he apprehended also Peter, and guarded him with sixteen servants, and bound him with two chains, with doors closed, through the hatred of the Jews; but an angel delivered him. Acts 12:1. Let us therefore not wonder at this as though it was something strange.
Now, in conclusion, receive my eternal adieu, and brotherly greeting.
Behold, I have written this to my dear friends, brethren and sisters in the Lord, in humility, with a good intention, and in love, for three special reasons. The first reason is, to communicate to you welcome news, namely, an account of my prosperity, good health and cheerfulness, in both respects, that is, in soul and body; and to stir you up to aid me in praising, thanking, and praying to God for all his grace and comfort, shown towards me unworthy one here, and also towards us all. Of this comfort (by which I also am comforted of God) it has been my endeavor to communicate to you a share, according to your wish and desire already referred to, and I send it to you as a honey-comb, perfume of roses, balm, incense and myrrh, from Eden’s pleasure garden as it were, fruits of the heavenly paradise; as a fruit, sample, perfume and delectation for you, to be inwardly contemplated with attention; yea, as a signal token to you of my joy and peace which I feel to have with God, in union and in one spirit. O, I, unworthy and unprofitable servant of my Lord, that I enjoy peace with my Christ, and the fellowship of his Spirit. Rom. 8:15; 1 Cor. 6:17; Gal. 3:26. Be it said to his praise, it is all through his merciful faithfulness, and great, unmerited grace. I glory in the Lord, and in his power; we have received from him this precious treasure in our weak earthen vessels; hence, if it is preserved, the excellency of the power is of God, and not of us; O not of us, but by grace we are what we are. Jer. 9:24; 2 Cor. 4:7.