Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in
the
name of the Lord
Men who have been highly honoured of God, with a gift of
prophesying, or foretelling things to come; to whom God revealed
his secrets, doing nothing without acquainting them with it; and
who were sent forth by him, and prophesied in his name what were
made known unto them; and yet, though these were his favourites,
they suffered much; as cruel mockings, scourgings, imprisonment,
famine, nakedness, and death in various shapes; some being
stoned, others sawn asunder, and others killed by the sword; all
which they endured with incredible patience. And therefore the
apostle proposes them to be taken,
for an example suffering affliction, and of
patience;
their afflictions were many and great, and yet they were very
patient under them; and through faith and patience they went
through them, and now inherit the promises; and so are a very
proper example and pattern for New Testament saints to follow and
copy after.