We therefore that are vouchsafed our part in this immutable kingdom or state under Christ, a condition that no persecutions, nor even the gates of hell, shall prevail against, but it shall be sure finally to overcome and survive all opposition; let us take care to hold fast and not forsake the gospel, (see note [d] ch. xiii.) through which we may serve God so as he will now accept of, with reverence of so glorious a master, and with fear of his wrath, if we do provoke him by abusing his mercies: (see note [c] Phil. ii.) Some were stoned, as Zacharias; others sawn asunder, (as Isaiah by Manasses, say the Jews;) others burnt alive, or broiled, or run through with hot irons, as the Maccabees; others, very many, killed by the sword; others, the prophets that preached the coming of Christ, meanly arrayed in skins, as Ezekiel, John Baptist, &c. being very poor, in great dangers, and meeting with very ill usage; Used thus, as men that were too good to live in this wicked world; and accordingly others of them lived recluse and retired from the world, in deserts and hills, and caves of the earth. And all these valiant champions and servants of God last mentioned, ver. 36, &c. and before, vv. 8. 13, being much commended for their faith, did not in their time receive the promises made to Abraham, had no deliverance in this life from their persecutors: