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.