Vol. 2

516 ST. LUKE." 50» That the blood of all the prophets, whichwas shed from the foundation of the world, may berequired of this generation ;"The ninth mark or character of hypocrites is,that they draw down the curse of God upon a wholepeople, by engaging them in their passions. Theblood of the prophets, that is, the injustice and violencedone to the ministers of the Lord, is thatwhich generally fills up the measure of iniquity, andbrings down utter desolationupon states and kingdoms.Other sins are punished in private persons:God revenges these as injuries done to himself, aftera most dreadful manner, and by the ruin and desolationof whole nations.'*51. From the blood of Abel, unto the blood ofZacharias, which perished between the altar and thetemple : verily I say unto you. It shall be requiredof this generation."The tenth character of hypocrites is, that theyflatter themselves with the hopes of impunity : butthe justice of God will certainly punish them, all ingeneral, and every one in particular. Abel iscounted among the prophets,because he prefiguredor foreshowed Jesus Christ by his innocence anddeath, as Cain did Judas and the Jewish people, byhis treachery, envy, and fratricide. Extraordinarycrimes, which put an end to the patience of God, arepunished with a general punishment; because thecorruption and impenitence are then become general,the people join in the sins of their leaders, and theyseem to have heaped up and surpassed all the wickednessof preceding ages." 52. Woe unto you, lawyers ! for ye have taken