But, say they, many Christians were even led away captive. This indeed were a most pitiable fate , if they could be led away to any place where they could not find their God. But for this calamity also sacred Scripture affords great consolation. The three youths 21Daniel 3 were captives; Daniel was a captive; so were other prophets : and God , the comforter, did not fail them. And in like manner He has not failed His own people in the power of a nation which, though barbarous, is yet human — He who did not abandon the prophet in the belly of a monster. 22Jonah 1 These things, indeed, are turned to ridicule rather than credited by those with whom we are debating; though they believe what they read in their own books, that Arion of Methymna, the famous lyrist, when he was thrown overboard, was received on a dolphin's back and carried to land. But that story of ours about the prophet Jonah is far more incredible — more incredible because more marvellous, and more marvellous because a greater exhibition of power.
TheoFons