Acts 5:41 And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. Unless a grain of mustard-seed be bruised, the extent of its virtue is never acknowledged. For without bruising it is insipid, but if it be bruised it becomes hot, and it gives out all those pungent properties that were concealed in it. Thus every good man, so long as he is not smitten, is regarded as insipid, and of slight account. But if the grinding of persecution crush him, instantly he gives forth all the warmth of his savour, and all that before appeared to be weak and contemptible is turned into godly fervour, and that which in peaceful times he had been glad to keep from view within his own bosom, he is driven by the force of tribulation to make known. ( St. Gregory.) Parallel Verses KJV: And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. |
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