was of so original a character, and so apposite, and was moreover
expressed with so much terseness and point, that it attracted great
attention and acquired great influence.

In fact, Franklin was distinguished all his life for the genius and
originality which he displayed in expressing any sentiments which he
wished to inculcate upon mankind. One of the most striking examples of
this is the celebrated Parable against persecution of which he is
generally considered the author; it is as follows:

[Illustration: Abraham and the Old Man.]

And it came to pass after these things, that Abraham sat in the
door of his tent, about the going down of the sun.

2. And behold, a man, bowed with age, came from the way of the
wilderness, leaning on a staff.

3. And Abraham arose and met him, and said unto him, "Turn in, I
pray thee, and wash thy feet, and tarry all night, and thou shalt
arise early on the morrow, and go on thy way."

4. But the man said, "Nay, for I will abide under this tree."

5. And Abraham pressed him greatly; so he turned, and they went
into the tent, and Abraham baked unleavened bread, and they did
eat.

6. And when Abraham saw that the man blessed not God, he said unto
him, "Wherefore dost thou not worship the most high God, Creator
of heaven and earth?"

7. And the man answered and said, "I do not worship the God thou
speakest of, neither do I call upon his name; for I have made to
myself a god, which abideth alway in mine house, and provideth me
with all things."

8. And Abraham's zeal was kindled against the man, and he arose
and fell upon him, and drove him forth with blows into the
wilderness.

9. And at midnight God called unto Abraham, saying, "Abraham,
where is the stranger?"

10. And Abraham answered and said, "Lord, he would not worship
thee, neither would he call upon thy name; therefore have I driven
him out from before my face into the wilderness."

11. And God said, "Have I borne with him these hundred ninety and
eight years, and nourished him, and clothed him, notwithstanding
his rebellion against me; and couldst not thou, that art thyself a
sinner, bear with him one night?"

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This parable, the idea of which Franklin probably obtained from some
ancient Persian books, he wrote out and