Quote by Jonathan Swift
I never saw, heard, nor read, that the clergy were beloved in any nation where Christianity was the religion of the country. Nothing can render them popular, but some degree of persecution.
Summary
This quote suggests that historically, clergy members have not been well-regarded or beloved in nations where Christianity was the dominant religion. The author argues that the clergy can only gain popularity when they face some persecution or adversity. The underlying implication could be that when clergy members face challenges or demonstrate resilience in the face of opposition, they may earn respect and support from the people.