A Life of Socrates by Dr. G. Wiggers [pp. 236-265]

Causes of his Condemnation.
state like to infection... Invidia festos dies non agit."
And a greater than Bacon has said: "Envy is the rottenness of
the bones," and "wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but
who is able to stand before envy?" In fact, a candid observation of human nature must bring us to the conclusion, that envy
is a far more prevalent principle of human action than is commonly supposed, and that even among good men, it is probably
one of the last roots of bitterness that is thoroughly plucked up.
How terrible then must be its- force in the hearts of men unrestrained by Christian motives and morals! Socrates felt its
power. During his life he had maintained consistency in adhering to such maxims of virtue as were known to him. He had
inculcated them upon others in a manner well suited to make a
deep impression of the ignorance and folly, that reigned around
him. His fame had extended far. Strangers often sought his
acquaintance rather than that of all the other men of Athens.
He was also known from his birth. To see a new man rise to
such celebrity, was very provoking to many around him. Accordingly there was a remarkable agreement among all classes,
artizans, poets, demagogues, sophists, and orators, to get rid of
him. The state of things produced by long wars, the general
decay of morals, the abounding superstitions, and the prevalence of practical atheism, all favoured such a result.
Nor could his teachings and example have failed to irritate
the unjust, the covetous, the licentious, and the vain pretenders
of every description. The sophists who wished to be esteemed
wise and good, were in fact, the worst of men, both in principle
and practice. They were in morals Jesuits. To know how
they would regard so terrible a reprover, it is but necessary to
learn how the Jesuits hate the name of Blaise Pascal, and the
whole story is told. But every species of wrong-doer, judge,
tyrant, priest, or citizen, was duly noticed by him, and in terms
well suited to provoke resentment, if they were determined to
persist in their evil practices. Evil men always hate a reprover.
Nor does the incorruptible character of their teacher diminish
aught from their hatred. This popular hatred had also long
been growing, and had had frequent opportunity of expressing
itself at the theatre, for Aristophanes, in his play entitled The
Clouds, had introduced Socrates by name, and had brought
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