The four last things viz. death, judgment, heaven, hell, practically considered and applied in…

3. The belief of this Doctrine as it vindicates Divine Providence, so 'tis powerful to comfort the Saints under Persecutions for Righteousness sake; especially when Innocence is wounded with slanderous Darts, and Calumnies are joined with Cruelties, representing them as worthy of public Hatred. It was one of the Subtle Artifices of Julian the Apostate, to mingle the Images of the Heathen Gods with those of the Emperors, that the doing reverence (as the Christians were commanded) to all together, might imply a dereliction and renouncing of their Religion, and their Simplicity seem Impiety: or if, jealous of slipping from their Profession, they refused to do it, they might seem to deny the Expressions of honour due to their Emperors, and be reputed to suffer not as Christian Martyrs, but as Rebels. But the believing Consideration of God's righteous Judgment ⟨p. 226⟩will make them despise the Censures and Reproaches of malicious Adversaries.¹ With me, saith the Apostle, it is a very small thing that I should be judged by Man's Judgment; he that judgeth me is the Lord. The severest Censure was of no more weight compared with the approbation of God, than the lightest Feather that flies in the Air, put in the Scales against the Globe of the Earth.² The assurance of a righteous Cause, and a righteous Judg, will preserve an inward and joyful tranquillity of Soul in the midst of all the Storms of Reproach and Scandalous Imputations; like the calmness of a Haven when the Sea is tempestuous without. And this will fortify Believers to bear with an invincible Courage all the Violence that is offered to them for their fidelity to God. All the wrongs and injuries they endure, shall be redressed with infinite advantage. The extremest Evils to which they are exposed for Christ, are like the Chariots of Fire sent from God, not to consume but conduct Elijah in triumph into the highest Heaven. God will give them present Support, inward ⟨p. 227⟩Consolations, and a future Crown. There is an appointed day when oppressed Innocence shall obtain the noblest Victory, and disgraced Godliness the most public and highest Honour.³