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

And the fixed aim at Heaven as our Felicity, will reconcile an afflicted state to us. When temporal Evils are effectual means to promote our everlasting Happiness, the amiableness and excellency of the End changes their Nature, and makes those Calamities that in themselves are intolerable, to become light and easy. The Poor, the Mourners, the Persecuted are blessed now, because theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. The Apostle, tho under variety of sharp Troubles, yet expresses his sense with that mitigation, as but lightly touched with them: as sorrowful, but always rejoicing. From hence he tells us, that with unfainting courage he prosecuted his glorious End. For our light Afflictions that are but for a moment, work for us a far more exceeding weight of Glory. This seriously believed and considered, will make us understand the Harmony and Consent of the most discordant parts of God's Providence. This will reconcile the severity and roughness of his Hand, with the tender Compassions of his Heart towards his Servants. This will dry up Rivers of unprofitable Tears that flow from the Afflicted, and make the Cross of Christ a light burden. ⟨p. 391⟩For their heaviest Afflictions are not only consistent with his Love, but the Effects of it, being influential upon their Happiness. We are now tossed upon the alternate Waves of Time, but 'tis that we may arrive at the Port, the blessed Bosom of our Saviour, and enjoy a peaceful Calm; and so we shall be ever with the Lord. Words of infinite sweetness! This is the Song of our Prosperity, and the Charm of our Adversity: Well might the Apostle add immediately after, Therefore comfort one another with these Words.

And the fixed aim at Heaven as our Felicity, will reconcile an afflicted state to us. When temporal Evils are effectual means to promote our everlasting Happiness, the amiableness and excellency of the End changes their Nature, and makes those Calamities that in themselves are intolerable, to become light and easy. The Poor, the Mourners, the Persecuted are blessed now, because theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. The Apostle, tho under variety of sharp Troubles, yet expresses his sense with that mitigation, as but lightly touch'd with them: as sorrowful, but always rejoicing. From hence he tells us, that with unfainting courage he prosecuted his glorious End. For our light Afflictions that are but for a moment, work for us a far more exceeding weight of Glory. This seriously believed and considered, will make us understand the Harmony and Consent of the most discordant parts of God's Providence. This will reconcile the severity and roughness of his Hand, with the tender Compassions of his Heart towards his Servants. This will dry up Rivers of unprofitable Tears that flow from the Afflicted, and make the Cross of Christ a light burthen.