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

To the other part of the Objection, that sometimes Religion exposes the Professors of it to heavy Sufferings, I answer, Indeed the Gospel is plain and peremptory in this, if we will reign with Christ, we must suffer with him, when we are called forth to give a noble testimony ⟨p. 481⟩to his Truth. 'Tis no extraordinary Elevation, no point of Perfection, but the duty of every Christian to be always ready in the disposition and resolution of his Mind, to sacrifice his Life when the honour of Christ requires it. But 'tis no hard condition to suffer transient Afflictions for the obtaining a Happy Immortality, to be conformable to the Image of our suffering Redeemer, that we may be crowned with his Glory. How many Christians esteemed themselves honoured in the Disgrace, and blessed in the Injuries they suffered for Christ, and with an invincible Patience, and astonishing Joy, endured the most cruel Persecutions, though yet the human Nature in them was as tender and sensible of Pains as in others? but the natural aversion and repugnance to suffering was overruled by the determination of the rational Will, upon the account of their Duty, and the Reward attending it. They gave a most convincing sensible Testimony how much more valuable Heaven is, than this present World, willingly exposing themselves to all Evil here, and rejoicing in hope of a glorious issue.

In short; the Reward of Obedience ⟨p. 482⟩is a triumphal Crown; and where there is no Victory, there can be no Triumph; and where no Combat, no Victory; and where no Enemy, no Combat. Therefore we are commanded to fight against our internal Enemies, our corrupt Affections, to kill the Lusts of the Flesh, and to encounter and overcome, by Humility and meek Submissions, the Cruelty of malicious Enemies without us, in order to obtain the Crown of Life. And a Believer that has Heaven in taste and expectation, will easily renounce the most pleasant, and willingly endure the sharpest Temptations, for the blessed Reward of his Obedience.