The sovereign and final happiness of man with the effectual means to obtain itThe soveraign and final happiness of man with the effectual means to obtain it

And the fixed aim at Heaven as our ⟨p. 108⟩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, though 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, worketh 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. For their heaviest Afflictions are not only consistent ⟨p. 109⟩with his Love, but the Effects of it, being influential upon their Happiness. Whereas the prosperity of Fools shall slay them, and their good things here aggravate their Miseries hereafter.

And the fixed aim at Heaven as our ⟨p. 108⟩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, though under variety of sharp troubles, yet expresses his sence with that mitigation, as but lightly toucht 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, worketh 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. For their heaviest Afflictions are not only consistent