the courage, zeale, and resolution that we have; where can we lay them out better, or so well, as for the atchievement of a kingdom. The heathen man could say, Imperia pretio quolibet constant bene: A kingdom cannot be over bought, the crown Imperiall of a mortall Prince, it is a radiant and sparkling object; whatsoever a man payeth for it,Occidat, modo imperet, Suet. in vita Ner. it is held a rich purchase notwithstanding. Agrip∣pina thought the Romane Empire a good penni-worth, though she bought it for her son Nero, a very wretch, with the losse of her own life. What violent running, wrestling and striving was there of old in the Olympique games? what combates and contentions? yet all was but for a corruptible crown, as the Apostle speakes, 1 Cor. 9.24, 25. The greatest reward they could looke for, was but a crown of Lawrell, a chaplet of flowers; and besides, they all ran in those masteries, and yet it was but one onely that could receive the prize: but we strive for an Incorruptible crown, and if we strive violently, as we ought, we shall all obtaine the prize we strive for; and when it is obtained, it will be more worth then all the crownes and diadems in the world.The Crownes of the greatest earthly Monarchs, though the pearls in them be never so glistering, yet they are stuffed, for the most part, with such thornes, attended with so many piercing cares and sorrowes and discontents, that a wise man, if he should meete with one of them lying before him in the way, he would scarce thinke it worth the taking up; but the crowne of this King∣dome which we strive for, if by all the violence we can use in do∣ing or suffering we may win it at the last, it will super-abundantly make amends for all.Its possible that we may, nay its certaine that we must endure much, if we will set our selves with obstinacy and violence to run this course; tis a Law enacted in heaven, That we must all through many tribulations, enter into the Kingdome of God, Act. 14.22. But this needs not discourage. If our suffering be great, our Reward is Hyperbolicall, 2 Cor. 4.17. Our light afflictions which are but for a moment,2 King. 11.14. what comparison betwixt them and the re∣ward which they work out for us, which is, a far more exceeding and eternall weight of glory. Its possible, in these plundring times, we may lose our estates, it skills not much; if we part with that which we cannot keep, to gaine that treasure which we cannot lose: The Primitive Christians, suffered the spoyling of their goods 0