Attention to the promises _to him that overcometh_ in the different epistles seems to confirm what has been said. There is a marked contrast between the tone of these promises as they are given in the two groups of epistles; and even where a certain amount of similarity exists, the promises in the second group will be found to be fuller and richer than in the first. At Ephesus, at Smyrna, and at Pergamum "he that overcometh" is rewarded much, as one still in a simple and childlike state would be. The first promise made to him is that he shall _eat of the tree of life, which is in the Paradise of God_[59]; the second, that he shall _not be hurt of the second death_[60]; the third, that he shall _eat of the hidden manna_, and be like the high-priest in the innermost recesses of the sanctuary.[61] All is quiet. The appeal of Him who promises is to the gentler susceptibilities of the soul. The privileges and enjoyments spoken of are adapted to the condition of those who have not yet experienced the struggle of life. When we turn to the second group of epistles there is a different tone. We enter upon rewards conceived in bolder and more manly figures. The first promise now is, _He that overcometh, and he that keepeth My works unto the end, to him will I give authority over the nations: and as a shepherd he shall tend them with a sceptre of iron; as the vessels of the potter are they broken to shivers_.[62] This is the reward of victory after well-fought fields. The warrior thus crowned must have braved the strife and won with difficulty. The second promise is not less marked in its character. _He that overcometh_ shall not simply, as in the case of Smyrna, receive the reward of not being "hurt of the second death;" he shall be _arrayed in white garments_, and Jesus will _confess his name before His Father, and before His angels_.[63] The third promise is at least a large extension of that given to Pergamum, for of _him that_ now _overcometh_ it is said, _I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall come no more forth_--that is, shall come no more forth to a struggle with the world similar to that in which he has been engaged--_and I will write upon him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from My God, and Mine own new name_.[64] Finally, the fourth promise is the noblest of all: _He that overcometh, I will give to him to sit down with Me in My throne, as I also overcame, and sat down with My Father in His throne._[65] All the promises of the second group of epistles are clearly distinguished in tone and spirit from those of the first group. They presuppose a fiercer struggle, a hotter conflict; and they are therefore full of a more glorious reward.