Chap. 4. Containing a Practical Improvement of the Proposition
IT confutes the Papists, who hold that a Christian cannot have Assurance, because he is to serve God with fea. Assurance and Fear are diversa but not Opposita, different but not contrary. A Child may have assurance of his Fathers love, yet has a fear of offending him. Who more fearful of Sin than St. Paul? 1 Corinthians 9:27. Yet who had more assurance? Galat. 2:20. Who Loved me, and Gave himself for me. Faith procures assurance, fear preserves it.
Is it a duty to Fear God, what strangers then are they to Religion, who are void of this Holy Fear? The Godly fear and sin not, the wicked sin and fear not. They are like the Leviathan, who is made without Fear, Job 41:33. Want of the fear of God is the innate Cause of all Wickedness, Romans 3:14. Whose mouth is full of Cursing and bitterness, their feet are swift to shed blood. Whence was this? verse 18. There is no fear of God before their eyes: Abraham surmized the men of Gerar would stick at no Sin; why so? Genesis 20:11. I thought surely the fear of God is not in this place. The Judge in the Gospel is called an unjust Iudge, Luke 18:6. And no wonder, for verse 2. he feared not God. There must needs be an excess of Sin where there wants the Fear of God to restrain it. The water must needs Overflow where there are no banks to keep it out. We live in a Godless age; durst men Sin at that rate as they do, if the fear of God were regent in their hearts? durst they swear, be unclean, use False weights, bear false witness, hate purity, deride Gods signs in the Heaven, Forge Plots, Persecute Christs body, if they had the fear of God before their eyes? these men proclaim to the World that they are Atheists; they believe not the Immortality of the Soul. They are worse than brutish, a Beast fears the fire, these fear not Hell Fire. They are worse than Devils, for they believe and tremble, Jam. 2:19.
Let us bewail the want of the Fear of God.—Terras Astraea reliquit.
Whence is it so few fear God?
1. Because they have not the knowledge of God. Proverbs 1:24. They hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the Lord: did men know God in his immense glory, they would be swallowed up with divine amazement. When the Prophet Isaiah had a glimpse of Gods Glory, he was stricken with holy consternation. Isaiah 6:5. Wo is me, I am undone, for mine eyes have seen the King the Lord of Hosts. But the Ignorance of God banisheth fear.
2. Men fear not God because they presume of his Mercy. God is merciful, and they doubt not of the Virtue of this soveraign Balm. But who is Gods mercy for? Luke 1:50. His mercy is on them that fear him. Such as fear not Gods Justice, shall not tast his Mercy.
Let this be for a Lamentation, that the fear of God is so vanished. Where almost is it to be found? Some fear shame, others fear danger, but where is he who fears a Deity? Diogenes came into a full Market with a Candle and Lanthorn; they asked him what he sought? says he, Hominem quaero, I seek a man; that is, a wise man. So in the Crowd of people we may go and seek a man fearing God.
And not only among the Commonalty, but even among Professors how sew fear God in truth! Profession is often made a Mantle to cover sin. Absalom palliated his Treason with a Religious Vow. 2 Samuel 15:7. The Pharisees made long Prayer a preface to Oppression, Matthew 23:14. This is sordid, to carry on wicked designs sublarva Pictatis, under a pretext of Piety. The Snow covers many a dung-hill. A snovvy vvhite Profession covers many a foul heart. The sins of Professors are more odious. Thistles are bad in a Field, but vvorse in a Garden. The sins of the vvicked anger God, but the sins of Professors Grieve him.
It reproves Iovial Sinners, vvho are so far from fearing God, that they spend their time in mirth and vvantonness. Luke 17:27. They did eat, they drank, they married, till the flood came and destroyed them all. There is a place in Affrica called Tombutium, where the Inhabitants spend all the day in piping and dancing. What sensual effeminate lives do the Gallants of our age live! They spend their Life in a Frolick. As if God had made them to be like the Leviathan who plays in the Sea. Job 21:13. They take the Timbrel and Harp, and rejoyce at the sound of the Organ. They ride to Hell upon the back of Pleasure, and go merrily to damnation.
Though the Times are sad, they have no fear in regard of the publique: Does not God call us to trembling? our sins are the fiery Comets that presage evil. May not we fear the Glory is departing? may not we fear the death of Religion before the birth of Reformation? May not we fear some portentous calamity should bring up the rear of former Judgments? and (as the Prophet Ezekiel says,) Should me then make-mirth? Ezekiel 21:10. But Jovial spirits have banished the fear of God. Amos 6:4, 5. That lye upon beds of Ivory, and stretch themselves upon their couches, that drink wine in Bowls, and anoint themselves with the chief Oyntments. Sinners whose hearts are hardned with soft pleasures, let them have their lusts, and farewell Christ and his Gospel. Jude 12. Feeding themselves without fear. But they Forget death will bring in the reckoning, and they must pay the reckoning in Hell. The Great Turk when he intends the death of any of his Bashaws, invites them to a Sumptuous Feast, and then causes them to be taken away from the Table and strangled: so Satan Gluts men with sinful pastimes and delights, and then strangles them. Foolish Gallants are like the Fish that swim pleasantly through the Silver streams of Iordan, till at last they fall into the dead Sea.
It reproves secure Sinners who have no Fear of God. Like Laish of old,Iudg. 18:27. A people quiet and secure. Those who are least safe, are most confident. Security casts men into a deep Sleep. Birds that build and roost in Steeples, being used to the continual ringing of Bells, the noise does not at all disquiet them. So Sinners who have been long used to the sound of Aarons Bells, though ever and anon they have a peal rung out against their sins, yet being used to it, they are not startled. A secure sinner is Known thus:
1. He lives as bad as the worst, yet hopes to be saved as well as the best. He does bless himself, saying, I shall have peace, though I walk in the imagination of my heart, Deuteronomy 29:19. As if a man should drink Poison, yet not doubt but he shall have his health. A secure sinner lies in Delilahs lap, yet hopes to be in Abrahams bosom.
2. A secure sinner thinks all is well, because all is in peace. He hears others speak of a Spirit of bondage, and the terrors they have felt for sin, he thanks God he never Knew what Trouble of spirit meant; he thinks his Conscience is Good, because it is quiet. When the Devil keeps the Palace all is in peace, Luke 11:21. The Philosopher says, one Great sign of an Earthquake is excessive Calmness of the Air: ungrounded peace does presage an Earthquake in the conscience.
3. A secure sinner is careless about the main Chance. The Soul is the princely part, which is crowned with reason; it is a glass of the▪ Trinity, as Plato calls it. A secure sinner provides for his Body, but neglects his Soul; like one that waters his Flowers, but never minds his Jewels. Behold here a secure person, who is in a spiritual Lethargy; he has no sence of the life to come, he is destitute of the fear of God.
It reproves Scoffers, who are the vilest of sinners. 2 Peter 3:3. There shall come in the last daies Scoffers. Such were Lucian and Porphiry. These Ishmaels jeer at holy walking, and make all Religion a Ridicule. They throw Squibs of reproach at the Saints. Quintinus scoffed at Christs Apostles. In the Massacre at Paris, the Papists cried out to the Protestants when they murdered them, Where is now your God? what is become of all your Psalms now, and your Prayers? Some Martyrs in Prague, as they were at Supper (being the next day to suffer) comforted themselves saying, That this was their last Supper upon Earth, and that to morrow they should sup with Christ in Heaven; a Great Papist flouted them, saying, Has Christ Cooks for you in Heaven? These are Devils in the likeness of men. They are far from the fear of God: The Scorners chair stands at the mouth of Hell.
It exhorts us to get the fear of God planted in our hearts. Proverbs 28:19. Happy is he that feareth alway. The fear of God would influence all our actions. It would make us Good in both Tables. It would make us Holy towards God, and Righteous towards men. We would be true in our Promises, just in our dealings. Matthew 7:12. That I may press you to this Holy Fear, let me shew you the dignity and excellency of it.
1. The fear of God is the very Badge and Livery of a Saint. The Saints of old were men fearing God. Genesis 22:12. Act. 10:22. 1 Kin. 18:3. Obadiah feared the Lord Greatly. Not all the Moral Vertues in their Highest elevation make a Saint, but here is his true Character, He is one that Fears God. Saint Austin said of himself, that he did knock at Heaven-gate tremibunda manu, with a trembling hand; Christ calls his Elect his sheep, John 10:27. Sheep are of a trembling nature. The Saints are tremulous, they dare not take that liberty as others do.
2. The Fear of God is a main branch of wisdom. 'Tis called, the Head of wisdom, Proverbs 1:7. Wisdom is more precious than Rubies, Proverbs 3:15. No Jewel we wear, does so adorn us as wisdom; now the fear of God is our wisdom: Job 28:28. And to man he said, the fear of the Lord that is wisdom.
Wherein is the fear of God the true wisdom?
1. The fear of God is Wisdom as it makes us careful about our spiritual accounts. Wisdom lies in nothing more than in keeping accounts exactly. The fear of God teaches one to examine the state of his Soul critally. O my Soul how is it with you? dost you gain or lose? is your Faith in it's Infancy, being but newly laid to the breast of a Promise? or is it Grown to some stature? how is it? does Grace prevail or Sin? Thus the fear of God makes us wisely ballance our accounts, and see how matters stand between God and our Souls. Psalm 77:6. I commune with my own heart, and my spirit made diligent search.
2. The fear of God is Wisdom as it makes us understand divine secrets. Psalm 25:14. The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him. He must needs be wise who is acquainted with the Arcana coeli, the secrets of Heaven. A fearer of God is acquainted with the secret of Election, 1 Thess. 1:4. of Gods love, Revelation 1:5. of the holy unction, 1 John 2:20. He knows Gods mind, 1 Corinthians 2:16. We have the mind of Christ.
3. The fear of God is Wisdom as it makes us considerative. Psalm 119:59. I considered my ways. A great part of wisdom lies in consideration. He who fears God considers how Vain the world is, therefore dares not love it; how short Time is, therefore dares not lose it; how precious Salvation is, therefore dares not neglect it.
4. The Fear of God is Wisdom as it makes us walk wisely. Colossians 4:5. Walk wisely,, towards them that are without. 1. The Fear of God makes us walk affably. Genesis 23:7. Abraham stood up and bowed himself to the Children of Heth. Piety does not exclude Curtesie. 2. The Fear of God makes us walk inoffensively: it prevents not only Scandals but Indecencies. 2 Corinthians 11:12. That I might cut off occasion from them that desire occasion. The Veneration of a Deity causes circumcision of Heart, and circumspection of Life.
5. The Fear of God is Wisdom, as it preserves us from Hell: 'tis wisdom to keep out of danger; fear makes us fly from the wrath to come.
3. The Fear of God is the best Certificate to shew for Heaven. Have you knowledge? so has Satan; have you Profession? so has Satan, he transforms himself into an Angel of light. But have you filial fear? herein you excel him. The fear of God is, though not our Plea, yet our Evidence for Heaven.
4. There is that in God which may command fear. Job 37:22. With God is terrible Majesty.
1. With God is Majesty.
1. There is Majesty in Gods Name, Iehovah. It comes from an Hebrew Radix, which imports Gods absolute, Eternal, and Independent being. 2. There is Majesty in Gods Looks. Job had but a glimpse of God, and he was even swallowed up with divine amazement, Job 42:5. Now mine Eye sees you, wherefore I abhorr my self. 3. There is Majesty in Gods Words, he speaks with Majesty; as when he gave the Law in thundring, insomuch that the people said, Let not God speak with us lest we dye. 4. There is Majesty in Gods Attributes; his Holiness, Power, Justice, which are the Irradiations of the divine Essence. 5. There is Majesty in Gods Works, Psalm 145:5. I will speak of the Honor and Majesty of your wondrous works. Every Creature sets forth Gods Majesty; we may see the Majesty of God Blazing in the Sun, Twinkling in the Stars: Gods Majesty is discernable in those two Wonders of nature Behemoth and Leviathan, Job 40:18. chap. 41:19. In short, the Majesty of God is seen in humbling the Children of Pride. He turned King Nebuchadnezzar to grass, and made him Fellow-commoner with the Beasts: Does not all this call for Fear?
2. With God is Terrible Majesty. Psalm 76:12. He is terrible to the Kings of the Earth. There is a time coming when God will be dreadful to his enemies; when Conscience is awake, when Death strikes, when the last Trump sounds. And shall not we Fear this God? Jeremiah 5:22. Fear ye not me, says the Lord, will ye not tremble at my presence? The Fearing Gods Justice is the way not to feel it.
And let it not seem strange to you, if I tell you, that in respect of Gods infinite Majesty, there will be some of this blessed Fear in Heaven. Not a Fear that has Torment in it, for Perfect love will cast out Fear. But an Holy, Sweet, Reverential fear. Though God has so much beauty in him as shall cause love, and joy, in Heaven, yet this beauty is mixed with so much Majesty, as shall cause a Veneration in Glorified Saints.
5. The Fear of God tends to life, Pro. 19:23. It is true, 1. In a temporal sence, Proverbs 10:27. The fear of the Lord prolongeth daies; in the Original it is, It addeth days. Long life is Promised as a blessing, Psalm 91:16. With long Life will I satisfie him. The best way to come to an, a Good Old age, is the Fear of God. Sin curtails the life: many a mans excess wasts his Vitals, enervates his strength, and cuts him short of those years which by the course of nature might be arrived at. You that desire to live long, live in the Fear of God. Deuteronomy 6:24. The Lord commanded us to fear the Lord our God,that he might preserve us alive.
2. It is true in a Spiritual sence. The Fear of the Lord tendeth to life: namely, to life Eternal. Life is sweet, and Eternal makes it Sweeter. The Life of bliss has no Tearm of Years wherein it expires, 1 Thes. 4:17. Ever with the Lord: The Lamp of Glory shines, but does not spend; so that divine Fear tends to Life; a life with God and Angels for ever.
6. The Fear of God gives full satisfaction, Proverbs 19:23. He that has it, shall abide satisfied. Such as are destitute of Gods Fear never meet with satisfaction. Job 20:22. In the midst of his sufficiency he shall be in straits. This is a riddle, to be full yet not have enough. The meaning is, there is still something wanting: he who Fears not God, though his Barns are full, yet his Mind is not quiet. The sweet Waters of Pleasure do rather inflame the thirst than satisfie it. Omnia fui et nihil expedit; I have run through all the delights and Grandures of the world, and could never find full contentment, said the Emperour Severus. But he who has the Fear of the Lord, shall abide satisfied.
1. He shall be satisfied.
His Soul shall be filled with Grace, his Conscience with peace: an Holy man said, when God had replenished him with inward joy, It is enough Lord, your Servant is a clay vessel and can hold no more.
2. He shall abide satisfied.
This satisfaction shall not cease; it shall be a Cordial in death, and a Crown after death.
7. The fear of God makes a little to be sweet, Proverbs 15:16. Better is a little with the fear of the Lord. Why is a little better? because that little a Believer has he holds in Capite, in his Head Christ; that little is sweetned with the love of God. He has with that little a contented mind; and contentment turns Daniels Pulse into Venison. Again, that little is a Pledge of more; that little Oyl in the Cruse is but an earnest of that Golden joy and bliss which the Soul shall have in Heaven. Thus a little with the Fear of God is better than all unsanctified riches. Lazarus's Crumbs were better than Dives his Banquet.
8. The Fear of God is a Christians safety. He is invulnerable, nothing can hurt him: Plunder him of his Money, he carries a treasure about him he cannot be robbed of. Isaiah. 33:6. Cast him into bonds, his Conscience is free; Kill his Body, it shall rise again. He who has on this Breast-Plate of Gods Fear, may be shot at, but can never be shot thorow.
9. The Fear of God makes all things go well with us, Psalm 128:2. Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord, happy shalt you be, and it shall be well with you.
Is it not well with that man who has all things go on his side, and has nothing wanting that may do him Good? Psalm 84:11. If God sees Health or Riches Good for him, he shall have them. Every Providence shall center in his happiness. O what an inducement is here to solid Piety. Come what times will, it shall be well with them that Fear God. When they dye they shall go to God, and while they live every thing in the world shall do them good.
10. The Fear of God is a great Cleanser, Psalm 19:9. The fear of the Lord is clean. It is so, 1. In its own nature, it is a pure, Christal, Orient grace. 2. It is clean Effective, in the effect of it; it cleanseth the Heart and Life; as a Spring works out the mud, so it purgeth out the love of sin. The Heart is the Temple of God, and Fear sweeps and cleanseth this Temple that it be not defiled.
11. The Fear of God makes us accepted with God, Act. 10:35. In every nation he that Feareth God is accepted with him. What was St. Paul so ambitious of? 2 Corinthians 5:9. We labor that we may be accepted with him. Divine Fear ingratiates us into divine Favor. Such as are Fearless of God, neither their Persons or Offerings find acceptance, Amos 5:21, 22. I despise your Feast days, and I will not smell in your solemn Assemblies; though ye offer me burnt-offerings, I will not accept them. Who will take a Gift from one that has the plague?
12. The Fear of God layes a train for spiritual joy: some may think the Fear of God breeds sadness; no, it is the in-let to joy The Fear of God is the morning Star, which ushers in the Sun light of comfort, Acts 9:31. Walking in the Fear of the Lord, and in the comforts of the Holy ghost. The Fear of God has solid joy in it, though not wanton. Oecolampadius an holy man being on his sick-bed, was asked if the Light offended him? he putting his hand to his heart said, Hic sat lucis; Here I have light enough. God mixeth joy with Holy Fear, that fear may not seem slavish.
13. The Fear of God drives out all other base Fear. Carnal fear is an enemy to Religion. The Fear of God frights it away; it causes Courage, Exodus 18:21. Able men, such as Fear God: some Translations render it, Men of Courage. When a Dictator Governed in Rome, all other Offices ceased. Where the Fear of God rules in the Heart, it expells fleshly Fear. When the Emperess Eudoxia threatned to banish Chrysostom, Tell her, says he, I fear nothing but sin. The Fear of God swallows up all other Fear, as Moses Rod swallowed up the Magitians Rods.
14. To be void of Gods Fear, is Folly, Psalm 75:4. I said to the Fools, deal not Foolishly, and to the wicked, lift not up the Horn. 1. Are not they Fools who gratifie their Enemy? They who want the Fear of God do so. Satan baits his hook with pleasure and profit, and they swallow bait and hook and all; this pleaseth Satan, mens sins feast the Devil. Who but a Fool would humour his enemy?
2. Is it not folly to preferre Slavery before Liberty? if a Slave in the gally should have his freedom offered him, but he should say, he had rather Tug at the Oar and be a slave, than have his liberty, would not he be Judged indiscreet? Such is the case of him who Fears not God. The Gospel offers to free him from the miserable captivity of Sin, but he chooses rather to be a slave to his lusts. He is like the Servant under the Law. Exodus 21:5. I love my Master, I will not go out free. He was displeased with a year of Iubilee: The Foolish sinner had rather have his Ear bored to the Devils service, than be translated into the Glorious liberty of the Sons of God, Romans 8:21.
3. Is not he a Fool, who having but one Jewel will venture the loss of it? The Soul is this Jewel, and the sinner is fearless of it, he will throw it away upon the world; as if one should throw Pearls and Diamonds at Pear-trees. Ephrem Syrus used to say, He who Pampers his body and neglects his Soul, is like him who feasts his Slave and starves his Wife.
4. Is not he a Fool, who refuseth a rich offer? if one should offer to adopt another, and make him Heir of his Estate, and he should refuse it, would not his discretion be called in question? God offers Christ to a sinner, and promiseth to entail all the riches of Heaven upon him, but wanting the Fear of God he refuseth this Great offer. Psalm 81:11. Israel would none of me: Is not this a Prodigy of madness? may not the Devil beg every sinner for a Fool at the last day ?
15. The Fear of God is a Soveraign Antidote against Apostasie: the Devil was the first Apostate. How rife is this sin! more shipwracks are at Land than at Sea; men make shipwrack of a Good Conscience. Apostates are said to put Christ to open shame, Hebrews 6:6. The Fear of God is a, a preservative against Apostacy. Jeremiah 32:40. I will put my Fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from me. I will so love them, that I will not depart from them; and they shall so Fear me, that they shall not depart from me.
15. There are excellent Promises made to them that Fear God, Malachi 4:2. To you that Fear my Name, shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his Wings. Here is a promise of Christ; he is a Sun for Light and Vivifical Influence; and a Sun of Righteousness, as he diffuseth the Golden beams of Justification. And he has healing in his Wings; the Sun heals the Air, dries up the Cold moistures, exhales the Vapours which would be Pestilential; so Christ has healing in his Wings, he heals the hardness and impurity of the Soul. And the Horison in which this Sun ariseth, is in hearts Fearing God. To you that Fear my Name, shall the Sun of righteousness arise. And, there is another Great Promise, Psalm 115:13. He will bless them that Fear the Lord, both Small and Great. God blesseth such in their Name, Estate, Souls. And this blessing can never be reversed: As Isaac said, I have blessed him, and he shall be blessed, Genesis 27:33. Such as Fear God are priviledged Persons, none can take away from them either their birth-right, or their blessing.
16. Fear is an admirable Instrument in Promoting Salvation, Philippians 2:12. Work out your Salvation with Fear. Fear is that flaming Sword, which turns every way to keep sin from entring. Proverbs 6:16. Fear stands Sentinel in the Soul, and is ever upon it's Watch-Tower. Fear causes circumspection, he who walks in Fear treads warily: Fear begets Prayer, and Prayer engageth the help of Heaven.
17. The Lord is much pleased with such as Fear him. Psalm 147:11. The Lord takes pleasure in them that Fear him. In the Septuagint it is, The Lord bears Good will towards them that Fear him: Pagnin and Buxtorf render it, The Lord delights in them that Fear him. Never did Suitor take such pleasure in a Person he loved, as God does in them that Fear him; they are his Hephsibah, or chief solace, Isaiah. 62:4. He says of them as of Sihon, Psalm 132:14. Here is my rest for ever, here will I dwell. A sinner is a vessel in which is no pleasure, Hosea 8:8. But Fearers of God are Favourites.
18. Such as Fear God are the only persons that shall be saved. Psalm 85:9. Salvation is nigh them that Fear him. Salvation is said to be far from the Wicked, Psalm 119:155. They and Salvation are so far asunder, that they are like never to meet. But Gods Salvation is nigh them that Fear him: What do we aspire after but Salvation? 'Tis the end of all our Prayers, Tears, Sufferings. Salvation is the Crown of our desires, the flower of our joy. And who shall be enriched with Salvation, but the Fearers of God? His Salvation is nigh them that Fear him. Let these cogent arguments perswade to the Fear of God.
Let us put our selves upon a strict Scrutiny and Tryal, whether we have the Fear of God planted in our hearts.
How may we know it?
1. The Fear of God will make a man fear sin, Genesis 39:9. How can I do this Great wickedness and sin against God; indeed sin is the only Formidable thing; this is the Gorgons Head, that affrights; it is the Evil of Evils. 'Tis the Poison the Old Serpent has spit into our Virgin-nature: In Sin is both Pollution and Enmity: Sin is compared to a Thick Cloud, Isaiah. 44:22. which not only hides the light of Gods Face, but brings down showers of Wrath. Sin is worse than all penal evils: there is more evil in a drop of Sin, than in a Sea of Affliction. 1. Sin is the cause of Affliction, it conjures up all the Winds and Storms in the World. Out of this Viperous womb come Mutinies, Divisions, Massacres, and the cause is worse than the effect.
2. In Affliction Conscience may be quiet; the Hail may beat upon the Tiles, when there is Musick in the room: but Sin terrifies the Conscience. Nero in the midst of Feasts and Roman sports was full of horrour of mind; the numbers of men he had Killed, troubled him. Cataline was frighted at every noise. Cain in Killing Abel stab'd half the World at one blow, yet could not he Kill the Worm of his own Conscience.
Sin is the Spirits of Mischief distilled, it puts a Sting into death, 1 Corinthians 15:56. It is worse than Hell. 1. Hell is a burden only to the sinner, but sin is a Burden to God, Amos 2:13.
2. There is Iustice in Hell, but sin is the most unjust thing. It would rob God of his Glory, Christ of his Purchase, the Soul of it's Happiness. 'Tis more bitter to sin against Christ, than to suffer the torments of Hell, says Chrysostom: Is not sin then to be feared? he who Fears God is afraid of touching this forbidden fruit: More Particularly:
1. He who Fears God, is afraid to do any thing that he doubts may be sinful, Romans 14:23. He will not swallow Oaths like Pills, lest they should afterwards work in his Conscience: he dares not mix any thing in Gods Worship which he has not appointed, he doubts it is like Offering strange fire. Where Conscience is Scrupulous, it is safer to forbear; for, what is not of Faith is Sin.
2. He who Fears God, fears the appearance of Sin, 1 Thes. 5:22. Abstain,, from all appearance of Evil. Some things are Male colorata (as Bernard speaks) they have a bad look, and carry a show of evil in them: To go to the Idol Temple, though one does not joyn with them in Worship, is an appearance of evil. He whose Heart is ballasted with Gods Fear, flies from that which looks like sin. It was a good speech of Bernard to Eugenius, By avoiding the Act of sin we preserve our Peace, by avoiding the appearance of it we preserve our Fame. The Fear of God makes us shun the Occasion of sin: the Nazarite under the Law was not only to forbear Wine, but he must not eat Grapes, which might occasion intemperancy. Ioseph fled from his Mistresses temptation, he would not be seen in her company.
The appearance of evil though it defile not ones own Conscience, it may offend anothers Conscience: and hear what the Apostle says, 1 Corinthians 8:12. When ye wound the weak Conscience, ye sin against Christ. Such as avoid not the appearances and in-lets to sin, make the truth of their Grace to be suspected: How far are they from the Fear of God, who forgetting their prayer, Lead us not into temptation, run themselves into the Devils mouth? they go to Plays and Masquerades, which are the Lures and Incentives of Filthiness; others associate familiarly with the Wicked, and are too often in their Company: which is like going among them that have the Plague. 1 Corinthians 5:9. I wrote to you not to Company with Fornicators. Traffique is one thing, keeping Company is another. Polycarp would have no Society with Marcion the Heretick. Twisting into a cord of Friendship with sinners is a show of evil, it hardens them in sin, and wounds the credit of Religion.
But did not Christ often converse with Sinners?
1. Christ did sometimes go among the Wicked, not that he approved of their sins: but as a Physitian goes among the diseased to heal them; so Christ intended to Work a Cure upon them, Mark 2:17. It was their conversion he aimed at.
2. Though Jesus Christ did sometimes converse with Sinners, yet he could receive no Infection by them: his divine nature was a sufficient Antidote against the contagion of sin. As the Sun cannot be defiled with the thick Vapours which are exhaled from the Earth, and fly into the middle Region: so the black Vapours of sin could not defile the Sun of Righteousness. Christ was of that spotless purity that he had no receptibility of Evil; but the case is altered with us, we have a stock of corruption within: therefore it is dangerous to incorporate with the Wicked lest we be defiled.
Such as revere the divine Majesty dare not go near the borders of Sin. Those who went near the Fiery Furnace, though they did not go into it, were burned, Daniel 3:22. A wise Christian should in all his transactions put those three questions of Bernard to himself; Whether is this I do lawful, or decent, or expedient.
3. He who Fears God, dares not sin secretly. An Hypocrite may forbear gross sin, because of the shame; but not clandestine secret sin. He is like one that shuts up his Shop-windows, but follows his Trade within doors: But a man Fearing God dares not sin, though he had Gyges's Ring and could walk invisibly, and no eye see him. Levit. 19:14. You shalt not curse the deaf, or put a stumbling block before the blind; but shalt Fear your God. If one should curse a deaf man, he cannot hear him; or lay a stumbling block in a blind mans way, he cannot see him: Yea but the Fear of God will make one avoid those sins which can neither be heard or seen by men. Gods Seeing in secret is a sufficient Supersedeas and Counterpoison against Sin.
4. He who Fears God dares not commit sin, though it might bring him in Emolument. Gain is the Golden bait with which Satan fisheth for Souls: this was the last temptation the Devil used to Christ, All this will I give you, Matthew 4:9. How many bow down to the Golden Image! Ioshua who could stop the course of the Sun, could not stop Achan in his pursuit after the wedge of Gold. But he who Fears God dares not sin to get preferment: David durst not touch the Lords anointed though he knew he was to reign next, 2 Samuel 26:23. A Godly man is assured that a full Purse is but a poor recompence for a wounded Conscience. If any shall go to choak him with Steeples, he says as Peter, Acts 8:20. Your mony perish with you.
5. He who Fears God, dares not gratifie his own revengeful humour. Homer says, Revenge is sweet as dropping Hony; but Grace makes a man rather bury an injury than revenge it. He knows who has said, Vengeance is mine, I will repay, Romans 12:19. He who has the Fear of God before his eyes, is so far from revenge, that he requites good for evil. Miriam murmured against Moses, and Moses prayed for her, that God would heal her of her Leprosie, Numb. 12:13. The Prophet Elisha instead of smiteing his Enemies, set Bread and Water before them, 2 King 6:22.
6. He who Fears God dares not do that which is of evil report, though possibly the thing in it self may be no sin. 1 Corinthians 6:1. Dare any of you having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust? Yes, might some say, what sin is it to have a just cause brought before unbelievers, that it may be decided? O but, might the Apostle reply, though the thing in it self be lawful, yet because it sounds ill, and exposeth your Religion to the Scorn and insult of unbelievers, you that Fear God should not dare to do it. It were better to decide it by a prudent arbitration. 1 Corinthians 6:12. All things are lawful to me, but all things are not expedient.
7. He who Fears God is not only afraid of evil actions, but to offend God in his Thoughts. Deuteronomy 19:6. Beware that there be not a thought in your wicked heart, etc. To think of sin with delight is to act it over in the fancy, this is Culpable. A man may think himself into Hell. What were the Apostate Angels damned for, was it for any more than Proud thoughts? This is the first note of Trial, He who reverenceth a Deity flies from Sin. It is a saying of Anselm, If Sin were on one side and Hell on the other, I would rather leap into Hell than willingly sin against God.
2. He who Fears God, walks by Rule rather than Example: Example is for the most part corrupt. Examples of great men are influential. Pharaoh had learned Ioseph to swear, but Ioseph had not learned Pharaoh to pray. The examples of others cannnot justifie a thing intrinsecally evil. A fearer of God steers the Rudder of his Life according to the Compass of the Word. He looks to the sacred Canon as the Mariner to the Load-Star, or Israel to the Pillar of Fire, to direct him. Isaiah. 8:20. To the Law, to the Testimony.
3. He who Fears God keeps his commandments, Ecclesiastes 12:13. Fear God, and keep his commandments. Luther said, He had rather obey God than work miracles. A Gracious Soul crosseth his own will to fulfil Gods: if the Lord bid him Crucifie his bosom-sin, forgive his enemies, he instantly obeys. An Heathen exercising much cruelty to a Christian, asked him in scorn, What Great Miracle his Master Christ ever did? The Christian replyed, This Miracle, that though you use me thus Cruelly, I can forgive you. An Holy Heart Knows there is nothing lost by obedience. David sware to the Lord, that he would not rest till he found a place for God, Psalm 132:4, 5. And God Sware again to David, that of the fruit of his body he would set upon his throne, Psalm 132:11.
4. He who Fears God is alike Good in all Companies: He diffuseth the sweet savor of Godliness where ever he comes. Hypocrites can change themselves into all shapes, and be as their company is; Serious in one comcompany, and Vain in another: He who reverenceth a Deity, is semper idem, alike Good in all places. An even Pulse shows Health: an even walking shows Grace. If a Good man be providentially cast among the wicked, he will not coalesce with them, but in his deportment shows forth a Majesty of Holiness.
5. He who Fears God is good in the Station where God has set him. Take an instance in Ioseph, Genesis 42:18. I fear God. And see a pattern of Relative sanctitie: He showed towards his Master fidelity, towards his Mistress chastity, towards his Father duty, towards his Brethren bounty. A good man makes his family Palaestra Pietatis, a Nursery of Piety, as it was said of Cranmer.
6. He who Fears God, dares not neglect Family or Closet-prayer, Psalm 109:4. I Give my self to Prayer. Prayer whispers in Gods ears. Clemens Alexandrinus calls it private conference with God. Why was Nymphas's house call'd a Church, Colossians 4:15. But because it was consecrated by Prayer? A Gracious Soul puts forth fervent sighs in Prayer, Romans 8:26. And sure that prayer does soonest pierce Heaven which pierceth ones own Heart.
If Prayer be made the Touch-stone, then the number of those who Fear God is but small. Are there not many prayerless Families in this City and Nation? Job 15:4. You casteth off fear, you restrainest prayer. When men restrain prayer, they cast off the Fear of God. It is the brand set upon a Reprobate, Psalm 14:4. He calls not upon God.
7. He who Fears God will not oppress his Neighbor. Levit. 25:17. Ye shall not oppress one another, but you shalt fear your God. How can he be Holy who is not just? A Saint, yet an Extortioner is a Soloecism. A cruel oppressor is like Iudas, his bowels are fallen out. The Fear of God would cure this. Nehemiah 5:8. Will ye sell your brethren? v. 9. Ought ye not to walk in the fear of our God? As if Nehemiah had said, If ye had the Fear of God ye would not be so wicked, ye would not rise upon the ruines of others, and to wrong them, damn your selves.
8. He who Fears God is given to works of Mercy. The Fear of God is alwaies joyned with love to our Brethren. Grace may have a Trembling hand, but it has not a Withered hand, it stretcheth out its self to relieve the indigent. Iam. 1:27. Pure Religion before God and the Father is this, to Visit the Fatherless and the Widdows in their Affliction. To Visit them is not only to go to see them in Affliction: our Saviour expounds what Visiting is, Matthew 25:36. Ye visited me; how was that? verse 35. I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat. Good works are not the Cause of our Justification, but they are the Evidence. How far are they from the Fear of God, who are hard-hearted to Christs Poor! You may as well extract Oil out of a Flint, as the Golden Oil of Charity out of their hearts. Dives denied Lazarus a Crumb of Bread, and Dives was denied a drop of Water.
9. He who Fears God had rather displease man than God. Exodus 1:17. The Midwives Feared God, and did not as the King commanded, but saved the Men-children alive. What, not obey the Kings Command! How could this stand with their Allegiance? Very well, because it was an unlawful command. The King bad them put to death the Males of the Hebrews, which they durst not doe, for Fear of incurring Gods displeasure. King Nebuchadnezzar, erected a Golden Image to be worshipped, but the three Children (or rather Champions) said, Be it known to you O King, we will not serve your Gods, or worship your Golden Image, Daniel 3:18. They would rather burn than bow: He who Fears God, knows it is best to keep in with God; he is the surest Friend, but the sorest Enemy.
10. The Fear of God will make a man Fear these six things.
- 1. Satans Snares. - 2. His own Heart. - 3. Death. - 4. Judgement. - 5. Hell. - 6. Heaven.
1. The Fear of God will make a man afraid of Satans snares. He has the eye of Faith to see these snares, and the wing of Fear to fly from them—Pedibus Timor addidit alas—2 Corinthians 2:11. We are not ignorant of his devices. The word is, subtile Stratagems. Satan is called the Old Serpent, Revelation 12:9. Though he has lost his Holiness, he has not lost his Policy: his snares are so Cunningly laid, that without the Guidance of Gods Fear we cannot escape them.
1. One subtil Artifice of Satan is, he baits his Hook with Religion: he can change his Flag, and hang out Christs Colors; here he Transforms himself into an Angel of light. The Devil tempts men to Evil, that Good may come of it, Romans 3:8. He whistles them into the snare of preferment, that hereby they may be in a capacity of doing God more service. The white Devil is worst. Who would suspect Satan when he comes as a Divine, and if need be, can quote Scripture?
2. Another snare of Satan is, to tempt to sin under a plea of Necessity. Lot offered to expose his Daughters to the lusts of the Sodomites, that he might preserve his Angel-guests who were come into his house, Genesis 19:8. Did not Satan instigate him to this? Necessity will not excuse impiety.
3d. Snare is to Color over sin with the Pretence of Virtue. Alcibiades hung a Curtain curiously embroidered over a foul Picture full of Owls and Satyrs. Satan puts Good names on sin, as Physitians call that Film in the eye which hinders the sight, a Pearl in the eye. Satan Color'd over Jehu's Ambition with the Name of Zeal, 2 Kin. 10:16. He makes men believe Revenge is Valour, Covetousness Frugality: as if one should write balm-water upon a glass of Poyson.
4th. Snare of Satan is, to carry on his mischievous designs under a pretence of Friendship. He puts off his Lions Skin, and comes in Sheeps Clothing. Thus Satan came to Christ; Command that these Stones be made bread, Matthew 4:3. As if he had said, I see you art Hungry, I therefore out of Pity Counsel you to get something to eat, turn stones to bread that your hunger may be satisfied: but Christ spied the Serpent in the Temptation and repulsed him. Thus Satan came to Eve under the Notion of a Friend. Eat, says he, of the Tree in the midst of the Garden, Ye shall not dye, ye shall be as Gods, Genesis 3:4, 5. As if he had said, I perswade you only to that which will put you into a better condition than now ye are; eat of the Tree of knowledge and it will make you Omniscient. What a kind Devil was here! but Eve found a Worm in the Apple. Timeo Danaos et dona ferentes—.
5th. Snare, if Satan cannot take a Christian off from duty, he will put him on too far in duty. Humiliation is a duty, but Satan suggests that the Soul is not humbled enough: and indeed he never thinks it humbled enough till it despairs. Satan comes thus to a man: Your sins have bin great, and your Sorrow should be proportionable; But is it so? canst you say you hast bin as great a Mourner as you hast bin a Sinner? what is a drop of Sorrow to a Sea of Sin? This is laid only as a Snare: the subtil enemy would have a Christian weep himself blind, and in a desperate humour throw away the Anchor of Hope. And if Satan has such fallacies, and as a Decoy draws so many Millions into his snares, is there not cause of jealous fear lest we should be trappan'd? The fear of God will make us Fear Hells stratagems. Satans snares are worse than his darts.
2. The Fear of God will make a man afraid of his own Heart. Luther used to say, he feared his Heart more than the Pope or Cardinals, Jeremiah 17:9. The Heart is deceitful above all things.
1. It is deceitful.
The word signifies, it is a Jacob, or Supplanter. As Jacob supplanted his brother, and got away the blessing; so our Hearts would supplant and beguile us.
2. Above all things.
There is deceit in Weights, deceit in Friends; but the Heart has an art of deceiving beyond all. In the best hearts there is some fallaciousness. David was upright in all things, save only in the matter of Vriah, 1 King 15:5. A Godly man Knowing there is a spice of this deceit in his Heart, Fears himself. The flesh is a Bosom-Traitor. No man can believe what evil is in his Heart. 2 Kin. 8:12. Is your Servant a Dog? Hazael could not believe his Heart had bin big of such Monsters. If one had come to Noah and said▪ you will be drunk shortly; he would have said, Is your Servant a Dog? No man knows what is in his breast, or what scandal he may fall into if God leaves him. Christ warns his own Apostles to take heed of surfeiting and drunkenness, Luke 21:34. A Godly man therefore fears his Heart with a Fear of Caution and jealousie. The Heart is not only stubborn, but subtil. Let us a little Trace this Impostor, and see if there be not cause to fear it. The heart shows it's deceitfulness about 1. Things Sinful. 2. Things Sacred.
1. The Heart shows it's deceitfulness about things sinful; this deceit is 1. In hiding of sin, as Rahab hid the spies in the flax, Josh. 2:6. So the Heart Hides sin: and how does it hide it? Just as Adam hid himself under figleaves, so the Heart hides sin under the figleaves of excuses. It was done against the will, or in a Passion; or it was long of others: Aaron laid his sin in making the Golden calf upon the people, Exo. 32:22. The people are set on mischief: And Adam tacitly laid his sin upon God himself, Genesis 3:12. The Woman you gavest me, she gave me of the tree. As to say, If you hadst not given me this tempting woman, I had not eat.
2. The Hearts deceit is seen in Flattering of us, it will make us believe we are not so bad as we are. The Physitian deceives the patient, when he tells him his disease is not so dangerous, yet he is falling into the hands of death. The Heart will tell a man he is free from Theft, when yet he robs others of their Good Name; he is free from Drunkenness, when, though he will not be drunk with Wine, he will be drunk with Passion. Thus the Heart is a flattering Glass, to make one look fairer than he is: and is there not cause to suspect this Impostor?
2. The Heart shews it's deceitfulness about things Sacred; it will be ready to put us off with Counterfeit Grace. Many have bin deceived in taking false Mony, and it is to be feared in taking false Grace.
1. The Heart is ready to deceive with a false repentance. A Sinner is troubled a little for Sin, or rather, the consequent of it, and perhaps sheds a few tears, and now his Heart sooths him up that he is a true Penitent. But every legal terrour is not Repentance, Acts 2:37. They were pricked in their Heart: yet after this, Peter said to them Repent, ver. 38. If every slight Trouble for sin were true Repentance, then Iudas and Cain may be listed in the number of penitents. Evangelical Repentance works a change of Heart, 1 Corinthians 6:11. It produceth Sanctity. But the false penitentiary, though he has trouble of Spirit, yet no Metamorphise or change. He has a weeping Eye, but an adulterous Heart. Ahab Fasts and puts on sack-cloth, but after this, he puts the Prophet Micaiah in Prison, 1 Kin. 22:27.
2. The Heart is apt to deceive with a false Faith, it would put the dead child in the room of the living. They in the second of John are said to believe: But Christ did not believe their faith, John 2:24. True Faith, as it casts it self into Christs arms to embrace him, so it casts it self at Christs feet to serve him: But spurious Faith though it be forward to Receive Christs benefits, yet it plucks the Government from his shoulders, Isaiah. 9:6. It would have him a Priest, but not upon his throne, Zach. 6:13. Thus the Heart is full of fallacies; he who Fears God fears his Heart lest it should rob him of the blessing. That saying of Epicharmus is Good,, Remember not to trust.
3. The Fear of God will make a man Fear death. Death may challenge a part in our Fear. 1. Because it is such a serious thing, it is the in-let to eternity: and puts us into an unalterable estate. 2. Because of it's Proximity: it is nearer to us than we are aware : it may be within a few hours march of us. God may this night seal a Lease of Ejectment, and say, Give an account of your stewardship; and what if death should come before we are ready? 3. Because after death there is nothing to be done for our Souls, there is no repenting in the Grave, Ecclesiastes 9:10. There is no work nor device in the Grave whither you go. So that death is to be feared with an holy and Religious Fear.
How far may a child of God Fear death?
1. So far as the Fear of Death is a Curben-bit to keep him from Sin. A believer may lawfully make use of all means to deter him from sin. No stronger antidote against sin, says Austin, than the Fear of Death. Am I sinning, and to morrow may be dying?
2. A Child of God may so far Fear death, as it makes him dye to the World. The Fear of death would sound a retreat and call us off from Vanity. What is the world? we must leave it shortly, and all we can purchase is a burying-place
3. A Child of God may so far Fear death, as this Fear fits him more for death. Jacob feared his brother Esau's coming against him, and he prepared to meet him, he addressed himself to Prayer, Genesis 32:7, 24. So when we Fear deaths coming and we prepare to meet it, we set our Soul in order. This is a Good Fear of death.
But this Fear of death in the Godly must be mixed with hope. The nature of death to a Believer is quite changed: death is in it self a curse, but God has turned this Curse into a Blessing. To a Child of God death is not a destruction but a deliverance. When the Mantle of his flesh drops off, he ascends in a fiery chariot to Heaven.
4. The Fear of God will make a man fear Iudgment. Anselm spent most of his thoughts upon the day of Judgement; and Hierom thought he alwaies heard that Voice sounding in his ears, Surgite mortui, Arise ye dead and come to Judgment. That there shall be such a day is evident, 1. From Gods Veracity: He who is the Oracle of truth has asserted it, Psalm 96:13. For he comes, for he comes to Judge the earth; There is a duplication, 1. To shew the Certainty he comes, he comes, it is an indubitable Maxim. 2. To shew the Celerity, he comes, he comes, the time draws near, it is almost day-break, and the Judge is ready to take the bench, Jam. 5:9. Gods decree cannot be reversed.
2. There shall be such a day for the Vindication of Gods Justice. Things seem to be carried in the World Partially: the Godly suffer, the Wicked Prosper. Atheists are ready to think God has cast off the Government of the World, and minds not how things are transacted here below: therefore there must be a judicial Process that God may undeceive the World and set things right.
3. That there shall be such a day is evident by the Principles ingrafted in a natural conscience. When Paul reasoned of Judgment to come, Felix trembled, Acts 24:25. The Prisoner at bar made the Judge tremble. That a Wicked man dying is so surprized with terrors, whence is this but from a secret apprehension of Judgment ensuing?
It will be a great Assizes, never was the like seen. 2 Corinthians 5:10. We must all appear before the Iudgment Seat. There is no flying, no absconding, no bribing, no appearing by a Proxy, but all must make their Personal appearance They who were above Trial here, and the Law could not reach them, must appear before the Tribunal of Heaven.
Who shall be Judge?
Jesus Christ, John 5:22. Acts 17:31. He has appointed a day in which he will judge the world by that man whom he has ordained. In that Christ is called a Man, hence the Socinians blasphemously deny the essential Deity of Christ. That he is God, is most clearly evinced from Isaiah 9:6. Ioh. 1:1. 1 Corinthians 8:6. 1 John 5:20. We are in him that is True, even in his Son Iesus Christ, this is the true God. Christ is, Consubstantiate with God the Father, Hebrews 1:3. But Christ the Judge is called Man, because he shall Judge the world in a Visible Shape. He must be both God and Man: he must be God that he may see mens Hearts: and he must be man that he himself may be seen.
What a solemn day will this be, when Christ shall sit upon the Bench of Judicature! he will judge righteously, Psalm 9:8. Though he himself was wronged, he will do no wrong: And he will judge Critically, Matthew 3:12. Whose fan is in his hand and he will throughly purge his floor. He will see what is Wheat, what is Chaff, who have his Image upon him, and who the mark of the beast. Sure the Fear of God will cause an holy trembling at the thoughts of this day.
In what sence should those that Fear God, Fear the day of Judgment?
Not with a Fear of amazement or despondency, for the day of Judgment will be a Iubile, a blessed comfortable day to them. The Thrush sings at the approach of Rain: so may Believers at the approach of Judgment: Christ who is their Iudge is their Advocate. But,
1. The Godly should so fear Judgement, as every day to renew their Sorrow for Sin. They have sins quotidiani incursus, that creep upon them daily, and they must with Peter, weep bitterly; they must steep their Souls in the brinish Tears of Repentance: It would be sad to be found at the last day in any sin unrepented of.
2. The Godly should so Fear the day of Judgment as it makes them afraid of Sins of Omission. The not dressing a wound brings death: the not discharging duty may bring dmnation. You may read the solemn Process at the last day, Matthew 25:42. I was an hungred and ye gave me no meat, naked and ye cloathed me not, sick and in Prison and ye Visited me not. The charge here brought in, is for sins of Omission. Christ does not say, Ye took away my meat from me, but, Ye gave me no meat; He says not, Ye put me in prison, but, Ye visited me not. The sins of Omission condemned them. Not praying in the family, not sanctfying the Sabbath, not giving Almes, will be the fatal Inditement.
3. The Godly should so far Fear the day of Judgment, as it makes them afraid of dissembling in Religion. For at that day false hearts will be unmasked. Why did Paul walk with such integrity? 2 Thes. 2:10 Ye are witnesses and God also, how holily, and justly, and unblamably we behaved our selves among you. What was the cause of this? sure a Fear of the Judgment day approaching, 2 Corinthians 5:10. For we must all appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ. The word in the orinal is, we must be made manifest, our hearts must be laid open before Men and Angels. Such is the Witchcraft of Hypocrisie that it is hard in this life to know who is false, and who is sincere; but shortly there will be a full discovery. 'Tis good for Gods people so to Fear Judgment, as it makes them strive against prevarication and Hypocrisie: for then the Hypocrite will be found out.
5. The Fear of God makes a man Fear Hell. Hell is called the place of Torment, Luke 16:28. Not only flagitious Sinners, but such as Fear God ought to Fear Hell, Luke 12:4. I say to you my friends, Fear him who has power to cast into Hell.
How far should Gods people Fear Hell?
Not so as to let go their Hope. A Mariner fears a Storm, but not so as to throw away his Anchor. Such as Fear God should Fear Hell four ways.
1. They should fear Hell tanquam meritum, as that which they have deserved. Their sins have merited Hell. Wo to the Holyest man alive if God should weigh him in the ballance of his Justice.
2. They who Fear, God ought so far to Fear Hell, as it is a means to make them shake off Spiritual sloth. This disease is apt to seize upon Gods own people: the Wise Virgins Slumbred, Matthew 25:5. Now so far as the fear of Hell is an alarum or Watchbell to awaken the Godly out of security, and make them run faster to Heaven, so far it is a good and blessed Fear.
3. The Fear of Hell is so far Good in the Godly, as it makes them afraid of being in the number of those who shall go to Hell. There are certain Persons in danger of Hell. 1. Who have all their Heaven in this Life, Isaiah. 47:8. You that art given to pleasure. Epicures swim in sensual delights; they had rather displease God than deny the flesh: these shall take up their quarters in Hell; Isaiah. 22:12, 13. In that day did the Lord of Hosts call to weeping, and behold joy and Gladness, eating Flesh, and drinking Wine: surely this iniquity shall not be purged from you till you dye, says the Lord. That is, this Sin shall not be done away by any Sacrifice.
2. They are in danger to be cast into Hell who live in the Sin of Adultery; they who burn in lust shall burn in Hell: 2 Peter 2:9. The Lord knows how to reserve the unjust to be punished;, but chiefly them that walk after the flesh, in the lust of uncleanness. See the corruption of mans nature! If God had made all common, he would have sought an enclosure; and now God has made an enclosure, he endeavours to lay all common. Instead of drinking Water out of his own Cistern, he loves stolen Waters: The same Latine word praesepe signifies a Stable, and a Whore-house: both are for Beasts.
3. They are like to go to Hell, who by giving bad Example cause others to Sin. Bad example like the Plague is catching. Great men are Glasses which the common people dress themselves by. Such as give bad example have not only their own sins, but the sins of others to answer for: and that doubtless was the reason why Dives intreated Abraham that one might go from the Dead to Preach to his Brethren, Luke 16:27. Not that Dives had love to their Souls, but it was because while he was alive he had occasioned his Brethrens sins by his Wicked example, and he knew that their coming to Hell would encrease his Torment.
4. They are like to go to Hell who live and dye in the contempt of Gods Word. Ministers have preached till the bellows are burnt, their Vitals wasted, but men stop their Ears and harden their Hearts, Zach. 7:12. They make their Heart as an Adamant. Hardness of Heart lies in the insensibleness of the Conscience, and the inflexibleness of the Will. Obdurate Sinners shake out the Arrow of Conviction, Scorn Reproof. When the Prophet cried to the Altar of Stone it rent, 1 Kings 13:2. But Sinners Hearts rend not; these are like to have the Wrath of God flame about their Ears, 2 Thes. 1:8. The Lord Iesus shall be revealed from Heaven in flaming fire, taking Vengeance on them who obey not the Gospel.
5. They shall go to Hell, who fall away Finally, Matthew 13:6. Because they had no root they withered. Flowers in a Waterpot will keep Green and fresh a while, but having no root wither. Demas and Julian made a fair show a while, but ended as the Silkworm, which after all her Curious Spinning, at last becomes a Common fly. Hebrews 10:26. If we sin wilfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remains no more Sacrifice for sin. Thus we see who are like to be thrown into Hell: Now it is good for the Godly so to Fear Hell, as to fear to be in the number of those who shalt go to Hell.
4. The Fear of Hell is so far good in the Godly, as it is a Fear mixed with Rejoycing, Psalm 2:11. Rejoyce with trembling. A Believers Fear of Hell must be like the Fear of the two Maries going from the Sepulcher, Matthew 28:8. They departed from the Sepulcher with Fear and great Joy: Fear, because they had seen an Angel; and Joy, because Christ was risen. So must the Godly look on Hell, with Fear and Joy; Fear, because of the Fire; Joy, because Christ has freed them from it. A man that stands upon an high rock, Fears when he looks down into the Sea, yet Rejoyceth that he is not there strugling with the Waves: So a Child of God when he looks down into Hell by Contemplation may fear because of the dreadfulness of the Torment; yet this Fear should be mingled with Joy, to think he shall never come there. Iesus has delivered him from Wrath to come.
6. The Fear of God will make a man Fear Heaven. You may say, that is strange, rather Hope for Heaven; nay, a Regenerate person is to Fear Heaven lest he fall short of it. Hebrews 4:1. Let us Fear lest a promise being lest us of entring into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. 'Tis a Metaphor taken from Racers, who Growing weary and lagging behind come short of the prize. Who had more hope of Heaven than St. Paul? yet he was not without his Fears, 1 Corinthians 9:27. I keep under my Body, lest when I have preached to others I my self should be a Cast-away. And well may he who shall go to Heaven Fear least he miss of it, if you consider,
1 It is Possible for many who make a Splendid Profession to lose Heaven. What think you of the Foolish Virgins? They are called Virgins because they were not tainted with any gross Sin; yet these Virgin-Professors were shut out, Matthew 25:10. Balaam a Prophet, Iudas an Apostle, both cashiered. We have seen some Ships have had glorious names given them, the Good-speed, the Hope, the Safe-guard, yet cast away at Sea.
2. It is possible to come near to Heaven, yet fall short of it, Mark 12:34. You art not far from the Kingdom of God; yet he was not near enough. Men may countenance the Ministry of the Word, have their Affections moved at an Ordinance, and in outward show out-go the Children of God; yet not having the Oyl of Sincerity in their Vessels, they may be frustrated of happiness: And how dismal is that, to lose God, to lose their Souls, to lose their Hopes! The Millions of Tears shed in Hell are not sufficient to bewail the loss of Heaven. Well may such as have Heaven in them Fear their coming short of it. Thus much for the Use of Trial.
How shall we arrive at this Blessed Fear?
1. Let us set God ever in our eye, study his Immensity. He is God Almighty, Genesis 17:1. He gives laws to the Angels, binds the Consciences of men, cuts off the Spirit of Princes, Psalm 76:12. The Thoughts of Gods incomprehensible Greatness would strike an Holy awe into our Hearts. Elijah wrap'd his face in a Mantle when Gods Glory passed by. The reason men Fear not God, is because they entertain slight thoughts of him. Psalm 40:21. You thoughtest I was such an one as your self.
2. Let us pray for this Fear of God, which is the Root of all Holiness, and the Mother of all Wisdom. Psalm 86:11. Vnite my Heart to Fear your Name; the Lord has Promised to put his Fear in our Heart, Jeremiah 32:40. Let us pray over this Promise: while some pray for Riches, and others for Children, let us pray for an Heart to Fear God.
To conclude this, you who have this Fear planted in your Souls, bless God for it, Psalm 135:20. Ye that Fear the Lord bless the Lord. God has done more for you than if he had made you Kings and Queens, and caused you to ride upon the High places of the Earth. He has enriched you with that Jewel which he bestows only upon the Elect.
O stand upon Mount Gerizim blessing. The Fear of God is an Immortal▪ Seed springing up into Glory, Psalm 22:23. Ye that fear the Lord praise him. Begin the Work of Heaven now, be Spiritual Quiristers: sound forth Holy Doxologies and Triumphs; say as David, Psalm 71:8. Let my Mouth be filled with your Praise, and with your Honor all the day. God has but little praise in the world: Who should pay him this Quit-rent if not they that fear him?
