APracticalTreatiseofFear

byJohnFlavel

Whereinthevariouskinds,uses,causes,effectsandremediesthereofaredistinctlyopenedandprescribed,forthereliefandencouragementofallthosethatfearGodinthesedoubtfulanddistractingtimes.

TableofContents

Dedication

CHAP. I: Wherein the text and context are opened, the doctrinespropounded,andthegeneralmethodstated

CHAP. II: Wherein the kinds and nature of fear are opened, andparticularlythedistracting,slavishfearsofcreatures

CHAP. III: Shewing the various uses of Fear, both natural, sinful, andreligious,inthegovernmentoftheworldbyProvidence

CHAP.IV:Whereinthespringandcausesofsinfulfeararesearchedout,andtheevilsofsuchfearsthencediscovered

CHAP. V: Laying open the sinful and lamentable effects of slavish andinordinatefear,bothincarnalandregeneratepersons.

CHAP. VI: Prescribing the rules to cure our sinful fears, and preventthesesadandwofuleffectsofthem.

CHAP. VII: Answering the most material pleas for slavish fears, anddissolvingthecommonobjectionsagainstcourageandconstancyofmindintimesofdanger.

TotheRightWorshipfulSirJOHNHARTOP,KnightandBaronet

SIR,

AMONGall thecreaturesGodhathmade (devilsonlyexcepted)man isthemost apt andable tobehisown tormentor; andof all the scourgeswith which he lasheth and afflicteth both his mind and body, none isfoundsocruelandintolerableashisownfears.Theworsethetimesareliketobe,themoreneedthemindhathofsuccourandencouragement,toconfirmandfortifyitforhardencounters;butfromtheworstprospect,fear inflicts thedeepest andmost dangerouswoundsupon themindofman,cuttingtheverynervesofitspassivefortitudeandbearingability.

The grief we suffer from evil felt would be light and easy, were it notincensedbyfear;reasonwoulddomuch,andreligionmore,todemulseandlenifyoursorrows,didnotfearbetraythesuccoursofboth.Anditisfromthingstocomethatthisprospectingcreatureraisethuptohimselfvasthopesandfears:ifhehaveafairandencouragingprospectofsereneand prosperous days, from the scheme and position of second causes,hope immediately fills his heart with cheerfulness, and displays thesignals of it in his very face, answerable to that fair, benign aspect ofthings:butifthefaceofthingstocomebethreateningandinauspicious,fear gains the ascendent over themind; and unmanly and unchristianfaintnesspervadesit,and,amongthemanyothermischiefsitinflicts,thisisnotthe least, that itbringstheevilofto-morrowuponto-day,andsomakesthedutiesofto-daywhollyunserviceabletotheevilsofto-morrow;whichisasmuchasifmanhavinganintricateanddifficultbusinesscutout for the next day, which requires the utmost intention, both of hismindandbody,and(haply)mightbeprosperouslymanaged,ifbothweredulyprepared, should lieall thenight restlessanddisquietedabout theevent, torturing and spending himselfwith his own presaging fears, sothatwhenthedayiscome,andthebusinesscallsforhim,hisstrengthisnowayequaltotheburdenofit,buthefaintsandfailsunderit.

ThereisindeedanexcellentusethatGodmakesofourfears,tostimulateour slothful hearts to greater vigilance and preparation for evils; andthere is a mischievous use Satan makes of our fears to cast us underdespondency andunbecomingpusillanimity: and I reckon it one of the

greatestdifficultiesofreligion,tocut,byathreadhere,andsotomanageourselves under threatening or doubtful providences, as to be touchedwithsomuchsenseofthoseapproachingevilsasmayprepareustobearthem;andyettoenjoythatconstancyandfirmnessofmind,intheworsttimes, that may answer the excellent principles we are professedlygovernedby.

Theselasttimesarecertainlythemostperiloustimes;greatthingsareyettobeacteduponthestageofthisworld,beforeitbetakendown;andthescena antipenultima, latter-end, I say, not the last, will be a tragedy.There is an ultima clades adhuc metuenda a dismal slaughter of thewitnessesofChristyettobeexpected:thelastbiteofthecruelbeastwillbedeadly,andifweflatternotourselves,allthingsseemtobedisposingthemselvesinthecourseofprovidencetowardsit.

But,Sir, ifourunionwithChristbesureinitself,andsuretousalso;iffaithgiveusthedailyvisionsandprelibationsoftheworldtocome,whatwell-composed spectators shall we be of these tragedies! Let things betossedsusque,deque,andthemountainscast into themidstof thesea,yetthentheassuredChristianmaysinghissonguponAlamoth*,AsongcomposedforGod'shiddenones.Thissopoisethandsteadiesthemind,thatwemayenjoy thecomfortand tranquillityofa resignedwill,whenothersareattheirwit'send.

Withdesigntopromotethisblessedframe,inmyownandothersheartsinthesefrightfultimes,Imeditated,andnowpublishthissmalltract,towhich a dear friend (from whom I have often had the fair idea andcharacterof yourexcellent spirit)hathoccasioned theprefixingof yourworthy name; I beg pardon for such an unusual presumption, as alsoyour charity in censuring the faults thatwill appear in it,when it shallcomeundersoexactandjudiciousaneye;itmaybeusefulthoughitbenot elegant; its seasonableness is its best commendation, and its aimbetter than its performance. As for you, Sir, I hope faith hath reallyplacedyoursoul in thatsereneandhappystationwhereSeneca fanciedmoralvirtuetohaveplacedagoodman,Fatendumest,cacumineOlympiconstitutes,supraventosetprocellas,etomnesreshumanas:Abovethestormsandtempestsofthisunquietanddistractingworld.Buttherearemanygraciouspersonsat thisday labouringundertheirownfears,and

whose hearts are ready to fail with looking for those things that arecomingtotrythemthatdwellupontheearth;andpossiblysomewhatofreliefmaybeadministeredtomanysuch,bythisdiscourse;somebiviousandstaggeringsoulsmaybeestablished;somediscouragedandfaintingspirits may be revived; some doubts may be dissolved that have longperplexedgracioushearts.Whateveruseitmaybetoany,Ihumblycallinthe aid of your prayers tomy own, for a special blessing upon it, andremain,

Sir,

Yourstohonour,love,andserveyou,

JOHNFLAVEL.

CHAPTERI

Whereinthetextandcontextareopened,thedoctrinespropounded,andthegeneral

methodstated

Say ye not, A confederacy to all them to whom this people shall say aconfederacy; neither fear ye [their fear] nor be afraid. 13. Sanctify theLord of Hosts himself, and let him be your fear, and let him be yourdread;14.Andheshallbefora,sanctuary.—Isa.8:12,13.andpartofver.14

THEREisnotmorediversityfoundintheoutwardfeatures,thanintheinwardtempersanddispositionsofmen;someareastimorousashares,andstartateverysoundoryelpofadog;othersasboldaslions,andcan

face dangers without trembling; some fear more than they ought, andsomebeforetheyought,andotherswhentheyoughtnotatall.Thecarnalpersonfearsman,notGod;thestrongChristianfearsGod,notman;theweakChristianfearsmantoomuch,andGodtoolittle.

Thereisafearwhichistheeffectofsinspringingfromguilt,andhurryingthesoul intomoreguilt;andthere isa fearwhich is theeffectofgrace,springingfromourlovetoGod,andhisinterest,anddrivingthesoultoGodinthewayofduty.Thelessfearanymanhath,themorehappiness,exceptitbeofthatfearwhichisourhappinessandourexcellency.

Itcannotbesaidofanyman,asitissaidofLeviathan,Job41:33thatheismadewithoutfear;thosethathavemostfortitudearenotwithoutsomefears; andwhen the church is in the stormsofpersecution, andalmostcoveredwiththewaves,thestoutestpassengersinitmaysufferasmuchfrom thisboisterouspassionwithin, as from the stormwithout; andallforwantofthoroughlybelieving,ornotseasonablyrememberingthattheLordhighAdmiralofall theocean,andCommanderofall thewinds, isonboardtheship,tosteerandpreserveitinthestorm.

A pregnant instance hereof is furnished to our hands in this context,whereyoufindthebestmentremblinginexpectationoftheworsteventsbothonthechurchingeneral,andthemselvesinparticular."Theirheartsweremovedlikethetreesofthewoodshakenwiththewind,"chap.7:2.

And, indeed, if their dangerswere to bemeasured by sense only, theirfearswerenotabovethevalueofthecause,yea,theirdangerseemedtoexceed their fears; for itwas the invasionofa foreignandcruelenemy,eventheAssyrian,whoweretobreakinuponthem,likeabreachofthesea, andoverflow the landof Immanuel.Ver. 7. "TheLordbringethupupon them the waters of the river, strong andmany; even the king ofAssyria,andallhisglory,andheshallcomeupoverallhischannels,andgo over all his banks." And as the 7th verse resembles the enemy towaters,which quickly drown the country intowhich they break, so the8thverse tells youhow far they shouldprevail, andhownear it shouldcometoageneralandtotalruin."HeshallpassthroughJudah,heshalloverflowandgoover;heshallreacheventotheneck,andthestretchingoutofhiswingsshall fill thebreadthof thy land,OImmanuel."All the

bodyshallbeunderwater,exceptthecapitalcity,whichremainedabovewater.

Havingthusdescribedthepowerandsuccessof the invadingenemy, inthe9thand10thverses,hederidestheirplotsandcombinations,assuringthem,thatalthoughGod,forjustandholyends,wouldpermitthem,foratime,toafflicthispeople;yettheissueofallthesecounselsandcrueltiesshouldrecoiluponthemselves,andendintheirownruinandconfusion.

And thereupon Isaiah is commanded to encourage the feeble andtremblingheartsofsuchasfearedGodinthosedistractingandfrightfultimes.Ver.11,12,13."TheLordspakeuntomewithastronghand,andinstructedmethatIshouldnotwalkinthewayofthispeople,saying,Sayyenotaconfederacy,"&c.

God speaking to the prophet by a strong hand, imports the strong andmighty impression that was made upon his heart, by the spirit ofprophecy;whereintheLorddid,as itwere, layhishanduponhim,asamandothupononetowhomheisabouttoimpartsomespecialsecretinafamiliarway,q.d.Comehither,Isaiah,(drawinghimtohimatthesameinstant,withafriendlyhand)takedeepnoticeofwhatIamnowtogivethee in charge, both with respect to thyself, and my elect people thatfollowthee;"Saynotye,Aconfederacytoall themtowhomthispeopleshallsayaconfederacy,"i.e.letnotthesefrightfultidingsworkuponyouastheydouponAhaz,andthecommonmultitudewithhim,whoaresoterrifiedandscaredwiththeapproachingdangers,thatalltheircounsels,thoughts, and studies, are taken up in preventing it, by making aconfederacyor leaguewiththeAssyrian:Hos.5:13.or if thatcannotbe,thenwithsomeforeignpowerthatmaysecurethemagainsttheAssyrian:but their eyes are not at all tome for protection and deliverance; theyexpect more from Egypt than from heaven; from a broken reed, thanfromtherockofages.Fearnotyoutheirfear;theirfeardrivesthemfromGodtothecreature;itfirstdistractsthem,andthenensnaresthem.

But, on the contrary, see that thou and all the faithful in the landwiththee, do sanctify me in your hearts, and make me your fear and yourdread, i.e.relyuponmebyfaithinthisdayoftrouble,andseethatyougive me the glory of my wisdom, power, and faithfulness, by relying

entirely upon those my attributes engaged for you in so many triedpromises;anddonotbetakeyourselvestosuchsinfulandvainshiftsasthosedo thathaveno interest inme,nor experience ofme.This is thegeneralscopeanddesignofthetext,whereinmoreparticularly,youhave,

1.Anevilpracticeprohibited.

2.Aneffectualremedyprescribed.

3.Asingularencouragementtoapplythatremedy.

1.Anevilpracticeprohibited,"Fearnottheirfear,neitherbeafraid."Thisis that sinful principle,whichwas but too apt to incline them to do asothersdid,towit,tosay,Aconfederacy.Sinfulfearsareapttodrivethebestmenintosinfulcompliancesandindirectshiftstohelpthemselves.

Theirfearmaybeunderstoodtwoways;

1.Subjectively.

2.Effectively.

1. Subjectively, for the self-same fear wherewith the carnal andunbelievingJewsfeared;afearthatenslavedtheminbondageofspirit,afearthatisthefruitofsin,asininitsownnature,thecauseofmuchsintothem,andajustpunishmentofGoduponthemfortheirothersins.

2.Effectively,Letnotyourfearproduceinyousuchmischievouseffectsas their feardoth; tomakeyouforgetGod,magnify thecreature,preferyour own wits and policies to the Almighty Power and never-failingFaithfulnessofGod:ifyousay,buthowshallwehelpit?

2.Why, in thenextplace,youhaveaneffectual remedyprescribed;butsanctify the Lord of hosts himself, and let him be your fear and yourdread.ThefearofGodwillswallowupthefearofman,areverentialaweanddreadofGodwill extinguish theslavish fearof thecreature,as thesun-shineputsoutfire,orasonefirefetchesoutanother;sowillthisfearfetchoutthat.

BysanctifyingtheLordofhostshimselfismeantadueascriptionofthegloryofhissovereignpower,wisdom,andfaithfulness,notonlyinverbalandprofessedacknowledgmentsthereof,butespecially inthoseinternalacts of affiance, resignation, and entire dependence on him, which, asthey are the choicest respects of the creature towards itsGod, andgivehim the greatest glory, so they are certainly the most beneficial andcomfortableactswecanperformforourownpeaceandsafetyintimesofdanger.

IfamandoreallylooktoGodinadayoftroubleandfearastotheLordofhosts, i.e. one that governs all the creatures, andall their actions; atwhose beck and command all the armies of heaven and earth are, andthencanrelyuponthecareandloveofthisGod,asachildindangeroftrouble reposeson,andcommitshimselfwithgreaterconfidence to thecare and protection of his father: O what peace, what rest, mustnecessarily follow upon this!Whowould be afraid to pass through themidstofarmedtroopsandregiments,whilstheknowsthatthegeneralofthearmyishisownfather?ThemorepowerthisfilialfearofGodobtainsinourhearts,thelesswillyoudreadthepowerofthecreature.WhentheDictatorruledatRome,thenallotherofficersceased;andso, inagreatmeasure,willallotherfears,wherethefearofGodisdictatorintheheart.Thisistheremedy.

3.Andtoenableustoapplythisremedyintheworstandmostdifficulttimes, we have a singular encouragement proposed: if we will thussanctify the Lord of hosts himself, by such an acknowledgment of, andchild-likedependenceonhimintimesofdanger,thenhewillbetousforasanctuary,Asyliloco,i.e.hewillsurelyprotect,defend,andprovideforus in theworst timesandcases*; thenwill theLord"createuponeverydwelling-place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud, andsmokebyday,andtheshiningofaflamingfirebynight:foruponallthegloryshallbeadefence,andthereshallbeatabernacleforashadowintheday-time, from theheat, and for aplace of refuge, and for a covertfrom the storm and from rain." Let the winds roar, the rain beat, thelightningsflash,youareinsafety,andhaveagoodroofoveryourheads.Hencethesetwopointsofdoctrineofferthemselves:

Doct.1.Thatthebestmenaretooapttobeovercomewithslavishfears,

intimesofimminentdistressanddanger.

Doct.2.ThatthefearofGodisthemosteffectualmeanstoextinguishthesinfulfearofmen,andtosecureusfromdanger.

Thesetwopointstakeinthesubstanceandscopeofthetext;butbecauseI design to treat, in the following chapters, of the kinds, nature, uses,causes,effects,andremediesoffear,Ishallnotdistinctlyprosecutethem,butproceedinthisorder,inthefollowingchapters.

CHAPTERII

Whereinthekindsandnatureoffearareopened,andparticularlythedistracting,

slavishfearsofcreatures

Sect.I.THEREisathreefoldfearfoundinman,viz.

1.Natural.

2.Sinful.

3.Religiousfear.

1. Natural fear, of which all are partakers that partake of the commonnature,notoneexcepted.

Natural fear is the trouble or perturbation of mind, from theapprehensionofapproachingevil,orimpendingdanger.

The word φεθος comes from a verb* that signifies flight; this is notalways sinful,but it is always the fruit andconsequentof sin.Since sinenteredintoournature,thereisnoshakingofffear.NosoonerhadAdamtransgressedbuthefearedandfled,hidinghimselfamongthetreesofthe

garden,Gen.3:8.Whenhehad transgressed thecovenant,hepresentlyfeared the execution of the curse: first he eats, then he hides; and thisafflictivepassionisfromhimtransmitted,andderivedtoallhischildren.

TothisnaturalfearitpleasedourLordJesusChristtosubjecthimselfinthedaysofhisflesh;hewasafraid,yea,hewassoreamazed,Mark14:33.forthoughhishumannaturewasabsolutelyfreefromsin,yethecameinthe"likenessofsinfulflesh,"Rom.8:3.

Thisfearcreatesgreattroubleandperturbationinthemind,1John4:18.Fear hath torment; in proportion to the danger, is the fear; and inproportiontothefear,thetroubleanddistractionofthemind:ifthefearbeexceedinggreat,reasonisdisplaced,andcanconductusnofarther,asthePsalmistspeaksofmariners inastorm,"theyareattheirwitsend,"Psal.107:27.orasitisvariedinthe*margin,allwisdomisswallowedup.Andthis is themeaningofDeut.28:25. that theyshouldgooutagainsttheir enemiesoneway, and "fleebefore themsevenways," i.e. so greatshallbethefrightanddistraction,thattheyshallattemptnowoneway,thenanother,strivingeveryway,but likingnone; for fearsofarbetraysthesuccoursofreason,thattheir†counselsarealwaysinuncertainty,andat a loss, and the usual voice of aman in this condition is, I knownotwhattodo,Iknownotwhichwaytoturn.

Evilistheobjectoffear,andthegreatertheevilis,thestrongerthefearmust needs be, and therefore the terrors of an awakened and terrifiedconsciencemustbeallowedtobethegreatestofterrors,becauseinthatcaseamanhathtodowithagreatandterribleGod,and isscaredwithapprehensionsofhisinfiniteandeternalwrath,thanwhich,noevilisorcan be greater. You see atwhat heightChrist's conflictwroughtwith itwhenitmadehimsweatas itwere,greatclotsofblood.Ofall temporalevilsdeath is thegreatest,andthereforeJobcalls it theKingof terrors,Job18:14.orthemostterribleofterribles.Thuanus‡relatestwostrangeinstances of the fear of death: "One of a certain captain who was soterrifiedwiththefearofdeath,thathepouredoutakindofbloodysweatfromallpartsofhisbody.Another isofayoungmancondemned forasmallmatterby||SixtusQuintus,whowas sovehemently terrifiedwiththefearsofdeath,thatheshedakindofbloodytears."Thesearestrangeand terrible effects of fear, but vastly short of what Christ felt and

suffered,whograppledwitha fargreaterevil than the terrorsofdeath,even the wrath of an incensed God poured out, to the full, and thatimmediatelyuponhim.

Butyetevil,asevil,israthertheobjectofhatredthanoffear,itmustbeanimminentornearapproachingevil,whichweseenothowtoescapeorputby,thatprovokesfear,androusesthislion.Andthereforethesaintsingloryareperfectlyfreedfromfear,becausetheyareoutofthereachofalldanger:nordowe,thatarehereinthemidstofevils,fearthemtillweseethemapproachingus,andweseenothowtoavoidthem.Tohearoffire,plague,ortheswordintheIndies,dothnotaffrightus,becausetheevil issoremotefromus; it is farenoughoff,weare innodangerof it;butwhenitisinthetown,muchmorewhenwithinourowndwellings,wetremble.Evilhurtsusnotbyasimpleapprehensionofitsnature,butofitsunion;andallpropinquity isadegreeofunion,asa* learneddivinespeaks.Anditisworthobservation,thatallcarnalsecurityismaintainedbyputtingevilsatagreatdistancefromus,asitisnotedofthosesecuresensualists, Amos 6:3. "They put far from them the evil day." Themeaning is not that they did, or could put the evil oneminute fartherfromtheminreality,butonlybyimaginationandfancy:theyshuttheirown eyes, and would not see it, lest it should give an unpleasinginterruption to their mirth; and this is the reason why death puts thelivingintonomorefear,becauseitisapprehendedasremote,andatanundetermineddistance,whereasiftheprecisetimeofdeathwereknown,especiallyifthattimewerenear,itwouldgreatlyscarandterrify.

This is the nature of natural fear, the infelicity of nature, whichwe allgroanunder theeffectsof: it is inall the creatures in somedegree;butamongthemall,nonesuffermorebyitthanman,forherebyhebecomeshisowntormentor;norisanytormentgreaterthanthiswhenitprevailsinahighdegreeuponus.Indeedallconstitutionsandtempersadmitnotthe samedegreesof fear; somearenaturally courageousandstout, likethe lion formagnanimity and fortitude; others exceeding timorous andfaint-hearted,likethehareorhart,onelittledogwillmakeahundredofthemfleebeforehim.Lutherwasamanofgreatcourageandpresenceofmind in dangers,† Melancthon very timorous and subject todespondency. Thus the difference betwixt them is expressed in one of

Luther'sletterstohim:"Iamwellnighasecurespectatorofthings,andesteem not any thing these fierce and threatening Papists say. I muchdislike those anxious cares,which, as thouwritest, do almost consumethee."Theremightbeasgreatastockofgraceinoneasintheother,butMelancthon'sgracehadnot theadvantageofsostoutandcourageousatemperofbodyandmindasLuther'shad.Thusbrieflyofnaturalfear.

SectII.Thereisafearwhichisformallyandintrinsicallysinful,notonlyourinfelicity,butourfault;notoursimpleafflictionandburden,butourgreat evil and provocation; and such is the fear here dissuaded, calledtheir fear, i.e. the fear wherewith carnal and unbelieving men do fearwhendangersthreatenthem;andthesinfulnessofitliesinfivethings.

1. In the spring and cause of it which is unbelief, and an unworthydistrust of God, when we dare not rely upon the security of a Divinepromise,nor trust toGod'sprotection in thewayofourduty.Thiswasthe very case of that people, Isa. 30:15. "Thus saith the Lord God, theHolyOneof Israel, inreturningandrestshallyebesaved, inquietnessandinconfidenceshallbeyourstrength;andyewouldnot.Butyesaid,no,forwewill fleeuponhorses;thereforeyeshall flee:andwewillrideupon the swift; therefore shall they that pursue you be swift. Onethousandshallfleeattherebukeofone,"&c.

Thusstoodthecase:Sennacheribwithamightyhostwasready-toinvadethem;thisputsthemintoafright; inthisdistressGodassuresthem,bythe mouth of his prophet, that in "returning and rest they should besaved, in quietness and confidence should be their strength." Themeaningis,neverperplexyourselveswithvariouscounselsandprojectstosecureyourselvesunderthewingsofEgyptoranyotherProtector,butwithacomposed,quietandcalmtemperofmind,restuponmypowerbyfaith, takemy pro-anises for your security, this shall be your salvationand your strength, more effectual to your preservation than armies,garrisons,oranycreature-defenceintheworld;oneactoffaithshalldoyoubetterservicethanPharaohandallhisforcescando.

But ye said no, q. d.we dare not trust to that, a goodhorsewill do usmore service at such a time than a good promise; Egypt is a bettersecurityintheireyethanHeaven.Thisisthefruitofgrossinfidelity.And

aswickedmendothusforsakeGod,andcleavetothecreatureinthetimeof trouble, so there is found a spice of this distrustfulness of God,producing fear and trouble, in the best ofmen. It was in the disciplesthemselves,Matth.8:26."Whyareyefearful,Oyeoflittlefaith?"Astormhad befallen them at sea, and danger began to threaten them, andpresentlyyoufindastormwithin,theirfearsweremoreboisterousthanthewinds,andhadmoreneedofcalmingthanthesea;anditwasallfromtheirunbelief,asChrist tells them; the less their faith, thegreater theirfear.IfamancanbutrelyuponGodinapromise,sofarasheisenabledto believe, so far he will reckon himself well secured.* Illyricus, in hiscatalogue of the Witnesses, relates this remarkable passage of oneAndreasProlcs,agodlyageddivine,wholivedsomewhatbeforeLuther,and taught many points soundly, according to his light then. He wascalled to a Synod at Milan, and afterwards in the Lateran, where,opposing a proposition of the Pope about burdening the churchwith anew holiday, he was brought into much danger, and escaping verynarrowlyfromRome,heboughthimabowandweapons:butashewasriding,hebegantobethinkhimself,thatthecausewasnothisbutGod's,andnot tobemaintainedwith swordandbow;and if itwere, yetwhatcould such a decrepit oldmandowithweapons? uponwhichhe threwawayhisweapons,committedhimself,his.cause,andhisjourneytoGod,relieduponhispromisesmorethanswordorbow,andcamehomesafe,andafterwardsdiedquietlyinhisbed.

2.Thesinfulnessoffearliesintheexcessandimmoderacyofit,whenwefear more than we ought; for it may be truly said of our fears, as thePhilosopherspeaksofwaters,difficilesuisterminiscontinentur,itishardtokeepthemwithinbounds;everybushisabear,everypettytroubleputsusintoafright;ourfearexceedsthevalueandmeritofthecause.Itisagreat sin to love or fear any creature above the rate of a creature, as iftheyweremastersofallour temporalandeternal comforts.Thuswhenthe men of Israel heard of the confederacy and conjunction of theirenemies against them, the text saith, "their hearts weremoved, as thetrees"ofthewoodaremovedwiththewind,"Isa.7:1.orasweusetosayproverbially, likeanaspine leaf: It isasadsight tobeholdmenshakingandquiveringas the treesdoonawindyday;yet thusdid thehouseofDavid,partlythroughtheremembranceofpastcalamities,butespecially

through incredulity inGod'sprotecting care in theirpresent and futuredangers; yea, this is toooften the fault of goodmen in creature-fear aswellasincreature-love,totransgressthedueboundsofmoderation.Itisnoted of Jacob, though a man of much faith, and one that had thesweetestencouragementtostrengthenit,bothfromformerexperiences,andGod's gracious promises to bewith him, yetwhenEsauwas comenigh,hewas"greatlyafraidanddistressed,"Gen.32:7.Itwasbutalittlebefore,thatGodhadgraciouslyappearedtohim,andsentaroyalguardofangelstoattendhim,eventwohostsorarmiesofangels,ver.1,2.andyet as soon as Esau approached him, hewas afraid, yea greatly afraid,afraidanddistressed,notwithstandingsuchanencouragingvisionasthiswas.

3. The sinfulness of our fears lies in the inordinacy of them; to fear itmore thanweought isbadenough,but tomagnify itspowerabove thepowerofacreature;toexaltthepowerofanycreaturebyourfears,andgive it such an ascendant over us, as it had an arbitrary and absolutedominionoverus,oroverourcomforts,todowiththemwhatitpleased;thisistoputthecreatureoutofitsownclassandrank,intotheplaceofGod,andisthereforeaverysinfulandevilfear.

Totrustinanycreature,asifithadthepowerofaGodtohelpus,ortofearanycreature,asifithadthepowerofaGodtohurtus,isexceedingsinful, and highly provoking toGod: This inordinate trust is taxed andcondemned,inIsaiah31:3.TheywouldneedsgodowntoEgyptforhelp,andtrustintheirhorsesandhorsemen,becausetheywerestrong;i.e.intheiropinion,theywereabletosecurethemagainstallthosedangerstheprophet from theLord's ownmouthhad threatened themwith: but, totakethemofffromthissinfulandinordinatedependenceonthecreature,hetellsthem,ver.3."NowtheEgyptiansaremen,andnotGod;andtheirhorsesflesh,andnotspirit:whentheLord"shallstretchforthhishand,bothhethathelpethshallfall,andhethatisholpenshallfalldown,andtheyshallfalltogether."q.d.Itisasinfulanddangerousmistakeforonecreaturetogivethattrustanddependencetoanothercreature,whichisdueonlytoGod;tolookuponmenasiftheyweregods,andhorsesasiftheywerespirits:allcreatures,eventhestrongest,arebutasthehop,thevine,ortheivy;iftheyclaspaboutthepole,thewallortheoak,theymay

besupported,asyoumayalsoby leaninguponGod;but if theydependandentanglethemselvesoneuponanother,asyouandtheEgyptiansdo,youshallfail,andfallalltogether.

And,asonecreatureisaptinordinatelyandsinfullythustotrustandleanupon another, so there is as great a profaneness in the creaturesinordinatelytofearanddreadeachother,as if thecreaturefearedwererather a god than a man, rather a spirit than flesh; and thus our fearmagnifiesandexalts thecreature,andputs it,as itwere, into theroomandplaceofGod.ThiswasthesinwhichGodrebukedinhisownpeople,Isa.51:12,13."I,evenI,amhethatcomforteththee:Whoartthou,thatthoushouldstbeafraidofamanthatshalldie,andofthesonofmanwhoshallbemadeasgrass?andforgettesttheLordthymaker,"&c.Seehowfearexaltsman,anddepressethGod;itthinksuponthenoxiouspowerofmensomuch,thatitforgetsthesavingpowerofGod,asifthatstoodfornothing:thusamortalworm,thatshallperishasthegrass,eclipsestheglory of the great God, that stretched forth the heavens, and laid thefoundationsoftheearth.

AndthiswastheevilagainstwhichChristcautionedhisowndisciples,inMatth.10:28."Fearnotthemwhichkillthebody,butarenotabletokillthesoul;butratherfearhimwhichisabletodestroybothsoulandbodyinhell;"q.d.Haveacareyouneverfearanyman,behearmedwithneversomuchpowerand rage:as if thepowerofmakingormarringyou foreverwereinhishands,asifyoulayatthefeetofhiswillandpleasuretobesavedorruinedforever:fearnothimthatcanonlytouchyourbodies,asifhecoulddamnyoursouls;investnotanycreaturewiththesovereignandincommunicablepowerofGod.

4.Thesinfulnessoffearconsistsinthedistractinginfluenceithathuponthe hearts of men, whereby it discomposeth and unfits them for thedischargeoftheirduties.

Fearsometimesputsmenintosuchahurry,andtheirthoughtsintosuchdisorder,thatforthepresenttheyhavescarceanysuccourorrelieffromtheirgraces,or from their reason; forunderanextraordinary fearbothgraceandreason,likethewheelsofawatch,woundaboveitsdueheight,stand still, and have nomotion at all. It is rare to find a man of that

largeness and constancy of heart andmind, in a day of fear, that wasfoundinJehoshaphat,2Chron.20:2,3."ThentherecamesomethattoldJehoshaphat, saying,There comethagreatmultitudeagainst thee frombeyondthesea,onthissideSyria,andbeholdtheybeinHazazon-Tamar,which is Engedi; and Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek theLord."Hesethimself,i.e.hecomposedandfixedhisheartforprayerinthetimeofsogreatafrightandterriblealarm:butitisraretofindsuchconstancyandevennessofmindas this; in like cases it iswithmost ingreatfrights,astheprophetdescribestheconditionoftheJews,Isa.22:2,3.whenthecityofJerusalemwasbesieged,andtheenemycameunderthewallsof it; thatwhicha littlebeforewas the joyouscity,orassomeread,therevellingcity, isnowinsuchapanicfear,that it isfullofstirsand tumults, some run up to the tops of the houses, either to hide orbewailthemselves,ortakeaviewofthedreadfulenemywithout;otherspreventtheswordof theenemy,anddiebyfearbefore-hand,theirownapprehensionsofmiserykilledthembeforetheswordofanyotherenemyonce touched them; but you read of none that ran into their closets toseektheLord;thecitywasfullofstirs,but.notofprayers,alas,fearmadethemcrytothemountains,ratherthantoGod,ver.5.Thebestmenfindit hard to keep their thoughts from wandering, and their minds fromdistraction,inthegreatestcalmofpeace,butathousandtimesharderinthehurriesandtumultsoffear.

5. The sinfulness of fear consists in the power it hath to dispose andinclinementotheuseofsinfulmeanstoputbytheirdanger,andtocastthemintothehandsandpoweroftemptation."Thefearofmanbringethasnare,"Prov.29:25.orputsandlaysasnarebeforehim:Satanspreadsthenet,andfear, likethestalking-horse,drivesmenrightintoit.Itwasfear which drew Abraham, that great believer, into the snare ofdissimulation,tothegreatdisparagementofreligion;foritwassomewhatanoddsighttoseeAbimelech,anHeathen,soschoolinganAbrahamforit,ashedid,Gen.20:9.And for thesameevilyou findGodchidinghispeople,inIsa.57:11."Andofwhomhastthoubeenafraid,orfeared,thatthou hast lied, and hast not remembered me?" There is a double lieoccasionedbyfear,oneinwords,andanotherindeeds;hypocrisyisaliedone,apractical lie,andourchurchhistoryaboundswithsadexamplesof dissimulation through fear: it is Satan's great engine to make his

temptationsvictoriousandsuccessfulwithmen.

Sect.III.Thereisanholyandlaudablefear,afearwhichisourtreasure,not our torment; the chief ornament of the soul, its beauty andperfection,notitsinfelicityorsin,viz.theawfulfilialfearofGod;naturalfearisapureandsimplepassionofthesoul;sinfulfearisthedisorderedandcorruptpassionofthesoul;butthisisthenaturalpassionsanctified,andtherebychangedandbaptizedintothenameandnatureofaspiritualgrace. This fear is also mentioned in my text, and prescribed as anantidote against, sinful fears; it devours carnal fears, asMoses' serpentdidthoseoftheenchanters.Itisoneofthesorestjudgmentstobeinthefearofmandayandnight,Deut.28:65,66,67.andoneof thesweetestmerciestobeinthefearofGodallthedaylong,Prov.23:17.Thefearofman shortens our days, Isa. 22:24. but the fear of the Lord prolongethour days, Prov. 10:27. The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, Prov.14:27.But the fearofmana fountainofmischiefsandmiseries:By thefearoftheLordmendepartfromevil,Prov.16:6.but,bythefearofmanmenrunthemselvesintoevil,Prov.29:25.

This fear is a gracious habit or principle planted by God in the soul,wherebythesouliskeptunderanholyaweoftheeyeofGod,andfromthenceisinclinedtoperformanddowhatpleasethhim,andtoshunandavoidwhatsoeverheforbidsandhates.

1.Itisplantedinthesoulasapermanentandfixedhabit;itisnotofthenatural growth and production of man's heart, but of supernatural,infusion and implantation, Jer. 32:40. "I will put my fear into theirinward parts." To fear man is natural, but to fear God is whollysupernatural.

2. This gracious fear puts the soul under the awe of God's eye, Psal.119:161."Myheartstandethinaweofthyword."Itisthereproachoftheservants of men to be eye-servants, but it is the praise and honour ofGod'sservantstobeso.

3. This respect to the eye of God inclines them to perform and dowhatsoeverpleasethhim,andiscommandedbyhim:Hence,fearingGod,and working righteousness, are connected and linked together, Acts

10:35.IfwetrulyfearGod,wedarenotbutdothethingshecommands;andifhisfearbeexaltedinourheartstoanhighdegree,itwillenableustoobeyhimindutiesaccompaniedwithdeepestself-denial,Gen.22:12."Now Iknow thou fearestGod, seeing thouhastnotwith-held thy son,thineonlysonfromme."

4.Thisfearengageth,andinsomedegreeenableththesoul,inwhichitis,to shun and avoid whatsoever is displeasing to God, and forbidden byhim; in this Job discovered himself a true fearer ofGod, hewould nottouch what God had forbidden, and therefore was honoured with thisexcellentcharacter,"HewasonethatfearedGod,andeschewedevil,"Job1:3.

Andthusoftheseveralkindsoffear.

CHAPTERIII

ShewingthevarioususesofFear,bothnatural,sinful,andreligious,inthe

governmentoftheworldbyProvidence

HAVINGtakenabriefviewoftheseveralkindsandsortsoffearthatarefoundamongmen,ournextworkwillbetoopentheusesoftheminthegovernmentofthisworld:foronewayorothertheyallsubservethemostwiseandholypurposesofGodtherein.Andwewillfirstenquireinto.

1.Theuseofnaturalfear

Whichifwewellconsider,itwillbefoundexceedingnecessaryandusefultomakemanagovernablecreaturebylaw;andconsequentlytheorder,comfort, and tranquillity of theworld necessarily dependupon it.Howimmorigerous and intractable would the corruptions of man's naturemakehim,uncapableofanymoralrestraintfromthemostflagitiousandbarbarous crimes, had not God planted such a passion as this in his

nature,which,likea*bridle,curbsinthecorruptpropensionsthereof.Iffeardidnot clap itsmanacles and fettersupon thewild andboisterouslusts of men, they would certainly bear down all milder motives, andbreak loose from all ingenious bands of restraint; the world wouldinevitablybefilledwithdisorders,tumults,rapines,thefts,murders,andallmanner of uncleanness and unrighteousness, nec hospes ab hospitetutus,i.e.thelodgerisnotsafefromthepersonentertaininghim;*menwouldbecomelikethefishesofthesea,astheprophetcomplains,Habak.1:14.wherethegreaterswallowupamultitudeofthesmallerfryaliveatone gulp; propriety could not be maintained in the world, no man'spersoncouldbesafeor inviolate;powerandopportunitytodomischiefwouldmeasureouttomentheirlotandinheritance,andconsequentlyallsocietiesmustdisbandandbreakup.Wesay,andtheobservationissure,Hethatfearsnothisown,mayeasilybemasterofanotherman'slife.Itisthe lawand fearofpunishment thatkeeps theworld inorder:menareafraidtodoevil,becausetheyareafraidtosufferit;theyseethelawhathinseparably linked penal andmoral evils together; if theywill presumeupon theone, theymustnecessarilypull theotherupon them too; andthiskeepstheminsomeorderanddecorum:therewouldbenoorderorsecurity without law; but if laws had not annexed penalties to enforcethem, and give them their sanction, as good there were no laws; theywouldhavenomorepower to restrain the corruptionsofmen'shearts,than thenewcordsor greenwithshad tobindSamson.Andyet, if theseverestpenaltiesintheworldwereannexedto,orappointedbythelaw,theycouldsignifynothingtotheendsofgovernmentwithoutfear.Thisisthat tender,sensiblepowerorpassiononwhichthreateningswork,andso brings men under moral government and restraint, Rom. 13:3, 4."Magistratesareaterrortoevilworks;wiltthounotthenbeafraidofthepower?Butifthoudothatwhichisevil,beafraid,forhebearethnotthesword in vain." And by this means a world of evils is restrained andpreventedintheworld.

Itwas thecustomandpolicyof thePersians, (I cannotsay laudable)atthe death of their kings, to give everyman liberty for the space of fivedaystodowhathewould;andsuchmischiefsweredoneevery-wherebytheunbridledlustsofmeninthosedays,thatitmadethepeoplelongandpray for the instalment of their next king: it exceedingly endeared

governmenttothem.BlessedbeGodforlawandgovernment,forcurbingby thismeans the raging lustsof theheartsofmen, andprocuring restandcomfortforusintheworldthisway.

2.Theuseofsinfulfear

Thisisformallyevilandsinfulinitsownnature,aswellasthefruitofsin,andoffspringofsinfulnature;yettheLordknowshowtoover-ruleinhisprovidentialgovernmentoftheworldtohisownwiseandholypurposes.Andhedothso,

1. Bymaking it his scourge to punishhis enemies. Ifmenwill not fearGod,theyshallfearmen;yea,theyshallbemadeaterrortothemselves.AndindeeditisadreadfulpunishmentforGodtodeliveramanupintothehandsofhisownfears.Ithinkthereisscarceagreatertormenttobefoundintheworldthanforamantobehisowntormentor,andhismindmadearackandengineoftorturetohisbody.Wereadin2Kings17:25.thatGodsentlionsamongthepeople;butcertainlythatisnotsobadasfor God to let loose our own fears upon us. No lion is so cruel as thispassion, and therefore David esteemed it so great a deliverance to bedelivered-fromallhisfears,Psal.34:4.ItisadreadfulthreateningwhichisrecordedinDeut.28:65,66,67.againstthedisobedientandrebellious,"Thoushaltfindnoease,neithershallthesoleofthyfoothaverest,buttheLordshallgivetheethereatremblingheart,andfailingofeyes,andsorrow ofmind, and thy life shall hang in doubt before thee, and thoushalt feardayandnight, andshalthavenoassuranceof thy life. In themorningthoushaltsay,WouldGoditwereeven;andateventhoushaltsay,WouldGod itweremorning, for the fear of thine heartwherewiththou shalt fear, and for the sight of thine eyes which thou shalt see."When fear hath once seized the heart, you may see death's coloursdisplayed in the face.Whatadismal lifedo they live,whohaveneitheranypeacebyday,norrestbynight,butwearisomedaysandnightsareappointedthem!Thedaysofsuchmenaretiresomedays;theywishforthenight,hopingitmaygivethemalittlerest;buttheirfearsgotobedwith them, their hearts pant andmeditate terror; and then, Oh that itweredayagain!

2. By fear God punisheth his enemies in hell: it is that flagellum Dei,

terrible scourge of God, by which a great part of the torment of thedamned is inflicted on them. Divines use to make this tripartitedistinctionofhell-torments, and tellus,Godpunishes thewicked therepartlybyremembranceofwhatispast,viz.themerciesandmeanstheyoncehad, but are there irrecoverably lost; partlyby the senseof thingspresent,even thewrathofGodoverlayingsoulandbody;andpartlybythefearofwhatistocome;andsurethisisnottheleastpartofthemiseryof these wretched cast-aways. Oh that fearful* expectation of fieryindignation!moreandmoreofGod'swrathstillcomingon,asthewavesof the sea, thrusting forward one on another; yea, this is that whichmakesthedevilstremble,James2:19.φρισσουσι,thewordsignifiessuchanoiseastheroarofthesea,ortheroaringofthewaveswhentheybreakthemselves against the rocks, and this is occasionedby the fearswhicharecontinuallyheldasawhipoverthem.

3.Providencemakesuseoftheslavishfearsandterrorsofwickedmen,todissipate and scatter them,when they are combined, and confederatedagainst the people of God; by these have they been routed, and put toflight, when there hath been no other visible power to do it: it is saidPsalm78:55.God cast out theheathenbeforehispeople Israel; andbywhatmeanswerethosemightynationssubdued?Notbythestrengthofmultitudes of the Israelites, but by their own fears; for it is said, Josh.24:11,12."TheLordsentthehornetbeforethem,whichdravethemout†."These hornets were the fears and terrors of their own guilty andpresagingminds,whichbuzzed and swarmed in their ownbreasts, andstungthemtotheheart,worsethantheswordsoftheIsraelitescoulddo."‡TheodoretrelatesamemorablestoryofSaporeskingofPersia,whohadbesieged many Christians in the city Nisibis, and put them to greatstraits, so that littlehopes of safetywere left them;but in thedepthoftheir distress, God sent an army of hornets, and gnats, among theirenemies, which got into the trunks of their elephants, and ears, andnostrils of their horses; which so enraged them, that they brake theirharness, cast their riders, and put them all to the rout, by whichprovidencetheChristiansescaped."Thesehornetswereterribletothem,but fears, which are hornets in a figure, are ten thousand times moreterrible;theywillquell,andsinktheveryheartsofthestoutestmen;yea,they will quicklymake those that in their pride and haughtiness, took

themselvesrathertobegods,andalmightypowers, toknowthemselvestobebutmen, as it is,Psal. 9:20. "Put them in fear,OLord, that theymayknowthemselvestobebutmen."Onefrightwillscarethemoutofathousandfondconceitsandidledreams.

3.Theuseofreligiousfear

IfGod canmake such fruit to growupon such abramble as the sinful,slavish fearofman is,whatmayweexpect fromreligious fear,achoiceroot of his own Spirit's planting? The uses and benefits hereof areinnumerable,andinestimable;butImustcontract,andwillonlyinstanceinthreespecialusesofit.

1.BythisfearthepeopleofGodareexcitedto,andconfirmedinthewayoftheirduty.Eccles.12:13."FearGod,andkeephiscommandments."Itis,custosutriusquetabulœ,thekeeperofbothtables,becausethedutiesof both tables are influenced by it. It is this fear ofGod thatmakes ushaveaduerespecttoallhiscommands,anditisaspowerfultoconfirmusin,asitistoexciteustoourduties.Jer.32:40."Iwillputmyfearintotheir inwards, and they shall not depart from me." Look, as he thatsoweth doth not regard thewinds, but goes on in his labour,whateverweatherthefaceofheaventhreatens;sohethatfearsGod,willbefoundinthewayofhisduty,lettheaspectofthetimesbeneversolowringanddiscouraging: and, truly, this is no small advantage, in times of frightsand distractions. Slavish fear sets a man upon the devil's ground,religiousfearuponGod'sground:And,howvastanoddsisthereinthechoiceofourground,whenwearetoendureagreatfightofaffliction!

2.Anotherexcellentuseofthisfearis,topreservethepurityandpeaceofour consciences, by preventing grief and guilt therein, Prov. 16:6. "ThefearoftheLordistodepartfromevil."SeehowitkeptJoseph,Gen.39:9.andNehemiah, chap.5:15.And thisbenefit is invaluable, especially in aday of outward calamity and distress. Look, inwhat degree the fear ofGodprevailsinourhearts,answerablethereuntowilltheserenity,peace,and quietness of our consciences be; and proportionable unto thatwillour strength and comfort be in the evil day, and our courage andconfidencetolookdangersintheface.

3.Toconclude,aprincipaluseofthisfearofGodis,toawakenustomaketimelyprovisions for futuredistresses, thatwhensoever theycome, theymaynotcomebywayofsurprizeuponus.Thus"Noah,beingmovedwithfear, prepared an ark,"Heb. 11:7. It was the instrument of his and hisfamily's salvation. Some men owe their death to their fears, but goodmen,inasense,owetheirlivestotheirfears;sinfulfearshaveslainsome,and godly fears have saved others. "A wiseman feareth and departethfromevil, (saith Solomon) but a fool rageth and is confident.His fearsgivehimatimelyalarmbeforetheenemyfallintohisquarters,andbeatthemup;bythismeanshehathtimetogetintohischambersofsecurityandrestbefore thestormfall:But the foolrageth,and isconfident,"heneverfearstillhebegintofeel;yea,mosttimeheispastallhopebeforebebegintohaveanyfear.

ThesearesomeoftheusesGodmakesoftheseveralkindsoffear.

CHAPTERIV

Whereinthespringandcausesofsinfulfeararesearchedout,andtheevilsofsuchfears

thencediscovered

Sect.1.HAVINGshewnbefore,thekindsandusesoffear;itremains,thatnext we search out the springs from which these waters of Marah arederivedandfed.And,

Causes

Cause1.First,Weshallfindthesinfulfearsofmostgoodmentospringoutoftheirignorance,andthedarknessoftheirownminds;alldarknessdisposestofear,butnonelikeintellectualdarkness.Youread,Cant.3:8how Solomon's life-guard had every man his sword upon his thigh,becauseoffearinthenight.Thenightisthefrightfulseason,inthedarkeverybushisabear;wesometimessmilebyday,toseewhatsillythings

thosewerethatscaredusinthenight.Soitishere;wereourjudgmentsbutdulyinformed,howsoonwouldourheartsbequieted?

Nowthereisafive-foldignorance,outofwhichourfearsaregenerated:

1.IgnoranceofGod:Eitherweknownot,oratleastdonotdulyconsiderhisAlmightyPower, vigilant care,unspotted faithfulness, andhow theyare all engaged, by covenant, for his people. This ignorance, andinconsiderateness, layat therootof their fears,Isa.40:27,28."Myway(saithZion)ishidfromtheLord,andmyjudgmentpassedoverfrommyGod:" Words importing a suspicion that God hath left her out of theaccount of his providence, and the catalogue of those whomwewouldlookafter,andtakecarefor.

Butwereitoncethoroughlyunderstoodandbelieved,whatpowerthereisinGod'shandtodefendus,whattendernessinhisbowelstocommiserateus,whatfaithfulnessinallthepromises,inwhichtheyaremadeovertous, O how quiet and calm would our hearts be! Our courage wouldquicklybeup,andourfearsdown.

2.Ourignoranceofmengenerateourfearsofmen;wefearthem,becausewedonotknowthem;ifweunderstoodthembetter,wewouldfearthemless;we over-value them, and then fright at them. They say the lion ispaintedmorefiercethanheis;Iamsureourfancypaintsoutmanmoredreadful than indeed he is; if wicked men, especially if multitudes ofwicked men be confederated against us, our hearts fail, and presentlyapprehend inevitableruin. "The floodsof theungodlymademeafraid,"saithDavid,i.e.themultitudesofthemwhichhethought,likeafloodormighty torrent of water, must needs sweep away such a straw, such afeather, as he was, before them; but, in the mean time, we know orconsidernotthattheyhavenopoweragainstus,butwhatisgiventhemfromabove,andthatitisusualwithGodtocramptheirhands,andclapon the bands of restraint upon them,when their hearts are fully set inthem to domischief: did we see and consider them as they are in thehandofourGod,weshouldnottrembleatthemaswedo.

3.Ignoranceofourselves,andtherelationwehavetoGod,createsslavishfearsinourhearts,Isa.51:12.fordidbelieversbutthoroughlyunderstand

how dear they are to God, what relations they sustain to him, of whataccountandvaluetheyareinhiseyes,andhowwelltheyaresecuredbyhis faithful promises and gracious presence, they would not start andtremble at every noise and appearance of danger, as they do. GodreckoneditenoughtocureallAbraham'ssinfulfears,whenhetoldhimhow his God stood engaged for his defence. Gen. 15:1. "Fear notAbraham,Iamthyshield."

AndnobleNehemiahvaluedhimself in timesofdangerandfear,byhisinterest in God, as his words import, Neh.6:11. The conspiracy againsthimwasstrong,thedangerheandthefaithfulwithhimatthattimewerein,wasextraordinary;some,thereforeadvisedtofleetothetemple,andbarricado themselves there, against the enemy: But Nehemiahunderstoodhimselfbetter;ShouldsuchamanasIflee?Andwho,beingasIam,shouldflee?saithhe,q.d.AmansocalledofGodtothisservice,a man under such promises, a man of such manifold and manifestexperiences, should such a man flee? Let others, who have no suchencouragements,fleeiftheywill;formypart,Iwillnotflee.Irememberitwasanargumentusedby*Tertullian, toquiet the fears, and stay theflight of Christians in those bloody times: Art thou afraid of aman, OChristian!whendevilsareafraidofthee,asaprisonerofhis judge,andwhomtheworldoughttofear,asbeingonethatshalljudgetheworld.Othat we could, without pride and vanity, but value ourselves duly,according to our Christian dignities and privileges, which, if ever it benecessarytocountoverandvalue,itisinsuchtimesofdangerandfear,whentheheartissopronetodejectionandsinkingfears.

4.Ignoranceofourdangersandtroubles,causesourfrightsandterrors,wemistakethem,andthereforearefrightedatthem:weareignorantoftwothingsinourtroublesamongothers,viz.

1.Thecomfortsthatareinthem.

2.Theoutletsandescapesfromthem.

Thereisavastoddsbetwixttheoutwardappearanceandfaceoftrouble,andtheinsideof it; it isa liontotheeyeatadistance,butopenit,andthereishoneyinitsbelly.PaulandSilasmetthatinaprisonwhichmade

themtosingatmid-night,andsohavemanymoresincetheirday.

Andaswearenotignorantofthecomfortsthataresometimesfoundinour troubles, so of the outlets anddoors of escape,God can, and oftendoth open out of trouble; "To God the Lord, belong the issues fromdeath," Psal. 68:20. "He knoweth how to deliver the godly out oftemptation," 2 Pet. 2:9.He can,with every temptation,make away toescape,1Cor.10:13. thepoorcaptiveexilesreckoneduponnothing,butdying in the pit,making their graves in the land of their captivity, Isa.51:14. for they could think upon none, but the usual methods ofdeliverance,power,orprice,andtheyhadneither;littledidtheydreamofsuch immediate influences of God upon the king's heart, tomake himdismissthem,freely,contrarytoallrulesofstatepolicy,Isa.45:12.

5.Butespecially the fearsofgoodmenariseoutof their ignoranceandinconsideratenessofthecovenantofgrace.Ifwewerebetteracquaintedwiththenature,extent,andstabilityofthecovenant,ourheartswouldbemuchfreedtherebyfromthesetormentingpassions;thiscovenantwouldbeapanacea,anuniversalremedyagainstallourfears,uponspiritual,ortemporalaccounts,aswillbemadeevidenthereafterinthisdiscourse.

Cause 2. Another cause and fountain of sinful fear, is guilt upon theconscience.Aservantofsincannotbut,firstorlast,beaslaveoffear;andthey that have done evil, cannot chuse but expect evil. No sooner hadAdam defiled and wounded his conscience with guilt, but he presentlytremblesandhideshimself:Soitiswithhischildren;GodcallstoAdam,notinathreatening,butgentledialect;notinatempest,butinthecooloftheday;yetitterrifieshim,therebeinginhimself,mensconsciafacti,aguiltyandcondemningconscience,Gen.3:8."Itis*Seneca'sobservation,that a guilty conscience is a terrible whip and torment to the sinner,perpetuallylashinghimwithsolicitousthoughtsandfears,thatheknowsnotwheretobesecure,nordare,hetrusttoanypromisesofprotection,butdistrustsall,doubts,andisjealousofall."Ofsuchitissaid,Job15:21.thatadreadfulsoundisintheirears;notingnotonlytheeffectsofreal,but also of imaginary dangers: His own presaging mind, and troubledfancy, scares him,where no real danger is, suitable to that, Prov. 28:1.Thewickedfleethwhennonepursues,buttherighteousisboldasalion.Justastheysayofsheep,thattheyareaffrightedbytheclatteringoftheir

own feet,whenonce theyareseta running; so is theguiltysinnerwiththe noise of his own conscience, which sounds nothing in his ears butmisery,wrath,andhell.WemaysayofallwickedmenintheirfrightsasTacitus* doth of tyrants, "That if it were possible to open their inside,theirmind and conscience,many terrible stripes andwoundswouldbefound there:" And it is said, Isa. 33:14. the sinners in Zion are afraid,trembling takethholdof thehypocrite.Fear and tremblingasnaturallyrise out of guilt, as the sparks do out of a fiery charcoal. Historiesabundantlyfurnishuswithsadexamplesofthetruthofthisobservation.Cataline, thatmonster ofwickedness,would start at any sudden noise,beinghauntedwiththefuriesofhisownevilconscience.CharlesIX.afterhisbloodyandbarbarousmassacreoftheProtestants,couldneithersleepnorwakewithoutmusictodiverthisthoughts.AndourRichardIII.afterthemurderofhistwoinnocentnephews,sawdiversimagesorshapeslikedevilsinhissleep,pullingandhaulinghim.Mr.WardtellsusofaJesuitinLancashire,whobeingfollowedbyonethathadfoundhisglove,outofno other designbut to restore it to him, but beingpursuedbyhis ownguiltyconsciencealso,heleapedoverthenexthedge,andwasdrowned.And remarkable is that whichMr. Fox relates of cardinal Crescentius,who fancied the devil was walking in his chamber, and sometimescouchingunderhis table, ashewaswriting letters toRomeagainst theProtestants.Impiustantummetuit,quantumnocuit:somuchmischiefasconscience tells them they have done, so much it bids them expect.WolsiustellsusofoneJohnHofmeisterwhofellsickwiththeveryterrorsofhisownconscienceinhisinn,ashewastravellingtowardsAspurgeinGermany, and was frighted by his own conscience to that degree, thattheywerefaintobindhiminhisbedwithchains;andallthattheycouldgetfromhimwas,Iamcastawayforever,Ihavegrievouslywoundedmyownconscience.

To this wounded and trembling conscience is opposed the spirit of asoundmind,mentioned2Tim.1:7. "Godhathnotgivenus thespiritoffear,butofpower,oflove,andofasoundmind:"Asoundmindis,inthisplace, the same thingwith a pure andpeaceable conscience, amindorconsciencenot infirmorwoundedwithguilt,aswesayasoundorhalebody,whichhathnodiseaseattendingit,suchamindisopposedtothespiritoffear;itwillmakeamanboldasalion;

——Nilconsciresibi,nullapallescereculpa,

Hicmurusaheneusesto.—Hor.l.1.cp.1.

Bythisthybrazenbulwarkofdefence,

Stilltopreservethyconsciousinnocence,

Nore'erturnpalewithguilt.——

Anevilandguiltyconsciencefomentsfearsandterrorsthreeways.

1.Byaggravatingsmallmatters,andblowingthemuptotheheightofthemostfatalanddestructiveevils;soitwaswithCain,Gen.4:14."Everyonethatmeetsmewillslayme."Noweverychildwasagiantinhiseye,andanybodyhemethisover-match.Aguiltyconsciencegivesamannosightofhisenemy,butthroughamagnifyingormultiplyingglass.

2.Itbegetsfears,byinterpretingalldoubtfulcasesintheworstsensethatcan be fastened upon them: Pessimus in dubüs augur timor. If theswallows do but chatter in the chimney, Bessus interprets it to be adiscovery of his crime, that they are telling tales of him, and saying,Bessuskilledaman.Nay,

3.Ifaguiltyconsciencehathnothingtoaggravateandmagnify,noranydoubtfulmatter to interpret in a frightful sense, it can, and often dothcreatefearsandterrorsoutofnothingatall:therulesoffeararenotliketherulesinarithmetic,wheremanynothingsmakenothing,butfearcanmakesomethingoutofnothing,yea,manythings,andgreatthingsoutofnothingatall,Psal.53:5,thereweretheyingreatfearwherenofearwas;herewasagreatfearraisedorcreatedoutofnothingatall;hadtheirfearbeen examined and hunted home to its original*, it would have beenfoundapurecreatureoffancy,achimerahavingnofundamentuminre,nootherfoundationbutatroubledfancy,andaguiltyconscience;thusitwaswithPashur,hewas a verywickedman, andabitter enemy to theprophetJeremiah,andiftherebenonetofrightandterrifyhimabroad,ratherthanheshallwantit,heshallbeaterrortohimself,Jer.20:3,4.hewashisownbugbear,afraidofhisownshadow;andtrulythisisagreat

plagueandmisery;hethat isaterrortohimself,cannomorefleefromterrorsthanhecanfleefromhimself.Oh,theefficacyofconscience!howdothitarrestthestoutestsinners,andmakethemtremble,whenthereisnovisibleexternalcauseoffear!Nemo,sejudice,nocensabsolvitur:i.e.Noguiltymanisabsolved,evenwhenhimselfactsthepartofthejudge.

Objections

Objection 1. But may not a good man, whose sins are pardoned, beaffrightedwithhisownfancies,andscaredwithhisownimaginations?

Solution.Nodoubthemay,forthereisatwofoldfountainoffears,oneinthe body, another in the soul, one in the constitution, another in theconscience; it is the affliction and infelicity of many pardoned andgracious souls, to be united and married to such distempered and ill-habitedbodies,asshallafflict themwithoutanyrealcausefromwithin,and wound them by their own diseases and distempers; and thesewounds cannomorebepreventedor curedby their reasonor religion,thananyotherbodilydisease,supposeanagueorfever,canbesocured.Thus*physicianstellus,whenadustcholerormelancholyoverflowsandaboundsinthebody,asinthehypochondriacaldistempers,&c.whatsadeffectsithathuponthemindaswellasuponthebody,thereisnotonlyasad and fearful aspect or countenance without, but sorrow, fear, andafflicting thoughts within; this is a sore affliction to many good men,whoseconsciencesaresprinkledwiththebloodofChristfromguilt,butyet God sees good to clog them with such affliction as this for theirhumiliation,andforthepreventionofworseevils.

Object. 2. But many bold and daring sinners are found, who,notwithstandingalltheguiltwithwhichtheirconsciencesareloaded,canlookdangerinthefacewithouttrembling,yea,theycanlookdeathitself,thekingofterrors,intheface,withlessfearthanbettermen.

Sol.True,butthereasonofthatisfromaspiritualjudgmentofGodupontheirheartsandconsciences,wherebytheyarehardened,andsearedaswithahotiron,2Tim.4:2.andsoconscienceisdisabledforthepresenttodo itsoffice; itcannotput forth itsefficacyandactivitynow,when itmightbeuseful to their salvation,but itwilldo it topurposehereafter,

whentheircaseshallberemediless.

Cause3.Weseewhataforgeoffearsaguiltyconscienceis;andnolessisthe sin of unbelief the real and proper cause of most distracting andafflictivefears;somuchasoursoulsareemptyoffaith,theyare,intimesof trouble, filledwith fear:Wereadof some thathavediedbynootherhandbuttheirownfears;butweneverreadofanythatdiedbyfear,whowere once brought to live by faith: ifmenwould but dig to the root oftheirfears,theywouldcertainlyfindunbeliefthere,Matth.8:26.Whyareye fearful,Oyeof little faith!The less faith, still themore fear:Fear isgenerated by unbelief, and unbelief strengthened by fear, as in naturethere is an observable κυκλογενησις, circular generation, vapours begetshowers,andshowersnewvapours;soitisinthingsmoral,andthereforealltheskillintheworldcannevercureusofthediseaseoffear,tillGodfirstcureusofourunbelief?Christthereforetooktherightmethodtoridhisdisciplesoftheirfear,byrebukingtheirunbelief.Theremainsofthissin in God's own people are the cause and fountain of their fears, andmore particularly to shew how fear is generated by unbelief, let a fewparticularsbeheedfullyadvertedto.

1.Unbeliefweakensandstumblestheassentingactoffaith,andtherebycuts off from the soul, in a great measure, its principal relief againstdangerandtroubles.Itistheuseandofficeoffaithtorealizetothesoultheinvisiblethingsoftheworldtocome,andtherebyencourageitagainstthe fears anddangersof thepresentworld:ThusMoses forsookEgypt,not fearing thewrathof theking, forhe endured, as seeinghim that isinvisible, Heb. 11:27. If this assenting act of faith be weakened orstaggered in the soul, if once invisibles seemuncertainties, andvisiblesthe only realities, nowonderwe are so scared and frightedwhen thesevisibleandsensiblecomfortsareexposedandendangered,astheyoftenareandwillbeinthismutableworld.Thatmanmustneedsbeafraidtostandhisgroundthatisnotthoroughlypersuadedthegroundhestandson is firmandgood; it isnot tobewondered thatmenshould tremble,whoseemtofeelthegroundshakeandreelunderthem.

2.Unbeliefshutsuptherefugesofthesoulinthedivinepromises,*andby leaving it without those refuges,must needs leave it in the hand offearsandterrors.ThatwhichfortifiesandemboldensaChristianinevil

times,ishisdependenceuponGodforaprotection,Psal.143:9.Iflyuntotheetohideme.Thecuttingoffthisretreat(whichnothingbutunbeliefcan do) deprives the soul of all those succours and supportswhich thepromisesafford,andconsequentlyfillstheheartwithanxietyandfear.

3.Unbeliefmakesmennegligent and careless in providing for troublesbeforetheycome,andsobringsthembywayofsurpriseuponthem:andthemoresurprisinganyevilis,themorefrightfulitisalwaysfoundtobe:wecannotthinkthatNoahwassoaffrightedattheflood,whenitbegantoswellaboveallthehillsandmountains,asalltherestoftheworldwere;norwasthereanyreasonthatheshould,havingforeseenitbyfaith,andmade provision for it, Heb. 11:7. By faith Noah, being warned of God,prepared an ark.* Augustine relates a very pertinent and memorablestoryofPaulinus,bishopofNola,whowasaveryrichmanbothingoodsandgrace:hehadmuchof theworld inhishands,but littleof it inhisheart;and itwaswell therewasnot, for theGoths,abarbarouspeople,breakingintothatcity,likesomanydevils,fellupontheprey;thosethattrusted to the treasures which they had, were deceived and ruined bythem,fortherichwereputtotorturestoconfesswheretheyhadhidtheirmonies:This goodbishop fell into theirhands, and lost all hehad,butwasscarcemovedattheloss,asappearsbyhisprayer,whichmyauthorrelates thus: Lord, letme not be troubled formy gold and silver: thouknowestitisnotmytreasure;thatIhavelaidupinheaven,accordingtothy command. I was warned of this judgment before it came, andprovidedforit;andwhereallmyinterestlies,Lord,thouknowest.

Thus Mr. Bradford, when the keeper's wife came running into hischamber suddenly, with words able to have put the most men in theworld into a trembling posture: Oh, Mr. Bradford! I bring you heavytidings; to-morrowyoumustbeburned,andyour chain isnowbuying:Heputoffhishat,andsaid,Lord,Ithankthee;Ihavelookedforthisagreatwhile,itisnotterribletome;Godmakemeworthyofsuchamercy.Seethebenefitofaprospectof,andpreparationforsufferings!

4.Unbeliefleavesourdearestinterestsandconcernsinourownhands,itcommitsnothingtoGod,andconsequentlymustneedsfilltheheartwithdistracting fearswhen imminentdangers threatenus.Reader, if thisbethy case, thou wilt be a Magor Missabib, surrounded with terrors,

whensoever thou shalt be surrounded with dangers and troubles.Believers inthis,aswellas inmanyotherthings,havetheadvantageofthee,thattheyhavecommittedallthatispreciousandvaluabletothemintothehandsofGodbyfaith,tohimtheyhavecommittedthekeepingoftheir souls, 1Pet. 4:19. andall their eternal concernments,2Tim. 1:16.And these being put into safe hands, they are not distractedwith fearsabout other matter of less value, but can trust them where they haveentrusted the greater, and enjoy the quietness and peace of a resignedsoultoGod,Prov.16:3.Butasforthee,thylife,thyliberty,yea,whichisinfinitelymore thanall these things, thysoulwill lieuponthyhands inthe day of trouble, and thouwilt not knowwhat to do with them, norwhich way to dispose of them. Oh! these be the dreadful straits andfrights that unbelief leaves men in; it is a fountain of fears anddistractions.Andindeeditcannotbutdistractandconfoundcarnalmen,inwhomitreigns,andisinitsfullstrength,whensadexperienceshewsuswhat fears and tremblings the very remains and reliques of this sinbeget in the bestmen,who arenot fully freed from it. If theunpurgedreliquesofunbelief in themcan thusdarkenandcloud their evidences,thus greaten and multiply their dangers; if it can draw such sad andfrightful conclusions in their hearts, notwithstanding all the contraryexperienceoftheirlives,asweseeinthatsadinstance,1Sam.27:1.whatpanicfearsandunrelievedterrorsmustitputthosemenunder,whereitisinitsfullstrengthanddominion?

Cause4.Moreover,weshallfindmanyofourfearsraisedandprovokedin us by the promiscuous administrations of providence in this world,whenwereadinscripture,"thatthereisoneeventtotherighteousandtothe wicked, and all things come alike to all," Eccl. 9:2. that when thesword is drawn,God suffers it to cut off the righteous and thewicked,Ezek.21:3.TheswordmakesnodifferencewhereGodhathmadesogreatadifferencebygrace;itneitherdistinguishesfacesnorbreasts,butisassoon sheathed in thebowels of thebest as theworst ofmen.WhenwereadhowthesamefireofGod's indignationdevours thegreentreeandthedrytree,Ezek.20:47.howthebasketsofgoodfigs(theemblemofthebestmenofthosetimes)werecarriedintoBabylonaswellasthebad,Jer.24:5.howthefleshofGod'ssaintshathbeengivenformeattothefowlsofheaven,andtothebeastsofthefield,Psal.97:12.andhowthewicked

havedevouredthemanthatismorerighteousthanhimself,asitisHab.1:13. I say, when we observe such things in scripture, and find ourobservationsconfirmedbytheaccountsandhistoriesofformerandlaterages;whenwe reflect upon theunspeakablemiseries andbutcheries ofthoseplainheartedandprecious servantsofChrist, theAlbigenses andWaldenses, how they fell as a prey to their cruel adversaries,notwithstandingtheconvincingsimplicityandholinessoftheirlives,andall their fervent cries and appeals to God; how the very flower of thereformed Protestant interest in France was cut off with more thanbarbarousinhumanity,sothatthestreetswerewashed,andthecanalsofParisranwiththeirpreciousblood;whathorridandunparalleledtorturethe servants ofGod felt in that cruelmassacre in Ireland, ahistory tootragical for a tender-hearted reader to stay longupon; andhow, in ourownland,themosteminentministersandChristiansweresenttoheaveninafierychariotinthosedreadfulMariandays:Isay,whenwereadandconsidersuchthingsasthese,itrousesourfears,andputsusintofrights,when we see ourselves threatened with the same enemies and danger;whenthefeetofthemthatcarriedoutthedearservantsofGodinbloodywinding-sheetstotheirgraves,standatthedoortocarryusforthnext,ifprovidence loose their chain, andgive themapermission so todo; andour fears,onthisaccount,areheightened,byconsideringand involvingthesefourthingsinourthoughts,whichwearealwaysmoreinclinedtodo, than the things that should fortify our faith, and heighten ourChristiancourage.As,

1.We are apt to consider, that as the same race and kind ofmen thatcommittedtheseoutragesuponourbrethren,arestillinbeing,andthattheirrageandmaliceisnotabatedintheleastdegree,butisasfierceandcruelasever itwas.Gal.4:29."AsthenhethatwasbornafterthefleshpersecutedhimthatwasbornaftertheSpirit,evensoitisnow."Soitwasthen,andjustsoitisstill:theoldenmityisentaileduponallwickedmen,fromgeneration togeneration.Multi adhucqui clavumsanguineAbelisrubentemadhuc circumferunt,Cain's club is to thisday carriedupanddowntheworld,stainedwiththebloodofAbel,asBucholtzerspeaks.Itisarootedantipathy,and itruns inablood,andwillrunas longas therearewickedmen,fromwhom,andtowhomitshallbepropagated,andadevilinhell,bywhomitwillnotfailtobeexasperatedandirritated.

2. We know also that nothing hinders the execution of their wickedpurposes against us but the restraints of Providence. ShouldGod loosethechain,andgivethemleavetoactforththemaliceandragethatisintheir hearts, no pity would be shewn by them, or could be rationallyexpected fromthem,Psal. 124:1,2,3,4,5,6.We liveamong lions,andthemthataresetonfireofhell,Psal.57:4.Theonlyreasonofoursafetyisthis, that hewho is the keeper of the lions, is also the shepherd of thesheep.

3. We find, that God hath many times let loose these lions upon hispeople, and given them leave to tear his lambs in pieces, and suck theblood of his saints: how well soever he loves them, yet hath he oftendelivered them into the hands of their enemies, and suffered them toperpetrate andact the greatest crueltiesupon them; thebestmenhavesuffered the worst things, and the histories of all ages have delivereddownuntousthemosttragicalrelationsoftheirbarbaroususage.

4. We are conscious to ourselves how far short we come in holiness,innocency,andspiritual excellencyof thoseexcellentpersonswhohavesuffered these things; and therefore have no ground to expect morefavour from providence than they found: we know also there is nopromiseinthescripturestowhichtheyhadnotasgoodaclaimandtitleasourselves.Withusarefoundasgreat,yea,greatersinsthaninthem;and therefore have no reason to please ourselves with the fondimaginations of extraordinary exemptions. If we think these evils shallnotcomeinourdays,itislikemanyofthemthoughtsotoo;andyettheydid, and wemay find it quite otherwise. Lam. 4:12. "Who would havethought that the enemy should have entered in at the gates ofJerusalem?"Therevolvingof these,andsuch likeconsiderations inourthoughts, and mixing our own unbelief with them, creates a world offears,eveningoodmen,till,byresignationofalltoGod,andactingfaithuponthepromisesthatassureusofthesanctificationofallourtroubles,as thatRom.8:28.God'spresencewithus inour troubles,as thatPsal.91:15. his moderation of our troubles to that measure and degree, inwhichtheyaresupportable,Isa.27:8.andthesafeandcomfortableoutletandfinaldeliverancefromthemallatlast;accordingtothatinRev.7:17.wedo,atlast,recoverourheartsoutofthehandsofourfearsagain,and

compose them to a quiet and sweet satisfaction in the wise and holypleasureofourGod.

Cause5.Ourimmoderateloveoflife,andthecomfortsandconveniencesthereof,maybeassignedasaproper,andrealground,andcauseofoursinfulfears,whenthedangersofthetimesthreatentheoneortheother:didweloveourlivesless,weshouldfearandtremblelessthanwedo.Itissaidofthoserenownedsaints,Rev.12:11."TheyovercamebythebloodoftheLamb,andby thewordof their testimony,and they lovednot theirlivesuntothedeath."

Theyovercamenotonlythefuryoftheirenemieswithoutthem,buttheirsinful fears within them; and this victory was atchieved by theirmortification to the inordinate and immoderate love of life. Certainlytheir own fears had overcome them, if they had not first overcome theloveoflife:itwasnot,therefore,withoutverygreatreason,thatourLordenjoined it uponall hisdisciples and followers, tohate their own lives,Luke14:26.notabsolutely,butincomparisonandcompetitionwithhim,i.e.toloveitinsoremissadegreeastoslightandundervalueit,asapoorlow thing in such a comparison: he foresaw what sharp trials andsufferings were coming upon them, and he knew if the fond andimmoderate love of life were not overcome and mortified in them, itwouldmakethemwarpandbendundersuchtemptations.

This was it that freed Paul from slavish fears, and made him somagnanimousandundaunted; indeedhehad less fearuponhis spirits,thoughhewastosuffer thosehardandsharpthings inhisownperson,than his friends had, who only sympathized with him, and were notfartherconcerned,thanbytheirownloveandpity:hespakelikeamanwhowasratheraspectatorthanasufferer.Acts20:24,25."Noneofthesethings move me," saith he. Great soul! not moved with bonds andafflictions!howdidheattainsogreatcourageandconstancyofmind,insuch deep and dreadful sufferings! It was enough to have moved thestoutestman in theworld, yea, and tohave removed the resolutionsofanythathadnotlovedChristbetterthanhisownlife:butlifewasatrifleto him, in comparisonwith Jesus Christ, for so he tells us in the nextwords, "I count not my life dear unto me," q. d. It is a low-prizedcommodityinmyeyes,notworththesaving,orregardingonsuchsinful

terms.Oh!howmanyhavepartedwithChrist,peace,andeternallife,forfearoflosingthatwhichPaulregardednot.Andifwebringourthoughtsclosertothematter,weshallsoonfindthatthisisafountainoffearsintimesof danger, and that from this excessive loveof lifewe are rackedandtorturedwithtenthousandterrors.For,

1. Life is the greatest and nearest interest men naturally have in thisworld,and thatwhichwrapsupallother inferior interests in itself,Job2:4."Skinforskin,yea,allthatamanhath,willhegiveforhislife."Itisarealtruth,thoughitcamefromthemouthofthefatheroflies;afflictionsnever touch thequick, till they touch the life; liberty,estates,andotheraccommodations in this world receive their value and estimation fromhence; if life be cut off, these accidents perish, and are of no account,Gen.25:32."Behold,Iamatthepointtodie,(saidEsau)andwhatprofitshallthisbirth-rightdotome?"

2. Life being naturally the dearest interest of men in this world, therichesttreasure,andmostbelovedthingonearth,toanaturalman;thatwhichstrikesat,andendangerslife,must,inhiseyes,bethegreatestevilthatcanbefalhim;onthisaccountdeathbecomesterribletomen;yea,asJobcallsit,thekingofterrors,Job18:14.Theblackprince,ortheprinceofcloudsanddarkness,assometranslatethosewords:Yea,soterribleisdeath upon this account, that the very fear of it hath sometimesprecipitatedmenintothehandsofit,aswesometimesobserveintimesofpestilence,theexcessivefearoftheplaguehathinducedit*

3. Though death be terrible in any shape, in the mildest form it canappear in; yet a violent and bloody death, by the hands of cruel andmercilessmen, is themost terrible form that death can appear in; it isnow the king of terrors indeed, in themost ghastly representation andfrightfulform,initsscarletrobes,andterrifyingformalities;inaviolentdeath,allthebarbarouscrueltythatthewitofourenemiescaninvent,ortheir malice inflict, is mingled together; in a violent death are manydeaths converted into one, and it oftentimes approaches men by suchslow and deliberate paces, that they feel every tread of its foot, as itadvanceth towards them.Moriatur, ut sentiat semori; Let him so die,(saidthetyrant)thathemayfeelhimselftodie;yea,andhowhediesbyinch-meal, or slow, lingering degrees, and this is exceeding frightful,

especially to those that are ofmost soft and tendernature and temper,whomustneedsbestruck throughwith the terrorsofdeath,except theLordarmthemagainstitwiththeassuranceofabetterlife,andsweetenthesebitterapprehensionsby the foretastesof it.This is enough toputevensanctifiednatureintoconsternation,andmakeaverygracioushearttosink,unlessitbesoupheldbydivinestrengthandcomfort:Andhencecomemany,verymanyofourfearsandterrors,especiallywhenthesameenemies thathavebeenaccustomed to thisbloodywork, shallbe foundconfederatinganddesigningagaintobreakinuponus,andactoveragainasmuchcruelty,asevertheyhavedoneuponourbrethrenintimespast.

Cause6.Toconclude:manyofour sinful fearsandconsternations flowfrom the influences of Satan upon our phantasies. They saywinds andstormsareoft-timesraisedbySatan,bothbyseaand land;andIneverdoubted,buttheprinceofthepoweroftheair,byGod'spermission,can,andoftendothputtheworldintogreatfrightsanddisturbancesbysuchtempests, Job 1:19.He can raise the loftiest winds, pour down roaringshowers,rattleintheairwithfearfulclapsofthunder,andscarethelowerworldwithterribleflashesof lightning.AndIdoubtnotbuthehath,bythe same permission, a great deal of influence and power upon thefancies and passions of men; and can raise more terrible storms andtempestswithinus,thaneverweheardorfeltwithoutus:hecan,byleavefrom God, approach our phantasies, disturb and trouble themexceedingly by forming frightful ideas there; for Satan not only worksupon men mediately, by the ministry of their external senses, but byreasonofhisspiritual,angelicalnature,hecanhaveimmediateaccesstotheinternalsensealso,asappearsbydiabolicaldreams;andbypractisinguponthatpowerofthesoul,heinfluencesthepassionsofit,andputsitunderverydreadfulapprehensionsandconsternations.NowifSatancanprovokeandexasperatethefuryandrageofwickedmen,asitisevidenthe can do, as well as he can go to the magazines and store-houses ofthunder, lightnings, and storms:O,what inward storms of fear can heshakeourheartswithal!andifGodgivehimbutapermission,howreadywillhebetodoit,seeingitissoconducibletohisdesign;forbyputtingmenintosuchfrights,heatonceweakenstheirhandsinduty,asisplainfromhisattemptthiswayuponNehemiah,chap.6:13.and ifheprevailthere,hedrivesthemintothesnaresandtrapsofhistemptations,asthe

fisherman and fowler do the birds and fishes in their nets, when oncetheyhave flushed and frighted themout of their coverts.And thus youhavesomeaccountoftheprincipalandtruecausesofoursinfulfears.

CHAPTERV

Layingopenthesinfulandlamentableeffectsofslavishandinordinatefear,bothin

carnalandregeneratepersons.

Sect. I. HAVING taken a view in the former chapters of the kind andcauses of fear, and seen what lies at the root of slavish fear, and bothbreedsand feeds it,what fruit canweexpect fromsucha cursedplant,butgallandwormwood,fruitasbitterasdeathitself?Letusthen,inthenext place, examine and well consider these following and deplorableeffects of fear, to excite us to apply ourselves themore concernedly tothosedirectionsthatfollowinthecloseofthistreatise,forthecureofit.And,

Effects

Effect1.Thefirsteffectofthissinfulandexorbitantpassionisdistractionofmindand thoughts induty:BothCiceroandQuintilianwillhave theword tumultus,a tumult, tocome fromtimormultus,much fear, it isacompound of those two words; much fear raises great uproars andtumultsinthesoul,andputsallintohurriesanddistractions,sothatwecannot attend upon any service of God with profit or comfort. It wasthereforeaverynecessarymercy thatwas requestedofGod,Luke 1:74."Thatwe,beingdeliveredoutof thehandsofourenemies,might servehimwithoutfear."ForitisimpossibletoserveGodwithoutdistractions,tillwecanservehimwithouttheslavishfearofenemies.ThereverentialfearofGod is thegreatest spur toduty,andchoicesthelp in it,but thedistracting fears of men will either wholly divert us from our duty, or

destroythecomfortandbenefitofourduties; it isadeadlysnareofthedeviltohinderallcomfortableintercoursewithGod.

It isveryremarkable,thatwhentheapostlewasgivinghisadvicetotheCorinthiansaboutmarriage in thosetimesofpersecutionanddifficulty,he commends them to a single life as most eligible: where it may bewithoutsinfulinconveniencies,andthatprincipallyforthisreason,"Thattheymight attend upon the Lord without distraction," 1 Cor. 7:35. Heforesawwhatstraits,cares,andfearsmustunavoidablydistractthoseinsuch times that were most clogged and incumbered with families andrelations;whenamanshouldbethinking,O,whatshallIdonowtogetmydoubtsandfearsresolvedaboutmyinterestinChrist?HowmayIsobehavemyself inmy sufferings as to credit religion, and not become ascandal and stumbling-block toothers?His thoughts are takenupwithother cares and fears: O, what will become of my wife and poor littleones? What shall I do with them and for them, to secure them fromdanger.

I doubt not but it is a great design of the devil to keepus in continualalarmsandfrights,andtopuzzleourheadsandheartswitha thousanddifficulties,whichpossiblymayneverbefalus,or if theydo,shallneverprove so fatal tousaswe fancy them,andall this is tounfitus forourpresent duties, and destroy our comfort therein; for if by frights andterrors of mind he can but once distract our thoughts, he gains threepointsuponustoourunspeakableloss.

1.Herebyhewill cutoff the freedomandsweetnessofour communionwithGodinduties,andwhatanemptyshellwillthebestdutiesbe,whenthiskerneliswormedoutbysuchasubtleartifice?Prayer,asDamascenaptlyexpressesit,isἈναβασιςτουνουtheascensionofthemindorsoultoGod;butdistractionclipsitswings;hecanneverofferuphissoulandthoughtstoGod,thathathnotpossessionofthemhimself:andhethatisunderdistractingfearspossessethnothimself.ThelifeofallcommunionwithGodinprayer,consistsintheharmonythatisbetwixtourheartsandwords, and both with the will of God; this harmony is spoiled bydistraction,andsoSatangainsthatpoint.

2.Butthisisnotallhegainsandwelosebydistractingfears;forasthey

cutoffthefreedomandsweetnessofourintercoursewithGodinprayer,sotheycutoff thesoul fromthesuccoursandreliefs itmightotherwisedraw from the promises. We find when the Israelites were in greatbondage, wherein their minds were distracted with fears and sorrows,they regardednot the supportingpromises of deliverance sent thembyMoses, Exod. 6:3. David had an express and particular promise of thekingdom from the mouth of God which must needs include hisdeliveranceoutofthehandofSaul,andallhisstratagemstodestroyhim;butyet,whenimminenthazardswerebeforehiseyes,hewasafraid,andthatfearbetrayedthesuccoursfromthepromise,sothatitdrewaquitecontraryconclusion,1Sam.27:1. "I shallonedayperishby thehandofSaul:"Andagainheisatthesamepoint,Psal.116:11."Allmenareliars,"notexceptingSamuelhimself,whohadassuredhimofthekingdom.Thisis always the property andnature of fear (as I shewedbefore) tomakemendistrustthebestsecuritywhentheyare in imminentperil:Butoh!whatamischiefisthistomakeussuspiciousofthepromises,whichareourchiefreliefandsupportintimesoftrouble:Ourfearswillunfitusforprayer, they will also shake the credit of the promises with us; and sogreatisthedamagewereceivebothways,thatitwerebetterforustoloseourtwoeyes,thantwosuchadvantagesintrouble.But,

3.Thisisnotall;byourpresentfearswelosethebenefitandcomfortofall ourpast experiences, and the singular reliefwemighthave fromallthat faithfulness and goodness of God, which our eyes have seen informerstraitsanddangers,thepresentfearcloudsthemall,Isa.51:12,13.Men and dangers are somuchminded, thatGod is forgotten, even theGodthathathhithertopreservedus,thoughourformerfearstoldus,theenemywas daily ready to devour us. All these sweet reliefs are cut offfromusbyourdistracting fears,and thatata timewhenwehavemostneedofthem.

Effect 2. Dissimulation and hypocrisy are the fruit of slavish fear;distraction you see is bad enough, but dissimulation is worse thandistraction, andyet asbadas it is, fearhathdrivengoodmen into thissnare;itwillmakeevenanuprightsoulwarpandbendfromtherulesofthatintegrityandcandour,whichshouldbeinseparableatalltimesfromaChristian:ofwhom(saithGodtohisIsrael)hastthoubeenafraid,that

thouhast lied,andhastnot rememberedme?God finds falsehood,andcharges it upon fear, q. d. I know it was against the resolutions ofmypeople'shearts thus todissemble, this certainly is the effect of a fright;whoishethathathscaredyouintothisevil?ItwasAbraham'sfearthatmadehimdissemble to the reproachofhis religion,Gen.20:2, 11.Andindeed it was but an odd sight to see an heathen so schooling andreprovinggreatAbrahamaboutit,ashetheredoth.

Itwasnothingbut fearthatdrewhissonIsaac intothe likesnare,Gen.26:7.AnditwasfearthatovercamePeteragainsthispromise,aswellasprinciple,tosayconcerninghisdearSaviour,Iknownottheman,Matth.26:69.HadAbrahamatthattimeremembered,andactedhisfaithfreelyuponwhattheLordsaidtohim,Gen.17:1.FearnotAbraham,Iamthyshield,hehadescapedboththesinandtheshameintowhichhefell,buteventhatgreatbelieverwasfoiledbyhisownfears;andcertainlythisisagreatevil,acomplicatedmischief.For,

1.By these fallsandscandals, religion ismadevileandcontemptible intheeyesof theworld, it reflectswithmuch reproachuponGodandhispromises,asifhiswordwerenotsufficientsecurityforustorelyuponintimesoftrouble,asifitweresafertrustingtoourwit,yea,tosin,thantothepromises.

2. It greatly weakens the hands of others, and proves a sorediscouragementtothemintheirtrials,toseetheirbrethrenfaintforfear,andashamedtoowntheirprinciples;sometimesithaththismischievouseffect,butitisalwaysimprovedbySatanandwickedmentothispurpose.And,

3.Itwillbeaterribleblowandwoundtoourownconsciences,forsuchflawsinourintegritywemaybekeptwakingandsighingmanyanight;Oseethemischiefsofatimorousandfaintspirit!

Effect 3. Slavish fears of the creature exceedingly strengthen ourtemptations in times of danger, and make them very efficacious andprevalent upon us, Prov. 29:25. The fear ofman brings a snare. Satanspreadsthenet,butwearenotwithinitsreach,tillourownfearsdriveusunto it; the recoiling of our spirits from some imminent dangers may

cause the pulse of a trueChristian to intermit and faulter, how regularsoever it beats at other times: this will cause great trepidation andtimidityinmenthataresincereandupright,andthatisitthatbringsthesnareovertheirsouls.Aaronwasagoodman,andidolatryheknewtobeagreatsin,yetfearprevailedwiththatgoodmantogivetoomuchwaytothat great evil, Exod. 32:22. Thou knowest the people that they are setuponmischief,saithhe,inhisownexcuseinthematterofthegoldencalf,q.d.Lord,Idurstdonootherwiseatthattime,thepeoplewereviolentlyandpassionatelysetuponit;hadIresistedthem,itmighthavecostmedear.

ItwasfearthatprevailedwithOrigentoyieldsofarashedidinofferingincense to the idol, the consideration of which fact brake his heart topieces.ItwasnothingbutfearthatmadeDavidplaythefool,andactsodishonourablyashedid,1Sam.21:12.FearisasnareinwhichSatanhathcaught as many souls as in any other of his stratagems and snareswhatsoever.

Itwereeasytogiveinstances,somanyandsosad,aswouldenlargethisheadeven to tediousness,but Ichuserather tocometo theparticulars,whereinthedangerofthissnareofthedevilconsists.And

1.Hereinliestheensnaringdangerofsinfulfear,thatitdrivesmenoutoftheir proper station, out of their place and duty, beside which there isnone tobe found,butwhat isSatan's ground.The subtle enemyof oursalvationisawarethatweareoutofgunshot,beyondhisreach,whilstweabidewithGodinthewayofourduty,thattheLordiswithuswhilstwearewithhim,andthereisnoattemptingourruinunderthewingsofhisprotection. If ever, therefore, hemeaneth to do any thing upon us, hemust get us off that ground, and fromunder thosewings; and there isnothinglikefeartodothis:thenweareasthebirdsthatarewanderingfromtheirnests,Prov.27:8.orlikeShimeioutofhislimits.

2.Fearisusuallythefirstpassioninthesoulthatbeatsaparleywiththeenemy,andtreatswiththetempterabouttermsofsurrender;and,astheFrench proverb is, The castle that parleys is half won. It is fear thatconsultswith flesh and blood,whilst faith is engagedwithGod for thesupplyofstrengthtoendurethesiege.Wehaveasadanddolefulinstance

ofthisinSpira;hetellsushowhisownfearsbetrayedhimbyparleyingwiththetempter:forthusMr.Bacon,inthehistoryofhislife,recordstheoccasionofhisfall. 'WhilstSpirawastossingupontherestlesswavesofdoubts, without guide to trust to, or haven to flee for succour, on asudden,God'sSpiritassisting,hefeltacalm,andbegantodiscoursewithhimself in this manner:' "Why wanderest thou thus in uncertainties?Unhappyman! cast away fear, put on thy shield of faith; where is thywonted courage, thy goodness, thy constancy? Remember that Christ'sgloryliesatthestake,sufferthenwithoutfear,andhewilldefendthee,hewilltelltheewhatthoushaltanswer;hecanbeatdownalldanger,bringthee out of prison, raise thee from the dead; consider Peter in thedungeon,themartyrsinthefire,"&c.

'Now was Spira in reasonable quiet, being resolved to yield to thoseweightyreasons;yetholdingitwisdomtoexamineallthings,heconsultsalsowithfleshandblood:thusthebattlerenews,andthefleshbeginsinthismanner:'"Bewelladvised,fondman,considerreasonsonbothsides,andthenjudge:howcanstthouthusoverweenthineownsufficiency,asthouneitherregardesttheexamplesofthyprogenitors,northejudgmentof the whole church? Dost thou not consider what misery this day'srashnesswill bring thee unto? Thou shalt lose all thy substance gottenwith so much care and travail, thou shalt undergo the most exquisitetormentsthatmaliceitselfcandevise,thoushaltbecountedanhereticofall,andtocloseupall,thoushaltdieshamefully.Whatthinkestthouoftheloathsome,stinkingdungeon,thebloodyax,theburningfaggot?Aretheydelightful?"&c.Thusthroughfearhefirstparleyedwiththetempter,consultedwithfleshandblood,andatlastfaintedandyielded.

3.ItisfearthatmakesmenimpatientofwaitingGod'stimeandmethodofdeliverance,andsoprecipitatesthesoul,anddrivesitintothesnareofthenexttemptation,Isa.51:14."Thecaptiveexilehastethtobedeliveredoutofthepit,"Anywayormeansofescapethatcomesnexttohand,saithfear, is better than to lie here in the pit; and when the soul is thuspreparedbyitsownfears,itbecomesaneasypreytothenexttemptation:byallwhichyouseethemischiefthatcomesbyfearintimesofdanger.

Effect4.Fearnaturallyproducethpusillanimityandcowardlinessinmen,a poor, low spirit, that presently faints and yields upon every slight

assault.ItextinguishethallChristiancourageandmagnanimitywhereverit prevails: and therefore you find it joined frequently in the scriptureswithdiscouragement,Deut.1:21."Fearnot,neitherbediscouraged;withfaintingandtrembling."Deut.20:3."Letnotyourheartsfaint, fearnot,and do not tremble;" with dismayedness, Deut. 31:6. and faint-heartedness,Isa.7:4.thesearetheeffectsandconsequentsofsinfulfear.Andhowdangerousa thing it is tohaveour courage extinguished, andfaintness of heart prevail uponus in a timewhenwehave the greatestneed and use of courage, and our perseverance, peace, and eternalhappiness rely and depend so much upon it, let all serious Christiansjudge.Itissadtous,anddishonourabletoreligion,tohavetheheartsofwomen,asitissaidofEgypt,Isa.19:16.whenweshouldplaythemen,astheapostleexhortsus,1Cor.16:13.Wefind,inallages,thosethathavemanifested most courage for Christ in time of trial, have been thosewhose faith hath surmounted fear, and whose hearts were above alldiscouragementsfromthisworld.

SuchamanwasBasil,asappearsbyhisanswertoValenstheemperor:whotemptinghimwithoffersofpreferment,receivedthisanswer,offerthese things, said he, to children: and when he threatened him withgrievous sufferings, he replied; Threaten these things to your purplegallants,thatgivethemselvestopleasure,andareafraidtodie.

And this was the spirit of courage and magnanimity with which thegeneralityoftheprimitiveChristianswereanimated;theyfearednotthefaces of tyrants, they shrunk not from themost cruel torments: and itredoundednota little to thecreditofChristianity,whenoneofJulian'snobles,presentatthetormentingofMarcus,bishopofArethusa,toldtheapostatetohisface,Weareashamed,Oemperor,theChristianslaughatyourcruelty,andgrowmoreresolutebyit.SoLactantiusalsotestifiesofthem,Ourwomenandchildren,saithhe,nottospeakofmen,overcametheirtorments,andthefirecannotfetchsomuchasasighfromthem.Ifcarnalfearoncegettheascendantoverus,allourcourageandresolutionwillflagandmeltaway;wemaysufferoutofunavoidablenecessity,butshallneverhonourChristandreligionbyoursufferings.

Effect5.Carnalfearistheveryrootofapostasy,ithathmadethousandsofprofessorstofaintandfallawayinthehouroftemptation.Itisnotso

muchfromthefuryofourenemieswithout,asfromourfearswithin,thattemptations become victorious over us. From the beginning of fears,Christdates thebeginningofapostasy,Matt.24:9, 10. "Thenshall theydeliveryouuptobeafflicted,andshallkillyou,andyeshallbehatedofallnationsformyname'ssake,andthenshallmanybeoffended."Whentroublesanddangerscome toanheight, then fearsbegin toworkatanheighttoo,andthenisthecriticalhour;fearsarehigh,andfaithislow;temptation strong, and resistanceweak: Satan knocks at the door, andfear opens it, and yields up the soul to him, except special aid andassistance come in seasonably from heaven; so long as we can professreligionwithoutanygreathazardoflife,liberty,orestates,wemayshewmuchzealandforwardnessinthewaysofgodliness:butwhenitcomestothesharps,toresistinguntoblood,fewwillbefoundtoownandassertitopenlyinthefaceofsuchdangers.Thefirstretreatisusuallymadefromafreeandopen,toacloseandconcealedpracticeofreligion;notopeningour windows, as Daniel did, to shew we care not who knows we dareworship our God, and are not ashamed of our duties, but hiding ourprinciplesandpracticewithalltheartandcareimaginable,reckoningitwell ifwe can escapedanger by letting fall our professionwhichmightexposeus to it:but if the inquestgoon,andwecannotbe securedanylonger under this refuge, wemust complywith falseworship, and givesomeopensignalthatwedoso,orelsebemarkedoutforruin;thensaithfear,Givealittlemoreground,andretreattothenextsecurity,whichistocomplyseeminglywiththatwhichwedonotallow,hopingGodwillbemercifultousandacceptus,ifwekeepourheartsforhim,thoughweareforcedthustodissembleandhideourprinciples.Eamusadcommunemerrorem, said Calderinus, when going to the mass, Let us go to thecommon error; and, as Seneca adviseth about worshipping the Romangods,Inanimoreligionemnonhabeat,sedinactionsfingat;letusmakeasemblance and shew of worshipping them, though our hearts give noreligiousrespecttothem.Butifstillthetemptationhuntsusfarther,andwe come to be more narrowly sifted and put to a severer test, bysubscribing contrary articles, or renouncing our former avowedprinciples,andthatuponpenaltyofdeath,andlossofallthatisdeartous in this world; now nothing in all the world hazards our eternalsalvationasourownfearswilldo;thisisliketobetherockonwhichweshall split all, andmakeanhorrible shipwreckbothof truthandpeace.

This was the case of Cranmer, whose fears caused him to subscribeagainst the dictates of his own conscience, and cowardly to betray theknown truth; and indeed there is no temptation in theworld that hathoverthrown so many, as that which hath been backed and edged withfear: the loveofpreferments andhonourshath slain its thousands, butfearofsufferingsitstenthousands.

Effect6.Sinful fearputsmenundergreatbondageofspirit,andmakesdeath a thousand times more terrible and intolerable than it wouldotherwisebetous.Youreadofsome,Heb.2:16."whothroughthefearofdeathwere all their life-time subject tobondage," i.e. it kept them in amiserableanxietyandperplexityofmind,likeslavesthattrembleatthewhipwhichisheldoverthem:thusmanythousandsliveunderthelash;soterribleisthenameofDeath,especiallyaviolentdeath,thattheyarenot ablewith patience to hear itmentioned;which gave the ground ofthat saying, Præstat semel, quam sempermori; it is better to die oncethantobedyingalways.Andsurelythereisnotamoremiserablelifeanypoorcreaturecanlivethansuchatremblinglifeasthisis.For,

1.Suchabondageasthisdestroysallthecomfortandpleasureoflife;nopleasurecangroworthriveundertheshadowofthiscursedplant.Nileibeatum cui semper aliquis terror impendeat, saith Cicero*, all thecomforts we possess in this world are embittered by it. It is storied ofDemocles,aflattererofDionysiusthetyrant,thathetoldhimhewasthehappiest man in the world, having wealth, power, majesty, andabundanceofallthings:Dionysiussetstheflattererinallhisownpompat a table furnishedwith all dainties, and attendedupon as a king, butwith a heavy sharp swordhangingby a single horsehair right overhishead;thismadehimquakeandtremble,sothathecouldneithereatnordrink, but desired to be freed from that estate. The design was toconvincehimhowmiserablealifetheylive,wholiveunderthecontinualterrorsof impendingdeathandruin.ItwasasorejudgmentwhichGodthreatened against them in Jer. 5:6. "A lion out of the forest shall slaythem,andawolfof theevening shall spoil them;a leopard shallwatchovertheircities,everyonethatgoethoutthenceshallbetorninpieces."Whatamiserablelifemustthosepeoplelivewhocouldnotstiroutofthecity, but theypresentlywere seizedby lions,wolves, and leopards, that

watchedover them,and lurked inall theavenuestomakethemaprey!and yet this is more tolerable than for a man's own fear to watchcontinuallyoverhim.

2. And yet I could wish this were the worst of it, and that our fearsdestroyednobetter comforts than thenatural comforts of this life: butalas,theyalsodestroyourspiritualcomfortswhichwemighthavefromGod's promises, and our own and others' experiences which areincomparably the sweetestpleasuresmenhave in thisworld: but asnocreature-comfortispleasant,sonopromiserelisheslikeitselftohimthatlives in this bondage of fear; when the terrors of death are great, theconsolationsoftheAlmightyaresmall.

In thewrittenwordare foundall sortsof refreshing, strengtheningandheart-revivingpromisespreparedbythewisdomandcareofGodforourreliefinthedaysofdarknessandtrouble;promisesofsupportundertheheaviestburdensandpressures,Isa.41:10."Fearnot,forIamwiththee;benotdismayed,forIamthyGod;Iwillstrengthenthee,yea,Iwillhelpthee,yea,Iwillupholdtheewiththeright-handofmyrighteousness."Apromiseabletomakethemosttimorousandtremblingsoultoshoutwiththejoyofmeninharvest,orastheythatdividethespoil.

Therearefoundtheencouragingpromisesofdefenceandprotection,Isa.27:2,3.andIsa.33:2.promisesthatleadusuntotheAlmightypowerofGod,andputusunderthewingsofhiscareintimeofdanger.

Promisesofmoderationandmitigationinthedayofsharpaffliction,thatwemaybeabletobearit,Isa.27:8.1Cor.10:13.Promisesofdeliveranceout of trouble, if themalice ofmanbringus into trouble, themercy ofGodwillassuredlybringusout,Ps.91:14,15.andPsal.125:3.And,whicharemost comfortable of all the rest, promises to sanctify andbless ourtroublestoourgood,sothattheyshallnotonlyceasetobehurtful,but,by virtue of the promise, become exceeding beneficial to us, Isa. 27:9.Rom.8:28.

AllthesepromisesareprovidedbyourtenderFatherforusagainstadayofstraitsandfears;andbecauseheknewourweakness,andhowaptourfearswouldbetomakeussuspectoursecuritybythem,hehath,forthe

performanceofthem,engagedhiswisdom,power,care,faithfulness,andunchangeableness,2Pet.2:9. Isa.27:2,3. 1Cor. 16:9. 1Cor. 10:13. Isa.43:1, 2. In the midst of such promises so sealed, how cheerful andmagnanimous shouldwebe in theworst times! and sayasDavid,Psal.49:5."WhyshouldIfearinthedayofevil?"LetthosethathavenoGodtofleeto,nopromisetorelyupon,letthemfearinthedayofevil,Ihavenocause to do so. But even from these most comfortable refuges in thepromisesourownfearsbeatus;wearesoscaredthatwemindthemnotsoas todrawencouragement, resolution,andcourage fromthem.Thustheshieldsofthemightyarevilelycastaway.

So for all the choice records of the saints experiences in all formertroubles and distresses, God hath, by a singular providence (aiming atourrelief infuturedistresses)preservedthemforus; ifdangerthreatenus,wemayturntotherecordedexperienceshispeoplehaveleftusofthestrangeandmighty influenceofhisprovidenceupon theheartsof theirenemiestoshewthemfavour,Gen.31:29.Psal.16:4–6.Jer.15:11.

There are also found the ancient rolls and records of the admirablemethods of his people's deliverance, contrived by his infinite andunsearchablewisdomforthem,whenalltheirownthoughtshavebeenata loss, and their understandings posed and staggered, Exod. 15:6. 2Chron.20:12,15.2Kings19:3,7.

There are the recorded experiences of God's unspotted faithfulness,which never failed any soul that durst trust himself in its arms,Micah6:4,5.Josh.7:9.

There are also to be found the records of his tender andmost fatherlycareforhischildren,whohavebeentohimasapeculiartreasureintimesofdanger,Psal.40:17Deut.32:10,11,12.Isa.49:16.Jer.49:16.and36:7.2Chron.16:9.

All these andmanymore supports and cordials aremade ready to ourhand,andprovidedforadayoftrouble;butalas!towhatpurpose,ifourownfearssotransportus,thatwecanneitherapplythem,norsomuchascalmlyponderandconsiderthem.

3. To conclude; by these fears we are deprived of those manifoldadvantageswemightgainbythecalmandcomposedmeditationsofourowndeath, and the change itwillmakeuponus; couldwe sit down inpeace,andmeditate ina familiarwayupondeath:couldwelookwithacomposedandwell-settledmindintoourowngraves,andnotbescaredandfrightenedwiththethoughtsofdeath,andstartlewheneverwetakeit (though but in our thoughts) by the cold hand: Towhat seriousnesswould thosemeditations frameus?Andwhatabundanceof evilswouldthey prevent in our conversations? The sprinkling of dust upon newwritingpreventsmanyablotandblurinourbooksorletters:Andcouldwethussprinklethedustofthegraveuponourminds,itwouldpreventmany a sin andmiscarriage in our words and actions. But there is noprofitoradvantageredoundingtouseitherfrompromises,experiences,ordeath itself,whenthesoul isdiscomposedandput intoconfusionbyitsownfears.Andthusyouseesomeofthosemanymischievouseffectsofyourownfears.

CHAPTERVI

Prescribingtherulestocureoursinfulfears,andpreventthesesadandwofuleffectsof

them.

Sect.I.WEarenowcometothemostdifficultpartofthework,viz.thecureofthesinfulandslavishfearofcreaturesintimesofdanger,whichifitmight,throughtheblessingofGodbeeffected,wemightliveatheart'seaseinthemidstofallourenemiesandtroubles,and,likethesunintheheavens,keeponoursteadycourseinthedarkestandgloomiestday.Butbefore I come to the particular rules, it will be necessary, for theprevention of mistakes, to lay down three useful cautions about thismatter.

Cautions

1Caution.UnderstandthatnonebutthosethatareinChristarecapableto improve the following rules to their advantage. The security of oursouls is thegreatest argumentusedbyChrist to extinguishour fearsofthem that kill the body,Matth.10:28. But if the soulmust unavoidablyperishwhen thebodydoth, if itmustdrop intohellbefore thebodybelaidinthegrave,ifhethatkillsthebodydoth,bythesamestroke,cutoffthesoulfromallthemeansandpossibilitiesofmercyandhappinessforever,whatcanbeofferedinsuchacase,torelieveamanagainstfearandtrembling?

2Caution.Expectnotaperfectcureofyourfearsinthislife;whilstthereare enemies and dangers, therewill be some fears working in the besthearts:Ifourfaithcouldbeperfected,ourfearswouldbeperfectlycured;butwhilstthereissomuchweaknessinourfaith,therewillbetoomuchstrengthinourfears.Andforthosewhoarenaturallytimorous,whohavemoreofthispassionintheirconstitutionthanothermenhave,andthoseinwhommelancholyisarootedandchronicaldisease,itwillbehardforthemtotallytoridthemselvesoffearsanddejections,thoughintheuseofsuchhelpsandmeansasfollow,theymaybegreatlyrelievedagainstthetyranny of them, and enabled to possess their souls in much moretranquillityandcomfort.

3Caution.Whosoeverexpects thebenefitof the followingprescriptionsandrules,mustnotthinkthereading,orbarerememberingofthemwilldothework,buthemustworkthemintohisheartbybelievingandfixedmeditation,andliveinthedailypracticeofthem.Itisnotouropeningofourcasetoaphysician,norhisprescriptionsandwrittendirectionsthatwill cure a man, but he must resolve to take the bitter and nauseouspotion, howmuch soever he loath it; to abstain fromhurtful diet, howwellsoeverhelovesit,ifeverheexpecttobeasoundandhealthfulman.Soitisinthiscasealso.Thesethingspremised,the

Rules

1Rule.Thefirstruletorelieveusagainstourslavishfears,Isseriouslytoconsider,andmorethoroughlytostudythecovenantofgrace,withinthe

blessed clasp and bond whereof all believers are. I think the clearunderstandingofthenature,extent,andstabilityofthecovenant,andofour interest therein,wouldgoagreatway in the cureofour sinful andslavishfears.

A covenant is more than a naked promise; in the covenant, God hathgraciously consulted our weakness, fears, and doubts, and thereforeproceeds with us in the highest way of solemnity, confirming hispromises by oath, Heb. 6:13, 17 and by his seals, Rom. 6:11. Puttinghimselfunderthemostsolemntiesandengagementsthatcanbe,tohispeople,thatfromsofirmaratificationofthecovenantwithus,wemighthavestrongconsolation,Heb.6:18.Hehathsoordered it, that itmightafford strong supports, and themost reviving cordials to our faint andtimorousspirits,inalltheplungesoftroublebothfromwithinandfromwithout. In the covenant, Godmakes over himself to his people, to beunto them a God, Jer. 31:33. Heb. 8:10. Wherein the Lord bestowshimself in all his glorious essential properties upon us, to the end thatwhatsoever his almighty power, infinitewisdom, and incomprehensiblemercy can afford for our protection, support, deliverance, direction,pardon, or refreshment; we might be assured shall be faithfullyperformedtousinallthestraits, fears,andexigenciesofourlives.ThisGodexpectsweshouldimprovebyfaith,asthemostsovereignantidoteagainstallourfearsinthisworld,Isa.43:1,2."ThussaiththeLordthatcreated thee,OJacob,andhe that formedthee,OIsrael, fearnot: for Ihaveredeemedthee,Ihavecalledtheebythyname,thouartmine;whenthoupassestthroughthewaters,Iwillbewiththee,"&c.Isa.41:10."Fearnot,forIamwiththee,benotdismayed,forIamthyGod."

And if thou, reader, be within the bonds of the covenant, thoumayestsurely find enough there to quiet thy heart, whatever the matter orgroundofthyfearsbe:IfGodbethycovenant-God,hewillbewiththeein all thy straits, wants, and troubles, he will never leave, nor forsakethee.FromthecovenantitwasthatDavidencouragedhimselfagainstallhis troubles, 2 Sam. 23:5. "Althoughmyhousebenot sowithGod, yethathhemadewithmeaneverlastingcovenant,wellorderedinallthingsandsure;thisisallmysalvation,andallmydesire,thoughhemakeitnottogrow."Hecould fetchall reliefs,all comforts,andsalvationoutof it,

andwhycannotwe?Hedesirednomoreforthesupportofhisheart;thisisallmydesire;andsureifweunderstoodandbelieveditashedid,wecould desire no more to quiet and comfort our hearts than what thiscovenantaffordsus.For,

1.Areweafraidwhatourenemieswilldo?Weknowweareinthemidstof potent, politic, and enraged enemies;we have heardwhat they havedone,andseewhattheyarepreparingtodoagain.Wetrembletothinkwhatbloodytragediesareliketobeactedoveragainintheworldbytheircruel hands: But O what heroic and noble acts of faith should thecovenantofGodenabletheetoexertamidstallthesefears!IfGodbethyGod,thenthouhastanAlmightyGodonthyside,andthatisenoughtoextinguishallthesefears,Psal.118:6"TheLordisonmyside,Iwillnot"fearwhatmancandountome."Your fearscome in thenameofman,butyourhelpinthenameoftheLord;Letthemplot,threaten,yea,andsmitetoo;Godisashieldtoallthatfearhim,andifGodbeforus,whocanbeagainstus?

2.AreweafraidwhatGodwilldo; fear itnot,yourGodwilldonothingagainstyourgood:thinknotthathemayforgetyou,itcannotbe;soonermay a tender mother forget her sucking child, Isa. 49:15. no; "Hewithdraweth not his eye from the "righteous," Job 36:7. His eyes arecontinually upon all the dangers and wants of your souls and bodies,thereisnotadangeroranenemystirringagainstyou,buthiseyeisuponit,2Chron.16:9.

Areyouafraidhewill forsakeandcastyouoff?It istrueyoursinshavedeservedheshoulddoso,buthehathsecuredyoufullyagainstthatfearinhiscovenant,Jer.32:40."Iwillnotturn"awayfromthem,todothemgood."All your fearsofGod's forgettingor forsakingyou, springoutofyourignoranceofthecovenant.

3.Areyouafraidwhatyoushalldo?It isusualforthepeopleofGodtoproposedifficultcasestothemselves,andputstartlingquestionstotheirownhearts;andtheremaybeanexcellentuseofthemtorousethemoutof security, put themupon the search and trial of their conditions andestates,andmakepreparationfortheworst;butSatanusuallyimprovesit toaquitecontraryend, todeject,affright,anddiscourage them.O, if

fierytrialsshouldcome,ifmylibertyandlifecomeoncetobetouchedinearnest, I fear I shallneverhave strength togoona step farther in thewayofreligion:IamafraidIshallfaintinthefirstencounter,Ishalldenythe words of the Holy One, make shipwreck of faith and a goodconscience in the first gust of temptation. I can hear, and pray, andprofess;butIdoubtIcannotburn,orbleed,orlieinadungeonforChrist.IfIcanscarcerunwithfootmeninthelandofpeace,howdoIthinktocontendwithhorsesintheseswellingsofJordan?

But yet all these are but groundless fears, either forged in thy ownmisgiving heart, or secretly shuffled by Satan into it; for God hathabundantlysecuredtheeagainstfearinthisveryparticular,bythatmostsweet, supporting, and blessed promise, annexed to the former in thesametext,Jer.32:40."Iwillputmyfearintotheirhearts,thattheyshallnot depart fromme." Here is another kind of fear than that which sostartles thee,promised tobeput into thyheart,nota fear toshakeandunderminethyassurance,asthisdoth,buttoguardandmaintainit.Andthis is the fear thatshallbeenabledtovanquishandexpelall thyotherfears.

4.Orareyouafraidwhatthechurchshalldo?AndwhatwillbecomeofthearkofGod?Doyouseea stormgathering,windsbegin to roar, thewaves to swell; and are you afraid what will become of that vessel thechurch,inwhichyouhavesogreataninterest?

Itisanargumentofthepublicnessandexcellencyofthyspirit,tobethustouched with the feeling sense of the church's sufferings and dangers.Mostmenseektheirownthings,andnotthethingsthatareChrist's,Phil.2:21.Butyetitisyoursinsotofear,astosinkandfaintunderaspiritofdespondencyanddiscouragement,whichyetmanygoodmenarebuttooapt to do. I remember an excellent passage in a letter of* Luther's toMelancthonupon this very account. 'In private troubles, saith he, I amweaker,andthouartstronger;thoudespisestthyownlife,butfearestthepubliccause:butforthepublicIamatrest,beingassuredthatthecauseisjustandtrue,yea,thatitisChrist'sandGod'scause.Iamwellnighasecure spectator of things, and esteem not any thing these fierce andthreateningPapistscando.IbeseechtheebyChrist,neglectnotsoDivinepromisesandconsolations,wherethescripturesaith,Castthycareupon

theLord,waitupontheLord,bestrong,andheshallcomfortthyheart.'†And in another epistle! 'I much dislike those anxious cares, which, asthou writest, do almost consume thee. It is not the greatness of thedanger, but the greatness of thy unbelief. John Huss and others wereundergreaterdangerthanwe;andifitbegreat,heisgreatthatordersit.Whydoyouafflictyourself?ifthecausebebad,letusrenounceit;ifitbegood,whydowemakehimaliarwhobidsusbestill?asifyouwereabletodo any goodby suchunprofitable cares. I beseech thee, thou that inother thingsartvaliant, fightagainst thyself, thineowngreatestenemy,thatputsweaponsintoSatan'shand.'

Youseehowgoodmenmaybeevenoverwhelmedwithpublicfears;butcertainlyifwedidwellconsiderthebondofthecovevantthatisbetwixtGod and his people, we should be more quiet and composed. For byreasonthereofitis,1.ThatGodisinthemidstofthem,Psal.46:1,2,3,4.When any great danger threatened the reformed church in its tenderbeginning,inLuther'stime,hewouldsay,Comeletussingthe46.Psalm;andindeedit isa lovelysongforsuchtimes: itbearsthetitleofAsonguponAlamoth,orasongforthehiddenones;Godiswiththemtocoverthemunderhiswings.2.Anditisplainmatteroffact,evidenttoalltheworld, that no people under the heavens have been so long and sowonderfullypreservedas thechurchhathbeen; ithathover-livedmanybloodymassacres, terrible persecutions, subtle and cruel enemies; stillGodhathpreservedanddeliveredit,forhispromisesobligedhimtodoit,amongst which those two are signal and eminent ones, Jer. 30:11. Isa.27:3.Andit isobvioustoallthatwillconsiderthings,thattherearetheself-samemotivesinGod,andtheself-samegroundsandreasonsbeforehim,totakecareofhischurchandpeople,thateverwereinhim,ordideverliebeforehimfromthebeginningoftheworld.For(1.)Therelationis still the same. What though Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, thoserenowned believers, be in their graves, and those that succeed be farinferior to them in grace and spiritual excellency; yet saith the church,doubtlessthouartourFather.ThereisthesametieandbondbetwixttheFather and the youngest weakest child in the family, as the eldest andstrongest. (2.)Hispityandmercy is still the same, for thatendures forever:hisbowelsyearnastenderlyoverhispeopleintheirpresent,asevertheydidinanypastafflictionsorstraits.(3.)Therageandmaliceofhis

and his people's enemies is still the same, they will reflect asblasphemouslyanddishonourablyuponGodnow,shouldhegiveuphispeople,asevertheydid.Moses'argumentisasgoodnowaseveritwas,Whatwill theEgyptians say?andso isJoshua's too,Whatwilt thoudounto thygreatname?Oh! if these thingsweremore thoroughlystudiedandbelieved,theywouldappeasemanyfears.

2.Rule.Workuponyourheartstheconsiderationofthemanymischiefsandmiseriesmendrawupon themselvesandothers,both in thisworldandthattocome,bytheirownsinfulfears.

1. Themiseries and calamities that sinful fear brings uponmen in thisworldareunspeakable:thisisitthathathplungedtheconsciencesofsomany poor wretches into such deep distresses: this it is that hath putthem upon the rack, andmade them roar like men in hell among thedamned. Somehave been recovered, and others haveperished in thesedeepsofhorroranddespair. "*In theyear 1550 therewasatFerrara inItalyoneFaninus,whoby readinggoodbookswasby thegraceofGodconverted to the knowledge of the truth, wherein he found suchsweetness, thatbyconstantreading,meditation,andprayer,hegrewsoexpert in thescriptures, thathewasable to instructothers;andthoughhedurstnotgooutof theboundsofhiscalling topreachopenlyyetbyconferenceandprivateexhortationshedidgoodtomany.Thiscomingtothe knowledge of the pope's clients, they apprehended and committedhim to prison, where he renounced the truth, and was thereuponreleased:but itwasnot longbefore theLordmetwithhim for it; soasfalling into horrible torments of conscience, he was near unto utterdespair; nor could he be freed from those terrors before he had fullyresolvedtoventurehislifemorefaithfullyintheserviceofChrist."

Dreadful was that voice which poor Spira seemed to hear in his ownconscience, as soon as ever his sinful fears had prevailed upon him torenouncethetruth."Thouwickedwretchthouhastdeniedme,thouhastrenounced the covenant of thine obedience, thou hast broken thy vow;hence,apostate,bearwiththeethesentenceofthineeternaldamnation."Presentlyhefallsintoaswoon,quakingandtrembling,andstillaffirmedtohisdeath,"Thatfromthattimeheneverfoundanyeaseorpeaceinhismind:"butprofessed,"thathewascaptivatedundertherevenginghand

oftheAlmightyGod:andthathecontinuallyheardthesentenceofChrist,thejustJudgeagainsthim;andthatheknewhewasutterlyundone,andcouldneitherhope forgrace,or thatChrist should intercede forhim totheFather."

InourdreadfulMariandays,SirJohnCheek,whohadbeentutortoKingEdwardVI.was cast into the tower, and kept close prisoner, and thereput to thismiserable choice, either to foregohis life, or thatwhichwasmore precious, his liberty of conscience; neither could his liberty beprocuredbyhisgreatfriendsatanylowerratethantorecanthisreligion:Thishewasveryunwillingtoacceptof,tillhishardimprisonment,joinedwiththreatsofmuchworseincaseofhisrefusal,atlastwroughtsouponhim, whilst he consulted with flesh and blood, as drew from him anabrenunciation of that truth which he had so long professed, and stillbelieved: Upon this he was restored to his liberty, but never to hiscomfort;forthesenseofhisownapostasy,andthedailysightofthecruelbutcheries exercised upon others for their constant adherence to thetruth, made such deep impressions upon his broken spirit, as broughthimtoaspeedyendofhislife,yetnotwithoutsomecomfortablehopesatlast.

Ourownhistoriesaboundwithmultitudesofsuchdolefulexamples.

Some have been in such horror of conscience that they have chosenstranglingratherthanlife;theyhavefeltthatanguishofconsciencethathathputthemupondesperateresolutionsandattemptsagainsttheirownlivestoridthemselvesof it.ThiswasthecaseofpoorPeterMoon,whobeingdrivenbyhisownfears todeny the truth,presently fell intosuchhorrorofconscience, thatseeingaswordhanging inhisparlour,wouldhavesheatheditinhisownbowels.SoFrancisSpira,before-mentioned,whenhewasnear his end, saw a knife on the table, and running to it,would have michiefed himself, had not his friends prevented him;thereuponhesaid,O!thatIwereaboveGod,forIknowthathewillhaveno mercy on me. He lay about eight weeks (saith the historian) in acontinual burning, neither desiring or receiving any thing but by force,and that without digestion, till he became as an anatomy; vehementlyraging for drink, yet fearing to live long; dreadful of hell, yet covetingdeath; in a continual torment, yet his own tormentor; and thus

consuminghimselfwithgriefandhorror, impatienceanddespair, likealiving man in hell, he represented an extraordinary example of God'sjusticeandpower,andsoendedhismiserablelife.

Surelyitweregoodtofrightourselvesbysuchdreadfulexamplesoutofour sinful fears; is anymiserywe can fear from the hands ofman likethis?O,reader!believeit,"itisafearfulthingtofallintothehandsofanangryGod."Hadstthoueverfelttherageandefficacyofawoundedanddistressedconscience,asthesepoorwretchesfeltit,nofearsorthreatsofmenshoulddrivetheeintosuchanhelluponearthasthisis.

2.Andyet,thoughthisbeadolefulcase,itisnottheworstcaseyourownsinful fearswill castyou into,except theLordovercomeandextinguishtheminyoubythe fearofhisname, theywillnotonlybringyou intoakind of hell upon earth, but into hell itself for evermore; for so therighteousGodhathsaid inhiswordof truth,Rev.21:8."but the fearfulandunbelieving,&c.shallhavetheirpartinthelakewhichburnethwithfireandbrimstone,whichis theseconddeath."Beholdherethemartiallawofheavenexecuteduponcowardsandrenegadoes,whosefearsmakethem revolt from Christ in the time of danger. Think upon this, youtimorousand faint-heartedprofessors: you cannotbear the thoughtsoflying in a nasty dungeon, howwill you lie then in the lake of fire andbrimstone?Youareafraidofthefaceandfrownsofamanthatshalldie,buthowwillyouliveamongdevils?IsthewrathofmanlikethefuryofGodpouredout?IsnotthelittlefingerofGodheavierthantheloinsofallthe tyrants in theworld?Rememberwhat Christ hath said,Mat.10:33."Butwhosoevershalldenymebeforemen,himwillIalsodenybeforemyFather which is in heaven." Reader, the time is coming when he thatspake thesewordsshallbreakoutofheavenwithashout,accompaniedwithmyriadsofangels,andtenthousandsofhissaints,theheavensandthe earth shall be in dreadful conflagrations round about him; the lasttrumpshallsound,thegravesshallopen,theearthandseashallgiveupthe dead that are in them. Thine eyes shall see him ascend the awfulthroneof judgment,his faithfulonesthat fearednottoownandappearforhim in the faceof all enemiesanddangers, sittingon thebench, asassessorswithhim;andthentobedisclaimedandrenouncedforeverbyJesus Christ, in the face of that great assembly, and proclaimed a

delinquent,atraitortohim,thatdeniedsthisnameandtruths,becauseofthefrownsofafellow-creature,longsincewitheredasthegrass.Ohhowwilt thou be able to endure this! Now put both these together, in thyserious consideration, think on the terrors of conscience here, and thedesperatehorrorofitinhell;thisisapar-boiling,thatasaroastingintheflames of God's insufferable wrath: these as some scalding dropssprinkledbefore-handuponthyconscience,thattenderandsensiblepartofman; that as the lake burning for everwith fire and brimstone.Oh!whowouldsufferhimselftobedrivenintoallthismisery,bythefearsofthese sufferings which can but touch the flesh; and for their duration,theyarebutforamoment!

Think,andthinkagainuponthosewordsofChrist,Mark8:35."Hethatwillsavehislifeshallloseit."Itmaybeaprolongingofamiserablelife,alife worse than death, even in thine own account; a life without thecomfortor joyof life;a lifeending in theseconddeath;andall this forfear of a trifle, comparedwithwhat thou shalt afterwards feel in thineownconscience,andlessthanatrifle,nothing,comparedwithwhatthoumustsufferfromGodforever.

Rule 3.He thatwill overcomehis fears of sufferings,must foresee andprovidebefore-handforthem.

Thefearofcautionisagoodcuretothefearofdistraction;andthemoreof that, the less of this; this fearwill cure that, as one fire draws forthanother,Heb. 11:7. "Noah beingmovedwith fear, prepared an ark." Inwhichheprovidedasmuchfortherestandquietofhismind,ashedidforthesafetyofhispersonandfamily.Thatwhichmakesevilssofrightfulas theyare, is their comingbywayof surprizeuponus.Those troublesthatfindussecure,doleaveusdistractedanddesperate.Presumptionofcontinuedtranquillityprovesoneofthegreatestaggravationsofmisery.Troublewilllieheavyenoughwhenitcomesbywayofexpectation,butitis intolerablewhenitcomesquitecontrarytoexpectation.ItwillbethelotofBabylon tosuffer theunexpectedvialsofGod'swrath,andIwishnonebutsheandherchildrenmaybesosurprized.Rev.18:7.Oh!itwerewell for us, if, in the midst of our pleasant enjoyments, we would beputtingthedifficultestcasestoourselves,andmingleafewsuchthoughtsasthesewithallourearthlyenjoymentsandcomforts.

Iamnowatease in themidstofmyhabitation,but the timemaybeathandwhenmyhabitationshallbe inaprison. I seeno facesatpresentbut thoseof friends, fullof smilesandhonours; Imayseenoneshortlybutthefacesofenemies,fulloffrownsandterrors.Ihavenowanestatetosupplymywants,andprovideformyfamily;butthismayshortlyfallas a prey to the enemy, theymay sweep away all that I have gathered,reapthefruitsofallmylabours.—Impiushassegetes.Ihaveyetmylifegivenme foraprey;butoh!howsoonmay it fall intocruelandblood-thirstyhands!Ihavenobettersecurityforthesethingsthanthemartyrshad,whosufferedthe lossofall thesethingsforChrist'ssake.Adoubleadvantage would result to us from such meditations as these, viz. theadvantage,

1.Ofacquittancewith

Troubles

2.Ofpreparationfor

1.Herebyourthoughtswouldbebetteracquaintedwiththeseevils;andthemore theyareacquaintedwith, the less theywill start and fright atthem.Weshouldnotthinkitstrangeconcerningthefierytrial,asitis,1Pet. 4:12. It iswith our thoughts as it iswith young colts; they start atevery new thing they meet; but we cure them of it, by bringing themhome to that they start at, and making them smell to it; betteracquaintance cures this startlinghumour. Thenewness of evil*, saith alategraveand learneddivine, is the causeof fear,when themind itselfhathhadnoprecedingencounterwithit,wherebytojudgeofitsstrength,norexampleofanotherman'sprosperous issue, toconfirm itshopes inthelikesuccess;For,asInotedbeforeoutofthePhilosopher†,experienceis insteadofarmour, and is akindof fortitude, enablingboth to judge,and to bear troubles; for there are some thingswhich are μορμολυκειακαιπροσωπεια, scare-crows and vizors,which children fear only out ofignorance;assoonastheyareknowntheyceasetobeterrible.

I know our minds naturally reluctate and decline such harsh andunpleasant subjects: It is hard to bring our thoughts to them in good

earnest, and harder to dwell so long as is necessary to this end uponthem. We had rather take a pleasant prospect of future felicity andprosperityinthisworld;ofmultiplyingourdaysasthesand,andatlastdyingquietly inournest,asJobspeaks.Ourthoughtsrunnimblyuponsuch pleasant fancies, like oiledwheels, and have need of trigging; butwhen they come into the deep and dirty ways of suffering, there theydriveheavily,likePharaoh'schariotsdismountedfromtheirwheels.Butthatwhichismostpleasantisnotalwaysmostusefulandnecessary;ourLordwaswellacquaintedwithgriefs,thoughourthoughtsbesuchgreatstrangerstothem;heoftenthoughtandspakeofhissufferings,andofthebloodybaptismwithwhichhewastobebaptized,Luke12:50.andhenotonlymindedhisownsufferingsbefore-hand,butwhenheperceivedthefondimaginationsandvainfanciesofsomethatfollowedandprofessedhim,deluding themwithexpectationsof earthlyprosperityandrest,hegavetheirthoughtsaturntothislesspleasing,butmoreneedfulsubject,thethingstheyweretosurferforhisname;insteadofansweringafoolishandgroundlessquestion,ofsittingonhisrightandlefthand,likeearthlygrandees,herebukesthefollyoftheQuestionist,andasksalesspleasingquestion,Mat.20:22."ButJesusansweredandsaid,Yeknownotwhatyeask;areyeabletodrinkofthecupthatIshalldrinkof,andtobebaptizedwith the baptism that I shall be baptizedwith? q. d. You do but abuseyourselveswithsuchfondandidledreams,thereisotheremploymentcutout foryou in thepurposesofGod; insteadofsittinguponthronesandtribunals,itwouldbecomeyoutothinkofbeingbroughtbeforethemasprisoners to receive your doom and sentence to die formy sake; thesethoughtswoulddoyouagreatdealmoreservice.

2.Assuchmeditationswouldacquaintusbetter,so theywouldprepareus better to encounter troubles and difficult things when they come.Readiness and preparationwould subdue and banish our fears;we arenevermuchscaredwiththatforwhichourmindsareprepared.Thereisthesamedifferenceinthiscase,asthereisbetwixtasoldierincompletearmour,andreadyateverypointforhisenemy;andonethatisalarmedin his bed, who hath laid his clothes in one place, and his arms inanother,whenhisenemyisbreakingopenhischamberdooruponhim.Itwas not therefore without the most weighty reason, that the apostlepressesussoearnestly,Eph.6:13,14."Takeuntoyouthewholearmour

ofGod,thatyemaybeabletowithstandintheevilday,andhavingdonealltostand.Standtherefore,havingyourloinsgirtaboutwithtruth,andhavingonthebreast-plateofrighteousness,andyourfeetshodwiththepreparationofthegospelofpeace."Weseethebenefitofsuchprevisionsand provisions for suffering, in that great example of courage andconstancy,Acts21:13."Iamready,(saithPaul)notonlytobe"bound,buttodieatJerusalem."And thesamecourageandconstancy remained inhim,whenhewasenteringthevery lists,andgoingto layhisveryneckupontheblock,2Tim.4:6."Iamreadytobeofferedup,thetimeofmydeparture isathand."Thewordσπενο͂ομαι,properlysignifiesa libationordrink-offering,whereinsomeconceivehealluded to theverykindofhisowndeath,viz.bythesword;hisheartwasbroughttothatframe,thathecouldwithasmuchwillingnesspourouthisblood forChrist, as thepriests used to pour out drink-offerings to the Lord. It is true, all themeditationsandpreparationsintheworld,madebyus,arenotsufficientinthemselvestocarryusthroughsuchdifficultservices;itisonethingtoseedeathasourfancylimnsitoutatadistance,andanotherthingtolookdeathitselfintheface.Wecanbeholdthepaintedlionwithoutfear,butthe living lionmakesus tremble:butyet, thoughoursuffering-strengthcomesnotfromourownpreparationsorforethoughtsofdeath,butfromGod's gracious assistance; yet usually that assistance of his iscommunicatedtousinandbytheconscientiousandhumbleuseofthesemeans;letusthereforebefoundwaitinguponGodforstrength,patience,andresolutionstosufferasitbecomesChristians,inthedailyserioususeofthosemeanswherebyheispleasedtocommunicatetohispeople.

Rule4.Ifeveryouwillsubdueyourownslavishfears,commityourselves,andallthatisyoursintothehandsofGodbyfaith.

This rule is fully confirmed by that scripture, Prov. 16:3. "Commit thyworksuntotheLord,andthythoughtsshallbeestablished."Thegreatestpart of our trouble and burden, in times of danger, arises from theunsettlednessanddistractionofourownthoughts;andthewaytocalmandquietourthoughtsistocommitalltoGod.Thisruleistobeappliedforthisendandpurpose,whenwearegoingtomeetdeathitself,andthatinallitsterribleformalities,andmostfrightfulappearances,1Pet.4:19."LetthemthatsufferaccordingtothewillofGodcommitthekeepingof

their souls tohim inwell-doing, asuntoa faithfulCreator."And if thiscommitting act of faith be so useful at such a time,when the thoughtsmust be supposed to be in the greatest hurry, and fears in their fullstrength;muchmorewill itestablishtheheart,andcalmitspassionsinlessertroubles.Youknowwhateaseandreliefitwouldbetoyou,ifyouhad a trial depending in law for your estates, and your hearts wereoverloadedanddistractedwithcaresandfearsabouttheissueofit:ifonewhomyouknowtobeveryskilfulandfaithful,shouldsaytoyouatsuchatime,troublenotyourselfanyfartheraboutthisbusiness,neverbreakanhour's sleep more for this matter; be you an unconcerned spectator,commitittome,andtrustmewiththemanagementofit;Iwillmakeitmyownconcernment,andsaveyouharmless.Owhataburden,whatanheavy loadwouldyou feel yourselveseasedof, as soonasyouhad thustransferredandcommittedittosuchahand!thenyouwouldbeabletoeatwithpleasureandsleepinquietness:muchmoreeaseandquietnessdothyourcommittingthematterofyourfearstoGodgive,evensomuchmoreashispower,wisdom,andfaithfulnessisgreaterthanwhatistobefoundinmen.Buttomakethisrulepracticableandimproveabletopeaceandquietness of heart in an evil day, itwill benecessary that youwellunderstand,

1.Whatthecommittingactoffaithis.

2.Whatgroundsandencouragementsbelievershaveforit.

1. Study well the nature of this committing act of faith, and what itsupposesorimpliesinit;forallmencannotcommitthemselvestoGod,itishisownpeopleonlythatcandoit:norisiteverythingtheycancommittoGod;theycannotcommitthemselvestohiscareandprotectioninanywaybutonlyinhisownways.Knowmoreparticularly,

1st,ThathewhowillcommithimselftoGod,mustcommithimselftohiminwelldoing,astheapostlelimitsitin1Pet.4:19.andinthingsagreeabletohiswill;elsewewouldmakeGodapatronandprotectorofoursins:LetthemthatsufferaccordingtothewillofGodcommitthekeepingoftheir souls to him in well-doing. We cannot commit our sins, but ourduties to God's protection; God is so great a friend to truth andrighteousness, that in such a case hewill not take your part, howdear

soever you be to him, if truth be found on your enemies part, and themistake on yours. Think not to entitle God to your errors and failings,muchlesstoanysinfuldesigns;youmaycommitadoubtfulcasetohimtobedecided,butnotasinfulcasetobeprotected.Itisinvaintoshelteranycauseofyourownunderhiswings,exceptyoucanwriteuponit,asDaviddid,Psal.74:22.Thineowncause,OLord,aswellasmine.Lord,pleadthineowncause.

2dly,HethatcommitshisalltoGodsupposesandfirmlybelievesthatallevents and issuesof things are inGod'shands; thatheonly candirect,over-rule, andorder themall ashepleaseth.Upon this supposition thecommittingactsoffaithinallourfearsanddistressesarebuilt:Itrustedin thee, O Lord, I said, Thou art my God, my times are in thy hand,delivermefromthehandsofmyenemies,andfromthemthatpersecuteme. His firm assent to this great truth, That his times were in God'shands,was thereasonwhyhecommittedhimself into thathand. Ifourtimes,or lives,or comfortswere inourenemies'hands, itwere to littlepurpose for us to commit ourselves into God's hands. And here thecontrarysensesandmethodsoffaithandunbeliefareasconspicuousasinanyonethingwhatsoever:unbeliefpersuadesmenthattheirlivesandall that is dear to them is in the hands of their enemies, and thereforepersuades them the bestway they can take to secure themselves, is bycompliancewith thewill of their enemies, andpleasing them:but faithdeterminesquitecontrary,ittellsus,Weandallthatisours,isinGod'shand,andnoenemycantouchus,orours,tillhegivethemapermission;andthereforeitisourdutyandinteresttopleasehim,andcommitalltohim.

3.ThecommittingourselvestoGodimpliestheresignationofourwillstothewill ofGod, to be disposed of as seems good in his eyes: SoDavidcommits to God the event of that sad and doubtful providence, whichmadehimflyforhislife,fromastrongconspiracy,2Sam.15:25."AndthekingsaiduntoZadok,Carryback thearkofGod into thecity: if I shallfindfavourintheeyesoftheLord,hewillbringmeagain,andshewmeboth itandhishabitation:but, ifhe thussay, Ihavenodelight in thee,behold,hereamI,lethimdotomeasseemethgoodtohim;"q.d.Lord,the conspiracy against my life is strong, the danger great, the issue

exceedingdoubtful;butIcommitall intothyhand; ifDavidmaybeyetusedinanyfartherserviceforhisGod,Ishallseethiscityandthylovelytempleagain;butifnot,Ilieatthyfoot,tobedisposedeitherforlifeordeath,fortheearthlyortheheavenlyJerusalem,asseemethbestinthineeyes. This submission toDivine pleasure is included in the committingact of faith. Christian, what sayest thou to it? Is thywill content to goback, that thewillofGodmaycomeon,andtakeplaceof it?Itmaybethoucanst referadifficult case toGod,providedhewilldetermineandissue it according to thydesires; but, in truth, that isno submissionorresignationatall,butasinfullimitingof,andprescribingtoGod.ItwasanexcellentreplythatachoiceChristianoncemadetoanother,whenabelovedandonlychildlayinadangeroussicknessatthepointofdeath,afriendaskedthemother,WhatwouldyounowdesireofGodinreferencetoyourchild?wouldyoubegofhimitslifeoritsdeath,inthisextremitythat it isnow in?Themother answered, I refer that to thewill ofGod.But,saidherfriend, ifGodwouldrefer it toyou,whatwouldyouchusethen?Whytruly,saidshe,ifGodwouldreferittome,Iwouldevenreferit to God again. This is the true committing of ourselves and ourtroublesomeconcernstotheLord.

4.Thecommittingactoffaithimpliesourrenouncinganddisclaimingallconfidenceandtrustinthearmofflesh,andanexpectationofrelieffromGodonly.IfwecommitourselvestoGod,wemustceasefromman,Isa.2:22.TotrustGodinpart,andthecreatureinpart,istosetonefootuponarock,andtheotheruponaquicksand.ThoseactsoffaiththatgivetheentireglorytoGod,giverealreliefandcomforttous.

2.LetusseewhatgroundsandencouragementsthepeopleofGodhavetocommitthemselvesandallthemattersoftheirfearstoGod,andsotoenjoythepeaceandcomfortofaresignedwill;andtherearetwosortsofencouragementsbeforeyou,letthecasebeasdifficultandfrightfulasitwill,youmayfindsufficientencouragementinGod,andsomewhatfromyourselves,viz.yourrelationtohim,andexperiencesofhim.

1.InGodthereisallthatyourheartscandesiretoencourageyoutotrusthimoverall,andcommittallintohishands.For,

1.Heisabletohelpandrelieveyou:letthecasebeneversobad,yet"let

IsraelhopeintheLord,forwiththeLordisplenteousredemption,"Psal.130:7, 8. Plenteous redemption, i.e. all the stores of power, choice ofmethods,plentyofmeans,abundanceofways to savehispeople,whenthey can see no way out of their troubles: therefore hope, Israel, inJehovah.

2.Ashispower isalmighty,sohiswisdomis infiniteandunsearchable;"He is a God of judgment, blessed are all they that wait for him," Isa.30:18.WhentheapostlePeterhadrelatedthewonderfulpreservationofNoahinthedeluge,andofLotinSodom,oneinageneraldestructionoftheworldbywater,andtheotherintheoverthrowofthosecitiesbyfire;he concludes, and so shouldwe, "TheLordknowethhow todeliver thegodly out of temptation," 2 Pet. 2:9. Somemen havemuch power, butlittlewisdomtomanageit,othersarewiseandprudent,butwantability;inGodthereisaninfinitefulnessofboth.

3. His love to, and tenderness over his people, is transcendent andunparalleled:andthissetshiswisdomandpowerbothatworkfortheirgood:henceitis,thathiseyesofprovidenceruncontinuallythroughoutthe whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whoseheartsareperfect, i.e.upright towardshim,2Chron.16:9.Thusyouseehowheiseverywayfittedasaproperobjectofyourtrust.

2. Consider with yourselves, and you shall find encouragements tocommitalltoGod.For,

1.Youarehischildren,andtowhomshouldchildrencommitthemselvesin dangers and fears but to their own father? Doubtless thou art ourFather, saith the distressed church, Isa. 63:15, 16. yea, Christian, ThyMaker is thy husband, Isa. 54:5. Is not that a sufficient ground to castthyself upon him? What! a child not trust its own father? a wife notcommitherselftoherownhusband?

2. You have trusted him with a far greater concern already than yourestates, liberties, or lives; you have committed your souls to him, andyoureternalinterests,2Tim.1:12.Shallwecommitthejewel,anddisputethecabinet;trusthimforheaven,anddoubthimforearth?

3.Youhaveever foundhimfaithful inall thatyoutrustedhimwith,allyour experiences are so many good grounds of confidence, Psal. 9:10.Wellthen,resolvetotrustGodoverall,andquietlyleavethedisposalofeverythingtohim:hehathbeenwithyouinallformerstraits,wants,andfears,hithertohehathhelpedyou,andcannothedosoagain,exceptyoutellhimhow?Oh!trust inhiswisdom,power,andlove,andleannottoyourownunderstandings.Thefruitofresignationwillbepeace.

Rule 5. If ever youwill get rid of your fears and distractions, get youraffectionsmortifiedtotheworld,andtotheinordinateandimmoderateloveofeveryenjoymentintheworld.

Themore you aremortified, the less youwill be terrified: it is not thedead, but the living world, that puts our hearts into such fears andtremblings;ifourheartswereoncecrucified,theywouldsoonbequieted.It is the strength of our affections that puts somuch strength into ourafflictions. It was not therefore without great reason that the apostlecomparesthelifeofaChristiantothelifeofasoldier,who,ifhemeantofollow the camp,andacquithimselfbravely in fight,mustnot entanglehimselfwiththeaffairsofthislife,2Tim.2:4.SurethereisnofollowingChrist's camp, but with a disentangled heart from the world; for,proportionabletotheheatofourlove,willbethestrengthandheightofour fears about these things; more particularly, if ever you will ridyourselves of your uncomfortable and uncomely fears, use all God'smeanstomortifyyouraffectionstotheexorbitantesteemandloveof,

1.Yourestates.2.Yourliberty.3.Yourlives.

1.Getmortifiedandcooledheartstoyourpossessionsandestatesintheworld. The poorest age afforded the richest Christians and noblestmartyrs.Shipsdeepest ladenarenotbest for encounters.ThebelievingHebrewstookjoyfullythespoilingoftheirgoods,knowinginthemselvesthat they had in heaven a better and enduring substance, Heb. 10:34.They carried it rather like unconcerned spectators, than the trueproprietors;theyrejoicedwhenrudesoldierscarriedouttheirgoods,asifsomany friends had been bringing them in. And whence was this butfrom an heart fixed upon heaven, andmortified to things upon earth?Doubtless, they esteemed and valued their estates, as the good

providences of God for their more comfortable accommodation in thisworld; but it seems they did, and O that we could look upon them asmerciesof the lowestandmeanest rankandnature.Thesubstance laidupinheavenwasabettersubstance,andaslongasthatwassafe,thelossofthisDidnotafflictthem.

TheycouldblessGodforthesethingswhichforalittletimedidministerrefreshment to them, but they knew them to be transitory enjoyments,things that would make to themselves wings and flee away, if theirenemies had not touched them; but the substance laid up for them inheaven, thatwas an enduring substance. So far as those earthly thingsmight further them towards heavenly things, so far they prized andvaluedthem,butifSatanwouldturnthemintosnaresandtemptationstodeprivethemoftheirbettersubstanceinheaven,theycouldeasilyslightthem,andtakethespoilingofthemjoyfully.Inastressofweather,whenthe ship is ready to sink and founder in a storm, all hands are readilyemployedtothrowtherichestgoodsoverboard;nomansaithitispitytocast themaway, but reasondictates to aman in that case,Better theseperish,thanIperishwithandforthem.Thesebethewaresthatsomewillnot cast overboard, and therefore they are said to drown men inperdition, 1 Tim. 6:9. Demas would rather perish than part with thesethings, 2 Tim. 4:10. But, reader, consider seriouslywhat comforts theycan yield thee,when thoumust look upon them as the price forwhichthouhast soldheaven, and all thehopes of glory; even asmuch as theprice of blood yielded Judas; and so they will ensnare thee, if thyunmortifiedheartbeoverheatedwiththeloveofthemashiswas.

2. Be mortified to your liberty, and take heed of placing too great anesteemuponit,ornecessityinit.Libertyisadesirablethingtotheverybirdsintheair;accommodatethemthebestyoucaninyourcages,feedthemwiththerichestfare,theyhadratherbecoldandhungrywiththeirlibertyinthewoods,thanfatandwarminyourhouses.Butyet,assweetasitis,theremaybemorecomfortandsweetnessinpartingwithit,thaninkeepingit,asthecasemaystand.Thedoorsofaprisonmaylockyouin, but they cannot lock the Comforter out. Paul and Silas lost theirlibertyforChrist,butnottheircomfortwithit;theyneverweresotrulyatliberty,aswhentheirfeetweremadefastinthestocks,theyneverfared

sodeliciouslyaswhentheyfeduponprisoner's fare.Godspreadatableforthemintheprison,senttheminarichfeast,yea,andtheyhadmusicattheirfeasttoo,andthatatmidnight,Acts16:25.

Patmoswasabarrenisland,andaplacedesignedforbanishedpersons;itlay in theEgean sea, not far from the coast of the LesserAsia*: itwasinhabited by none, because of the exceeding barrenness of it, but suchwhowereappointedto it for theirpunishment;so thathereJohncouldmeetwith nomore earthly refreshment thanwhat the barren rocks, orwildanddesperatepersonscondemnedtoliveuponit,couldafford.Ay,butthere,thereitwas,thatChristappearedtohimininexpressibleglory;there it was that he had those ravishing visions, and saw the wholeschemeofProvidenceinthegovernmentofthisworld;therehesawtheNew Jerusalem coming down from God out of heaven, as a bridepreparedforherhusband.ThismadeaPatmosbecomeaParadise;neverdidanyplaceaffordhimsuchcomfortasthisdid.SothatChristiansmaynotthinkthereissostrictandnecessaryaconnexionbetwixtlibertyandcomfort,thathethattakesawaythefirst,mustneedsdeprivethemoftheother.

Again,Supposeweshouldbesofondofourlibertyastoexchangetruthandagoodconscienceforit;cannotGodsoimbitterittoyou,yea,hathhenot so imbittered it tomany, that theywerequicklywearyof it, andglad of an opportunity to change it for a prison.Our ownMartyrologyfurnishesuswithmanysadexamplesofit.Oh,whatwillyoudowithyourbitter, dear-bought liberty, when your peace is taken away from theinwardman?whenGodshallclapupyoursoulsinprison,andputyourconsciences into his bonds and fetters, thenwill you say as themartyrdid,"IaminprisontillIbeinprison."

3.Bemortifiedtotheinordinateandfondloveoflife,aseveryouexpectreliefagainstthefearsofdeath.Reasonthyselfintoalowervalueofthylife.Methinksyouhaveargumentsenoughtocureyourfondnessinthispoint.Haveyoufounditsuchapleasantlifetoyou,forsomuchofitasispast?Youknowhowtheapostlerepresentsit,2Cor.5:4."Wethatareinthis tabernacle do groan, being burthened." And is a burthened and agroaninglifesodesirable?Youknowalso,ashespeaksinthenextverse,that"whilstyouareathomeinthebody,youareabsentfromtheLord."

And is a state of absence from Jesus Christ so desirable to a soul thatloveshim?Canyoufindmuchpleasuresofarfromhome?Youmayfancywhatyouwill,but,uponseriousrecollection,youwillneverbeoutofthereach of Satan's temptations, never freed from your own indwellingcorruptions,theseconflictscannothaveanendtilllifebeended.Youalsostandconvinced,thattillyoubedead,yoursoulscannotbesatisfied,noryourdesiresbeatrest,havewhatcomfortssoeverfromGodinthewayoffaithandcourseofduties,yourheartsarestilloffthecentre,andwillstillgravitateandgaspheavenward.Youalsoknowthatdieyoumust,andthetime of your departure is at hand; and of all deaths, if youmight haveyourchoice,noneismorehonourabletoGod,orliketobesoevidentialandcomfortabletoyou,asaviolentdeathforChrist;thereinyoucometohimbyconsentandchoice,notbynecessityandconstraint;thereinyougiveapublictestimonyforChrist,whichisthehighestusethateverourbloodcanbeputto,orhonouredby;andforthepainandtorment,asthemartyr said,He that takesaway frommy torment, takesaway frommyreward. But even in that point God can make it easier to you than anatural death would be; he will be with you in your extremity, andadministersuchrevivingcordialsasothermenmustnotlooktotaste,atleastnot ordinarily, theybeingprepared and reserved for such, againstsuchanhour.

Oh then, work out the inordinate love of life, by working in suchmortifyingconsiderationsuponyourownhearts;andifonceyougainbutthis point, you will quickly find all your pains and prayers richlyanswered in the ease and rest of your hearts, in themost scaring andfrightfultimes.

Rule6.Eyetheencouragingexamplesofthosethathavetrodthepathofsufferingsbeforeyou,andstrivetoimitatesuchworthypatterns.

Behold the cloud of witnesses encompassing you round about: a cloudlike that over the Israelites to direct you; yea, a cloud formultitude ofexcellent persons to animate and encourage you, Heb. 12:1. "Oh takethem for an ensample in suffering affliction andpatience," James5:10.Examplesof excellentpersons thathavebroken the ice, andbeaten thepathbeforeus,areofexcellentusetosuppressourfears,androuseourcourageinourownencounters.

Thefirstsufferershadthehardesttask;theythatfirstenteredthelistsforChrist,wantedthosehelpstosuppressfearwhichtheyhaveleftuntous.Strangeanduntriedtormentsaremostterrible,formagnitudinemrerumconsuetudo subducit, trial and acquaintance abates the formidablegreatnessofevils;theyknewnotthestrengthofthatenemytheyweretoengage, but we fight with an enemy that hath been often beaten andtriumphed over by our brethren thatwent before us. Certainlywe thatliveinthelasttimeshavethebesthelpsthateveranyhadtosubduetheirfears;wehaveheardofthecourageandconstancyofourbrethren,inassharptrialsoftheircourageaseverwecanbecalledto;wehavereadwithwhatChristiangallantrytheyhavetriumphedoverallsortsofsufferingsand torments, how they have been strengthened with all might in theinnermanuntoallpatienceandlong-suffering,withjoyfulness,Col.1:11.how they have gone away from the courts that censured and punishedthem,rejoicingthattheywerehonouredtobedishonouredforChrist,asthe strict reading of that text is,Acts 5:41*. counting the reproaches ofChrist greater riches than the treasures of Egypt, Heb. 11:26. which atthattimewasthemagazineoftheworldforriches:Youreadwhat"trialsthey have had of cruel mockings, yea, moreover of bonds andimprisonments;howtheywerestoned,sawnasunder,tempted,slainwiththe sword,wanderedabout in sheep's skins, andgoat's skins,destitute,afflicted, tormented, Heb.11:36, 37. In all which they obtained a goodreport;theycameoutofthefieldwithtriumphantfaithandpatience;andthiswasnot theeffectofanover-heatedzealat the firstoutset,but thesame spirit of courage was found among Christians in after ages, whohaveputofftheirpersecutorswithakindofpleasantscornandcontemptoftorments.

So did Basil, truly sirnamed the Great, when Valens the emperor in agreat rage threatenedhimwithbanishmentand tortures;as to the firstsaid he,† I little regard it: for the earth is the Lord's, and the fulnessthereof;andasfortortures,whatcantheydouponsuchapoorthinbodyas mine, nothing but skin and bone? And at another time‡, whenEusebius,governorofPontus,toldhiminagreatrage,hewouldtearhisveryliveroutofhisbowels:Truly,saidBasil,youwilldomeaverygoodturninit,totakeoutmynaughtyliver;whichinflamesanddiseasethmy

whole body. Their enemies have professed the Christians put them toshame, by smiling at their cruelties and threatenings. Ignatius's love toChristhadsoperfectlyovercomeallfearsofsufferings,thatwhenhewasgoingtobethrownforapreyamongthelionsandleopards,heprofessedhelongedtobeamongthem,and,saidhe,iftheywillnotdispatchmethesooner,Iwillprovokethem,thatImaybewithmysweetJesus.Andifwecomedowntolaterages,weshallfindasstoutchampionsforChrist.Thecourage and undauntedness of Luther is trumpeted abroad throughouttheChristianworld,itwouldswellthissmalltracttoomuch,buttonotethemosteminentinstancesofhiscourageforChrist:thelasthegavewasby his sorrow in his last sickness, that hemust carry his blood to thegrave. The like heroic spirit appeared in divers persons of honour andeminence, who zealously espoused the same cause of reformationwithhim.RemarkabletothispurposeisthatfamousepistlewrittenbyUlricusab Hutten, a German knight, in defence of Luther's cause against thecardinalsandbishopsassembledatWorms. 'Iwill go through (saidhe)withwhat I have undertaken against you, andwill stir upmen to seektheir freedom: such as yield not to me at first, I will overcome withimportunity; Ineithercarenor fearwhatmaybefalme,beingpreparedforeitherevent;eithertoruinyou,tothegreatbenefitofmycountry,ormyself to fall with a good conscience; therefore that youmay see withwhat confidence I contemnyour threats, Idoprofessmyself tobeyourirreconcilable enemy,whilst ye persecute Luther and such as he is.Nopowerofyours,no injuryof fortuneshallalterthismindinme;thoughyou take away my life, yet this well-deserving of mine towards mycountry'sliberty,shallnotdie.Iknowthatmyendeavourtoremovesuchasyouare,andtoplaceworthyministers inyourroom,isacceptabletoGod; and in the last judgment, I trust it will be safer for me to haveoffendedyou,thantohavehadyourfavour.'

ItwasalsoabraveheroicspiritbywhichJohndukeofSaxonywasactedtodefendthereformation,whodespisingallthefavoursandoffersofthecourt, and of Rome, and the terrors of death itself; appeared, as myauthorspeaks,initsbehalfagainstallthedevils,andthepope*,inthreepublicimperialassemblies,sayingopenlytotheirfaces,ImustserveGod,or theworld; andwhich of these twodo ye think is the better?And assoonasLuther'ssermonswereforbidden,hehastedaway,saying,Iwill

notstaythere,whereIcannothavemylibertytoserveGod.

Andnowreader,thouhasta littletasteofthecourageandzealofthoseworthieswhoaregonebeforetheeindefenceofthatcauseforwhichthoufearest to suffer. Most men, saith Chrysostom, that read or hear suchexamples,arelikethespectatorsoftheRomangladiators,whostoodbyandpraised their courage,butdurstnot enter the lists todowhat theydid. If ever thou wilt get like courage for Christ, thus improve suchfamousexamples.

1.Makeuseof themtoobviate theprejudiceofsingularity;youseeyouhave store of good company, the same things you are like to suffer forChrist,havebeenaccomplishedintherestofyourbrethrenintheworld,1Pet.5:9.

2. Improve them against the prejudice of all that shame that attendssufferings, here you may see the most excellent persons in the worldreckoning it their glory to suffer the vilest things for JesusChrist,Acts5:31.Heb.11:26.

3. Improve them against the conceit of the insupportableness ofsufferings. Lo here, poor weak creatures which have been carriedhonourably and comfortably through the cruelest and difficultestsufferings for Christ. Our women and children, not to speak of men,(saithTertullian)overcometheirtormentors,andthefirecannotfetchsomuchasasighfromthem.

4. Improve them against thine own unbelief and staggerings at thefaithfulness of God in that promise, Isa. 43:2. "When thou passestthroughthefire,Iwillbewiththee,"&c.Lohereyouhavetherecordedandfaithfultestimoniesofsuchashavetriedit,withonevoicewitnessingforGod,Thywordistruth,thywordistruth.

5. Improve themagainst the sensibleweaknessof yourowngraces; areyou afraid your faith, love, and patience are too weak to carry youthroughgreattrials?Whydoubtlesssoweremanyofthemtoo,theyweremenof like fears, troubledwithabadheartandabusydevil aswell asyou,theyalsohadtheircloudsanddampsasyouhave;yetthealmighty

power of God supported them; and out of weakness they were madestrong:despondnottherefore,butgetajudgmentsatisfied,Psal.44:22.aconsciencesprinkled,2Tim. 1:7.andacall cleared,Dan.6:10.Exercisefaith alsowith respect toDivine assistances and everlasting rewards asthey did: and doubt not but the sameGod that enabled them to finishtheircoursewithjoy,willbeasgoodtoyouashewastothem.Consider,Christhathdoneasmuchforyouashedidforanyofthem,anddeservesasmuchfromyouasfromanyofthem;andhathpreparedthesamegloryfor you that he prepared for them: O that such considerations mightprovokeyoutoshewasmuchcourageandlovetoChristasanyofthemeverdid.

Rule 7. If ever you will get above the power of your own fears in asufferingdaymakehastetoclearyourinterestinChrist,andyourpardoninhisbloodbeforethatevildaycome.

Theclearerthisis,thebolderyouwillbe;anassuredChristianwasneverknowntobeacowardinsufferings;itisimpossibletobeclearoffearstillyou are cleared of the doubts about interest in, and pardon by Christ.Nothingisfoundmorestrengtheningtoourfearsthanthatwhichcloudsour evidences; and nothingmore to quiet and cure our fears than thatwhich clears our evidences. The shedding abroad of God's love in ourheartswillquicklyfillthemwithaspiritofgloryingintribulations,Rom.5:5.WhenthebelievingHebrewsoncecametoknowinthemselvesthatthey had an enduring substance in heaven, they quickly found inthemselvesanunconcernedheartforthelossoftheircomfortsonearth,Heb.10:34.andsoshouldwetoo.For,

1. Assurance satisfies a man that his treasure and true happiness issecuredtohim,andlaidoutofthereachofallhisenemies;andsolongasthatissafehehathallthereasonintheworldtobequietandcheerful,"Iknow (saith Paul) whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he isabletokeepthatwhichIhavecommittedtohimagainstthatday,"2Tim.1:12.AndhegivesthisashisreasonwhyhewasnotashamedofChrist'ssufferings.

2. The assured Christian knows that if death itself come, (which is theworstmencaninflict)heshallbenoloserbytheexchange;nayheshall

makethebestbargainthateverhemadesincehefirstpartedwithallhisafflictions, to follow Christ. There are two rich bargains a Christianmakes;oneis,whenheexchangestheworldforChristinhisfirstchoiceathisconversion, inpointof loveandestimation:theother is,whenheactuallypartswiththeworldforChristathisdissolution:boththesearerichbargains,anduponthisgrounditwastheapostlesaid,"Tometoliveis"Christ,andtodieisgain,"Phil.1:21.ThedeathofabelieverinChrist,isgainunspeakable,butifamanwouldmaketheutmostgainbydying,heshall findit indyingforChrist,aswellas inChrist:andtoshewyouwherein the gain of such a death lies, let a fewparticulars beweighed,wherein the gain will be cast up in both; he that is assured he dies inChrist,knows,

1. That his living time is his labouring time, but his dying time is hisharvesttime;whilstweliveweareplowingandsowinginallthedutiesofreligion,butwhenwedie,thenwereapthefruitandcomfortsofallourlaboursandduties,Gal.6:8,9.Asmuchthereforeasthereapingtimeisbetterthanthesowingandplowingtime,somuchbetteristhedeaththanthelifeofabeliever.

2.A believer's living time is his fighting time, but his dying time is hisconqueringandtriumphingtime,1Cor.15:55,56.Theconflict issharp,butthetriumphissweet;andasmuchasvictoryandtriumpharebetterthanfighting,somuchisdeathbetterthanlifetohimthatdiethinJesus.

3.Abeliever's living time ishis tiresomeandweary time,buthisdyingtimeishisrestingandsleepingtime.Isa.57:2.Herewespendandfaint,therewerestinourbeds,andasmuchasrefreshingrestinsleepisbetterthantiringandfainting,somuchisabeliever'sdeathbetterthanhislife.

4.Abeliever'slivingtimeishiswaitingandlongingtime,buthistimeofdying is the timeof enjoyingwhathehath longwishedandwaited for,Phil.1:23.herewegroanandsighforChrist,therewebeholdandenjoyChrist, and somuch as vision and fruition are better and sweeter thanhoping andwaiting for it; somuch is a believer's death better thanhislife.

2.As the advantage a believermakes of death is great to himbydying

only inChrist; so it ismuch greater, and the richest improvement thatcanbemadeofdeath,todieforChristaswellasinChrist:forcomparetheminafewparticulars,andyoushallfind,

1. That though a natural deathhath less horror, yet a violent death forChristhathmorehonour in it.Tohim thatdiesunitedwithChrist, thegraveisabedofrest;buttohimthatdiesasamartyrforChrist,thegraveisabedofhonour."Toyou(saiththeapostle)itisgiveninthebehalfofChrist,notonly tobelievebutalso tosuffer forhissake,"Phil. 1:22.ToyouitisgrantedasagreathonourandfavourtosufferforChrist;allthatliveinChristhavenotthehonourtolaydowntheirlivesforChrist.Itwasthe great trouble of Ludovicus Marsacus*, a knight of France, to beexemptedbecauseofhisdignityfromwearinghischainforChrist,astheotherprisonersdid:andheresenteditasagreatinjury."Giveme(saithhetohiskeeper)mychainaswellasthey,andcreatemeaknightofthatnobleorder."

2. By a natural death we only submit ourselves to the unavoidableconsequenceof sin,but indyinga violentdeath forChrist,wegiveourtestimony against the evil of sin, and for the precious truths of JesusChrist. The first is the payment of a debt of justice due by the fall ofAdam;thesecondisthepaymentofadebtofthankfulnessandobediencedue to Christ, who redeemed us with his own blood. Thus we becomewitnesses forGod, aswell as sufferers, upon the account of sin: in thefirst,sinwitnessethagainstus,inthiswewitnessagainstit;andindeeditisagreattestimonyagainsttheevilofsin:wedeclaretoalltheworldthatthere is not somuch evil in a dungeon, in a bloody ax, or consumingflames, as there is in sin: that it is farbetter to loseour carnal friends,estates, liberties, and lives, than part with Christ's truths and a goodconscience,as†Zuingliussaid,"WhatsortofdeathshouldnotaChristianchuse, what punishment should he not rather undergo; yea, into whatvaultofhellshouldhenotratherchusetobecast,thantowitnessagainsttruthandconscience."

3. A natural death in Christmay be as safe to ourselves, but a violentdeathforChristwillbemorebeneficialtoothers;bytheformerweshallcome to heaven ourselves, but by the latter we may bring many soulsthither.Thebloodof themartyrs is truly called the seedof the church.

Many waxed confident by Paul's bonds, his sufferings fell out to thefurtheranceof thegospel,andsomayours: in thiscaseaChristian likeSamson,dothgreater serviceagainstSatanandhis cause,byhisdeath,thanbyhislife.

Ifwe only die a natural death in our beds,we die in possession of thetruthsofChristourselves:butifwediemartyrsforChrist,wesecurethatprecious inheritance to the generations to come, and those that are yetunbornshallblessGod,notonlyforhistruths,butforourcourage,zeal,and constancy, bywhich itwas preserved for them, and transmitted tothem.

Byallthisyouseethatdeathtoabelieverisgreatgain,itisgreatgainifheonlydieinChrist,itisallthat,andagreatdealmoreadded,ifhealsodieforChrist:andhethatisassuredofsuchadvantagesbydeatheitherway, must needs feel his fears of death shrink away before suchassurances;yea,hewillratherhavelifeinpatience,anddeathindesire;hewillnotonlysubmitquietly,butrejoiceexceedinglytobeusedbyGodin such honourable employment*. Assurancewill call a bloody death asafe passage to Canaan through the Red sea. It will call Satan thatinstigatesthesehisinstruments,andallthatareemployedinsuchbloodyworkbyhim,somanyBalaamsbroughttocurse,buttheydoindeedblessthepeopleofGod,andnotcursethem.TheassuredChristianlooksuponhisdeathashiswedding-day,Rev.19:7.AndthereforeitdothnotmuchdifferwhetherthehorsesenttofetchhimtoChristbepale,orred,sohemaybewithChrist,hislove,asIgnatiuscalledhim.

Helooksupondeathashisdayofenlargementoutofprison,2Cor.5:8.anditisnotmuchoddswhathandopensthedoor,orwhetherafriendorenemyclosehiseyes,sohehavehisliberty,andmaybewithChrist.

Othen,givetheLordnorest,tillyourheartsbeatrestbytheassuranceofhislove,andthepardonofyoursins;whenyoucanboldlysaytheLordisyourhelp,youwillquicklysaywhat immediately follows,Iwillnot fearwhatmancandountome,Heb.13:6.Andwhy, if thyheartbeupright,mayestthounotattainit?Fullassuranceispossible,elseithadnotbeenput into the command, 2 Pet. 1:10. The sealing graces are in you, thesealingSpiritisreadytodoitforyou,thesealingpromisesbelongtoyou;

butwegivenotalldiligence,andthereforegowithoutthecomfortof it.Wouldwepraymore,andstrivemore,wouldwekeepourheartswithastricterwatch,mortify sinmore thoroughly, andwalkbeforeGodmoreaccurately;howsoonmayweattain thisblessedassurance,and in itanexcellentcureforourdistractingandslavishfears.

Rule8.Lethimthatdesignstofreehimselfofdistractingfears,becarefultomaintainthepurityofhisconscience,andintegrityofhisways,inthewholecourseofhisconversationinthisworld.

Uprightness will give us boldness, and purity will yield us peace. Isa.32:17. "The work of righteousness shall be peace, and "the effect ofrighteousness, quietness and assurance for ever." Look as fear followsguiltandguile,sopeaceandquietnessfollowrighteousnessandsincerity,Prov.28:1.Thewickedfleewhennomanpursueth,buttherighteousareboldasalion.Hisconfidenceisgreat,becausehisconscienceisquiet,thepeace of God guards his heart and mind. There are three remarkablesteps by which Christians rise to the height of courage in tribulations,Rom.5:1,2,3,4.Firsttheyarejustifiedandacquittedfromguiltbyfaith,ver.1.ThentheyarebroughtintoastateoffavourandacceptationwithGod,ver.2.Thence they riseone stephigher, evensoaviewofheavenandtheglorytocome,ver.3.andfromthencetheytakeaneasysteptogloryintribulations,ver.4.

Isay, it isaneasystep;forletamanonceobtainthepardonofsin,thefavour ofGod, and a believing view andprospect of the glory to come;anditissoeasytotriumphintribulation,insuchastationasthatis,thatitwill be foundashard tohinder it, as tohinder aman from laughingwhenheistickled.

Christianshavealways found itaspringofcourageandcomfort,2Cor.1:12."Forourrejoicing is this, thetestimonyofourconsciences, that insimplicity,andgodlysincerity,notwithfleshlywisdom,butbythegraceofGod,wehavehadourconversationintheworld."Theirheartsdidnotreproachthemwithby-endsinreligion:theirconscienceswitnessedthatthey made not religion a cloak to cover any fleshly design, but weresincere inwhat they professed: and this enabled them to rejoice in themidstofsufferings.Anearthenvesselsetemptyonthefirewillcrackand

fly in pieces, and so will an hypocritical, formal, and mere nominalChristian:buthethathathsuchsubstantialandrealprinciplesofcourageasthesewithinhim,willendurethetrial,andbenevertheworseforthefire.

TheveryHeathensdiscoveredtheadvantageofmoral integrity,andthepeaceityieldedtotheirnaturalconsciencesintimesoftrouble.

Nilconsciretibi,nullapallescereculpa,

Hicmurusahcneusesto.—*

Itwastothemasawallofbrass.Muchmorewillgodlysimplicity,andthesprinkling of the blood of Christ upon our consciences secure andencourageourhearts.Thisatheisticalagelaughsconscienceandpuritytoscorn;butletthemlaugh,thisisitwhichwillmaketheelaughwhentheyshallcry.Paulexercisedhimself,ormadeithisbusiness,"Tohavealwaysaconsciencevoidofoffence,bothtowardsGodandtowardsman,"Acts24:16†.And itwas richlyworthhis labour, it re-paidhim ten thousandfoldinthepeace,courage,andcomfortitgavehiminallthetroublesofhislife,whichweregreatandmany.

Consciencemustbethebearingshoulderonwhichtheburdenmustlie,bewarethereforeitbenotgalledwithguilt,orputoutofjointbyanyfallinto sin, it is sad bearing on such a shoulder; instead of bearing yourburdens,youwillnotbeabletobearitspainandanguish.Topreventthiscarefully,observetheserules.

1.Over-aweyourheartseveryday,andineveryplacewiththeeyeofGod.This walking as before God will keep you upright, Gen. 17:1. If you sospeak and live as those that know God sees you, such will be youruprightness, thatyouwillnotcare ifall theworldseeyoutoo.AnartistcametoDrusius,andofferedtobuildhimanhouse,socontrived,thathemight dowhat hewouldwithin doors, and noman see him:Nay, saidDrusius,sobuilditthateveryonemaysee.

2. Do no action, undertake no design, that you dare not preface withprayer;thisistherule,Phil.4:6.Touchnotthatyoudarenotprayfora

blessing upon; if you dare not pray, dare not to engage; if you cannotspendyourprayersbefore,beconfident,shameandguiltwillfollowafter.

3. Be more afraid of grieving God, or wounding conscience, than ofdispleasingor losingall the friendsyouhave in theworldbesides; lookuponeveryadventureuponsintoescapedangertobethesamethingasifyoushouldsinktheshiptoavoidonethatyoutaketobeapirate;orasthefatalmistakeoftwovials,whereinthereispoisonandphysic.

4.What counsel youwould give another, that give yourselveswhen thecaseshallbeyourown;yourjudgmentismostclear,wheninterestisleastfelt. David's judgment was very upright when he judged himself in aremoteparable.

5.Bewillingtobearthefaithfulreproofsofyourfaultsfrommen,asthereprovingvoiceofGod;fortheyarenolesswhendulyadministered.Thiswill be a good help to keep you upright, Psal. 135:23, 24. "Let therighteous smiteme,&c. It is saidofSirAnthonyCope, thathe shamednonesomuchashimselfinhisfamily-prayers,anddesiredtheministersofhisacquaintancenottofavourhisfaults;buttellme,saidhe,andsparenot.

6.Bemindfuldailyofyourdying-day,andyourgreataudit-day,anddoallwithrespecttothem.Thuskeepyourintegrityandpeace,andthatwillkeepoutyourfearsandterrors.

Rule 9. Carefully record the experiences of God's care over you, andfaithfulness to you in all your past dangers and distresses, and applythemtothecureofyourpresentfearsanddespondencies.

Recordedexperiencesareexcellentremedies,Exod.17:14."Writethisforamemorialinabook,andrehearseitintheearsofJoshua."Thereweretwothingsinthatrecord;thevictoryobtainedoverAmalek,andthewayofobtainingitbyincessantprayer:andtherearetwothingstobedonetosecure this mercy for their use and benefit in future fears, it must berecorded and rehearsed, preserved from oblivion, and seasonablyproducedforrelief.

Therearetwospecialassistancesgivenusagainstfearbyexperience.

1.Itabatestheterrorofsufferings.

2.Itassistsfaithinthepromises.

1.Experiencegreatlyabatestheterrorofsufferings,andmakesthemlessformidableandscaringthanotherwisetheywouldbe.Fearsaith,theyaregreat waters, and will drown us; experience saith, they are muchshallowerthanwethink,andaresafelyfordable;othershave,andwemaypassthroughtheRedsea,andnotbeover-whelmed.Fearsaith,thepainsofdeathareunconceivable,sharp,andbitter,thelivinglittleknowwhatthedyingfeel;andtolieinastinkingprisonincontinualexpectationofacruel death, is an unsupportable evil: Experience contradicts all thesefalse reports whichmake our hearts faint, as the second spies did thedaunting stories of the first; and assures us prisons and death are not,whenwecomehometothemforChrist,whattheyseemandappeartobeatadistance.Owhatagood reporthave those faithfulmengiven,whohave searched and tried these things!who have gone down themselvesintothevalleyoftheshadowofdeath,andseenwhatthereisinaprison,and in death itself, so long as they were in sight and hearing, able bywords or signs to contradict our false notions of it. Oh what a sweetaccountdidPomponiusAlgerius give of his stinkingprison atLyons inFrance! dating all his letters whilst he was there, From the delectableorchard of the Leonine prison; and when carried to Venice, in a letterfromtheprisonthere,hewritesthustohisChristianfriend;Ishallutterthatwhich scarce anywill believe, I have found a nest of honey in theentrails of a lion, a paradise of pleasure in a deep dark dungeon, in aplaceofsorrowanddeath,tranquillityofhopeandlife.Oh!hereitisthattheSpiritofGodandofgloryrestsuponus.

SoblessedMr.Philpot,ourownmartyr,inoneofhissweetencouragingletters: 'Oh howmy heart leaps (saith he) that I am so near to eternalbliss!God forgivememy unthankfulness and unworthiness of so greatglory. I have so much joy of the reward prepared for me, the mostwretchedsinner,thatthoughIbeintheplaceofdarknessandmourning,yet I cannot lament, but am night and day so joyful, as though I wereundernocrossatall;inallthedaysofmylifeIwasneversojoyful,the

nameoftheLordbepraised.'

Othershavegiventhesignalsagreeduponbetwixtthemandtheirfriendsinthemidstoftheflames,thereby,tothelast,confirmingthistruth,thatGod makes the inside of sufferings quite another thing to what theappearanceandoutsideofthemistosense.Thustheexperienceofothersabatestheterrorsofsufferingstoyou;andall this is fullyconfirmedbythe personal experience you yourselves have had of the supports andcomfortsofGod,whereinsoeveryouhaveconscientiouslysufferedforhissake.

2.And this cannot but be a singular assistance to your faith; your ownand others experiences, just like Aaron andHur, stay up the hands offaithontheonesideandtheother,thattheyhangnotdown,whilstyourfears, like thoseAmalekites, fallbeforeyou.Forwhat isexperience,butthebringingdownofthedivinepromisestothetestofsenseandfeeling?Itisourdutytobelievethepromiseswithouttrialandexperiments,butitis easier to do it after so many trials; so that your own and othersexperiences,carefullyrecordedandseasonablyapplied,wouldbefoodtoyourfaith,andacuretomanyofyourfearsinasufferingday.

Rule10.Youcanneverfreeyourselffromsinfulfears,tillyouthoroughlybelieveandconsiderChrist'sprovidentialkingdomoverallthecreaturesandaffairsinthislowerworld.

Poor timoroussouls! is therenotaKing,a supremeLord,underwhomdevils and men are? Hath not Christ the reins of government in hishands?Mat.28:18.Phil2:9,10,11,12.John17:2.WerethisdominionofChrist,anddependenceofallcreaturesonhim,wellstudiedandbelieved,itwould cutoff bothour trust inmen, andour fearofmen;we shouldsoondiscerntheyhavenopowereithertohelpusortohurtus,butwhatthey receive from above. Our enemies are apt to over-rate their ownpower, in theirpride,andweareasapt toover-rate it too inour fears.Knowestthounot(saithPilatetoChrist)thatIhavepowertocrucifythee,andIhavepowertoreleasethee?q.d.Refusestthoutoanswerme?dostthounot knowwho andwhat I am?Yes, yes, saithChrist, I know theewellenoughtobeapoorimpotentcreature,whohastnopoweratallbutwhat is given thee from above; I know thee, and therefore do not fear

thee.Butweareapttotaketheirownboastsfortruth,andbelievetheirpower tobe suchas theyvainlyvogue it tobe;whereas in truthallourenemiesaresustainedbyChrist,Col.1:17.theyareboundedandlimitedbyChrist,Rev.2:10.Providencehathitsinfluencesupontheirheartsandwills immediately, Jer. 15:11. Psal. 106:46. so that they cannot dowhatevertheywoulddo,buttheirwillsaswellastheirhandsareorderedbyGod.Jacobwas inLaban'sandinEsau'shands;bothhatedhim,butneithercouldhurthim.DavidwasinSaul'shand,whohuntedforhimasa prey, yet is forced to dismiss him quietly, blessing instead of slayinghim.MelancthonandPomeronbothfellintothehandsofCharlesV.thanwhom Christendom had not amore prudent prince, nor the church ofChrist a fiercer enemy; yet he treats these great and active reformersgently, dismisseth them freely, not once forbidding them to preach orprintthedoctrinewhichhesomuchopposedandhated.

Oh Christian! if ever thou wilt get above thy fears, settle these thingsuponthyheartbyfaith.

1.ThatthereinsofgovernmentareinChrist'shands;enemies,likewildhorses,may prance and trampup anddown theworld, as though theywouldtreaddownallthatareintheirway;butthebridleofprovidenceisin their mouths, and upon their proud necks, 2 Kings 19:28. and thatbridlehathastrongcurb.

2.ThecareofthesaintsproperlypertainstoChrist;heistheheadofthebody, Eph. 1:22, 23. our consulting head; and it were a reproach anddishonour to Christ, to fill our heads with distracting cares and fears,whenwehavesowiseanheadtoconsultandcontriveforus.

3.YouhavelivedallyourdaysuponthecareofChristhitherto;notruthismoremanifest than this, that therehathbeenawisdombeyondyourown, that hath guided yourways, Jer. 10:23. a power above your own,that hath supported your burdens, Psal. 73:26. a spring of relief out ofyourselves that hath supplied all your wants, Luke 23:35. He hathperformedallthingsforyou.

4.JesusChristhathsecuredhispeoplebymanypromisestotakecareofthem, howdangerous soever the times shall be, Eccl. 8:12. Psal. 76:10.

Amos9:8,9.Rom.8:28.Oh!ifthesethingswerethoroughlybelievedandwell improved, fears could no more distract or afflict our hearts, thanstorms or clouds could trouble the upper region: but we forget hisprovidencesandpromises,andsoarejustlyleftinthehandsofourownfearstobeafflictedforit.

Rule11.Subjectyourcarnalreasoningstofaith,andkeepyourthoughtsmoreunderthegovernmentoffaith, ifeveryouexpectacomposedandquietheartindistractingeviltimes.

Hethatlayethasidetherulesoffaith,andmeasuresallthingsbytheruleof his own shallow reason, will be his own bugbear; if reason may bepermitted to judge all things, and to make its own inferences andconclusions from the aspects and appearances of second causes, yourhearts shall have no rest day nor night: this alone will keep you incontinualalarms.

Andyethowaptarethebestmentomeasurethingsbythisrule,andtojudge of all God's designs and mysterious providences by it! In otherthingsitisthejudgeandarbiter,andthereforewewouldmakeitsoheretoo;andwhatitconcludesanddictateswearepronetobelieve,becauseits dictates are backed and befriended by sense, whence it gathers itsinteligenceandinformation.Oquamsapiensargumentatrixsibivideturratio humana?Howwise and strong do its arguments and conclusionsseemtous!saithLuther.Thiscarnalreasonisthethingthatputsusintosuchconfusionsofmindandthoughts.Itisthisthat,

1.Quarrelswiththepromises,shakestheircredit,andourconfidenceinthem,Exod.5:22,23.

2.Itisthisthatboldlylimitsthedivinepower,andassignsitboundariesofitsownfixing,Psal.78:20,41.

4.Itiscarnalreasonthatdrawsdesperateconclusionsfromprovidentialappearancesandaspects,1Sam.27:1.andprognosticatesourruin fromthem.

4. It is this carnal reason that puts us upon sinful shifts and indirect

coursestodeliverandsaveourselvesfromdanger,whichdobutthemoreperplexandentangleus,Isa.30:15,16.

5. It is mostly from our arrogant reasonings that our thoughts arediscomposedanddivided;fromthisfountainitisthattheyflowintoourheartsinmultitudeswhendangersarenear,Psal.94:16.and42:1.

All these mischiefs owe themselves to the exorbitant actings andintrusionsofourcarnalreasons;butthesethingsoughtnottobeso,thisisbesiderule.For,

1.Thoughtherebenothinginthemattersoffaithorprovidencecontrarytorightreason,yettherearemanythingsinboth,quiteabovethereach,andbeyondthekenofreason,Isa.55:8.And,

2.Theconfidentdictatesofreasonarefrequentlyconfutedbyexperienceall theworldover: it iseverydaymadea liar,and the frights itputsusinto,provedtobevainandgroundless,Isa.51:13.

Nothingcanbebetterforus,thantoresignupourreasontofaith,toseeallthingsthroughthepromises,andtrustGodoverallevents.

Rule12.Toconclude,exaltthefearofGodinyourhearts,andletitgaintheascendantoverallyourotherfears.

Thisistheprescriptioninmytextforthecureofallourslavishfears,andindeedall the fore-mentioned rules for the cureof sinful fears run intothis,andarereducibletoit.For,

1.Doththeknowledgeandapplicationofthecovenantofgracecureourfears?ThefearofGodisbothapartofthatcovenant,andanevidenceofourinterestinit,Jer.32:40.

2.Dothsinfulfearplungemenintosuchdistressesofconscience?Why,thefearofGodwillpreserveyourwayscleanandpure,Psal.19:9.andsothosemischiefswillbeprevented.

3. Doth foresight and provision for evil days prevent distracting fearswhen they come? Nothing like the fear of God enables us to such a

previsionandprovisionforthem,Heb.11:7.

4.DowerelieveourselvesagainstfearbycommittingalltoGod?Surelyitis the fear of God that drives us to him as our only asylum and surerefuge,Mal.3:16.TheyfearedGod,andthoughtuponhisname,i.e.theymeditated on his name, which was their refuge, his attributes theirchambersofrest.

5.Mustouraffectionsto theworldbemortifiedbeforeour fearscanbesubdued?Thisistheinstrumentofmortification,Neh.5:15.

6.Dotheworthyexamplesof thosethataregonebeforeus, tendtothecureofourcowardiceandfears?Why,thefearofGodwillprovokeinyouanholyself-jealousy,lestyoufailofthegracetheymanifested,andcomeshortofthoseexcellentpatterns,Heb.12:15.

7. Is the assurance of interest in God, and the pardon of sin such anexcellentantidoteagainstslavishfear?Why,hethatwalksinthefearofGod,shallwalkinthecomfortsoftheHolyGhostalso,Acts9:31.

8.Isintegrityofheartandwaysuchafountainofcourageineviltimes?Know, reader, no grace promotes this integrity and uprightness morethanthefearofGoddoth,Prov.16:6.and23:17.

9.Dotherevivingofpastexperiencessuppresssinfulfears?Nodoubtthiswas the subject which the fear of God put them upon, for mutualencouragement,Mal.3:16.

10.Are theprovidencesofGod in thisworldsuchcordialsagainst fear?The fear of God is the very character andmark of those persons overwhomhisprovidenceshallwatchinthedifficultesttimes,Eccles.8:12.

11. Doth our trusting in our own reason, and making it our rule andmeasure, breed somany fears?Why, the fear ofGodwill takemen offfromsuchself-confidence,andbringthemtotrustthefaithfulGodwithall doubtful issues, and events, as the very scope of my text fullymanifests. Fear not their fear: their fear, moving by the direction ofcarnalreason,drovethemnottoGod,buttotheAssyrianforhelp.Follow

notyou theirexample in this.Buthowshall theyhelp it?Why,sanctifytheLordofHosts,andmakehimyourfear.

CHAPTERVII

Answeringthemostmaterialpleasforslavishfears,anddissolvingthecommon

objectionsagainstcourageandconstancyofmindintimesofdanger.

THEpleasandexcuses forour cowardly faintness in thedayof troubleareendless,andsowouldhistaskbethatshouldundertakeparticularlytoanswerthemall.ItisbutthecuttingoffanHydra'shead,whenoneisgone, ten more start up; what is most material I will here take intoconsideration. When good men (for with such I am dealing in thischapter)seeaformidablefaceandappearanceofsharpandbloodytimesapproaching them, they begin to tremble, their hearts faint, and theirhands hang down with unbecoming despondency, and pusillanimity;theirthoughtsaresodistracted,theirreasonandfaithsocloudedbytheirfears, that their temptationsare therebyexceedinglystrengtheneduponthem, and their principles and professions brought under the derisionandcontemptoftheirenemies:andiftheirbrethren,towhomGodhathgivenmorecourageandconstancy,andwhodiscernthemischiefliketoensuefromtheiruncomelycarriage,admonishandadvisethemofit:theyhave abundance of pleas and defences for their fears, yea, when theyreason the point of suffering in their own thoughts, and the matter isdebated (as in such times it is common)betwixt faithand fear,Owhatendlessworkdotheirfearsputupontheirfaith,tosolveallthebutsandifswhichtheirfearswillobjectorsuppose.

SomeoftheprincipalofthemIthinkitworthwhileheretoconsider,andendeavour to satisfy, that, if possible, I may prevail with all graciouspersonstobemoremagnanimous.Andfirstofall.

Pleas

Plea 1. Sufferings for Christ are strange things to theChristians of thisage,wehavehadthehappylottofallintomildertimesthantheprimitiveChristiansdid,orthosethatstruggledinourownlandinthebeginningofreformation;andthereforewemaybeexcusedforourfears,byreasonofourownunacquaintednesswithsufferingsinourtimes.

Answer 1.One fault isbutabadexcuse foranother,whyare sufferingssuch strangers to you?Whydid younot cast upon them in thedays ofpeace,andreckonthatsuchdaysmustcome?DidyounotcovenantwithChrist to followhimwhithersoeverhe shouldgo, to takeupyourcross,andfollowhim?Anddidnotthewordplainlytellyou,that"AllthatwilllivegodlyinChristJesusmustsufferpersecution,"2Tim.3:12."AndthatwemustthroughmuchtribulationenterintothekingdomofGod,"Acts14:22. Did we fall asleep in quiet and prosperous days, and dream ofhalcyondaysallourtimeonearth?thatthemountainofourprosperitystoodstrong,andweshouldneverbemoved?Thatweshoulddieinournest,andmultiplyourdaysasthesand;Babylon'schildrenindeeddreamso,Rev.18:7.but thechildrenofSionshouldbebetter instructed.Alas!how soon may the brightest day be overcast? The weather is not sovariable,asthestateofthechurchinthisworldis;nowacalm,Acts9:31.andthenastorm,Acts12:1,2.Youcouldnotbutknowwhatcontingentand variable things all things on earth are; why then did you deludeyourselves with such fond dreams? But as a learned man* rightlyobserves, Mundus senescens patitur phantasias. The older the worldgrows,themoredrowsyanddottingitstillgrows,andthesearethedaysinwhichthewiseaswellas the foolishvirginsslumber.Sure it isbutabadplea,aftersomanywarningsfromtheword,andfromtherodtosay,Ididnotthinkofsuchtimes,Idreamednotofthem.

2.Orifyousay,thoughyouhaveconversedwithdeathandsufferingsbyspeculation, yet you lived not in such timeswherein youmight see (asothersufferersdid)theencouragingfaith,patienceandzealofotherssetbeforeyoureyesinalivelypatternandexample.Sufferingswerenotonlyfamiliarized to them by frequency, but facilitated also by the dailyexamplesofthosethatwentbeforethem.

Butthinkyouindeedthatnothingbutencouragementandadvantagetofollowers,arosefromthetrialsofthosethatwentbefore?Alas,thereweresometimesthegreatestdampsanddiscouragementsimaginable;thezealofthosethatfollowedhaveoftenbeeninflamedbythefaintingsofthosethat were tried before them. In the seventh persecution under Decius,anno250,therewerestandingbeforethetribunal,certainofthewarriorsorknights,viz.Amnion,Zenon,Ptolomeus,Ingenuus,andacertainagedmancalledTheophilus,whoallstandingbyasspectatorswhenacertainChristianwasexamined,andthereseeinghimforfear,readytodecline,andfallaway,didalmostburstforsorrowwithinthemselves:theymadesignstohimwiththeirhands,andallgesturesofthebodytobeconstant;thisbeingnotedbyallthestandersby,theywerereadytolayholduponthem; but they preventing thematter, pressed up of their own accord,before the bench of the judge, professing themselves to be Christians,insomuchthatboththepresidentandthebencherswereallastonished,and the Christians which were judged, the more encouraged. Suchdamping spectacles the Christians of former ages had frequently setbeforethem.

And it was no small trial to some of them, to hear the faintings andabnegation of those that went before them, pleaded against theirconstancy; as in the time of Valens, it was urged by the persecutors;Thosethatcametotheirtrialbeforeyou,haveacknowlegedtheirerrors,beggedourpardon,andreturnedtous:andwhywillyoustanditoutsoobstinately? But the Christians answered, Nos hac potissimum rationeviriliter stabimus, For this very reason we will stand to it the moremanfully,torepairtheirscandal,byourgreatercourageforChrist.Thesewerethehelpsandadvantagestheyoftenhadinthosedays,thereforelaynotsomuchstressuponthat;theircourageundoubtedlyflowedfromanhigherspringandbetterprinciple,thanthecompanytheysufferedwith.

3.Andifprecedentsandexperiencesofotherstobreaktheicebeforeyou,besogreatanadvantage,surelywethatliveintheselattertimeshavethemostandbesthelpsofthatnaturethateveranypeopleintheworldhad.You have all their examples recorded for your encouragement, andtherefore think itnotstrangeconcerning the fiery trial,as thoughsomestrangethinghadhappenedtoyou,astheapostlespeaks,1Pet.4:12.This

pleaisweighed,andnogreatweightfoundinit.

Plea2.Butmynatureissoftandtender,myconstitutionmoreweakandsubject to the impressions of fear than others: some that have robustbodies,andhardystoutminds,maybettergrapplewithsuchdifficultiesthan I can, who by constitution and education, am altogether unfit tograpple with those torments, that I have not patience enough to hearrelated;myheartfaintsanddieswithinme,ifIdobutread,orhearofthebarbaroususagesofthemartyrs,andthereforeImaywellbeexcusedformyfearsandfaint-heartedness,whenthecaseisliketobemyown.

Answer1.Itisagreatmistaketothinkthatthemerestrengthofnaturalconstitution,cancarryanyonethroughsuchsufferingsforChrist,orthatnatural tenderness and weakness divinely assisted, cannot bear theheaviestburdenthateverGodlaidupontheshouldersofanysuffererforChrist.Oursufferingandbearingabilitiesarenotfromnature,butfromgrace. We find men of strong bodies and resolute daring minds, havefaintedinthetimeoftrial.Dr.Pendleton,inourownstory,wasamanofarobustandmassybody,andaresolutedaringmind;yetwhenhecameto the trial,heutterly faintedand felloff.On theother side,whatpoorfeeblebodieshavesustainedthegreatesttorments,andoutofweaknesshave been made strong! Heb. 11:34. The virgin Eulalia, of Emerita inPortugal, was young and tender, but twelve years old, and with muchindulgenceandtendernessbroughtup inanhonourable family,beingapersonofconsiderablequality;yethowcourageouslydidshesustainthemost cruel torments for Christ!When the judge fawned upon herwiththistemptinglanguage,"Whywiltthoukillthyself,soyoungaflower,andso near those honourable marriages and great dowries thou mightestenjoy?"Insteadofreturningaretractingordoubleanswer,Eulaliathrewdown the idol, and spurned abroad with her feet the heap of incenseprepared for the censers; and when the executioner came to her, sheentertained himwith this language:* "Go to, thou hangman, burn, cut,manglethoutheseearthlymembers;itisaneasymattertobreakabrittlesubstance,buttheinwardmindthoushaltnothurt."Andwhenonejointwaspulledfromanother,shesaid,"Beholdwhatapleasureitisforthem,ohChrist! that remember thy triumphantvictories, toattainunto thosehighdignities."Sothatourconstitutionalstrengthisnottobemadethe

measure of our passive fortitude: God can make the feeblest andtenderest persons stand, when strong bodies, and blustering, resolute,anddaringmindsfaintandfall.

2. Are our bodies so weak, and hearts so tender, that we can bear nosuffering for Christ? Then we are no way fit to be his followers.Christianity isawarfare,andChristiansmustendurehardships,2Tim.2:3.DelicacyandtendernessisasoddasightinaChristian,asitisinasoldier; and we cannot be Christ's disciples, except we deliberate theterms,andhavingconsideredwellwhatitisliketocostus,doresolve,inthestrengthofGod,torunthehazardofallwithhimandforhim.Itisinvain to talk of a religion that we think not worthy the suffering andenduringanygreatmatterfor.

3.Andif indeed,reader,thyconstitutionbesodelicateandtender,thatthouartnotabletobearthethoughtsoftormentsforChrist,howisitthatthouartnotmoreterrifiedwiththetormentsofhell,whichalltheythatdenyChristonearthmustfeelandbeareternally?Oh,whatisthewrathofman,incomparisonwiththewrathofGod?butasthebiteofafleatotherendingsofalion.ThisistheconsiderationpropoundedbyChrist,inMatth. 10:28. "Fearnot themwhokill thebody,butarenotable tokillthesoul;butratherfearhimwhoisabletodestroybothsoulandbodyinhell."TheinfiniteandinsupportablewrathofthegreatandterribleGod,shouldmakeoursoulsshrinkandshakeatthethoughtsofit,ratherthanthesufferingsoftheflesh,whicharebutforamoment.

4.KnowthatthewisdomandtendernessofthyFatherwillproportiontheburden thoumustbear to thyback thatmustbear, it;hewilldebate inmeasure, and not overload thy feeble shoulders: thou shalt find thosethingseasyintrial,thatnowseeminsupportableintheterribleprospect;awayofescapeorsupportwillcertainlybeopened,thatthoumayestbeabletobearit.

Plea3.Butotherspleadthesadexperiencestheyhavehadof theirownfeebleness and weakness in former trials and exercises of an inferiornature, inwhichtheirfaithandpatiencehathfailedthem:andhowcantheyimaginetheyshalleverbeabletostandinthefiercestandmostfierytrial?Ifwehaverunwiththe footmen,andtheyhaveweariedus inthe

landofpeace,howshallwethencontendwithhorsesintheswellingsofJordan,Jer.12:5.

Answer1.Wearestrongorweakinallourtrials,betheygreatorsmall,accordingtotheassistinggracewereceivefromabove;ifheleaveusinacommon and light trial to our own strength, itwill be our over-match,andifheassistusingreatandextraordinarytrials,weshallbemorethanconquerors.AtonetimeAbrahamcouldofferuphisonlysontoGodwithhisownhand;atanothertimeheissoafraidofhislife,thatheactsveryunsuitablytothecharacterofabeliever,andwasshamefullyrebukedforit byAbimelech.At one timeDavid could say, Though anhost encampagainstme, Iwill not fear; at another timehe feigns himselfmad, andacted beneath himself, both as aman, and as aman enriched with somuchfaithandexperience.AtonetimePeterisafraidtobeinterrogatedby amaid; at another timehe couldboldly confront thewhole council,and ownChrist andhis truths to their faces. In extraordinary trialswemaywarrantablyexpectextraordinaryassistances,andbythemweshallbe carried through the greatest, how often soever we have failed insmallertrials.

2.ThedesignandendofGod'sgivingusexperienceofourownweaknessin lessertroubles, isnottodiscourageanddauntusagainstwecometogreater,(whichistheuseSatanheremakesofit,)buttotakeusofffromself-confidenceandself-dependence;tomakeusseeourownweakness,thatwemaymoreheartilyandhumblybetakeourselvestohiminthewayoffaithandferventsupplication.

Plea 4. But some will object that they cannot help their fears andtremblingswhenanydangerappears;becausefearisthedisease,atleastthe sad effect and symptom of disease, withwhichGod hathwoundedthem: adeep and fixedmelancholyhath so farprevailed, that the leasttrouble overcomes them; if any sad afflictive providence befal, or butthreaten them, their fears presently rise, and their hearts sink, sleepdeparts, thoughts tumultuate, the blood boils, and the whole frame ofnatureisputintodisorder.IfthereforetheLordshouldpermitsuchgreatand dreadful trials to befal them, they can think of nothing less thandyingbythehandoftheirownfears,beforethehandofanyenemytouchthem;or,whichisathousandtimesworse,bedrivenbytheirownfears

intothenetoftemptation,eventodenytheLordthatboughtthem.

Answer.ThisIknowisthesadcaseofmanygraciouspersons,andIhavereason to pity those that are thus exercised: O it is a heavy stroke, adismal state, a deep wound indeed: but yet the wisdom of God hathorderedthisafflictionuponhispeopleforgraciousendsanduses;herebytheyaremadethemoretenderandwatchful,circumspectandcarefulintheirways,thattheymayshunandescapeasmanyoccasionsoftroubleastheycan,beingsounabletograpplewiththem.Isaynotbuttherearehigherandnoblermotives thatmake themcircumspectandtender,butyetthepreservationofourownquietnessisusefulinitsplace,anditisamercyifthatoranythingelsebesanctifiedtopreventsin,andpromotecareofduty.Thisisyourclogtokeepyoufromstraying.

2.Andwhenyoushallbecalledforthtogreatertrials,thatwhichyounowcallyoursnare,maybeyouradvantage,andthatindiversrespects.

1.Theseverydistempersofbodyandmindservetoimbitterthecomfortsandpleasuresof thisworld toyou,andmake life itself lessdesirable toyouthanitistoothers;theymuchweanyourheartsfrom,andmakelifemore burdensome to you than it is to others, who enjoy more of thepleasureandsweetnessofitthanyoucando.Ihaveoftenthoughtthistobeonedesign and endof providence, inpermitting suchdistempers toseize somany gracious persons as labour under them; and providenceknowshowtomakeuseofthiseffecttosingularpurposeandadvantagetoyou,whenacalltosufferingshallcome;thismayhaveitsplaceanduseunderhigher andmore spiritual considerations, to facilitate death, andmakeyourseparationfromthisworldthemoreeasytoyou*;forthoughit be amorenoble and raised act of faith and self-denial to offer up toGod our lives, when they are made most pleasant and desirable to usuponnaturalaccounts,yetitisnotsoeasytopartwiththemasitiswhenGodhathfirstimbitteredthemtous.Yourlivesareoflittlevaluetoyounow,becauseofthisburdensomeclogyoumustdrawafteryou,butifyoushould increase your burden by so horrid an addition of guilt, as thedenyingChristorhisknowntruthswoulddo,youwouldnotknowwhattodowithsuchalife;itwouldcertainlylieuponyourhandsasaburthen.Godknowshowtousethesethingsinthewayofhisprovidencetoyourgreatadvantage.

2.Artthouapoormelancholyandtimorousperson?Certainlyifthoubegraciousaswellastimorous, thiswilldrivetheenearertoGod;andthegreaterthydangersare,themorefrequentandferventwillthyaddressestohimbe: thou feelest theneedofeverlastingarmsunderneath thee tobeartheeupunder,andtocarrytheethroughsmallertroubles,thatotherpersonsmake nothing of,muchmore in such deep trials, that put thestrongestChristianstotheutmostoftheirfaithandpatience.

And3dly,WhatiftheLordwillmakeanadvantageoutofyourweakness,todisplaymoreevidentlyhisownpowerinyoursupport?Youknowwhatthe apostle saith, 1 Cor. 12:9, 10. "And he said unto me, my grace issufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness: mostgladly therefore will I glory inmy infirmities, that the power of Christmay rest upon me—for when I am weak then am I strong." If hisinfirmitiesmight serveasa foil to setoff thegraceofGodwithamorebright and sparkling lustre, he would rejoice in his infirmities, and soshouldyou:Wellthen,letnotthisdiscourageyou,theinfirmityofnatureyou complain of may make death the less terrible; it served to thatpurpose to blessed Basil, (as you heard before) when his enemythreatenedtotearouthisliver,hethoughtitakindnesstohavethatlivertornout,thathadgivenhimsomuchtrouble.ItmaydrivetheenearertoGod,andministerafitopportunityforthedisplayofhisgraceinthetimeofneed.

Plea5.ButwhatifGodshouldhidehisfacefrommysoulinthedayofmystraitsandtroubles,andnotonlyso,butpermitSatantobuffetmewithhishorridtemptationsandinjections,andsoIshouldsailliketheshipinwhichPaulsailed,betwixtthesetwoboisterousseas;whatcanIsuspectless thanashipwreckofmysoul,body,andall thecomfortsofboth, inthisworldandinthattocome?

Answer1.Sofarasthefearsofsuchamiseryawakenyoutoprayfortheprevention of it, it may be serviceable to your souls, but when it onlyworks distraction and despondency ofmind, it is your sin and Satan'ssnare.TheprophetJeremiahmadeagooduseofsuchasupposedevilbywayofdeprecation,Jer.17:17."Benotaterroruntome,thouartmyhopeinthedayofevil."q.d.intheevildayIhavenoplaceofretreatorrefuge,

butthyloveandfavour;Lord,thatisallIhavetodependon,andrelievemyselfby: I comfortmyself against troublewith this confidence, that ifmenbecruel,yetthouwiltbekind;iftheyfrown,thouwiltsmile;iftheworldcastmeout,thouwilttakemein;butifthoushouldestbeaterrortomeinsteadofacomforter,iftheyafflictmybody,andthouaffrightmysoulwiththyfrownstoo;whatadeplorableconditionshallIbeinthen!Improve it tosuchanendashedid, tosecurethefavourofGod,anditwilldoyounoharm.

2.ItisnotusualforGodtoestrangehimselffromhispeopleintrouble,nortofrownuponthemwhenmendo.Thecommonevidenceofbelieversstandsreadytoattestandsealthistruth,thatChristiansneverfindmorekindness fromGod thanwhen they feelmost cruelty frommen for hissake; consult thewhole cloudofwitnesses, and youwill find theyhavestill found the undoubted verity of that triedword, in 1 Pet. 4:14. That"the Spirit of glory and of God resteth upon sufferers." The expressionseemstoalludetothedovethatNoahsentforthoutoftheark,whichflewover the watery world, but could not rest herself any where till shereturnedtotheark.SotheSpiritofGodiscalledheretheSpiritofglory,from his effects and fruits, viz. his cheering, sealing, and revivinginfluenceswhichmakemengloryandtriumphinthemostafflictedstate.The Spirit ofGod seems, like that dove, to hover up and down, to fleehitherandthither,overthispersonandthat,butrestethnotsolonguponany,asthosethatsufferforrighteousnesssake;therehecommonlytakesuphisabodeandresidence.

3.Andwhatifitshouldfalloutinsomerespectaccordingtoyourfears,thatheavenandearthshouldbebothcloudedtogether?Yetitwillnotbelong before the pleasant light will spring up to you again, Psal. 112:4."Untotheuprighttherearisethlightinthedarkness."YoushallhavehissupportingpresencetilltheComforterdocome.WhenMr.Glovercamewithinsightofthestake,hesuddenlycriesout,OhAustin!heiscome!heiscome.

Plea 6. Oh! but what if my trial should be long, and the siege oftemptationstedious?ThenIampersuadedIamlost;Iamnowayabletocontinuelonginaprison,orintorturesforChrist,Ihavenostrengthtoendurealongsiege,mypatienceistooshorttoholdoutfrommonthto

month, and from year to year as many have done. Oh! I dread thethoughts of long continued trials, I tremble to thinkwhatmust be theissue.

Answer 1. Cannot you distrust your own strength and ability, but youmust also limitGod's?What if youhave but a small stock of patience?CannottheLordstrengthenyouwithallmightintheinner-man,untoallpatience and long-suffering with joyfulness, according to his gloriouspower,Col. 1:11.And is itnothispromise to confirmyou to theend? 1Cor. 1:8. Youneither knowhowmuch, nor how long you can bear andsuffer. It is not inherent, but assisting grace, by which your sufferingabilities are to bemeasured.God canmake that little stock of patienceyouhavetoholdoutasthepoorwidow'scruseofoildid,tilldeliverancecome;hecanenableyourpatienceunto itsperfectwork, i.e. toworkasextensivelytoallthekindsandsortsoftrials,asintensivelytothehighestdegree of trial, and as protensively to the longest duration andcontinuance of your trials as he would have it: if this be amarvellousthinginyoureyes,mustitbesoinGod'seyesalso?

2. The Lord knows the proper season to come in to the relief of yourslidingand faintingpatience, andwill assuredly come in accordingly inthat season; for so run the promises, "TheLord shall judge his people,and repent himself for his servants when he seeth that their power isgone, and that there is none shut up or left," Deut. 32:36. Cumduplicantur lateres venit Moses; in the mount of difficulties andextremitiesitshallbeseen."Therodofthewickedshallnotrestuponthelot of the righteous, lest the righteous put forth their hands untoiniquity,"Psal.125:3.Ubidefinithumanum,ibiincipitdivinumauxilium;God'spowerwatchestheopportunityofyourweakness.

Plea7.ButwhatifIshouldbeputtocruelandexquisitetortures,supposeto the rack, to the fire, or such most dreadful sufferings as otherChristianshavebeen?WhatshallIdo?DoIthinkIamabletobearit?Ismy strength the strength of stone, or are my bones brass, that ever Ishouldenduresuchbarbarouscruelties?Alas!Deathinthemildestformisterribletome:howterriblethenmustsuchadeathbe?

Answer. Who enabled those Christians you mention to endure these

things?Theylovedtheirlives,andsensedtheirpainsaswellasyou,theyhadthesamethoughtsandfears,manyofthem,thatyounowhave;yetGod carried them throughall, and sohe can you.Didnothemake thedevouringflamesabedofrosestosomeofthem?Washenotwithinthefires?Didhenotabatetheextremityofthetorment,andenableweakandtenderpersonstoendurethempatientlyandcheerfully?Somesinginginthemidstofflames,othersclappingtheirhandstriumphantly,andtothelastsightthatcouldbehadoftheminthisworld,nothingappearedbutsigns and demonstrations of joy unspeakable. Ah friends! we judge ofsufferingsbytheout-sideandappearance,whichisterrible;butweknownot the inside of sufferings which is exceeding comfortable. Oh! whenshallwehave donewith our unbelieving ifs andbuts, our questioningsanddoubtingsofthepower,wisdom,andtendercareofourGodoverus,andlearntotrusthimoverall.Nowthejustshalllivebyfaith;andhethatlivesbyfaithshallneverdiebyfear.ThemoreyoutrustGod,thelessyouwill tormentyourselves. Ihavedone; theLordstrengthen,stablish,andsettlethetremblingandfeebleheartsofhispeople,bywhathathbeensoseasonablyofferedfortheirreliefbyaweakhand.Amen.

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