A39660:1172
Englands duty under the present gospel liberty from Revel. III, vers. 20
Englands duty under the present gospel liberty from Revel. III, vers. 20 : wherein is opened the admirable condescension and patience of Christ in waiting upon trifling and obstinate sinners, the wretched state of the unconverted, the nature of evangelical faith ..., the riches of free grace in the offers of Christ ..., the invaluable privileges of union and communion granted to all who receive him ... / by John Flavell ...Englands duty under the present gospel liberty from Revel. III, vers. 20 : wherein is opened the admirable condescension and patience of Christ in waiting upon trifling and obstinate sinners, the wretched state of the unconverted, the nature of evangelical faith ..., the riches of free grace in the offers of Christ ..., the invaluable priviledges of union and communion granted to all who receive him ... / by John Flavell ...
London: printed for Matthew Wotton, 1689
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
First, By Carnal Fears. The fear of Suffering gets the ascendant of the fear of God. Men choose rather to adventure their Souls upon Wrath to come, than the present Wrath of incensed Enemies. They vainly hope to find mercy with God, but expect none from men. Thus the fear of man brings a snare, Prov. 29. 25. and so the voice of conscience is drowned, by the louder clamours and threats of Adversaries.
First, By Carnal Fears. The fear of Suffering gets the ascendant of the fear of God. Men chuse rather to adventure their Souls upon Wrath to come, than the present VVrath of incensed Enemies. They vainly hope to find mercy with God, but expect none from men. Thus the fear of man brings a snare, Prov. 29. 25. and so the voice of conscience is drowned, by the louder clamours and threats of Adversaries.
Secondly, As the fear of mans Threatenings, so ⟨p. 26⟩the distrust of Gods Promises defeats the design of Conscience. If men believed the promises, they would never be afraid of their duties. Faith in a promise would make men as bold as Lions. If such a word as that Isa. 57. 11. Of whom hast thou been afraid or feared, that thou hast lied, and hast not remembered me? Men would say, as Zuinglius did in the like case, what Death would I not rather choose to dye? what punishment would I not rather undergo? yea, into what vault of Hell would I not rather choose to be cast, than to witness against my own conscience?
Secondly, As the fear of mans Threatenings, so ⟨p. 26⟩the distrust of Gods Promises defeats the design of Conscience. If men believed the promises, they would never be afraid of their duties. Faith in a promise would make men as bold as Lions. If such a word as that