A39696:33
Two treatises the first of fear, from Isa. 8, v. 12, 13, and part…
Two treatises the first of fear, from Isa. 8, v. 12, 13, and part of the 14 : the second, The righteous man's refuge in the evil day, from Isaiah 26, verse 20 / by John Flavell.
London: printed by H.H. for Robert Boulter, 1682
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.
There is a Fear which is the effect of sin, springing from guilt, and hurrying the soul into more guilt; and there is a fear which is the effect of grace, springing from our love to God and his interest, and driving the soul to God in the way of duty. The less fear any man hath the more happiness, except it be of that fear which is our happiness and our excellency.
It cannot be said of any man as it is said of Leviathan, Job 41. 33. that he is made without fear, those that have most fortitude, are not without some fears: And when the Church is in the storms of persecution, and almost covered with the waves, the stoutest passengers in it may suffer as much from this boisterous passion within, as from the Storm without; and all for want of throughly believing, or not seasonably remembering, That the Lord High Admiral of all the Ocean, and Commander of all the winds is on board the Ship, to steer and to preserve it in the storm.
It cannot be said of any man as it is said of Leviathan, Iob 41. 33. that he is made without fear, those that have most fortitude, are not without some fears: And when the Church is in the storms of persecution, and almost covered with the waves, the stoutest passengers in it may suffer as much from this boisterous passion within, as from the Storm without; and all for want of throughly believing, or not seasonably remembring, That the Lord High Admiral of all the Ocean, and Commander of all the winds is on board the Ship, to steer and to preserve it in the storm.
A pregnant instance hereof is furnished to our hands in this Context, where you find the best men trembling in expectation of the worst events both on the Church in general, and themselves in particular. Their hearts were moved like the trees of the wood shaken with the wind, Chap. 7. v. 2.