A39696:64
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 formally and intrinsically sinful, not only our infelicity, but our fault, not our simple affliction and burden, but our great evil and provocation; and such is the fear here dissuaded, called Their Fear. (i. e.) the fear wherewith carnal and unbelieving men do fear, when dangers threaten them; and the sinfulness of it lies in five things.
THere is a Fear which is formally and intrinsically sinful, not only our infelicity, but our fault, not our simple affliction and burden, but our great evil and provocation; and such is the fear here dissuaded, called Their Fear. (i. e.) the fear wherewith carnal and unbelieving men do fear, when dangers threaten them; and the sinfulness of it lies in five things.
1. In the spring and cause of it, which is unbelief, and an unworthy distrust of God, when we dare not ⟨p. 12⟩rely upon the security of a divine promise, nor trust to Gods protection in the way of ou• duty: This was the very case of that people, Isai. 30. 15. Thus saith the Lord, the holy one of Israel, in returning and rest shall ye be saved, in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength; and ye would not, but ye said no, for we will flee upon horses; therefore shall ye flee: and we will ride upon the swift; therefore shall they that pursue you be swift, one thousand shall flee at the rebuke of one, &c.
Thus stood the case, Sennacherib with a mighty Host was ready to invade them, this puts them into a fright, in this distress God assures them by the mouth of the Prophet, That in returning and rest they should be saved, in quietness and confidence should be their strength. The meaning is, never perplex your selves with various counsels and projects to secure your selves under the wings of Egypt, or any other Protector, but with a composed, quiet, and calm temper of mind rest upon my power by faith, take my promises for your security, this shall be your salvation, and your strength, more effectual to your preservation, than Armies, Garrisons, or any creature defence in the World; one act of faith shall do you better service than Pharaoh and all his forces can do.