A39696:771
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.
2. Gods precious estimation and value of them, engages his constant care for them. Believers are his Jewels, Mal. 3. 17. his peculiar people, 1 Pet. 2. 6. his special portion or treasure in this world, Deut. 32. 9. and as such he prizes and esteems them above all the people of the earth, and accordingly exerciseth his special care in all the dangers they are here exposed to. Special love engageth peculiar care.
3. The dangers and fears of the people of God, ⟨p. 240⟩in this world, are many and great, and were it not for the Lords assiduous and tender care over them, they must necessarily be ruined, both in soul and body, by them. The Church is God's Vineyard, its Enemies as so many wild Boars to root it up: Upon this account, he saith, Isa. 27. 3. I the Lord do keep it, lest any hurt it, I will keep it night and day. And indeed it is well for Israel, that he that keepeth it, never slumbereth nor sleepeth, Psal. 121. 4. that our houses are in peace, that we and our dear relations fall not as a prey, into cruel and bloody hands, skilful to destroy, that we find any rest, or comfort in so evil and dangerous a world, it is wholly and only to be ascribed to the care of God over us, and ours.
4. Jesus Christ hath solemnly recommended all the people of God, to his particular care. It was one of the last expressions of Christ love to them at the parting hour, Jo. 17. 11. And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world; and I come to thee: Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, q. d. While I have been personally present with them, I took the same care of them; as a Shepherd doth of his Flock, or a tender Father of his Children: But now I must leave them in the world, and in the midst of a world of dangers, fears and troubles, against which they can make no provision or defence themselves. Father remember them, look after them, when I shall be removed from them, they are thine, as well as mine; and I recommend them with my last breath to thy care and protection. This is a special ground also of Gods care for them.