Two treatises the first of fear, from Isa. 8, v. 12, 13, and part…

3. Consect. Thirdly, It hence appears to be the greatest folly, and vanity in the world to make any thing but God, our refuge in the day of trouble. This practice as you heard but now, is under Gods curse, ⟨p. 269⟩and that which is cursed of God, can never be comfortable to us. It is an honour peculiar to God, the right of Heaven, and therefore cursed Sacrilege to bestow it on the Creature. We read of some that make lies their refuge, and hide themselves under Falsehood, thinking when the overflowing Scourge comes it shall not come nigh unto them, Isa. 28. 15. They will trust to their wits and policies, they will fawn and flatter, lye and dissemble, cast themselves into a thousand shapes and forms to save themselves; but all in vain, the Flood shall sweep away their refuge of lies. Others make Riches their trust and confidence, Prov. 10. 15. The rich mans wealth is his strong city. If Enemies come their money shall be their ransom; but oh, what a poor refuge will this be? It may betray but cannot secure them, Behold, saith God, I will stir up the Medes against them, which shall not regard silver, and as for gold, they shall not delight in it, Isa. 13. 17. Riches profit not in the day of wrath, Prov. 11. 4. Job blessed God in the day of his adversity, that he had not made Gold his Hope, or the fine Gold his Confidence, Job 31. 24. Bless not thou thy self that thou hast such things to bestow thy hope and trust upon. Others make Men their Refuge, especially great and powerful Men, but to how little purpose is it! Put not your trust in Princes, nor in the Son of Man, in whom there is no help, Psal. 146. 3, 4. They cannot keep their Crowns upon their Heads, no, nor their Heads upon their Shoulders, the greatest Men are but Dust, and what can Dust do to Dust? Three things aggravate their misery, who misplace their Confidence by bestowing it on any Creature. 1. That Creature will certainly deceive them, men are deceitful men,