The real Christian, or, A treatise of effectual calling wherein the work of God…

Fifthly, Adam in his pure estate was moved to obedience from a threat; of which more by and by.

Secondly, It is Scriptural: and if it agrees with Scripture, we little weigh what men, yea what Christians, say to the contrary.

Secondly, It is Seriptural: and if it agrees with Scripture, we little weigh what men, yea what Christians, say to the contrary.

First, Christ himself (we need no better warrant) moveth with this Argument; but whom doth he move? Luke 12.4. I say unto you, my friends, Christ is moving of his friends, (I call you not servants, &c. but I have called you friends, John 15.15.) be sure Christ will not move such with any Argument but what is consistent with, and worthy of his friends; I will forewarn you whom you shall fear; Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell: But will this Argument become a friend? He repeats it, Yea I say unto you, (not only to others that are but servants, but you, my friends) fear him, ver. 5. So Matth. 10.28. I know the distinction of punishment into paena damni, and poena sensus, is very true and Scriptural; and though some apply it here, that the punishment of loss, in hell, the loss of Gods face and favour, vision of him, which is the chiefest part of hell, may well be feared, and is consistent with the highest degree of love, and that is principally here meant; be it so, yet it is not only meant; for Christ maketh no such distinction here, but hell is it which he mentions, and shows it consistent with his Disciples, his friends (not Judas only) and if with them, then with any Christians to fear him, who casts into hell, and by this to be preserved from the slavish fear of men in doing their duty.