Religion our true interest, or, Practical notes upon the third chapter of Malachi the…Religion our true interest, or, Practical notes upon the third chapter of Malachy the…

10. The Fear of God is a great Cleanser, Psalm 19.9. The fear of the Lord is clean. It is so, 1. In its own nature, it is a pure, Crystal, Orient grace. 2. It is clean Effective, in the effect of it; it cleanseth the Heart and Life; as a Spring works out the mud, so it purgeth out the love of sin. The Heart is the Temple of God, and Fear sweeps and cleanseth this Temple that it be not defiled.

10. The Fear of God is a great Cleanser, Psalm 19.9. The fear of the Lord is clean. It is so, 1. In its own nature, it is a pure, Christal, Orient grace. 2. It is clean Effective, in the effect of it; it cleanseth the Heart and Life; as a Spring works out the mud, so it purgeth out the love of sin. The Heart is the Temple of God, and Fear sweeps and cleanseth this Temple that it be not defiled.

11. The Fear of God makes us accepted with God, Act. 10.35. In every nation he that Feareth God is accepted with him. What was St. Paul so ambitious of? 2 Cor. 5.9. We labour that we may be accepted with him^*. Divine Fear ingratiates us into divine Favour. Such as are Fearless of God, neither their Persons or Offerings find acceptance, Amos 5.21, 22. I despise your Feast days, and I will not smell in your solemn Assemblies; though ye offer me burnt-offerings, I will not accept them. Who will take a Gift from one that hath the plague?

11. The Fear of God makes us accepted with God,