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…

2. They who Fear, God ought so far to Fear Hell, as it is a means to make them shake off Spiritual sloth. This disease is apt to seize upon Gods own people: the Wise Virgins Slumbered, Mat. 25.5. Now so far as the fear of Hell is an alarm or Watch bell to awaken the Godly out of security, and make them run faster to Heaven, so far it is a good and blessed Fear.

2. They who Fear, God ought so far to Fear Hell, as it is a means to make them shake off Spiritual sloth. This disease is apt to seize upon Gods own people: the Wise Virgins Slumbred, Mat. 25.5. Now so far as the fear of Hell is an alarum or Watchbell to awaken the Godly out of security, and make them run faster to Heaven, so far it is a good and blessed Fear.

3. The Fear of Hell is so far Good in the Godly, as it makes them afraid of being in the number of those who shall go to Hell. There are certain Persons in danger of Hell. 1. Who have all their Heaven in this Life, Isa. 47.8. Thou that art given to pleasure. Epicures swim in sensual delights; they had rather displease God than deny the flesh: these shall take up their quarters in Hell; Isa. 22.12, 13. In that day did the Lord of Hosts call ⟨p. 75⟩to weeping, and behold joy and Gladness, eating Flesh, and drinking Wine: surely this iniquity shall not be purged from you till you dye, saith the Lord. That is, this Sin shall not be done away by any Sacrifice.