Some important truths about conversion, delivered in sundry sermons, / by Increase Mather, D.D.…

5. Herein is implied. Lowliness and Humility. Some have well observed, that this phrase of Fear and Trembling, is used five times in the Scripture, and always it is taken in this sense, even for Lowliness and Humility. And this suits here with the Context, where the scope of the Apostle (as before was intimated) is to exhort to Humility and Self-denial; and this is expressed by saying, Work out your Salvation with fear and trembling. There are two mighty hindrances of Salvation; One is Security, unto this fear is opposed; if you would be saved, then beware of Security, but fear. Another hindrance of Salvation is Pride, unto this Trembling or Humility is opposed. And this is well put in, because if men work about their Salvation, they are apt to be proud. There is nothing more natural unto man, than to be proud & self-confident by reason of his own works. If men labour in the practice of works of Righteousness, which are, though• not the cause, yet the way unto life and happiness, ⟨p. 240⟩they are apt to rest therein; and such Souls are in the greatest danger of ruin. There is no evil more dangerous than that of spiritual Pride, when men rest in their Prayers and Duties and good Works; therefore this of Trembling is fitly put in by the Apostle, when he exhorts to work about our own Salvation.

5. Herein is implied. Lowliness and Humility. Some have well observed, that this phrase of Fear and Trembling, is used five times in the Scripture, and always it is taken in this sense, even for Lowliness and Humility. And this suits here with the Context, where the scope of the Apostle (as before was intimated) is to exhort to Humility and Self-denial; and this is expressed by saying, W•rk out your Salvation with fear and trembling. There are two mighty hindrances of Salvation; One is Security, unto this fear is opposed; if you would be saved, then beware of Security, but fear. Another hindrance of Salvation is Pride, unto this Trembling or Humility is opposed. And this is well put in, because if men work about their Salvation, they are apt to be proud. There is nothing more natural unto man, than to be proud & self-confident by reason of his own works. If men labour in the practice of works of Righteousness, which are, though• not the cause, yet the way unto life and happinness,