Two treatises the first of fear, from Isa. 8, v. 12, 13, and part of the 14 : the second, The righteous man's refuge in the evil day, from Isaiah 26, verse 20 / by John Flavell.

SECT. II.

THis being So, how should all that fear God be affected with the appearances and signs of his indignation? So was David, Psal. 119. 120. My flesh trembleth for fear of thee, and I am afraid of thy judgments. He that feared not a Bear, a Lyon, a Goliah, yet trembleth at Gods judgments. So did Habakkuk, chap. 3. v. 16. When I heard, my belly trembled, my lips quivered at the voice, rottenness entred into my bones. Expressions denoting the deep∣est seizures of fear and greatest consternations; not that I would perswade you to such slavish fear, or un∣christian dejection, as it is not only sinful in it self, but the cause and inlet of many other sins: But to a due sense both of the evils of misery that will befal the Nation when Gods indignation comes upon it; and the evils of sin that have incensed it; and to such a fear of both as may seasonably awaken us to the use of all preventing remedies. And first,

1. O that all would lay to heart the National miseries that Gods indignation threatens upon us. It is said, Psal. 107. 34. A fruitful land is turned into barrenness for the wickedness of them that dwell there∣in. It was long since told England by one of its faithful

watchmen.

The Nation and Church▪ in which we are, is the common Ship in which we are all embarked, and if this in judgment be cast away, whether dashed against the rocks of any Foreign power, or swallowed up in the quick∣sands of Domestick divisions, it must needs hazard all the Passengers: Or if you were sure, that for your parts you might be safe; would it not be a bitter thing, to stand upon the shore, and see such a glorious vessel as this Nation is, to be cast away? To see this glorious Land defaced, the blessed Gos∣pel polluted, the golden candlestick removed, it cannot but affect men that have any bowels.

Or if this move you not, yet to see a stranger to Lord it in thy habitation, and thy dwelling place to cast thee out; for your delightsome dwellings, your fruitful pleasant and well tilled fields to be made a prey; for you to sow, and another to reap Impius has segetes; for the delicate woman upon whom the wind must not blow, to be exposed to the lust and cruelty of an enemy, and be glad to fly away naked to prolong a miserable life, which they would be glad to part with for death, were it not for fear of the exchange. For the tender Mother to look upon the Child of her womb; and consider, must this child in whom I have placed the hope of my age; for, Omnis in Ascanio stat chari cura parentis; He that hath been so tenderly bred up, must he fall into the rough hands of a bloudy Souldier, skilful to destroy. It had been well for me if God had given me dry breasts, or a miscarrying womb, ra∣than to bring forth children unto murtherers; or if you might be safe, how could you endure to see the miseries that should come upon your people,

and the destruction of your kindred.

Thus far he▪ But alass! What security have any of us as to our earth∣ly comforts from the common calamity? We may please our selves as Baruch did, Ier 45. 4, 5. and dream of exemption, but by so much the greater will our distress be, when it shall surprise us.

2. You that are the people of God ought to be deeply affected with the spiritual miseries that threa∣ten us in the day of Gods indignation: do you consi∣der what the removing the Candlestick out of its place is? A departing Gospel, the going down of the Sun up∣on the Prophets, the loss of your sweet Sabbaths, and Gospel Feasts, and the gross darkness of Popery to fill the earth: O it is hard parting with these things, it's said, 1 Sam. 7. 2. when the Ark was removed, that all the house of Israel lamented after the Lord. Pity your own Souls, and be deeply affected with the misery of others, the poor Christless world, who are like to perish for want of Vision, Prov. 29. 18. In the Year 1072, saith Matthew Par••s, Preaching was suppressed at Rome, and then Letters were fra∣med by some as coming from hell; in which the De∣vil gives them thanks for the multitude of Souls sent to him that year.

3. But especially labour to affect your hearts with the sins that have incensed Gods indignation: So did the Saints in Ierusalem, Ezek. 9. 4. they sighed and mourned for all the abominations committed in it. So did Lot, 2 Pet. 2. 7. He vexed his righteous soul from day to day. So did David, Psal. 119. 136. Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because men kept not thy law. O who that loves God can refrain tears, to see the God of pity, the God of tender mer∣cies, a father full of bowels of compassion, so incen∣sed and provoked to indignation! Oh it is an heart∣melting

consideration where there is any ingenuity. If our afflictions grieve God to the heart as it doth Iudg. 10. 16. Our souls should be grieved for his dishonour.

4. To conclude, get upon your hearts such a sense of Gods indignation as may quicken you to the use of preventing duties. So Amos 4. 12. Because I will do this prepare to meet thy God, O Israel. So the Pro∣phet, Zeph. 2. 1, 2. Gather your selves together be∣fore the decree bring forth. It was Moses his honour to stand in the breach, Psal. 106. 23. And Abra∣bam's to plead so with God, though he did not pre∣vail.

Notes

• * Mr. Strong.