§. 5. Of Fear lest we Fall.
THe word whereby the Apostle expresseth his jealousie, is Fear, (a 1.1 Let us se•…•….) This is a word of an ambiguous signification. Sometimes we are enjoy∣ed to fear, as Rom. 11. 20. And sometimes we are forbidden to fear, 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪ 12. 32.
Fear is one of the disliking affections: and it is good or evil, according to the* 1.2 object on which it is placed, and according to the ordering of it thereon.
Of the generall nature of fear, See Chap. 13. v. 6. §. 84.
Here it is taken for a disliking affection placed on the right object, which is 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to be shunned, according to the notation of the Greek word: whereof see Chap. v. 15. §. 149.
It here implieth two things:* 1.3
- 1. A supposition of such an evil as may fall out.
- 2. A care to prevent that evil, and to keep it from falling out.
These two may be exemplified in Iacob, who thus saith of his brother 〈◊〉〈◊〉 fear him, lest he will come and smite me, &c. Thus he supposeth that an evil will 〈◊〉〈◊〉 out. Hereupon he prayeth that God would deliver him, and withall useth 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to prevent that evil, Gen. 32. 11, &c.
Thus upon supposall that we may fall, we ought to do what we can to pre∣vent it.
In this sense is this word fear oft used; as Psal. 2. 11. Mal. 2. 5. Phil. 2. 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪ Heb. 12. 28. Hence is it that the man is pronounced happy, that feareth 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Prov. 28▪ 14.
Mans naturall pronesse to fall, and the many temptations whereunto he is •…•…∣ject, together with the deceitfulnesse of sinne, the subtilty and sedulity of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and Gods justice in leaving men to themselves, are strong enforcements of this 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of fear. Of all these, See Chap. 3. v. 12. §. 122.
Obj. We are in many places dehorted from fear: as Gen. 15. 1. & 26. 24. 2 〈◊〉〈◊〉 1. 7. 1 Ioh. 4. 18.
Ans. We must distinguish in this case. There is a fear of the Creator and of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 creature. Both these are good and bad.
The good fear of the Creator, is such a reverend awe of the Diving Majest•…•…▪* 1.4 maketh us very carefull in all things to please him, and fearfull of offending 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪ In this respect we are very suspicious and jealous over our selves in regard of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 past, lest therein we have offended him, (as Iob said of his children, It may 〈◊〉〈◊〉 my sonnes have sinned, Job 1. 5.) Or in regard of the future lest we 〈◊〉〈◊〉 offend.
The evil fear of the Creator, is a servile, distrustfull affection and dispos•…•…* 1.5 whereby we apprehend him to be so terrible a judge, as we shall never please 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and in that respect tremble at the very thought of God, of the day of judge•…•… and of hell fire. Thus the devils are said to tremble, Jam. 2. 19. This is the spe•…•… bondage, and a slavish fear.
Of good and evil fear of man, See Chap. 13. v. 6. §. 85, 86.
The fear here meant is that good fear of God, which makes us fearfull of •…•…∣ing him, and thereupon very jealous over our selves.
About this fear it becomes us throughly to examine our selves, and upon 〈◊〉〈◊〉 any evidence thereof in our souls to nourish and cherish the same: and to 〈◊〉〈◊〉