The Power of Godliness, Book 3 · Chapter 9
CHAP. IX. Why Fear is to be rightly ordered. Reasons taken from the ill Effects of disordered Fear; And the singular Benefits of right ordered Fear. Wherein the Holy Exercise thereof consists. How Faith stirreth up this Fear in us. The severall Kindes of Fear that are to be shunned or amended, with Directions how to depend upon God, when all outward meanes fail.
Question, WHy is Fear to be rightly ordered?
A. 1. Vain and imaginary Feares do much trouble and annoy the mind, for that we frame and forge to our selves the miseries, the apprehension whereof afflicts our souls. The which made an Ancient to say, that there are more things which amaze us, then that press us: and that most commonly, opinion and apprehension, doth us more harm, then the thing it self. Wherein doubtless the condition of man is lamentable, for that as if he were not invironed by a sufficient number of true miseries, he forgeth others, which are not in nature, to increase his miseries. For we see daily that although there appear no presages, nor any signes of a calamity that doth threaten us, yet our minds do frame false imaginations and vain Feares, which many times are the causes of our ruine. There are some things which torment us more then they should do, others trouble us before the time, and some afflict us without cause or subject, for that either we increase our griefs and paines, or we forge them our selves, or else we runne before them and anticipate them. And whereas we should strive against these jealousies and false opinions which cause them, we suffer our selves to be vanquished, resembling therein certain Souldiers who being amazed at a little dust raised up by a Flock of Sheep, turned their backs, as if the enemy had been at their heels. 2. Disordered Fear breeds many ill effects in the mind of man, filling it with such confusion, as she leaves him neither memory, nor judgment, nor will to encounter any danger that threatens his ruine. Moreover, it deprives man of all courage: and whereas the apprehension of danger is a spurre to generous spirits, to fortifie them, and to make them seek powerfull meanes to avoid the danger; it doth so deject faint-hearted and fearfull men, as they remain, as it were immoveable and uncapable of all action. Moreover, it makes a man ashamed and confounded, and to contemn himself; it fils him with amazement, and as if it were able to convert him into a rock, it reduceth him into that stupidity, as he forgets himself, and becomes as it were, insensible of the miseries which oppress him, although they vex him worse then death.Peregr. Aff…ct. Keck…rm. …hys. li… 3. cap. 26. The effects of disordered Fear are divers and strange upon the body, as common experience and naturall reason do witness and prove apparently. 3. Carnall fear is very pernicious: for it cherisheth passion, feedeth vice, and turneth the heart away from God. He that feareth the loss of this worlds goods, or the disgrace of the times,Ioh 9.22. Ioh. 1.1.2. & 19.38. P…ov. 28.14. J…b. 1.1. Prov. 14.27. Prov. 8.13. Exo. 20.20. Prov. 14.16. & 16.6 more then the hazard of Gods favour, or the joys of Heaven, will never hold out in times of persecution. How did this Fear tyrannize over sundry followers or Disciples of Christ, who believed in him, but durst not openly profess him, least they should be cast out of the Synagogue? 4. Singular are the benefits of right ordered Fear; it preserveth from sinne, stirreth up to watchfulness, tameth the pride of nature, is the friend of counsell and advice, curbeth and quelleth all contrary motions, fears or terrors, whereby the heart might be turned from God. It strikes reason gently, and makes us circumspect to provide with Judgment for that which concerns us; for that it makes us carefull and attentive to look to our affairs, and to take order for that which is necessary to shelter us from stormes. But of the severall effects and benefits of Fear, see before in the sanctification of this Affection.
Q. Wherein stands the right Exercise of fear?
Heb. 11.7. Psal. 11….120. Rom. 13.7. Eph. ….5.A. When it is moved, quickned, and directed by Faith, both in respect of the object, order, degree, and effects of it. A good man is to fear whatsoever is to be feared, God and man, sinne and judgment, in himself and others, according to the nature, qualities, and degrees of the things to be feared, in such sort as to be made circumspect to depart from sinne, and to avoid evil by lawfull meanes. From which generall Rule spring these Particulars. 1. God is to be feared and not wicked men,Isa. 8 …2, 13. Mat. 6.26, 28. Luk. 12.4, 5. that set themselves against him. Fear ye not their fear, nor be afraid. But sanctifie the Lord in your heart. 2. Sinne is to be feared more then judgment, as that which is the cause of all sorrow and misery. 3. In respect of our proneness to sinne, and the snare that is laid for us in every creature,Exo. 21.29, …4, 35. 2 Cor 6 5. 2 Cor. 11.28. …ct 1.36 1 Thes. 3.5. we must be carefull to prevent evil in the least things: but as the things we handle are more weighty and of greater importance, so it behoveth to be of greater fear and circumspection, because in such cases many things happen, which do hinder their wicked success. 4. The fear of sinne or punishment should drive us to walk circumspectly, to shunne and avoid all causes and occasions of them, trusting in the free grace and mercy of the Lord. 5. The wrongs and troubles that we suffer from wicked men for welldoing,Psal. 56.3, 4. are not to be accounted evils that tend to our hurt: but gracious corrections or tryals, whereby God is pleased to purge, refine, prove, and do us good in the latter end. Therefore in doing good we must be of good courage, being well assured that we shall lose nothing by any hard measure that ungodly men lay upon us, for the testimony of a good conscience.
Q. How doth faith stirre up this Fear in us?
A. 1. It informeth truely of the goodness, power, and excellency of the object apprehended, what it can do, with what difficulty it may be obtained. Thus, by faith we come to discerne and know the Majesty, goodness, mercy, wisdom,Ier. 10 7. Apoc. 15.4. power, and absolute sovereignty of the Lord; the worth of his favour, and terrour of his wrath; what mercies he hath and will heape upon the righteous,1 Reg. 3.28. what judgments he hath and will execute upon transgressours. And the like may be said of men; by faith we learn what their worth and authority is, how farre their power and displeasure reacheth. Now according to the certain, clear apprehension of the mind, such is the fear and reverence of the heart. 2. It acquainteth us with our naturall proneness to sinne, our weakness and inability to withstand any evil; which worketh self-deniall, and holy jealousie, least we should runne into offences. He that knows how little he is able to do, will ever live in fear of himself, that he dash not upon the Rocks. 3. By faith we discerne what dangers we be lyable unto, how nigh they be, of what quality and degree, which be greater, and which less, which certain and unavoidable, which uncertain. It certifieth undoubtedly, that sinne is the greatest evil; and the displeasure of God is much worse then the frownes of men; that if we sinne to please men, he will cast soul and body into Hell; but if we venture the displeasure of men, to please God, their power cannot reach further then to torment the body,Eccl 8.12. Hos. ….5. Psal. …7.1, 2, 3. …sal 31.19. & 1…5.11. & 47.11. Exo. 20.20. Isa. 44 8. they can do no more then God hath determined, nor will he suffer them to do any thing, which shall be to our hurt, if in truth and singleness we cleave unto his testimonies. 4. It assureth of mercy, protection and strength of grace from above, so long as we cleave unto God, and follow hard after his Commandements: without which assurance fear would degenerate into frightfulness and desperation. Thus faith moveth sound, uniforme, and constant fear of circumspection, not of despair, of humility, not of dismaiedness.
Q. What are the severall Kinds of Fear that are to be shunned or amended?
A. 1. Ignorant, superstitious fear,Psal. 53.5. Mat. 14.26. which ariseth from blind frivolous conceits, that some things are of bad presage, although they be meer effects of nature, which should not be observed with any such trembling; as we have many times seen an Eclipse of the Sunne, or of the Moon which have their naturall causes, trouble whole Armies, and terrifie their Commanders. To this Head may be referred, the fear of silly and ignorant people to transgress the traditions and fond observations of their Fore-fathers, least some great evil should overtake then, when in the mean space they are altogether regardless of Gods Commandements. 2. Carnall fear, when the fear of men, or dangers from them, doth withdraw the heart from the love of piety or justice,Joh. 12.43. & 5.43, 44. Apoc. 21.8. or keep us back from earnest pursuite of fellowship with God. When the fear of disgrace, imprisonment, death withholds from the constant, sincere, bold profession of the truth unto which we are called; or when we fear misery more then sinne; then do we fear amiss. 3. Slavish fear, when the dread of evil drives to desperateness in evil, forceth to fly from the presence of God, or worketh only forbearance of the act of sinne, but expelleth not the love of it. 4. Fear of fainting or perplexity in respect of the difficulty of the duty, the strength of oppsition, the eminency of danger, malice of the adversary, and the long continuance of affliction. Be not afraid of suddain fear, Prov. 3.25. Luk. 12.32.neither of the desolation of the wicked when it it cometh. The meaning is not that we should be senseless of the afflictions that be upon us, or coming towards us, but we must not be dismaied or oppressed with fear, so as to forget or doubt of the providence or protection of God. The Lord is my light, and my salvation, whom should I fear? Psal. 27.1, 2, 3. Heb. 13.6.the Lord is the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid? Though an host should encampe against me, my heart shall not fear: though warre should rise against me, Psal. 46.1, 2.in this will I be confident. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear though the earth be removed; Psal. 49.5. Psal. 91.5. Job. 5.19, 20, 21. Isa. 41.10, 13, 14. & 43.1, 2.and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the Sea. Why should I fear in the daies of evil, when the iniquity of my heels shall compass me about? Thou shalt not be afraid of the terrour by night, nor for the arrow that flieth by day; nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness. Fear thou not, for I am with thee; be not dismaied, for I am thy God; I will strengthen thee, yea, I will h…lp thee. 5. Slight, inconstant, partiall fear, must be deeper rooted, better setled, and extended to all the parts of life, and the occasions of it. True fear must shew it self, not in some,1 Pet. 1.17. & 3.2. but in all the estates of life, and that in one thing as well as another. To be couragious in one particular, and to faint in another; to cast off the fear of shame, disgrace, trouble in one case, and in another to be withdrawn thereby from the duty which we owe unto God, is not to fear as we ought.
Q. How is this Fear to be stirred up in us?
A. To the right stirring up of this fear,Luk. 1.65. Mar. 4.40. & 5.15. Ier. 5.22, 24. Luk. 7.16. & 5.26. Act. 2.43. & 5.5. …sal. 90.11. Rom. 11.20. 2 Cor. 11.3. Heb. 4.1. Psal. 40.3. we must rightly exercise faith in the serious meditation of Gods Power, Majesty, goodness and mercy, shining in his works of creation, providence, mercy and judgment: we must also duly consider our own infirmity, weakness and frailty, the impotency of all means without Gods blessing, and the care and regard which the Lord hath over us, so long as we keep our selves close under the shadow of his wings; that he will be our hiding place and Pavillion against all them that rise up against us, be they never so many, mighty or malitious. But if we forget the Lord, and sinne against him, he will not spare to punish, such is his hatred and wrath against transgression. Did we truly acquaint our selves with the incomprehensible Majesty, goodness, and mercy of God, the security of the Saints when forsaken of all men, the danger of the wicked when compassed with humane aide on every side, the admirable over-ruling providence of God, providi…g for, and trying his servants, confounding his enemies after that he hath suffered them for a time, we should fear aright in all things according to the Word of God.
Q. Ought a man to look for as good success of his affairs, when all meanes fail, as if he had all meanes at hand? For example, should one that were lost in a fearfull wilderness, where he had no food in the world to refresh his body, as firmely believe, and as confidently trust, that he shall be fed at the time of his meales, as well as if he sate at a well-furnished Table?
A. The means which commonly God useth in giving his blessings, are indeed but as curtains and drawing clothes, after or under which God doth hide himself so, that his working cannot be seen, but by the eye of faith: wherefore also the Lord God, when he hath been pleased sometimes to manifest himself, in some work which he intended to do, hath taken express order, that the ordinary means should be removed,Iud. 7.2. that all the world might see the finger of God therein, and acknowledge that he did it. But howsoever the means in regard of him, who is bound unto no means, are but as Curtains whereunder he hideth himself; yet in regard of us, who are bound unto the use of them, when we may have them, they are the hands of God, whereby he is pleased ordinarily to reach unto us his blessing: wherefore when the means fail us, then withdraweth God his hand, whereby he commonly useth to help us, and we may well take it as a token of his displeasure and anger, which must be taken to heart; yet are we not to be troubled thereat, so as commonly men are, as if without those means there were no hope of help; but we ought to grieve that we have displeased God, and so apply our hearts to seek earnestly his favour and blessing, which is abundantly all-sufficient without all means. For if God compass us with his mercy, we may be of good comfort, even in the midst of the Lyons Den with Daniel, or in the fiery Oven with the three young men of Israel, or in the fearfull Wilderness with Eliah, or with King David in his manifold wanderings and chasings too and fro before his enemy. When all appearance of help is taken away, and means of escape stopped, then must we humble our selves before God in hearty supplication, with godly sorrow for our offences, resting assured of his help, if not just so as we desire, yet so as shall be best for us both in life and death. Even as it happened to Abraham when he was about to offer his Son Isaac, which yet was the only known mean, by whose life, both he and his, should be saved. And for the means, we are to know that our life and welfare is not shut up in them, but in Gods hand, which is the richest Treasure in the world, whereout (if he please to open it) he bringeth the fulne…s of blessing forth.Psal. 145.15. Behold the Lord needeth but to speak the word, and the means should readily runne to him to help us. Even our enemies which oppress us, shall be compelled feignedly to serve us, so soon as it shall please the Lord to take our cause in hand. We read that King Ahasuerosh commanding that Haman should so and so honour Mordechai; Psal. 18.45.Mordechai, I say, whom he hated as a Spider in his heart; that Mordechai, for whom he had prepared a Gallowes to hang him thereon, he did notwithstanding readily obey. Shall then a King, an earthly King have so much power and authority over his subjects? and shall not the King of Kings, the King of Heaven, have power to make our enemies serve us, or do us good, in this or that manner, whether they will or no? How greatly were the Aegyptians enraged against the Israelites, yet God so ordered the matter, that they sent the Israelites many silver and golden Vessels to enrich them with. In the greatest need we can fall into, let us look but unto the Israelites condition in the Wilderness, which was a figure of the manifold tossing to and fro of the Children of God in this wide world. How fared they? Did not the Lord make up all their wants, by his secret blessing? Were they an hungred, and was there no Bread at hand? Did he not cause Bread to rain down from Heaven? Were they a thirst, and was there no water near? Did not the Lord God cause water to come out of the Rock? Had they no means at hand to renew their clothes in the Wilderness,Psal. 90.1. when they should be worn out? Did not he cause their clothes to endure forty years, without waxing old?