FOOTNOTES:

FOOTNOTES:[48]Eccleſ. 23. 26. Prou. 10. 7.[49]Eccleſ. 26. 25.[50]Eccleſ. 7. 26[51]Prou. 12. 4.[52]Eccleſ. 26. 21.[53]Eccleſ. 26. 25.[54]Sic ergò & ipſi, ſaluâ veniâ in gehennam detrudentur, dum ſaluô metû peccant. De pænit. c. 5. Reuel. 21. 8. & 22. 15.[55]Gen. 3. 16. Eph. 5. 23.33. 1 Cor. 7. 34.[56]1 Tim. 5. 10. 2 Tim. 1. 5. & 3. 15. Tit. 2. 4. Deut. 6. 7.[57]Prou. 31. 15, 21. Matth. 8. 6.[58]1 Tim. 5. 4. Eſth. 2. 7, 10. & 4. 4.Ruth 4. 15. Exod. 18. 7.[59]Phil. 2. 3. Rom. 12. 10, 16.[60]Iam. 2. 1. 1 Tim. 6. 18.[61]Titus 2. 3.[62]Luk. 1. 45, 56. Prou. 1. 20 & 5. 20 Gal. 6. 10 1 Tim 5. 10 Iob 6. 14

[48]Eccleſ. 23. 26. Prou. 10. 7.

[48]Eccleſ. 23. 26. Prou. 10. 7.

[49]Eccleſ. 26. 25.

[49]Eccleſ. 26. 25.

[50]Eccleſ. 7. 26

[50]Eccleſ. 7. 26

[51]Prou. 12. 4.

[51]Prou. 12. 4.

[52]Eccleſ. 26. 21.

[52]Eccleſ. 26. 21.

[53]Eccleſ. 26. 25.

[53]Eccleſ. 26. 25.

[54]Sic ergò & ipſi, ſaluâ veniâ in gehennam detrudentur, dum ſaluô metû peccant. De pænit. c. 5. Reuel. 21. 8. & 22. 15.

[54]Sic ergò & ipſi, ſaluâ veniâ in gehennam detrudentur, dum ſaluô metû peccant. De pænit. c. 5. Reuel. 21. 8. & 22. 15.

[55]Gen. 3. 16. Eph. 5. 23.33. 1 Cor. 7. 34.

[55]Gen. 3. 16. Eph. 5. 23.33. 1 Cor. 7. 34.

[56]1 Tim. 5. 10. 2 Tim. 1. 5. & 3. 15. Tit. 2. 4. Deut. 6. 7.

[56]1 Tim. 5. 10. 2 Tim. 1. 5. & 3. 15. Tit. 2. 4. Deut. 6. 7.

[57]Prou. 31. 15, 21. Matth. 8. 6.

[57]Prou. 31. 15, 21. Matth. 8. 6.

[58]1 Tim. 5. 4. EÅ¿th. 2. 7, 10. & 4. 4.Ruth 4. 15. Exod. 18. 7.

[58]1 Tim. 5. 4. EÅ¿th. 2. 7, 10. & 4. 4.Ruth 4. 15. Exod. 18. 7.

[59]Phil. 2. 3. Rom. 12. 10, 16.

[59]Phil. 2. 3. Rom. 12. 10, 16.

[60]Iam. 2. 1. 1 Tim. 6. 18.

[60]Iam. 2. 1. 1 Tim. 6. 18.

[61]Titus 2. 3.

[61]Titus 2. 3.

[62]Luk. 1. 45, 56. Prou. 1. 20 & 5. 20 Gal. 6. 10 1 Tim 5. 10 Iob 6. 14

[62]Luk. 1. 45, 56. Prou. 1. 20 & 5. 20 Gal. 6. 10 1 Tim 5. 10 Iob 6. 14

This glorious deſcription of a woman fearing the Lord, is not mine (Bleſſed Brethren) but the Scriptures, wherein I finde; 1. The cauſe of her Feare to be not Selfe-Loue[68], but the Loue of God; not the ſpirit of Bondage[69]; but the Spirit of Adoption: 2. The Obiect of her feare to be not the precepts of men[70], but the Commandements of God[71]: not his Threats only[72], but his Promiſes alſo[73]: not his Anger only againſt ſin[74], but his Mercy alſo in Chriſt[75]: not his Preſence only, as a Reuenging Iudge[76], but his Forbearance alſo as a louing Father[77]. 3. The workings of her Feare to be in the heat of temptations and afflictions,not Deſpairing[78]; but Beleeuing the forgiueneſſe of her ſinnes, not Limiting God to the present danger; but[79]waiting for his mercy, not Diſtruſting his Prouidence; but hoping for Good[80]: not Murmuring againſt him; but praiſing Him, and praying vnto Him[81], yea (which is the proper Act of her Feare) not Louing any ſin, but hating and eſchewing all ſin[82], not out of a ſlauiſh terrour of puniſhment; but chiefly becauſe it is Sinne, an Infinite euill; and becauſe an Infinite Good God, whom ſhe loueth (ſaith SaintAuguſtine) is offended by it, though ſhe ſhould neuer goe to Hell-fire to be puniſhed for it[83].

FOOTNOTES:[63]Gal. 6. 9. Iam. 1. 19.1 Tim. 4. 13.1 Theſſ 5. 17. Luk. 2. 37.Epheſ. 4. 26.Phil. 4. 5. 1 Pet. 3. 4.Luk. 9. 23. & 14. 26.[64]Pſal. 18. 23. & 77. 10. Gen. 39. 9.Prou. 16. 6. & 8. 13.[65]Gen. 17. 1. Pſal. 6. 8. & 116. 9.Act. 10. 33. 2 Cor. 6. 17. Iob 34. 21.Prou. 15. 3. & 5. 22.2 Chron. 16. 91 King. 17. 1. Magna eſt cautela peccati, Dei ſemper preſentiam timere.S. Aug. de Temp. tom. 212. tom. 10.[66]Multum enim refrænat homines cōscientia, ſi credamus nos in cōſpectu Dei uiuere, ſi non, tantum quæ gerimus uideri deſuper, ſed etiam quæ cogitamus, aut loquimur, audiri a Deo putamus &c. Lact. de Irâ Dei. c.8.[67]Eſ. 3. 8. 1 Cor. 3. 22. Pſalm. 119. 14.72. 127.162.[68]2 Tim. 1. 7 & 3. 2.[69]Rom. 8. 15.[70]Eſ. 29. 13.[71]Deut. 4. 10. Eſ. 66. 2. Eccl. 12. 13. Prou. 13. 13. Pſal. 119. 161.[72]Pſal. 119. 120. & 52. 6.[73]2 Cor. 7. 1. Heb. 4. 1. Pſal. 130. 4.[74]Deut. 5. 9[75]Hos. 3. 5. Pſal. 33. 18 & 130. 4.[76]Ier. 5. 22. Act. 10. 2, 33.[77]Mal. 1. 6. Oſ. 3. 5. Hebr. 12. 9.

[63]Gal. 6. 9. Iam. 1. 19.1 Tim. 4. 13.1 Theſſ 5. 17. Luk. 2. 37.Epheſ. 4. 26.Phil. 4. 5. 1 Pet. 3. 4.Luk. 9. 23. & 14. 26.

[63]Gal. 6. 9. Iam. 1. 19.1 Tim. 4. 13.1 Theſſ 5. 17. Luk. 2. 37.Epheſ. 4. 26.Phil. 4. 5. 1 Pet. 3. 4.Luk. 9. 23. & 14. 26.

[64]PÅ¿al. 18. 23. & 77. 10. Gen. 39. 9.Prou. 16. 6. & 8. 13.

[64]PÅ¿al. 18. 23. & 77. 10. Gen. 39. 9.Prou. 16. 6. & 8. 13.

[65]Gen. 17. 1. Pſal. 6. 8. & 116. 9.Act. 10. 33. 2 Cor. 6. 17. Iob 34. 21.Prou. 15. 3. & 5. 22.2 Chron. 16. 91 King. 17. 1. Magna eſt cautela peccati, Dei ſemper preſentiam timere.S. Aug. de Temp. tom. 212. tom. 10.

[65]Gen. 17. 1. Pſal. 6. 8. & 116. 9.Act. 10. 33. 2 Cor. 6. 17. Iob 34. 21.Prou. 15. 3. & 5. 22.2 Chron. 16. 91 King. 17. 1. Magna eſt cautela peccati, Dei ſemper preſentiam timere.S. Aug. de Temp. tom. 212. tom. 10.

[66]Multum enim refrænat homines cōscientia, ſi credamus nos in cōſpectu Dei uiuere, ſi non, tantum quæ gerimus uideri deſuper, ſed etiam quæ cogitamus, aut loquimur, audiri a Deo putamus &c. Lact. de Irâ Dei. c.8.

[66]Multum enim refrænat homines cōscientia, ſi credamus nos in cōſpectu Dei uiuere, ſi non, tantum quæ gerimus uideri deſuper, ſed etiam quæ cogitamus, aut loquimur, audiri a Deo putamus &c. Lact. de Irâ Dei. c.8.

[67]EÅ¿. 3. 8. 1 Cor. 3. 22. PÅ¿alm. 119. 14.72. 127.162.

[67]EÅ¿. 3. 8. 1 Cor. 3. 22. PÅ¿alm. 119. 14.72. 127.162.

[68]2 Tim. 1. 7 & 3. 2.

[68]2 Tim. 1. 7 & 3. 2.

[69]Rom. 8. 15.

[69]Rom. 8. 15.

[70]EÅ¿. 29. 13.

[70]EÅ¿. 29. 13.

[71]Deut. 4. 10. EÅ¿. 66. 2. Eccl. 12. 13. Prou. 13. 13. PÅ¿al. 119. 161.

[71]Deut. 4. 10. EÅ¿. 66. 2. Eccl. 12. 13. Prou. 13. 13. PÅ¿al. 119. 161.

[72]PÅ¿al. 119. 120. & 52. 6.

[72]PÅ¿al. 119. 120. & 52. 6.

[73]2 Cor. 7. 1. Heb. 4. 1. PÅ¿al. 130. 4.

[73]2 Cor. 7. 1. Heb. 4. 1. PÅ¿al. 130. 4.

[74]Deut. 5. 9

[74]Deut. 5. 9

[75]Hos. 3. 5. PÅ¿al. 33. 18 & 130. 4.

[75]Hos. 3. 5. PÅ¿al. 33. 18 & 130. 4.

[76]Ier. 5. 22. Act. 10. 2, 33.

[76]Ier. 5. 22. Act. 10. 2, 33.

[77]Mal. 1. 6. OÅ¿. 3. 5. Hebr. 12. 9.

[77]Mal. 1. 6. OÅ¿. 3. 5. Hebr. 12. 9.

II.The continuance of her Feare.

Laſtly, in the Scriptures I finde Perſeuerance or Conſtancie[84]to be euer an inſeperable Attendant vpon her Feare! For ſhe is not one that hath not yet taſted of this ſauing Grace, or elſe not continued in the ſame; but ſhe is a woman for the preſent,Timens Dominum, Fearing the Lord. You ſhall neuer finde Her otherwiſe, than (as God would haue her)In the feare of the Lord all the day long, Prou. 23. Fearing and keeping his Commandements alwaies, Deut. 4. Doing her Husband Good and not euill all the daies of her life, verſe the 12. of this Chapter.

It is true indeed, as Feare is oppoſed to Diffidence,Luke 1.So ſhe ſerves God without a Diſtruſtfull Feare all the daies of her life; becauſe of Gods continuall preſence with Her[85], continuall mercy towards Her[86], continuall power[87]ouerHer, in Strengthening, Helping, and Vpholding Her,Eſai. 41. 10.But yet as Feare is oppoſed to Negligence, ſo ſhe ſtill feares God, leſt ſhe ſhould be ſecure by reaſon of his Power which is inuincible[88]; of his Wiſdome, which is infallible[89]; of his Mercy, which is compaſſionate[90]; and of his Iuſtice, which is inflexible[91].

FOOTNOTES:[78]Ier. 17. 17. Eccleſ. 2. 8.[79]Pſal. 33. 18. 20.Eccleſ. 2. 7.[80]Pſal. 115. 11. & 56. 3. Eccleſ. 2. 9.[81]1 Cor. 10. 10.Pſalm. 22. 23. Act. 10. 2.[82]Exod. 20. 20. Eccleſ. 15. 13. Prou. 8. 13. & 16. 6. 2 Tim. 1. 7. 1 Ioh. 4. 18.Hoſ. 3. 5. Pſal. 97. 10.Ier. 4. 18. & 2. 19.[83]Verò-Chriſtianus—proficiēdo perveniet ad talem animū, vt plus amet Dominum quàm timeat Gehēnam: vt etiamſi dicat illi Deus, vtere deliciſe carnalibus ſempiternis & quantum potes; pecca, nec morieris, nec in Gehēnam mitteris, sed mecum tantummodo non eris; exhorreſcat et omninò non peccet, non iam vt in illud quod timebat non incidat, ſed ne illum quem ſic amat, offendat. De Catechiz. Rudib. cap. 27. tom. 4. fol. 912.[84]Ierem. 32. 39, 40. Deut. 4. 10. Prou. 23. 17. & 14. 2. 1 Tim. 2. 15.[85]Matth. 28. 20 Eſ. 43. 1, 2.[86]Ier. 14. 9. Lam. 3. 22, 23.[87]2 Cor. 12. 9. Eſ. 26. 4. & 45. 24.Psal. 121. & 35. 24. Rom. 8. 26.

[78]Ier. 17. 17. Eccleſ. 2. 8.

[78]Ier. 17. 17. Eccleſ. 2. 8.

[79]Pſal. 33. 18. 20.Eccleſ. 2. 7.

[79]Pſal. 33. 18. 20.Eccleſ. 2. 7.

[80]Pſal. 115. 11. & 56. 3. Eccleſ. 2. 9.

[80]Pſal. 115. 11. & 56. 3. Eccleſ. 2. 9.

[81]1 Cor. 10. 10.PÅ¿alm. 22. 23. Act. 10. 2.

[81]1 Cor. 10. 10.PÅ¿alm. 22. 23. Act. 10. 2.

[82]Exod. 20. 20. Eccleſ. 15. 13. Prou. 8. 13. & 16. 6. 2 Tim. 1. 7. 1 Ioh. 4. 18.Hoſ. 3. 5. Pſal. 97. 10.Ier. 4. 18. & 2. 19.

[82]Exod. 20. 20. Eccleſ. 15. 13. Prou. 8. 13. & 16. 6. 2 Tim. 1. 7. 1 Ioh. 4. 18.Hoſ. 3. 5. Pſal. 97. 10.Ier. 4. 18. & 2. 19.

[83]Verò-Chriſtianus—proficiēdo perveniet ad talem animū, vt plus amet Dominum quàm timeat Gehēnam: vt etiamſi dicat illi Deus, vtere deliciſe carnalibus ſempiternis & quantum potes; pecca, nec morieris, nec in Gehēnam mitteris, sed mecum tantummodo non eris; exhorreſcat et omninò non peccet, non iam vt in illud quod timebat non incidat, ſed ne illum quem ſic amat, offendat. De Catechiz. Rudib. cap. 27. tom. 4. fol. 912.

[83]Verò-Chriſtianus—proficiēdo perveniet ad talem animū, vt plus amet Dominum quàm timeat Gehēnam: vt etiamſi dicat illi Deus, vtere deliciſe carnalibus ſempiternis & quantum potes; pecca, nec morieris, nec in Gehēnam mitteris, sed mecum tantummodo non eris; exhorreſcat et omninò non peccet, non iam vt in illud quod timebat non incidat, ſed ne illum quem ſic amat, offendat. De Catechiz. Rudib. cap. 27. tom. 4. fol. 912.

[84]Ierem. 32. 39, 40. Deut. 4. 10. Prou. 23. 17. & 14. 2. 1 Tim. 2. 15.

[84]Ierem. 32. 39, 40. Deut. 4. 10. Prou. 23. 17. & 14. 2. 1 Tim. 2. 15.

[85]Matth. 28. 20 EÅ¿. 43. 1, 2.

[85]Matth. 28. 20 EÅ¿. 43. 1, 2.

[86]Ier. 14. 9. Lam. 3. 22, 23.

[86]Ier. 14. 9. Lam. 3. 22, 23.

[87]2 Cor. 12. 9. EÅ¿. 26. 4. & 45. 24.Psal. 121. & 35. 24. Rom. 8. 26.

[87]2 Cor. 12. 9. EÅ¿. 26. 4. & 45. 24.Psal. 121. & 35. 24. Rom. 8. 26.

It is as true alſo (whichGerſonand others haue obſerued[92]) that many times a Deuout Soule is ſo diſquieted with a ſlauiſh Feare of the Aduerſary; that ſhe feares leſt ſhe hath not any true Feare of Gods Maieſtie; but yet (B. B.) ſay thePelagianwhat hee can to the contrary, ſuch is the Euerlaſtingneſſe of Gods Loue[93], Mercie[94], and Couenant[95], the Vnconquerableneſſe of his Power[96], the Immortality of his Word[97], the Certaintie of his Promiſes[98], the Efficacie of Chriſts Spirit[99]; Prayer[100], Merits[101], and of Faith in them[102]; yea ſuch is the durable vigour of this ſauing Grace ofthe Feare of the Lord[103], that being once rooted by God, (as SaintAuguſtinevrgeth) it cannot be remoued; but through it we may perſeueringly adhere vnto God according to his promiſe:I will put my Feare in their hearts, that they ſhall not depart from me, Ier. 32. 40.withPſal. 80. 17.She then that truely hath thisFeare, doth ſo feare the Lord inLoue, and loue him in feare[104], that as in the midſt of Gods not Conſuming, but Conſummating Anger (for ſo SaintAuguſtine[105]calls Gods Anger towards the Godly) ſhee can ſee the yerning and relenting Bowels of a Compaſſionate Father, ſo in the height of Satans Terrifying iniections, ſhe can ſhunne and abhorre Gods Diſpleaſure[106], more than all other miſeries of Puniſhments, and therefore in what ſtate ſoeuer ſhe be of Conſolation or Deſertion, ſhee is ſtill the ſame Woman,Timens Dominum, Fearing the Lord.

FOOTNOTES:[88]Matth. 10. 28.Deut. 28. 58.[89]Eſai. 29. 15, 16.Pſal. 50. 21.[90]Eſai. 43. 25. & 63. 9. & 49. 13, 15.[91]Eſai. 42. 14.[92]De diuerſis tentat. Diaboli, part 3. Mr.Greenham 5.part, among his Rules for an Afflicted minde.[93]Eſai. 54. 8, 9, 10. c. 49. 15. Ier. 31. 3. 36. c. 33. 20, 21.Ioh. 13. 1. Rom. 8. 38, 39. Mat. 12. 20.Eſai. 42. 3.[94]Pſalm. 103. 17.2 Sam. 7. 15.[95]Pſal. 89. 28, 34.Eſai. 55. 3. c. 59. 21.Ier. 32. 40.[96]Ioh. 10. 29. Iude verſ. 24. 1 Pet. 1. 5.Eſai. 26. 4. Pſal. 80. 17.Manus Dei eſt iſta, non noſtra vt non diſcedamus à Deo, manus inquā eius eſt iſta, qui dixit, Timorem meum dabo in cor eorū &c. S. Aug. de Bono perſeuer. c. 7. to. 7. Ier. 32. 27.[97]1 Pet. 1. 23. 1 Ioh. 3. 9.[98]Epheſ. 1. 13. Numb. 13. 19. Ioſ. 21. 45. 1 Ioh. 5. 10.Hebr. 7. 27. c. 11. 11. Rom. 4. 21. 1 Cor. 1. 9.[99]Eſai. 59. 21. Epheſ. 1. 13, 14. c. 4. 30. Ioh. 14. 16, 17. 1 Ioh. 2. 27.[100]Luke 22. 32. Ioh. 17. 15, 20. Rom. 8. 34. Hebr. 7. 25.[101]1 Pet. 1. 2, 3, 4, 5.1 Ioh. 5. 4, 18.[102]1 Pet. 5. 9. Epheſ. 6. 6. Matth. 16. 18.[103]Ierem. 31. 40. Perſeuerantiam enim promiſit Deus, dicens: Timorem meum dabo in cor eorum vt à me non recedant. Quod quid eſt aliud quàm talis ac tantus erit Timor meus, quem dabo in cor eorum, vt mihi perſeuerantèr adhæreant? Idem de Bono Perſeuer. c. 2. tom. 7. Rom. 11. 29.

[88]Matth. 10. 28.Deut. 28. 58.

[88]Matth. 10. 28.Deut. 28. 58.

[89]EÅ¿ai. 29. 15, 16.PÅ¿al. 50. 21.

[89]EÅ¿ai. 29. 15, 16.PÅ¿al. 50. 21.

[90]EÅ¿ai. 43. 25. & 63. 9. & 49. 13, 15.

[90]EÅ¿ai. 43. 25. & 63. 9. & 49. 13, 15.

[91]EÅ¿ai. 42. 14.

[91]EÅ¿ai. 42. 14.

[92]De diuerſis tentat. Diaboli, part 3. Mr.Greenham 5.part, among his Rules for an Afflicted minde.

[92]De diuerſis tentat. Diaboli, part 3. Mr.Greenham 5.part, among his Rules for an Afflicted minde.

[93]EÅ¿ai. 54. 8, 9, 10. c. 49. 15. Ier. 31. 3. 36. c. 33. 20, 21.Ioh. 13. 1. Rom. 8. 38, 39. Mat. 12. 20.EÅ¿ai. 42. 3.

[93]EÅ¿ai. 54. 8, 9, 10. c. 49. 15. Ier. 31. 3. 36. c. 33. 20, 21.Ioh. 13. 1. Rom. 8. 38, 39. Mat. 12. 20.EÅ¿ai. 42. 3.

[94]PÅ¿alm. 103. 17.2 Sam. 7. 15.

[94]PÅ¿alm. 103. 17.2 Sam. 7. 15.

[95]PÅ¿al. 89. 28, 34.EÅ¿ai. 55. 3. c. 59. 21.Ier. 32. 40.

[95]PÅ¿al. 89. 28, 34.EÅ¿ai. 55. 3. c. 59. 21.Ier. 32. 40.

[96]Ioh. 10. 29. Iude verſ. 24. 1 Pet. 1. 5.Eſai. 26. 4. Pſal. 80. 17.Manus Dei eſt iſta, non noſtra vt non diſcedamus à Deo, manus inquā eius eſt iſta, qui dixit, Timorem meum dabo in cor eorū &c. S. Aug. de Bono perſeuer. c. 7. to. 7. Ier. 32. 27.

[96]Ioh. 10. 29. Iude verſ. 24. 1 Pet. 1. 5.Eſai. 26. 4. Pſal. 80. 17.Manus Dei eſt iſta, non noſtra vt non diſcedamus à Deo, manus inquā eius eſt iſta, qui dixit, Timorem meum dabo in cor eorū &c. S. Aug. de Bono perſeuer. c. 7. to. 7. Ier. 32. 27.

[97]1 Pet. 1. 23. 1 Ioh. 3. 9.

[97]1 Pet. 1. 23. 1 Ioh. 3. 9.

[98]Epheſ. 1. 13. Numb. 13. 19. Ioſ. 21. 45. 1 Ioh. 5. 10.Hebr. 7. 27. c. 11. 11. Rom. 4. 21. 1 Cor. 1. 9.

[98]Epheſ. 1. 13. Numb. 13. 19. Ioſ. 21. 45. 1 Ioh. 5. 10.Hebr. 7. 27. c. 11. 11. Rom. 4. 21. 1 Cor. 1. 9.

[99]Eſai. 59. 21. Epheſ. 1. 13, 14. c. 4. 30. Ioh. 14. 16, 17. 1 Ioh. 2. 27.

[99]Eſai. 59. 21. Epheſ. 1. 13, 14. c. 4. 30. Ioh. 14. 16, 17. 1 Ioh. 2. 27.

[100]Luke 22. 32. Ioh. 17. 15, 20. Rom. 8. 34. Hebr. 7. 25.

[100]Luke 22. 32. Ioh. 17. 15, 20. Rom. 8. 34. Hebr. 7. 25.

[101]1 Pet. 1. 2, 3, 4, 5.1 Ioh. 5. 4, 18.

[101]1 Pet. 1. 2, 3, 4, 5.1 Ioh. 5. 4, 18.

[102]1 Pet. 5. 9. Epheſ. 6. 6. Matth. 16. 18.

[102]1 Pet. 5. 9. Epheſ. 6. 6. Matth. 16. 18.

[103]Ierem. 31. 40. Perſeuerantiam enim promiſit Deus, dicens: Timorem meum dabo in cor eorum vt à me non recedant. Quod quid eſt aliud quàm talis ac tantus erit Timor meus, quem dabo in cor eorum, vt mihi perſeuerantèr adhæreant? Idem de Bono Perſeuer. c. 2. tom. 7. Rom. 11. 29.

[103]Ierem. 31. 40. Perſeuerantiam enim promiſit Deus, dicens: Timorem meum dabo in cor eorum vt à me non recedant. Quod quid eſt aliud quàm talis ac tantus erit Timor meus, quem dabo in cor eorum, vt mihi perſeuerantèr adhæreant? Idem de Bono Perſeuer. c. 2. tom. 7. Rom. 11. 29.

Thus wee haue ſeene who ſhe is, whoſhall be praised, lest we ſhould praiſe Her vnawares, whom we ſhould not praiſe. And now it were good we did thinke a little better on the Reaſon, whyſhe ſhall be praiſed, euen becauſe ſhe is ſucha woman fearing the Lord.

The Reaſon.

For if any thing, ſo rare and excellent a Grace as theFeare of the Lordis, ſhould moue vs to affect it, and labour for it, eſpecially being found in so weake a Veſſell as a Woman is[107]. For I could tell you, there are moreMichals[108]thanAbigails[109], moreIezebels[110]thanSarah's[111], more proudVaſthy's[112], than humbleEſthers[113], more Fearefull women, than WomenFearing the Lord; and therefore the rarer ſuch Phœnixes are (as S.Ieromcalls them[114]) notOneto be found by wiſeſtSalomon[115], among aThouſand, greater is her praiſethat feareth the Lord[116].

FOOTNOTES:[104]Abſit enim vt timore pereat amor, ſi caſtus eſt timor. S. Aug. in Pſal. 119. tom. 8.[105]Eſt ira conſummationis, & eſt ira cōſumptionis, (nam omnis Vindicta Dei, Ira dicitur) ſed aliquando ad hoc vindicat Deus, vt perficiat: aliquando ad hoc vindicat, vt damnet. Idem in Pſal. 58 to. 8. ſ. 599.[106]——Qui glutine Deo conglutinatur, id eſt charitate ... terribilius & horribilius ipsâ Gehenna iudicat, in re leuiſſima vultū omnipotentis scientèr offendere.S. Bern. de Tripl. Coharen. Vincul.[107]1 Pet, 3. 7. Vir itaq, nominatus eſt, quòd maior in eo Vis eſt quàm in fœmina, & hinc Virtus nomen accepit. Item Mulier à mollicie eſt dicta ... velut Mollier. Lact. de Opſ. Dei. cap. 12.[108]1 Sam. 18. 21. & 25. 41.[109]2 Sam. 6. 16, 20.[110]1 King. 21. 7. 2 King. 9. 22, 30.[111]1 Pet. 3. 6.[112]Eſth. 1. 12.[113]Eſth. 8. 5.[114]Optima fœmina rarior eſt Phœnice. Malarum fœminarū tam copioſa ſunt examina &c. S. Ier. epiſt.[115]Eccleſ. 7. 28. Prou. 3. 10.[116]Laus tantò maior deferri ſolet, quantò eſt bonum rarius quod exigit Laudem. S. Aug. lib. 1. de Ciuit. Dei. cap. 28. tom. 5.

[104]Abſit enim vt timore pereat amor, ſi caſtus eſt timor. S. Aug. in Pſal. 119. tom. 8.

[104]Abſit enim vt timore pereat amor, ſi caſtus eſt timor. S. Aug. in Pſal. 119. tom. 8.

[105]Eſt ira conſummationis, & eſt ira cōſumptionis, (nam omnis Vindicta Dei, Ira dicitur) ſed aliquando ad hoc vindicat Deus, vt perficiat: aliquando ad hoc vindicat, vt damnet. Idem in Pſal. 58 to. 8. ſ. 599.

[105]Eſt ira conſummationis, & eſt ira cōſumptionis, (nam omnis Vindicta Dei, Ira dicitur) ſed aliquando ad hoc vindicat Deus, vt perficiat: aliquando ad hoc vindicat, vt damnet. Idem in Pſal. 58 to. 8. ſ. 599.

[106]——Qui glutine Deo conglutinatur, id eſt charitate ... terribilius & horribilius ipsâ Gehenna iudicat, in re leuiſſima vultū omnipotentis scientèr offendere.S. Bern. de Tripl. Coharen. Vincul.

[106]——Qui glutine Deo conglutinatur, id eſt charitate ... terribilius & horribilius ipsâ Gehenna iudicat, in re leuiſſima vultū omnipotentis scientèr offendere.S. Bern. de Tripl. Coharen. Vincul.

[107]1 Pet, 3. 7. Vir itaq, nominatus eſt, quòd maior in eo Vis eſt quàm in fœmina, & hinc Virtus nomen accepit. Item Mulier à mollicie eſt dicta ... velut Mollier. Lact. de Opſ. Dei. cap. 12.

[107]1 Pet, 3. 7. Vir itaq, nominatus eſt, quòd maior in eo Vis eſt quàm in fœmina, & hinc Virtus nomen accepit. Item Mulier à mollicie eſt dicta ... velut Mollier. Lact. de Opſ. Dei. cap. 12.

[108]1 Sam. 18. 21. & 25. 41.

[108]1 Sam. 18. 21. & 25. 41.

[109]2 Sam. 6. 16, 20.

[109]2 Sam. 6. 16, 20.

[110]1 King. 21. 7. 2 King. 9. 22, 30.

[110]1 King. 21. 7. 2 King. 9. 22, 30.

[111]1 Pet. 3. 6.

[111]1 Pet. 3. 6.

[112]EÅ¿th. 1. 12.

[112]EÅ¿th. 1. 12.

[113]EÅ¿th. 8. 5.

[113]EÅ¿th. 8. 5.

[114]Optima fœmina rarior eſt Phœnice. Malarum fœminarū tam copioſa ſunt examina &c. S. Ier. epiſt.

[114]Optima fœmina rarior eſt Phœnice. Malarum fœminarū tam copioſa ſunt examina &c. S. Ier. epiſt.

[115]Eccleſ. 7. 28. Prou. 3. 10.

[115]Eccleſ. 7. 28. Prou. 3. 10.

[116]Laus tantò maior deferri ſolet, quantò eſt bonum rarius quod exigit Laudem. S. Aug. lib. 1. de Ciuit. Dei. cap. 28. tom. 5.

[116]Laus tantò maior deferri ſolet, quantò eſt bonum rarius quod exigit Laudem. S. Aug. lib. 1. de Ciuit. Dei. cap. 28. tom. 5.

Then I muſt tell you, that euery Feare is not commendable. Not that Feare which is Hypocriticall, for this is Superſtition, when men feare the Feare of Idolaters[117]. Not that feare which is Worldly, for this is wicked ſelfe-Loue, when men feare Men[118], Loſſe of Goods, Fire and faggot, more than God the Onely Soueraigne Commander of the Soule, the Only Dreadfull Threatner of euerlaſting Burnings. Nor that feare which is Seruile[119]or adulterate[120], for this is no Vertue (prouesPariſ.) when men feare theEuill of Puniſhmentonly; not theEuill of Sinne, as an Adultereſſe feares the Comming home of her Huſband; but feares not the Committing of Adultery. Nor is that feare commendable, which is Diſtruſtfull or Immoderate likeRuben(asGerſon[121]alludes) growen great, and lying withBilhah, for this is Infidelitie when men tie Gods Grace to preſent deliuerance out of danger, without a Beleeuing and waiting Spirit for his Mercie,Eſai. 28. 16.

But theFearefor which aWoman ſhall be praiſed, is informed by Wiſdome, inſtructed by Vnderſtanding, directed by Counſell, ſtrengthned by Might, gouerned by Knowledge, adorned with Pietie, as SaintAmbroſecollects out of the eleuenth ofEſay[122]. It is a Faithfull feare truſting inGod[123], and making Him herFeare,Eſai. 8. 13.and her Hope too in the Day of Euill, not without this feruent Prayer vnto Him then:Be not thou a Terrour vnto me, Ier. 17. 17.A chaſt andCleane Feare[124], Cleanſing from all filthineſſe of the fleſh and Spirit.[125]A Reuerent and Godly Fear[126], Preparing the heart, Humbling the Soule in Gods ſight[127], Trembling at his Word[128], not Diſobeying it, Eſchewing[129]euill, Working righteouſneſſe and Giuing much almes[130]. A Bleſſed Feare it is[131], Bleſſing them that haue it, Bleſſing the Lord that giues it, Praiſing Him and ſaying:That his Mercy endureth for euer[132].

FOOTNOTES:[117]Eſai. 8. 12 Col. 2. 20.[118]2 Tim. 3. 2. Mat. 10. 28. Quis animæ Dominator, niſi Deus ſolus? Quis iste, niſi ignium comminator? ... Illi potius metum conſecandū &c. Tertul. aduerſ.Gnoſt. c. 9. tom. 3.[119]Timor Seruilis nō eſt Virtus, quialicet mala declinari ſaciat: non tamen hoc ſacit benè, id eſt ſaudibilitèr; immo ilitèr et brutalitèr, videlicet ſolo metæ feræ, ita enim occupat animum & intentionam timentis, oraculos cordis ad ſolam pœnæ euaſionem habeat &c.Paris. de Virtutibus, fol. 81. lit. H.&Paludan. l. 3. d. 34. q. 3.[120]—Coniun quæ adulterinum animū gerit, etiam ſi timòre viri non adulterium perpetrat: tamen quod deeſt aperi, ineſt voluntati, Caſta verò alitèr timet: nam & ipſa times virum; ſed caſtè. Deniq, timet illa, no vir inſeſtus adueniat, ista ne offenſus abſcedat. S. Aug. epiſt. 120. c. 21. to. 2.[121]Ruben violat Balamdum nimium grandis effectus eſt, quia timor ſi ſimius eſt, dum ſe cuſtodire nititur, format inutiles imaginationes, quibus ſe connoluens à ſalutaribus impeditur. Tract. 10. ſuper, Magnificat. part 3.[122]Lege Eſaiam: vide quantia ſubiecerit timorem vt faceret irreprehenſibilam & bonum Timorem. Spiritus inquit Sapientia &c. Talle Timori Domini iſta & eſt irrationabilis & inſipiens Timor, vnus ex illis: Foris pugnæ, intus Timores. In Pſal. 118. Ser. 5. tom. 4.

[117]EÅ¿ai. 8. 12 Col. 2. 20.

[117]EÅ¿ai. 8. 12 Col. 2. 20.

[118]2 Tim. 3. 2. Mat. 10. 28. Quis animæ Dominator, niſi Deus ſolus? Quis iste, niſi ignium comminator? ... Illi potius metum conſecandū &c. Tertul. aduerſ.Gnoſt. c. 9. tom. 3.

[118]2 Tim. 3. 2. Mat. 10. 28. Quis animæ Dominator, niſi Deus ſolus? Quis iste, niſi ignium comminator? ... Illi potius metum conſecandū &c. Tertul. aduerſ.Gnoſt. c. 9. tom. 3.

[119]Timor Seruilis nō eſt Virtus, quialicet mala declinari ſaciat: non tamen hoc ſacit benè, id eſt ſaudibilitèr; immo ilitèr et brutalitèr, videlicet ſolo metæ feræ, ita enim occupat animum & intentionam timentis, oraculos cordis ad ſolam pœnæ euaſionem habeat &c.Paris. de Virtutibus, fol. 81. lit. H.&Paludan. l. 3. d. 34. q. 3.

[119]Timor Seruilis nō eſt Virtus, quialicet mala declinari ſaciat: non tamen hoc ſacit benè, id eſt ſaudibilitèr; immo ilitèr et brutalitèr, videlicet ſolo metæ feræ, ita enim occupat animum & intentionam timentis, oraculos cordis ad ſolam pœnæ euaſionem habeat &c.Paris. de Virtutibus, fol. 81. lit. H.&Paludan. l. 3. d. 34. q. 3.

[120]—Coniun quæ adulterinum animū gerit, etiam ſi timòre viri non adulterium perpetrat: tamen quod deeſt aperi, ineſt voluntati, Caſta verò alitèr timet: nam & ipſa times virum; ſed caſtè. Deniq, timet illa, no vir inſeſtus adueniat, ista ne offenſus abſcedat. S. Aug. epiſt. 120. c. 21. to. 2.

[120]—Coniun quæ adulterinum animū gerit, etiam ſi timòre viri non adulterium perpetrat: tamen quod deeſt aperi, ineſt voluntati, Caſta verò alitèr timet: nam & ipſa times virum; ſed caſtè. Deniq, timet illa, no vir inſeſtus adueniat, ista ne offenſus abſcedat. S. Aug. epiſt. 120. c. 21. to. 2.

[121]Ruben violat Balamdum nimium grandis effectus eſt, quia timor ſi ſimius eſt, dum ſe cuſtodire nititur, format inutiles imaginationes, quibus ſe connoluens à ſalutaribus impeditur. Tract. 10. ſuper, Magnificat. part 3.

[121]Ruben violat Balamdum nimium grandis effectus eſt, quia timor ſi ſimius eſt, dum ſe cuſtodire nititur, format inutiles imaginationes, quibus ſe connoluens à ſalutaribus impeditur. Tract. 10. ſuper, Magnificat. part 3.

[122]Lege Eſaiam: vide quantia ſubiecerit timorem vt faceret irreprehenſibilam & bonum Timorem. Spiritus inquit Sapientia &c. Talle Timori Domini iſta & eſt irrationabilis & inſipiens Timor, vnus ex illis: Foris pugnæ, intus Timores. In Pſal. 118. Ser. 5. tom. 4.

[122]Lege Eſaiam: vide quantia ſubiecerit timorem vt faceret irreprehenſibilam & bonum Timorem. Spiritus inquit Sapientia &c. Talle Timori Domini iſta & eſt irrationabilis & inſipiens Timor, vnus ex illis: Foris pugnæ, intus Timores. In Pſal. 118. Ser. 5. tom. 4.

Laſtly, it is an Euerlaſting Feare, euer encreaſing[133], andEnduring for euer[134], though not in reſpect of the Act of Declination or eſchewing of ſinne[135], becauſe in Heauen there is no feare of ſinning[136]; yet in reſpect of the Act of Celebration or Reuerencing God, becauſe there the Saints doe nothing elſe; but ſtill Giue Glory to Him, and Worſhip Him with humble Acknowledgement of their owne Vnworthineſſe,Pſal. 19. 9.withReuel. 4. 10. 11.

The Excellencie of Godly Feare.

Now (Honourable and Beloued) though I haue ſet nothing at all beſides this Heauenly Manna before your eyes; yet your full Soules muſt not Loath it. For if that only is to be praiſed which is excellent[137], then (by your leaue) I muſt ſtand ſomewhat longer vpon the Excellencie of thisFeare, beforea Womancan bepraiſedthat hath it.

FOOTNOTES:[123]Pſal. 115. 11. & 147. 11. Eſai. 50. 10.[124]Pſal. 19. 9[125]2 Cor. 7. 1.[126]Hebr. 12. 28.[127]Eccleſ. 2. 17. & 21. 6.[128]Eſai. 66. 2. Eccle. 2. 15.[129]Iob 1. 1.[130]Act. 10. 35, 2, 31.Eccleſ. 25. 1.[131]Pſal. 112. 1. & 128. 1.[132]Pſal. 135. 13. & 118. 4 & 22. 23.[133]1 King. 18. 3. 12.Tob. 14. 4.[134]Pſal. 19. 9. Reuel. 7. 10, 11 & 19. 1, 3, 4, 5, 6.[135]Bonau. lib. 3. d. 34. q. 3. p. 89. Tho. Aquin. II q. 79. a. II[136]In cœlo, vbi non eſt peccatum Gloria eſt & perpetua laus & indefeſſæ præconia. S. Ierom. ad Therdoram. Epitaph. Lucinij. Timorem Offenſa & Timorem Pœnæ. Gloria Timorem Patriæ propter coram imperfectionem nō paritur. In tuto enim erimus et ȃ pœnæ et ab offenſa. Pariſ. de Virtutibus, lit. A. F.[137]Laudare plus eſt quàm probare & prædicare. Nam Laudamus id quod excellit &c. Auſo. Popma de Differen. Virt. l. 3.

[123]PÅ¿al. 115. 11. & 147. 11. EÅ¿ai. 50. 10.

[123]PÅ¿al. 115. 11. & 147. 11. EÅ¿ai. 50. 10.

[124]PÅ¿al. 19. 9

[124]PÅ¿al. 19. 9

[125]2 Cor. 7. 1.

[125]2 Cor. 7. 1.

[126]Hebr. 12. 28.

[126]Hebr. 12. 28.

[127]Eccleſ. 2. 17. & 21. 6.

[127]Eccleſ. 2. 17. & 21. 6.

[128]EÅ¿ai. 66. 2. Eccle. 2. 15.

[128]EÅ¿ai. 66. 2. Eccle. 2. 15.

[129]Iob 1. 1.

[129]Iob 1. 1.

[130]Act. 10. 35, 2, 31.Eccleſ. 25. 1.

[130]Act. 10. 35, 2, 31.Eccleſ. 25. 1.

[131]PÅ¿al. 112. 1. & 128. 1.

[131]PÅ¿al. 112. 1. & 128. 1.

[132]PÅ¿al. 135. 13. & 118. 4 & 22. 23.

[132]PÅ¿al. 135. 13. & 118. 4 & 22. 23.

[133]1 King. 18. 3. 12.Tob. 14. 4.

[133]1 King. 18. 3. 12.Tob. 14. 4.

[134]PÅ¿al. 19. 9. Reuel. 7. 10, 11 & 19. 1, 3, 4, 5, 6.

[134]PÅ¿al. 19. 9. Reuel. 7. 10, 11 & 19. 1, 3, 4, 5, 6.

[135]Bonau. lib. 3. d. 34. q. 3. p. 89. Tho. Aquin. II q. 79. a. II

[135]Bonau. lib. 3. d. 34. q. 3. p. 89. Tho. Aquin. II q. 79. a. II

[136]In cœlo, vbi non eſt peccatum Gloria eſt & perpetua laus & indefeſſæ præconia. S. Ierom. ad Therdoram. Epitaph. Lucinij. Timorem Offenſa & Timorem Pœnæ. Gloria Timorem Patriæ propter coram imperfectionem nō paritur. In tuto enim erimus et ȃ pœnæ et ab offenſa. Pariſ. de Virtutibus, lit. A. F.

[136]In cœlo, vbi non eſt peccatum Gloria eſt & perpetua laus & indefeſſæ præconia. S. Ierom. ad Therdoram. Epitaph. Lucinij. Timorem Offenſa & Timorem Pœnæ. Gloria Timorem Patriæ propter coram imperfectionem nō paritur. In tuto enim erimus et ȃ pœnæ et ab offenſa. Pariſ. de Virtutibus, lit. A. F.

[137]Laudare plus eſt quàm probare & prædicare. Nam Laudamus id quod excellit &c. Auſo. Popma de Differen. Virt. l. 3.

[137]Laudare plus eſt quàm probare & prædicare. Nam Laudamus id quod excellit &c. Auſo. Popma de Differen. Virt. l. 3.

I demand then what doe you count Excellent? Riches, Honour, Life. Why, theſe are neuer well gotten, nor well kept; but bythe Feare of the Lord. So ſaithSalomon,By the feare of the Lord are Riches and Honour, and Life[138]. Say what you will, it muſt needs be an Excellent thing wherwith Chriſt Ieſus Himſelfe was Filled, and that was withThe Spirit of this Feare, Eſai. 11. 2.[139]. An excellent thing which God Himſelfe so earneſtly deſires to be ſtill in vs, and that is this Feare.O(ſaith He)that there were ſuch an Heart in them, that they would feare me, and keepe my Commandements alwaies[140], which is indeed thewhole Dutie of Man[141]; without which (SaintBernardconcludes)Euery man is Nothing. He is not a Man (reaſons a Schoole-man[142]) but the Shadow of a Man; becauſe He imployes not his Soule to that noble End for which he had it, namely, to be ſquared and ruledby the feare of the Lord: without which no man can ſo much as Begin to be wiſe, becauſe thisFeare is the Beginning[143]of wiſdome, nor ſo much asBegin to Loue God, becauſe thisFeare is the Beginning of the Loue of God[144]. It is theSalt(alludesBleſenſis) that muſt be in euerySacrifice[145], in eueryWorke we doe, ſo that there is noSeruing God, noReioycingin Him[146], no heartieRepenting[147], noChaſt Conuerſing[148], noPerfecting Holineſſe[149], noWorking out our Saluation, but withFeare and Trembling[150]; nay there is noSaluation, noBleſſedneſſewithoutContinuing in this Feare[151],Prou. 28. 14.Againe, is not that Excellent, that will make vs more Excellent than our Neighbours[152],that will Exalt vs aboue them, that will keepe our hearts from Hardning[153], our Houſes from Ouerthrowing[154]? but nothing can doe this; but thisFeare of the Lord. This feare (ſaithPariſ.[155]) can cauſe a ſpiritual Earth-quake in a mans Heart, able to ouerthrow all the Deuils ſtrongeſt holds, any[156]Boſome-ſinne, be it neuer ſo pleaſing and profitable, by reaſon of that Contrarietie and Oppoſition[157]that is betweene Lying in any Sweet Sinne, and Liuing in Gods Feare and Fauour, as you may ſee,Leuit. 25. 36.

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