Spiritual PerfeHion. 173 fenfible, and continually diverts men from the confderation of their Souls, un- lefs Eternal things are by a firong appli- cation imprefs'd on their Minds. Till urged by the Terrors of Everlafiing Death, they will reje± the offers of E- verlafting Life. While Carnal Men are in Profperity, they hate Inf ruaion to prevent Sin , and defpife Reproof to correa Sin, they flight the fearful report of Thunder, and do no more tremble at the Torments of Hell, threaten'd in the Word of God, than at Squibs and Crac- kers, the fort of Boys. But in Tharp Affliaions, and the approaches of Death, when Confcience draws near to God's Tribunal, it becomes bold, and refùmes the Government, and calls them to an account for all their Rebellions, and forces them to Confefs what they would fain Conceal, their fears of Eternal judg- ment. 2. Holy Fear preferves and increafes Religion. This may be confider'd as it includes Reverence of God, with Cira cumfpeaion and Caution. The Fear of Reverence is an infeparable Affection and Charaaer of a Saint : Hear the payers of thy fervants who defire to fear thy name. Thedelires include the fincerity of this Grace, in oppofition to Hypocrifie and pretences , for they are the unfeigned Iffues
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