Bates - BT766 B3 1699

Spiritual Perfec ion. and the chilling influence of Fear. A regular Hope in the Promifes, is joyn'd with an humble Fear and Subjenion to his Comma_nds. 4. HolyFear is mixed with Joy. Serve the Lordwith fear, and rejoyce with trem- bling. Carnal Joy, andCarnal Fear and Sorrow, are contrary Extremes that pro- ceed from contrary Caufes. A profpe- rous State in this World, and the Satis- fanion of theSenfizal Defines, is the root from whence carnal Joy fprings, and is nourifht : and the being deprived of Temporal good things, difabled by.Sick- nefs to enjoy them, or the profpen of fome imminent Difàffer, are the caufe of Fear and Guilt. But the exercîfe of Spiritual Joy and Holy Fear are confiffent at the fame time : for the ferious refleai- on on the Divine Attributes, excite'both thofe Affeaions. We read that when Mary Magdalen, with the other Mary, came to the Sepulchre of Chrift, at the bright appearance of an Angel that de- clar'd his Refurrenion, they went away withfear and great joy. Sinful AffeEions are oppofite to Grace, but Gracious Af- feaions are infeparable. The fear of offending God is a prefervative of our Joy in him : as a Hedge of Thorns is a Fence to a Garden of Roles. In the Kingdom of Love and joy , the Re- T 3 verent 1.77

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