Spiritual Perfec`fion. them ; for ífrong Fear and Delight are inconfiftent. If Terrors are ob)eaed to drive us from our Duty, the greater Fear will over-rule the lets ; the Fear of God will expel the fearfulnefs of Man : For the molt flaming Anger of Men is more tolerable, than a fpark of his Difplea- fure. From hence 'tis evident , that the Fear of God is the Fountain of hero- ick Courage , and fortifies the Spirit , that the threatenings of Men cannot fup- plant our conffancy. If our refidence were perpetual in this World, it were a point of Wifdom to fecure the Favour of Men ; but fnce we muff fhortly dye, as furely as we live, 'tis extreme folly, by compliance and low refpeEfs to Men, to lofe our intereff in God, and provoke him, with whom we muff be either in his favourable and felicitating prefence , or in his terribleprefence for ever. The Rage of Man cannot reach beyond the Grave, but the Wrath of God extends to Eternity. 'Tie a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living Gad, who lives for ever, and can punish for ever. Let us therefore be exhorted to pal; the time of our fójourning in fear. Temp- tations are frequent , and we are frail, and are never fife without circumfpeai- on. The Fear of God is the beginning of T 4 WZfBorn 279
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