The Life of Faith. 299 ready to think hardly of God, both for his ibreatning and exe- csation; as if it were long of him, and not ofthen-delves, that they arc miferable. And as it is a very hard thing to think of the punifhenene it fell with approbation; fo is it alto to think ache tbreatning, or Liw which binds men over to ir; or of the Judgement which will pats the fentence on them. But think of the true nature, uje and benefits of theft threats or penal Laws, and true reafon, and faith will not only be re- conciled to them ; but fee that they arc to be loved and ho- noured, as well as feared. r. They are of great ufe to drive us to obedience. And it is ealïer to fee the amiableness of Gods commands, than of his threats : And obedience to theft com- mands, is the holy reffitude, health and beauty of the foul. Ared therefore that which is a fuitable and needful means, to promote obedience, is amiable and beneficial to us. Though Love mutt be the principle or chief fpring of our obedience yet he that knowethnot that Fear muff drive, as Love mufi draw, and is neceffìry in its place to joyn with Love, or to do that which the weakneires of Love leave undone, Both neither knowwhat a man is, nor what Gods Word is, nor what his Government is, nor what either Magiffracy, or any civil, or domeffical Government is ; and therefore should Upend many years at School before he turneth a difpurcr. 2. They are ofufc to keep up order in t* mold; which could not bcexpc :d if it were not for Gads threatnings. If the world be fo full of wickcdnefs, rapine and oppreffions, nor- withffanding allthe threatnings ofHeP, what could we expe4 it thould be, if there werenonejuch, but even as the fubusbs of Hell it fell. When Princes, and Lords, and Rich men, and all thole thieves and rebels that can bat get firtngth enough to defend themfelves, and all that can but hide theirfaults, would, be under no retfraints eonlîderable, but would do all the evil that they have a mind to do : Men would be work to on another, thanBears and Tygers. 3. Gods threatnings in their primary intention or life, are made to keep usfrom thepuni¡hment têreatned. Punifhmcnt is natuva4y due to evil doers : And God declareth it, to give us orarning,that we may take heed, avoid it and efrape. 4. That whiff loth fo clearly demonftrate the Hotiners of P p a Gad;
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