7. Now, as Jesus Christ is he that can most certainly deliver us from all fear of man; so none can teach us better than he himself, by what means we must fight against it. And this he hath carefully done, especially in the latter part of his state of humiliation, leaving his disciples, in his farewel discourse to them, St. _John_ 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 chapters) a most effectual medicine against it. Now the chief point insisted on herein is, his promise of sending the Holy Ghost to his disciples; whom also he calls the Comforter, because he drives away all fear of man out of the heart, filling and overflowing the same (which bare reason cannot do) with a stream of life and power.
Therefore, let him that would be a follower of Christ in truth, read and consider this with due application: and then with full assurance accept of and rely upon this his promise: and with filial freedom and confidence pray to Christ to make it good unto him. And verily if we do bear reproach for his name’s sake, _the Spirit of glory and of God resteth upon us_. And since Christ himself is so near to them who suffer for his sake, that thereby they become habitations of God, upon which the glory of God resteth, yea, which are filled with the Spirit of glory and of God; should we not, when tempted to fear man, be strongly moved thereby, to resist the temptation with all our might, and stedfastly to believe that the power of God will be perfected in our weakness? And what a comfort it is, that the Spirit himself _helpeth our infirmities_? Yea, and _maketh intercession for us with groans that cannot be uttered_? That is, most powerfully, and in a manner altogether inconceivable by human reason: he being our continual advocate in heaven, and in the council of the Holy Trinity, bequeathed to us by Christ, as long as we continue orphans in this world. Nay, Christ himself, who is at the right hand of God, ever maketh intercession for us. O that we were thoroughly sensible of the joy and readiness lodged in the heart of God, to support all those who, seeking all their help from him alone, rely wholly on his paternal goodness! How easily then should we get rid of the fear of man, and even blush for shame, that we had ever been diverted by it from any good undertaking!
*8. But all these means will nothing avail, if we consult in any thing with flesh and blood, or with other fearful men. As ever therefore we desire to be made free, we must either wholly forsake these persons, and avoid all conversation with them, or at least, use it so far as absolute necessity requires with the utmost caution and circumspection. Many have undertaken a good thing in readiness of faith, but while they did not set about it immediately, without conferring with flesh and blood, but first asked the advice of this and another friend, they gave over the design, and stifled the gift of God that was in them. Indeed it is not to be expressed how many useful designs are by this means hindered and laid aside. Doubtless, we ought not to rely too much on our own prudence, or to slight the advice of experienced men: but we must beware too of the other extreme, of _being tossed about with every wind of doctrine_: for it is a good thing that the heart be established; which stability is obtained by faith, but is easily lost again by the fearful talk of those that have little faith.
9. On the contrary, let us confer with the holy apostles, and observe the unusual earnestness wherewith they labour to free every one that nameth the name of Christ, from the fear of man. Would you know with what weapons they armed themselves against it, _as good soldiers of Jesus Christ_? Why they _took unto them the whole armour of God, and so were able to withstand in the evil day_. And thus may you gain the victory, which you will never be able to obtain by human weapons, such as wit and learning.
10. Indeed, not only the writings of the apostles; not only all holy writ, from the beginning thereof to the end; but heaven and earth, yea, and all the creatures of God would assist us, would we consider them with a believing heart. Doth not our Saviour, to reproach our idle fear, send us even to the sparrows for better information? _Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing, and one of them shall not fall to the ground without your Father?_ Nay, he directs us to the very hairs of our head, saying, _But the very hairs of your head are all numbered_. Elsewhere, he takes the grass of the field to witness against our little faith: and all this to expose our horrible unbelief, and to represent to us in a clear light, that a man by faith becomes the most glorious, and by unbelief the most base and miserable of all creatures.