feareth alwayp." Nor should we shun even the slavish fear, since it is generally the prelude to that which is truly filial ; the spirit of bondage is intended to lead us to a spirit of adoption, whereby we may cry, Abba, Father q. Another ground on which men endeavour to put away the fear of God is, that it argues weakness of understanding and meanness of spirit ; but we are told on infallible authority, that " the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom : a good understanding have all they that do his com- mandments : his praise endureth for ever1." Permit me then to recommend to you this holy disposition. Learn to "fear that glorious and fearful name, The Lord thy Gods." Stand in awe of his Divine Majesty : and dread his displeasure more than death itself. Bethink yourselves, How you shall appear before him in the day of judgment. Settle it in your minds, whether you will think as lightly of him when you are standing at his tribunal, with all his terrible majesty displayed before your eyes, as you are wont to do now that he is hid from your sight. Examine carefully whether you are prepared to meet him, and to receive your final doom at his hands. I well know, that such thoughts are not welcome to the carnal mind : but I know also that they are salutary, yea, and indispensably necessary too for every child of man. I would therefore adopt the language of the angel, who flew in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting Gospel to preach to them that dwell on the earth, even to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people ; and like him I would say with a loud voice, " Fear God, and give glory to him ; for the hour of his judgment is come*:" it is come already in the divine purpose ; and it will speedily come to every individual amongst us, and will fix us in an eternity of bliss or woe.
The next disposition which God would have us cultivate, is, A love to Jesus as our Mediator. In pro- portion as we fear God, we shall love the Lord Jesus
P Prov. xxviii. 14. i Rom. viii. 15. r Ps. cxi. 10.
s Deut. xxviii. 58. l Rev. xiv. 6, 7.