IT is reasonable and proper that we should fear lest a promise being left us of entering into rest, any of us should seem to come short; also that we should not be high-minded, but fear. We are to work out our salvation with fear and trembling.
But there is a kind of fear, against which we are warned; a fear to trust God and his word, and to throw ourselves by naked faith on the promises of God. The fear of man also brings a snare; but perfect love casteth out fear. (Slavish fear.) A child111may, and should fear its parents, but to a loving and obedient child, it is not bondage; it is love more than fear that prompts.
A good parent may be exacting and prompt with his child; but the willing and obedient child has nothing to fear; for he says, I know my father is wise and good, and will require nothing unreasonable. If therefore, I render perfect obedience, which of course, I as a good child, of a good father, will find pleasure in doing, what have I to fear? Nothing. Let us then give to the winds our fears, and go confidently to our Father, and tell him all our wants. He will not say nay to any thing we need.