CHAPTER I.

_Of the nature and causes of the fear of man._

1. THE fear of man, in things pertaining to God, is a most heinous vice, and a kind of idolatry, whereby we think, speak, or do some evil, or decline thinking, speaking, or doing some good, out of some sort of consideration of men, or apprehension of their displeasure. Now the more there is of this fear still cleaving to believers, the more dangerous is the condition of their souls.

The causes hereof are either internal or external. The internal are chiefly these:

1. Unbelief, which is the root of all vices.

2. The love of the world, and the things of the world, and the want of self-denial; which makes us fear men would prejudice us in our reputation, estate, or ease, if we simply followed the word of God.

3. False humility, which is swayed more by the authority of men, than by the word of God, and prompts us to refer all things to the judgment of others, as understanding them better than ourselves.

4. An eager desire of visible success in all our undertakings; whereas we ought to rest satisfied with an inward victory; that is, with having kept a good conscience toward God.

5. Want of experience in the ways of God, which makes us hesitate in difficult cases, and indisposes the soul to rely upon God, fearing lest he should let us fail or miscarry in them, or that it would be presumption and tempting of God, to cast ourselves wholly upon him. This proceeds from our not having sufficiently learned, how dear they are to God that entirely trust in him: and what powerful assistance he affords, to accomplish his own work in them.

6. Neglect of prayer, which not only prevents our obtaining a full conquest over the fear of man, but likewise drives us down further into the stream of hypocrisy.

The external causes are chiefly these:

1. The tyranny of men in power, who, under pretence of preserving the public peace, fetter the consciences both of teachers and hearers.

*2. The forwardness of our universities in dubbing of heretics: for they no sooner perceive any breakings forth of true Christianity, but they are sure, out of their great zeal, to cast a slur upon it, by giving it an ill name.

3. The examples and specious reasonings of those, who are bound down by the fear of man.

4. Wife and children, that by their importunate way of arguing and unbelieving tattle and clamour, weary out, and overcome many.

5. The esteem we have already gained in the world. Those especially who are in any eminent post, find it hard to give up their darling reputation, and suffer reproach with the people of God.

6. Intimacy with the children of this world, particularly with the great and honourable men, who, under pretence of hearty love and kindness, are always cautioning us not to venture too far.

*Lastly, The neglect of frequent conversation with true believers, who walk in the power of faith.