Make haste to kelp me, O God of my salvation, Psalms 38:22. Say unto my soul, lam thy salvation. Psalms 35:3. Divine Answer. Fear not, for I am with thee; he not dismayed, for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, and thou shalt rejoice in the Lord, and shalt glory in the holy one of Israel. Isaiah 41:10; Isaiah 41:13; Isaiah 41:16.
This shows that believers are not always without fear, yet it is much better for them, than presumption. Many of the primitive Christians presented themselves to martyrdom, but shrunk at the trial. Others were afraid to fall away, and yet went undauntedly through the torments. This was the case with many of the Bohemian brethren, who frequently used to say, "The tortures should be their breakfast, and the faggot-pile their dinner; and yet fell away also. And so God always punishes presumption.
God shall preserve my soul from fear,
Or shield me when afraid:
Ten thousand angels must appear
If he commands their aid.
I cast my burdens on the Lord,
The Lord sustains them all;
My courage rests upon his word,
That saints shall never fall.
My highest hopes shall not be vain,
My lips shall spread his praise:
While cruel and deceitful men,
Scarce live out half their days.