Fear not.--(_a_) There is abundant reason for fear in facts of life.
There are so many certain evils, and so many possible evils, that any
man who is not a feather-brained fool must sometimes quail.
(_b_) Reasons for fear in our relations to divine law.
(_c_) The only rational way of conquering fears is by showing them to
be unfounded. It is waste of breath to say, Don't be afraid, and to do
nothing to remove the occasions of fear. It is childish to try to get
rid of fears by shutting the eyes tight and refusing to look formidable
facts in the face.
(_d_) The revelation of God is the true antidote to fear.
(_e_) 'Fear not' is the characteristic word of divine revelation. It is
of frequent occurrence from Abraham till John in Patmos.