Therefore that condition is required, Jude 3. we are exhorted to contend earnestly, that is that you do it with much intention of mind; to contend earnestly as a man ⟨p. 383⟩that is in an argument contendeth, or as a man that is wrestling, after this manner you must contend for the common faith. For you must know that it is not enough for a man simply to do a thing, but he must do it with such an intention as is required. Therefore Titus 2. God 1hath purified to himself a people, zealous of good works, that is, a people not only ready to do them, but such as are earnest and desirous to do them; when a man is inflamed with a strong and earnest affection to do a thing. So we see in Rom. 12. 11. among the exhortations there, 2be ye fervent in spirit, or as the word is, burning in spirit. An example of this we have in the Apostle Paul, 2 Cor. 11. 18. you shall there have an expression of his own mind, in taking care for the things of Jesus Christ. I am cumbered daily (saith he) and have the care of all the Churches. The word in the Original is, it lies upon me as a continual burden. It is not a thing that I take up now and then by fits, but it is a thing that lies upon me always, I am daily cumbered, saith he, or I daily take care for all the Churches. My soul is distracted, for so the word is likewise in the Original, my thoughts are as it were upon the rack, when I think upon the things that belong to the Churches. And then he saith, Who is offended, and I burn not? that is, when there is any disadvantage to the Church, when I see any man stumble, it is not a thing that I look lightly upon, but I take it to heart, I am burned with grief; that is, it takes a deep impression in me. Therefore you must not think when you come to do any thing for Jesus Christ, to do it as of necessity: but you must think, and plot with your selves, as about your own business; you must seek for occasions, and when you see a door opened, to go in at it: for to have abilities and not to use them, to have opportunities and not to employ them, it is another manner of matter then we think it is; for not only thorns and briers, but unfruitful trees are appointed for burning; and cowardliness in doing duties, deserves a curse as well as the not ⟨p. 384⟩doing them. Therefore Judges 6 Curse ye Meroz because 3they came not out to help the Lord against the mighty.
Therefore that condition is required, Iude 3. we are exhorted to contend earnestly, that is that you do it with much intention of mind; to contend earnestly as a man ⟨p. 383⟩that is in an argument contendeth, or as a man that is wrestling, after this manner you must contend for the common faith. For you must know that it is not enough for a man simply to do a thing, but he must do it with such an intention as is required. Therefore Titus 2. God 1hath purified to himself a people, zealous of good works, that is, a people not onely ready to do them, but such as are earnest and desirous to do them; when a man is inflamed with a strong and earnest affection to do a thing. So we see in Rom. 12. 11. among the exhortations there, 2be ye fervent in spirit, or as the word is, burning in spirit. An example of this we have in the Apostle Paul, 2 Cor. 11. 18. you shall there have an expression of his own minde, in taking care for the things of Jesus Christ. I am cumbred daily (saith he) and have the care of all the Churches. The word in the Original is, it lies upon me as a continual burden. It is not a thing that I take up now and then by fits, but it is a thing that lies upon me alwayes, I am daily cumbred, saith he, or I daily take care for all the Churches. My soul is distracted, for so the word is likewise in the Original, my thoughts are as it were upon the rack, when I think upon the things that belong to the Churches. And then he saith, Who is offended, and I burn not? that is, when there is any disadvantage to the Church, when I see any man stumble, it is not a thing that I look lightly upon, but I take it to heart, I am burned with grief; that is, it takes a deep impression in me. Therefore you must not think when you come to do any thing for Jesus Christ, to do it as of necessity: but you must think, and plot with your selves, as about your own businesse; you must seek for occasions, and when you see a door opened, to go in at it: for to have abilities and not to use them, to have opportunities and not to employ them, it is another manner of matter then we think it is; for not onely thorns and bryers, but unfruitfull trees are appointed for burning; and cowardlinesse in doing duties, deserves a curse as well as the not ⟨p. 384⟩
- 1Tit. 2. ult.Tit. 2. vlt.
- 2Rom. 12. 11. 2 Cor. 11. 18.
- 3Judges. 6.
