A Practical Commentary on the Epistle of Jude

From that [Beloved] which compellation is used to note his affection in this writing, the like is used by Peter, 2 Pet. 3. 1. Beloved I thought meet, &c. When we declaim against errors, we should do it out of love, and a tender respect to the good of souls: In all conquests we had need watch our own hearts; people suspect us to act out of peevishness and sinister affections, to serve a sect and party, and our engagement to be faction, not zeal, therefore be the more careful that the flame be pure, incense must not be kindled with strange fire, nor zealous engagements arise from a carnal impulse.

From that [Beloved] which compellation is used to note his affection in this writing, the like is used by Peter, 2 Pet. 3. 1. Beloved I thought meet, &c. When we declaim against errours, we should do it out of love, and a tender respect to the good of souls: In all conquests we had need watch our own hearts; people suspect us to act out of peevishness and sininister affections, to serve a sect and party, and our ingagement to be faction, not zeal, therefore be the more careful that the flame be pure, incense must not be kindled with strange fire, nor zealous ingagements arise from a carnal impulse.

Again, we may be earnest against error, when corrupt men are gotten into esteem; but 'tis in love to you, if we express our selves with some warmth and affection, 'tis for God, and your souls are concerned: 'tis observable John, the Disciple of love, is most earnest against deceivers; bid them not good speed saith he, 2 Ep. John 7. 10. and every where in his Epistles, My little children believe not every spirit, &c. there are many Anti. Christs, men that lye and have not the truth; 'tis sad your Ministers should be looked upon as enemies, because they love you, and warm you; But you will say 'tis out of perverseness, to serve their faction, and to cast an odium upon parties opposite to themselves: I Answer, Charity thinketh no evil, we should not interpret the worst; those that storm at a warning, give a shrewd presumption of their own guilt: usually persons that object thus, are such as would have us tamely to suffer the honour and interest of our Lord and Master Jesus Christ, to be trampled under foot; but 'tis our hearts desire that tender consciences may know, that 'tis not the shame of others, but their good, which we aim at.