A Practical Commentary on the Epistle of Jude

4. A separation from corruptions, and a separation from those that are corrupt, are two distinct things; a separation from corruptions is always enjoined, but not always from those that are corrupted, those Scriptures, Isa. 52. 11. and 2 Cor. 6. 17. speak of a fellowship with men in evil works; but now a separation from men that are corrupt, is sometimes lawful, Rev. 18. 4. Come out of her my people, &c. and Jer. 51. 9. She would not be healed, &c. we may separate from such as separate from Christ, and continue obstinate in their corruptions; and sometimes 'tis not lawful, as when a Church is is reforming, and purging out these corruptions, or they are not of such moment as that such a desperate remedy should be used; a limb is not to be cut ⟨p. 495⟩off as soon as it akerh, but when 'tis rotten and likely to endanger the whole body, when evils are incurable, deadly and contagious; and we can no longer maintain communion without sin, at first 'tis good to try all things.

4. A separation from corruptions, and a separation from those that are corrupt, are two distinct things; a separation from corruptions is always injoyned, but not always from those that are corrupted, those Scriptures, Isa. 52. 11. and 2 Cor. 6. 17. speak of a fellowship with men in evil works; but now a separation from men that are corrupt, is sometimes lawful, Rev. 18. 4. Come out of her my people, &c. and Jer. 51. 9. She would not be healed, &c. we may separate from such as separate from Christ, and continue obstinate in their corruptions; and sometimes 'tis not lawful, as when a Church is is reforming, and purging out these corruptions, or they are not of such moment as that such a desparate remedy should be used; a limb is not to be cut