A Practical Commentary on the Epistle of Jude

Again, We do not say that a Believer is so sure of his conservation in a state of grace, as that he needeth not to be wary and jealous of himself; 1 Cor. 10. 12. Let him that standeth, take heed lest he fall. There is a fear of Caution, as well as a fear of diffidence and distrust; and there is a great deal of difference between weakening the security of the flesh, and our confidence in Christ: None more apt to suspect themselves then they that are most sure in God, lest by improvidence and unwatchfulness they should yield to corruption: Christ had prayed that Peters faith might not fail, yet together with the other Apostles he biddeth him Watch, Luke 22. 40, and 46. The fear of God is a preserving grace, and taken into the Covenant; Jer. 32. 40. I will put my fear into their hearts, and they shall not depart from me: This is a fear which will stand with faith and certainty; 'tis a fruit of the same spirit, and doth not hinder assurance, but guard it; 'tis a fear that ⟨p. 56⟩maketh us watchful against all occasions to sin and spiritual distempers, that we may not give offence to God: as an ingenuous man that hath an inheritance passed over to him by his friend in Court, is careful not to offend him.

Again, We do not say that a Beleever is so sure of his conservation in a state of grace, as that he needeth not to be wary and jealous of himself; 1 Cor. 10. 12. Let him that standeth, take heed lest he fall. There is a fear of Caution, as well as a fear of diffidence and distrust; and there is a great deal of difference between weakening the security of the flesh, and our confidence in Christ: None more apt to suspect themselves then they that are most sure in God, lest by improvidence and unwatchfulness they should yeild to corruption: Christ had prayed that Peters faith might not fail, yet together with the other Apostles he biddeth him Watch, Luke 22. 40, and 46. The fear of God is a preserving grace, and taken into the Covenant;