A Practical Commentary on the Epistle of Jude

Observe hence, 1. In perseverance there is a concurrence ¹of our care and diligence, Phil. 2. 12, 13 Work out your own Salvation with fear and trembling for, &c. The main work is Gods, he that hath begun a good work must perfect it, Phil. 1. 6. and the same Jesus that i• author is also finisher, Heb. 12. 2. the deeper radication of the habit the defence of it, the growth and perfection of it, the ability to act is all from God, 1 Pet. 5. 10. The God of all grace make you perfect, stablish, strengthen and settle you; but yet a concurrence there is of our care and endeavours, a child in the womb is nourished by the mother, liveth by the life of the mother, feedeth by the food of the mother, but a child born liveth a more distinct and separate life of its own though it still be under the mothers care and provision; so 'tis with us after grace received, we have a power to act and do what is necessary for the preservation of the spiritual life: Well then, let us not neglect the means, you must not lye upon the bed of ease and think that God must do all, he doth all indeed, but in us and by us. Idle wishes will do us no good as long as our hands refuse to labour.

Observe hence, 1. In perseverance there is a concurrence ¹of our care and diligence, Ph•l. 2. 12, 13 Work out your own Salvation with fear and trembling for, &c. The main work is Gods, he that hath begun a good work must perfect it, Phil. 1. 6. and the same Jesus that i• author is also finisher, Heb. 12. 2. the deeper radication of the habit the defence of it, the growth and perfection of it, the ability to act is all from God,