A Practical Commentary on the Epistle of Jude

I begin with the matter, or blessings prayed for: It will not be altogether unuseful to observe that diversity which is used in salutations. In the Old Testament peace was usually wished without any mention of grace; as Psal. 122. 8. For my brethren's and companions sake I will say, Peace be within thee: and •an. 6. 25. Peace be multiplied unto you. But in the times of the Gospel grace being more fully delivered, that was also added and expressed in the forms of salutation: but yet in the times of the Gospel there is some variety and difference: Sometimes you shall meet with a salutation merely civil; as James 1. 1. To the twelve Tribes [Greek or Hebrew], greeting: so Acts 15. 23. which was the usual salutation among the Heathen: but most usually 'tis ^*grace and peace; and in other places grace, mercy and peace, as 2 John 3. and 1 Tim. 1. 2. and here it differeth from them all, for 'tis mercy, peace and ⟨p. 68⟩love: And Casaubon observeth, that the Greek Fathers, if they wrote to a earnal man, they would wish him grace, but not peace; if to a godly man, they would wish him grace and peace too. To touch upon these things is sufficient. From these Blessings mentioned in this place I shall observe something in general, and then handle them particularly and apart.

I begin with the matter, or blessings prayed for: It will not be altogether unuseful to observe that diversity which is used in salutations. In the Old Testament peace was usually wished without any mention of grace; as Psal. 122. 8. For my brethrens and companions sake I will say, Peace be within thee: and •an. 6. 25. Peace be multiplyed unto you. But in the times of the Gospel grace being more fully delivered, that was also added and expressed in the forms of salutation: but yet in the times of the Gospel there is some variety and difference: Sometimes you shall meet with a salutation meerly civil; as