A Practical Commentary on the Epistle of Jude

he is gracious to us, and we love and serve him: only observe, that God beginneth first, though he the wronged party; he was reconciling: And mark again, 'tis in Christ, to show 'tis sure: Those that are reconciled to men, are still in umbrage and suspicion with them; they that have once been enemies, they may be again, therefore they do ⟨p. 91⟩not return to perfect grace; When the wound is cured, the scars remain: But our reconciliation with God 'tis like the soldering of a vessel, which is strongest in the crack; or as a leg broken, if well set, it is the stronger: so are we upon firmer terms then we were in innocency; there was a possibility of being at odds with God, which is now taken away.

he is gracious to us, and we love and serve him: only observe, that God beginneth first, though he the wronged party; he was reconciling: And mark again, 'tis in Christ, to shew 'tis sure: Those that are reconciled to men, are still in •mbrage and suspition with them; they that have once been enemies, they may be again, therefore they do ⟨p. 91⟩not return to perfect grace; When the wound is cured, the scars remain: But our reconciliation with God 'tis like the sodering of a vessel, which is strongest in the crack; or as a leg broken, if well set, it is the stronger: so are vve upon firmer terms then vve vvere in innocency; there vvas a possibility of being at odds vvith God, vvhich is novv taken avvay.

4. God being reconciled in Christ, all things else are at peace with us: For his League with us is offensive and defensive. ¹My horses are as thy horses, and my chariots as thy chariots: God and all his Confederates are in the League, or rather God and all his Subjects: as a Prince doth not only contract for his person, but his subjects and estates. Angels are at peace with us; in stead of being Instruments of Vengeance, they become ministering Spirits,