A Practical Commentary on the Epistle of Jude

There is such an excess, such a doting in love, that if we be not careful in fixing it, before we are aware we run into practical Idolatry and practical Atheism. There ⟨p. 114⟩is an Atheism in the heart, as well as in the judgment: Atheism in the judgment, is when we are not convinced of the Being of God; In the heart, when our affections are not set in God: this is more incurable, because the dogmatical Atheist may be convinced by reason, but the practical Atheist can only be reformed by grace. Thus the Nature of Love showeth it.

There is such an excess, such a doating in love, that if we be not careful in fixing it, before we are aware we run into practical Idolatrie and practical Atheism. There ⟨p. 114⟩is an Atheism in the heart, as well as in the judgment: Atheism in the judgment, is when we are not convinced of the Being of God; In the heart, when our affections are not set in God: this is more incurable, because the dogmatical Atheist may be convinced by reason, but the practical Atheist can only be reformed by grace. Thus the Nature of Love sheweth it.

Fifthly, The Nature of the Saints showeth it; the new ¹nature hath new affections; it bewrayeth it self by the new heart, as well as by the renewed mind, Rom. 12. 2. There are not only new thoughts, but new desires and new delights; desires after God, and a delight in God, as the fountain of Holiness. When we come to God at first, we love him out of spiritual interest, for ease and comfort, and the benefit we gain by him; Christ alloweth it, Come to me and I will give you ease, Mat. 11. 28. When fire is first kindled, there is as much sink as flame, but afterwards it burneth brighter and brighter by degrees: A fountain as soon as digged runneth muddy at first, but afterwards the stream groweth more pure and clear. So doth the love of the Saints; at first 'tis but a love of interest, but by acquaintance we love him out of a principle of the new nature, for his Holiness and Excellency, because that which is in us in part, is in God by way of eminency and perfection. Certainly likeness must needs beget love, and the Saints being conformed to God, delight in him; so that then their love floweth not so much from profit and interest, as grace: yea at length out of a vehement complacency of the new nature they love holiness above happiness or spiritual interest; and