A89503:223
A Practical Commentary on the Epistle of Jude
A practical commentary, or An exposition with notes on the Epistle of Jude. Delivered (for the most part) in sundry weekly lectures at Stoke-Newington in Middlesex. By Thomas Manton, B.D. and minister of Covent-Garden.
London: printed by J.M. for Luke Fawn, 1658
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
2. If we do not grow, we go backward, Heb. 6. compare the first with the fourth verse, Let us go on to perfection; and then presently he treateth of Apostasy: We cannot keep that which we have received, if we do not labour to increase it. They that row against the stream, had need ply the oar, lest the force of the waters carry them backward; or as he that goeth up a sandy hill sinketh down if he do not go forward, Mat. 25. He that would not improve his talent lost it: So here, we waste and consume what we have, if we do not improve it. 'Tis dangerous to rest satisfied, and never ⟨p. 119⟩go further; there is no stay in Religion: all the Angels in Jacobs ladder were either ascending or descending, continually in motion: There are no stinted trees in Christs garden; if they leave off to grow, they prove doted or rotten trees. An active nature, such as mans is, must either grow worse or better; therefore we should be as careful after the increase of grace, as we would be cautious of the loss of grace.
2. If we do not grow, we go backward, Heb. 6. compare the first with the fourth verse, Let us go on to perfection; and then presently he treateth of Apostacy: We cannot keep that which we have received, if we do not labour to increase it. They that row against the stream, had need ply the oar, lest the force of the waters carry them backward; or as he that goeth up a sandy hill sinketh down if he do not go forward, Mat. 25. He that would not improve his talent lost it: So here, we waste and consume what we have, if we do not improve it. 'Tis dangerous to rest satisfied, and never ⟨p. 119⟩go further; there is no stay in Religion: all the Angels in Jacobs ladder were either ascending or descending, continually in motion: There are no stinted trees in Christs garden; if they leave off to grow, they prove doated or rotten trees. An active nature, such as mans is, mvst either grow worse or better; therefore we should be as careful after the increase of grace, as we would be cautious of the loss of grace.