A Practical Commentary on the Epistle of Jude

4. Because we cannot have too much grace: there is no nimium in the internals of Religion; you cannot have too much knowledge, too much love of God, too much of the fear of God. In the outward part there may be too much done, and then it proveth will-worship and superstition: The Apostle saith, 2 Pet. 1. 11. That we must give diligence, that an abundant entrance may be ministered to us into the everlasting Kingdom of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. Some are ^†afar off from the Kingdom of God, as persons ignorant and touched with no care of Religion: ^*Some come near, but never enter, as semi-converts and men of a blameless life; these cheapen, but do not buy, and go through with the bargain: others enter, but with greater difficulty, are scarcely saved, 1 Pet. 4. 18. saved as by fire, 1 Cor. 3. 13. they make an hard shift to go to Heaven, and have only grace enough to keep body and soul together (as we say) not a jot to spare: Others enter with full sails, or as 'tis said, they have an abundant entrance ministered to them, and yet all is but little enough; ⟨p. 120⟩spiritual things cannot exceed measure. But you will say, 'Tis said, Eccles. 7. 16. Be not righteous over much. I answer, Either 'tis meant of an opinionative righteousness, be not too righteous in thine own conceit; or rather of an indiscreet heat, or a rigid and sullen severity, without any temper of wisdom and mod ration; otherwise in real holiness there can never be enough.

4. Because we cannot have too much grace: there is no nimium in the internals of Religion; you cannot have too much knowledg, too much love of God, too much of the fear of God. In the outward part there may be too much done, and then it proveth will-worship and superstition: The Apostle saith,