A Practical Commentary on the Epistle of Jude

3. You are justified by the same righteous one as far as another: The righteousness of Christ is unto all, and upon all that believe, and there is no difference, Rom. 3. 11. In inherent righteousness, there is a great deal of difference, one hath more grace, & another hath less; in sanctification there are degrees, but as to imputed righteousness, they are all equal, none of the Saints hath finer linen, or are decked with a better vesture then you are; there is a difference in the degree of faith, which receiveth this righteousness, but there is no difference in the righteousness its self; ^*a Giant, or strong man holdeth a precious jewel, so doth a child; the jewel is the same, though a man holdeth it with a stronger hand, it looseth nothing of its worth in the child's hand. So here, the righteousness is the same, though the faith be not the same. Yea fourthly, As we have the same privileges, so the same way all by faith; and the faith of the weakest as to the essential privileges, is as acceptable to God as the faith of the strongest, 2 Pet. 1. 1. Simon Peter to them that have obtained like precious faith with us. 'Tis ^†like precious for kind, though not degree; of the same nature, worth, and property, ⟨p. 139⟩though every one cannot come up to the height of an Apostle. 5. They are all under the same rule and direction. Gal. 6. 16. As many as walk by this rule, peace on them, and the whole Israel of God. The way of error is manifold, but there is but one path that leadeth to Heaven. 6. They are in one mystical Body, ministering supplies to one another. Col. 2. 19. Not holding the head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God. The head is the fountain of all vital influences, but the joints and bands do minister and convey the nourishments; the whole body is still increasing and growing up to perfection, and they are helping one another, as the members of the same body do continue the communion of the same Spirit, or by the continuity of the parts, make way for the animation and quickening by the same soul.