A Practical Commentary on the Epistle of Jude

therefore their knowledge increaseth by observing Gods dispensations to the Church, Ephes. 3. 10. The way of Salvation by Christ is such a Mystery, as could not have entered into the heart of any creature, no not of an Angel: If an Angel had been to set down which way man should be redeemed, nay if all the Cherubim and Seraphim, Thrones, Dominions and Powers had met together in a Synod and Council, and had taken in all the world to their assistance, it would have posed them all▪ to have found▪ out such a Way as God hath appointed. But not to speak of Mysteries. There is in the Word some Moralities suitable to the Law of Nature, which was once written upon mans heart: but alas, now there remains only some scattered fragments and obscure characters, so defaced that they cannot be read; and how blind are we in these▪ things without the Word? Witness the sottish Idolatry of those Nations that want it, worshipping stocks or stones, yea a piece of red cloth, or what ever they saw first in the morning: And witness those brutish Customs among other Nations, whereby uncleanness and unnatural sins have been authorized by a Law. Therefore 'tis a great mercy that something is delivered, and given out as a Rule of Faith and Manners.

therefore their knowledg increaseth by observing Gods dispensations to the Church, Ephes. 3. 10. The way of Salvation by Christ is such a Mystery, as could not have entred into the heart of any creature, no not of an Angel: If an Angel had been to set down which way man should be redeemed, nay if all the Cherubim and Seraphim, Thrones, Dominions and Powers had met together in a Synod and Council, and had taken in all the world to their assistance, it would have posed them all▪ to have found▪ out such a Way as God hath appointed. But not to speak of Mysteries. There is in the Word some Moralities suitable to the Law of Nature, which was once written upon mans heart: but alas, now there remains only some scattered fragments and obscure characters, so defaced that they cannot be read; and how blind are we in these▪ things without the Word? Witness the sottish Idolatry of those Nations that want it, worshipping stocks or stones, yea a piece of red cloth, or what ever they saw first in the morning: And witness those brutish Customs among other Nations, whereby uncleanness and unnatural sins have been authorized by a Law. Therefore 'tis a great mercy that something is delivered, and given out as a Rule of Faith and Manners.