A Practical Commentary on the Epistle of Jude

1. To publish, own and defend the Truth, by Profession and Martyrdom; and therefore the Church is called the pillar and ground of Truth, 1 Tim. 3. 15. namely in respect of men, and as it holdeth it forth to the world; and therefore we ought to hearken to the Churches testimony till we have better evidence: We do not ultimately resolve our faith into ⟨p. 153⟩the Churches Authority, for the Churches Authority is not absolute, but ministerial; as a royal Edict doth not receive credit by the Officer and Crier, he only declareth it and publisheth it; yet the Churches testimony is not to be neglected, for faith cometh by hearing, Rom. 10. 14. and this publication of the Church is a good preparative inducem ut, John 4. 42. If we would know the truth of a thing till we have experience we go to those that have experience, and ordinarily the judgment of others whom we respect and reverence causeth us to have a good opinion of a thing till we make trial¹ our selves: in which respect Austin saith, I had never believed the Scriptures, unless I had been moved thereunto by the Authority of the Church; as we should never have known Kings pleasure, unless the messenger had brought us his Letters. The Church hath not power to make and unmake Scripture at pleasure, but only to communicate and hold forth the Truth; and till we have further assurance is so far to be heard: We receive the faith of per Ecclesiam by the ministry of the Church, though not propter Ecclesiam for the Authority of the Church.

1. To publish, own and defend the Truth, by Profession and Martyrdom; and therefore the Church is called the pillar and ground of Truth, 1 Tim. 3. 15. namely in respect of men, and as it holdeth it forth to the world; and therefore we ought to harken to the Churches testimony till we have better evidence: We do not ultimately resove our faith into ⟨p. 153⟩