A89503:304
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.
The next circumstance is the persons to whom it was delivered,1 [to the Saints,] it may be understood of the Apostles, to whom it was delivered to be propagated; o• of the Church, to whom it was delivered to be kept, and who in the constant use of Scripture are called Saints. Observe, That 2Saints are most interested in the acknowledgement, propagation and defence of Truth. The Christian faith was delivered to Saints and by Saints, and none receive it so willingly, and defend it so zealously, and keep it so charily and faithfully as ⟨p. 156⟩they do. 1. The men that the Spirit of God made use of as Penmen were holy men, specially purified and sanctified for this work: 2 Pet. 1. 21. Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost: And Ephes. 3. 5. Revealed unto his holy Apostles and Prophets by the Spirit: These men were the fittest instruments to beget an external repute to the Word; Surely they would not do any thing for their own ends, and obtrude their own inventions upon the world as Oracles from God. A carnal mans testimony is liable to suspicion; Who would count that wholesome that cometh from a leprous hand? Yea those that were not of eminent sanctity were not fit for such an employment: a novel doctrine (such as the Gospel seemed to be in the world) needed all the advantages that might be, to gain a title and interest in their belief; therefore did the Lord make use of such holy and self-denying persons, who expected to gain nothing but ignominy, poverty, afflictions, bonds, death; these things did abide for them in every City. 2. Holy persons are only fit to preach the Faith; sancta sanctis, holy men for holy things; 'tis an holy faith, and therefore fit to be managed by holy persons, that their hearts may carry a proportion with their work: Isai. 52. 11. Be ye clean that bear the Vessels of the Lord: The Officers that carried the Vessels and Utensils of the Temple out of Babylon, were to take care of their cleanness. God purified Isaiah when he sent him to reprove,