A Practical Commentary on the Epistle of Jude

2. Who must strive, and in •hat manner. I answer, All in their place, and in that way that is proper to them. 1. Private Christians must have a share in this holy contention; their duty is partly to search out the truth, that they may not fight blindfold, or by an unhappy mistake lavish out their zeal upon fancies which they affect, or ordinances and doctrines of men: People are never so furious, as when they have least ground and reason for what they assert; yea and error never prevaileth so much as when Christians are all flame and affection, without judgment, and do not understand the Reasons of that Religion which they do profess: See ⟨p. 166⟩1 Pet. 3. 15. A reason of the hope that is in you: and 2 Pet. 3. 17. [Greek or Hebrew], their own steadfastness; that is, such a steadfastness as doth arise from solid grounds in their own hearts, and not merely from the consent of others. 2. To own the profession of the Truth what ever it cost them; I say 'tis their duty to own the profession of the Truth, for the public owning of the people 'tis a great let and restraint to Tyranny, and such innovations as otherwise a carnal Magistrate would introduce into the Church by force and power▪ See Acts 4. 21. They let them go because of the people: so Mat. 14. 5. and 21. 46. And again, I say they must own it what ever it cost them, for zealous defences are a great honour to the Truth: The disputations of the Doctors do not commend it to the world so much as the death of the Martyrs; and therefore though you cannot dispute for the Truth, yet you should dye for the Truth: Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, &c. Heb. 12. 4. We cannot be at too much cost to preserve so precious a treasure to posterity; And here even ^*women may put in a share, they have lives to sacrifice upon the interest of the Truth, and usually they do not fall in vain. 3. To honour the Truth by their conversations: there are heretical manners as well as heretical doctrines; and there are many that are otherwise of an orthodox belief, yet make others sectaries and disciples of their vices: some live Atheism; there are Antinomians in practise: An Apostate is a practical Arminian: Therefore Christians are called to hold forth the Word of life in their conversations,