A Practical Commentary on the Epistle of Jude

First, Let us begin with the description of their entrance into the Church, [There are certain men crept in unaware•• ] Some say they are not named, as not being worthy, or rather it not being necessary, they being so plainly described; and indeed 'tis usual with the Apostles, who rather dealt against things then persons, to suppress the name, and describe the error or sin. But what is the meaning of this first thing laid to their charge, they crept in unawares? I answer, It may imply their entrance into the Church under a colour and show of profession: Wicked men may creep into ¹the best Church; God permitteth it not only for their own hardening, but for our trouble and trial: Paul complaineth of false Brethren privily brought in to spy out their liberty, Gal. 2. 7. and the adversaries of Jerusalem said, Ezra 4. 1. Let us build with you, for we seek your God as ye do; but 'twas with an intent to hinder the work: so Simon Magus got to be baptized▪ Acts 8. as thieves seek to be entertained in the house, that they may have the more opportunity to work mischief whilst the good man is asleep. Learn hence to be more watchful in admissions to the Church; no perils so great as those occasioned by false Brethren: We think to fill the Church, but we do but fill the house with thieves; wicked men ever prove a trouble: 'Tis an easy matter to fill the Church by remitting the rigour and severity of discipline, but Heaven is never the fuller, but the emptier; for wicked men are hardened and confirmed in their own security, and the Church never fareth the better, ^*it loseth in strength what it gets in breadth, as a river doth, and zeal is lessened the more the number is increased: yea wicked men usually prove a trouble, and we come to wish afterward we had been more strict: 'tis said, Acts 5. 13, 14. Of the rest durst no man join himself unto them, but the people magnified them, and Believers were the more added unto the Lord, multitudes both of men and women: 'Tis spoken upon the occasion of the sudden death of Ananias and Sapphira; it terrified the hypocrites, but brought in more sound Believers; for of the rest durst no man join, that is, of such as Ananias and Sapphira was, Believers in show, but carnal in heart;