A Practical Commentary on the Epistle of Jude

These things might be observed, but I shall rather pitch upon two Points; one particular, and restrained to the scope of the Context; the other general, as being taken from the consideration of the expressions in their full latitude:¹ The first is, That Heresies and Errors do not fall out by chance, but according to the certain pre-ordination and foreknowledge of God. There are two Reasons for it, Nothing can come to pass without his Will, and Nothing can come to pass against his Will. 1. Not without his Will: If a Sparrow ⟨p. 176⟩cannot fall to the ground without our heavenly Father, Mat. 10. 39. that is, cannot be taken and slain without the Will of God, then certainly nothing can be imagined, which God did not foresee, or which he could not have hindered: There is nothing so small, but the Lord taketh cognizance of it▪ nothing so evil, but he turneth it to good. Exempt any thing from Providence, and you weaken that respect which is due from the creatures to God: If Satan may do what he will, and God only be a looker on, then the Devil-worship of the Heathens would seem more rational; 'twas their custom first to appease the angry gods lest they should hurt them, and then to invoke the propitious: Upon this doctrine we might fear the Devil and carnal men, though God be propitious for many things are done whether he will or no. 2. Not against his Will; for then God should make a creature too hard for himself: Things may be against his revealed Will, for that is a Rule to try the creatures; but not against his secret Will, for that would make God impotent and weak: Things that are most against his revealed Will, yet fall under the ordination of his secret Will; and whilst men break Commandments, they fulfil Decrees: His revealed Will showeth what should be done, his secret Will what will be done. Briefly, the concurrence of God in and about the errors of men may be conceived in these things. 1. He denieth grace and light, which might direct and sanctify; He is debtor to no man, and may do with his own according to •i• good pleasure, Mat. 20. 15. He is not bound to give grace to all, and therefore 'tis no prejudice to his goodness to pass by some. 2. He leaveth difficulty enough in the Word, that men who will not be satisfied may be hardened: