A Practical Commentary on the Epistle of Jude

As to the other part of this Objection, concerning the profit of this Doctrine, and whether it doth not take off men from industry, so some have thought. But I Answer no, For, 1. God hath enjoined the end and the means▪ together: Except ye abide in the Ship, ye cannot be saved (saith Paul to them that sailed with him) a Decree was past for their safety, that not a man of them should perish; yet they must abide in the Ship; God doth infallibly stir up the Elect to the use of means, as well as bring to such an end. 2. The right use of the Doctrine of reprobation, is to put us upon examination or diligence; upon, examination whether we believe in Christ, or have truly repented, that we may make our calling and election pure, 2 Pet. 1. 10. For by this means is the sealed Fountain broken open. Or upon diligence, in case you find no fruits of Elective love: pray read, hear, ⟨p. 187⟩meditate▪ wait, work out your salvation, &c. 3. The Doctrine of Election is of great use in the spiritual life, without it we cannot understand the freeness of Gods love, which is the great means to quicken us to praise God, and to beget love to God again: for as fire kindleth fire, so doth love beget love; 'tis Gods glory to be served out of love, and free consent: the devil ruleth his slaves by a servile awe: well then, if love set love a work, and the best sight of Gods love be in Gods Decree; let them say if they dare, that the Doctrine of Gods Decree, is an unprofitable Doctrine: again, nothing taketh off carnal confidence, and glorying in our selves more then Gods choice, according to his own pleasure; nothing▪ is a greater support in afflictions, especially in distresses of conscience. In short, nothing is such a firm bond of love between believers, then the consideration that they are all predestinated from all eternity, to the everlasting enjoyment of the same inheritance, those obligations which last only for this world, cannot be so firm a tie.

As to the other part of this Objection, concerning the profit of this Doctrine, and whether it doth not take off men from industry, so some have thought. But I Answer no, For, 1. God hath enjoyned the end and the means▪ together: Except ye abide in the Ship, ye cannot be saved (saith Paul to them that sayled with him) a Decree was past for their safety, that not a man of them should perish; yet they must abide in the Ship; God doth infallibly stir up the Elect to the use of means, as well as bring to such an end. 2. The right use of the Doctrine of reprobation, is to put us upon examination or diligence; upon, examination whether we beleeve in Christ, or have truly repented, that we may make our calling and election pure,