A Practical Commentary on the Epistle of Jude

Let us now apply the point.

It serveth to inform us in the first place, that carnal men ⟨p. 208⟩are ill skilled in consequences, from the very Gospel would they draw a liberty to sin, than which from such premises no conclusion can be more strange; 'tis well worth the observing to note the different arguings in Scripture from the same principles, as see some instances, compare 1 Cor. 7. 29 with 1 Cor. 15. 22. the principle in both places, is, the time is short: Now the Apostle in the former place draweth from it conclusions of strictness, temperance, and mortification; Let us use the World as if we used it not, &c. But in the latter the dissolute Epicure argueth quite otherwise, Let us eat and drink for tomorrow we shall dye, a quite different conclusion from the same principle: So here, Grace aboundeth, let us be much in duty saith the spiritual man, let sin abound saith the carnal. Again, compare 2 Sam. 7. 2. with Hag. 1. 2. I dwell within a house of Cedar (saith David) but the Ark of God dwelleth within curtains. Surely I should have had more care of the Ark of God, now God hath built me such a stately Palace: But they in Haggai, We dwell in ceiled houses, therefore the time to build the Lords house is not come; so they might live in pomp and ease they little cared how matters went with Gods house. Once more, I Sam. 3. 18. It is the Lord, let him do what seemeth him good: he argueth from thence to meekness, and a submissive patience; but now compare 2 Kings 6. 33. This evil is from the Lord, why should I wait upon him any longer; from the same principle he argueth himself into a murmuring, and fit of impatience. Thus carnal men are always out in their reasonings: A Parable in a Fools mouth (saith Solomon) is like a thorn in the hand of a