A Practical Commentary on the Epistle of Jude

3. The Author of the Epistle is described by his kindred and relation, [and Brother of James.] There were two in the College of the Apostles of that name, James of Zebedee, and James the son of Alpheus, who was also called the Brother of the Lord, that is, his Cousin German, who is the person intended; for Jude was his Brother, as Mat. 13. 55. Is not his Mother called Mary? and his Brethren James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? Now this clause is added, partly to distinguish him from the other Judas called Iscariot, who betrayed our Lord. It is good to prevent all visible scandals ⟨p. 9⟩¹and exceptions against our persons. I observe this, because the Scripture doth elsewhere, Joh. 14. 22. Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, How is it that thou wilt manifest thy self to us, and not unto the world? The Scripture would not have you mistake him that said so: Men drink less freely of a suspected fountain. Partly because this would make the Epistle the more welcome: James was of great credit and repute, reckoned by Paul among the Pillars, Gal. 2. 9. From whence observe, 1. That it is lawful to use the credit of others for the ²advantage of the Truth. In the 15 of the Acts the Apostles might have determined the case by their own infallible spirit; but for the greater credit sake they take in the consent of others, vers. 23. The Apostles, and Elders, and Brethren, &c. Paul dealing with Heathens, quoteth the sayings of their own Writers in divers places; which may justify the unaffected use of sentences and passages out of the ancient Writers of the Church: It is good to bait the naked hook of Truth sometimes with the advantage of carnal credit. Again observe, That we should walk so, that we may be an ³honour to our relations. This is one of Judes titles, the Brother of James; He took it for an honour to be related to so eminent an Apostle: Worthy men reflect a credit upon their families: To be brother, father, son, to such as have deserved well of the Church, is no mean honour and engagement to virtue. Well then, live so that you may not disgrace your lineage; and you that come of worthy Ancestors, walk answerably to the dignity of your extraction: The images of your Progenitors are not more sullied with dust, and smoke, and age, then they are with your vices: