A Practical Commentary on the Epistle of Jude

1. We embrace it upon undue grounds, if we take it up merely upon Tradition, without a •ight of that distinct worth and excellency which is in our Religion; for then our Religion is but an happy mistake; the stumbling of blind zeal upon a good object; and all the difference between you and Pagans, is but the advantage of your Birth and Education, standing upon an higher ground doth not make a man taller then another of the same growth and stature that standeth lower; their stature is the same, though their standing be not the same: So you are no better then Pagans, only you have the advantage of being born within the pale, and in such a¹ Country where the Christian Religion is professed. You do according to the Trade of Israel, and live [Greek or Hebrew], as the fashion of your Country will carry it; and as Beasts follow the Track, so you take up that Religion which is entailed upon you.

1. We embrace it upon undue grounds, if we take it up meerly upon Tradition, without a •ight of that distinct worth and excellency which is in our Religion; for then our Religion is but an happy mistake; the stumbling of blind zeal upon a good object; and all the difference between you and Pagans, is but the advantage of your Birth and Education, standing upon an higher ground doth not make a man taller then another of the same growth and stature that standeth lower; their stature is the same, though their standing be not the same: So you are no better then Pagans, only you have the advantage of being born within the pale, and in such a¹ Country where the Christian Religion is professed. You do according to the Trade of Israel, and live 〈non-Latin alphabet〉, as the fashion of your Country will carry it; and as Beasts follow the Track, so you take up that Religion which is entayled upon you.

1. 11 Chron. 17. 4. Eph. 1. 3.