A Practical Commentary on the Epistle of Jude

1. That it is the duty of every Christian to be acquainted ¹with the Scriptures; the Apostle presumeth it of these Christians to whom he wrote: Now this is necessary in regard of our selves, that we may know the solid grounds of our own comfort: every man would look over his charter, Search the Scriptures, for in them ye think to have eternal life: John 5. 39. Particular and distinct Scriptures are a great advantage in temptations; Sic scriptum est, is Christ's own argument against Satan, Matth. 4. No Christians so unsettled in point of comfort or opinion, as those that are unskilful in the word. Heb 5. 14. In regard of others 'tis necessary, that we may discharge our duty to them; Let the word d•••ll in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another, &c. Col. 3. 16. None but full vessels will run over:² Ignorant Christians are barren and sapless in discourse; Private Christians must be full of knowledge, not only to have knowledge enough to bring themselves to heaven, but to admonish others, see Rom. 15. 14. Well then, do not put off this care to others, as if it were proper only to Scholars, and men of a public calling, this is every mans work that hath a soul to be saved, 'tis popish ignorance to be contented with an implicit belief, you may best trust your own eyes; when the Sun shineth, every man openeth his windows to let it in; we busy our selves in other books, ⟨p. 248⟩why not in the Word? Austin was pleased with Tully's Hirtensius, but he cast it away, because he could not find the name of Christ there: 'tis the description of a godly man, His delight is in the Law of God, and in his Law doth he exercise himself day and night Psal 1. 2. There are the chaste delights of a child of God, not in Play-books, and idle Sonnets; How many sacrilegious hours do most spend in these trifles? Good Books should not keep us from the Scriptures; Water is sweetest in the Fountain: Luther professeth