A Practical Commentary on the Epistle of Jude

2. Unbelief in part broken, and so it implieth the remainders of this natural evil in the Godly; in whom though faith be begun, yet it is mixed with much weakness, Mar. 9. 24. Lord I believe, help my unbelief, this unbelief is manifested. 1. By a loathness to apply the comforts of the Gospel; 'tis the hardest matter in the World to bring God and the soul together, or to be at rest in Christ, when we are truly sensible we draw back, ^*depart from me (saith Peter) for I am a sinful man, and he should rather say, draw •igh to me, the poor trembling sinner thinketh so much of the judge that he forgets the father, though the soul longeth for Christ above all things, yet it is loath to take him for comfort and reconciliation, but floateth up and down in a suspensive hesitancy. 2. By calling Gods love into question upon every affliction, and in an hour of temptation unravelling all our hopes, ^*see Psal 77 7, 8, 9, 10. If the Lord were the God of the Mountains and not of the Valleys, we are wont to say if God did love us, why is this befallen us? those are fits of the old distemper, Christ when crucified would not let go his interest, but crieth out, My God, My God. 3. By fears in a time of danger, carnal fears such […] do perplex us, when we are employed in Christs work and service, as the Disciples that were embarked with him, were ⟨p. 268⟩afraid to perish in his company, Why are ye so fearful, O ye of little faith, Matth. 8. 26. filial fear or reverence of God is the daughter of faith; as distrustful fear is the enemy of it; trouble is the touch-stone of faith, if we cannot commit our selves to God in quietness of heart, it argueth weakness; God hath undertaken to bring his people out of every strait, in a way most conducing to his glory, and their welfare, Rom. 8. 28. and therefore when the word yieldeth up no support, Psalm 119. 50. and the promises of God cannot keep us from sinking and despondency of heart we bewray our unbelief. 4. By Murmurings in case of carnal disappointment, discontent argueth unbelief, they quarrel with Gods Providences, because they believe not his promises,