A Practical Commentary on the Epistle of Jude

Thirdly, they fell dreadfully, and from Angels became Devils, exercising thest, lying, envy, murder towards men: the best things corrupted, become worst; as no Vinegar so tart as that which is made of the sweetest Wine; when men sin against light and grace they become cruel▪ the revolters are profound to make slaughter, saith the Prophet, Hosea 5. After profession the fall is most desperate: their latter end is worse then their beginning, 2 Pet. 2. 20. What a malice have these evil Angels now against God and man, they go about seeking whom they may devour, none so bad as Apostates. Fourthly, their fall made way for ours, by this means there came to be a Tempter in the World, the fall of Angels occasioned the fall of man, and the fall of man the coming of Christ: do but go home with reverence, and observe how by the bare permission of God the Divine Decrees were accomplished, and wonder at the purity of that unspotted providence that is conversant above sin and evil, but not conscious to it: the Angels led the way, and man followed, and so occasion was given for the discovery of the manifold wisdom of God to men and Angels, Eph. 3. 10. Fifthly, so many fell as were not elected by God, there was Election and Approbation among the Angels, among the most glorious Creatures God would show the liberty of his Counsels, not only amongst ⟨p. 282⟩men, the lower sort of rational Creatures, but among Angels: Therefore the Apostle speaketh of Elect Angels, 1 Tim. 5. 2. Why should Clay murmur, when Gold is refused? if some of the Angels were appointed to be vessels of dishonour, who art thou that repliest upon God; [Greek or Hebrew], Rom. 9. 20. that will be disputing the sovereignty of God: And ask the reason why he giveth grace to some and not to others, wonder at it, till thou canst understand it, disputare vis mecum? mirare mecum▪ ^*