A Practical Commentary on the Epistle of Jude

2. The sign of the Son of Man, spoken of, Matth. 24. 30. what it is we cannot certainly tell, till experience manifest it; some think a strange Star as at his first coming, the wise men were conducted to him by a Star; others the sign of the Cross, as being Christs badge, by which he is known in the world; for the great subject of the Gospel is Christ crucified, called therefore the Word of the Cross, and this they think shall appear in the Heavens, as it did to Constantine when he went to fight against Maxentius with this word, [Greek or Hebrew], by this shalt thou overcome; though by the way Eusebius describeth that vision as in the figure of χ the first critical letters of Christs name: This way go many of the Ancients, making the Cross to be Christ Ensign and Royal Banner which he will display in the Heavens, as Kings when they make their triumphant approach, have their Banners carried before them. But I dare not thus dogmatize: others more probably interpret it of some forerunning beams of Majesty and Glory (like those streaks of light before the Sun be risen) which shall darken the great luminaries of the world, and strike a terror into the hearts of men, as Paul was stricken with such a terror at the sight of Christ Acts 26. 13. He saw light from Heaven, above the brightness of the Sun, shining round about him: notable it is, that these fore-running beams of Christs Majesty and Glory are sometimes expressed by light, and sometimes by fire; by light to express the comfortableness of it to the Godly, as the light of the Sun doth not scorch but revive and refresh: by fire, 2 Thess 1. 8. [Greek or Hebrew], to show the dreadfulness of it to the wicked, to them 'tis as flames and devouring burnings.

2. The sign of the Son of Man, spoken of, Matth. 24. 30. what it is we cannot certainly tell, till experience manifest it; some think a strange Star as at his first comming, the wise men were conducted to him by a Star; others the sign of the Crosse, as being Christs badge, by which he is known in the world; for the great subject of the Gospel is Christ crucified, called therefore the Word of the Cross, and this they think shall appear in the Heavens, as it did to Constantine when he went to fight against Maxentius with this word, , by this shlt thou overcome; though by the way Eusebius describeth that vision as in the figure of χ the first critical letters of Christs name: This way go many of the Ancients, making the Crosse to be Christ Ensign and Royal Banner which he will display in the Heavens, as Kings when they make their triumphant approach, have their Banners carryed before them. But I dare not thus dogmatize: others more probably interpret it of some forerunning beames of Majesty and Glory (like those streaks of light before the Sun be risen) which shall darken the great luminaries of the world, and strike a terrour into the hearts of men, as Paul was stricken with such a terror at the sight of Christ