A Practical Commentary on the Epistle of Jude

Let me open the words [likewise] In the original there are many words▪ [Greek or Hebrew], likewise notwithstanding, that is, though there be so many▪ and such apparent instances of Gods judgement, and those set before us for an example; yet they being blinded with their wicked passions, are not afraid▪ but boldly cast themselves upon the hazard of the same ruin. [Filthy Dreamers] the word in the original is [Greek or Hebrew] lead, inspired▪ or acted by Dreams, or deluded by Dreams. Beza rendereth it Sopiti, being lulled asleep, as noting their security. I suppose rather the dotage of error, by which they were as it were bewitched and enchanted: our translation seemeth to carry it another way, as applying it to nocturnal pollutions, because dreaming is joined with defiling the flesh. And Peter chargeth these persons with rolling their fancies upon unclean objects, 1 Pet. 2. 14. or possibly it may be taken literally, the persons here noted pretending to dreams inspired by associate and assistant spirits. See Euseb▪ l•b 4. cap. 7. The next phrase is [defile the flesh] that is, pollute themselves with libidinous practices, 2 Pet. 2. 10. they walked after the flesh in the l•st of uncleanness; and that under a pretence of the Gospel, Vide •renaeum passim de Haer. Valentin. The Nicholaitans ⟨p. 340⟩taught community of Wives, and that it was an indifferent thing to commit Adultery▪ Rev 2. 6. 14▪ The Gnostics gave themselves up to all manner of prodigious and incestuous pollutions: whence from their obscenity and beastly life, they were called Borborites. See again Euseb. lib. 4. cap. 7. Epiphan. har. 26. How many ways they did defile the flesh we cannot with modesty express: the Heathens who made no distinction, charged these impurities upon the Christians in the general, as if they used the unlawful company of their Mothers, and Sisters, &c. The next phrase is [despise Dominion ] [Greek or Hebrew], the word [Greek or Hebrew], signifieth to remove a thing out of its place, with some scorn and indignation; and so it implieth their utter enmity to civil policy and government,