A89503:690
A Practical Commentary on the Epistle of Jude
A practical commentary, or An exposition with notes on the Epistle of Jude. Delivered (for the most part) in sundry weekly lectures at Stoke-Newington in Middlesex. By Thomas Manton, B.D. and minister of Covent-Garden.
London: printed by J.M. for Luke Fawn, 1658
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
It showeth us what little reason Magistrates have to1 countenance, and spread their skirt over obstinate and impure Heretics; such spirits being usually most opposite to Magistracy. They do but nourish a Snake in their own bosoms, and cherish a Faction, that in time will eat out their bowels: were there no respects of Religion but only those of Civil Policy, they should not be so sleepy in this case; but you will say, is it lawful for them to intermeddle in matters of Religion, and to use any compulsive power? I answer, yes verily; they bear not the Sword in vain; we have frequent instances in the word of good Kings, whose zeal is commended for so doing, and frequent injunctions: also to this purpose, the Levites are commended for assisting Moses in the execution of those that worshipped the Calf, Exod. 32. 26, 27, 28. Abraham was to command his Children, Gen. 18. 29. Asa commanded Judah to worship God, and the thing was right in the eyes of the Lord, 2 Kings 14. 23, 24. So see 2 Kings. 15. 23. & Esra 10. 8. So 2 Kings 34. 32, 33. And that promise. Isa 43. 23. I know I touch the soar of this age, and that this is a truth much prejudiced, therefore I shall first remove the prejudices, and then state the question.
It sheweth us what little reason Magistrates have to1 countenance, and spread their skirt over obstinate and impure Hereticks; such spirits being usually most opposite to Magistracy. They do but nourish a Snake in their own bosomes, and cherish a Faction, that in time will eat out their bowels: were there no respects of Religion but onely those of Civil Policy, they should not be so sleepy in this case; but you will say, is it lawful for them to intermeddle in matters of Religion, and to use any compulsive power? I answer, yes verily; they bear not the Sword in vain; we have frequent instances in the word of good Kings, whose zeal is commended for so doing, and frequent injunctions: also to this purpose, the Levites are commended for assisting Moses in the execution of those that worshipped the Calfe,