A Practical Commentary on the Epistle of Jude

Observations are many. 1. Observe, That to aggravate¹ their virulency, he compares it with the modesty of an Arch-Angel, whence note, That pride and contempt in them of a low degree, is less tolerable then in those whom God hath advanced to an higher rank and sphere Partly because th•se have less temptation to be proud; and when a sin is committed without a temptation, 'tis a sign that the heart is strongly inclined that way; as there needeth no force to ⟨p. 362⟩make a bowl run downhill, because of its natural tendency: their wants and meanness should keep them humble, we look that the fire should go out when the fuel is taken away, when men have nothing to be proud of, the want of an opportunity should make men at least forbear the sin. Partly, because they have more reason to be humble, as the rich and great have reason to be thankful, so the poor have reason to be humble; with a low condition there should be a lowly mind, 'tis better to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, &c. Prov. 16. 19. Well then, poverty and pride are most unsuitable, pride is allowable in none, but in the poor most prodigious; 'tis an odd sight to see those of the highest Rank to turn fashionists, and display the Ensigns of their own vanity, but when servants, and those of a low degree, put themselves into the Garb, these are prodigies of pride; as the modesty of the Arch-Angel, was an upbraiding to the pride of the Gnostics, so should those that are advanced to the highest degree of honour, shame the meaner sort, with your comely plain. Again, to see men of the greatest sufficiences, humble in stile and mind, and denying their great Parts for the sake of the simplicity of the Gospel; 'tis a shame that persons of low parts should be puffed up, and appear flaunting in the pomp of words, or blustering in Greek and Latin sentences, as if all reading and learned worth, were their own; as the Apostle condemned the Corinthians for the pompous use of Tongues in the Church, and shameth them by his own example, 1 Cor. 14. 18. I thank God I speak with tongues more then you all, yet rather, &c▪