A89503:771
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.
AN EXPOSITION WITH NOTES On the EPISTLE of JUDE. › Verse 9 › Question and answer 4
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.
Thirdly, It teacheth us to be more awful, all fear is not slavish; the Angels that have a pure nature, are afraid to sin, we have a mixed nature: corruption is already gotten into our souls, and therefore have more need of caution; as they that have an enemy without, and a treacherous party within, have need to watch and ward; fear is all the remedy left us: we cannot stop the flux of natural corruption, but we may withstand an actual temptation; as the Angels resist the admission of sin: so let us withstand the increase and propagation of it; we are always in the presence of God, and shall we affront him to his face? fear keepeth the Angels pure, and us holy, them from the admission of sin, and us from the commission of it: so Solomon saith, Blessed is he that feareth always, Prov. 28. 14. that is, not that perplexeth himself with needless terrors and scruples, that were a torture, not a blessedness; that's the Devils fear, who believe and tremble: But when we are always cautious, out of a deep respect to God, that we dare not offend him at any time, this is a blessed fear, like the good Angels fear; as Michael here durst not bring a railing accusation.
Thirdly, It teacheth us to be more awful, all fear is not slavish; the Angels that have a pure nature, are afraid to sin, we have a mixed nature: corruption is already gotten into our souls, and therefore have more need of caution; as they that have an enemy without, and a treacherous party within, have need to watch and ward; fear is all the remedy left us: we cannot stop the flux of natural corruption, but we may withstand an actual temptation; as the Angels resist the admission of sin: so let us withstand the increase and propagation of it; we are always in the presence of God, and shall we affront him to his face? fear keepeth the Angels pure, and us holy, them from the admission of sin, and us from the commission of it: so Solomon saith, Blessed is he that feareth always, Prov. 28. 14. that is, not that perplexeth himself with needless terrors and scruples, that were a torture, not a blessedness; that's the Devils fear, who believe and tremble: But when we are always cautious, out of a deep respect to God, that we dare not offend him at any time, this is a blessed fear, like the good Angels fear; as Michael here durst not bring a rayling accusation.