A Practical Commentary on the Epistle of Jude

Secondly, Here is a Direction to public persons, and those that can handle the Pen of the Writer; Passion is apt to¹ taint our Religious defences, but check it, Michael durst not bring a railing accusation, leave all unhandsomeness of prosecution to them that defend an evil cause; The servant of God must be gentle and patient, 2 Tim. 2. 24. Opprobrious Language doth but darken a just quarrel and contention: But you will say, may we not reprove the sins of men, and that somewhat sharply? I Answer yea, 'tis lawful, as appeareth both by the practice of the Prophets and Angels, yea of Christ himself, and also by the precepts of the word; Paul saith, Tit. 1. 7. That a Bishop must not be selfwilled, and soon angry; and yet he biddeth him [Greek or Hebrew] to rebuke some gainsayers sharply; there is a great deal of difference between railing and a reproof: a Sermon without some warmth and keenness in it, is but like a Cold oration; men that speak from their brain will speak coldly, because they only declaim against things for fashions sake, without any sense or touch upon their hearts; an affectionate pleading, for Christ, is like strong-water; whereas a formal narration is but like River water, without any strength and vigour: They that love Christ, will be zealous for his Truths and Ordinances, and zeal cannot deliver▪ it self without some smartness and ⟨p. 390⟩earnestness; but a cold indifferency, is more •ame and •lat: But then this must be done with great caution, you had need look to your spirits. Partly because Satan loveth to corrupt a Religious affection. Partly because in these businesses God is not only engaged, but our selves; and many times the savour of the main River is lost, when 'tis mingled with other streams; too too often do we begin in the spirit and end in the flesh: The Cautions which I shall give, respect. 1. The Object, or Cause. 2. The Persons. 3. Manner. 4. Principle. 5. End.

Secondly, Here is a Direction to publick persons, and those that can handle the Pen of the Writer; Passion is apt to