A Practical Commentary on the Epistle of Jude

4. Concerning the principle, see that it be good, it must not be zeal for our private concernments, but for the glory of God not a strange fire, but an holy: fire; Moses was the meekest man upon earth in his own cause, Numb 12. 3. When Miriam and Aaron▪ spake against Moses, the man Moses was meek above all men of the earth: when our zealous contests come from an heart bleeding for Gods dishonour, from hatred of sin, a fear of the public, then they are right: Lot was vexed not with Sodoms injuries, but Sodoms filthiness, 2 Pet. 2. 8. When love of our neighbour, desire of his amendment, we are loth to suffer sin upon him▪ puts us upon this earnestness, your heart is upright with God: but when we seek to disgrace the men rather then to condemn the sins, and we rage most upon the hazard of our own interest, and can be earnest against some sins and errors, and comply with worse; 'tis not zeal for God, but for a purity.

4. Concerning the principle, see that it be good, it must not be zeal for our private concernments, but for the glory of God not a strange fire, but an holy: fire; Moses was the meekest man upon earth in his own cause, Numb 12. 3. When Miriam and Aaron▪ spake against Moses, the man Moses was meek above all mon of the earth: when our zealous contests come from an heart bleeding for Gods dishonour, from hatred of sin, a fear of the publick, then they are right: Lot was vexed not with Sodoms injuries, but Sodoms filthinesse, 2 Pet. 2. 8. When love of our neighbor, desire of his amendment, we are loth to suffer sin upon him▪ puts us upon this earnestness, your heart is upright with God: but when we seek to disgrace the men rather then to condemn the sins, and we rage most upon the hazard of our own interest, and can be earnest against some sins and errors, and comply with worse; 'tis not zeal for God, but for a purity.