A Practical Commentary on the Epistle of Jude

Observe again, Heretics and Libertines usually turn persecutors, ¹for 'tis said here, They go in the way of Cain: Satan that is a liar is also a murderer, a false way cannot subsist without the props of blood and cruelty, witness the Circumcellians the Priscillianists, the Arians, the Donatists; the Tragedies at Munster: An erroneous opinion is touchy, and therefore efferates the minds of men against those that oppose it: believe not Seducers then, when they come in sheeps clothing, 'tis but that they may get a power to play the Wolves the better: and when Libertines increase, let Magistrates look about them, there are Clouds gathering together towards a dismal storm; and though they seem to be meek and full of love, while their party is contemptible; yet when they grow considerable they appear in their colours: Again, let us bless God for the peace we enjoy; there are swarms and droves of Locusts abroad, but blessed be God that there is a restraint upon them, that there is a spirit of perversity mingled with their counsels: I tell you, the great danger of the latter times, is from Libertines, many fear a second deluge of Anti-Christianism; but that is not so probable as the seditious insurrections of Sectaries: What sad havoc will be made of the people of God, when once ⟨p. 403⟩these bloody minded wretches get power? The latter times [Greek or Hebrew], perilous times, 2 Tim. 3. 1. Why? from what sort of men will the danger arise? not from the Anti-Christian, or Popish party, so much as from a Libertine party, from Quakers, Ranters, Anti-Scripturists, Familists, &c. The Anti-Christian party carrieth things by power, and worldly greatness, but this party there described, is a creeping party, that gets into houses, leadeth captive silly women, verse 6. the Anti-Christian party abuseth the Sword of the Magistrate; but this is a traitorous party, heady, high minded, verse 4. a party rising up against Magistracy: The Anti-Christian party are stiff and obstinate in their old forms, but this is a party of seekers, looking for new discoveries, holding nothing certain in Religion; ever learning, and never coming, [Greek or Hebrew], to the acknowledgement of the truth, vers. 7 In short, the party there described, are a party that deny civil reverence, natural affection, and are contemptuous despisers of the true and holy servants of Christ;