A Practical Commentary on the Epistle of Jude

1. Ways, men do not easily teach point blank contrary to their manners, surely the Devil would not assist to bring holiness in fashion, and promote Christian practice; observe the fruits and evils both of their lives and Doctrines, in two cases 'tis a pure Note: 1. When there is a fair compliance between principles and practises, if neglect of God, mutinous practises, fraud, injustice, contempt of civil dignity, be the very aim and design of the Doctrine, and accordingly men live, this is of the Devil. 2. If it be so generally, and in the most zealous of this way, some men are of a reserved temper, not disposed to gross and sensual wickedness, and so can counterfeit the better; and possibly▪ ⟨p. 419⟩so much of truth as they do retain, in the midst of their errors may somewhat operate to sanctification; ••d on the other side, a true way may be prejudiced if we should look to one or two, a street is not measured by the sink and channel, but if it be usual, and for the most part so, then their principles are corrupt. 3. We may not be always enticed to a course of weakness, or gross wickedness; if it be to a dead powerless course, or formality, if it weaken the life and power of godliness in you, from such turn away, 1 Tim. 3. 5. your love to God, and delight in God, and converse with him in the spirit, is forcibly lessened, fear the influence of such an opinion.

1. Ways, men do not easily teach point blank contrary to their manners, surely the Devil would not assist to bring holiness in fashion, and promote Christian practice; observe the fruits and evils both of their lives and Doctrines, in two cases 'tis a pure Note: 1. When there is a fair compliance between principles and practises, if neglect of God, mutinous practises, fraud, injustice, contempt of civil dignity, be the very aim and design of the Doctrine, and accordingly men live, this is of the Devil. 2. If it be so generally, and in the most zealous of this way, some men are of a reserved temper, not disposed to gross and sensual wickedness, and so can counterfeit the better; and possibly▪ ⟨p. 419⟩so much of truth as they do retain, in the midst of their errours may somewhat operate to sanctification; d on the other side, a true way may be prejudiced if we should look to one or two, a street is not measured by the sink and channel, but if it be usual, and for the most part so, then their principles are corrupt. 3. We may not be always inticed to a course of weakness, or gross wickedness; if it be to a dead powerless course, or formality, if it weaken the life and power of godliness in you, from such turn away,