A Practical Commentary on the Epistle of Jude

First, Stars they should be, 1. In regard of the light of doctrine. Matth 5. 14. Ye are the light of the world, that's Christs honour, John 1. 9. but he taketh his own crown, and puts it upon his servants heads, they are the light in a subordinate sense; stars, though not the Sun; he is the original and fountain of all light, and we are used as a means to convey it to others; thus John is called, John 6. 35. a burning and a shining light: He useth our service to dispel the mists of error, the right of profaneness, and the darkness of false worship: you had need prize those whom God hath set over you, they are light, and will ^*you quench the light of Israel. 2. In regard of the lustre of their conversations; 'tis said of all Christians, Phil. 2. 15. that they should shine as lights in this world; they are the bright part of the world, as the stars are the shining part of heaven; as the star directed the wise men to Christ, so they must shine to light others by their example to him, as 'tis required of all Christians, much more of Ministers, who are placed in an higher orb and sphere; alas we are but dim lights, we have our spots and eclipses, but this sets the world a talking.

First, Stars they should be, 1. In regard of the light of doctrine. Matth 5. 14. Ye are the light of the world, thats Christs honour, John 1. 9. but he taketh his own crown, and puts it upon his servants heads, they are the light in a subordinate sense; stars, though not the Sun; he is the original and fountain of all light, and we are used as a means to convey it to others; thus John is called, John 6. 35. a burning and a shining light: He useth our service to dispel the mists of errour, the right of profaness, and the darkness of false worship: you had need prize those whom God hath set over you, they are light, and will