A Practical Commentary on the Epistle of Jude

The good Angels and Guardians of the Saints, are sensible of the injuries done to them, and may possibly accuse you to Christ upon that score, Matth. 18. 10. the Devil, who is now a Tempter, will then be an Accuser: One of the Fathers bringeth in the Devil pleading thus, Domine sit meus per culpam, qui tuus esse noluit per gratiam, &c. Lord let him be mine by ⟨p. 443⟩sin, who would not be thine by grace; I never died for him, had no heaven to offer him, only a little carnal pleasure or profit, and this was enough to draw him from thee, &c. yea further, the Ministers, and other godly persons, by whose example they have been reproved or condemned, may give testimony against them, John 5. 45. there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, &c. the cries of those whom they have oppressed and wronged, may possibly be renewed, James 5. 4. Abel's blood may cry out against Cain afresh, starved souls may cry out against a lazy Minister, oppressed subjects against a bloody Magistrate, the neglected poor against those that have shut their bowels against them; as on the other side the godly poor that have bin refreshed and relieved by the bounty of the rich, are said to receive them into everlasting habitations, Luke 16. 9. Again, the example of those that have had less means may be produced against them, because they went further in a way of compliance with the Lords purpose, Matth. 12. 41, 42. Others with whom we have sinned may complain of us; Dives was afraid lest his Brethren should come into the place of Torment, Luk. 16. 28. which might be a means to increase his anguish, they sinning by his example; I have produced these suppositions, only to make the conviction at the day of judgement more intelligible and effective.

The good Angels and Guardians of the Saints, are sensible of the injuries done to them, and may possibly accuse you to Christ upon that score,