A Practical Commentary on the Epistle of Jude

First for what we w•nt, as soon as we are straitened, we complain presently, this is not so bad as when we murmur out of wan onness, the Israelites (I observe) did shall a murmuring either out of want, and then they were spared, as for want of waters, Exod. 5. 14. for want of meat Exod. 16 2. want of bread, Numb. 20. 3. but at other times out of wantonness; they loathed Manna, must have Quails, but then some special judgment or other brake out upon them; ⟨p. 451⟩but however 'tis bad enough, when our necessities extort these complaints from us; want is a time of praying not of murmuring, the Throne of Grace was erected for a time of need, Heb. 4. 16. but 'tis mans usual custom to change duties into sins, as admonition into censuring, instead of speaking to men, we speak of men, so instead of complaining to God, we complain of God, and so make murmuring take the room of prayer. Necessity is a time to put the promises in suit, to try faith, to awaken affections, not to provoke murmurings; I was dumb and opened not my mouth, saith David, Psal. 39. We may open our mouths in confessions of sin, humble narratives pleading of promises, but not in self justifications, stormings against Providence, or words of unbelief and impatience, so we must be dumb and not once open our mouths.

First for what we w•nt, as soon as we are streightned, we complain presently, this is not so bad as when we murmur out of wan onness, the Israelites (I observe) did sall a murmuring either out of want, and then they were spared, as for want of waters, Exod. 5. 14. for want of meat Exod. 16 2. want of bread,