A Practical Commentary on the Epistle of Jude

2. 'Tis injurious to others, it puts us upon acts of violence and sedition, the murmurers are called rebels, Numb. 17. 10. Schism in the Church, and sedition in the Commonwealth are but the fruits of murmuring; men do like their own rank and station, and then murmur, and then perturb all; Oh that I were a Judge, saith Absalom, and afterwards breaketh out into open rebellion; thin exhalations end in great storms; servants would be masters, and the poor would be rich, and subjects would be in office and power; and by giving vent to their repining thoughts, inflame the zeal of persons like minded with themselves, till all be embroiled in blood and confusions.

2. 'Tis injurious to others, it puts us upon acts of violence and sedition, the murmurers are called rebels, Numb. 17. 10. Schisme in the Church, and sedition in the Commonwealth are but the fruits of murmuring; men do like their own rank and station, and then murmure, and then perturb all; Oh that I were a Judge, saith Absolom, and afterwards breaketh out into open rebellion; thin exhalations end in great storms; servants would be masters, and the poor would be rich, and subjects would be in office and power; and by giving vent to their repining thoughts, inflame the zeal of persons like minded with themselves, till all be embroyled in blood and confusions.

3. 'Tis injurious to our selves, man is a foolish creature, what doth he get by complaining of God? Who shall right us? Before what Tribunal will you put him in suit? Of all sins murmuring is most unreasonable, but very pernicious; what do we get by it but disquiet and judgement? 'Tis like spitting against the wind, the drivel is returned upon our own heads; disquiet it breedeth us; a murmuring spirit is a greater evil then any affliction, like a sour vessel, it turneth all things that are put into it into sourness; most mens misery ariseth from their discontent, if their heart and their condition were suited, they would do well enough in the world, we trouble our own peace; if we could learn to frame our minds to our estates, as the skilful Musician letteth down the strings a peg lower when the tune requireth it, we should pass to heaven more comfortably. Again, it bringeth down judgement; expressions tending to Gods dishonour, have a loud cry in his ears: Mi jam was smitten with leprosy for murmuring, and Dathan and Abiram swallowed up alive; fiery serpents, and plagues, and exclusion out of Canaan, were Israels judgements when they were sick of the fret: see