The Pulpit Commentary — Jude — Section 38

in great mor11] peril; or by agonizing prayer a soul might be saved from spiritnal death. Spiritunl caution was necesaflfy in some special c1LSes, since mercy was to be exercised with "fear" lest the tnint of fleshly evil should defile those who treated them for the purposes of penitence and restoration. The garment which must be touched must be hated, while the sinner wRR pitied and forgiven. These thoughts remind us of the responsibility of the Christian's state, and the obligation which lies upon him to diffuse blessings nround him. He will not be inattentive to the claims of others, and will not 'll•alk in the wny of Cain, who said, "Am I my brother's keeper?" If the scrupulous, the erring, and those who are in moral danger, are neglected by the followers of Christ, how can they be warned, restored, and strengthened ?-J. S. B. Vera. 24, 25.-The sublime character of Christian prayer. It is permitted us to pray for temporn.l supplies and all things which are necessary for the life of the body; but the general current of petitions recorded in the New Testament has regard to the worth of spiritual advantages, and the enduring blessedness of the life to come. Jude teaches us to JJray for ourselves and for others, that when our Lord shall appear the second time there may be acceptance and welcome. It is an immense privilege to be kept "from falling" or stumbling, from the prevalence of doubts, trust in ceremonies, and from being surprised by grievous sins. This precioas safety must flow from him who has power over the external conditions of our life, and over the inward processes of thought and meditation, and can strengthen us by his Spirit "in the inner man." The desire expressed by Jude includes the continuance and completeness of the process of sanctification; the attainment, through the mighty power of Christ, of a glorified body on the day of the resurrection; and entrance into the inheritance of the saints in light. Notice- I. THE WISDOM OF SOLICITING THE CO-OPERATION OF DIVINE POWER TO ESTABLISH A!'ID PRESERVE CHRISTIAN WORK. It is instructive to observe the pains and care with which inspired apostles marshalled their arguments when they wrote to the Churches. It is impossible not to admire the fervour and urgency with which they exhort believers to avoid inconstancy, worldliness, and evil associations; and at the same time, they wisely introduce promises, encouragements, and cheering prospects to prompt them to make their "calling and election sure." They then supplicate grace to give effect to their work, and to fulfil the desire of their hearts. The seed which is sown needs the rain and sunshine of heaven to make it prosper, that he who has sown in tears may come back "with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him." This truth is illustrated by a very cheering passage which describes the happy experience of Paul and Apollos, in which we find the zeal and power of the apostle of the Gentiles, and the learning and eloquence of Apollos, applied to the work of the ministry, and the happy success with which the Diviae blessing crowned their labours; for said Paul, "I planted, Apolios watered ; but God gave the increase" (1 Cor. iii. 6). II. 'l'HE HAPPINESS OF CONCLUDING OUR WORK WITH GRATITUDE TO THE SOURCE OF ALL GOOD. Jude reached the close of the Epistle with the conviction that the Divine love seen in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit should awaken feelings of fervent thanksgiving. 'l'he Father is the Fountain of salvation; the Son, the Medium of grace to us, and the Way of our approach to God ; the Holy Spirit enables us to realize and enjoy the blessings of the covennnt of grace. It is right to ascribe to God the "glory," which is the manifestation of his excellence in the past, the present, and wondrous future; "majesty," which consists in royal state; "dominion," which is supreme over all things and beings; "power," whereby he can realize the counsels of his own will, and his right to our eternal adoration and service. Such is the close of the Epistle, and such should be the close of our life-work. In this way David ended his career, and said, "Thine, 0 Lord, is the greatne~s, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, 0 Lord, and thou art exalted as Head above all .... Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious Name" (1 Chron. x,;i:i;ii:. 11- 13). Amen.-J. S. B. Vera. 1-25.-The Letter. I. INTRODUCTION. 1. .Address. (1) Writer. "Judas, a Fcrvant of Jesus Christ, Rnd brother of James." 'l'he first designation of Jude  THE GENERAL EPISTLE OF JUDE. [l-2G.