PUBLIC-DOMAIN CHRISTIAN BOOK
The Complete Works of Thomas Manton — Volume 10
Thomas Manton · 317,241 words · 313 reading sections
Section 1
:.ymuawmvmfmui«imuiimB(mmmmfmm^ m . niMf^ ' \" mmimm>^ mittmiHMhttiimitt*iminmmi'nii»HititiMan<m<m*{tM;se)fei»!ii'K':ii PRINCETON, N. J. 'If. Shelf Manton, Thomas, 1620-1677. The complete works of Thomas Manton THE WORKS OF THOMAS MANTON, D.D. VOL. X. COUNCIL OF PUBLICATION. W. LINDSAY ALEXANDER, D.D., Pr…
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_, iX. "I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the workl : thine they were, and thou gavest them me, and they have kept thy word," ver. G, . 210 „ X. " Now they have known that all things, what- soever thou hast given me, are of thee," ver. 7, . . . . .218 „ XI. " For I have given unto …
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1. The reason of the punishment is represented in the notion and character by which the party sentenced is expressed, * The unprofitable servant.' The word unprojitahle is sometimes used in a larger, and sometimes in a stricter sense. In a larger sense it is used for him that deserveth no reward ; so it is said, Luke x…
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VeE. 30.] SERMONS UPON llATTHEW XXY. 5 For the first point, that hell is a place and state of inexpressible torment, the argument may seem harsh and ingrate, but this is part of the doctrine that we must unfold. See the commission of the ministers of the gospel : Mark xvi. 16, ' He that believeth shall be saved, and h…
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Object. But is it any grief to the wicked to want God, from whom they have such an extreme averseness and hatred ? Ans. They are sensible of the loss of happiness ; their judgment is changed, though not renewed. Fogs of error, atheism, and unbelief then vanish ; they are confuted by experience. There are no atheists i…
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8 SERMONS UPON MATTHEW XXV. [SeR. XVII. fear, overwhelming sorrow and despairing fear : it is a helpless and liopeless grief. Carnal men are prejudiced against godly sorrow ; but that is useful and profitable, 2 Cor. vii. 10. These sorrows would pre- vent those that the damned suffer in hell. The sorrows of repentance…
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2. The greater miracle is that any should embrace the christian faith, and yet live sinfully and carelessly ; that they should believe as christians, and yet live as atheists. You cannot drive a dull ass into the fire that is kindled before him : Prov. i. 17, ' Surely in vain is the net spread in the sight of any bird.…
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say to these things ?' Job v. 27, * Know this for thy good.' Whether promise or threatening, we must m'ge and prick our hearts with it. Self-love maketh us fancy an unreasonable indulgence in God, and that we shall do well enough, how slightly and carelessly soever we mind religion. We do not lay the point and edge of …
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3. Partly by the effects — internal, external, eternal. [1.] Internal; gifts and graces languish for want of employment: 1 Thes. v. 19, ' Quench not the Spirit.' Thomas his omission made way for his unbelief, John xx. 24. [2.] External ; it bringeth on many temporal judgments. God put by Saul from being king for an o…
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_ Use 1. To show that if the unprofitable servant be cast into hell, what will become of them that live in open sins, that bid defiance to God ? 14 SERMONS UPON MATTHEW XXV. [SeR. XVIII. 2. To condemn the unprofitable lives of many ; they live as if they had only their souls for salt to keep their bodies from stinkin…
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[2.] His royal attendance. The angels shall attend him, both to honour him and to be employed by him. [3.] His royal posture, he shall ' sit upon the throne of his glory.' A glorious throne, beseeming the Son of God and the judge of the quick and the dead, shall be erected for him in the clouds, such as none can imagi…
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[1.] For wisdom and understanding. It is in Christ twofold — divine and human ; for each nature hath its particular and proper wisdom belonging to it. As God, it is infinite : Ps. cxlvii. 15, * His understanding is infinite.' And so by one infinite view, or by one act of understandino^, he knoweth all thin2:s that are,…
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Vers. 31-33.] sermons upon matthew xxv. 19 appearetli most ; especially in this solemn action, wherein Christ is to discover himself to the world with the greatest majesty and glory. [3.] For power. A divine power is plainly necessary, that none may withdraw themselves from this judgment, or resist or hinder the exec…
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Well, then, you will ask, Why is Christ the judge of the world, j-ather than the Father and the Spirit, who made us, and gave the law to us ? 1 answer — 1. That we have gone a good step to prove that it is the pecu- liar right of God, common to the three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost ; 'for these three are one,…
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[4.] This power which belongeth to Christ as mediator is given to him partly as a recompense of his humiliation ; of which I shall speak in the second point. But chiefly — (1.) Because it belongeth to the fulness of his mediatory office; and therefore, being appointed king by the Father, his last function as a king wa…
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2. The quality of his office. He is the judge of the world, who now Cometh to appear upon the throne, to be seen of all ; therefore there must be a glory suitable. We read. Acts xxv. 23, that Agrippa and Beruice came to the judgment-seat, ixeTa ttoXA,?}? ^avTaa-La<;, with a great deal of pomp and state. And we see in e…
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4. If you consider some foregoing appearances of Christ. As for instance, at the giving of the law, it was the second person that man- aged that appearance ; for it is said. Acts vii. 38, that it was ' an angel that appeared in Mount Sinai, and spoke to our fathers;' that is, the angel of the covenant, Jesus Christ ; f…
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VeR. 31.] SERMONS UPON MATTHEW XXV. 27 be saved.' His work then was to hold out the way of life, or to open the way of salvation to lost man, as a meek saviour and mediator. So John xii. 47, ' If any man hear my words, and believe them not, I judge him not, for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.' ' …
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Secondly, His royal attendance, ' And all the holy angels with him.' Chrysostom saith the whole court of heaven removeth with him ; surely there are many of them : Jude 14, ' The Lord cometh with ten thousand of his saints to execute judgment on all, to convince all that are ungodly.' It is likely these angels will put…
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30 SERMONS UPON MATTHEW XXV. [SeR. XIX. know there is a time cominpj when they shall be tormented more than they are yet. And besides, God's justice was never publicly manifested, and by any solemn act glorified, as to the punishment of the evil angels for their rebellion against him, but was reserved for this time. B…
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[1.] If they should urge that reason in the apostles' days, when blas- phemy was not grown so bold and witty : 2 Peter iii. 3, 4, ' All things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation ; ' we might answer, as, the apostle did, that it is fit that things should keep one constant course in the day of the L…
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4. Propound it to your patience, fortitude, and self-denial. Have no cause to think shame of Christ's service, though you suffer disgrace for it ; he will appear worthy of all the respi'ct you show to his person and ways. He is disgraced indeed that is refused by Christ when he Vers. 32, 33.] sermons upon matthew xxv.…
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Vers. 32, 33.] sermons upon matthew xxv. 35 account how he will proceed with others ; j^et for godly parents' com- fort, he hath more fully revealed his mind concerning their children than the children of infidels or wicked and open enemies to his truth. What he may do to them as to their original sin we cannot easily…
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[1.] Some that have heard of Christ, and of the grace of God dis- pensed by him. These shall be judged by the gospel tenor and dispensation, which clearly sets forth all men to be sinners, and there- fore to have deserved eternal death ; and that ' there is no name under heaven whereby men can be saved, but by the name…
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[3.] Some lived under the legal administration of the covenant of grace, to whom two things are propounded : — (1.) The duty of the law ; (2.) Some strictures and obscure beginnings of the gospel. They shall be judged according to that administration they are under ; either for violating the law, or neglecting the gosp…
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[6.] Not only some of all sorts, or of all nations, but every indi- vidual person. In one place the apostle saith, ' All of us,' collective, 2 Cor. V. 10 ; in another place, distributive, ' Every one of us,' Eom. xiv. 12 ; not only all, but every one ; not all, shuffled together in gross, but every one, severally and a…
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[1.] He is the good shepherd. Other shepherds are said to be good when they perform their office well, or quit themselves faithfully in the discharge of their trust. But besides the resemblance in these Vers. 32, 33.] sermons upon matthew xxv. 41 qualities, there are certain singularities in Christ's office that deno…
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[2.] He is the great shejiherd. (1.) Great in his person, the Son of God. Dominus exeixituum fit pastor ovium, saith Bernard — the Lord of hosts is become the shepherd of the flock. He needed us not ; if he had delighted in multitudes of flocks and herds, there are ten thousand times ten thousand angels that stand abou…
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^ Qu. ' consorts ' ? — Ed. 44 SERMONS UPON MATTHEW XXV. [SeR. XX. Thirdly, The wicked are cas o;oats. They are as goats both for their nnruliness and unclcanness. UnruKness: they have not the meek- ness of sheep, are ready to break through all fence and restraint ; so a wicked man is yokeless. They are also wanton an…
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Use. Let us then encourage ourselves when we are counted the scurf and offscouring of all things. We shall not always be in this condi- tion, but Christ will put honour upon us in sight of all the world. SEPvMON XXL Then shall the King say unto them on Ms right hom,d, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdo…
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[2.] More particularly, two terms must be explained — (1.) 'Blessed;' (2.) ' Of my Father.^ First, ' Blessed.' This term is — (1.) Opposed to the world's judgment of them. The world de- spiseth them, and counteth them execrable, vile, and cursed. There- fore it is said, Mat. v. 44, ' Bless them that curse you ; ' and…
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(2.) Tliis expression shows how the divine persons glorify one VeR. 34.] SERMONS UPON MATTHEW XXV. 49 another. As the Spirit glorifieth the Son, John xvi, 14, so here the Son glorifieth the Father, and referreth all to him ; he doth not say, My redeemed ones, but ' Ye blessed of my Father,' they are not less beloved …
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(2.) And partly with respect to the very thing itself. Our blessed estate shall be an estate of the highest dignity and dominion, of the fullest joy and content that heart can wish for. We have no higher notions whereby to express a blessed and happy estate ; and therefore our eternal glory, whereof we are partakers, i…
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Thirdly, The application or appropriation of this preparation to the persons that shall now enjoy it, ' For you ; ' which respects not only the qualification, but the persons. 1. Not only for such as you, but for you particularly. In the general, heaven was prepared for believers. God never intended unbelievers should…
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2. When we believe it, let us look for it and long for it, and live in the hopeful expectation of this blessed time, when all these things shall be accomplished. Therefore, if we believe such a thing, we must long for it, and live in the hope of it : Titus ii. 13, ' Looking for the blessed hope.' Hope showeth itself — …
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VeR. 34.] SERMONS UPON MATTHEW XXV, 55 he hath prepared for its. How eminent should we be in the labours of holiness, to whom this estate was so peculiarly designed ! Partly in self-denial ; men venture all in this vessel of hope. Belf-denial is seen in refusing and resisting temptations of honour and profit. Sin make…
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[1.] It is one thing to give a reason of the sentence, another to express the cause of the benefit received and adjudged to us by that sentence. A charter may be given to a sort of people out of mere grace, and privileges promised to all such as are under such a qualifi- cation, though that qualification no way meritet…
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58 SEKMONS UPON MATTHEW XXV. [SeR. XXII. faith, it must be embraced by faith, and taken hold of by faith ; our faith must pitch upon it, draw comfort from it, even before good works are done by us. But because the next accusation will presently arise, as if our faith were not true, we must be justified from this accus…
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[3.] These are most evident and sensible discoveries, and so fitted to be produced as fruits of faith. There is a demonstration of the soundness of it ; a signis notiorihus. These are most conspicuous, and so fittest to justify believers before all the world, who reckon good and evil most by the bodily life. Therefore …
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Vers. 35, 36.] sermons upon matthew xxv. 61 remunerating justice, veracity, or truth. Tliis maketh for our purpose now. [1.] His holiness. The holy God delighteth in holiness. He will now manifest it in the sun, the estimation he hath of the holiness of his people. The veil is taken away ; now it is made matter of se…
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Vers. 35, 36.] sermons upon matthew xxv. 63 one Cometh appealing to justice : ' The pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust,' &g. ; ' I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.' The other cometh crying out grace : ' The pub…
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3. The broken-hearted, serious christian, that thinketh works can never have enough of his care, or too little of his trust, that is always liard at work for God, and yet seeth God must do all at last, he is per- suaded that grace doth not weaken his duty, but enforce it ; yet, when lie hath done all, counteth himself …
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3. It is the great question interrogated by him at the great day of accounts. It is not. Have you heard? have you prophesied? have you ate and drank in my presence? but, Have you fed? have you clothed ? have you visited ? We are one day to come to this account, and what sorry accounts shall we make ! So much for pleasu…
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68 SERMONS UPON MATTHEW XXV. [SeR. XXIII. saw we thee an hungry or athirst ? ' Their true and sincere humility will make them cast their crowns before the throne, saying, ' Thou art worthy, 0 Lord, to receive glory and honour.' Lord, it is thy goodness ; what have we done ? The saints, when they are highest, still sho…
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70 SERMONS UPON MATTfiEW XXV. [SeR. XXIII. 2. What value and esteem we should have for Christ's servants and faithful worshippers. Christ treateth his mystical body with greater indulgence, love, and respect than he did his natural body ; for he doth not dispense his judgment with respect to that, but these. He would …
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2. The answer itself ; wherein the former passages are explained of Christ's being hungry, thirsty, naked, exiled, imprisoned ; the riddle is opened. What is done to the afflicted, Christ taketh it as if it were done to him in person. In this answer observe — [1.] The title that is put upon afflicted christians ; the…
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Vers. 37-40.] sermons upon matthew xxy. 73 look askew upon him ; but Jesus Christ, though he be the eternal Son of God, by whom he made the world, the splendour of his Father's glory, and the brightness of his person, the King of kings, and the Lord of lords, and we be poor, vile, and unworthy creatures, yet he dis- d…
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I come now to consider — Secondly, The scope. These things are parabolically represented, to increase our faith concerning the reward of charity. The doctrine is this — Doct. That one special end and use unto which rich men should employ their worldly wealth should be the help and relief of the poor. Consider — 1. I…
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76 SERMONS UPON MATTHEAV XXV. [SeK. XXIII. merciful, as your heavenly Father is merciful.' Thou boldest the place of God, and art as it were a god to them. 4. The profit of this duty. It seemeth a loss, but it is the most gainful trade in the world. It is the way to preserve your estates, to increase them, to cleanse…
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4. This reward is not in this life, but in the life to come ; treasure in heaven. What is it to be rich in this world ? They are but uncer- tain riches : 1 Tim. vi. 17, ' Charge them that are rich in this world that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riclies ; but in the living God, who giveth us richly al…
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2. Ask men. The blind nations had a sense of eternity, and fancies of a heaven and hell, Elysian fields, and obscure mansions, and places of torment. There are some relics of this truth in the corrupt doctrine of the Gentiles. But we need not go so far back as tradition : look to conscience. Wicked men find in themselv…
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VeR. 41.] SERMONS UPON MATTHEW XXV, 81 mercy will bear thee out. He hath said that liars and drunkards shall have their portion in the lake that burnetii with fire and brimstone. If God is merciful, and yet did such thini^s to Christ, certainly he may remain merciful much more, and yet punish thee. 2. God doth it to …
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2. The carnal sensualist ; that is, the practical atheist, that put it off, because they cannot put it away, Amos vi. 3. Many that know themselves careless, wretched creatures, yet are not at all troubled about things to come. A star that is bigger than the earth yet seemeth to us to be but a spark, because of the grea…
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84 SEKMONS UPON MATTHEW XXV. [SeR. XXV. let this startle wielded men : before night the}^ may be in hell, before the body be committed to the grave : the soul flitteth hence as soon as it departeth out of the body, to God that gave it, to receive woe or weal. The hour of death is sudden ; many are surprised, and taken…
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Use 1. Observe how a sinner hasteneth to his own misery by steps and degrees. In this life we are adding sin to sin, and in the next God will be adding torment to torment. Here God beginneth with 86 SERMONS UPON MATTHEW XXV. [SeR. XXV. US : John iii. 18, ' He that believeth not, is condemned already.' Do not say, It …
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2. Let us see the title or terrible compellation, ' Ye cursed ; ' not by men, but by God. Many are blessed of God that are cursed of men : Mat. V. 12, ' Blessed are ye when men shall curse you for righteous- ness' sake : ' it is no boot to have the world's blessings ; yet observe ihe difference, ver. 34, he saith, ' Co…
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YeR. 41.] SERMONS UPON MATTHEW XXV. 89 liberty, James ii. 12, 13. It is clear everywhere there are but two states ; either we are under the law or under grace. Hear what the law saith. An innocent nature, that is jiresupposed ; and the person must continue in this perfect obedience. But we have continued in the violat…
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[2.] We know not how soon God may take the advantage of this VeR. 41.] SERMONS UPON MATTHEW XXV. 91 curse, and cut us off from the possibility of his grace. Christ coraeth as a thief, and stealeth upon men ere they are aware. We are indebted to God's justice, and we know not how soon God may put the bond in suit. Oth…
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First, By the loss ; they shall lose all heaven's joys, the favourable presence of God, the sight of Christ, the company of the blessed, and their abode in those happy mansions which are in Christ's Father's house. 1. The favourable presence of God. Hell is a deep dungeon, where the sunshine of God's presence never co…
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2. Be not quiet till you come out of this estate by Christ ; he is the bridge between earth and heaven, John xiv. 6. There can be no familiarity between us and God, but through him, Luke xvi. 26. Christ is the ladder by which we ascend, the means of intercourse between God and us. When man was driven out of paradise, t…
1,098 wordsSource & rights
Public-domain historical edition (1870); OCR text from Internet Archive. OCR may contain scanning/transcription errors. Verify quotations against page images when precision matters.
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Historical Christian writing; not Scripture.