PUBLIC-DOMAIN CHRISTIAN BOOK
The Complete Works of Thomas Manton — Volume 18
Thomas Manton · 303,917 words · 302 reading sections
Section 1
IAS BAKER.I OMo Square, .ONDON. ^ PRINCETON, N. J. ^* Shelf.. Manton, Thomas, 1620-1677. The complete works of Thomas Manton THE WORKS OF THOMAS MANTON, D.D. VOL. XVIII. COUNCIL OF PUBLICATION. W. LINDSAY ALEXANDER, D.D., Professor of Theology, Congregational Union, Edinburgh. JAMES BEGG, D.D., Minister of Ne…
1,022 wordsSECTION 2Section 2
(2.) Positively and affirmatively, ' But sinners.' Those that are really so, and so in their own opinion and estimation ; these Christ calleth for ; these have work for him to do. [2.] The way which he taketh for their cure, ' He calleth ; ' as a teacher from heaven he thus acquainteth them with the way of their recov…
990 wordsSECTION 3Section 3
2. That out of this misery man is unable to deliver and recover himself Not able to reconcile or propitiate God to himself, or himself to God; not able to redeem himself, or give a sufficient ransom or recompense to God's provoked justice : Ps. xlix. 8, ' For the redemp- tion of the soul is precious, and ceaseth for ev…
995 wordsSECTION 4Section 4
III. The means of application, or the duty on man's part, is repent- ance ; for to that he calleth them here. Here let me show you these four things — (1.) What repentance is ; (2.) The kinds of it ; (3.) That this is the way of our recovery ; (4.) The suitableness of this qualification to the grace of the new covenan…
1,012 wordsSECTION 5Section 5
3. That this is the way of our recovery, in order to the enjoyment of the privileges of the new covenant. God and Christ agreed that salvation should be dispensed upon these terms, and the whole frame of the gospel is to invite sinners to repentance. God sent him to heal the broken-hearted. Mat. xi. 28. He interposed a…
1,093 wordsSECTION 6Section 6
Use. Let us obey Christ, and continually carry on the work of repent- ance with more seriousness. Sin is not hated enough, nor God loved enough, and therefore we have so small a taste of the comforts of Christianity. Groans unutterable make way for joys that are unspeak- able. Motives. 1. The unquestionable necessity…
919 wordsSECTION 7Section 7
12 SERMON UPON MARK 11. 17. 5. There must be an unfeigned purpose and endeavour to forsake them: Pro v. xxviii. 13, 'He that covereth his sins shall not prosper, but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy ; ' Ezek. iii. 11, 'As I live, saith the Lord, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but th…
984 wordsSECTION 8Section 8
5. Those children that cried hosanna to Christ make up part of the sense. Mat. xxi. 16 ; for Christ defendeth their practice by this scripture, when he was condemned by the wisest and greatest and proudest men in the world, such as were the scribes and pharisees at that time, he was praised and welcomed as the Messiah …
905 wordsSECTION 9Section 9
16 SERMON UPON PSALM VIII. 2. by the power of the long sword, or by visible force and might, but by the breath of his mouth ; that is to say — [1.] By the word preached. Therefore it is said that he shall consume antichrist by the breath of his mouth, 2 Thes. ii. 8 ; and Rev, xix. 15, ' Out of his mouth goeth a sharp…
1,003 wordsSECTION 10Section 10
2. The nature of this enmity. It is double; as on Satan's part, both of nature and design, so on Christ's part, both of nature and office. [1.] There is a perfect enmity between the nature of Christ and the nature of the devil. The nature of Satan is sinful, murderous, and destructive, for it is said he was a liar and…
915 wordsSECTION 11Section 11
[1.] Certain it is that Christ himself was bruised in the enterprise of redeeming poor captive souls, which showeth how much we should value our salvation, since it cost so dear. The Lord Jesus thought SERMON UPON PSALM VIII. 2. 19 not his whole humiliation from first to last too much, nor any price too dear, for ove…
985 wordsSECTION 12Section 12
[3.] By his resurrection and ascension. After he had been a sacri- fice for sin, by his resurrection he overcame death, hell, and sin, and soon after he ascended into heaven, that he might triumph over the devil, and lead captivity captive, Eph. iv. 8. His enemies were foiled upon the cross, but his triumph over them w…
989 wordsSECTION 13Section 13
22 SERMON UPON PSALM VIII. 2. I answer — It may be considered either (1.) With respect to Christ, the author of our deliverance ; or, (2.) With respect to men, who are the subjects of this deliverance, or the persons delivered. First, With respect to Christ our deliverer. 1. There is enough done by way of merit to b…
1,151 wordsSECTION 14Section 14
[2.] As to confirmation and perseverance, Christ will not lose the prey that he hath recovered out of the hands of Satan. Indeed, while anything of sin remaineth, there is somewhat of Satan left, which he worketh upon. There is a remnant of his seed in the best. The godly are yet in the way, but not at the end of the j…
934 wordsSECTION 15Section 15
(2.) Affirmatively. {1st.) It is so far broken and destroyed, that we have necessary assistance provided for us : 2 Cor. xii. 9, ' My grace is sufficient for thee, for my strength is made perfect in weakness.' Per- fect, that is, manifested to be perfect. When the world is of Satan's side, God is of our side: 2 Tim. iv…
1,030 wordsSECTION 16Section 16
(2d.) A right to the privileges of the new covenant, which are pardon and life : Acts xxvi. 18, 'To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them SERMON UPON PSALM VIII. 2, 27 which are sanctified;'…
1,037 wordsSECTION 17Section 17
The text giveth an account of what Joshua did and said on this occasion. What he did, in the beginning of the verse, ' He adjured the people at that time ; ' that is, exacted this oath or solemn consent from them, to submit themselves and their posterity to the imprecation or curse denounced by him in the name of the L…
1,049 wordsSECTION 18Section 18
2. To know these two kingdoms we must consider the quality of either. [1.] The gospel kingdom is a kingdom of light, life, and love. Of light, because the drift of it is to give men a true knowledge of God : Acts xxvi. 18, ' To open their eyes, and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God.…
921 wordsSECTION 19Section 19
(2.) Idolatry. This was his first and great endeavour for perverting the world, to bring men to worship another god, or the true God by an idol. The devil is etBcoXoxapv^f ^ delighter in idols.* He was the con- triver of the idols of the gentiles ; therefore they are said to ' sacri- fice their sons and daughters unto …
1,320 wordsSECTION 20Section 20
4. When true religion is thus received, such an advantage should not be lost or carelessly looked after. Partly because it is with much ado that Christ gets up in the world ; not only by the labours of his servants, but by their deep sufferings. As the chief captain said to Paul, ' With a great sum obtained I this free…
1,025 wordsSECTION 21Section 21
3. It is unbelief. Such persons regard not the threatenings of God : Lam. i. 9, ' She remembered not her last end, therefore she came down wonderfully ; ' Deut. xxxii. 29, ' Oh, that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end.' Mischief and ruin attendeth these attempts : Hosea…
990 wordsSECTION 22Section 22
2. Let us pray ; that will do much. Christ hath taught us to pray for the coming of his kingdom : Mat. vi. 10, ' Thy kingdom come ! ' David, in his penitential psalm, could not forget the welfare of the church, when so deeply concerned as to his own particular, for the recovering of his own peace : Ps. Ii. 18, ' Do goo…
1,132 wordsSECTION 23Section 23
1. Observe the matter, what is recommended to their remembrance, in two things — [1.] The plot betwixt Balak and Balaam. [2.] The many good things that fell out between Shittim and Gilgal. 2. The end why it is recommended to their remembrance, ' That ye may know the righteousness of the Lord. First, For the matter,…
1,167 wordsSECTION 24Section 24
2. Let us see what Balaam answered' him. [1.] By way of prediction. He came to curse them, but he uttereth many prophecies concerning the happiness of Israel : Num. xxiii. 8, ' How shall I curse whom God hath not cursed, or how shall I defy whom the Lord hath not defied ? ' He showeth that no inferior power is able to…
904 wordsSECTION 25Section 25
[3.] After this God appears among them again, and they are led into Canaan with a miracle ; an argument of a great favour on God's part, and an awe of those things that befell them at Shittim ; and now they are very tender of provoking God again : Josh. xxii. 17, ' Is the iniquity of Peor too little for us, from which …
1,027 wordsSECTION 26Section 26
5. That we cannot lie open to the plots and snares of those that hate us till we have provoked our shadow and defence to depart from us ; for till there was an apostasy from the truth and the right ways of God, Balaam with all his wiles could have no advantage against Israel. Balaam's counsel did more hurt than his cur…
970 wordsSECTION 27Section 27
2. That yet these mercies should not be forgotten, partly becausa God hath commanded the contrary, as we have seen. It is not only a sin to forget his word, but his works ; and partly also because of the profit. [l.J That we may be more deeply possessed of the goodness of God. The ear doth not afi'ect the heart so muc…
966 wordsSECTION 28Section 28
But whose memory is so vast as to carry all matters away with it ? SERMON UPON MICAH VI. 5, 49 Answer — There is an habitual remembrance and an actual com- memoration. (1.) An habitual remembrance is necessary as to all God's acts of mercy, not only of the more eminent and signal providences, but of every day's kind…
915 wordsSECTION 29Section 29
2. In the most sinking and dark times their great duty is to trust in the Lord. 3. They that fear God and obey him are most encouraged to trust in him. For the first point, that God's people may sometimes be in such a condition as to walk in darkness and see no light. First, I will open this helpless and hopeless co…
985 wordsSECTION 30Section 30
SERMON UPON ISAIAH L. 10. 53 man shipwrecked and swimming for life in the vast ocean, and sees no banks or land near. Secondly, The reasons why this may befall the people of God. There are reasons on man's part, and on God's part. First, On man's part. 1. The astonishing power of sore troubles : Ps. Ix. 3, * Thou h…
930 wordsSECTION 31Section 31
Thirdly, That God may thereby promote the ends of his providence, which is to humble his people, and try them, and to do them good. 1. For the greater humiliation. When Christ was humbled for our sins he was at a non plus, as if he knew not what to say or do : John xii. 27, * Now is my soul troubled, and what shall I …
1,023 wordsSECTION 32Section 32
Use 2. Let us prepare for such a time ; for none of us can promise ourselves a total exemption from such kind of providences. But what ])reparations must we make ? I answer — Stock the heart with some maxims or holy truths, which may be a support to you. 1. That in our darkest condition God seeth us, though we do no…
1,015 wordsSECTION 33Section 33
5. That we must not dote upon sensible consolation. The merciful nature of God should be a support to us, though we see nothing of the effects of it in the course of his dealings with us ; and we should believe his love when we do not actually feel it : Job x. 13, ' And these things hast thou hid in thine heart ; I kno…
1,033 wordsSECTION 34Section 34
The reasons are taken from the act and the object. The act is trusting and staying ; the object is God, or the name of God. The benefit we have by this act, the encouragement we have from this object. SERMON UPON ISAIAH L. 10. 59 1. The ntility and profit of tiusting : 2 Chron. xx. 20, 'Believe in .the Lord your God,…
973 wordsSECTION 35Section 35
(2.) In his covenant, the foundation of which is laid in the blood of Christ, and the benefits offered there are pardon of sin and eternal life. Pardon of sin is a cure for our greatest and deepest trouble. Eternal life answereth all our desires; this light affliction is not comparable to it : 2 Cor. iv. 17, ' For our …
1,057 wordsSECTION 36Section 36
SERMON UPON 2 SAMUEL VII. 27. 63 thine own understanding: in all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.' 3. The next thing observable is the Lord's rectifying the prophet's mistake by a special revelation, ver. 4-17, wherein the Lord recapitu- lateth the several favours and honours he had put upon h…
1,154 wordsSECTION 37Section 37
[2.] An esteem and value of the blessings asked. All such as pray aright must have a high estimation of what they seek ; for if we do not set a value upon it, we shall neither seek it earnestly, nor will God care to give it us ; for he will not thruSt spiritual comforts upon them that despise them. Paul was so earnest …
900 wordsSECTION 38Section 38
2. We are encouraged in prayer, and so we find it in our hearts to pray, by several things — [1.] God's merciful nature : 2 Sam. vii. 21, ' According to thine own heart hast thou done all these great things,' Ex mero motu. God fetcheth not his reasons from without, but from his own bowels. His own self-inclination to …
1,074 wordsSECTION 39Section 39
(Is^.) That we ask righteously according to the matter. So you have the limitation: 1 John v. 14, 15, 'And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us : and if we know that he heareth us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired …
908 wordsSECTION 40Section 40
SERMON UPON SAMUEL 2 VII. 27. G9 serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind ; for the Lord searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts.' A man up in the air seeth the spring as well as the river and its course ; we that stand by see the course, but not the spring. God under…
1,061 wordsSECTION 41Section 41
Use 2. Caution. Do not take everything for prayer which looks like it. 1. Bodily exercise. Many, by the agitation of the bodily spirits, work themselves into some vehemency ; their voice is heard on high, but the heart is dead and cold, quihus arteriis opus est. These fill up only a little time with words ; they pray …
954 wordsSECTION 42Section 42
2. In prayer with others. If either God direct their tongues to speak to our case, or in general requests suited to the necessity of all christians, we must find it in our hearts, or else we are under a distemper. Prayer is nothing else but the language of faith, love, and hope ; of faith, a believing of God's being an…
988 wordsSECTION 43Section 43
In the words observe — (1.) God's charge to his officers to summon the court, ' Gather my saints together.' (2.) The desci-iption of the parties who are to appear in the judgment, 'My saints that have made a cove- nant with me by sacrifice.' 1. His charge to his officers, whether angels or others. None can hide themse…
1,078 wordsSECTION 44Section 44
[2.] The sureness of his mercy. We are now at a certainty, and may know what to expect from God ; for he is pleased to enter into bonds, and to make himself a debtor by his own promises. Mercy and truth are the Jachin and Boaz : Micah vii. 20, ' Thou wilt perform the truth to Jacob, and the mercy to Abraham, which thou…
1,051 wordsSECTION 45Section 45
78 SERMON UPON PSALM L. 5. I Secondly, That no covenant can be made with God without the interposing of and respect unto a sacrifice. 1. In the old church, when Israel entered into covenant with God, there were solemn sacrifices. The manner you have described Exod. xxiv. 10, and explained by the apostle Heb. ix. 19,…
988 wordsSECTION 46Section 46
2. The christian church doth also make a covenant with him by sacrifice. This will appear in three things — (1.) That Christ's death hath the true notion and virtue of a sacrifice ; (2.) That this sacri- fice hath respect to the covenant of grace; (3.) That our manner of entering into covenant with God is by the same m…
920 wordsSECTION 47Section 47
(1.) By it Christ is authorized to offer the terms and dispense the benefits of it : Heb. xiii. 20, ' The God of peace, that brought again from the dead the Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant.' That ' blood of the everlasting covenant ' hath a double reference th…
1,009 wordsSECTION 48Section 48
(3.) They were obligations to duty, and that worship and obedience which we owe to God ; for a man by ofi'ering a beast did in eflfect devote himself and all his power and strength to God ; the worshipper was to consecrate himself wholly to his service. So Rom. xii. 1, ' I be- seech you by the mercies of God, that ye p…
1,047 wordsSECTION 49Section 49
84 SEEMON UPON PSALM L. 5. known sin, or do not resolve against it, God will say, ' What hast thou to do to take my covenant in thy mouth,' Ps. 1. 16. If there be any insincerity, the covenant is marred in the making: Ps. Ixxviii. 37, ' Their heart was not right with him, neither were they steadfast in his covenant.' …
923 wordsSECTION 50Section 50
It is not only a bare gift, so it is to the wicked ; but a blessing, one of the temporal mercies of the covenant : Ps. cxxviii. 1, ' Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord, that walketh in his ways.' One of the blessings is, ver. 3, ' Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thy house, thy children like…
1,217 wordsSECTION 51Section 51
88 SERMON UPON PSALM CXXVII. 3. and treasures of the east, lie hath not his denomination from them, but from the children of Eber ; a people a long time kept under, before they could grow into a nation, but they were the people of God, who retained his true worship ; theirs were the promises, the adoption, and the glo…
909 wordsSECTION 52Section 52
3. It is a gift and a blessing dispensed as a reward and heritage, with respect to the obedience or disobedience of their parents. God would by all ways and means engage us to godliness. Now because our temporal happiness or misery much dependeth upon our relations and children, he would make this one motive to invite …
1,030 wordsSECTION 53Section 53
SERMON UPON PSALM CXXVII. 3. 91 God will show the fallacy of it by blasting that greatness : Job xx. 10, ' His children shall seek to please the poor, and his hands shall restore their goods.' [2.] How far godly parents are blessed in their posterity. (1.) Good men convey many a temporal blessing to their relations;…
1,135 wordsSECTION 54Section 54
2. Those that do not improve the mercy, nor endeavour to make children blessings indeed, by an holy education. Oh ! it will be a great happiness to be parents to such as shall be heirs of glory 1 As children ought to be looked upon ks a great mercy, so also as a great trust, which as it is managed may occasion much joy…
927 wordsSECTION 55Section 55
3. The importance of this duty. Next to the preaching of the word, the education of children is one of the greatest duties in the world ; for the service of Christ and of the church and state dependeth upon it. Families are the seminaries of church and commonwealth. Religion dwelt first in families, and as they grew in…
1,042 wordsSECTION 56Section 56
1 Eight.— Ed. 0 SERMON UPON PHILIPPIANS IV. 8. 97 very forward in promises, but fail in performance. Now a poor man that loveth you, and will do his best, is a surer friend than such great men as only give you good words, and sprinkle you with a little court holy water. But this should be far from a christian, for h…
986 wordsSECTION 57Section 57
5. ' Whatsoever things are lovely,' 7rpocr(f)i\r]. There are certain things which are not only commanded by God, but are grateful and acceptable to men. Such are a loving, affable carriage, peaceable be- haviour, meekness, lowliness of mind, charity, usefulness : Kom. v. 7, ' For scarcely for a righteous man will one d…
956 wordsSECTION 58Section 58
Well, then, these are the general heads of christian duties, which they should seriously think upon, and propose them to themselves for the regulation of their conversations, that they might do nothing but what was agreeable to truth, equity, sobriety, exact justice, purity, chastity, and virtue. This for the first que…
956 wordsSECTION 59Section 59
Thirdly, For what reasons. 1. Because grace doth not abolish so much of nature as is good, but refines and sublimates it, by causing us to act from higher principles and to higher ends. As the apostle saith that Onesimus was dear to Philemon, ' both in the flesh and in the Lord,' Philem. 16, so if any- thing be pure, …
1,035 wordsSECTION 60Section 60
SERMON UPON PHILIPPIANS IV. 8. 103 ye to do, and not to leave the other undone.' Hypocrites make a busi- ness about small matters, and neglect weighty duties. Yet the sincere, by the discharge of greater duties, are not freed from the obligation to do the smallest duties ; both stand by the same authority. 6. These m…
924 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.
Project Gutenberg source record →
Historical Christian writing; not Scripture.