PUBLIC-DOMAIN CHRISTIAN BOOK
The Complete Works of Thomas Manton — Volume 18
Thomas Manton · 303,917 words · 302 reading sections
Section 181
3. However, a full condition is apt to be a snare, and must be watched with the greater caution. That context is very notable, Mark X. 23-27, ' And J^sus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God ! 298 SERMON UPON LUKE XVI. 25. And the disci…
1,085 wordsSECTION 182Section 182
3. To show that these are not the chief good things by which his special love is manifested unto us. God will not now govern the world by sense, but by faith ; and therefore prosperity and adversity of them- selves do not clear up a man's estate before God, and are not perfect demonstrations of his love and hatred, nor…
936 wordsSECTION 183Section 183
SERMON UPON LUKE XVI. 25. 301 a fancy. We are upon a journey homeward, and we must abstain from everything which may hinder us in it. The delights of the way over- freely used, show we have no mind to get home ; as the flesh-pots of Egypt stuck in the Israelites' minds, and diverted them from Canaan, and they were rea…
992 wordsSECTION 184Section 184
5. Our good things are known by our unwillingness to part with them. Many profess they would not get the world with the loss of heaven, but that is not so close and present a trial ; but are you con- tent to lose the world, so you may have heaven at last ? The trial will rather lie here, for here it piucheth the sorest…
935 wordsSECTION 185Section 185
(1.) Riches are apt to breed atheism and contempt of God. (2.) They are not so broken-hearted as others, to see their need of Christ. (3.) If they take to the serious profession of religion, they cannot hold it. (4.) It makes men apt to take up their rest here. (5.) They are apt to wax proud, and scornful, and impa…
943 wordsSECTION 186Section 186
2. How contented the people of God should be in a mean condition, if God reduce them thereunto. [See Sermon on Mark x. 23.] Use 2. Is caution to us all. Now we must turn Abraham's memento, * remember,' into a cave, ' beware.' Beware that you do not receive your good things in this life. I must turn the exprobration in…
902 wordsSECTION 187Section 187
It is all one in which sense we expound the apostle, for all cometh to the same issue. This premised, let us next explain the several clauses. 1. ' Charity sufifereth long,' /laXpodu/xel ; that is, maketh a man long- suffering. This being the first and principal act of charity, it con- cerneth us to state it aright ; …
1,110 wordsSECTION 188Section 188
3. 'Charity envieth not,' ov ^rfkol. Nothing is more adverse to the goodness commended to us than envy, which cannot bear the good of another, and therefore is very far from procuring it and pro- moting it. Such was the envy of Cain, who taking notice that his brother's ofi'erings pleased God more than his own, he coul…
969 wordsSECTION 189Section 189
7. ' Seeketh not her own,' 6u ^rjret ra 6avTr)<i. Self-love prompteth us merely to seek our own things, but charity seeketh the profit of others. It doth not drive on a seli-seeking trade, or mind these things which make for our own advantage, but the welfare of others, and is as sensible and zealous for other men's go…
934 wordsSECTION 190Section 190
11. ' But rejoiceth in the truth,' (Tv^'xaLpei he rfj aXrjdeia. Truth is taken for sincerity of goodness. Charity wisheth those that displease us were better than they are, and that they did nothing but what is right, just, and good ; rejoices at any good that befalleth others, especially at the holy and virtuous actio…
1,011 wordsSECTION 191Section 191
3. What need there is of constant mortification. How else can we exercise this love, we being so covetous, proud, passionate, and self- seeking ? the Trddrj and iTnOvfiLUL, affections and lusts, must be both broken : Gal. v. 24, ' They that are Christ's have crucified the flesh, with the affections and lusts thereof.' …
1,119 wordsSECTION 192Section 192
In which words — (1.) Their progress is described ; (2.) The term and end of their journey. I. Their progress, ' They go from strength to strength ; ' that is, they are always gathering new strength and courage, notwithstanding their difficulties. It is dvaBtTrXayai'? av^rjriKrj, that is, increasing their power and st…
904 wordsSECTION 193Section 193
Secondly, Those that go from strength to strength shall at length appear before God in a blessed and heavenly estate. Doct. 1. Those whose hearts are set upon the ways of God, and do in the midst of all difficulties hope to come before him in Zion, it is their privilege and duty to go on from strength to strength. 1.…
917 wordsSECTION 194Section 194
2. To preserve what we have. If we do not grow better, we grow worse : Heb. vi. 1, ' Let us go on to perfection ;' and then presently he treateth of apostasy, ver. 4, &c. So 2 Peter iii. 17, 18, ' Seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being lead away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own s…
999 wordsSECTION 195Section 195
6. That we may answer our many experiences. There is no man of any long standing in the profession of godliness but he hath many experiences of the bitterness of sin, when he hath been meddling with. 320 SERMON UPON PSALM LXXXIV. 7. • forbidden fruit ; and of the vanity of the creature, when he hath doted upon it, a…
1,079 wordsSECTION 196Section 196
Use 2. It reproveth those who, if they have gotten such a measure of grace, whereby they think they may be assured they are in a state of grace, they never look further, but set up their rest, and think here- after Ciirist will make them perfect when they die. Consider — 1. They hazard their claim of sincerity that do…
944 wordsSECTION 197Section 197
SERMON UPON PSALM LXXXIV. 7. 323 5. You might more convert the world if you had more grace and holiness in your hearts, and did discover it more in your conversations. By your purity : Mat. v. 16, ' Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven,' The …
1,029 wordsSECTION 198Section 198
Doct 2. From the term of this motion : * Those that go on from strength to strength shall at length appear before God in Zion.' Here observe — 1. Theplace, Zion, that is, heaven, in this accommodative sense wherein I handle it : Heb. xii. 22, ' But ye are come unto Mount Zion, the city of the living God, the heavenly …
1,032 wordsSECTION 199Section 199
■SEEMON UPON I CORINTHIANS XI. 26. 327 must distingnisli between "what is primarily represented in the sac- rament, and what is secondarily and consequentially. It is true the con- sideration of his huiniliation excludeth not that of his exaltation, but leadeth us to it. Bat primarily and properly Christ's death is he…
975 wordsSECTION 200Section 200
(1.) Mourning for sin. When we call to remembrance the death of Christ, the anguish of his soul, the bruises of his body, the effusion of his blood, these are all occasions of godly sorrow. For, ' He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; and he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniqui…
967 wordsSECTION 201Section 201
330 SERMON UPON I CORINTHIANS XT. 26. of Christ constraineth us ; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead ; and that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them and rose again.' Yea, the life and soul of every duty, the …
1,163 wordsSECTION 202Section 202
[3.] The efiects and fruits are pardon and life. (1.) Pardon ; for God's justice being satisfied by Christ, he hath granted a new covenant, wherein pardon is assured to the penitent believer. We are told in what way and method sin is pardoned, upon the account of Christ's death, if we in a broken-hearted manner con- f…
953 wordsSECTION 203Section 203
* If any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.' A mer- ciless man hath denied the faith. And Jer. ix. 25, 26, ' Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his…
1,046 wordsSECTION 204Section 204
[3.] Practical. The ejBfects must more sensibly appear. Two ways is that done — (1.) When we are made partakers of his benefits, when we are justified and sanctified : Heb. x. 22, ' Let us draw near with a true heart, in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washe…
948 wordsSECTION 205Section 205
SEEMON UPON MALACHI III. 17. And I loill spare them, as a man spareth his oion son that serveth him. — Mal. iii. 17. These words are part of the promise which God maketh to them that fear him, or to those who are good in evil times. In them take notice of— 1. The blessing promised, that God will spare them. 2. The …
929 wordsSECTION 206Section 206
II. That this is a choice privilege. So it will appear to be if we consider — (1.) The holy nature of God ; (2.) The strictness and purity of his law, both as to the precept and sanction ; (3.) Our incapacity of appearing in the judgment ; (4.) The sense which conscience hath of sin. All these must be considered, becau…
964 wordsSECTION 207Section 207
4. The sense which conscience hath of these sins. [1.] Consider it in its old natural bondage, somewhat of which yet remaineth while sin remaineth. So conscience accuseth of the sins that are committed : Rom. ii. 15, ' Which show the work of the law written in their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and …
1,009 wordsSECTION 208Section 208
3. His gracious covenant, which may be considered — (1.) As to the terms or conditions it requires ; (2.) As to the penalties which God hath reserved a liberty to inflict. [1.] As to the terms or conditions propounded. It requireth per- fection, and accepteth of sincerity. It requires perfection : Gen. xvii. 1, ' I am…
919 wordsSECTION 209Section 209
[1.] There is sparing as to acceptance. A father, if there be any "blemish in his child, he will pity it, and cover it. He accepteth in good part the willingness of his son to serve him, though he, through weakness, fail in the exact manner of performance ; so our heavenly ^Father accepteth of a willing and honest hear…
1,099 wordsSECTION 210Section 210
3. It is congruous, proper, and suitable ; for this is God's end in sparing, that he may be reverenced and feared : Ps. cxxx. 4, * Buf- there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.' Hb intended forgiveness as a new foundation of obedience, love, and thankfulness ; that we should love him more, because fo…
979 wordsSECTION 211Section 211
2. That he will spare us as to afflictions and judgments. [1.] Sometimes God may spare others for their sakes, as he offereth to spare Sodom if there were fifty righteous persons found in it : Gen. xviii. 26, * If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, I will spare all the place for their sakes.' Afterwards …
951 wordsSECTION 212Section 212
1. There was scandalum seductionis : ver. 18, ' They overthrow the faith of some,'' fides quce creditur. It is principally meant, they turned them away from the truth. 2. There was scandalum contristationis. They were a great trouble- to the faithful, and weakened their comfort ; as surely it is a mighty disheartening…
904 wordsSECTION 213Section 213
350 SERMON UPON 2 TIMOTHY II. 19. sense, for the foundation of an house ; in the lawyer's sense, for the foundation of an estate which I expect from another, upon any bargain' or contract with him : the evidences and deeds of conveyance are the foundation which I have to build upon for my right and title. Now, to take…
1,242 wordsSECTION 214Section 214
2. It is secure also on our part, where all the danger lieth ; as God will not depart from us, so he will take care we shall not depart from him ; so that if once we truly and really enter into covenant with God, we do not only keep the covenant, but the covenant keepeth us. Two- things maketh it firm on our parts — […
1,215 wordsSECTION 215Section 215
(2.) God knoweth them. Knowing is put for — {1st.) His particular notice of them as his peculiar people of all that belong to the election of his grace. He knoweth their persons : Jer. i. 5, 'IBefore I formed thee in the belly I knew thee.' God hath a special care of them, that they may not die in their unregenerate c…
1,107 wordsSECTION 216Section 216
(2d.) How his duty is expressed, ' Let him depart from iniquity.' Not only retain the faith and profession of Jesus Christ, but depart from all manner of sin. (1st.) The thing quitted is sin. It is an indefinite expression, which implieth all sin ; not only sensual lusts, as voluptuous living, but pride, ambition, con…
977 wordsSECTION 217Section 217
SERMON UPON ACTS XXIY. 25. And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled : and answered, Go thy way for this time ; ivhen I have a convenient season, I will call for thee. — Acts xxiv. 25. In this chapter you have — (1.) The story of Paul's accusation by Tertullus ; (2.) Paul's…
907 wordsSECTION 218Section 218
* Judah hath dealt treacherously, and an abomination is committed in Israel and in Jerusalem ; for Judah hath profaned the holiness of the Lord, which he loved, and hath married the daughter of a strange god ; ' but also by deserting her husband after she had married him, and living in adultery, rather than a true and …
1,056 wordsSECTION 219Section 219
Many wicked men are shrewdly shaken by the preaching of the word for a while ; they are a little awakened out of their drowsy fits, and begin to fear and tremble ; yet they return to them again, and sleep the sleep of death, till in the day of judgment the books of conscience be opened, and then they everlastingly awak…
1,035 wordsSECTION 220Section 220
362 SERMON UPON ACTS XXIV. 25. doth no more, it shall leave them under a conviction of the truth. Sometimes to conversion ; as 2 Cor, iv. 6, * God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Chri?t.' God concu…
936 wordsSECTION 221Section 221
2. The manner is to be considered. The word must be closely and prudently applied ; for here is both a close and prudent application. [1.] Close. He discourseth of virtues opposite to the vices where- with this man was blemished. The word hath force of itself, yet managed with dexterity, as a dart that falleth by its …
941 wordsSECTION 222Section 222
2. The profitableness of insisting upon the last judgment, that we SERMON UPON ACTS XXIV. 25. 365 may persuade you, and you may suffer yourselves to be persuaded. It is the great awe-bond to beget in us a sense of our duty and sin ; for (1.) It is an impartial judgment, that must pass upon all, high or low, rich or p…
1,116 wordsSECTION 223Section 223
2. Do not rest in a common work, that you hear the word, and are some way affected, Herod rejoiced, Felix trembled. God hath never our hearts till he hath gained our love as well as our fear. Felix trembled ; God gained upon his fear ; but he never hath our hearts till he hath our delight, and such a ^delight as is not…
926 wordsSECTION 224Section 224
3. It supposeth that the man be renewed and recovered out of the common apostasy ; for while a man remaineth in it the beast rideth the man, and nothing is sweet and pleasant but what gratifieth sensual appetite. Eegeneration and change of heart is necessary to taste the pleasures which are in the paths of wisdom ; for…
950 wordsSECTION 225Section 225
VOL. XVIII. 2 A 370 SERMON UPON PROVERBS III. 17, you may have it with God's hatred, who can make you miserable when- ever he pleaseth. He can blast you with diseases, fill you with dis- quiets of soul, embitter all your comforts. But suppose you had the love of God, then what wanteth to your solid satisfaction and p…
958 wordsSECTION 226Section 226
[4.] Our title to the heavenly inheritance is more clearly made out by practice. By knowledge we know what to seek after, but by practice our right is confirmed. Knowledge directeth us in our duty, but serious practice assureth our interest, and so our contentment is doubled : John xiii. 17, ' If ye know these things, …
1,027 wordsSECTION 227Section 227
I SERMON UPON PROVERBS III. 17. 373 which is raised in us by the Holy Ghost is more rich and glorious than that which is but the fruit of our own reason or our reflection upon our ways. When he sheddeth abroad the love of God in our hearts, it is more powerful and penetrating. Other joy is not wrought by God, but at …
1,056 wordsSECTION 228Section 228
Use 2. To reprove two sorts of people — 1. Those that can find no pleasure in an holy life, that is, no ground of pleasure. Is not God a delectable object? Is not salvation by Christ a delightful speculation, or such a glorious mystery as cannot be found elsewhere ? Are not the promises of heaven comfortable things ? …
926 wordsSECTION 229Section 229
1. Envy. In the general, invidentia est vitium, quo alterius bono contristamur. A sin by which we grieve at another's good, whether hurtful to us or no. So carnal men are said to live in malice or envy, Titus iii. 3. Fallen man is not only perverse to God, but grown unsociable to men. They would shine alone, and think …
1,076 wordsSECTION 230Section 230
2. The object is expressed in the word oppressor, or man of violence; in the 32d verse, the ' fro ward.' The one noteth the disposition of his heart ; he is froward : the other the evil of his practice ; he oppresseth, or seeketh to bear down others by violence. The froward, prce/ractus ; the hard, inflexible man, that…
1,000 wordsSECTION 231Section 231
[2.] Observe, to be hated and rejected of God should be esteemed by «8 as one of the greatest calamities that can befall a poor creature, as to be accepted with him one of the greatest blessings : Ps. iv. 6, 7, * There be many that say, Who will show us any good ? Lord, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us…
1,196 wordsSECTION 232Section 232
[4.] God will not always bear with them that are an abomination to him, but hath his times of showing his hatred of them and their evil ■courses ; for if they are an abomination to him, and he never show it, they need not care, and so it inferreth not only a possibility, but a certainty of their destruction : Ps. xcii.…
915 wordsSECTION 233Section 233
SERMON UPON PROVERBS III. 30, 31. 38^ cliristianity as a report, or tradition calculated and formed to a worldly interest ? (2.) The secret of the Lord may intend not only direction in our duty, but satisfaction about God's dispensations, for our consolation in all afflictions. God helpeth them to interpret his provi…
986 wordsSECTION 234Section 234
Use 1. To reprove us, and humble us for this envying the wicked. It appeareth partly by our troubling and vexing ourselves so much at the sight of their prosperity. We are so dejected at it, as if God had done nothing for our souls, as if all our happiness were gone, and lay in outward things. We should chide ourselves…
910 wordsSECTION 235Section 235
[3.] A sound judgment about providence, and a right interpretation cf God's dealing with us. If the just should be always prosperous, and the wicked always miserable, religion would be a matter of sense ; so, on the contrary, if the just should have always evil, and the wicked always good, it would tempt to despair; th…
931 wordsSECTION 236Section 236
2. The value and worth. The one is as choice refined silver, the other is little worth. This metaphor showeth that an unsanctified heart is a drossy heart. There is a fieuocri^ in the expression ; it doth a great deal of hurt, I begin with the first part, 'The tongue of the just;' that is, the words and speeches which…
952 wordsSECTION 237Section 237
4. This renewed man must be biassed with a love to God and Christ and heaven before he can edify others with serious counsel, exhortation, or reproof. This referreth to vivification. To restrain the tongue from evil is not enough, but we must do good. Now, how wretchedly and coldly do they speak of God, Christ, and hea…
1,004 wordsSECTION 238Section 238
[4.] Proud and arrogant speaking, when all our discourse is a self- boasting. Pride in the heart loveth to vent itself, sometimes by the eyes (we read of haughty eyes and a proud look), but usually by the tongue ; all their discourses are to set off themselves, and to usher in something of themselves ; or if religion b…
1,059 wordsSECTION 239Section 239
[2.] Because holy conference and edifying discourse is one means of spiritual growth and mutual improvement : Pro v. xvi. 21, ' The wise in heart shall be called prudent, and the sweetness of his lips increaseth learning.' The more he venteth what he knoweth, the wiser himself groweth, and learneth by teaching others ;…
952 wordsSECTION 240Section 240
3. To show us what need there is that we should be just, holy, and righteous. If we would profit others by our discourses, two things are necessary — that we should be enlightened and mortified. [1.] That we should be enlightened by the Spirit of grace. If we would teach others the way of God, it is necessary that we …
960 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.