PUBLIC-DOMAIN CHRISTIAN BOOK
The Complete Works of Thomas Manton — Volume 19
Thomas Manton · 315,248 words · 313 reading sections
Section 61
VOL. XIX. G 98 SERMONS UPON REVELATION I. 5, 6. beauty, and as great a fruition of his godhead as we shall be capable of, in a state of full contentment, joy, and blessedness. 5. If there be a temple in the other world, then there are priests, and there will be a ministration ; but now heaven is often represented as…
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Use 1. It informeth us — 1. That our service is an honour, and worship a privilege ; for it is not only a way to heaven, but a beginning of heaven. Our work there is a part of our reward. The priestly ministration is so the work of heaven, that it is also a reward for our present diligence. Well, then, it is the most …
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[2.] We shall serve him perfectly, and without weakness, weariness, and distraction. (1.) Here is weakness. What dull and low conceptions have we of God ! What heartless, irreverent, and poor expressions of his glorious excellency whenever we come to worship before him ! such as should make us ashamed to open our lips…
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[5.] There is the unanimous conjunction of all the saints in the praises of God, or a joining in comfort, without jarring or difference. The apostle biddeth us, Rom. xv. 6, ' With one mind and with one mouth to glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.' It is our duty, but never performed to the full, but …
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2. To exhort us to prepare ourselves for this estate ; and let us labour that we may be such as may be counted meet to minister before the Lord in his heavenly temple. To this end — [1.] Let us hasten the acts which belong to our consecration, and attend upon them with more seriousness, which is the cleansing of the s…
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[2.] To thankfulness to our Redeemer. It was purchased by the blood of Jesus : Heb. x. 19, ' Having therefore, brethren, boldness to 105 SERMONS UPON REVELATION I. 5, 6. enter into the lioliest by the blood of Jesus.' We may be the more confident of drawing nigh to him in a way of grace, for he hath pur- chased also …
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2. He that doth not rebuke his brother when he doth anything amiss doth indeed hate him, not love him. There are two things which put us upon reproof — zeal for God's glory, and love to our neigh- bour's soul. There is a defect in our zeal if we do not seek to repair God's honour when it is wounded by others : Ps. Ixix…
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to any wrong deed of his, and would not only dissent, but dissuade him from it, yea, reprove him, and rebuke him sharply, if need were ; which sort of friendly smiting would be a most acceptable good turn as could be performed to him. Surely he that truly hateth sin loveth to be freely dealt withal, and reproved an…
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[3.] Among christians, some are more nearly related to us, either by the bonds of natural kindred or special friendship, as those of our family, and with whom we have familiar converse. We know not the estate of those who are at a distance, but those within the sphere of our commerce we are more particularly concerned …
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From the whole observe — Doct. That brotherly reproof is a necessaiy duty, which all are bound to practise as well as they can. I. Let us consider the kind of the duty which we are bound to enforce. Reproof and admonition is either authoritative and by way of office, or charitative and by way of general duty. 1. For…
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2. It is a duty because positively commanded by God ; so that unless we will be guilty of flat disobedience, we ought to mind it. God bindeth all men to reprove their erring brother and neighbour, keeping the rules of prudence, justice, and charity. Now that God hath commanded this, many of the scriptures cited before …
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[2.] How far the obligation reacheth extensively. It bindeth all ; for all are to be able : Coi. iii. 16, ' Let the word of God dwell in you richly, in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another ; ' and Kom. XV. 14, ' I am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge…
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[2.] Taking a reproof is commended : Eccles. vii. 5, ' It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools.' It saddens the heart for the present, yet it is more wholesome and beneficial than vain mirth, that puts us off from seriousness in soul- dangers, and feedeth our lusts and corr…
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3. The end, not to shame him, but to gain him from sin to his duty. If the man be good, to set him in joint again : Gal. vi. 1, ' Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual restore such nn one in the spirit of meekness, considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.' If carnal, to take this occ…
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4. When the party is likely to be the worse, rather than better, if he be reproved : Prov. ix.'7, ' He that reproveth a scorner getteth to him- SERMONS UPON. LEVITICUS XIX. 17. 121 self sliame, and he that rehiiketh a wicked man getteth himself a- blot; if it provoketh them to rail. So Mat. vii. 6, ' Give not holy th…
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7. If it be imcertain whether that which you reprove for be a sin, as suppose some kind of games or sports, which are questionable, because usually they do hurt, engross time, and enchant the mind, and are as the excelsa mimdi, the high places of the world, that have a sti'ange blast and judgment of God upon them, thou…
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124 SERMONS UPON LEVITICUS XIX. 17. will be very severe and amazing. And ver. 31, 'The ear that heareth tlie reproof of life abideth amonf^ the wise ; ' that is, forsaketh the ill company which misled him, and betaketh himself to better guides: Prov. xxix. 1, ' He that, being often reproved, hardcncth his neck, shall …
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2. Of all men, virtuous good men are more miserable than others, if you consider their temper and the state of the world. Their temper ; they deny themselves the pleasures of the flesh, and the world too often depriveth them of the ordinary comforts of life. They deny themselves the irregular pleasures of the flesh, as…
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128 SERMONS UPON 1 CORINTHIANS XV. 19. tlie wo)-lJ have all llieir good things allowed by tlice iti this life ; here they have all riches, and plenty, and a numerous posterity, wealth sufficient not only to enjoy themselves, but to leave abundantly to their children ; Ijut I count myself abundantly provided for if I m…
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[2.] As it is upon a part, the soul only. The bodies of the holy and the wicked are both now senseless, and moulder into dust in the grave; and till they be raised up, and joined to their souls, can neither partake of woe or weal, pleasure or pain. The soul, though it be a principal part, is but a part. The body essent…
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SERMONS UPON 1 CORINTHIANS XV. 10. 131 2. Positively ; and so — [1.] The apostle speaketli not of their inward enjoyments, but their outward estate, which no ways seems to answer God's covenant love nor governing justice ; for the calamities of the godly raise two doubts — (1.) How this doth stand with the love and g…
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(4.) There would be no recompense for their greatest losses. Christ requireth us not only to venture, but lose our lives for his sake : Luke xiv. 26, ' If anv man come to me, and hate not his father and mother, SERMONS UPON 1 CORINTHIANS XV. 19, 133 and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own …
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[2.] Come we to the holiness of God, which inclineth him to hate evil and love that which is good. Surely God is not indifferent to good and evil, or more partial to the evil than to the good. That were a blasphemy, and such a diminution of God's holiness as should be ab- horred by every good christian. No ; 'He hatetl…
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one of the first maxims of religion, that ' God is, and that lie is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him/ Heb. xi. 6. Next to his being, we believe his bounty, that God's service, first or last, will turn to a good account. And it is the rather to be believed by us, because carnal and corrupted nature begrudgeth…
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138 SERMONS UPON 1 CORINTHIANS XV. 19. shall ensue. Their joy is suspended while the glory of Christ is under a veil, but when lie is manifested to the world, they shall be manifested to be the chiklren of God. Alas ! otherwise what would become of the best servants God hath in the world, when they are hooted at by th…
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Use 1. It showeth us how much it concerneth us to be assured of the future estate. It is the life of our religion ; it bindeth our duty upon us by the strictest tie, and doth also establish our true and proper com- fort. If we may have hope of better things from Christ in another world, not only in our calamities, but …
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2, Because by this means a temptation is turned into an argument. Men doubt of the being of God, of providence, and the future estate, because of the afflictions of the good ; and this is one means to settle vou in the belief of these things. It is good to observe how differentlv men will reason from the same principle…
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[2.] Because it is the great end why the scriptures Avere written, to beget and raise this hope in us : Kom. xv. 4, 'For whatsoever things were written aforetime, were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.' It is the business and design of these holy books. […
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[4.] Some already have got home to God upon the same terms, and in the same way in which you expect to get home to him. Think often of the happiness of the blessed, who are now enjoying what we expect, and are in possession of that supreme good which we hope for. Tliey are entered into the joy of our Lord, and have nei…
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Now these persons which are here described propound to themselves the noblest and highest end which the heart of man can pitch upon, even ' glory, honour, and immortality.' Amongst men, the ambitious, who aspire to crowns and kingdoms, and aim at perpetual fame by their virtues and rare exploits, are judged persons of …
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[3.] The third word is ' immortality,' a<i>dapaiav, incorruption. All 148 SERMON UPON ROMANS 11. 7. the glory and honour of the world soon fadeth away. If our fame survive us, what good will it do us when we are dead ? Alas ! it is but a poor shadow of tliat eternal glory and lionour which Christ will ])ut upon the s…
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(3.) By the seriousness of the act ; they distinguish themselves from hypocrites or partial believers. Those that have a slight sense of eternity will desire ' glory, and honour, and immortality ; ' but to desire it so as that it shall be their top care ; to desire it so as that all other things should be lessened in t…
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[2.] We must obey the truth ; that is, act agreeably to the revealed SERMON UPON ROMANS II. 7. 151 will of God in scripture ; that is to do well. It is the scripture which helpeth us to distinguish good from evil, and will be a sure direction in well-doing : Ps. cxix, 105, ' Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a lig…
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II. The reward is eternal life. This will make amends for all. By it is meant all manner of happiness. 1. Eternal life is a freedom from all misery whatsoever, in estates^ names, relations, bodies, souls. As the body is free from all weakness, so the soul is free from all sin ; faultless, without spot or wrinkle. 2. …
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3. They are such as continue patiently in a course of well-doing to the end of their lives ; for it is not enough to begin well, but the work must still be carried on till we come to receive our reward : Heb. iii. 14, 'For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the en…
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In the words we have — The thing prayed for, together with the persons from whom ; or rather — 1. Tlie matter of the bk^ssedness wished, ' The grace of our Lord Jesus Cln-ist, the love of God, the communion of the Holy Ghost.' 2. The effectual application to the Corinthians, ' Be with you.' 3. The confirmation of t…
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Christ to us : John vi. 37, ' All that the Father givetli me shall come to me ; and him that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast out ; ' John xvii. 6, ' 1 have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world ; thine they were, and thou gavest them me, and they have kept thy word.' And in time he…
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4. These make way one for another, or work into each other's liand ; for what the Father intended, Christ purchased, and the Spirit applieth. God the Father is as the fountain of grace, Jesus Christ as the con- duit or pipe to convey it to us, and the Holy Ghost the immediate operator and worker of it ; the Father of h…
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3. That we may with more confidence wait for the beginning, pro- gress, and consummation of our own salvation. There is the eternal love of God, the all-sufficient merit of Christ, and the omnipotent operation of the Holy Ghost. What cannot eternal love, infinite merit, and almighty ])Ower do ? As Christ is necessary t…
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2. Let me plead the worth of it. He that hath this love of God, this grace of Christ, this communion of the Spirit, wanteth nothing to Jiis solid happiness ; he hath all necessary things in their cause and fountain ; for he hath God, Christ, and the Spirit ; for all things come from the love of God, and the grace of Ch…
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2. Do you take Christ for your only saviour and redeemer ? giving up yourselves to be saved by his merits, righteousness, and intercession, as he hath promised in the word ? Do you trust yourselves and souls with him for pardon, peace, and endless ha})piness ? depend upon his covenant and promises for reconciliation wi…
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Richard Stretton. SERMONS UPON EPHESIANS Y. SERMON I. Be ye therefore folloivers of God, as dear cliildren. — Eph. v. 1. This cbapier containeth several precepts concerning holiness of life. They are of two sorts ; some are general, and common to all christians ; others are special, and particularly suited to the c…
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[2.] Positively. Tiie chiefest excellencies are — (1.) His holiness. So we are to imitate God, who is a pure and holy being, and is also ' holy in all his ways, and righteous in all his VeR. 1.] SERMONS UPON EPHESIANS V. 171 works.' Ps. cxlv. 17. So we must have a dhnne nature, and live and walk in a godlike manner …
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2. He hath given us the example of Christ, or God in our nature, •who came for this end and purpose, that we, who cannot fathom the unsearchable depth of the godhead, might see the divine perfections shining forth in the human nature of Christ, who was the character and express image of his divine glory : Heb. i. 3, Ch…
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174 SERMONS Ul'ON El'HESIANS Y. [SeR. I. accordiug to the former lusts in your i^niorance ; bui as he wliich hath called you is holy, so be ye holy iu all maimer ofconversation, because it is written, Be ye holy, as I am holy.' And })resently, in the l7Lh verse, * If ye call on the Father,' &c. Well, then, our adoi)t…
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(3.) The more this prevaileth with you to endeavour to be like God, the more you see you have an interest in his dearest love, and that he is your Father, and you his children in the most comfortable sense ; that is, that you not only desire, but are in possession of his fatherly love : Rom. viii. 29, ' For wdiom he di…
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VeR. 1.] SERMONS UPON EPHESIANS V. 177 manner, but 5^ou do not obtain the end. Shall I tell you by a plain enumeration what I intend ? The knowledge of God is necessary to rectify the world ; there it beginnetli. The belief of what we know is also necessary to beget true religion, for knowledge without faith leaveth u…
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2. Esteem these things as amiable. We can neither praise, nor love, nor imitate, what we do not esteem. Is holiness the glory of God ? and will you either scorn it in others, or neglect to get it your- selves ? Is justice and mercy good, a perfection in the divine nature ? and will you get such a blot or blemish as to …
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2. The act, ' He gave himself for us.' Where you have the giver, the gift, and the parties interested. [1.] The giver, Christ. He voluntarily first assumed a body, and then parted with his life for this use. [2.] The gift was himself. And both put together show that Christ was both priest and sacrifice ; as God the p…
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4. The efficacy of this sacrifice is intimated in the last words, et? oa/xrjv evQ)Sia<?, ' for a sweet-smelling savour.' The scripture speaketh 182 SERJIONS UPON EPHESIANS V. [SeR. IL of God after the manner of men. Now men are delighted witli sweet odours; therefore, tosliow the satisfaction God took in the propitia…
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II. The nature of the duty theuce inferred, or what it is to ' walk in love.' To walk in love signifielh not one act or two, but the perpetual tenor of our lives ; our whole life should be an exercise of love. But what love doth he mean ? Either love to God and Christ, or love to men ? I answer — I cannot exclude the …
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2. That showing love to others should be the business of our lives,^ and whatever we do towards them, we should do it in love, being as diligent to promote their good as our own, and as tender of their interests as our own, and, in short, loving our neighbour as ourselves. It is a hard lesson, but we must frame ourselv…
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[3] This is the highest expression of love to friends, but Christ did it for enemies, for the ungodly sinful world : Rom. v. 7, 8, ' For .scarcely for a righteous man will one die ; yet ])eradventure for a good man some would even dare to die ; but God commendelh his love towards us, in that while we were 3'et sinners,…
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(1.) The kind of the love; it was a love to souls. If Christ gave himself as a propitiatory sacrifice to reconcile and recover them to God, we should have a higher value and esteem for them. Before Christ died, men could not sufficiently understand of what precious account souls were ; but now, unless we shut our eyes,…
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Use 2. It must be closely applied for our good and benefit, till we are duly affected with it, so as to make suitable returns to God ; partly ty devoting ourselves to him: Rom. xii. 1, 'I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, w…
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(4.) His last argument is from Christ's right: ver. 19, 20, 'Ye are not your own, ye are bought with a price ; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.' Christ hath a right to both, and therefore both must be used for him, and according to his direction. Neither are our souls nor our bodi…
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3. Some sins are more catching than others ; the very mention of them may revive and stir the motions of them in an unmortified heart. And uncleauness and fornication are of this nature, because they tend immediately to please the flesh ; other sins more remotely. Now where the fleshly mind and appetite are not subdued…
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1. Some are so only by external dedication and profession ; as by baptism they are set apart for God as a clean and holy people. None enter into Christ's kingdom but those that are washed and cleansed from sin : Acts xxii. 16, 'Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.' And their …
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196 SERMONS UPON EPHESIANS V, [SeR. III. 2. We profess the most holy faith ; tliis obh'geth us also, whether we look to the laws of God, which are the rule of our duty, or the promises of God, which are the charter of our hopes. [1.] The laws of God, which measure out our duty to us : Ps. c.^i.K. 140, ' Thy word is v…
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2, Uncleanness corrupts and defileth the mind ; for it turneth it from the true pleasure to the false, and that procured on the basest terms of downright sin against God. It is ill to be corrupted by any degree of temporal delight, though the thing in itself be lawful ; as his excuse was faulty who said, Luke xiv. 20, …
975 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.