PUBLIC-DOMAIN CHRISTIAN BOOK
The Complete Works of Thomas Manton — Volume 5
Thomas Manton · 312,097 words · 303 reading sections
Section 241
^ ' Ipsum nomen perperam a vobis pronunciatur Chrestianus. ' — Teriull. inApol.,c:i]i. cccx. VOL. V. 2 B 386 MEAT OUT OF THE EATER. [ZeCH. XIV. 9. nor any provoking briar of all that are round about her.' God hath promised to take away all provocation and molestation, and whatever is grievous ; therefore all the caus…
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3. The misery of these times doth seem to enforce the greater unity. I take this for the manner and course of heaven, to work one contrary out of another, by the greatest distractions to make way for unity and order. It is said, Ps. xviii. 11, ' He hath made darkness his secret place.' God's counsels are always carried…
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[1.] God doth not love to let the creature look to the end of his designs, and skill the way of his providences ; therefore, he will try them by casting a veil upon his work, and hiding his glory in a cloud : Isa. xlv. 15, ' Verily, thou art a God that hidest thyself, 0 God of Israel the Saviour.' He meant to be a Savi…
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ZeCH. XIV. 9.] MEAT OUT OF THE EATER. 301 Well, then, be sensible of the evil of the times, but with comfort in the Lord, and hope in the promises. Object. But 3'ou will say, These are generals that concern the whole church : especially at such a season, what do you say to our distem- pers and distractions ? Sol. Th…
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ZeCH. XIV. 9.] MEAT OUT OF THE EATER. 393 that I shall further say is this, that to leap out of one way into another, either out of base aims or without due shame and sense of former mis- carriages, will but make our own station the more questionable, for, certainly, self-respects have no majesty with them ; and thoug…
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The Remonstrants in the Low Countries quite overturned their cause when they began to raise tumults and troubles everywhere ; so those under the conduct of Munster, in Germany, did but run themselves violently, like the Gadarenes' swine. Mat. viii. 32, upon their own ruin and destruction. Usually when Satan hath such g…
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396 MEAT OUT OF THE EATER. [ZeCH. XIV. 9. piece of their religion and zeal to dissent and be otherwise minded. Christ saith love shall wax cold in the latter days, Mat. xxiv. 12 ; the context showeth it is meant of this dispensative love. Ludolfus said, the world was at first destroyed with water for the heat of lusts…
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* ' Inter juvenile judicium et senile prejudicium omnis Veritas corrumpitur.' ^ Vide TertuUianum hoc fusius et eleganter persequentem sub initio Apologctici acl versus Gentes. 398 MEAT OUT OF THE EATER. [ZeCH. XIV. 9. serious search, not to an easy credulity, not to play with opinions as if there were no hurt in them…
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[5.] As far as truth and conscience will give leave, there should be a profession of brotherhood, a condescension and yielding to one another in love, a walking together, or, at least, a Christian forbearance : Eph. iv. 2, ' With long-suffering forbearing one another in love ;' the strong are to forbear the weak, and t…
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Secondly, Because of the publicness of the auditory I shall be bold to speak a word or two to my brethren in the ministry, and those ^ 'Qui referre injuriara nltitui", eum ipsura a quo Isesus est gestit imitari; ita qui malum imitatur bouus esse nullo pacto potest.' — Lactant. de Vcro Cultu, lib. vi. cap 18. ^ Tertul…
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3. When you deal with the errors of the time (for certainly that is necessary ; we must stablish our hearers * in the present truth,' 2 Peter i. 12), do it with a great deal of caution and wariness. Though I would not prescribe, yet give me leave humbly to offer three things, which possibly may prevent some abuses : — …
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^ Pamelius in Yita TertuUiani. 404 MEAT OUT OF THE EATER. [ZeCH. XIV. 9. than love in them. Tertullian^ saith of his private disputation with a Jew, Both drew out their reasonings, and, through the heat of con- tention, both went away unsatisfied. But now, if there were meetings instituted fur the propounding of thin…
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2. That you would quicken your ministers and elders, in their provincial and classical meetings, by some charge and command to think of ways how best to gain and deal with dissensions. The matter is not below the care of a Christian magistrate. Histories tell us how Constantine did beseech his bishops to an agreement, …
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ZeCH. XIV, 9.] MEAT OUT OF THE EATER. 407 [1.] Some are of a preposterous zeal ia lesser differences, and are all for extremity and violence towards those from whom they differ in the least degree and circumstances. Most of the censures inflicted by the late bishops w^ere because of ceremonies, things not weighty in a…
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Object. But you will say. This a work of time. What is to be done to avoid the danger of the present distractions ? Sol. I answer — That question is to be put to God, not man: Ps. xi. 3, ' If the foundations be destr<?yed, what can the righteous do,' i.e, if religion, laws, authority, and all have lost their awe, what…
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For the present discourse, the style of it, I confess, is too turbid, and hath too much of inculcation in it to be fit for the press, and therefore I should have adjudged it to keep company with some other neglected papers, but that, in obedience to your order, and condescension to the re- quests of some friends, I hav…
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As this hath been the fate of other scriptures, so especially of this book of the Revelation, wherein there are as many mysteries as words ; ^ Observatum sapius a Wendilino in lib. de Ccclo. 2 'Lactantius quasi quidam fluvius Tullianse eloquentise, utinam tarn nostra potuisset confirmare qaam facile aliena destrusit.…
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2. A description of Christ, the author of this epistle, * These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars.' The seven Spirits, that is, the Holy Ghost, who is called so because of the plenty, perfection, and variety of his gracious operations and influences ; and, therefore, in the old hymn…
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Rev. III. 2.J England's spiritual languishing. 419 expiration, but to recover them to their former height and radiancy ; and, therefore, a like matter is expressed by the apostle Paul in another word, for he biddeth Timothy dva^airvpeiv, stir or blow up the gift of God in him, 2 Tim. i. 6. There is nothing of difficu…
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^ ' Metuendum erit ne qui magistratu connivente res novas in ecclesia moliri cccperint, eodem etiam repugnante, cum occasio ferat, idem quoque in republica molian- tur.' — Theol. Mag. Brit, sub fine, Sent, de 5 Art. in Hist, Syn. Dor. Kev. III. 2.] England's spiritual languishing. 421 fore, now, if you would take awa…
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Key. III. 2.] England's spiritual languishing. 423 think all the devils in hell cannot disappoint you, yet God can, for he supposeth their presumption grown so confident, as that they speak the word ; that is, give out threats and boasts, and yet then it shall not stand. The reason is rendered in the close of all ; fo…
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First, I will show you wherein godliness is decayed. Secondly, How it came to pass, what may be the occasions or causes of such a languishing. Thirdly, What we shall do to repair it ; every one in his place, the people in their way, the ministry in theirs, and you in that orb and sphere that is proper to you. Fu'st,…
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2. By the insipid formality and dead-heartedness that is found everywhere. We are without life in the ways of Grod, little beauty of holiness, little circumspection and strictness in life and conversation. Eeligion is like a river ; it loseth in strength what it getteth in breadth. Now many come in to profess, their wa…
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^ Hugo Miscel. lib. ii. cap.52. 2 See Shepherd's Sound Believer, p. 250. ' See Paulus Diaconus. 428 England's spieitual languishing. [Rev. III. 2. religion maketh justly odious. I only speak now, as supposing other grounds by way of aggravation, and to show how inexcusable it is for us to judge others for the same …
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7. By the want of endeavours to propagate religion, and to diffuse it amongst others. True godliness, where it is powerful, is of a dif- ^'KufiioSiayapTois ix^P°^^ V ^P'V rpayuSia, diaroOro tQv iKK\e(7i.wv 6<p([\o/jL€v ovK dXiybf Kal Ty aK-qvri irpoa^edrjKa/jLeK' — Naz. Orat. 14. ^ Tertul. in Apol. ^ * Dicimur Chris…
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9. The late great increase of scandalous sins. Times of trouble are usually licentious, and when penal laws are suspended by force, wicked- ness groweth impudent ; and truly it is even so among us, to the con- fronting of authority ; whoring, and swearing, and drunkenness and Sabbath profanations abounding everywhere ;…
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2. What are the causes of the languishing and decay of godliness .^ I answer : — [1.] That great division and dissentiency that is among God's own people. When the language was divided, the building ceased ; when religion is controverted, it loseth its awe and force. It is observable that, Acts iv. 32, 33, when the pe…
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Rev. III. 2.] engl^vnd's spiritual languishing. 435 to wreck, iniquity growcth impudent, and religion is borne down. Solomon saith, Prov. xx. 8, ' A king that sittetli upon the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his eyes;' that is, when magistrates employ and draw out their power, they scatter evil as th…
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4. Delight in and wait upon the powerful ministry of the word : * The prophets prophesy lies, and the people love to have it so,' Jer. V. 31. A vain people do but encourage a vain ministry. Do not ' 'Tfjuv 8i Ti. TovTO Tois KOLvois TjiMuv SioWaKTols, SiaWaKTal yap icrre, Kal aKOvaius rovra Xapi^eaOe.' — Naz. Orat. 13.…
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3. Among other parts of godliness, it seemeth to be most necessary now to press the duties of relations. I say, to press Christians to carry themselves holily in their civil relations. Xo way provideth for the discharge of the duties of relations so much as Christianity or re- ligion ; and none have failed in them so m…
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3. Heartily establish a holy government in the church. Order and discipline is the fence of religion, and a church well-governed is ' terrible as an army with banners,' Cant. vi. 4 ; that is, full of beauty and strength. Armies ordered are comely and in a capacity to fight. The l^resent decays are by confusion. It is s…
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1. The greatness of the sin. 2. The causes, 3. The remedies. First, That there is such a sin, sad experience witnesseth ; vain thoughts intrude importunately upon the soul in every duty ; in hear- 444 HOW MAY WE CURE DISTRACTIONS [MaT. XV. 7, 8. ing the word we are not free (Ezek. xxxiii. 31), nor in singing; but …
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Secondly, Particularly: — 1. It is an affront to God, and a kind of mockery. We wrong his omnisciency, as if he saw not the heart, and could not tell man his thought. It is God's essential glory in worship to be acknowledged an all-seeing spirit, and accordingly to be * worshipped in spirit and in truth,' John iv. 24. …
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Mat. XV. 7, 8.] in holy duties ? 447 we come to deal with God, as sitting upon tlie throne, and observ- ing and looking upon us, that we can yet lend our hearts to our lusts, and suffer every vain thought to divert us. There is more of modesty, though little of sincerity, in them that say to their lusts, as Abraham to…
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I would not willingly grate too hard upon a tender conscience. It is a question that is often propounded, whether wandering thoughts do altogether frustrate a duty, and make it of none effect? and whether, in some cases, a virtual attention doth not suffice ? There is an actual intension, and a virtual intension. The a…
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2. The natural levity of our spirits. Man is a restless creature. We have much ado to stay our hearts for any space of time in one state, much more in holy things, from which we are naturally averse : Rom. vii. 21, ' AVhen I would do good, evil is present with me,' t^ KUKov "TrapaKeirai. Oh ! consider this natural feeb…
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6. Slightness and irreverence, or want of a sense of God's presence. A careless spirit will surely wander ; but one deeply affected is fixed and intent. Jonah, when he prayed in the whale's belly, could he have an heart to forget his work ? Daniel, when he prayed among the lions, could he mind anything else ? When we a…
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1. Go to God and wait for the power of his grace. David speak- eth of it as his work : ' Ps. Ixxxvi. 11, ' Unite my heart to the fear of thy name,' fix it, gather it together, evwaov t7]v Kuphlav fxov (saith the Septuagint^), make it one. The heart is multiplied when it is dis- tracted by several thoughts. God hath our…
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5. Be severe to your purpose, and see that you regard nothing but what the duty leadeth you unto. It is the devil's policy to cheat us of the present duty by an unseasonable interposition. Satan begin- neth with us in good things, that he may draw us to worse. What is unseasonable is naught; watch against the first div…
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8. Let every experimental wandering make you more humble and careful. If men did lay their wanderings to heart, and retract them, even every glance with a sigh, the mind would not so boldly, so con- stantly digress and step aside ; all actions displeasing are not done so readily ; therefore it is good to bewail these d…
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To satisfy both, Peter declares in a sermon the effect and intent of the miracle, proving Jesus, whom they had crucified, to be Lord and Christ. When they heard this, many of the most obstinate among them were ' pricked at the heart,' and relented. A happy sermon it was that Peter preached, it brought in thousands of s…
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Acts II. 38.] how ought we to improve our baptism ? 463 we have by the Eedeemer : Acts v. 31, * Him hath God exalted to give repentance and remission of sins to Israel ;' he giveth the one simply, and both giveth and requireth the other ; so that, by the new covenant, remission of sins is conveyed to all true penitent…
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(2.) A devoting and giving up ourselves to God, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, as our God, 2 Cor. viii. 3, and Eom. vi. 13 ; as our owner by creation, Ps. c. 3 ; and by redemption, 1 Cor. vi. 19, 20 ; as our sovereign lord, Jer. xxiv. 8, Isa. xxvi. 13, ' Other lords besides thee have had dominion over us,' &c. ; as the f…
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[2.] On our part they are a badge and a bond to oblige us to the duties of the covenant — a badge of the profession, and a bond to engage us to the duties which that profession calls for. As the apostle speaks of circumcision, that ' whosoever is circumcised is a debtor to the whole law,' Gal. v. 3, binds himself to th…
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[3.] By these sealing signs we are solemnly invested into a right to the things promised, as when we are put in possession of what we have bar- 468 HOW OUGHT WE TO IMPROVE OUR BAPTISM ? [AcTS II. 38. gained for by due formalities of law : ' This is my body:' that is our solema investiture into the privileges purchase…
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2. The improvement of baptism is the best preparation for the Lord's Supper : John xiii. 8, ' If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.' That washing had a spiritual meaning; and presently after it the sacrament of Christ's body and blood was instituted, to the participa- tion of which this spiritual w^ashing was …
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Secondly, Eenew often the sense of your obligation to God, and keep a constant reckoning how you lay out yourselves for him : Acts xxvii. 23, ' His I am and him I serve;' Phil. i. 21, ' To me to live is Christ.' Some few renegades renounce their baptism, but most Christians forget their baptism : 2 Peter i. 9, ' He is …
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[2.] The second comparison is of the efficacy of the death of Christ, and the efficacy of the life of Christ. It is absurd to think that Christ rising from the dead, and living in heaven, should not be as powerful to save, and bring us to God, as Christ dying was to reconcile us to him. [3.] The third comparison is th…
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2. The penalty it inflicts : ' Cursed is every one.' How cursed ? Cursed in all that he hath, Deut. xxviii. 15-18. All his enjoyments become a snare, and temporal comforts do but harden him, and pre- pare him for a greater misery. Cursed in all that he doeth : his prayer is turned into sin ; his hearing, the ' savour o…
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EOM. V. 6.] OUT OF HIS MISERY. 479 perfect harmony between the Testaments ; there you will find man represented as a ' child of wrath by nature/ Eph. ii. 3, even the elect as well as others to be a ' servant of sin,' Eom. vi. 17. Never such an imperious master, never such a willing servant : sin never leaveth commandi…
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2. The next proof is from those assertions whereby all power is denied to man to convert himself to God, or to do anything that is spiritually good. As when it is said he cannot know, 1 Cor. ii. 14 ; he cannot believe, John vi. 44 ; he cannot obey, Eom. viii. 7. Nay, to instance in single acts : he cannot think a good …
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VOL. V. 2 H 482 mak's impotency to help himself [Rom. V. 6. Ohj. 2. If man be so altogether without strength, why do ye press him to the use of means ? Aiis. I answer — Though man cannot change himseh', yet he is to use the means ; and that for several reasons : — 1. That we may practically see our own weakness. Me…
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2. To humble the creature thoroughly by a sense of his own guilt, unworthiness, and nothingness. In our natural state we are ' ungodly' and ' without strength.' Why has God permitted it ? ' That every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God,' vTr66iKo<i TO) 0ew, Rom. iii. 19, liable to the …
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1. The illative particle therefore, because God hath chosen you and called you, and given you such advantages against error and seduc- tion. 2. The duty inferred, aTiJKere, standfast ; it is a military word; you have the same in other places: 1 Cor. xvi. 13, 'Watch ye, stand ye fast,' &c ; Eph. vi. 14, ' Stand therefo…
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2. God, that hath bidden us to believe his promises, hath forbidden us to tempt his providence, Mat. iv. 7. Now we tempt God when we desire him to give an extraordinary proof of his care over us, when ordinary means will serve the turn or be useful to us. 3. Though the means seem to have no connection with the end, ye…
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Prop. 3. The means of standing fast is by holding the traditions which were taught by the holy apostles. Here I will prove : — (1.) That the doctrine of Christianity taught by the apostles is a tradition. (2.) That holding this tradition by strong hand when others would wrest it from us is the means of our perseverance…
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[2.] My next argument is, because Christian religion must needs be a tradition, partly because matter of fact is the foundation of it, and it is in itself matter of faith. (1.) Because it is built upon matter of fact, that the Son of God came from God to bring us to God ; that is to say, appeared in human nature, instr…
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494 THE SCEIPTURE SUFFICIENT [2 TlIES. 11. 15. but if you neglect this great salvation, or be unfaithful in the profes- sion of it, this word condemneth you, and God will ratify the sentence of it. Prop. 4. That whilst the apostles were in being, there were two ways of delivering the truth, and that was byword of mou…
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If the scriptures do thoroughly direct men to know God in Christ, and save their own souls, why should we look any further ? Now, they do not only furnish every private Christian with this knowledge ; but the man of God, who is to instruct others, he needeth look no further, but is furnished out of the scripture with a…
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2 ThES. II. 15.] WITHOUT UNWKITTEN TRADITIONS. 497 extraordinary ways ceased, and we are left to the ordinary rule stated by Christ. 3. Being left to the ordinary rule, it was necessary it should be taught not only by word of mouth, but committed to writing ; for Christ is ascended into heaven, and the apostles do no…
1,177 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.