The value of these expository sermons, in my judgment, is very great indeed ; and it is much to be regretted that hitherto they have been so little known. Of course they are not all of equal merit. Sometimes our author digresses, and wastes his time in discussing questions not necessarily belonging, to the text. But, taking them for all in all, I unhesitatingly say that Manton's expository sermons are most valuable, and the re-publication of them in a portable form Avill prove a great blessing to the Church.
The excellence of Manton's expository sermons, I think, lies in the following points. He generally sticks to the subject of each verse, and does not launch off into everything that may be said about each word. He generally gets over the ground with reasonable brevity, and does not weary the reader with an interminable flow of thought upon each expression. As an instance of what I mean, one single folio volume contains all his sermons on Matthew xxv., John xvii., Eomans vi., Komans viii., and 2 Corinthians v. In striking contrast with this, Jacomb on Romans viii. 1-4, occupies G22 4to pages ; Hildersam on Psalm li. 1-7, fills 720 folio i)ages with 1.50 lectures ; and Hardy on the Ist and 2d chapters of the 1st Epistle of John, takes up two 4to volumes and 1100 pages 1 Flesh and blood of ordinary mould cannot stand such lengthy work as tlii.s. I hold it to be a prime excellence of Manton's expository sermons that, while they are very full, they are never too long.
For my own part, I am painfully struck with the general neglect with
AN ESTIMATE OF MANTON. XlX
which these expository works of Manton's have been treated of late. Modern commentators who are very familiar with German commentaries seem hardly to know of the existence of Manton's expositions. Yet I venture boldly to say, that no student of the chapters I have named will ever fail to fiud new light thrown on their meaning by Manton. I rejoice to think that now at length these valuable works are about to become accessible to the general public. They have been too long buried, and it is high time they should be brought to light. I value their author most highly as a man, a writer, and a theologian ; but if I must speak out all I think, there is no part in which I value him more than as a homiletical expositor of Scripture.
It only remains for me to express my earnest hope that this new edition of Manton's works may prove acceptable to the public, and meet with many purchasers and readers. If any one wants to buy a good specimen of a Puritan divine, my advice unhesitatingly is, " Let him buy Manton."
We have fallen upon evil days both for thinking and reading. Sermons which contain thought and matter are increasingly rare. The inexpressible shallownesss, thinness, and superficiality of many popular sermons in this day is something lamentable and appalling. Readers of real books appear to become fewer and fewer every year. Newspapers, and magazines, and periodicals seem to absorb the whole reading powers of the rising generation. What it will all end in God only knows. The prospect before us is sorrowful and humiliating.
In days like these, I am thankful that the publishers of Manton's Works have boldly come forward to offer some real literary gold to the reading public. I earnestly trust that they will meet with the success which they deserve. If any recommendation of mine can help them in bringing out the writings of this admirable Puritan in a new form, I give it cheerfully and with all my heart.
J. C. RYLE, Vicar of Stradlroke, Suffolh.
29«A Octoler 1870.
SEVERAL DISCOURSES
TENDING TO PEOMOTE PEACE AND HOLINESS AMONG CHEISTIANS.
TO WHICH ARE ADDKD
THREE OTHER DISTINCT SERMONS.
VOL. II.
THE EPISTLE DEDICATORY.
To the Eight Honourable Arthur, Earl of Anglesey.
May it please your Honour, — In the learned ages of the world, it hath ever been somewhat difficult to suit books to the patronage ol the learned, judicious, and impartial, such as they know you are who know you. And when such pieces are prepared, and ready to be sent abroad, it is not easy to make choice of a patron worthy of such a treatise. This presented to your lordship, Avorthy of a good, hath found out the best, patron ; and like the incomparable ' History of Thuanus,' ha])py in its author and manner of writing, and in its patron to whom dedicated, fails only in the pen that dedicates it. The things it treateth of express much of your honour's sentiments, wishes, value, and endea- vours to keep the root of Christianity flourishing, that Christians may answer their ancient character, vivimus, non loqidmur, magna. It savoureth of that moderation which adorns the Christian ; it does with candour represent things in which many now dissent, that it M'ould be happy for the Church of Christ if all would, on such terms, forbear each other, bear one another's infirmities, and show that they believe ' the Lord is at hand.' Here, I think, is rightly stated what are tlie lesser, what are the weightier things of the law ; and here are direc- tions which, if followed, would keep peace and love among brethren, and perfect holiness in the fear of the Lord. The author enjoys that sight which holiness and peace, here recommended, did lead him, and will lead others unto. He is ev fxaKapcToi,'?, and reaps the fruit of those and other his labours, which were designed to help others to happiness also. Be pleased to give the publisher leave to send this into the world, countenanced with your honour's name and favour, which may induce some to read and consider what you approve, and the author left (as Elijah did his posthumous letter) to make the age wiser, i.e., holier and more peaceable. Assured of this favour from your honour, and hoping for this effect of the work, the publisher leaves it at your lordship's feet, craving leave to subscribe himself, my lord, your honour's most humble and obedient servant,