A26793:53
A funeral sermon preached upon the death of the Reverend and Excellent Divine Dr.…
A funeral sermon preached upon the death of the Reverend and Excellent Divine Dr. Thomas Manton, who deceased Octob. 18, 1677 by William Bates ... ; to which is now added, the last public sermon Dr. Manton preached.A funeral sermon preached upon the death of the Reverend and Excellent Divine Dr. Thomas Manton, who deceas'd Octob. 18, 1677 by William Bates ... ; to which is now added, the last publick sermon Dr. Manton preached.
London: printed by J.D. for Brabazon Aylmer, 1678
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
From what has been discoursed we should,
1. Consider the woeful Folly of Men in refusing such an Happiness, that by the admirable Favour of God is offered to their choice. Can there be an Expectation, or Desire, or Capacity in Man of enjoying an Happiness beyond what is Infinite and Eternal? O blind and wretched World! so careless of everlasting Felicity. Who can behold, without compassion and indignation, Men vainly seeking for Happiness where 'tis not to be found, and after innumerable disappointments fly to an Impossibility, and neglect their sovereign and final Blessedness? Astonishing Madness! that God and Heaven should be despised ⟨p. 53⟩in comparison of painted Trifles. This adds the greatest Contumely to their Impiety. What powerful Charm obstructs their true judging of things? What Spirit of Error possesses them? Alas, Eternal things are unseen! not of conspicuous moment, and therefore in the carnal Balance are esteemed light, against temporal things present to the Sense. It does not appear what we shall be: The Veil of the visible Heavens covers the Sanctuary, where JESUS our High-Priest is entered, and stops the enquiring Eye.
1. Consider the woful Folly of Men in refusing such an Happiness, that by the admirable Favour of God is offer'd to their choice. Can there be an Expectation, or Desire, or Capacity in Man of enjoying an Happiness beyond what is Infinite and Eternal? O blind and wretched World! so careless of everlasting Felicity. Who can behold, without compassion and indignation, Men vainly seeking for Happiness where 'tis not to be found, and after innumerable disappointments fly to an Impossibility, and neglect their sovereign and finàl Blessedness? Astonishing Madness! that God and Heaven should be despised ⟨p. 53⟩in comparison of painted Trifles. This adds the greatest Contumely to their Impiety. What powerful Charm obstructs their true judging of things? What Spirit of Errour possesses them? Alas, Eternal things are unseen! not of conspicuous moment, and therefore in the carnal Ballance are esteemed light, against temporal things present to the Sense. It does not appear what we shall be: The Vail of the visible Heavens covers the Sanctuary, where JESUS our High-Priest is entred, and stops the enquiring Eye.