A51838:341
Christs temptation and transfiguration practically explained and improved in several sermons /
Christs temptation and transfiguration practically explained and improved in several sermons / by the late Reverend Tho. Manton ...
A51838:341
Christs temptation and transfiguration practically explained and improved in several sermons / by the late Reverend Tho. Manton ...
London printed : s.n., 1685
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.
1. Natural strength. The Psalmist telleth us, that he will not always chide and keep his anger for ever, Psalm 103. 9. Why? One Reason is, that he knoweth our frame, and remembereth we are dust, verse 14. He may express his just displeasure, and correct us for our sins for a while; but he taketh off his punishing hand again, because he knoweth we are soon apt to faint and fail, being but a little enlivened dust, of a weak constitution, not able to endure long troubles and vexations. Job pleadeth chap. 6. 12. Is my strength the strength of stones? or is my flesh of brass? We have not strength to subsist under perpetual troubles, but are soon broken and subdued by them.
1. Natural strength. The Psalmist telleth us, that he will not alwayes chide and keep his anger for ever, Psalm 103. 9. Why? One Reason is, that he knoweth our frame, and remembreth we are dust, verse 14. He may express his just displeasure, and correct us for our sins for a while; but he taketh off his punishing hand again, because he knoweth we are soon apt to faint and fail, being but a little enlivened dust, of a weak constitution, not able to endure long troubles and vexations. Iob pleadeth chap. 6. 12. Is my strength the strength of stones? or is my flesh of brass? We have not strength to subsist under perpetual troubles, but are soon broken and subdued by them.
2. With respect to spiritual strength, the best are subject to great infirmities, which oft betray us to sin, if our vexations be great and long, Psal. 125. 3. The rod of the wicked shall not rest on the lot of the righteous, lest the righteous put forth their hands to iniquity. The oppressions of wicked men shall not be so lasting and durable, as that the temptations should be of too great force; this might shake the constancy of the best. He knoweth nothing in Divinity, that knoweth not that God worketh ⟨p. 195⟩congruously, and attempereth his Providence to our strength, and so will not only give an increase of internal Grace, but lessen and abate the outward temptation; that his external Government conduceth to the preservation of the Saints, as well as his internal, by supporting their spirits with more liberal aides of Grace. Therefore God will cause the temptation to cease, when it is overpressing. But all must be left to his Wisdom and holy methods.
2. With respect to spiritual strength, the best are subject to great infirmities, which oft betray us to sin, if our vexations be great and long, Psal. 125. 3. The rod of the wicked shall not rest on the lot of the righteous, lest the righteous put forth their hands to iniquity. The oppressions of wicked men shall not be so lasting and durable, as that the temptations should be of too great force; this might shake the constancy of the best. He knoweth nothing in Divinity, that knoweth not that God worketh ⟨p. 195⟩congruously, and attempereth his Providence to our strength, and so will not only give an increase of internal Grace, but lessen and abate the outward temptation; that his external Government conduceth to the preservation of the Saints, as well as his internal, by supporting their spirits with more liberal aides of Grace. Therefore God will cause the temptation to cease, when it is overprossing. But all must be left to his Wisdom and holy methods.
3. With respect to the Devil and his instruments, to whose malice he sets bounds, who otherwise would know no measure.
(1.) For the devil see Rev. 2. 10. Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer, behold! the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that you may be tried, and ye shall have tribulation ten days. Mark how they are comforted against the persecution coming upon them; partly because the cause was clearly Gods, for all this trouble was by the instigation of the devil, making use of his instruments, Eph. 2. 2. he is called the Prince of the power of the Air, the spirit that worketh in the Children, of disobedience; partly because the persecution raised would ⟨p. 196⟩not be universal, some of you, not all; and those not persecuted unto the death, but only cast into prison; partly from the end, that they should be tried, it was not penal or castigatory but probatory. The devil would destroy you, but God would suffer you only to be tried, so that they should come forth like the three Children out of the furnace, without singing of their garments; or like Daniel out of the Lyons Den, without a scratch or maim; or as Christ here, the devil got not one jot of ground upon him; partly from the duration, ten days, that is in Prophetical account ten years, reckoning each day for a year, Numb. 14. 34. It was not long the saddest afflictions will have an end. All which showeth how God bridleth and moderateth the rage of Satan, and his evil influence.
(1.) For the devil see Rev. 2. 10. Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer, behold! the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that you may be tryed, and ye shall have tribulation ten dayes. Mark how they are comforted against the persecution coming upon them; partly because the cause was clearly Gods, for all this trouble was by the instigation of the devil, making use of his instruments,
(2.) For his instruments God saith Zech. 1. 15. I am very sorely displeased with the Heathen that were at ease; for I was but a little displeased, and they helped forward the affliction. The instruments of Gods chastisements lay on without mercy, and being of cruel minds, and destructive intentions, which are heightened in them by Satan, are severe executioners of Gods wrath; ⟨p. 197⟩and if God did not restrain them by the invisible chains of his Providence, we should never see good day more. Well then you see the reasons why the Children of God, though they have many troubles and conflicts, yet they are not everlasting troubles.
(2.) For his instruments God saith Zech. 1. 15. I am very sorely displeased with the Heathen that were at ease; for I was but a little displeased, and they helped forward the affliction. The instruments of Gods chastisements lay on without mercy, and being of cruel minds, and destructive intentions, which are heightned in them by Satan, are severe executioners of Gods wrath; ⟨p. 197⟩and if God did not restrain them by the invisible chains of his Providence, we should never see good day more. Well then you see the reasons why the Children of God, though they have many troubles and conflicts, yet they are not everlasting troubles.
Use of Instruction to the People of God. It teacheth them three Lessons, Comfort, Patience, Obedience.
1. Comfort and encouragement to them that are under a gloomy day, this will not always last; he may try you for a while and you may be under great conflicts, and wants, and difficulties, as he tried the Woman of Canaan with discouraging answers, but at last, Woman! great is thy Faith, be it unto thee even as thou wilt, Matth. 15. 28. He tried his Disciples, when he meant to feed the multitude, John 6. 5, 6. Whence shall we buy bread, that all these may eat? This he said to prove them, for he himself knew what he would do. A poor Believer is tried Children increase, Trading grows dead in hard times, how shall so many mouths be filled? He promiseth Abraham a numerous posterity, but for a great while he goeth ⟨p. 198⟩childless. He promiseth David a Kingdom yet for a while he is fain to shift for his Life, and skulk up and down in the Wilderness. He intended to turn water into Wine, but first all the store must be spent. He meaneth to revive the hearts of his contrite ones, but for a while they lye under great doubts and fears, Moses his hand must be made leprous before it wrought miracles. Jesus loved Lazarus and meant to recover him, but he must be dead first. But I must not run too far! There will be tedious conflicts and trials, but yet there is hope of deliverance; God is willing and God is able. He is willing, because he is sufficiently inclined to it by the grace and favour that he beareth his people, Psal. 149. 4. The Lord taketh pleasure in his people, he will beautify the meek with salvation. The Lord loveth their persons, and he loveth their Prosperity and Happiness, Psal. 35. 27. He hath pleasure in the prosperity of his Servants. He is able either as to wisdom or power. Wisdom, 2 Pet. 2. 7. The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptation. Many times we know not which way, but God knoweth, he is never at a loss. Then for his Power, power hath a twofold notion, of Authority, and Might. ⟨p. 199⟩He hath Authority enough, the sovereign Dominion of God is a great prop to our Faith, all things in the World are at his disposal to use them for his own Glory,
2. Patience, we must be contented with the Son of God to tarry his leisure, and undergo our course of trial; as Christ patiently continued till enough was done to instruct the Church, Isaiah 28. 16. He that believeth will not make hast. The people of God miscarry in their hast, Psal. 31. 22. I said in my hast, I am cut off, but thou heardest the voice of my supplication, Psalm 116. 11. I said in my hast all men are liars, even Samuel and all the Prophets who had assured him of the Kingdom. It will come in the best time when it cometh in God's time; neither too soon, nor too late; it will come sooner then your Enemies would have it, sooner than second causes seem to promise, sooner than you deserve, soon enough to discover the Glory of God to you, Psal. 40. 1. I waited patiently for the Lord, and ⟨p. 200⟩he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. God will not fail a waiting soul, his delay is no denial, nor a sign of want of love to you, John 11. 5. Jesus loved Lazarus, and yet verse 6. When he had heard that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was. It may come sooner than you expect, Psal. 94. 18. When I said my foot slippeth thy mercy, O Lord, held me up. David was apt to think all was gone, help would never come more to him, and in that very season God delivered him.
2. Patience, we must be contented with the Son of God to tarry his leisure, and undergo our course of tryal; as Christ patiently continued till enough was done to instruct the Church, Isaiah 28. 16. He that believeth will not make hast. The people of God miscarry in their hast, Psal. 31. 22. I said in my hast, I am cut off, but thou heardest the voice of my supplication,
3. Obedience, the Son of God submitted to the Holy Spirit, while the impure Spirit tempted him. If you would look for a ceasing of the conflict, do as he did, carry it humbly, fruitfully, faithfully to God.
1. Humble carriage will become you under your conflicts, 1 Pet. 5. 6. Humble your selves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. The stubbornness of the Child maketh his correction double to what it otherwise would be. The more submissive you are, the more the cross hath its effect, whether you will or no, you must passively submit to God.
1. Humble carriage will become you under your conflicts, 1 Pet. 5. 6. Humble your selves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. The stubborness of the Child maketh his correction double to what it otherwise would be. The more submissive you are, the more the cross hath its effect, whether you will or no, you must passively submit to God.
2. Carry it fruitfully, otherwise you obstruct the kindness of the Lord. He proveth us, that we may be fruitful, John 15. 2. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit, he taketh away; and every branch that beareth fruit he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. The Rod hath done its work, when it maketh us more holy; then the comfortable days come, Heb. 12. 11. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous; nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them, which are exercised thereby. Righteousness brings peace along with it, inward and outward. This maketh amends for the trouble. Then God beginneth to take it off.
2. Carry it fruitfully, otherwise you obstruct the kindness of the Lord. He proveth us, that we may be fruitful, Iohn 15. 2. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit, he taketh away; and every branch that beareth fruit he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. The Rod hath done its work, when it maketh us more holy; then the comfortable dayes come, Heb. 12. 11. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous; nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them, which are exercised thereby. Righteousness brings peace along with it, inward and outward. This maketh amends for the trouble. Then God beginneth to take it off.
3. Carry it faithfully to God, still opposing sin and satan; for the more you give way to satan, the more you are troubled with him, and your misery is increased not lessened. But if you repel his temptations, he is discouraged, Eph. 4. 27. Neither give place to the Devil. The devil watcheth for a door to enter, and takes possession of your hearts, that he may exercise his former Tyranny. If he gaineth any ground he makes fearful havoc in the soul, and weakeneth ⟨p. 202⟩not only our comfort but our Grace. Therefore imitate Christs resolution and resistance here. But this will deserve a point by it self. Therefore
3. Carry it faithfully to God, still opposing sin and satan; for the more you give way to satan, the more you are troubled with him, and your misery is increased not lessened. But if you repel his temptations, he is discouraged, Eph. 4. 27. Neither give place to the Devil. The devil watcheth for a door to enter, and takes possession of your hearts, that he may exercise his former Tyranny. If he gaineth any ground he makes fearful havock in the soul, and weakneth ⟨p. 202⟩not only our comfort but our Grace. Therefore imitate Christs resolution and resistance here. But this will deserve a point by it self. Therefore
As here, when the adversary was put to the foil he went his way. Therefore this is often pressed upon us in Scripture, James 4. 7. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. If you resist his suggestions to malice, envy, and strife, he is discouraged. So 1 Pet. 5. 9. Whom resist steadfast in the Faith. We must not fly nor yield to him in the least, but stoutly and peremptorily resist him in all his temptations. If you stand your ground satan falleth. In this spiritual conflict satan hath only weapons offensive, cunning wiles, and fiery darts, none defensive; a believer hath weapons both offensive and defensive, sword and shield, &c. therefore our safety lieth in resisting.
As here, when the adversary was put to the foil he went his way. Therefore this is often pressed upon us in Scripture, Iames 4. 7. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. If you resist his suggestions to malice, envy, and strife, he is discouraged. So 1 Pet. 5. 9. Whom resist stedfast in the Faith. We must not fly nor yeild to him in the least, but stoutly and peremptorily resist him in all his temptations. If you stand your ground satan falleth. In this spiritual conflict satan hath only weapons offensive, cunning wiles, and fiery darts, none defensive; a believer hath weapons both offensive and defensive, sword and shield, &c. therefore our safety lyeth in resisting.
About which is to be considered, 1. What kind of Resistance this must be. 2. Arguments to persuade and enforce it. ⟨p. 203⟩3. What Graces enable us in this Resistance.
About which is to be considered, 1. What kind of Resistance this must be. 2. Arguments to perswade and enforce it. ⟨p. 203⟩3. What Graces enable us in this Resistance.
1. For the kind of Resistance.
1. Comfort and encouragement to them that are under a gloomy day, this will not alwayes last; he may try you for a while and you may be under great conflicts, and wants, and difficulties, as he tryed the Woman of Canaan with discouraging answers, but at last, Woman! great is thy Faith, be it unto thee even as thou wilt, Matth. 15. 28. He tryed his Disciples, when he meant to feed the multitude, Iohn 6. 5, 6. Whence shall we buy bread, that all these may eat? This he said to prove them, for he himself knew what he would do. A poor Believer is tryed Children increase, Trading grows dead in hard times, how shall so many mouths be filled? He promiseth Abraham a numerous posterity, but for a great while he goeth ⟨p. 198⟩childless. He promiseth David a Kingdom yet for a while he is fain to shift for his Life, and skulk up and down in the Wilderness. He intended to turn water into Wine, but first all the store must be spent. He meaneth to revive the hearts of his contrite ones, but for a while they lye under great doubts and fears, Moses his hand must be made leprous before it wrought miracles. Jesus loved Lazarus and meant to recover him, but he must be dead first. But I must not run too far! There will be tedious conflicts and tryals, but yet there is hope of deliverance; God is willing and God is able. He is willing, because he is sufficiently inclined to it by the grace and favour that he beareth his people, Psal. 149. 4. The Lord taketh pleasure in his people, he will beautifie the meek with salvation. The Lord loveth their persons, and he loveth their Prosperity and Happiness, Psal. 35. 27. He hath pleasure in the prosperity of his Servants. He is able either as to wisdom or power. Wisdom, 2 Pet. 2. 7. The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptation. Many times we know not which way, but God knoweth, he is never at a loss. Then for his Power, power hath a twofold notion, of Authority, and Might. ⟨p. 199⟩He hath Authority enough, the soveraign Dominion of God is a great prop to our Faith, all things in the World are at his disposal to use them for his own Glory, Psal. 44. 4. Command deliverances for Iacob; Angels, Devils, Men, the Hearts of the greatest men are all at his command. He hath might and strength, Dan. 3. 17. Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us, and what then can let?