A51838:472
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 ...
A51838:472
Christs temptation and transfiguration practically explained and improved in several sermons / by the late Reverend Tho. Manton ...
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.
This was one solemn Act, and part of Christs Manifestation to the World, for we have the Record of it here; and it was necessary, for Christ doth nothing in vain; and here are competent Witnesses, three persons of eminent Holiness, before whom all this was done, and they were Eye-witnesses of his Majesty, and Ear-witnesses of the Oracle, which they heard from Heaven, or the Voice from the excellent Glory.
I shall open,
First, The Nature of this Transfiguration.
Secondly, The Ends of it.
First, The Nature of this Transfiguration. It was a Glorious Alteration in the Appearance and Qualities of his Body; not a substantial Alteration in the Substance of it: It was not a change wrought in the Essential form and substance of Christ's Body, but only the outward form was changed, being more full of Glory and Majesty, then it used to be or appeared to be.
First, The Nature of this Transfiguration. It was a Glorious Alteration in the Appearance and Qualities of his Body; not a substantial Alteration in the Substance of it: It was not a change wrought in the Essential form and substance of Christ's Body, but onely the outward form was changed, being more full of Glory and Majesty, then it used to be or appeared to be.
Two things are to be handled; 1. How it differed from his Body at another time, whilst he Conversed here on Earth. 2. How this change differed from the State of his Body as it is now in Glory.
1. How his Body now Transfigured, differed from his Body at other times during his Conversing with Men. Though the fullness of the Godhead dwelt in him always, yet the state of his Body was disposed so, as might best serve for the decency of Humane Conversation; as the Sun in a Rainy Cloudy day is not seen, but now as it might ⟨p. 49⟩cover his Divine Nature, it would break out in Vigour and Strength.
1. How his Body now Transfigured, differed from his Body at other times during his Conversing with Men. Though the fulness of the Godhead dwelt in him always, yet the state of his Body was disposed so, as might best serve for the decency of Humane Conversation; as the Sun in a Rainy Cloudy day is not seen, but now as it might ⟨p. 49⟩cover his Divine Nature, it would break out in Vigor and Strength.
(1.) It was not a Change or Alteration of the substance of the Body, as if it were turned into a Spiritual Substance; no, it remained still a true Humane Mortal Body with the same Nature and Properties it had before, only it became bright and glorious.
(1.) It was not a Change or Alteration of the substance of the Body, as if it were turned into a Spiritual Substance; no, it remained still a true Humane Mortal Body with the same Nature and Properties it had before, onely it became bright and glorious.
2. As the substance of the Body was not changed, so the Natural Shape and Features were not changed, otherwise how could it be known to be Christ, the shape and Features were the same, only a new and wonderful splendour put upon them.
2. As the substance of the Body was not changed, so the Natural Shape and Features were not changed, otherwise how could it be known to be Christ, the shape and Features were the same, onely a new and wonderful splendor put upon them.
(3.) This new and wonderful splendour was not in Imagination and Appearance only, but real and sensible. If it had been in Imagination, show and Appearance, it would make Christ like those Deceivers who would dazzle the Eyes of Beholders with a false Appearance; as Magical Impostors, or those Apish Imitators of Divine Glory; as Herod, Agrippa, of whom we read Acts 12. 21, 22, 23. how he appeared in Royal State and made an Oration, and they said, the voice of a God, and not of a Man. Josephus telleth us the manner how he sat in the Sun, with glistering Garments of Cloth of Silver, and when the Sunbeams ⟨p. 50⟩did beat upon it the People cried him up as [Greek or Hebrew] as something higher and more excellent then a Mortal Creature. No, this was not a fantastical Representation, but a real Impression of Divine Glory on the Body of Christ.
(3.) This new and wonderful splendor was not in Imagination and Appearance onely, but real and sensible. If it had been in Imagination, shew and Appearance, it would make Christ like those Deceivers who would dazle the Eyes of Beholders with a false Appearance; as Magical Impostors, or those Apish Imitators of Divine Glory; as Herod, Agrippa, of whom we read Acts 12. 21, 22, 23. how he appeared in Royal State and made an Oration, and they said, the voice of a God, and not of a Man. Iosephus telleth us the manner how he sat in the Sun, with glistering Garments of Cloath of Silver, and when the Sunbeames ⟨p. 50⟩did beat upon it the People cried him up as 〈non-Latin alphabet〉 as something higher and more excellent then a Mortal Creature. No, this was not a phantastical Representation, but a real Impression of Divine Glory on the Body of Christ.
4. Although this appeared in the face chiefly, as the most conspicuous part of the Body; the Text saith, his face did shine as the Sun, yet more or less the other parts of his Body were clothed with Majesty and Glory; and thence was the splendour derived to his Garments.
4. Although this appeared in the face chiefly, as the most conspicuous part of the Body; the Text saith, his face did shine as the Sun, yet more or less the other parts of his Body were cloathed with Majesty and Glory; and thence was the splendor derived to his Garments.
2. How his Body Transfigured, differed from his glorified Body, this must be stated also, for Christ by his Transfiguration, was not admitted into the fullness of the state of Glory, but only giveth some glimpse and resemblance of it. These two Estates agree in the general Nature, but some Clarity, Glory and Majesty is put upon Christs glorified Body that was not now. But the difference is
2. How his Body Transfigured, differed from his glorified Body, this must be stated also, for Christ by his Transfiguration, was not admitted into the fulness of the state of Glory, but onely giveth some glimpse and resemblance of it. These two Estates agree in the general Nature, but some Clarity, Glory and Majesty is put upon Christs glorified Body that was not now. But the difference is