A51839:233
XVIII sermons on the second chapter of the 2d Epistle to the Thessalonians containing…
XVIII sermons on the second chapter of the 2d Epistle to the Thessalonians containing the description, rise, growth, and fall of Antichrist : with divers cautions and arguments to establish Christians against the apostasy of the Church of Rome : very necessary for these times / by that late reverend and learned divine, Thomas Manton ...XVIII sermons on the second chapter of the 2d Epistle to the Thessalonians containing the description, rise, growth, and fall of Antichrist : with divers cautions and arguments to establish Christians against the apostacy of the Church of Rome : very necessary for these times / by that late reverend and learned divine, Thomas Manton ...
London: printed by J.D. for J. Robinson, 1679
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.
Use (1.) To reprove them, that think this is a curious point not to be searched into; why then did God reveal it, and that so often by St Paul, by St John, in so many Prophetical Representations of it? surely it is not curiosity to search into things revealed, but to intrude our selves into things hidden, and which God hath put under a veil of Secrecy: It is true, men must know their measure, and not attempt to run before they can go, and venture upon obscure points, before well versed in plain; and it is true in more abstruse points, men must not rashly define; but soberly and modestly to enquire, and compare Predictions with plain Events, this is no way culpable.
Use (1.) To reprove them, that think this is a curious point not to be searched into; why then did God reveal it, and that so often by St Paul, by St Iohn, in so many Prophetical Representations of it? surely it is not curiosity to search into things revealed, but to intrude our selves into things hidden, and which God hath put under a vail of Secresy: It is true, men must know their measure, and not attempt to run before they can go, and venture upon obscure points, before well versed in plain; and it is true in more abstruse points, men must not rashly define; but soberly and modestly to enquire, and compare Predictions with plain Events, this is no way culpable.
To reprove those, that are so impatient of giving a little attendance to such Doctrines for a while, and think at least matter more profitable should be insisted on; they are persuaded enough already. It is well if it be so; but those that stand, should take heed lest they fall; and presumptuous confidence soonest giveth out, and forsaketh Christ. I would but propound this Argument to them, If it were profitable for them that were to go out of the body long before Antichrist was revealed, to be taught these things again and again, and they be charged to keep these things in remembrance; certainly it is more profitable for others, that live at the time when these things are in being, and the temptation is at the next door, ready to break in upon them; surely it is profitable to discover Antichrist, to reduce those that are gone astray, much more to prevent a revolt, that we may not return to this bondage after a deliverance from it.