A51839:306
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.
2. Many other reasons may be given, because it serveth the beauty and harmony of his Providence, to cut them off in their time, and by such means, as he hath appointed, and in such a way, as shall most conduce unto his Glory. But I pass them by; we must tarry his leisure, and not question his truth and care over us, and be content, that our Faith and Patience be exercised. If God should bring a sudden destruction upon a Power and Tyranny, so supported by the combined interests of ⟨p. 143⟩the World, we were not able to bear it. Thorns serve for a fence to a Garden of Roses; God would not destroy the Canaanites at once, lest the beasts of the field should increase upon them, Deut. 7.22. nor all abettors of Antichristianism, lest his people should lye open to such evils as they cannot bear.
1. Observe this Consumption, how it is accomplished, if we find Antichrist risen, discovered, and consumed, why should we be in doubt any longer? The pomp and height was much about 1500. years after Christ, what a Consumption hath happened since, by the reviving Religion and Learning, the Christian World should with thankfulness take notice of, by the falling of Germany, England, France, and Hungary in a great part, together with Denmark, Sweden, Poland, and other Countries; and by what means hath this been, but by the spirit of his mouth? It is profitable to know Antichrist by his rise and description, but it is comfortable to know him by his discovery and Consumption, and Gods blessing such unlikely means at the beginning, so such a wonderful effect. When Luther first appeared, the Bishop of Strasburgh told him, Abi in coelum, mi frater, & dic, miserere nostri. But God hath done great things for us too, when he first turned the captivity of his Churches, we were like unto those that dream.